To modify the GAO study of geographic differences in payments for physicians' services relating to the work geographic practice cost index.

SA 996. Mr. REED submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 1, to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make improvements in the medicare program, to provide prescription drug coverage under the medicare program, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

In section 445(a) of the bill, strike paragraph (6) and insert the following:

“(6) an evaluation of the appropriateness of extending such adjustment or making such adjustment permanent;

“(7) an evaluation of the adjustment of the work geographic practice cost index required under section 1848(e)(1)(A)(iii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(e)(1)(A)(iii)) to reflect \1/4\ of the area cost difference in physician work;

“(8) an evaluation of the effect of the adjustment described in paragraph (7) on physician location and retention in higher than average cost-of-living areas, taking into account difference in recruitment costs and retention rates for physicians, including specialists; and

“(9) an evaluation of the appropriateness of the \1/4\ adjustment for the work geographic practice cost index.”.