HNF joined a coalition of 98 other organizations to urge reconsideration of proposed cuts to Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement for electrodiagnostic (EDX) procedures. These tests, which include electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS), are critical tools for the early diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and other neuromuscular conditions.

Background

On November 1, 2012, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in the 2013 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule that it would significantly reduce payments for EMG and NCS by more than 50 percent, effective January 1, 2013. Affected physicians were given only 60 days to prepare and had no opportunity to provide official comment before the final rule was issued.

The coalition letter, coordinated in part through the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) and other partners, expressed serious concern about both the impact of the cuts and the limited notice provided to physicians.

Why This Matters for CMT Patients

Early diagnosis is essential for patients with CMT, ALS, muscular dystrophy, and other neuromuscular diseases. Drastic reductions in reimbursement for EDX studies risk limiting access to these tests, delaying diagnosis, and potentially leading to more costly and unnecessary procedures. The cuts would most severely affect the most critically ill patients and those with complex symptoms.

How to Help

The coalition asked patients and advocates to contact their members of Congress and urge them to sign the Dear Colleague letter being circulated by Representatives Peter Roskam (R-IL) and C.A. Dutch Ruppersperger (D-MD). That letter called on CMS to reevaluate its decision before the cuts took effect.

Steps to take action:

  1. Add your story to the template letter for your representative (see sample letter below).
  2. Identify contact information for your representative.
  3. Send your letter.

HNF also planned to ask supporters to write to their Senators once a Senate champion was identified. Stay tuned for updates.

Sample Letter to Your Representative

Subject: Protect the Future of Electrodiagnostic and Neuromuscular Medicine

Dear [Decision Maker],

As your constituent, I stand with dozens of medical associations, patient groups, and institutions urging you to sign a very important letter. The Dear Colleague letter being circulated by Representatives Peter Roskam (R-IL) and C.A. Dutch Ruppersperger (D-MD) asks the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reevaluate its decision to reduce reimbursement for procedures performed by electrodiagnostic (EDX) physicians beginning January 1, 2013.

These unprecedented cuts result in more than a 50 percent reduction in reimbursement for EDX procedures, which will have a severe negative impact on patients, physicians, and employees of physicians’ practices. The announcement of these cuts on November 1 leaves physicians and practices only 60 days to prepare and gave no opportunity for public comment before the final rule was announced.

The drastic cuts will limit access to care, delay diagnosis of neuromuscular disease, and may result in more costly, unnecessary procedures. They will severely impact the most critically ill patients and those who present with complex symptoms. Early diagnosis is crucial for patients with ALS, muscular dystrophy, and other neuromuscular diseases. The cuts will undermine the chance EDX studies are performed, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

[Physicians and technologists: Please add a personalized statement about how the cuts will impact your patients, your practice, and your ability to provide care.]

By signing the Dear Colleague letter being circulated by Reps. Roskam and Ruppersperger, you will encourage CMS to reevaluate its decision to implement cuts that will have such a negative impact on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with neuromuscular disorders.

Thank you for your attention and dedication to protecting the future of EDX medicine and, more importantly, the patients it serves.

Sincerely,
[Name]