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.
The ACR responded to a Senate Health Committee request for information with legislative strategies to support healthcare providers and expand the physician and care team pipeline.
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.
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.
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.
With 2023 state legislative sessions underway, early prevailing themes may forecast areas where we will see gains this year. Key issues include utilization management, copay accumulator bans, white bagging and pharmacy benefit manager reform.
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.