Gwenesta B. Melton, MD, wears many hats as a rheumatologist, teacher and champion for advocacy and collaboration. She has been involved with the ASC for more than a decade.
The newest funding package reduces the latest cut to Medicare reimbursement from 3.4% to 1.68%. Although rheumatologists are faring better under Medicare in 2024, broader reforms remain the ACR’s highest priority regarding Medicare payments to physicians.
In an election year, it is critical that the ACR’s non-partisan political action committee be well positioned to support our congressional champions. Learn more about RheumPAC and its role in the ACR’s advocacy efforts.
The Insurance Subcommittee is working to address coverage and reimbursement challenges facing rheumatology practices, including issues related to biosimilar use, in-office treatments and the new G2211 code.
The implementation of the new G2211 code on Jan. 1 increases reimbursement for rheumatology visits, but the ACR continues to fight for retroactive repayment of the across-the-board Medicare physician reimbursement cuts implemented at the same time, as well as structural changes to the program to make serving Medicare patients sustainable for rheumatologists in the long term.
With state legislatures now in session, the ACR is working with our partners to ensure that the voice of the rheumatology community is heard. Here is a look at some of the bills we are monitoring and the trends we expect to play out over the 2024 legislative calendar.
2024 is an election year, which means it is more critical than ever that RheumPAC is well equipped to support campaigns and take part in important healthcare discussions on Capitol Hill.
The ACR is reaching out to Medicare Advantage and commercial payers to ensure appropriate reimbursement for the new complex care add-on code, G2211, implemented for outpatient office visits starting Jan. 1, 2024.
The program will take place May 5–7 in conjunction with the ACR Advocacy Leadership Conference in Washington, DC. Fellows in training, program directors and ARP members passionate about advocacy and governance are especially encouraged to apply
Reimbursement has fallen below acquisition price for some biosimilar versions of infliximab, forcing practices and patients to make difficult decisions. The ACR is working to change this.