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Democrats take control with Biden presidency, majorities in both chambers
Democratic victories for Georgia’s two Senate seats in the runoff election Jan. 5 have solidified the Democrats’ control of the federal government for the next two years. The victories by Democrats Rev. Raphael Warnock over incumbent Sen. Kelly Loeffler and…
Medicare cuts: Avoiding the ‘tragedy of the unprepared’
*The January 2021 issue of Vascular Specialist, which contained this story, went to press prior to the news that Congress had moved to halt cuts to Medicare. At the conclusion of a challenging 2020, we at the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS)…
Congress delays steep Medicare payment cuts
Both the House of Representatives and Senate have approved legislation to delay steep cuts to Medicare that were set to take effect Jan. 1, 2021. It is anticipated President Donald Trump will eventually sign the bill; however, if it is…
The power of groups: Invest in the SVS PAC
Humans are social animals, and, over time, they have found that their best times are spent in groups. We have just celebrated Thanksgiving, spending time with our most important group, our family, reflecting on our present life situation and giving…
Present imperfect
On the morning of Nov. 9, I received a phone call from my sister. My father had been found unresponsive in his Manhattan apartment and was being taken to the hospital. Ok, I told her, call me when you know…
CMS confirms Physician Fee Schedule cuts; SVS members asked to contact lawmakers
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) has delivered a blow to vascular surgery in the form of a 7% cut in total payment for the services it provides. The cuts are included in the agency’s final rule for…
Healthcare on a precipice: SVS PAC stands ready to fight coming challenges
Since 2002, the SVS Political Action Committee (PAC) has been a vehicle for advocacy specifically for vascular surgeons. As the only voice geared for vascular surgeons in Washington, D.C., it plays an instrumental role in championing pressing concerns that matter…
Join the fight: The useful job of lobbying members of Congress
Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) members can help in the fight against announced reimbursement reductions included in the calendar year 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). One of the best ways is by lobbying your local member of Congress. Members…
Take action to stop projected Medicare surgery cuts
The proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Rule for 2021 was released Aug. 3 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), revealing vascular and general surgeons face a projected 7% reduction in Medicare payments. The rule includes proposals to…
Presenting public policy issues of importance to vascular surgeons: SVS PAC, Congress and you
Defining the narrative. It’s a cliché among pundits, board members and anyone who has a point to make or a story to tell. It is the defining difference between success and failure in our life’s circumstances, depicting what is done…