News from ACOI

The ACOI reported on Nov. 6, 2024 publication of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule that finalized a 2025 conversation factor of $32.35, a decrease of 2.83 percent from CY2024. That cut took effect on Jan. 1, 2025. The final rule includes several other Medicare policy changes that were the subject of ACOI comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. ACOI is providing its members with a resource that summarizes key provisions, including information about new billable services, including caregiver training and risk assessment and management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Short-term extension for telehealth flexibilities; PBM reform lands on chopping block; Update: Baxter’s Manufacturing Recovery in North Carolina.

Last week, the 118th Congress adjourned without addressing a 2.83 percent cut to Medicare physician payment that will take effect on January 1. Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services projects the Medicare Economic Index will rise to 3.5 percent next year, further widening the gap between physician payment and the cost of delivering care to America’s seniors.

Time is Running Out for Congress to Stop Physician Payment Cut; CBO Estimate Paves the Way for Prior Authorization Bill; ACOI Calls for Passage of Step Therapy Reform; CMS Awards New GME Residency Slots; Co-chairs of GOP Doctors Caucus Named.

ACOI members are strongly encouraged to contact their members of Congress in support of the legislation, the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act (H.R. 10073).

Baxter International’s North Carolina manufacturing facility is closed with no estimated timeline for resuming production following Hurricane Helene. The North Carolina site is the largest U.S. manufacturer of IV solutions, including saline and peritoneal dialysis solutions. ACOI is monitoring the situation.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced Medicare fee-for-services providers and suppliers affected by Hurricane Helen

ACOI offers comment on a range of policy issues in letter to CMS; Court halts FTC noncompete rule; UHC prepares to launch Gold Card Program.

In a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the ACOI warns that cuts to Medicare physician payments threaten patient access to care and are contributing to physician

Advocacy Alert: Tell Congress to stop physician payment cuts; updates on the expansion of telehealth flexibilities.

ACOI Responds to Senate Finance White Paper on Physician Payment Reform; Prior Authorization Bill Reintroduced with Strong Support; ACOI Offers Input on GME Policy Changes.

Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule. Your ACOI team will analyze the proposed rule to identify policies that could impact osteopathic internists, their practices and patients.