The College of American Pathologists (CAP) "strongly objects" to the 9% Medicare cuts to pathologists, which the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published in the final 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
The college is urging congress to act quickly to stop the cuts prior to their scheduled start date of January 1, especially considering the ongoing public health emergency related to the pandemic. Currently, a bipartisan house bill, the Holding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020, has 50 sponsors and counting.
"Pathologists are integrally involved in direct mitigation of the COVID-19 crisis including testing for accurate and timely diagnosis, as well as work on potential cures," said CAP President Dr. Patrick Godbey. "Now more than ever patients and their treating physicians are relying on the expertise of pathologists. Pathologists and the services they provide, including ensuring laboratory quality in communities across the United States, are at the foundation of our healthcare system."
