January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the progress made in combating cervical cancer and recognize the work that remains. Cervical cancer, caused primarily by high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), affects nearly 14,000 women annually in the United States, leading to approximately 4,000 deaths. Despite these numbers, this disease is largely preventable and treatable when addressed early.
Last week, the 118th Congress adjourned without addressing a 2.83 percent cut to Medicare physician payment that will take effect on January 1. Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services projects the Medicare Economic Index will rise to 3.5 percent next year, further widening the gap between physician payment and the cost of delivering care to America’s seniors.
