Advocacy News

• Pathologists press for Medicare coverage reforms
• New bill would stop Medicare cuts to physician pay
• CAP is ready to help pathologists meet challenges
• HOD/PLS26: Where pathology meets policy
• Fundraising event backs advocacy on lab and public health priorities
• Strengthen your advocacy with media training

CAP leaders met with staff from Rep. Nanette Barragán’s (D-CA) office to show how current Medicare coverage policies affect patient care.

What we're saying: The conversation focused on building support for legislation that would require increased transparency for and timely review of of local coverage determination (LCD) requests in Medicare.

• Mary D. Le, MD, FCAP, described a current LCD that limits the ordering of certain molecular tests to dermatopathologists, and how this can delay or block needed care.
• Eric F. Glassy, MD, FCAP, highlighted the central role pathologists play in diagnosis and why clear, consistent LCDs are essential for patients.
• He pointed to Ki-67, a commonly used and relatively low-cost test for breast cancer, noting that some LCDs prohibit ordering it even though it’s critical for assessing how quickly a tumor is growing.

The impact: Delayed or restrictive LCD decisions can prevent patients from receiving appropriate molecular and biomarker testing, undermining accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

What’s next: The CAP will keep pushing for Medicare coverage reforms and will share future opportunities for members to add their voices and support advocacy efforts.

A new bill in Congress would pause Medicare payment cuts and help ensure fair, stable compensation for physicians.

The CAP is urging lawmakers to pass the Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act (HR 7520). The bill would stop the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) efficiency adjustment policy until 2030.

The impact: The bill would protect physicians from payment cuts tied to an untested efficiency policy and help preserve patient access to care.

• It would give CMS and Congress time to reassess the data behind the efficiency adjustment.
• It would help stabilize practice finances during ongoing workforce and inflation pressures.

The big picture: CMS based its efficiency policy on studies that examined only a narrow slice of physician services and left out pathology-specific data.

• There is no evidence from these analyses to justify lowering payment for pathology or any other physician services.

Key provisions: The bipartisan bill, introduced by Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS) and Thomas Souzzi (D-NY), would:

• Set a pause to reevaluate the assumptions behind CMS’s efficiency adjustment.
• Direct development of a more evidence-based approach that protects patient access.
• Include safeguards intended to hold primary care harmless from the positive payment adjustment triggered by budget neutrality.

Go deeper: The CAP joined more than 20 medical organizations in signing a letter backing the bill.

While speaking at the University of Nebraska Medical Center Durham Research Center, CAP President Qihui "Jim" Zhai, MD, FCAP, highlighted our role in supporting pathologists as they meet challenges.

Dr. Zhai was the keynote speaker at an event hosted by UNMC’s Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology.

"As pathologists, we have an interest, we have a stake, we have a shared vision," he said. "The stakes have never been higher—challenges facing pathologists include a severe shortage of lab staff, tougher regulations for labs and pathologists, and difficulties in applying new technologies."

Dr. Zhai also highlighted the CAP’s advocacy work and public outreach programs, including "See, Test & Treat®". 

Go deeper: Read the full article.

Join pathologists from across the country in Washington, DC, to speak up on the policy issues shaping our specialty and our patients’ care at the House of Delegates & Pathologists Leadership Summit 2026, April 25–28. 

This signature event gives you direct access to CAP leaders, meaningful connections and networking with colleagues, and the opportunity to advocate for pathology on Capitol Hill. 

Will you be there? Register today—and share your plans on social media using #HODPLS26 to spread the word.

I’m Attending HOD/PLS

The CAP’s PathPAC hosted an event with other physician organizations to address several health care issues—from protecting research funding to strengthening the physician workforce.

The impact: The event, led by PathPAC, raised more than $36,000 to support ongoing advocacy efforts and fostered candid conversations and collaboration across the physician community.

The fundraiser supported Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), who attendees thanked for her continued leadership on key laboratory and public health issues.

• Sen. Murray has opposed cuts of up to 40% to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• Attendees expressed appreciation for Sen. Murray’s efforts in preventing further Medicare cuts to clinical lab tests, protecting CDC Cancer Registry funding, and including language in legislation to safeguard NIH and CDC resources.

Other priorities discussed included funding for the physician workforce extensions and graduate medical education programs.

Go deeper: Learn more about PathPAC.

If you speak with reporters about legislation, regulatory issues, or other issues affecting pathologists and laboratories, the CAP’s virtual media training sessions can help you sharpen your skills.

This session covers core media fundamentals and is designed for any pathologist who may interact with reporters, regardless of topic.

You'll learn how to:

• Craft clear, concise key messages
• Explain complex topics in a way that resonates with a general audience
• Stay focused and confident during interviews
• Understand how reporters work and what they look for

Choose the session that fits your schedule (identical content):

• Wednesday, March 18: 2:00–3:15 PM CT
• Friday, August 21: 9:00–10:15 AM CT 

Bottom line: Whether you’re discussing patient care, laboratory quality, or health policy, this training will help you communicate with clarity and confidence.

Register Today