Neuton S. Stern, M.D. (1890-1969) Thomas N. Stern, M.D. (1926-2006) David H. Holloway, Jr., M.D., FACC William L. Russo, M.D., FACC Frank A. McGrew III, M.D., FACC Steven S. Gubin, M.D., FACC Todd D. Edwards, M.D., FACC Eric E. Johnson, M.D., FACC David C. Wolford, M.D. FACC Larry B. Spiotta, M.D., FACC Mark A. Coppess, M.D., FACC Arie Szatkowski, M.D., FACC Jason I. Infeld, M.D., FACC Jennifer S. Morrow, M.D., FACC James E. Klemis, M.D., FACC Holger P. Salazar, M.D., FACC Daniel E. Otten, M.D. , FACC The Stern Cardiovascular Center, PA EXCELLENCE IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE, RESEARCH AND PATIENT CARE Dear Patients and Families of Stern Cardiovascular Center: We are honored that you have entrusted us with the most important of all decisions, the management of your health and the care of your illness. As you are most likely aware, a series of government bills is being vigorously debated. We would like to make you aware of our concerns, and leave it to your better judgment as to whether you believe it is necessary to act on this information and contact your Congressional Representatives to express your concerns. Aside from the current legislative debate on health care reform the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have proposed changes that will significantly reduce Medicare payments to physicians who manage the treatment of patients facing the two greatest killers of Americans today: heart disease and cancer. CMS is proposing to cut the payment levels for the services provided by cardiologists and oncologists by as much as forty percent (40%) in some cases. At the very same time hospitals and other medical specialists will receive an increase in reimbursements for the services they provide. If this proposal becomes law, access for many cardiac and oncologic services will be placed at risk. In addition you will be forced to have your cardiac and oncologic diagnostic services performed in the hospital where the costs are five (5) times as much and the quality suboptimal performed by physicians who don’t know who you are. The reasons behind these proposals are based on inaccurate and incomplete data. In spite of The American College of Cardiology, the Cardiology Advocacy Alliance and The American Cancer Society objections as well as proof that these proposals are based on flawed data CMS will not listen to reason and so we are now relying on our Congressional Representatives to become aware and intercede on your behalf. If these changes become law the results will be catastrophic leading to layoffs of our staff, reduction of services, closure of outreach facilities, limited access to care, and most importantly a reduction in our ability to care for you and your family. Over the last 10 years we have seen a dramatic reduction in deaths due to heart disease and an increase in the number of cancer survivors. People are living longer and healthier into their senior years as a result of advances in medicine and the extension of these advances in the outpatient setting. The goal is to keep you out of the hospital where problems are more likely to occur. We want to see this trend continue. However, with the CMS proposals ready for enactment on January 1, 2010 the practices 8060 Wolf River Boulevard • Germantown, Tennessee 38138 7362 Southcrest Parkway • Southaven, Mississippi 38671 901.271.1000 sterncardio.com Page 2 of oncologists and cardiologists throughout the country will change substantially and all the progress we have made will be endangered. At Stern Cardiovascular Center, we support and encourage GETTING HEALTH CARE REFORM RIGHT. This will require time, planning, and a thorough investigation of the proposed changes to our health care system. It must be fair and balanced with all the parties involved making sacrifices to ensure that the American people continue to receive the highest quality care and that the foundation on which medicine stands is preserved‐the patient‐doctor relationship. We will continue to advocate for you and we will to the best of our abilities continue to provide you with the highest quality care. If you would like information on how to contact your Congressional Representatives, please let a staff member know. Sincerely, The Physicians and Staff of Stern Cardiovascular Center