ACG NAAN Continues to Advise Congress
From ACG Legislative and Public Policy Council Chair, Louis J. Wilson, MD, FACG
Recently, James Hobley, MD, MSc, FACG, and I met with U.S. Representative Drew Ferguson, MDM (R-GA). We discussed the importance of protecting and supporting ACG members and physicians across the U.S., especially as our nation continues to grapple with another surge in COVID-19. As a medical professional, Rep. Ferguson understands our frustrations and appreciates the advice from ACG physician advisors. He looks forward to working with the College this year.
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. ACG will continue to serve as your voice for clinical gastroenterology and our patients.
Member of Congress Spotlight: Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)
ACG is also working closely with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries' (D-NY) to promote the Halt Obesity in America Act (H.R. 5625). Rep. Jeffries introduced the bill with Rep. David McKinley (R-WV).
The bill extends eligibility for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) "High Obesity Program" (HOP), which provides grants to increase access to healthier foods and safe places for physical activity. H.R. 5625 lowers the eligibility thresholds for states and counties to apply for HOP in FY 2023.
ACG Guidance on Surprise Billing
On Wednesday, CMS hosted an "Open Door Forum" to discuss providers’ obligations under the No Surprises Act (NSA). CMS walked through a presentation, which included a high-level summary of the law’s prohibitions on balance billing related to emergency and non-emergency services. The training also included information on how payers will calculate a consumer’s cost-sharing amount in situations where balance billing is banned and how/when providers may use the notice and consent exception to balance bill.
Surprise Billing Rules Started January 1: 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.
Weekly Billing and Coding Tip – PEG Replacement
The ACG Practice Management Committee continues to offer the member-only benefit, the ACG "Billing and Coding Forum." The Forum gives ACG members access to coding expert Arlene Morrow, CPC, CMM, CMSCS. 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.
Latest ACG Membership Guidance: Below, please find some coding guidance on Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG).
ACG Magazine: Leveraging the EHR to Your Advantage
