An ACC analysis of the preliminary participant list for the Ambulatory Specialty Model (ASM) for Heart Failure found that up to 20% of selected cardiologists may be incorrectly classified under the specialty cardiovascular disease/cardiology. Because the model is intended to include only general cardiology, these discrepancies could result in some clinicians being inappropriately included in the mandatory payment program set to begin Jan. 1, 2027.

The College has received multiple inquiries from members who were included in the preliminary list under the specialty cardiovascular disease/cardiology. In many cases, these individuals should have been categorized under other specialties such as electrophysiology, interventional cardiology or advanced heart failure and transplant. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) previously indicated in the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule that only general cardiologists would be selected for ASM participation.

The ACC has raised these concerns directly with the CMS Innovation Center ASM team and is working to better understand the source of the discrepancies and advocate for appropriate corrections.

To support members, the ACC has also urged CMS to establish a formal, transparent process for submitting and resolving specialty classification errors. In the absence of such a process, the College recommends that members who believe they have been incorrectly included in the model take immediate action by contacting CMS at AmbulatorySpecialtyModel@cms.hhs.gov to report their correct specialty designation.

The final ASM participant list is expected to be released in late summer. The ACC will continue working with CMS to address these issues and will keep members informed as additional guidance becomes available.

Clinical Topics: Cardiovascular Care Team, Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathies, Acute Heart Failure

Keywords: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S., Medicare, ACC Advocacy, Heart Failure, Cardiologists, Cardiology