News

CVC Champions the Bipartisan Providing Relief and Stability for Medicare Patients Act of 2023
June 13, 2023

CVC announces support for the bipartisan legislation in light of new whitepaper highlighting the immediate need for Medicare payment reform WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) is proud to announce their support for the Providing Relief and Stability for Medicare Patients Act of 2023 (H.R. 3674), introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), Rep…. more

 

CVC Expresses Concern Over the Washington Post’s Editorial On Medicare Spending
May 2, 2023

CVC Responds By Highlighting The Importance of Office-based Specialists Who Treat PAD FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) is responding to the Washington Post Editorial Board’s opinion regarding concerns about hospitals buying independent doctors’ offices and the effect this dynamic is having on Medicare’s fiscal sustainability The Editorial Board’s suggested… more

 

CVC Backs Letter Asking MedPAC to Work with Congress to Protect Specialty Care Providers
February 23, 2023

The letter from USPA describes the need for Congressional hearings to explore long-term Medicare payment solutions WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) announced it is supporting a letter sent by The United Specialists for Patient Access (USPA) to MedPAC, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC). The letter outlines how ongoing cuts to office-based… more

 

Omnibus Bill Ignores Clinical Labor Cuts and Spells Calamity for Patients
December 21, 2022

Congress failed to stop cuts in the 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Washington, DC — Today, the CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) issued a statement expressing their frustration with the 2023 omnibus spending bill that failed to address the looming clinical labor cuts. The CVC has repeatedly called on Congress to step in and stop the cuts… more

 

CardioVascular Coalition Demands Congressional Action Before Clinical Labor Cuts Go Into Effect
December 14, 2022

CVC calls on Congress to stop clinical labor cuts before Dec. 31 Washington, DC— Today, the CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers — is calling on Congress to step in and stop the cuts to revascularization services included in the finalized 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Rule…. more

 

Unless Congress Acts, Ongoing Clinical Labor Cuts Will Worsen Amputation Epidemic
December 9, 2022

By Paul Gagne, M.D. There is a little-known epidemic occurring in the medical world that will be made worse if Congress does not act to stop the ongoing clinical labor cuts outlined in the 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule finalized rule. The amputation epidemic is a troubling trend of preventable leg amputations being performed on… more

 

CardioVascular Coalition Calls on Congress, CMS to Stop Proposed MPFS Cuts to Revascularization Services during Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month
September 26, 2022

CVC says MPFS cuts make PAD worse and increase amputation rates Washington, D.C. – Today, the CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) — is again calling on Congress and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)… more

 

CVC Leaders Meet with Policy Makers about New Cuts to Revascularization Services
September 16, 2022

CVC members join other office-based specialists for virtual lobby day WASHINGTON, DC — Earlier this week, members of the CardioVascular Coalition from across the country partnered with United Specialists for Patient Access (USPA) to virtually meet with members of Congress about the importance of revascularization services and the proposed changes to the 2023 Medicare Physician… more

 

PAD Task Force Thanks Congressman Payne for Leadership
September 12, 2022

Payne and PAD Caucus Seek Important RFI during Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Task Force announced its support for the work being done by Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) to raise awareness around PAD and his request for information (RFI) related to the Amputation Reduction and… more

 

CVC to CMS: Ongoing Cuts Undermine Healthcare Access and Quality Care
September 9, 2022

CVC comment letter highlights concerns over proposed rule WASHINGTON, DC — Earlier this week, the CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) submitted official comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposed rule for the CY 2023 Physician Fee Schedule (CMS-1770-P). The CVC letter, addressed to CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure, emphasizes that ongoing cuts to… more

 

CardioVascular Coalition Opposes Significant Cuts to Revascularization Services in 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
July 12, 2022

If finalized, the proposed 5-9% cuts will undercut access to revascularization services, which are critical to preventing avoidable amputations—especially among communities of color  Washington, D.C. –– The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – today expressed serious… more

 

Contributor: Congress Must Act to Stop America’s Amputation Epidemic
May 16, 2022

May 16, 2022 Foluso A. Fakorede, MD The Amputation Reduction and Compassion Act (H.R. 2631) would ensure that Medicare and Medicaid both cover peripheral artery disease screening for at-risk beneficiaries without the cost-sharing requirements that could make some patients balk at seeking care. As our health care system works to address the many disparities and inequities… more

 

As National Minority Health Month Begins, CVC Urges Lawmakers to Support Efforts to Reduce Amputation
April 4, 2022

CVC commends the Congressional PAD Caucus for recognizing this important health equity issue and urges Congress to pass the ARC Act  Washington, D.C. –– The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a consortium of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – today applauded the Congressional Peripheral Artery… more

