ASA Grassroots Network

12/23/2021

ASA submitted comments to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) today opposing the Commission’s draft recommendation that Congress update physician rates for the CY 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) at the level allowed by statute – 0%. Read more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/12/asa-submits-comments-to-medpac-about-cy-2023-medicare-fee-schedule-updates

ASA submitted comments to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) today opposing the Commission’s draft recommendation that Congress update physician rates for the CY 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) at the level allowed by statute – 0%. Read more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/12/asa-submits-comments-to-medpac-about-cy-2023-medicare-fee-schedule-updates

12/21/2021

Due to recent congressional action to mitigate scheduled Medicare payment cuts, Medicare Anesthesia Conversion Factors for 2022 have been updated. Find them here: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/12/updated-medicare-anesthesia-conversion-factors-for-2022

Due to recent congressional action to mitigate scheduled Medicare payment cuts, Medicare Anesthesia Conversion Factors for 2022 have been updated. Find them here: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/12/updated-medicare-anesthesia-conversion-factors-for-2022

12/20/2021

Congress recently took action to reduce the impending Medicare payment cuts scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2022. ASA strongly opposes any Medicare payment cuts and will continue to take action to avoid any future payment cuts. Read more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/12/physicians-to-see-some-relief-from-2022-medicare-payment-cuts

Congress recently took action to reduce the impending Medicare payment cuts scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2022. ASA strongly opposes any Medicare payment cuts and will continue to take action to avoid any future payment cuts. Read more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/12/physicians-to-see-some-relief-from-2022-medicare-payment-cuts

12/19/2021

Applications open tomorrow for ASA’s Anesthesiology Policy Research Rotation in Political Affairs! The four-week rotation gives resident physicians the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while learning about the political, legislative and regulatory factors that affect the delivery of patient care. Learn more and consider applying: asahq.org/residentscholar

Applications open tomorrow for ASA’s Anesthesiology Policy Research Rotation in Political Affairs! The four-week rotation gives resident physicians the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while learning about the political, legislative and regulatory factors that affect the delivery of patient care. Learn more and consider applying: asahq.org/residentscholar

12/10/2021

Earlier this week, ASA urged the Biden Administration to fix errors in the No Surprises Act independent dispute resolution process. Changes necessary to protect physicians and their patients from aggressive insurance companies. Read more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/12/asa-urges-agencies-to-fix-major-flaw-in-no-surprises-act-regulation

Earlier this week, ASA urged the Biden Administration to fix errors in the No Surprises Act independent dispute resolution process. Changes necessary to protect physicians and their patients from aggressive insurance companies. Read more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/12/asa-urges-agencies-to-fix-major-flaw-in-no-surprises-act-regulation

12/09/2021

Earlier this week, ASA and a group of pain medicine societies urged United Healthcare to overturn the lack of coverage for two procedures to increase access to non-opioid options for chronic pain patients. Read more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/12/asa-urges-united-healthcare-to-cover-pain-treatments

Earlier this week, ASA and a group of pain medicine societies urged United Healthcare to overturn the lack of coverage for two procedures to increase access to non-opioid options for chronic pain patients. Read more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/12/asa-urges-united-healthcare-to-cover-pain-treatments

12/08/2021

The ASA Grassroots Network has reached 20,000 members! Thank you for protecting patient safety and ensuring policymakers are knowledgeable about the impact policy has on the delivery of anesthesia care. To learn more and join the grassroots network, visit asahq.org/grassroots

12/03/2021

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Are you a resident physician anesthesiologist interested in boosting your advocacy skills? Consider applying to our Anesthesiology Policy Research Rotation in Political Affairs! Applications open December 20, 2021. Learn more: asahq.org/residentscholar

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Are you a resident physician anesthesiologist interested in boosting your advocacy skills? Consider applying to our Anesthesiology Policy Research Rotation in Political Affairs! Applications open December 20, 2021. Learn more: asahq.org/residentscholar

12/02/2021

Great post from Navy Medicine about Dr. Bernice Gertrude Rosenthal Walters.

