If you missed it (and I suspect many pediatricians did), Congress surprised many and actually overrode Bush's veto of the Medicare fix. Without launching into a never-ending note about how things really should be done here, at least, is a good summary of what the effects will be on the pediatric world:
Yesterday, both the House and the Senate voted to override President Bush's veto (please see his message attached) of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.
This means that the Medicare conversion factor decrease that was scheduled to occur on July 1, 2008 has been rescinded. The 2008 Medicare conversion factor will remain $38.0870 through 12/31/08...and grants a 1.1% increase in the Medicare conversion factor for 2009. This would roughly translate to $38.5060 for 2009.
Generally speaking, good news. I fear, though, that we are digging a deeper and deeper hole. At least, this time, we got to thumb our noses at the big insurance companies.
Thanks to Siouxsie for the update.