The Georgia Academy took the lead on thanking Governor Kemp for asking the Georgia General Assembly to add $85 million dollars to bring up 112 most commonly used codes for primary care and obstetrical/gynecological services to 2020 Medicare rates. Governor Kemp also added money and language in the budget to end the issue of attestation where some of Georgia’s primary care physicians have been ineligible to receive a higher payment from early increases. If passed, this rate would go into effect for the State’s 2022-2023 fiscal year which begins on July 1, 2022.
In a letter signed by all of the physician associations of the Patient Centered Physicians Coalition in Georgia, the letter stated:
Dear Governor Kemp:
Representing over 7,500 family physicians, pediatricians, internal medicine physicians, Obstetricians/Gynecologists, and physicians of Osteopathic medicine, we would like to thank you for your proposed State Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget and your inclusion of ending the attestation issue for primary care physicians and increasing specific Medicaid codes to 2020 Medicare rates.
We appreciate your support of the healthcare needs of Georgia families and acknowledging that our groups tend to see the bulk of the most fragile citizens, those that qualify for Medicaid insurance. From infants, pregnant women, to the aged, blind, and disabled, we tirelessly work to provide quality healthcare.
With your proposed budget, it will allow us to continue to treat Medicaid patients. We look forward to supporting your recommendations through the legislative session.
Our appreciation extends to our many patients who depend on support by the State to receive their medical care. Please do not hesitate to contact our organizations, if you or your leadership would like additional discussions on this critical issue.
Sincerely,
Susana Ajoy Alfonso, MD, MCHM, FAAFP – Georgia Academy of Family Physicians President
Randy E. Durbin, DO, MSPH – Georgia Osteopathic Medical Association President
Cary Perry, MD – Georgia OB Gyn Society President
Waldon Garriss, III, MD, MS, MBA, MHA, FAAP, MACP – Governor, Georgia- ACP
Hugo Scornik, MD, FAAP – Georgia Chapter – American Academy of Pediatrics President