The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the physician fee schedule, and with it a reminder of unfinished business: the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula.

Last year lawmakers placed a patch on the annual SGR threat after failing—yet again—to settle the issue once and for all. Physicians, professional societies and legislators alike oppose the cut in reimbursement that would kick in under the SGR. It would seem a no-brainer to repeal it but how to pay for that action posed a barrier.

The political “solution” was a patch to delay the SGR through March 31. That would be some cruel April Fool’s joke if the SGR happened, even at the revised rate of a 13.7 percent reduction in physician fees.

This problem has been shuffled to the next Congress for many years, and some physicians might become complacent, believing it will never affect them. But it does. Every year.

For starters, it takes up people’s time. The American College of Cardiology, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, the Heart Rhythm Society and numerous other medical organizations must devote resources every year to make decisionmakers aware of the consequences of the SGR. Cardiologists who serve on advocacy committees have to pitch in, giving the profession a voice in the matter.

They surely would prefer to promote other causes that would allow their colleagues to use their expertise to provide better care. But instead it is back to square one, reminding veteran lawmakers and educating rookies about the dangers of another temporary fix.

And it takes up federal resources as well. Staffer time, subcommittee meetings, number crunching, serious behind-the-scenes negotiating and public posing all use time and labor that could go to other worthy efforts.

It might be tempting to wait until 2015 to raise a ruckus over the SGR. The bipartisanship in the last round offered some promise, though, and the finish line may be closer this time. Imagine what might be accomplished if this perennial distraction were resolved. Better yet, act to make it so.

Candace Stuart

Editor, Cardiovascular Business