Top doc group counts down to 'fiscal cliff'

The American Medical Association (AMA) is counting down to the so-called "fiscal cliff" — literally.

The group's website displayed a massive countdown widget on Monday, with less than 13 hours to go until the cliff's massive tax increases and spending cuts are set to take effect, barring congressional action.

The AMA predicted that the cuts would be "crippling" to Medicare, between a 2 percent provider assessment and the 27 percent reimbursement cut that comes with the expiration of the sustainable growth rate.

Experts assume that any final deal to avoid the cliff would eliminate both concerns, but it remains to be seen if lawmakers can come to an agreement before 12 a.m. Tuesday.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) spent most of Sunday night in negotiations with Vice President Biden.

The estate tax and how to offset the automatic spending cuts known as the "sequester" remain controversial.

Medicare providers have been bracing for Tuesday's outcome for months, urging Congress to repeal the sustainable growth rate and ensure that provider payments are stable in 2013 and beyond.

As early as the week before Christmas, AMA President Jeremy Lazarus warned Medicare providers to make plans for mitigating potential cuts after Jan. 1.

"With no sign of action from Congress, physicians must prepare themselves and their patients for an impending Medicare crisis," Lazarus said.

“With a full year to stop this drastic cut, it is absolutely inexcusable that Congress has failed to act, leaving Medicare patients and physicians to deal with the consequences.” 

The AMA told members that "Medicare carriers will process payments for physician services provided after Dec. 31 under the normal 14-day cycle required by law," meaning the 27-percent cut will hit immediately for any services rendered in 2013.

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