Washington, DC (June 21, 2023) - The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), the leading nonprofit medical society representing invasive and interventional cardiology, today applauded the Oversight and Investigation Subcommittee of the House Energy & Commerce Committee for holding a hearing re-examining the impact of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA). The statutory payment freeze on Medicare physician reimbursements imposed by MACRA has drastically undermined the financial viability of small practices in rural and underserved communities, limiting participation in Medicare in areas where there is the greatest need for additional quality care for seniors.

“Physician practices in rural and underserved areas have struggled due to declining Medicare reimbursement rates, which undermines the goal of ensuring quality healthcare access for all patients,” said SCAI President George D. Dangas, MD, PhD, MSCAI. “Congress should ensure physicians receive fair compensation for their work, and that Medicare reimbursement rates accurately reflect the costs of operating a practice.”

Physician pay within Medicare has declined 22 percent from 2001 to 2021, when adjusted for inflation in practice costs. SCAI supports the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act, which addresses this issue by providing for an annual update to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor, based on the Medicare Economic Index.

Additionally, SCAI urges Congress to address cuts that have affected office-based specialist doctors by passing the Providing Relief and Stability for Medicare Patients Act. “As physician participation in Medicare has already reached a historic low, Congress must act immediately to prevent millions of Americans from losing access to necessary care,” continued Dr. Dangas. “We’re encouraged that Members of Congress from both parties are recognizing and working to address these challenges, and this hearing is a step in the right direction.”