Important Update on Colorectal Cancer Screening Cost Sharing
From Vice Chair and Chair of the ACG Board of Governors, Dayna S. Early, MD, FACG and Patrick E. Young, MD, FACG
On January 10th, the federal government released updated guidance for commercial insurers regulated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The guidance requires insurers to cover, at no cost, approved home-based COVID-19 tests. The guidance also provides an important update on preventive services covered under the ACA, including colorectal cancer screening. The guidance also requires insurers to remove patient cost-sharing for the necessary diagnostic colonoscopy subsequent to a positive colorectal cancer screening test, consistent with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s recommendations, beginning May 31, 2022.
Thank you ACG members, patient advocates, and like-minded organizations for your passion and persistence in making this happen.
A Message from ACG: Thank You ACG Leaders!
Supreme Court Upholds CMS Vaccine Mandate
From ACG Legislative and Public Policy Council Chair, Louis J. Wilson, MD, FACG
On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Biden Administration's mandate requiring healthcare workers to be vaccinated, but struck down the vaccination mandate for large employers (100 or more employees).
While the Supreme Court held that the U.S. Department of Human Services acted within its regulatory authority in requiring healthcare facilities and staff to be vaccinated, the Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) overstepped its authority in issuing its mandate for all large employers.
ACG is monitoring any legal updates to these decisions, as well as the impact on safety and staffing shortages. In late December, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance and deadlines for those states not involved in the HHS case. GI practices need to be aware of these important deadlines. Click here for a brief ACG summary.
ACG NAAN Off to a Quick Start: This week James Hobley, MD, MSc, FACG and I met with U.S. Representative Troy Carter (D-LA). We discussed the importance of protecting and supporting ACG members and physicians across the U.S., especially as our nation grapples with another surge in COVID-19. Rep. Carter noted that he appreciates the feedback and guidance from ACG physician advisors and looks forward to working with the College this year. Dr. Hobley has worked to develop a personal connection with Rep. Carter and we plan to engage with him in a more significant way in the near future.
Working with Congress, the ACG National Affairs Action Network (NAAN) strives to increase access to care and decrease these burdens unfairly borne by GI practices.
Surprise Billing Rules Started January 1: The "No Surprises Act" prohibits certain out-of-network patient billing. The law also requires practices to provide a "Good Faith Estimate" for services. Is your practice prepared? What do GI practices need to know about these "Good Faith Estimate" rules for all uninsured and self-paying patients?
ACG has developed guidance and provides the template forms for you.
New ACG Project Management Toolbox Article: Leadership Succession in Your Practice – An Important and Often Overlooked Endeavor
Coding Questions? Contact ACG and Arlene
The ACG Practice Management Committee continues to offer the member-only benefit, the ACG "Billing and Coding Forum." The benefit gives ACG members access to coding expert Arlene Morrow, CPC, CMM, CMSCS at no additional cost. The ACG Practice Management Committee's mission is to bring practicing colleagues together overcome management challenges, to improve operations, enhance productivity, and support physician leadership.
