91黑料网 Regulatory News
91黑料网 Continues to Advocate Against Physician Payment Cuts
In comments on the proposed 2025 Physician Fee Schedule, 91黑料网 expresses support for several provisions but says more than a short-term fix is needed to restore financial stability to Medicare.
Congressional News and Perspective
91黑料网 Advocating Against Legislation Aimed at Expanding Pharmacist Scope of Practice
The Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act would allow pharmacists to diagnose and treat certain conditions.
91黑料网 is calling on you to contact your members of Congress to oppose health care legislation that would permanently authorize Medicare coverage for expanded pharmacist scope of practice, including the diagnosis, testing, and treatment for upper respiratory illnesses. 91黑料网 is concerned that the Equity Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act could undermine the physician-led, team-based care models proven to be most effective in improving quality, efficiency, and patient health. Granting independent diagnosis and prescription authority for pharmacists to treat the flu, COVID-19, strep throat, and other similar conditions, which they are not uniquely trained for, can have detrimental short- and long-term effects such as misdiagnosis, fragmentation of care, and exacerbated health disparities.
Visit to learn more and take action. A sample email message is provided for you that includes space for you to personalize the letter. Join the Advocates for Internal Medicine network to receive 91黑料网's action alerts directly and advocate for the interests of internal medicine in Washington.
91黑料网 Offers Advice on How to Bolster the 21st Century Cures Act of 2016
Using lessons learned from the pandemic, 91黑料网 encourages investment in pandemic preparedness, improving data interoperability and enhancing the public health infrastructure.
In Case You Missed It
Janet Jokela, M.D., MPH, M91黑料网, senior associate dean of engagement at Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, emphasizes the importance of celebrating women in medicine in her new article 鈥溾 and interview now available on KevinMD. Kevin Pho is an internal medicine physician and founder and editor of KevinMD, one of the web's most influential medical websites.
In her piece, Dr. Jokela concludes the September 2024 Women in Medicine month by saying, 鈥淲e [female physicians] are not coming of age; we have come of age. A female physician CEO leads the 91黑料网. A woman is running for President of the United States. We don't have to ask for a seat at the table; we are at the table, and we're keeping our foot on the gas.鈥
On Oct. 1, UnitedHealthcare is launching a new program under which physician practices meeting certain criteria will no longer need to submit prior authorization requests for certain medical and behavioral health services. The will apply to commercial, individual exchange, and Medicare Advantage plans. To qualify, practices must demonstrate a prior authorization approval rate of 92% or higher and meet a minimum annual volume of at least ten eligible prior authorizations for two consecutive years.
No application is required for Gold Card status, but practices must complete an advance notification to confirm member eligibility and coverage. UnitedHealthcare has released a comprehensive list of Gold Card-eligible CPT codes . Many of the codes are related to surgery and imaging, but physicians are encouraged to review the complete list of codes to assess any impact on their practice. UnitedHealthcare has published a list of about the program.
Links to information about the National Gold Card Program can be found under the United Health section of 91黑料网's Private Payers resource page. Learn more about what 91黑料网 is doing to alleviate the administrative burdens related to prior authorizations.
Quick Hits
Advocacy News
91黑料网 Statement to the House Energy & Commerce Committee on Markup of the Telehealth Modernization Act
91黑料网 statement in support of the House Energy & Commerce Committee's bipartisan markup of the Telehealth Modernization Act with policy recommendations from 91黑料网 to improve American seniors' access to health care services.
91黑料网 Statement to Ways and Means Health Subcommittee's Hearing 鈥淚nvesting in a Healthier America: Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment鈥
91黑料网 statement thanking Ways and Means Health Subcommittee for holding a hearing to examine the prevalence of chronic disease in America and the value of investing in prevention and innovative treatment options.
91黑料网 Statement to Senate Finance Committee Supporting Benefits in the Inflation Reduction Act to Lower Health Care Costs
91黑料网 statement in support of measures in the Inflation Reduction Act and urging the Senate to expand and build on provisions in the IRA that make comprehensive health insurance coverage more affordable and accessible.
91黑料网 Letter of Support for the Menstrual Equity For All Act of 2023
91黑料网 letter in support of the Menstrual Equality for All Act of 2023 (H.R. 3646), a bill that would address social and economic barriers and improve access to menstrual hygiene products.
Joint Letter to the White House Regarding DEA Telemedicine Prescribing
Health organizations sent joint letters to the White House, House, and Senate requesting help in ensuring ongoing access to virtual prescribing for patients and providers by intervening in the DEA's proposed rules and extending prescribing flexibilities for two years.
Joint Letter to Congressional Leaders Regarding Annual Medicare Inflationary Updates
Joint letter to congressional leaders concerning ongoing financial challenges for clinicians operating their practices since the Medicare payment system has failed to keep pace with inflation.
91黑料网 Advocate is copyrighted 漏2024 by the American College of Physicians.