Welcome to The ACP Advocate,
Our first article this issue looks at ACP’s support of federal legislation that would extend pay parity for designated primary care services under Medicaid through 2016. The bill would ensure Medicaid payments for designated visits and immunizations provided by internists and other primary care specialties, and by internal medicine and pediatric subspecialists, would be no less than the Medicare rates through 2016. Lack of congressional action could leave millions struggling to find doctors, health care advocates say.
This issue's second article examines how – with the Sept. 30 date nearing for the public release of data on payments to physicians from health care industry representatives – federal officials are continuing to fine-tune just how they will implement the Physician Payment Sunshine Act, which mandates the data release. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is working hard to meet that data release deadline and also to clarify the rules on industry support of continuing medical education events.
Our third story describes how ACP is suggesting Medicare protect doctors and patients by proposing that it simplify its process regarding prior authorization for certain types of medical equipment and supplies. Medicare’s proposed rule would expand the use of prior authorization to certain kinds of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies. ACP also suggests a more transparent process.
Finally, read the account of a second-year medical student from Meharry Medical College who spent the summer in Washington, D.C. as a health-policy intern. “Because of the high quality and the variety of the experiences I have had this summer, my perception of the role physicians play in health policy has been made clear…,” she emphasized. “I hope to influence health policy in my years to come and I am much more prepared to do so because of the skills gained from this summer's experiences."
See the note beside my Welcome about ACP’s “Health Policy Internship Program.” You can learn about internship opportunities available at ACP.
Until our next issue and for more coverage of what's happening in Washington take a look at my award-winning blog, The ACP Advocate Blog by Bob Doherty. You can also follow me on Twitter @BobDohertyACP.
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 |
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| In focus |
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Accepting Applications: ACP Health Policy Internship Program |
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The American College of Physicians is pleased to offer the Health Policy Internship for Residents/Fellows and Medical Student Members. This internship represents a unique opportunity to develop legislative knowledge and advocacy skills by working directly with ACP's Washington, D.C., staff and participating in ACP’s annual Leadership Day.
The ACP Health Policy Internship provides a multifaceted opportunity to learn about the legislative process, health policy, and advocacy in organized medicine.
The deadline for applications is October 20, 2014. |
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ICD-10 Testing |
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CMS has announced three ICD-10 testing dates leading up to Oct. 1, 2015, when all providers and facilities covered must be fully compliant with the new medical code classification system.
The testing weeks will be Nov. 17-21, March 2-6 and June 1-5.
“The ICD-10 testing weeks have been created to generate awareness and interest, and to instill confidence in the provider community that CMS and the Medicare Administrative Contractors are ready and prepared for the ICD-10 implementation,” the agency’s announcement states.
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Become an Advocate for Internal Medicine |
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Join ACP’s Advocates for Internal Medicine Network (AIMn). You’ll find updates about the latest legislation affecting internists and be able to help contribute to ACP’s continued success on Capitol Hill. In addition, the program will provide you with legislative alerts designed to help you easily email or call your members of Congress to let them hear about the issues important to you and other internal medicine physicians. |
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| About this newsletter |
| The ACP Advocate is an e-newsletter, edited by the College's Washington, DC governmental affairs division, created to provide you, our members, with succinct news about public policy issues affecting internal medicine and patient care. To learn more about ACP's Advocacy and to access the ACP Advocate archives, go to www.acponline.org/advocacy. |
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