1. 2014;17;E21-E26The Tragedy Of The Sustained Growth Rate Formula Continues Into 2014: Is There Hope or Repeal?
   Health Policy
   Joshua A. Hirsch, MD, Hans Hansen, MD, Frank J.E. Falco, MD, and Laxmaiah Manchikanti, MD.

The sustained growth rate, or SGR, has been described as hanging over physicians, similar to the mythical sword of Damocles. The SGR formula is an attempt to restrain the growth of Medicare spending on physician services. Ever since its inception, numerous temporary fixes have been enacted. In 2013, 3 congressional bills were introduced to repeal SGR; however, they never became law. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 established a 3-month fix for 2014.
This manuscript describes various issues related to SGR and its hopeful repeal. The manuscript also describes 3 different approaches taken by the Congress and compares those approaches as well as hurdles to be faced in 2014 in repealing the SGR.