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Advocacy News

News and views on the regulatory, legislative, and political issues impacting ophthalmology in Washington, D.C., and around the United States

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New Hampshire State House
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Featured News

For the third straight year, New Hampshire ophthalmologists have successfully defended safe eye surgery.

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Advocacy Issues
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May 22, 2019
New Analysis: CMS’ Step Therapy Plan Draws into Focus
The Academy has new details on fail-first policies in Medicare, including how you can appeal decisions to deny care.  
May 15, 2019
BREAKING: CMS Releases Step Therapy Rule; Academy Comments Net Impact on New-Starts Requirement  
Our early review of the rule concludes that CMS has agreed to an Academy request that it adjust its definition of new starts of treatment.
January 23, 2019
Academy Leads Coalition Response to CMS’ Unacceptable Medicare Advantage Step Therapy Policies
Our profession continues to spearhead efforts to unfetter access to necessary ophthalmic treatments.  
January 2, 2019
Academy Calls for Immediate Halt in CMS’ Implementation of Step Therapy
We’re bringing in the attorneys as we continue to press to halt substantial obstacles between patients and their physicians’ recommended treatment options.
October 3, 2018
Federal Watchdog Warns of Step Therapy’s Troubling Effects, Including Profit-Driven Decisions
Fail-first treatment is bad news for our patients, and now HHS’ Office of the Inspector General is agreeing with our belief  
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September 12, 2018
CMS’ Step-Therapy Decision Generates Massive Pushback from Organized Medicine
Dozens of medical associations are joining the Academy and AMA to oppose a plan that could delay patients’ necessary treatments  
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September 12, 2018
Academy Calls on CMS To Drop E/M Proposal, Preserve MIPS Credit for IRIS Registry Users in New Fee Schedule
We’re delivering a consistent message throughout our comments to CMS — let ophthalmologists do what we do best: deliver quality medical eye care  
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A sign that reads "United States Department of Health and Human Services"
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July 11, 2018
CMS Unveils Proposed 2019 Physician Fee Schedule, Quality Payment Program Changes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today released a massive series of Medicare policies affecting physicians.

June 20, 2018
Academy to Feds: Step Therapy is Risky Drug Policy for Ophthalmology 
We're working to thwart proposals that could cost our patients their sight by offering other ways to lower drug costs 
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November 1, 2017
Major Issues Ahead for Ophthalmology in Quality Payment Program’s Second Year
We’re livid about CMS’ direction and will work tirelessly to ensure our profession’s success in next year’s Medicare physician payment system. A separate rule, the Medicare fee schedule offers some relief.