Campaign emblem in white on a transparent field Campaign for Patient Access
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Warm-toned photograph of a stethoscope resting on a wooden desk beside medical charts, conveying a serious healthcare setting

A national public affairs campaign launched by the American College of Cardiology in December 2009 to oppose Medicare physician fee schedule cuts affecting cardiology patients and practices.

About the Campaign

The Campaign for Patient Access was launched by the American College of Cardiology in December 2009 as a national effort to reverse Medicare physician fee schedule cuts that threatened cardiovascular care. The site provided background on the issue, the ACC's legislative and legal response, resources for patients and practices, a newsroom tracking coverage across the country, and ways for supporters to share their stories and support the campaign.

From the Newsroom

Capitol building dome against a pale sky, conveying federal policy and legislative action
April 30, 2010

Medicare Meltdown: Access to Health Care in "Critical Condition"

A press release warning that cardiology access was in critical condition due to Medicare payment cuts.

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Gavel on a dark wooden bench in a courtroom setting, suggesting legal proceedings
December 29, 2009

Cardiology Takes Legal Action Against Medicare

The ACC filed suit against HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius over the 2010 Physician Fee Schedule.

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A stack of newspapers with a muted gray and off-white palette, suggesting breaking health policy news
January 12, 2010

ACC Statement on Health Care Reform

The ACC used the State of the Union address to highlight the need to reverse the Medicare cuts.

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A wide shot of a diverse group of healthcare professionals and advocates gathered around a conference table, deep in discussion
April 12, 2010

Medicare Patients and Physicians Join Petition Drive

Patients and physicians in Washington, DC joined a petition drive calling on Congress for Medicare reform.

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View more coverage in the Newsroom

Guides

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Share Your Story

Tell us how Medicare cuts affected access to cardiovascular care. Stories could be reviewed and submitted to local news outlets as part of the campaign's outreach.