If it’s the middle of August, that means federal lawmakers are on recess, touring their home districts. It also means providers are pursuing facility tours and other kinds of direct contact with the lawmakers. There is little chance members of Congress won’t hear providers’ concerns before heading back to Washington. Operators are rallying against an 11.1% average Medicare funding cut set to go into effect Oct. 1. They’re also trying to sway opinion with members of the newly appointed “super panel” that will make deficit reduction recommendations by Thanksgiving.