Advocacy in Action

AAOS Advocacy in Action

	Joined in requesting that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services extend the field testing timeline for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System cost measures to account for disruptions caused by the pandemic.
	Urged congressional committees, in partnership with organizations representing surgeons and anesthesiologists, to hold hearings on the future of Medicare’s physician fee schedule and quality programs given that the cost of implementing a sustainable physician payment system continues to increase over time.

The Bone Beat New Episode
Conversations on health policy issues affecting musculoskeletal care…

Consolidation in Healthcare: Trends, Impact & Outlook

The consolidation of hospitals, practices, and the healthcare market in general is a hot button issue which remains ever-present for orthopaedic surgeons. AAOS Advocacy Council Chair and podcast host Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS explores the trend and its impact on musculoskeletal care from various angles in this three-part series. In Part 1 with health policy analyst Brian Miller, MD, MBA, MPH, they identify the pros and cons of consolidation and how the federal government is handling potential downsides.

Featuring: Brian Miller, MD, MBA, MPH, Hospitalist and Assistant Professor, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Douglas Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS

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AAOS News

Advocacy Events and Opportunities at the Annual Meeting

The AAOS Advocacy Team and Orthopaedic PAC (OrthoPAC) are gearing up for the AAOS 2022 Annual Meeting. Per usual, the primary way that members can engage with staff and surgeon advocacy leaders is by visiting booth #1226 located in Exhibit Hall. They can learn more about what the Office of Government Relations is doing to advance musculoskeletal care as well as meet with colleagues who are passionate about healthcare policy, including representatives from the Board of Councilors. Whether visitors are coming to pick up their OrthoPAC membership lapel pin and ribbon or to discuss healthcare issues confronting the orthopaedic community, the Office of Government Relations hopes that members will stop by its booth or attend one of its events (see more details in OrthoPAC Corner) to explore ongoing Advocacy initiatives. Learn more about the events…

Comments Submitted to Healthy Future Task Force Subcommittee on Affordability

The AAOS Office of Government Relations (OGR) recently responded to a Request for Information (RFI) from the Republican Healthy Future Task Force, which is a group formed by House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy to develop the Republican Party’s health policy agenda for the next Congress. The Task Force’s efforts may serve as the basis for important legislative proposals if Republicans are able to secure majority status in the House in 2023. The group issued the RFI to health care stakeholders on legislation that could increase hospital price transparency, lower barriers to competition, and empower consumers to have more choice in their health care providers. The AAOS provided detailed answers and highlighted its support for clinical data registries, legislation that would remove the ban on physician-owned hospital expansion, and for the Federal Trade Commission to use its authority to prevent hospital consolidation, and much more. Read the full letter…

Healthcare Policy News

CDC Proposes New Guidelines Regarding Pain Treatment, Opioid Use

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control has released a draft update to the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, which was issued in 2016. The proposed changes, contained in a 229-page draft update in the Federal Register, would roll back some limits on opioid prescription dosage and duration. According to the CDC, the updates are intended to give physicians more flexibility in treating patients based on their individual needs. The guidelines will be reviewed by the AAOS Patient Safety Committee and are available for public comment in the Federal Register through April 11. See guidelines in the Federal Register…

Robert Califf, MD, Confirmed by Senate as FDA Commissioner

On February 15, the U.S. Senate confirmed Robert Califf, MD, as the new commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a 50-46 vote. Dr. Califf previously served as FDA commissioner under President Barack Obama from February 2016 to January 2017 and is expected to play a critical role as a liaison with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. He is also expected to address issues such as the authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine, opioid approvals and labels, and oversee negotiations on the Medical Device User Fee Amendments (MDUFA) reauthorization. With a permanent political leader in place after a 13-month holding pattern, the agency will be more empowered to move forward with sensitive policies and accelerate its regulatory agenda. Read more about the issues Califf is set to face…

OrthoPAC Corner

Resident Event with Rep. Ami Bera and Events at the 2022 Annual Meeting

On Feb. 16, the OrthoPAC hosted a resident-only Zoom event featuring U.S. Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA). Participants had the unique opportunity to learn more about policy issues affecting healthcare and why advocacy matters. Be on the lookout for a similar event later this year! In turning to the AAOS 2022 Annual Meeting, OrthoPAC is hosting two events in addition to having a booth in the Exhibit Hall where 2021 and 2022 PAC donors can grab a snack, beverage, or relax and recharge. The Donor Appreciation Luncheon will take place Wednesday, March 23 at 11:30am and feature guest speaker Charlie Cook. All 2021 and 2022 PAC donors are welcome to attend and can RSVP here or by texting “PACLunch” to 41444. The 6th Annual Resident & Leadership Reception is Thursday, March 24 from 8-11pm at the Hubbard Inn. RSVP here for this nighttime event or by texting text “Res” to 41444. Learn more about the events at Annual Meeting…