 

ARC Act 2022
April 4, 2022

The Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act The CVC is urging support for the Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act, sponsored by Congressmen Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ), Bobby Rush (D-IL) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). The legislation aims to improve peripheral artery disease (PAD) education, increase access to PAD screening, and prevent avoidable lower limb amputations.  … more

 

CVC Commends 63 Bipartisan Lawmakers for Urging Congressional Leadership to Provide Office-Based Specialists Relief in Appropriations Package
February 9, 2022

Washington, D.C. – The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – today applauded 63 bipartisan lawmakers in the U.S. House – led by Congressmen Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) –  for urging Congressional leadership… more

 

The Hill | Congress: To improve health equity, provide relief for office-based specialty care
January 25, 2022

Just hours after being inaugurated, President Biden signed an executive order commanding the federal government to make racial equity a top priority. Given the stark disparities that continue to plague communities of color—especially when it comes to America’s health care system—this was a welcome first step by the administration. While the administration’s commitment to health equity is encouraging, regulations… more

 

CVC Commends Congressional Tri-Caucus Lawmakers for Urging Action to Prevent PFS Clinical Labor Policy Updates in 2022
December 6, 2021

Washington, D.C. –– The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – today commended Congressmen Bobby Rush (D-IL), Danny Davis (D-IL), Tony Cardenas (D-CA) and 22 of their colleagues in the Congressional Tri-Caucus for sending a letter to… more

 

Endovascular Today: CardioVascular Coalition Applauds Introduction of Medicare Stability for Patients and Providers Act
November 24, 2021

November 22, 2021—The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) commended the introduction of the Medicare Stability for Patients and Providers Act (H.R. 6048). The bipartisan legislation, which was sponsored by Representatives Bobby Rush (D-IL) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), prohibits the implementation of certain clinical labor price updates included in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Final Rule for… more

 

CVC Applauds Introduction of Medicare Stability for Patients and Providers Act
November 22, 2021

Vascular care leaders commend bipartisan legislation to protect patient access to specialty care for Medicare’s most at-risk patients   Washington, D.C. –– The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – today commended the introduction of the Medicare Stability for Patients and Providers Act (H.R. 6048).  The… more

 

CVC: Clinical Labor Cuts in Final PFS Rule Threaten Patient Access to Amputation Prevention Measures
November 12, 2021

Vascular care leaders urge Congressional action to prevent implementation of deep Medicare cuts to specialty care services in 2022 Washington, D.C. –– The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – expressed disappointment in the Centers for Medicare… more

 

MedPage Today: America’s Amputation Crisis May Soon Get Much Worse
September 30, 2021

— Proposed Medicare cuts create greater barriers to screening and revascularization services by Sreejit Nair, MD, and Ashwani Sastry, MD  Few medical procedures are as life-altering as an amputation. But statistics show hundreds of thousands of Americans have their limbs surgically removed each year because they don’t have access to adequate vascular screening and care. In the rural… more

 

CVC Commends 75 Bipartisan Members of Congress for Urging CMS to Address Severe Proposed Medicare Cuts
September 15, 2021

Letter urges CMS to prevent up to 20% cuts by not  finalizing the clinical labor policy in the 2022 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule  Washington, D.C. –– The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – today applauded 75 bipartisan lawmakers in the U.S. House for… more

 

Coalition Urges CMS to Not Finalize Clinical Labor Policy in 2022 PFS Proposed Rule
September 9, 2021

Unless CMS and Congress take action, proposed cuts of an estimated 23% will drive healthcare consolidation, increase costs, and exacerbate healthcare inequities   Washington, D.C. –– A group of 16 influential professional groups and societies representing providers across the specialty provider space – including the CardioVascular Coalition – are urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to not finalize the clinical labor policy included in the 2022 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule.   As… more

 

Cardiovascular Coalition Urges Congress, CMS to Reverse Proposed Medicare Cuts During Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month
September 1, 2021

If finalized, the proposed ~23% cuts would have a devastating impact on patient access and systemic disparities by accelerating America’s amputation epidemic Washington, D.C. –– The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – today called on Congress… more

 

CardioVascular Coalition Notes Proposed 20% Medicare Cut to Amputation Prevention Services Will Increase Health Inequity
August 3, 2021

Deep payment cuts proposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) threatens to reduce access to Medicare beneficiaries at risk for limb loss  Washington, D.C. –– The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – expressed grave concern regarding deep ~20% payment cuts to revascularization services in the proposed Physician Fee… more

 

