Advocacy News

Advocacy efforts to protect eye care patients in Kansas and Nebraska paid off with optometric scope of practice expansion bills in both states failing to receive votes before the close of their sessions.

Hundreds of ophthalmologists met with members of Congress and their staff last week to build and strengthen the relationships crucial to the Academy’s advocacy efforts, while introducing a new generation of eye surgeons to the important work of engaging on behalf of their patients and profession.

Our joint comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services outlined our opposition to its proposal to pilot a new prior authorization requirement for ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) delivering certain Medicare Part B services.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee sent a detailed letter to UnitedHealth Group seeking answers on the Change Healthcare cyberattack, and the Health Subcommittee held a hearing on the strength of health sector cybersecurity this week.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services outlined its strategy intended to improve patient access to high-quality specialty care, aiming to have 100% traditional Medicare beneficiaries and nearly all Medicaid beneficiaries in accountable care relationships by 2030.

The legislation is part of the Academy’s push to enact “gold card” policies at the state level, to exempt high approval physicians from burdensome prior authorization requirements.

The Academy joined the American Medical Association on a call with Optum and CMS leaders to share recent survey results showing small practices are still overwhelmed by the Change Healthcare cyberattack and require more assistance.

Won’t be able to join your colleagues at Mid-Year Forum 2024 in Washington, D.C.? You can still play a powerful role on Congressional Advocacy Day, even if you can’t attend in person.

An April fundraising effort responds to state and federal threats that weaken quality surgical eye care standards.

As more payers come back online following the Change Healthcare cyberattack, follow this guide and work with your practice managers to ensure your claims processing goes as smoothly as possible.