H.R. 1416—Protect Patient Access to In-Office Treatments: Sequestration cuts to Medicare payments went into effect April 1. The reductions are affecting reimbursement both for services and infusion drugs, effectively decreasing Part B drug reimbursement from average sales price (ASP) plus 6% to ASP plus 4%. These cuts threaten the ability of rheumatologists to provide critical therapies to patients. Patients may be forced to seek treatment in the hospital setting, which translates to a higher cost to patients and the system, and often significant additional burdens. Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC) introduced H.R. 1416, which would exempt physician-administered drugs under Medicare Part B from sequestration. Ask members of Congress to cosponsor H.R. 1416.
H.R. 1701—Cutting Costly Codes Act: Healthcare providers use the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) to make diagnoses and record statistics. In the United States, providers currently use ICD-9, which includes 13,000 codes. If ICD-10 is implemented as scheduled on October 1, 2014, the number of codes will increase to 68,000. In rheumatology, like many other specialties, the effects of this change would be overwhelming. For example, ICD-9 has one code for rheumatoid arthritis—the most common disease rheumatologists treat—but ICD-10 includes 78 possible codes for rheumatoid arthritis. Adapting to this level of complexity will require significant training for physicians and staff. In addition to this administrative burden, the change will be expensive, costing a small practice up to $83,000. H.R. 1701, introduced by Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX), and S. 972, introduced by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK), would prohibit HHS from replacing ICD-9 with ICD-10. It would also require a study on mitigating the disruption to healthcare providers resulting from replacing ICD-9. The ACR advocates for skipping ICD-10 altogether and instead moving forward with ICD-11 when it is ready. Ask your representative to cosponsor H.R. 1701 and ask your senators to cosponsor S. 972.
What Other Opportunities Are There to Meet with My Lawmaker?
Providing lawmakers the opportunity to see your office, and meet your staff and patients, can powerfully illustrate your message and strengthen your relationship. Invite your lawmakers to visit you in your practice, where you can show them how the decisions they make in Washington affect the care you provide. This is also a ready-made event for photo opportunities, and your member of Congress often will be eager to share the story of his or her visit with other constituents and the media.
Many lawmakers also hold town halls or informal meet-and-greets. Call the nearest district office to inquire about any upcoming events.
