Campaign for Patient Access
Strength in Numbers
The Campaign for Patient Access brought together a coalition of organizations committed to protecting Medicare patients' access to cardiology services. These partners amplified the campaign's message across the nation, helping to raise awareness about the impact of the 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule cuts on cardiovascular care.
Featured Partner Organizations
American College of Cardiology
The ACC led the campaign, launching the national public affairs effort in December 2009 and filing legal action against HHS to challenge the use of the Physician Practice Information Survey in setting 2010 Medicare rates.
State & Local Cardiology Societies
Cardiology societies across the country mobilized their members, coordinated local media outreach, and helped practices communicate the urgency of the Medicare cuts to patients and policymakers.
Patient Advocacy Groups
Organizations representing Medicare beneficiaries worked alongside the campaign to ensure that the voices of patients were heard in the debate over physician fee schedule reform.
Cardiology Practices Nationwide
Individual practices — from Fort Myers to Chicagoland to Birmingham — served as local champions, warning that the 2010 cuts would force many to scale back or eliminate services for Medicare patients.
How Partners Made a Difference
Campaign partners helped extend the reach of the ACC's advocacy by sharing information with their networks, participating in the January 2010 petition drive on Capitol Hill, and contributing to the national conversation about Medicare reform. Their collective voice underscored the real-world consequences of the proposed cuts for patients and providers alike.
Explore the Campaign
Learn more about the issue that brought these partners together and the ACC's response to the Medicare physician fee schedule cuts.
The Campaign for Patient Access unites a diverse coalition of organizations dedicated to preserving Medicare patients' access to essential cardiovascular care. By joining forces, these partner groups amplify a unified message across communities nationwide, ensuring that policymakers understand the real-world consequences of reimbursement cuts on heart health services. Together, they work to protect the patient-physician relationship and the quality of care that millions of Americans depend on. This collaborative effort demonstrates the power of collective advocacy in healthcare, where every voice contributes to a stronger, more informed dialogue about the future of cardiovascular medicine and the importance of maintaining access to life-saving treatments.
Patient access to cardiology services is a cornerstone of effective healthcare, helping to prevent heart disease and manage chronic conditions before they escalate. The campaign emphasizes the value of timely, appropriate care delivered by specialists who understand the complexities of cardiovascular health. Through public awareness and grassroots engagement, the coalition highlights how policy changes can directly impact patient outcomes and the stability of medical practices. By fostering a deeper understanding of these issues, the campaign encourages communities to support policies that prioritize patient well-being over administrative burdens, ensuring that essential heart care remains accessible and affordable for those who need it most.