Disparities, representativeness, algorithmic bias, the disruptive emergence of large language models and continued misinformation spread are key issues poised to transform patient care in American healthcare, FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, MD, said during a recent event.
Patient advocates, researcher-clinicians and academic leaders are calling for closer scrutiny of new technologies applied within healthcare, citing concerns about a lack of consideration for how they may affect patient care.
The April 29 meeting included 13 CPC members, representatives from the ACR Board of Directors and the chairs of the ACR Committee on Rheumatologic Care and its Insurance Subcommittee. The group is part of an expanded effort to ensure the ACR is meeting the needs of rheumatologists in independent practice.
This legislative season has seen key pharmacy benefit manager reforms but slow movement on other issues, such as copay accumulators and utilization management. The ACR is also monitoring emerging topics, such as biomarker testing and post-public health emergency telehealth reforms.
It’s easy for rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals to feel frustrated by burdensome administrative tasks, complicated insurance policies and other healthcare hurdles. Advocacy offers a way to channel those complaints into constructive action, says Belinda Birnbaum, MD.
With an influx of new faces in the 118th Congress, Government Affairs Committee Chair Christina Downey, MD, notes that now is a great time to establish a relationship with your member of Congress and help them understand the day-to-day of what it takes to take care of patients.
During a busy start to 2023, the ISC has been advocating with payers to address multiple coverage and reimbursement challenges facing rheumatology practices, including Cigna’s modifier 25 requirements, hydroxychloroquine access and coverage for apremilast combination therapy.
A recent meeting of the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) featured discussions of many topics important to ACR members, including pharmacy benefit manager legislation, biomarker testing and transparency in the healthcare market.
Through the development of position statements that lay out the ACR’s official stance on issues related to the management of rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions, the Committee on Rheumatologic Care helps outline policies that affect the practice of rheumatology and the wellbeing and care of patients.
Tien-I Karleen Su, MD, FACR, who co-founded a practice in California, has been named the first chair of the CPC. Her first task will be to help fill out the council with rheumatology professionals from small or independent practices.