Cuts in Medicare payments are hurting physicians and access to healthcare | PennLive letters

As a pathologist in Berks County, I oversee tests that determine whether a patient is diagnosed with COVID-19, cancer, or countless other diseases. This important work has been severely challenged by the coronavirus pandemic, as state-mandated restrictions have caused serious financial losses for Pennsylvania’s hospitals and health care providers. This includes physicians.

Beginning in January 2021, many physicians will receive less for the Medicare services they provide to their patients. For pathologists, the cut amounts to about eight percent. The impact of these cuts will occur as physician practices, particularly pathology laboratories, are struggling to survive. A recent survey of laboratory directors accredited by the College of American Pathologists showed that anatomic pathology services, such as tissue biopsies, have plunged and laboratory revenues have fallen an average of 50 percent as patients stay away from their doctors’ offices because of COVID-19 fears.

The Medicare cuts could put laboratories out of business, reduce access to services, and potentially delay health care delivery. For rural residents, these reductions could be catastrophic in terms of patient access.

Congress can eliminate this Medicare cut and provide a critical reprieve for pathologists and other physicians during the pandemic. As Congress continues to review additional aid packages to help our country rebound from COVID-19\u2032s economic devastation, lawmakers must enact the necessary waivers to stop Medicare cuts to physicians.

I am encouraging Sen. Bob Casey to be part of this effort that will support laboratories responsible for diagnosing disease, including COVID-19.

Dr. Anthony Simonetti is a Fellow of the College of American Pathologists and lives in West Reading.

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