CDR Bernice Gertrude Rosenthal Walters (1912-1975) of New York, New York, was among the first women to enter the U.S. Navy Medical Corps. The Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania graduate was commissioned in 1943. By the time she entered the service, Walters had already established a career as a civilian anesthesiologist and was a medical officer in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). During the war she served at the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda, MD, at the Naval Dispensary Boston, MA and Naval Air Station Dispensary at Cape Cod, MA. Following post-graduate training, she returned to active service in 1948 and was assigned to Naval Hospital Pensacola. In 1950, she was selected to be Chief of Anesthesiology aboard the hospital ship USS Consolation (AH-15), destined for the Korean Peninsula. When she reported on August 18, 1950, Walters earned the distinction as the first female anesthesiologist aboard a hospital ship and the first woman physician in the U.S. Navy to serve at sea. After 7-months aboard the ship she returned stateside and was assigned to Naval Hospital Oakland, CA.

CDR Bernice Gertrude Rosenthal Walters (1912-1975) of New York, New York, was among the first women to enter the U.S. Navy Medical Corps. The Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania graduate was commissioned in 1943. By the time she entered the service, Walters had already established a career as a civilian anesthesiologist and was a medical officer in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). During the war she served at the National Naval Medical Center Bethesda, MD, at the Naval Dispensary Boston, MA and Naval Air Station Dispensary at Cape Cod, MA. Following post-graduate training, she returned to active service in 1948 and was assigned to Naval Hospital Pensacola. In 1950, she was selected to be Chief of Anesthesiology aboard the hospital ship USS Consolation (AH-15), destined for the Korean Peninsula. When she reported on August 18, 1950, Walters earned the distinction as the first female anesthesiologist aboard a hospital ship and the first woman physician in the U.S. Navy to serve at sea. After 7-months aboard the ship she returned stateside and was assigned to Naval Hospital Oakland, CA.

12/01/2021

This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that the final 2021 Merit-based Incentive Payment System eligibility status information is now available via the Quality Payment Program Participation Status Tool. Read more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/12/2021-final-mips-eligibility-and-2022-initial-mips-eligibility-information-now-available

This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that the final 2021 Merit-based Incentive Payment System eligibility status information is now available via the Quality Payment Program Participation Status Tool. Read more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/12/2021-final-mips-eligibility-and-2022-initial-mips-eligibility-information-now-available

11/16/2021

This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) opened access for doctors and clinicians to view their 2020 Quality Payment Program (QPP) data in a month-long Preview Period. The Preview Period will close on 12/14 at 8 p.m. ET. Find out more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/11/2020-qpp-data-preview-period-opens-for-doctors-and-clinicians

This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) opened access for doctors and clinicians to view their 2020 Quality Payment Program (QPP) data in a month-long Preview Period. The Preview Period will close on 12/14 at 8 p.m. ET. Find out more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/11/2020-qpp-data-preview-period-opens-for-doctors-and-clinicians

11/09/2021

Check out what our September Resident Scholar, Chirag Y. Patel, DO, had to say about his month participating in ASA's Anesthesiology Policy Research Rotation in Political Affairs! (Members Only) https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/advocacy-tools/policy-research-rotation/resident-scholar-articles/chirag-patel-do

Check out what our September Resident Scholar, Chirag Y. Patel, DO, had to say about his month participating in ASA's Anesthesiology Policy Research Rotation in Political Affairs! (Members Only) https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/advocacy-tools/policy-research-rotation/resident-scholar-articles/chirag-patel-do

11/08/2021

Last week, a bipartisan group of over 150 members in the House of Representatives signed an ASA-supported Congressional letter calling on the Biden Administration to fix the flawed No Surprises Act Rule. ASA continues to work tirelessly with Congress and the Biden Administration to ensure that the No Surprises Act is implemented in a manner consistent with Congressional intent. Read more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/11/asa-supported-congressional-letter-calls-on-biden-administration-officials-to-fix-flawed-no-surprises-act-rule

Last week, a bipartisan group of over 150 members in the House of Representatives signed an ASA-supported Congressional letter calling on the Biden Administration to fix the flawed No Surprises Act Rule. ASA continues to work tirelessly with Congress and the Biden Administration to ensure that the No Surprises Act is implemented in a manner consistent with Congressional intent. Read more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/11/asa-supported-congressional-letter-calls-on-biden-administration-officials-to-fix-flawed-no-surprises-act-rule

11/04/2021

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published the locale specific anesthesia conversion factors (CF) for CY 2022. Find them here: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/11/2022-locale-specific-medicare-anesthesia-conversion-factors

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published the locale specific anesthesia conversion factors (CF) for CY 2022. Find them here: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/11/2022-locale-specific-medicare-anesthesia-conversion-factors

11/03/2021

Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released its Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program (QPP) Final Rule. The rule includes payment and quality provisions that take effect on January 1, 2022. Learn more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/11/cms-releases-2022-medicare-physician-fee-schedule-and-quality-payment-program-final-rule.

Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released its Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program (QPP) Final Rule. The rule includes payment and quality provisions that take effect on January 1, 2022. Learn more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/11/cms-releases-2022-medicare-physician-fee-schedule-and-quality-payment-program-final-rule.

10/29/2021

This week, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra announced the release of the new HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy which is designed to increase access to services for individuals who use substances that lead to overdoses or unintended deaths. ASA commends the Administration for addressing the rise in overdoses and will continue to support evidence-based strategies and individualized patient care. Read more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/10/biden-administration-releases-strategy-to-reduce-opioid-epidemic

This week, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra announced the release of the new HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy which is designed to increase access to services for individuals who use substances that lead to overdoses or unintended deaths. ASA commends the Administration for addressing the rise in overdoses and will continue to support evidence-based strategies and individualized patient care. Read more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/10/biden-administration-releases-strategy-to-reduce-opioid-epidemic

10/20/2021

Are you interested in running for office but don't know where to start? If so, join us for the 2021 Candidate Workshop on Friday 11/5 at 10AM ET. Learn more and register today: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/10/save-the-date-12th-annual-specialty-physician-and-dentist-candidate-workshop

Are you interested in running for office but don't know where to start? If so, join us for the 2021 Candidate Workshop on Friday 11/5 at 10AM ET. Learn more and register today: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/10/save-the-date-12th-annual-specialty-physician-and-dentist-candidate-workshop

10/18/2021

Last week, over 245 members of Congress sent the ASA-endorsed Bera-Bucshon letter to House leadership urging action to prevent Medicare payment cuts. ASA-member grassroots activists generated over 1,300 messages to the Hill and played a key role in securing many of the Congressional signatories for the letter. Read more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/10/asa-endorsed-congressional-letter-urges-house-leadership-to-prevent-medicare-payment-cuts

Last week, over 245 members of Congress sent the ASA-endorsed Bera-Bucshon letter to House leadership urging action to prevent Medicare payment cuts. ASA-member grassroots activists generated over 1,300 messages to the Hill and played a key role in securing many of the Congressional signatories for the letter. Read more: https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/10/asa-endorsed-congressional-letter-urges-house-leadership-to-prevent-medicare-payment-cuts

10/15/2021

Recently, Secretary Denis McDonough appointed ASA member Pavithra Ellison, MD, MMM, FASA to serve a term of up to 3 years on the Veterans Rural Health Advisory Committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs. ASA congratulates and thanks Dr. Ellison for her service and dedication to Veterans. https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/10/asa-member-appointed-to-the-department-of-veterans-affairs-veterans-rural-health-advisory-committee

Recently, Secretary Denis McDonough appointed ASA member Pavithra Ellison, MD, MMM, FASA to serve a term of up to 3 years on the Veterans Rural Health Advisory Committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs. ASA congratulates and thanks Dr. Ellison for her service and dedication to Veterans. https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/10/asa-member-appointed-to-the-department-of-veterans-affairs-veterans-rural-health-advisory-committee

10/05/2021

ASA opposes the newest set of regulations to implement the No Surprises Act. The regulations ignore Congressional intent and designed an independent dispute resolution process that heavily favors health insurance companies in payment disputes. https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/10/asa-fighting-flawed-new-surprise-medical-bill-regulations

ASA opposes the newest set of regulations to implement the No Surprises Act. The regulations ignore Congressional intent and designed an independent dispute resolution process that heavily favors health insurance companies in payment disputes. https://www.asahq.org/advocacy-and-asapac/fda-and-washington-alerts/washington-alerts/2021/10/asa-fighting-flawed-new-surprise-medical-bill-regulations