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- Dr. Zhai: Advocacy that delivers results for pathology and laboratories
By Qihui “Jim” Zhai, MD, FCAP, CAP President
We reached a significant milestone last week when federal lawmakers enacted legislation to keep the government open through September. Tucked inside the bill was a provision supported by the CAP that stops Medicare cuts to clinical laboratory tests in 2026.
That’s right. No cuts in 2026.
For the CAP, preventing payment cuts is always a top priority. We do everything we can to protect the value of pathology and laboratory medicine services.
We don’t do this work alone. It takes close coordination with our colleagues across organized medicine. Just as important, pathologists play an integral role in explaining to federal officials the value of the work we do for patients. These discussions shape health care policy for years to come.
That advocacy makes a difference. Almost a year ago, about 140 pathologists and I went to Capitol Hill to ask representatives and senators for relief from Medicare cuts. We shared our stories about how future cuts would affect patient care and what Congress could do to help.
Congress listened.
Now, we must keep showing up. After stopping these lab cuts last week, we are redoubling our efforts to address cuts to Medicare physician reimbursement. We need your voice and your presence to help drive change in Washington once again.
This April, we will return for the House of Delegates & Pathologists Leadership Summit 2026 and the CAP Hill Day. Once again, we’ll talk to Congress about the work we do and the patients we care for.
I hope you'll be there with me.