Campaign for Patient Access
Access to cardiovascular care depends on more than the availability of hospitals and specialists. It also depends on whether cardiology practices can afford to…
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
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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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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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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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.
Read moreGuides
Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) can prevent dangerous heart rhythms, but implantation is only one part of their value. Patients…
The Campaign for Patient Access was created to explain how Medicare physician fee schedule reductions could affect cardiovascular practices, clinicians, and…
Cardiology practices operate in a demanding financial environment. They must maintain advanced diagnostic equipment, comply with extensive reporting…
The Campaign for Patient Access was a national public affairs and advocacy effort launched by the American College of Cardiology to oppose Medicare physician…
Cardiac rehabilitation is a structured, medically supervised program that helps people recover after a heart attack, bypass surgery, valve procedure,…
Medicare payment policy can seem distant from the examination room, yet changes to physician reimbursement can influence whether practices remain financially…
Medicare payment policy can seem distant from the exam room, yet decisions about physician reimbursement shape whether cardiology practices can recruit…
National health policy can feel distant until a payment change affects a nearby clinic, a familiar physician, or a patient waiting weeks for cardiovascular…
Cardio-oncology connects cancer care with cardiovascular medicine. Patients receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or targeted treatments may need…
