Michael X. Repka, MD, MBA, president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, shares why ophthalmologists must push Washington to uphold surgical standards and strengthen access to care through reforms in Medicare reimbursement and prior authorization guardrails.

Medicare’s long-term financial outlook is in dire straits. While spending is already historically high, the Congressional Budget Office projects that, without fundamental reform, things will only get worse.

Across Missouri, and much like the rest of the country, the number of doctors simply isn’t keeping up with the growing demand for care. This is particularly problematic as Missouri’s rural communities are often older and have higher rates of chronic diseases.

Physicians who treat Medicare patients are set to experience reimbursement cuts, judging from the proposed changes to Medicare's "fee schedule." Ultimately, beneficiaries will pay the price.

In Louisiana, nearly 1 million people depend on Medicare for their health coverage, but our doctors are struggling to keep up. Unless lawmakers institute significant changes, this flawed system will prevent patients from accessing critical care.

The AMA offered to work with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on policy changes that aim to preserve private practice and maintain access to health care.

As Medicare payments become increasingly inadequate to sustain independent physician practices, many are being forced to reduce their staff or the range of services they provide, turn away Medicare patients or exit the profession entirely.

The specialty of rheumatology is facing a growing crisis, with rising costs and increasing administrative burdens. Dwindling Medicare payments to physicians continue to undermine patient access to care and increase costs for everyone.

As Congress prepares to return from the August recess, there’s a crucial health care issue flying under the radar that needs to be addressed: how Medicare pays physicians.