I am writing to provide you with an update about the legislation from Representative Gonzalez for the 2010 CMS final rule. In 2011, cardiology practices will face additional cuts in reimbursement for imaging procedures. Rep. Gonzalez has introduced legislation that will phase in these cuts over several years allowing practices to make appropriate adjustments. The ACC Legislative Affairs Team has been working with Rep. Gonzalez's staff and expect to have the legislative language finalized by Friday, October 8th. This legislation will introduced during the "Lame Duck" session of Congress, which will begin after the November 2nd elections. Our hope is to have this legislation rolled into the SGR vehicle that must pass before the SGR cuts go into effect on December 1st.
 
Congress adjourned on October 1st in order to campaign in their districts for the November elections. Since Congress will be back home, the ACC advocacy staff will be arranging meetings during the last two weeks of October with members of Congress who have signed on to HR 4371-the previous Gonzalez bill-as well as Senators who have expressed an interest in the legislation. They may be calling upon you to attend these very important meetings with hopes of securing as many original cosponsors as possible. In addition, there will be email alerts and other calls-to-action for all ACC members. Stay tuned.