Two ACR-led resolutions on in-office specialty drug dispensing and the proposed NIH Public Access Plan passed the House of Delegates and will become AMA policy.
The Tennessee Rheumatology Society is helping rheumatology professionals in the state keep pace with a rapidly growing population by supporting both current practitioners and fellows in the state’s two rheumatology fellowship programs.
After significant pushback from the AMA, ACR and other medical societies, Cigna has delayed implementation of changes to its modifier 25 reimbursement policy, originally scheduled to take effect May 25.
The ACR will co-lead with the American Society of Clinical Oncology a resolution on in-office dispensing of specialty drugs and will lead 10 other specialty societies to advance a resolution on the proposed NIH Public Access Plan and equitable access to quality clinical research.
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.
Nearly 70 rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals convened in Washington, D.C., to advocate on behalf of legislation that would preserve and help to grow America’s healthcare workforce.
In April, the Medicare Payment Advisory Committee voted to recommend a change in the add-on payment for Part B drugs, including reducing payment for more expensive drugs. The ACR sent a letter to MedPAC expressing concerns about the significant impacts such policies would have on rheumatologists.
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.