Advocacy in Action

AAOS News

New Chairs Appointed to Advocacy Council and PAC Executive Committee
Adam J. Bruggeman, MD, FAAOS, FAOA, was named chair of the AAOS Advocacy Council and Wayne A. Johnson, MD, FAAOS, FAC, was named chair of the Political Action Committee of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or “The Orthopaedic PAC.” Both chairs assumed the role following the AAOS 2023 Annual Meeting and are responsible for leading the association’s advocacy and political efforts, respectively. Dr. Bruggeman is an orthopaedic spine surgeon at the Texas Spine Center in San Antonio and adjunct faculty at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center. Dr. Johnson specializes in general orthopaedic surgery with a subspecialty interest in sports medicine & arthroscopy and is an assistant clinical professor at the University of Oklahoma Family Medicine Residency Program and the Oklahoma State Family Medicine Residency.  Learn more about the Advocacy Council…

Reports Highlight 2022 Advocacy and Political Wins
Each year, the AAOS Office of Government Relations works to ensure that physician priorities–including prior authorization reform, payment policy issues, and physician burden relief–are heard by policymakers and advanced at both the federal and state level. Similarly, the AAOS Orthopaedic PAC opens doors and offers members and staff unprecedented access to lawmakers both in D.C. and in the district. Together they accomplished many wins for advancing musculoskeletal care in 2022, which are outlined in a newly released report. Key accomplishments include mitigating 2022 Medicare pay cuts to specialty care, getting prior authorization reform legislation closer to passage, and passing a law to protect physicians and expand mental health support. OrthoPAC expanded upon these wins in its own 2022 annual report that highlights the $3.3M raised and impressive win rates for PAC-supported candidates in the 2022 election cycle. View the 2022 wins document…

Comments Submitted to Congress on PAHPA Reauthorization
On March 13, the AAOS submitted comments to House Energy and Commerce members Representatives Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) in response to their request for information regarding the upcoming Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) reauthorization. PAHPA aims “to improve the Nation’s public health and medical preparedness and response capabilities for emergencies, whether deliberate, accidental, or natural” and is up for reauthorization later this year. When considering PAHPA reauthorization, AAOS urges Congress to consider the guidelines necessary for slowing or temporarily suspending pre-planned surgeries and making telehealth flexibilities permanent. These include considerations for hospital preparedness and enhancing situational awareness for any future health emergencies. Read the full letter…

Healthcare Policy News

Processing Resumes for Some Surprise Billing Payment Determinations
Certified independent dispute resolution (IDR) entities were recently instructed to resume processing payment determinations beginning February 27, 2023, for disputes involving items or services furnished before October 25, 2022. Earlier in the year, determinations were suspended in response to a federal trial court decision vacating a portion of the final IDR regulations. In addition, any payment determinations issued after February 6, 2023 (the date of the court order), were to be recalled. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services explained that the agencies were in the process of evaluating and updating the federal IDR process guidance, systems, and related documents to make them consistent with the court order. Read the CMS announcement…

Bill Reintroduced to Allow Non-Physicians in Federal Workers’ Compensation Claims
Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Representative Tim Walberg (R-MI), and colleagues recently reintroduced the Improving Access to Workers’ Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act. The bill inappropriately permits nurse practitioners and physician assistants to diagnose, prescribe, treat, and certify an injury and extent of disability for purposes of compensating federal workers under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act. The AAOS strongly supports physician-led, team-based care and opposed the legislation in the 117th Congress. See AAOS’ previous letter of opposition…

Provider Relief Fund Reporting Period 4 to Close March 31
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced that the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Reporting Period 4 will close on March 31. This applies to payments received from July 1-December 31, 2021. If funds were received during this time period, the recipients must be in compliance with the reporting requirements of the funds—such as submitting reports on the use of funds—otherwise HRSA may begin the process of debt collection. Specifically, if you or your practice have received a Final Repayment Notice it is essential to respond with the requested information by the stated deadline. HRSA has also created a Decision Review Provider Support Line available to address questions related to individual circumstances. Learn more about repayment and debt collection…

Recap of Annual Meeting Events and Fundraising

The Orthopaedic Political Action Committee engaged with many members at both the booth and events during the AAOS 2023 Annual Meeting. Thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of donors, it surpassed its ambitious goal of raising $125K to fund political events and help build crucial relationships with the 118th Congress. It also hosted a fun reception where residents and AAOS leaders came together to discuss the future of musculoskeletal care. During the Donor Appreciation Luncheon, attendees received a recap of the 2022 election cycle as well as a political forecast from David Wasserman from the nonpartisan Cook Political Report. Outgoing PAC Executive Committee Chair John T. Gill, MD, FAAOS was also recognized during the luncheon for the many accomplishments during his eight years of service, including raising over $15 million from more than 10,050 donors and engaging with more than 530 sitting members of Congress.  Read more about the luncheon…

• Insurance requirements for prior authorization may prompt ‘devastating’ delays (CNN, 3/10)
• Fight Over How to Settle Surprise Medical Bills Leaves Cases in Limbo (Wall Street Journal, 3/8)
• DEA’s proposed remote prescribing rule draws criticism (Modern Healthcare, 2/27)