Advanced orthopaedic priorities last week at the Annual Meeting of the American Medical Association House of Delegates (read more below under healthcare policy news).
Urged Congress to advance the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act that would allow borrowers to qualify for interest-free deferment on their student loans while serving in a medical or dental internship or residency program.
AAOS News
Comments Submitted on 2024 Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule
On June 8, AAOS submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the FY 2024 Medicare hospital inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS) proposed rule. AAOS responded to the proposal for substantive updates to the Hospital-level-Risk Standardized Complication Rate, Following Elective Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty and/or Total Knee Arthroplasty beginning with the FY 2030 program year. AAOS encouraged the inclusion of the 26 additional mechanical complications ICD-10 codes but is concerned about how this update will negatively impact orthopedic surgeons working in small community hospitals. AAOS again encouraged CMS to explore all regulatory avenues for lifting the arbitrary ban on new and expanding Physician Owned-Hospitals (POH). Further, AAOS asked that the expansion exception process for POHs be eligibility based. On the New Technology Add-on Payment proposals, AAOS recommended generation of further peer-reviewed evidence on these new devices. View AAOS’ full comments…
AAOS Joins Organizations in Voicing Concern over Rising Risk of Caring for Patient Athletes
In an open letter published earlier this week, AAOS and 27 other sports medicine organizations voiced concern over the rising complexity and risk associated with providing care to patient athletes. They pointed to their higher likelihood of injury, lower return-to-play rates, and increased likelihood of significant loss of high-earning income potential. A concerted effort is needed to preserve this special physician-patient relationship so as not to dissuade subspecialized training or threaten patients’ access to care long-term. AAOS continues to work with the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), which organized the letter, and others to monitor such issues and ensure optimal medical care. Read the AOSSM letter…
AAOS Helps Secure Overwhelming Congressional Support for Prior Authorization Reform
More than 230 U.S. representatives and 61 senators wrote to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure asking them to promptly finalize and implement changes to improve prior authorization processes. The overwhelming support comes after a strong grassroots advocacy push from AAOS members, including 100 people who sent letters to their members of Congress urging them to sign onto the congressional letter. The letter was authored by U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, who was also the lead sponsor of the AAOS-supported Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act which would allow physicians to spend more time treating patients and less time on paperwork. The congressional sign-on letter urges CMS to improve its proposed prior authorization rule by adding several provisions, including real-time prior authorization for routine matters, a 24-hour deadline for responses on urgently needed care, and more transparency metrics. View the congressional letter to CMS…
Healthcare Policy News
Orthopaedic Priorities Advance at 2023 Annual Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates
Last week, the Annual Meeting of the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates (HOD) gaveled to a close having adopted a variety of new policies aimed at advancing access to musculoskeletal care. The HOD acts as the principal policymaking body within the AMA, and AAOS is strongly represented by a diverse group of orthopaedic surgeons led by AAOS Delegation Chair Heidi M. Hullinger, MD, FAAOS (pictured left speaking on the HOD floor). They convene twice yearly with physician peers, representing all states and specialties, to set the strategic focus of the organization’s advocacy efforts. Key highlights of the HOD meeting include:
New directive for AMA to develop a comprehensive campaign to overhaul the outdated Medicare payment system
AAOS Hosts ASES Frankle Fellows in D.C. Through OrthoPAC Advisor’s Circle
On June 12 and 13, the AAOS through its OrthoPAC Advisor’s Circle hosted seven Frankle Fellows (pictured right) of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) at its Office of Government Relations in Washington, D.C. The ASES fellows are recipients of the Mark Frankle, MD, Health Care Policy Award which offers new leaders unprecedented opportunities to shape the future of musculoskeletal care. During their time with AAOS, the fellows met with more than 20 policymakers and congressional staff to advocate for critical legislative issues on behalf of the musculoskeletal community. Specifically, they focused on reforming prior authorization, Medicare payment reimbursement, and lifting the ban on physician-owned hospitals. Their visit was a great success and led to several legislators with whom they met signing onto a letter urging regulatory agencies to finalize and implement changes to the burdensome prior authorization process. Learn more about the Advisor’s Cirlce…
