AAOS Advocacy in Action

Continuing to closely monitor ongoing litigation related to the No Surprises Act, like the latest Texas ruling, and advocate for the federal government to modify the regulatory framework to be more consistent with legislative intent.
 
 
 
The Bone Beat New Episode
Conversations on health policy issues affecting musculoskeletal care…

Physicians in Congress on the Future of Healthcare

 

This episode features a conversation with two physician members of Congress: U.S. Representatives Larry Bucshon, MD (IN-08), who spent 15 years in the private sector as a cardiothoracic surgeon, and Greg Murphy, MD (NC-03) who is a practicing urologist. They discuss how the Healthy Future Task Force is tackling policy problems in the 118th Congress and what’s on the agenda for the Doctor/Patient Relationship Subcommittee, designed to empower Americans to have a personalized health care plan.

Listen Now
 
 
 
 
 

AAOS News

Feb. 15 Webinar to Address Preprocedural Optimization Services
In 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reduced the relative value units for total knee arthroscopy and total hip arthroscopy. The reduced reimbursement for these procedures did not account  for the pre-service physician work involved, which both the American Medical Association and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recognized occurs with both procedures. In this webinar on February 15 from 7:15-8:15 p.m. CT,  Drs. Stephen Engstrom, John Heiner and Frank Voss will discuss the appropriate way to report preprocedural optimization services. Attendees will learn how to assess the timeframe reportable and better understand CMS’ Global Surgical Package and how it affects reporting.   Register for the webinar…

New Prior Authorization Resources Help Surgeons Navigate the Process
Increasingly, insurers are requiring prior authorization before procedural services creating administrative burden for surgeons and a barrier to patient care. Using several new resources created by AAOS to help members, you can more easily navigate the often lengthy and burdensome process. The Tip Sheet includes advice for seeking approval, next steps if you’ve been denied, and guidance for peer-to-peer review. Another new resource created is a template letter to fight an appeal. In addition, members can watch a detailed webinar on strategies to work through hurdles and participate in grassroots advocacy for federal policy reform. Check out the new resources…

 
 
 

Healthcare Policy News

COVID-19 Emergency Declarations to End on May 11
The Biden Administration recently announced its plan to end the COVID-19 emergency declarations on May 11, 2023. The COVID-19 national emergency and public health emergency (PHE) were put in place in 2020 by then-President Donald Trump and repeatedly extended by the Biden Administration. They gave the federal government flexibility to waive or modify certain requirements in a range of areas, including in the Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP programs, and in private health insurance, as well as to allow for the authorization of medical countermeasures and to provide liability immunity for healthcare professionals who administer services. Congress also enacted numerous legislative packages that either extended or provided additional flexibilities, some that are tied to the public health emergency. Meanwhile AAOS is working to make certain changes including telehealth flexibilities permanent. Read more about the announcement…

 
 
 

State News

Grant Applications Open for State Orthopaedic Society Health Policy Action Fund
The AAOS Board of Councilors Committee on State Legislative & Regulatory Issues is now accepting applications for grants to assist state orthopaedic societies in responding to state-level legislative, regulatory and legal issues impacting the practice of orthopaedics and patient care. The State Orthopaedic Society Health Policy Action Fund was established by the AAOS to advance strategic state advocacy priorities. Recent grants have supported efforts to advance prior authorization reform, preserve medical liability protections, and advocate for physician-led, team-based care. The submission deadline for this consideration cycle is March 3. Contact your state society for more info…

 
 
OrthoPAC Corner

Members Invited to Events and Opportunities at the Annual Meeting

The AAOS Advocacy Team and Orthopaedic Political Action Committee (OrthoPAC) look forward to engaging members at the AAOS 2023 Annual Meeting and sharing more on advocacy efforts to shape the future of musculoskeletal care. In addition to meeting with advocacy leaders and relaxing in the exclusive PAC Donor Lounge at booth #5638 in Exhibit Hall, we hope that members will attend one or both of the planned events. On March 8 from 11:30am – 1:00pm PT, 2022 and 2023 OrthoPAC donors are invited to the annual luncheon in Palazzo Ballroom O (RSVP here or text “PACLunch” to 41444). Then on March 9, AAOS members are encouraged to support residents and network with influential advocacy leaders at the 7th Annual Resident & Leadership Reception. The nighttime event is free for residents and will take place 7:00-9:00pm PT at Commonwealth bar (RSVP here or text “RES” to 41444).  Learn more…

 
 
 
What We’re Reading

 
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For questions or concerns on these or other advocacy issues, contact us at dc@aaos.org.

 
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Did you know? Supporting our Orthopaedic PAC by phone is easy: simply text AAOS to the number 41444. Learn more about OrthoPAC.


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