AAOS Advocacy in Action

AAOS staff recently attended a presentation on the liability implications of artificial intelligence in healthcare settings.
The AAOS Orthopaedic PAC hosted a fundraiser for Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), who is a candidate for the Senate.
AAOS is closely monitoring the federal government shutdown as it heads into week two.

AAOS News

AAOS continues to monitor government shutdown

The federal government remains shut down as the Senate continues to reject funding bills, including multiple votes on a “clean” continuing resolution passed by the House that would temporarily reopen the government without policy conditions. Senate Democrats have blocked the measure, insisting on the inclusion of key health insurance subsidy extensions. With both parties holding firm and essential services already strained, the standoff has entered its second week with no clear resolution in sight. AAOS is closely monitoring developments and will keep members updated on any significant movement. AAOS members can learn more about the impacts of the shutdown below.

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AAOS encourages members to stand up for prior authorization reform

Even with the government shutdown, Congress continues to work on key bills, including the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514). This legislation is just shy of a House majority, and AAOS members’ voices can help tip the scales. Members can send a letter to Representatives who have not yet co-sponsored the legislation asking for their support in reducing delays and administrative burden for patients and surgeons.

Take action …

State News

Downcoding and payment reform efforts
States attempting to tackle downcoding have sought out different avenues for the process. New York Senate Bill S4833 introduced legislation categorizing downcoding as an adverse decision — enabling policy prescriptions for adverse decisions, such as in prior authorization, to be applicable for downcoding. New York Senate Bill S4833 remains active though the state ended their legislative session earlier this year. This bill is currently in the Senate insurance committee. In California, Cigna has agreed to temporarily pause a novel and controversial downcoding policy that would have automatically downcoded any higher-level evaluation and management services.

Healthcare Policy News

AI in the healthcare setting
AAOS staff recently attended a presentation on the liability implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare settings by Perry Nielsen Jr., a Stanford biodesign policy fellow. His talk addressed technical challenges of using generative AI and the risk of incorrect or misleading AI-generated outputs. Nielsen emphasized that physician liability can be mitigated by ensuring proper use of AI, applying clinical judgment, and appropriately documenting it. From a legislative perspective, he shared that Congress is eager to regulate the use of AI, though he acknowledged that stakeholders are cautious of both over- and under-regulation. Nielsen anticipates that government agencies will continue to focus on early-stage pilot programs using AI, such as the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) model from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Political News

AAOS hosts fundraiser for Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi

On Sept. 27, AAOS CEO Thomas E. Arend Jr., JD, hosted a fundraiser for Illinois Senate candidate, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL). The fundraiser, planned in coordination with the AAOS Orthopaedic PAC, was a success. Dozens of physicians, leaders, and advocates enjoyed an evening of healthcare discussions with the congressman and their colleagues. Guests were welcome to speak with Krishnamoorthi, ask critical questions related to healthcare advocacy, and grab a few selfies to celebrate the evening. Krishnamoorthi reported having a great time at the event, going so far as to say that he was “with his people.”