{"id":389742,"date":"2023-12-20T12:23:48","date_gmt":"2023-12-20T17:23:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/platohealth.ai\/acc-urges-lawmakers-to-support-bill-to-avoid-medicare-cuts-threatening-patient-access-to-care-medical-device-news-magazine\/"},"modified":"2023-12-22T01:35:19","modified_gmt":"2023-12-22T06:35:19","slug":"acc-urges-lawmakers-to-support-bill-to-avoid-medicare-cuts-threatening-patient-access-to-care-medical-device-news-magazine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/platohealth.ai\/acc-urges-lawmakers-to-support-bill-to-avoid-medicare-cuts-threatening-patient-access-to-care-medical-device-news-magazine\/","title":{"rendered":"ACC Urges Lawmakers To Support Bill To Avoid Medicare Cuts Threatening Patient Access To Care – Medical Device News Magazine","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"
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The American College of Cardiology<\/a> is urging members of Congress to co-sponsor and pass the Preserving Seniors\u2019 Access to Physicians Act of 2023 (H.R. 6683), which would eliminate the impending 3.37% cut to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedules set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.<\/h4>\n

\u201cWe have once again arrived at American clinicians\u2019 annual holiday tradition: urging Congress to not allow cuts to Medicare services that exacerbate financial uncertainty for practices, further threaten patient access to care, and disproportionately impact America\u2019s rural and senior populations,\u201d said American College of Cardiology President B. Hadley Wilson, MD, FACC. \u201cFor decades we have spent December looking for a quick fix to a problem that requires significant reforms. We must seek and establish sustainable payment practices that allow clinicians to continue providing access to high-quality care. While addressing this upcoming cut is critical, it is a short-term adjustment that will not create a long-term solution. It is necessary to protect patients now while we work together on lasting reform.\u201d<\/p>\n

A full fix to the 3.37% cut is necessary to combat the lack of inflationary update despite clinicians and practices facing significant inflationary cost pressure. Physicians are the only providers that do not receive an automatic inflationary update within Medicare. Medicare physician payments have dropped by 26% in the last 20 years, while practice expenses have risen by 47% over the same period. Congress must act now to avert this crisis to maintain stable, consistent access to care for some of America\u2019s most vulnerable patients.<\/p>\n

The ACC is leading the charge to transform cardiovascular care delivery. Tasked with advocating for cardiovascular patients and providing a professional home for the entire cardiovascular team, the ACC is committed to developing and advancing solutions that will optimize the delivery of cardiovascular care, increase access to care and improve patient outcomes and health. However, significant reforms are required within the current Medicare system to achieve the ACC\u2019s vision. Learn more about the ACC\u2019s Vision for Optimal Cardiovascular Care at ACC.org\/OptimizeCVCare<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n