Earlier this summer, CMS proposed drastic cuts to the 2016 Medicare physician reimbursement rates for colonoscopy and other lower GI endoscopy procedures. On behalf of our members, ACG, AGA, and ASGE continue to fight these cuts and to advocate for fair and accurate reimbursement for all lower endoscopy procedures, including colonoscopy.

We have the support of some important members of Congress. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) are urging fellow U.S. Senators to join them in expressing concern to CMS over these drastic cuts. Representatives Donald Payne Jr. (D-NJ) and Leonard Lance (R-NJ) have also asked their colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join them in a similar letter.

Specifically, the letter addresses two key issues:

  • Recently proposed Medicare payment cuts to colonoscopy.
  • The impact of cuts on access to colorectal cancer screening, especially in light of recent gains made in access to this life saving procedure.

Please contact your U.S. Senators and Representative and urge them to sign the letter!

We need your help. Please reach out to Congress today!

Contact your legislators now

CMS Comment Letter on Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
On September 8, ACG, AGA, and ASGE submitted formal comments to CMS that include an in-depth and detailed review of CMS’ flawed methodologies and rationale for making these cuts. From the letter:

“If unchanged, the proposed 2016 PFS rates for lower GI endoscopy procedures would cut physician work values for some colonoscopy procedures by up to 20 percent. It is short-sighted and counter-productive to propose policies that will undermine access to proven cancer prevention strategies and endanger all of the progress and current momentum we have made as a nation over the past two decades in our fight against colorectal cancer.”

Read the ACG, AGA and ASGE Joint Letter to CMS