Reimbursement for cardiothoracic surgery continues to be threatened with enormous financial cuts ranging from 5% to 10% in recent years. In this policy perspective, we describe the history of reimbursement for cardiothoracic surgery, highlight areas in need of urgent reform, propose possible solutions that Congress and the Executive Branch may enact, and call cardiothoracic surgeons to action on this critical issue. Meaningful engagement of members of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons with their elected representatives is the only way to prevent these cuts.
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