Advocacy in Action

One Day Left of Orthopaedic Advocacy Week

There is just one day left of AAOS’ first-ever Orthopaedic Advocacy Week! Each day since the event kicked off on May 24 has been dedicated to utilizing tactics in AAOS’ advocacy strategy toolbox, offering members quick and simple ways to advocate on behalf of the musculoskeletal community.

• Monday, May 24: Growing Support with Grassroots
• Tuesday, May 25: Amplify with Social Media
• Wednesday, May 26: Shaping Policy through Rulemaking
• Thursday, May 27: Virtual Capitol Hill Day with Lawmakers
• Friday, May 28: Get Invested with Orthopaedic PAC

The AAOS recently joined with members of the Health Coalition on Liability and Access in expressing support for the “Coronavirus Provider Protection Act (H.R. 3021).” The bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps Lou Correa (D-Calif.) and Michael Burgess, MD (R-Texas). It attempts to address the liability challenges healthcare professionals have faced from the spread of COVID-19 including workforce shortages, inadequate safety supplies, and changing guidance from federal, state, and local government officials. AAOS supported this legislation in the 116th Congress and has endorsed the policy again upon this most recent introduction in the 117th. Read the letter of support…

Healthcare Policy News

Senate Confirms Brooks-LaSure as Next CMS Administrator

This week, the Senate confirmed Chiquita Brooks-LaSure as the next administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Although she initially received bipartisan support, her confirmation vote was delayed by Republicans following the Department of Health and Human Services’ suspension of Texas’ Medicaid waiver, which had earlier been approved by the Trump Administration. Despite the outstanding disagreement, the Senate majority confirmed Ms. Brooks-LaSure with a 55-44 vote. As leader of CMS, she will be responsible for overseeing policies related to Medicare & Medicaid programs, including the annual payment rules which impact the practice of orthopaedic surgery and implementing regulations for surprise billing. In her confirmation hearing testimony, Ms. Brooks-LaSure highlighted the importance of mitigating health disparities in the wake of the pandemic and continuing to work toward innovation in the healthcare system. Read more about Brooks-LaSure…

House Judiciary Committee Holds Hearing on Hospital Consolidation

Last month, the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing titled “Treating the Problem: Addressing Anticompetitive Conduct and Consolidation in Health Care Markets” which focused on the impact that consolidation has had on patient access to vital healthcare services. Discussions turned to the economic impact of both vertical and horizontal consolidation and the threat that these growing trends create for the stability of the healthcare market and patient access to care. Watch the hearing…

CMS Further Delays Changes for Breakthrough Medical Technologies

In response to stakeholder feedback, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will further delay implementation of the Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology (MCIT) pathway until December 15. If implemented in its current form, the MCIT pathway would provide immediate Medicare coverage of newly FDA market authorized breakthrough devices for up to four years. CMS cited concern for ensuring Medicare beneficiary safety, lack of appropriate billing codes, and uncertainty surrounding how it and Medicare Advantage Plans would pay for the devices (and related services) as the primary rationale for delay. The agency is also considering breaking the “reasonable and necessary” definition policies into a separate rule per stakeholder feedback. Though the AAOS does not plan to respond to the delay, we anticipate further rulemaking and opportunity for public comment later in the year. Learn more about the delayed rule… 

Tenn. Passes Law to Revise Certificate-of-Need as Other States Consider Repeal

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed legislation this week to revise the state’s certificate-of-need (CON) program. HB 0948 reduces the length of time applications take to process and permits existing hospitals to increase bed count at main facilities without approval. While also increasing fees on hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers, the bill exempts mental health hospitals and hospital-based outpatient treatment centers for opioid addiction from CON requirements. AAOS supports the elimination of CON laws that create archaic barriers to competition and limit patient choice. In addition to advocating for a repeal of the ban on physician-owned hospitals, reigning in CON programs can help physicians and patients already navigating the impact of hospital consolidation across the county. Legislation aimed at repealing all or portions of state CON programs was introduced in at least eight states this year. Read more about efforts in South Carolina… 

PAC Chair Issues Video Message Ahead of ‘Day of Giving’ on May 28

In a new video message, AAOS Orthopaedic PAC Chair John T. Gill explains how traditional advocacy tactics have changed as a result of COVID-19 and why joining the PAC is critical to continuing strong representation of orthopaedic surgeons in Washington, D.C. “It is the sole job of our AAOS advocacy arm to educate and protect our profession and patients’ interests in our nation’s capital,” he continued, “It is the strength of our PAC that opens doors, allows access and our views to be heard.” Dr. Gill also discusses AAOS’ first ever ‘Day of Giving’ as part of Orthopaedic Advocacy Week on May 28, which is designed to thank strong supporters and offer them a chance to win a special trip after a challenging year. All  2021 contributors from January 1 through May 31 will be automatically entered into the sweepstakes and will have until 2023 to redeem their vacation.  Watch the video (requires AAOS login)…

·        CMS Revisits the Quality Payment Program (AAOS Now, May)

·        Do Not Attend a Political Fundraiser Without a Plan (AAOS Now, May)

·        Health professionals say prior authorization can waste valuable time (ABC27, 5/25)

·        House Bill Seeks to Cut Red Tape on Prior Authorizations in Medicare (MedPage Today, 5/21)