WASHINGTON, DC — The Dialysis Vascular Coalition (DVAC) is deeply concerned and disappointed that yesterday’s $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill failed to address the clinical labor cuts that will undoubtedly force many local providers to close their doors. 

More specifically, the new Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), set to take effect on January 1, will levy steep cuts to vascular access services, causing many vascular access centers (VACs) to close or reduce their services due to insufficient reimbursement levels. 

Dr. Dean Preddie, DVAC’s policy chair, said, “Reviewing yesterday’s omnibus was disappointing for us here at DVAC because of the pain it will cause patients. Congress had the opportunity to protect vascular access services and the dialysis patients who depend on them but, unfortunately, made the decision to force another round of cuts onto providers. The finalized rule will reduce patient options for life-saving care because vascular access centers will be forced to close due to insufficient reimbursement levels.”