Contact: Amy Murphy , amurphy@acc.org, (202) 375-6476

Washington, D.C.– The American College of Cardiology (ACC) President, Ralph Brindis, M.D., M.P.H., today released the following statement regarding the House of Representatives passing the Senate version of a 30-day doc fix.

“A 30-day fix to the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula is obviously not nearly enough for America’s patients. For the last three years, Congress has continuously passed short-term fixes without ever addressing the need for real payment reform.

“Congress once again opted for a band-aid fix rather than a real sustainable solution. In just 30 days, we’re likely to be back in this same position with a lame duck Congress passing the buck to a new Congress while leaving patients to battle heart disease without access to critical life-saving care.

“I hope that Republicans and Democrats in Congress will use these next 30 days to work out a plan that provides a realistic window for engaging the physician community and reaching a permanent solution that rewards physicians based on the quality of health care they deliver.”

###

 

About the American College of Cardiology
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 39,000-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 at http://www.cardiosource.org/ACC.

 

< Back to Listings