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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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November 19, 2025
Advocacy Works: CMS Delays ASC Prior Authorization Pilot

With the help of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society, and the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, the Academy has persuaded the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to delay the start of the prior authorization (PA) pilot in ambulatory surgical centers.

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November 19, 2025
Medicare Telehealth Claims Reprocessing Remains Uncertain
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is expected to issue guidance on handling unpaid telehealth claims soon.
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November 19, 2025
CMS Reverses Course on NCCI Edits for Key Imaging Codes Following Academy Advocacy
The Academy's persistent and expert advocacy is securing sight saving wins for patient access to essential vision care.
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An ophthalmologist examines the eyes of a veteran patient
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November 12, 2025
VA Hopes New Technology Will Ease Community Care Program Scheduling for Practices

The Department of Veteran Affairs’ new External Provider Scheduling cloud-based technology system allows VA schedulers to book approved appointments directly into community care program participants’ systems.

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November 12, 2025
Ophthalmology Coalition Pushes Back on CMS ASC Prior Authorization Pilot

The Academy is pushing for a delay in implementation for the pilot, scheduled to start on Dec. 15.

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October 29, 2025
Advocacy Works: Humana Backs Down on Claim Denials
When Humana started denying valid claims for office and eye visits billed with diagnostic testing, the Academy fought back — and won.
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A person dressed in a Halloween costume poses next to an inflatable eyeball
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October 29, 2025
Join Our ‘Spooktacular’ Halloween Costume Competition

As Halloween approaches, don’t ghost OPHTHPAC® this year! Contribute to OPHTHPAC today to join our inaugural “Spooktacular” Halloween costume competition. Submit costume photos of you, your family, colleagues, and pets in your spookiest Halloween attire!

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October 22, 2025
Government Shutdown Update: CMS Lifts Claims Hold for Most Services
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has again reversed course and instructed Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) to lift the hold on the majority of Medicare claims with dates of service on or after Oct. 1.
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October 8, 2025
Humana to Correct Some Claim Denials Following Academy Action

The payer told the Academy it has started to correct some previously denied claims. Here is what Academy members need to know.

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A closeup photo of an intravitreal injection
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October 8, 2025
CMS Updates Guidelines on Intravitreal Injections and Modifier 25

The Academy is engaging CMS directly to resolve new inconsistencies around modifier 25 and ensure clear, accurate guidance for ophthalmology practices.