Post election and with the end of the year on the horizon, a crucial but often overlooked period in the legislative calendar begins: the lame duck congressional session. This period, which occurs between the November elections and the start of the new Congress in January, allows outgoing lawmakers a final opportunity to pass critical legislation. For vascular surgeons, the upcoming lame duck session is particularly significant, as they face a looming 2.8% Medicare reimbursement cut scheduled for Jan. 1, 2025.
Depending on the results of an election, the lame duck session is often a time when Congress acts to “clear the deck” and potentially negotiate agreements on high-priority issues previously marred by the politics of an election year. This creates a unique window for legislative compromise and action, particularly in healthcare. For vascular surgeons, this period is crucial to advocate for changes that directly impact their ability to provide care.
Starting in January 2025, physicians, including vascular surgeons, are set to face a 2.8% cut in Medicare reimbursement under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). For practices already operating under tight financial conditions, these cuts could have severe consequences. Reduced reimbursement threatens the financial sustainability of practices, limits the resources available for patient care, and places a strain on vascular surgeons who rely on Medicare payments to continue offering high-quality services.
The timing of these cuts, coupled with rising inflation and increasing costs, makes it difficult for physicians to maintain the same level of care without a corresponding increase in payments. Unfortunately, the current payment system does not adequately adjust for inflation, leaving healthcare providers to bear the brunt of escalating expenses.
Recognizing the urgency, the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS), alongside the House of Medicine and several congressional leaders, is actively advocating to prevent these cuts and pushing for possible solutions. The lame duck session represents the last opportunity of the congressional session to secure a temporary fix or, ideally, advance discussions on a permanent solution.
Engaging with SVS advocacy efforts plays a central role in this fight. It is essential for vascular surgeons to stay active in advocacy, communicating directly with their legislators and highlighting the real-world impact of reimbursement cuts.
The lame duck session provides a critical, but short, window to address the 2.8% Medicare reimbursement cut. For vascular surgeons, this period is key to avoiding immediate financial strain and ensuring they can continue providing high quality care.
However, the fight doesn’t end here. While preventing these cuts is the immediate priority, advocacy efforts must also focus on securing a permanent solution that aligns Medicare payment updates with inflation, ensuring long-term stability for physicians and patients alike.
As the 118th Congress wraps up, vascular surgeons must also prepare to pivot toward building new relationships with the incoming 119th Congress. Establishing these connections early will be essential for advancing broader reforms in healthcare policy. By engaging with new and returning legislators, the vascular surgery community can ensure that their priorities remain front and center in future legislative efforts.
ANDREW KENNEY is a member of the SVS advocacy staff, representing the Society in Washington, D.C.