NJ.com: Help needed to reduce unnecessary amputations
May 26, 2021

Discussions about ending racial health care disparities and finding solutions have finally started to emerge. For far too long, Black, Native American and Latino Americans have exhibited higher rates of serious conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease and suffered worse outcomes than white individuals. Click here to see the full article on the NJ.com… more

 

Endovascular Today: PAD Task Force Commends Reintroduction of ARC Act in Congress
April 30, 2021

Members of the Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Task Force praised lawmakers for the introduction of the Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act (H.R. 2631) in Congress. The legislation is intended to reduce unnecessary amputations resulting from PAD. The bill provides coverage of PAD screening for at-risk beneficiaries under the Medicare and Medicaid programs without the… more

 

The Hill: Support healthy equity by ending America’s Amputation Epidemic
April 21, 2021

As we recognize National Minority Health Month, a time designated to examine the systemic inequities in our nation’s health care system, we must take a close look at the imbalances that have been exposed even further because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Once hidden to the unaffected, it’s now clear to all that communities of color… more

 

PAD Task Force Commends Reintroduction of ARC Act in the U.S. in Recognition of National Minority Health Month
April 20, 2021

H.R. 2631 will increase education and screening for at-risk populations in order to reduce limb loss WASHINGTON – Members of the Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Task Force – including the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), CardioVascular Coalition, CLI Global Society, Preventative Cardiovascular Nurses Association, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions and Society of Interventional Radiology… more

 

CardioVascular Coalition Applauds Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Amputations, Increase PAD Screening & Improve Education
April 19, 2021

Amputation Reduction and Compassion Act, introduced in recognition of National Minority Health Month, will expand coverage for PAD screening among at-risk populations Washington, D.C. –– The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – today applauded lawmakers in… more

 

CBS News: Study Finds Black Americans are More Likely to Undergo Amputations for Peripheral Artery Disease
February 19, 2021

Click here to see the video on the CBS website.

 

CardioVascular Coalition Applauds Bipartisan Congressional Letter Urging National Effort to Prevent Amputations
February 4, 2021

Lawmakers Urge President Biden to Prioritize Amputation Prevention Strategies and Invest in Preventative Care to Reduce Incidence and Harm of Vascular Disease WASHINGTON – The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – today commended Members of Congress… more

 

CardioVascular Coalition Thanks Congress for Easing Specialty Payment Cuts
December 22, 2020

End-Of-Year Spending Package is Good First Step by Providing One-Year, 3.75% Increase to the Physician Fee Schedule, Delaying Add-On Code for Three Years WASHINGTON – The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – today commended Congress for… more

 

Kaiser Health News: Education and Coverage Gaps Lead to Avoidable Amputations
December 17, 2020

Coming to terms with systemic racism in health care is long overdue (“What Doctors Aren’t Always Taught: How to Spot Racism in Health Care,” Nov. 17). The way medicine is taught and the payment policies that shape the system have created persistent disparities in patient outcomes across racial and ethnic groups. As a result, Black… more

 

CardioVascular Coalition Expresses Concern with CMS Decision to Finalize Deep Cuts to Specialty Services Despite COVID-19 Pandemic, Widespread Opposition
December 9, 2020

Vascular care providers call on Congress to pass legislation in year-end package to block 2021 payment cuts and protect patient access to specialty care WASHINGTON – The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – today expressed disappointment… more

 

Vascular Care Leaders Commend Lawmakers for Supporting Legislation to Address Dramatic Payment Cuts in 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Rule
December 8, 2020

Despite Congressional and stakeholder opposition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services finalized sharp payment cuts to specialty providers including vascular surgery, cardiac surgery and interventional radiology Washington, D.C. – The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD)… more

 

NJ.com: Bill would limit amputations
December 8, 2020

COVID-19 has laid bare racial health disparities that existed long before the onset of the pandemic. For years, a growing body of research showed that Black, Latino and Native Americans are disproportionately impacted by diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, and peripheral artery disease (PAD) — a circulatory condition that affects more than 20 million… more

 

Cardiovascular Business: Cardiologists, other healthcare providers speak out against ‘detrimental’ cuts included in MPFS final rule
December 3, 2020

CMS has released the 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) final rule, leaving healthcare organizations throughout the United States with concerns about what new reimbursement cuts might mean for business going forward. To see the full article, visit the Cardiovascular Business website.

 

Endovascular Today: PAD Task Force Urges Passage of ARC Act for Amputation Prevention
December 1, 2020

The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) announced the publication of an opinion editorial in The Hill calling for lawmakers to support peripheral artery disease (PAD) testing and education to prevent amputations. Click here to see the full article on the Endovascular Today website.

