Summarized newly proposed changes by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that are designed to streamline the prior authorization process for Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and CHIP plans.
The Bone BeatNew Episode Conversations on health policy issues affecting musculoskeletal care…Dr. Kay Kirkpatrick: From Orthopaedic Surgeon to State Senator
A myriad of important health policy decisions impacting orthopaedic surgery are made at the state-level, including health insurance regulation, certificate-of-need and scope of practice issues, to name only a few. In this episode, orthopaedic hand surgeon and Georgia State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, MD, FAAOS shares her perspective on state advocacy, the importance of being engaged on state issues, and the recently passed legislation to reform prior authorization.
Jan. 24 Webinar to Cover CMS & CPT 2023 Updates
Numerous changes are made each year to the current procedural terminology (CPT) code set that have a tremendous impact on both the reporting of services rendered and obtaining the appropriate reimbursement. Likewise, changes to payment policies in the annual Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) significantly affect reimbursement. On Jan. 24 from 7:15pm – 8:15pm CT, Drs. Anne Miller, MD, FAAOS and Eric Stiefel, MD, FAAOS will discuss the 2023 changes affecting CPT codes related to orthopaedics, as well as equip listeners with the knowledge needed to ensure the most up-to-date coding information and CMS payment policies. Register for the webinar…
Healthcare Policy News
Congress Partially Delays 2023 Medicare Pay Cuts via Spending Package
Just before the holiday break, Congress unveiled a $1.7 trillion year-end spending package to avert a government shutdown. Included in the package was language to prevent the 4% cut to Medicare funding from the statutory Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Act, but Congress stopped short of preventing the additional 4.5% reduction to Medicare Physician Fee Schedule payments in 2023. Instead, the package reduced cuts for 2023 to 2% and at least 3.25% in 2024. Before the package was finalized, AAOS issued a statement expressing its extreme disappointment in Congress for failing to fully address the cuts. “In choosing to allow payment reductions year after year…Congress is worsening a system that is already broken and threatening seniors’ access to care,” wrote AAOS President Felix H. Savoie III, MD, FAAOS. AAOS remains steadfast in working to address the systemic issues plaguing the Medicare payment system and will continue to advocate for more sustainable, permanent reforms on behalf of its members, their patients, and the larger physician community. Read AAOS’ media statement…
Rep. Jason Smith Selected to Chair the House Ways and Means Committee
U.S. Representative Jason Smith (R-MO) was recently selected to be the new chair of the House Ways and Means Committee following the convening of 118th Congress, becoming the youngest chair in the committee’s history. In the 117th Congress, Rep. Smith supported the AAOS-endorsed Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3173) which passed the House and was designed to improve prior authorization processes He also supported the No Surprises Act and joined congressional efforts to ensure its correct implementation by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. The previous committee chair, U.S. Representative Richard Neal (D-MA), remains on the committee as the Ranking Member. Read more about the new committee leader…
OrthoPAC Corner
Residents Invited to Event with Congressional Candidate Dr. Kermit Jones
The Orthopaedic PAC is hosting an exclusive, free virtual event for AAOS Residents on Jan. 31 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Attendees will learn what it is like to run for office as a physician. Dr. Kermit Jones, who recently ran as a Democratic candidate for Congress representing CA District 03, will share about his bid for the U.S. House of Representatives and why young physicians should engage in the political process. Dr. Jones is a family physician, Navy veteran, and a lawyer. Prior to running for office, he served as a White House Fellow during the Obama administration. AAOS looks forward to hearing his insights during the event. Register for the free, virtual event for residents…
