More cardiologists in his region are joining hospitals to cope, he said.
“In some ways we're victims of our own success,” Dr. Hill said, noting that cardiologists have made strides in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. And yet, they are being repaid with lower fees, he said.
Across-the-board reductions don't take appropriateness or quality into account, Dr. Hill said. That does not change the incentives. “People already ordering tests inappropriately will just order more,” he said.