Contact: Stephanie Abraham, sabraham@acc.org, 202-375-6296

Washington, DC – American College of Cardiology (ACC) CEO Jack Lewin, M.D. made the following statement today, regarding Congress’ latest deal on pending Medicare physician payment cuts:
 
“The ACC is relieved that the deal reportedly reached by Congress will temporarily stop the scheduled 27.4 percent Medicare physician payment cut from taking effect on March 1 and through the rest of 2012, but we are very disappointed that Congress did not seize this opportunity to permanently repeal the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula. We will be right back in this mess again on January 1, 2013, when the Bush tax cuts expire and the deficit-related ‘sequestration’ kick in---it will be a perfect storm. When will Congress stop using short-term, last-minute ‘doc fixes.’ The SGR deficit will be over $600 billion in 5 years! It’s time to awaken to reality and accountability.”
 

###
 

The American College of Cardiology is transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health through continuous quality improvement, patient-centered care, payment innovation and professionalism. The College is a 40,000-member nonprofit medical society comprised of physicians, surgeons, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists and practice managers, and bestows credentials upon cardiovascular specialists who meet its stringent qualifications. The College is a leader in the formulation of health policy, standards and guidelines, and is a staunch supporter of cardiovascular research. The ACC provides professional education and operates national registries for the measurement and improvement of quality care. More information about the association is available online at www.cardiosource.org/ACC.

< Back to Listings