American College of Cardiology

Ana Fullmer, 202-375-6229; afullmer@acc.org

October 22, 2009

ACC President Alfred A. Bove, MD, on the Failure of S.1776 in the Senate

Washington, DC - Dr. Alfred A. Bove, President of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) today released the following statement after S. 1776 failed to pass in the Senate this afternoon by a vote of 47-53:

“The ACC thanks Sen. Stabenow for her work in recognizing the issue of Medicare payments to doctors and is grateful that the reimbursement problem is being seriously considered by Congress in their efforts to reform health care.

“Patient access to care is a critically important issue to the ACC which is why we will continue to push for elimination of the flawed formula that threatens the viability of cardiology practices.

“However, our biggest concern remains the impending release of a final rule by CMS which will result in cuts for lifesaving treatments and put up barriers to access for the patients that need it the most, and we will continue to fight against these ill-advised measures.

“If implemented, this 2010 CMS payment rule creates an average 27% revenue reduction for private practice cardiologists which will devastate community, rural, and outpatient access to cardiology care. It is without exaggeration, a nightmare.”

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About the ACC:
The American College of Cardiology is leading the way to optimal cardiovascular care and disease prevention. The College is a 37,000-member nonprofit medical society and bestows the credential Fellow of the American College of Cardiology upon physicians 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.acc.org .