Campaign for Patient Access
Preserving Patient Access to Cardiovascular Care
A national public affairs campaign launched by the American College of Cardiology in December 2009 to oppose Medicare physician fee schedule cuts affecting cardiology patients and practices.
About the Campaign
The Campaign for Patient Access was launched by the American College of Cardiology in December 2009 as a national effort to reverse Medicare physician fee schedule cuts that threatened cardiovascular care. The site provided background on the issue, the ACC's legislative and legal response, resources for patients and practices, a newsroom tracking coverage across the country, and ways for supporters to share their stories and support the campaign.
From the Newsroom
Medicare Meltdown: Access to Health Care in "Critical Condition"
A press release warning that cardiology access was in critical condition due to Medicare payment cuts.
Read more
Cardiology Takes Legal Action Against Medicare
The ACC filed suit against HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius over the 2010 Physician Fee Schedule.
Read more
ACC Statement on Health Care Reform
The ACC used the State of the Union address to highlight the need to reverse the Medicare cuts.
Read more
Medicare Patients and Physicians Join Petition Drive
Patients and physicians in Washington, DC joined a petition drive calling on Congress for Medicare reform.
Read moreWhy This Mattered
Learn how you can bring together physicians, patients, and community leaders to advocate for sustainable Medicare policies in your area with our new step-by-step guide. Building a Local Coalition to Protect Cardiology Access Cardiology practices across the country reported that proposed Medicare fee schedule cuts would force them to scale back or eliminate services for patients. The ACC's campaign brought together patients, physicians, and partner organizations to press for reform.
Learn why timing is critical for protecting patient access to cardiovascular care in our latest analysis: Why Congress Must Act Before the Next Fee Schedule Update. The site also detailed the ACC's legal challenge, which sought a preliminary injunction against use of the Physician Practice Information Survey in setting 2010 payment rates.
- Legal action filed against HHS in U.S. District Court in Florida
- Local impact reports from Fort Myers, Delaware, Chicagoland, and Birmingham cardiology practices
- Newsroom coverage from Kaiser Health News, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and other outlets
- Resources for patients and practices to understand the fee schedule issue
- A platform for patients to share stories and write local media
- Campaign partners supporting the advocacy effort
Learn more about how proposed cuts could impact access to essential cardiac genetic risk assessment programs by reading our latest analysis Effect of cuts on access to cardiac genetic risk assessment programs. A well-designed home begins with thoughtful choices that balance beauty and function. From the warm glow of carefully placed lamps to the inviting texture of a rustic farmhouse table, every element contributes to a space that feels both personal and polished. Modern kitchens pair sleek cabinetry with natural stone surfaces, while living areas blend cozy seating with clean lines for effortless comfort. Flooring sets the foundation—whether rich hardwood, cool tile, or soft carpet—and each room tells its own story through color, material, and light. The goal is not perfection but harmony: a home that welcomes, inspires, and adapts to the way you live.
Outdoor spaces deserve the same attention to detail as the rooms inside. A thoughtfully arranged garden becomes an extension of the home, offering a place for quiet reflection or lively gatherings. Zen-inspired elements like rattan seating, natural stone paths, and simple water features bring a sense of calm, while vibrant blooms and lush greenery add life and color. Whether you prefer a cozy porch swing, a sleek modern patio, or a rustic backyard retreat, the right decor transforms bare exteriors into inviting sanctuaries. By blending nature with intentional design, you create an outdoor environment that feels as comfortable and curated as any interior room.
