Well, the big story in Washington this week is the mid-term election.  What sort of implications will the change in power in the House have on health care?  It’s hard to say with any certainty yet, but look for a detailed analysis in our next issue.  I can tell you, though, that ACP will continue to do what we’ve always done: advocate on a non-partisan basis for responsible public policy positions to the benefit of internists and their patients.

One such immediate issue is averting a devastating 23% cut in Medicare payments scheduled to go into effect on December 1.  This will need to be addressed by the upcoming “lame duck” session of Congress, and then ACP will urge the new Congress to enact a long-term solution that has the required bipartisan support.  Go to ACP’s Legislative Action Center for information on how you can help.

Our first story this week is the next in our series on implementing health care reform.  This piece looks at the requirements for covering preventive services and what sort of impact this is likely to have on your patients.

Our second story tells you about two new guides that were released by the Patient Centered Primary Care collaborative a couple of weeks ago.  The new reports, released as part of their annual summit, focus on the need for increased use of health information technology to better realize the benefits of the patient-centered medical home. 

The last story in this issue looks at an economic index of health care costs that was released recently.  The report shows that health care costs are continuing to rise faster than inflation.   

And, finally, I want to let you know about a win we had this week in Washington.  The final Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2011 was released earlier in the week and CMS made changes, recommended by ACP, to allow many more internists to qualify for a 10% increase in Medicare payments for office visits and designated primary care services that will take place on January 1.  Previously, Medicare had proposed to implement this program, created by Affordable Care Act, in a way that could have excluded many primary care internists who bill for in-office lab or other ancillary procedures or who see a significant number of patients in the hospital.  Now, because of the changes recommended by ACP and adopted by Medicare, it will be easier for such internists to qualify.  In our next issue we’ll have more detailed information for you about the Fee Schedule.

For more coverage of what’s happening in Washington, take a look at my award-winning blog, The ACP Advocate Blog by Bob Doherty.  Now you can also follow me on Twitter @BobDohertyACP. 

And, as always, please send your feedback and suggestions on this newsletter to:  TheACPAdvocate@acponline.org

Yours truly,

Bob Doherty
Senior Vice President
Governmental Affairs and Public Policy
American College of Physicians