Will My Medicare Surgeon Be Around Next Year?

To the Editor:

My number one priority as a surgeon is the health of my patients. While the pandemic has changed nearly every aspect of life in the last six months, my priority to care for my patients has not. My staff and I are working tirelessly to make sure our facilities remain safe and able to provide patients with the highest quality care.

But as we speak, the federal agency that oversees Medicare plans to cut payments to surgeons starting January 2021. My colleagues and I have serious concerns about the future for Medicare patients due to this policy, which will implement payment cuts of up to 9% for surgical care.

This policy was developed before we even heard about COVID-19. And while the cuts were dangerous then, it’s even more alarming now because we’re in the middle of a pandemic. I’ve been speaking out about this for months with the Surgical Care Coalition. Congress has received the message, but time is running out for them to act.

It is clear that Washington needs to hear directly from the patients who will be most affected by these Medicare cuts. Sharing your story with your senator and congressman will help add greater urgency to our efforts. I will, of course, continue to provide care and support to all of my patients, and now I am asking that you lend your voice to help protect Medicare patients around the country.

We must stop these cuts to ensure Medicare patients have timely access to surgical care as they need it. You can take action by heading to the Surgical Care Coalition website (https://www. surgicalcare.org/take-action/) and writing to your members of Congress. You can also find informational fact sheets and stories from surgeons across America who are worried about the damage these Medicare cuts will have on their patients, our health care system and Medicare population.

I hope we can count on your support as we continue to work with Congress to stop these cuts. Tell your colleagues, friends, and patients to spread the word before it’s too late to act!

Russell Juno, M.D. La Grange