Today the Senate passed an amended version of H.R. 4851, the act to extend SGR relief ( Continuing Extension Act of 2010 ) by continuing 2009 rates. Since an earlier but different version has already passed the House, this version must be approved again. The AMA predicts action by the end of the week.

Although CMS delayed processing Medicare claims to allow for SGR relief, some claims may now start being processed. CMS has assured that such claims will be reprocessed if SGr relief is enacted retroactively to avoid any window period.