WASHINGTON – College of American Pathologists (CAP) President Donald Karcher, MD, FCAP released the following statement on March 9 after House lawmakers published their continuing resolution budget proposal without a remedy to 2025 Medicare cuts to physician services:
“The pathologists who make important health diagnoses for America’s seniors call on Congress to stop these cuts to Medicare,” Dr. Karcher said. “Over the last six years, Medicare payment rates for pathologists have decreased by more than 7% while costs for laboratory supplies, lab personnel, and other overhead expenses have increased over 17%. The long-term viability of pathology practices is at risk if our services for Medicare patients continue to be cut as inflation continues to rise. In the short term, Congress must provide temporary relief until a permanent fix can be enacted.”
The CAP supports HR 879, the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act led by Reps. Greg Murphy (R-NC), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD (R-IA), and Kim Schrier, MD (D-WA). This bill prospectively stops the entirety of the current reimbursement reduction and helps account for rising inflationary costs with a 2% payment increase. The bill enjoys the support of more than 100 representatives in the House and over 100 physician associations and medical societies.