ACG Active on Stark Law Reform: Working with Congress and CMS: Urge Congress to Support the "Medicare Care Coordination Improvement Act of 2019"

From ACG Legislative and Public Policy Council Chair, Whitfield L. Knapple, MD, FACG

Urge Congress to Support the "Medicare Care Coordination Improvement Act of 2019"

This legislation seeks to provide exceptions from the Stark Law for parties participating in certain alternative payment models (APMs) in Medicare. ACG is working with Congress and a coalition of like-minded organizations supporting this bill.

Click here to advocate for the Medicare Care Coordination Act of 2019

Note on APMs: We Remain Cautious

Note on APMs: We Remain Cautious

Mandatory participation in Medicare/Medicaid APMs remains a concern for ACG. The goal should not be forcing payment models upon GI practices that may not be suitable or sustainable for the individual practice’s needs. The Medicare Care Coordination Improvement Act and other Stark Law reforms will help make APM participation a viable option for GI practices, as long as these incentives remain a voluntary option and not used a stick to corral GI practices into APMs. The U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar in November 2018 mentioned that the administration is considering mandatory participation in certain bundles or alternative payment models. ACG continues to convey these concerns as GI-related APMs are submitted for consideration, and as policymakers consider reforming the Stark Law and anti-kickback rules. Their goal is to save Medicare programmatic costs. Thus, “value-based care” can sometimes be synonymous with “provider cost-controls.” The College is aware of these risks to GI practices and continues to educate policymakers on the goals of fostering evidence-based medicine and promoting quality improvement registries in order to improve patient care and efficiencies in public health programs. 

ACG Magazine Offers New Practice Management Tips

The latest edition of the ACG Magazine is out! Click here to check it out. Among the articles are two insightful articles on improving your GI practice:
 
1. “Building Success: How to Set Up an Ambulatory Infusion Center in Your Practice,” by ACG Practice Management Committee member David F. Limauro, MD, FACG.  Click here to read the article.


2. “Law Mind: Do I Invest? Legal Considerations in Endoscopy Center Investment,” by Ann M. Bittinger, Esq.  Click here to read the article.

What is the Practice Management Toolbox?

Accessible, relevant, and practical projects to improve your practice

Gastroenterologists in private practice find themselves working in a time of unprecedented transformation. Pressures are high as they make important management decisions that profoundly affect their business future, their private lives, and their ability to provide care to patients.

The ACG Practice Management Committee has a mission to bring practicing colleagues together to explore solutions to overcome management challenges, to improve operations, enhance productivity, and support physician leadership.

Attention ACG Members in Illinois: We Need Your Advocacy Voice for Illinois House Bill 3232

From ACG Governor from Illinois, Russell D. Cohen, MD, FACG:

Urge your state representatives in support of the Prescription Drug Repository Program Act

The Prescription Drug Repository Program Act (House Bill 3232) requires Illinois to establish a prescription drug repository program, where eligible residents may have access to donated prescription drugs or supplies that meet certain requirements and safeguards.

Contact your state representatives regarding H.R. 3232!

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.