The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront inequities and vulnerabilities that have always existed in our healthcare system. Yet, as the pandemic persists, policies that further limit access to care for underserved populations continue to be pushed forward.
For about a year now, providers have been ringing alarm bells about devastating cuts to Medicare funding for specialty care services directed by CMS. The 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule issued in November proposes reimbursement cuts of 20% that will harm a large variety of office-based specialists treating cancer, vascular and heart disease, dialysis patients, and more.