From the College, Author at The Rheumatologist

Articles by From the College

The ACR Recommends Inflation-Based Medicare Payment Updates

From the College | March 17, 2023

In a letter to Congress, the ACR, AMA and other groups urge legislation that would provide annual inflation-based Medicare payment updates based on the full Medicare Economic Index.

Useful Data Made Easy: The ACR RISE Registry

From the College | February 21, 2023

A qualified clinical data registry, RISE helps clinicians measure their performance on quality measures, identify ways to improve their patient care experience, navigate Medicare reporting and demonstrate the value of rheumatology to key influencers. Practices must join no later than June 30 to use RISE for 2023 Traditional MIPS or Advancing Rheumatology Patient Care MVP reporting.

Healthcare Policy Prospects in the 118th Congress

From the College | February 4, 2023

The U.S. government remains divided. Democrats hold the White House and the Senate by one vote, and Republicans lead the House. Amid this division, the ACR is watching possible areas to advance healthcare legislation. Meet the committees and members with the largest jurisdiction over healthcare policy.

Reform of Medicare Payment System Needed to Maintain Patient Care, ACR Says

From the College | February 2, 2023

In a joint letter, the ACR urges Congress to undergo comprehensive reform of the Medicare payment system and seek long-term payment solutions that will allow clinicians to continue to care for Medicare patients.

FDA Revokes Emergency Use Authorization for Evusheld

From the College | February 2, 2023

The Food & Drug Administration announced Jan. 26 that tixagevimab/cilgavimab (Evusheld) is no longer authorized for use in the U.S. The decision was based on new data suggesting that the treatment is unlikely to be active against the most common current SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Key Facts on Billing Drug Wastage

From the College | January 24, 2023

The ACR has compiled guidelines and tips on how to use the JW modifier and correctly bill Medicare for discarded drugs and biologicals. This modifier can be applied only to unused amounts from a single-dose vial or package.

CMS Announces Timeline for Drug Negotiations

From the College | January 20, 2023

This month, the CMS will begin steps to develop a drug pricing negotiation process as allowed by the Inflation Reduction Act. The ACR plans to participate in public comment opportunities.

The ACR Announces New Community Practice Council; Applications Now Open

From the College | January 10, 2023

The new council, comprising professionals from small or independent rheumatology practices, will work with the ACR and its committees on issues that confront members in small practices.

2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule for Quality Payment Program Published

From the College | January 6, 2023

The ACR highlights essential policy and reporting changes to the Quality Payment Program for performance year 2023 and beyond. Key changes include policies regarding the development of new MIPS Value Pathways and refinement of subgroup participation.

Public Health Emergency Extended

From the College | January 5, 2023

Later this month, the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) is expected to extend the public health emergency (PHE) for another 90 days. The PHE extension will allow for the continuation of many flexibilities instituted in 2020, including the expansion of such telehealth provisions as audio-only telehealth.