In a press release, the ACR announced its endorsement of the new Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act. Designed to provide more adequate financial support to physicians through Medicare payments, the new act is expected to counter the rising costs of practicing medicine and safeguard access to care for patients with rheumatic diseases. Investigators noted that Medicare payments to physicians have declined about 26% from 2001 to 2023. “For too long … rheumatologists have faced considerable uncertainty regarding their ability to continue providing needed care to patients. The Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act … will stabilize physician practices and ensure that beneficiaries have timely access to rheumatological care,” concluded Dr. White.
May 25, 2023