| AAOS Issues Position Statement on Access to Care During COVID-19
The AAOS recently released a new position statement on preserving access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. It notes that as the pandemic moves from a short-term crisis to extending for a longer-term horizon, medically indicated care once deemed elective becomes more urgent. These unprecedented circumstances should not impede access to health care coverage—including specialty care—for the many patients requiring treatment and management of their health conditions, diseases and illnesses. Therefore addressing these needs becomes even more important, and the AAOS believes that the responsibility of financing appropriate services must be a shared public-private cooperative effort that advances a patient-centered model for choosing affordable health care options. It also urges the Administration and respective federal, state, and local health care programs to take action to protect access to care for all Americans, particularly at-risk individuals. Read the full position statement…
Prior Authorization Reform Bill Gains 220 Cosponsors in the House
This week, the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2019 (H.R. 3107) reached a significant milestone having gained 220 cosponsors, now the majority of House members’ support. The AAOS has long advocated for the legislation as part of the Regulatory Relief Coalition which would improve payor transparency, streamline the prior authorization submission processes, and create flexibilities for surgeons. More than 400 national and state patient, physician, health care professional, and other healthcare stakeholder organizations have also endorsed this bipartisan bill introduced by Reps. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Roger Marshall, MD, (R-Kan.) and Ami Bera, MD, (D-Calif.). Individuals can show their support for these common-sense reforms by reaching out to their legislators through the AAOS Advocacy Action Center. Voice your support today…
New Distribution of Relief Funds for Safety Net Hospitals, Medicaid and CHIP Providers
On June 9, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a $15 billion targeted distribution from the Provider Relief Fund to Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) providers. The funds, appropriated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, will be distributed to each provider in an amount equal to at least two percent of their reported gross revenues from patient care. In addition, HHS announced a $10 billion targeted distribution to safety net acute care hospitals. Only those providers and organizations that have not already received a payment from the General Distribution funding or the disbursement to safety net hospitals will be eligible to apply for the targeted distribution. Physicians and organizations can apply for the funds on the newly enhanced provider relief portal. Read the CMS press release…
AAOS Delegation Participates in AMA Special Meeting
On June 7, the AAOS delegation to the American Medical Association (AMA) participated in a limited virtual meeting which replaced the in-person Annual Meeting previously scheduled for Chicago, Illinois. Leading up to the event, the Mobility Caucus, chaired by Peter Amadio, MD, FAAOS, held virtual interviews for all of the candidates in contested elections.The Orthopaedic Section Council, chaired by Bill Martin, MD, FAAOS, discussed the AMA’s COVID-19 pandemic response with AMA Chief Executive Officer & Executive Vice President James Madara, MD, at their virtual section meeting. During the Special Meeting, delegates carried out the essential business which included electing a new Board of Trustees and Council on Medical Service members. The presidency of the AMA also transitioned from Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA, to Susan R. Bailey, MD, an allergist and immunologist from Fort Worth, Texas Dr. Bailey’s inauguration marks the first time that three women have held the office of AMA president consecutively. View action taken at the Special Meeting…
Webinar: Updates from the Hill with Rep. Larry Bucshon, MD (IN-8)
Tomorrow, June 17, the AAOS is hosting the first in a series of three collaborative webinars presented in partnership with the American Association of Neurological Sciences, Congress of Neurological Surgeons and the North American Spine Society. This first webinar will feature U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon, MD (IN-8), with the conversation moderated by AAOS President Joseph A. Bosco, MD, FAAOS, and AAOS 2021 Distinguished Congressional Ambassador Robert Hagen, MD, FAAOS. The group will cover topics including the congressional response to COVID-19, recent initiatives to reform prior authorization processes, as well as ongoing efforts to preserve the payment values for surgical services delivered to Medicare patients. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions in advance via dc@aaos.org. Register for the webinar…
Robert Hagen Named 2021 Distinguished Congressional Ambassador
The Advocacy Resources Committee, which oversees AAOS’ congressional ambassador program, recently named Robert Hagen, MD, FAAOS, the 2021 Distinguished Congressional Ambassador. Dr. Hagen has been a tireless advocate for orthopaedics at both the state and federal levels, and is an exemplary ambassador to three Indiana U.S. Representatives and both U.S. Senators. He has built close relationships with all of his representatives and has advocated on surprise billing, liability reform, electronic health record interconnectivity, physician-owned hospitals, sports medicine licensure and site-neutral payments, among other issues. The recognition is given to an AAOS member who has demonstrated excellence in advocacy on behalf of orthopaedic priorities and is a participant in the program which enlists volunteers who either have a relationship with a member of Congress or are willing to develop one and reach out on priority issues. Learn more about the congressional ambassador program… |
