Robert P. DeCresce, MD, MBA, MPH, FCAP
Dr. DeCresce is nominated for his sustained leadership and dedicated service on behalf of pathologists in Illinois and beyond. He has served as a strong and effective advocate, advancing pathology’s interests through participation in the CAP’s state-level policy efforts and supporting past federal advocacy as well.
He has served as president of the Illinois Society of Pathologists (ISP) and as the Illinois State Issue Adviser (SIA). While serving on the CAP Federal and State Affairs Committee (FSAC), he also chaired the State Affairs Subcommittee, working consistently to protect and promote the interests of both pathologists and patients.
His advocacy includes successfully testifying—twice—in support of network adequacy protections, which help ensure patient access to qualified pathologists under a state law that went into effect January 1, 2026. He also played a key role in advancing professional component billing for clinical pathology and supporting direct billing and anti-markup rules for anatomic pathology. These efforts helped maintain fair reimbursement and transparency in pathology services.
Dr. DeCresce led Illinois’s litigation efforts on PC-CP reimbursement issues and worked closely with the CAP on negotiating a Medicaid payment deal for PC-CP. These complex initiatives required legal and policy expertise, as well as strong collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
Dr. DeCresce’s career demonstrates effective leadership, persistence, and a deep commitment to the pathology community. His efforts have strengthened the profession’s position in Illinois and contributed to improvements that benefit patients and pathologists alike
Dr. DeCresce is the Harriet Blair Borland professor of pathology emeritus at Rush Medical College, chairperson emeritus of the Department of Pathology, director of Rush Medical Laboratories, and acting director of the Rush University Cancer Center in Chicago, Illinois.