 

The Hill: Congress: Support the ARC Act to prevent amputations
December 1, 2020

For most Americans, encountering someone in their community who is missing a lower limb due to amputation isn’t terribly uncommon. Thanks to modern surgical techniques and advances in mobility devices, amputations don’t shock us — and many people don’t give any thought as to why the limb loss occurred in the first place. But what is… more

 

CVC Urges Lawmakers to Support Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Testing and Education During American Diabetes Month
November 24, 2020

Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act supports patient education and screening of at-risk populations to reduce lower limb amputation Washington, D.C. – In recognition of American Diabetes Month, the CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – is… more

 

Podiatry Today: Could The Amputation Reduction And Compassion Act Have An Impact On PAD Screening And Amputation Prevention?
November 20, 2020

It is estimated that non-healing wounds affect approximately seven to eight million people in the U.S. while an estimated nine million people have peripheral arterial disease (PAD).1 Peripheral arterial disease is often an unrecognized cause of the aforementioned wounds, symptoms of pain, functional disability, foot ulcers, infections and amputations. Nationwide, more than 30 percent of patients… more

 

CardioVascular Coalition Commends Bipartisan Congressional Letter to House Leadership Urging Action on Pending Healthcare Cuts
October 29, 2020

229 bipartisan lawmakers join growing chorus of leaders opposing Medicare specialty cuts   Washington, D.C. – Today the CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – applauded a bipartisan letter signed by 229 Congressional lawmakers – led by… more

 

Vascular Care Leaders Applaud Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. for Introducing Bill to Address Health Inequities in Peripheral Artery Disease
October 26, 2020

The Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act aims to prevent amputations by expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage for PAD and establishing a PAD education program Washington, D.C. – Today the CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a coalition of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) –… more

 

Cardiovascular Business: Advocates applaud legislation that would improve coverage for peripheral artery disease screening
October 23, 2020

CardioVascular Coalition (CVC), an advocacy group focused on improving access to care for peripheral artery disease (PAD), has shared its support for newly introduced legislation that would ramp up Medicare and Medicaid coverage of PAD screening. The Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act (H.R. 8615) was introduced Oct. 16 by Reps. Donald Payne, Jr., Bobby… more

 

CVC Commends Introduction of Bipartisan Bill to Protect Specialty Care from Severe Medicare Reimbursement Cuts
October 23, 2020

H.R. 8505 would block severe payment cuts to over 30 healthcare specialties including vascular surgery, cardiac surgery, interventional radiology and  interventional cardiology Washington, D.C. –– The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a consortium of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – today praised House lawmakers… more

 

CardioVascular Coalition Applauds Introduction of Legislation to Reduce Amputations, Improve Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness & Screening
October 22, 2020

Reps. Donald Payne, Jr., Bobby Rush and Ruben Gallego introduce Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act to expand coverage for PAD screening and intervention Washington, D.C. –– The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC) – a consortium of physicians, care providers, advocates, and manufacturers working to improve awareness and prevention of peripheral artery disease (PAD) – today commended… more

 

Healio: PAD Awareness Month calls attention to amputation risks, screening, treatments
September 27, 2020

September is Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness Month, designed to improve access to screening and treatments for patients with PAD. According to the CardioVascular Coalition, approximately 20 million Americans have PAD, and about 200,000 patients per year undergo avoidable amputations. Many of these patients are from historically underrepresented backgrounds, according to the coalition. Click here to… more

 

The Hill: Congress: Eliminate disparities in health care
September 16, 2020

Despite the turmoil of recent months, I am hopeful that 2020 will lead to lasting change —especially when it comes to our health care options and outcomes for communities of color. The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the lingering and unjust disparities between racial and ethnic groups. Now, the calls to close that gap have… more

 

CardioVascular Coalition Urges Congress to Support Limb Loss Prevention During Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month
September 3, 2020

Advocates call for policies to block planned specialty provider cuts before January 2021 Washington, DC – The CardioVascular Coalition (CVC), a leading group of providers, physicians, and manufacturers, today urged lawmakers in Congress to support policies to improve peripheral artery disease (PAD) screening, diagnoses and treatment to reduce unnecessary lower limb amputations in recognition of… more

 

NEWS UPDATES

CVC Champions the Bipartisan Providing Relief and Stability for Medicare Patients Act of 2023... READ MORE

CVC Expresses Concern Over the Washington Post’s Editorial On Medicare Spending... READ MORE

CVC Backs Letter Asking MedPAC to Work with Congress to Protect Specialty Care Providers... READ MORE

Omnibus Bill Ignores Clinical Labor Cuts and Spells Calamity for Patients... READ MORE