Congress Addresses Looming Medicare Cuts: Retroactive Fix Likely
From ACG Legislative and Public Policy Council Chair, James C. Hobley, MD, MSc, FACG
Thank you ACG members for your advocacy efforts! On Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that extends the moratorium on the looming the 2% Medicare sequestration cut set to expire on April 1. The extension goes through December 31, 2021. The House of Representatives passed similar legislation last week, but the House will now need to pass the revised Senate language when it returns from recess in mid-April. The House is expected to pass this modified language.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is also expected to temporarily stop processing Medicare claims in April, in order to avoid making payments with any 2% reduction. ACG has partnered with a coalition of societies urging Congress to address these unwarranted Medicare cuts and will continue to advocate on behalf of clinical gastroenterology.
New EHR Rules Begin in April: Are You Prepared?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized regulations designed to promote EHR interoperability and to enhance patients’ ability to control their medical information. The goal is to prevent information blocking among software developers and insurers, removing the current “silos” and opening various health IT closed “ecosystems.”
What does it mean for me?
ACG members must understand that the information blocking prohibition applies to physicians, and that rules placed on software developers, insurers, and hospitals impact your clinical notes and patient care management. A physician’s note is one type of information that must be available when requested by a patient. Failure to provide “timely” access to electronic health information (EHI), including clinical notes, could be a violation of the information blocking prohibition. A provider’s actions may be considered impermissible “information blocking.” These information blocking rules do not create a new right to request information. Rather, they cover how information must be provided upon request. Existing HIPAA rules governing requests for information continue to apply.
Hear from the legal experts: Click here for ACG's new webinar on the legal implications and impact to GI practices.
ACG will continue to educate members and provide guidance on important issues facing GI practices and clinicians.
2021 ACG Advocacy Day is Fast Approaching
From Vice Chair and Chair of the ACG Board of Governors Dayna S. Early, MD, FACG and Patrick E. Young, MD, FACG
The 2021 ACG Advocacy Day is approaching on April 15! This year virtual meetings will take place between ACG leaders and Members of Congress and their staff, urging policymakers to reduce healthcare disparities and unnecessary burdens impacting patient care.
We have the opportunity to discuss important issues impacting ACG members at the state and local level. Remember to contact your ACG Governor on important state and local issues affecting you and your practice.
Remember to contact your ACG Governor on important state and local issues impacting you and your practice.
The ACG Board of Governors is one of the most unique aspects of the American College of Gastroenterology. Governors are ACG Fellows that are elected from the membership of a particular state or region. There are currently 77 Governors across seven different regions in the U.S. and abroad. The Board of Governors acts as a two-way conduit between College leadership and the membership at-large. This helps the College make certain it is meeting the evolving needs of the membership.
ACG Governors Remain Active at the State and Local Level
From ACG Rhode Island Governor Alyn L. Adrain, MD, FACG
Last week, we asked you to advocate for legislation that removes the surprise billing that occurs when a polyp is removed during a screening colonoscopy. Great news! Thanks to your advocacy efforts the bill passed in the Senate. This couldn't have happened without your efforts, and we hope to continue this momentum as the bill now moves to the state House. Use the button below to tell your RI Representatives to pass this important bill!
