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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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Ophthalmologist Raj Maturi, MD, with a patient in his clinic.
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Featured News

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2027. Here are the highlights based on the Academy’s analysis. The Academy will work with our advocacy partners to ensure finalized policies support our members and their patients.

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Advocacy Issues
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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.

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October 1, 2025
Academy Supports Physician Exemption From New Visa Program Fee

The Academy joined 60 medical organizations in urging the Department of Homeland Security to exempt international medical graduate physicians from the application fee.

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October 1, 2025
New Medicare Coverage Policies for Botulinum Toxin Injections Released

Novitas Solutions (Novitas) and First Coast Service Options (First Coast) cover 14 states and three regions, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

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Congressional Representative and Ophthalmologist Kelly Morrison
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September 24, 2025
OPHTHPAC Members Hear from Physician Member of Congress at Virtual Speaker Series Event

Rep. Kelly Morrison, MD, D-Minn. spoke at OPHTHPAC®’s quarterly speaker series event, where she discussed Medicare reimbursement, scope of practice, and vision research funding.

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A doctor stands in front of a retinopathy screening machine
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September 24, 2025
Support for AI-Driven Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Advances in House

Ophthalmologist lawmaker Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD, helped secure language to promote expanded access to AI-driven eye screenings in federally qualified health centers and rural communities.

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September 24, 2025
Academy Opposes New Prior Authorization Demo for ASCs

What you need to know about CMS’ plan to expand prior authorization for some ambulatory surgical center services in 10 states.

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An exterior shot of a building with a sign that reads "Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue, SW, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services"
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September 17, 2025
Academy Pushes Back on CMS’ Harmful Proposals in Formal Comments

Drawing on member feedback, our formal comments detail how CMS’ proposals would disrupt surgical eye care, reduce practice stability, and threaten patient access.

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September 9, 2025
Advocacy Works: Humana Removes Ophthalmologists From Downcoding Program

Responding to our members, the Academy worked for months to secure this change to protect your time and the financial stability of your practice.

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September 3, 2025
House Subcommittee Advances Funding Bill Without Proposed NIH Overhaul

Academy advocacy to protect National Eye Institute (NEI) independence is having an impact with lawmakers. Join the fight today!