Campaign for Patient Access logo — a bold red heart rhythm line over deep navy background Campaign for Patient Access
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Support the fight to preserve patient access to cardiovascular care

Support the Campaign

In December 2009, the American College of Cardiology launched the Campaign for Patient Access — a national public affairs effort to oppose Medicare physician fee schedule cuts that threatened patients' ability to receive timely cardiovascular care. The campaign combined legislative advocacy, regulatory engagement, and legal action, including a lawsuit filed against HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in U.S. District Court in Florida.

Donations helped sustain these advocacy and legal efforts during the 2009–2010 campaign period. Contributions supported outreach to patients, cardiology practices, policymakers, and the media across the nation.

Why It Mattered

The 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule relied on the Physician Practice Information Survey (PPIS) to set payment rates — a methodology the ACC argued was invalid and produced arbitrary results. Cardiology practices across the country warned they would be forced to scale back or eliminate services, directly impacting patient access to life-saving cardiovascular care.

From Fort Myers to Chicagoland to Birmingham, cardiologists reported that the cuts would cripple their ability to serve Medicare patients. The campaign provided a unified voice for patients and providers alike.

Learn More

To understand the full scope of the issue and the ACC's response, visit The Issue page for a detailed overview of the Medicare physician fee schedule cuts and their impact on cardiovascular care.