The unprecedented payment cuts that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) proposed over the summer were finalized on October 31. The disastrous impact on cataract surgery reimbursements alone will amount to an 11% reduction in payment.

In today's emergency episode, host Dr. Andrew Pouw welcomes back three guests to rally ophthalmologists to take action: Dr. John McAllister, the Academy's Secretary for Federal Affairs; Brandy Keys, the Academy's Director of Health Policy; and Rebecca Hyder, the Academy's Vice President of Government Affairs.

Physicians shouldn't have to choose between staying open and serving their Medicare patients. Congress needs to hear directly from ophthalmologists like you before these cuts are enacted.

Please, make your voice heard. Use this easy form to reach Congress.

Essential Academy Resources:

• Contact Congress Now: www.aao.org/act-now
• Summary of CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
• Past podcast episode: CMS Cuts Rock Ophthalmology

For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.