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AAO-HNS Summary of CY 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule/Quality Payment Program Proposed Rule
Advocacy, Regulatory Relief
On July 10, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2025 Proposed Rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), which als…
AAO-HNS Responds to Senate Finance Committee White Paper on Bolstering Chronic Care through Physician Payment
Advocacy
In June, the Academy submitted its formal response to a white paper released by the Senate Finance Committee. The committee’s white paper outlined the current …
AAO-HNS Leads Coalition Efforts to Submit Letter to CGS Administrators Proposed Local Coverage Determination (LCD) – Botulinum Toxin Injections
Advocacy, Physician Payment Reform, Private Payer Advocacy, Regulatory Relief, Reimbursement
Following coalition advocacy by the Academy, the American Laryngological Association (ALA) and the American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA) a joint …
AAO-HNS Summary of HHS Rule Establishing Disincentives for Healthcare Providers that Engage in “Information Blocking”
Advocacy, Regulatory Relief
On June 24, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) released …
YPS Call for Candidates
YPS invites those who are interested in serving on the Governing Council or as a YPS Delegate to submit an application no later than Friday, August 16th, 2024.
WIO Call for Candidates
WIO invites those who are interested in serving on the Governing Council to submit an application no later than Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
SRF Call for Candidates
SRF invites those who are interested in serving on the Governing Council or as an SRF Delegate to submit an application no later than Friday, August 16th, 2024.
AAO-HNS Advocacy Efforts Lead to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Modifier 25 Policy Retraction
Advocacy, Private Payer Advocacy
Following coordinated advocacy by the Academy, the North Carolina Medical Society and physician advocates in the state, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolin…
AAO-HNS Submits Comments to Blue Shield of California Regarding Global Surgical Period Evaluation and Management (E/M) Reimbursement Policy
Advocacy, Private Payer Advocacy
On May 17, 2024 the Academy submitted a detailed letter to Blue Shield of California regarding its update to the Global Surgical period Evaluation and Manageme…
Congress Passes Legislation to Partially Mitigate the 3.4% Medicare Physician Payment Cut
Advocacy, Physician Payment Reform, Reimbursement
Last week, in a federal budget deal struck to avoid a government shutdown, Congress passed legislation to reduce the 3.4% Medicare physician payment cut by 1.6…
AAO-HNS Summary of CMS Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule
Advocacy, Regulatory Relief
On January 17, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule. The rule includes impor…
2024 Medicare Claims – What We Know Now
Advocacy, Regulatory Relief
The CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule implemented a 3.4% cut to physician reimbursement. This cut went into effect on January 1, 2024. While there is sti…
Important Message to Members: Notification of NIM Vital Nerve Monitoring System Concerns
The NIM Nerve Monitoring System, manufactured by Medtronic, has become an invaluable tool for surgeons operating around cranial and peripheral nerves to monito…
CMS Releases 2024 HOPPS/ASC Final Rule
Advocacy, Regulatory Relief
On November 2, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year 2024 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS)/Am…
AAO-HNS Summary of CY 2024 MPFS Final Rule
Advocacy, Regulatory Relief
Following the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) release of the CY 2024 Final Rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), which also …
Federal Departments Release New Proposed Rule on No Surprises Act IDR Process
Advocacy, Regulatory Relief
On October 27, 2023, the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (the Departments) and the Office of Personnel Management releas…
AAO-HNS Responds to House Budget Committee Request for Information on Lowering Health Care Costs
Advocacy
In September, Republican members of the House Budget Committee established a Health Care Task Force and issued a request for information (RFI) to solicit feedb…
CMS Reopens IDR Portal For New Single and Bundled Claims
Advocacy, Regulatory Relief
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on October 6, that it reopened the Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) portal for new single an…
AAO-HNS Comments on CY 2024 HOPPS/ASC Proposed Rule
Advocacy, Regulatory Relief
On September 8, the AAO-HNS submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the CY 2024 Hospital Outpatient Prospective…
AAO-HNS Joins Amicus Brief in Support of Rule to Protect Children from Small, High-Powered Magnets
Advocacy, Regulatory Relief
On August 18, the AAO-HNS joined an amicus brief in support of the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) rule intended to protect children from the dange…
AAO-HNS Comments on CY 2024 MPFS/QPP Proposed Rule
Advocacy, Physician Payment Reform, Private Payer Advocacy, Regulatory Relief, Reimbursement
September 12, 2023On September 11, the AAO-HNS submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the calendar year (CY) 202…
2022 MIPS Feedback Now Available and Targeted Review Period Open
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) performance feedback and final scores for …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation Request Information on Episode-Based Payment Models
Regulatory Relief
The Academy responded to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) request for information published on July 18 seeking input on a list of topi…
Academy Takes Action to Address Supply Chain Shortages
Earlier this year, the Academy became aware that endoscope manufacturer Karl Storz discontinued its flexible suction catheters (10486-A,B,C,D) used in pediatri…
COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Ends May 11
Regulatory Relief
On May 11, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ended the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). The move comes after HHS Secretary Xavier B…
AAO-HNS Summary of CY 2024 MPFS Proposed Rule
Advocacy, Regulatory Relief
On July 13, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2024 Proposed Rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), which als…
Updated Residency Application Requirements Webinar recording now available!
Hear directly from a panel of ENT Program Directors as they provide tips and guidance to help you chart the best path to matching.
AAO-HNS Opposition Leads to Positive Update on United Healthcare’s Rhinoplasty and Nasal Procedures Policy
Private Payer Advocacy
Following advocacy efforts by the AAO-HNS and the American Academy for Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), on June 1 United Healthcare (UHC) up…
Congratulations Graduating Residents and Fellows-in-Training!
Completing your residency or fellowship is a HUGE accomplishment. To recognize this achievement, we have a special gift for you.
Update on Residency Application Requirements Webinar
In today’s changing residency application landscape, it's important to get first-hand information on how to maximize your chances to match otolaryngology. Hear…
AAO-HNS, ALA and ABEA Advocate on Medicare SLP Telehealth Services
Advocacy, Regulatory Relief
On May 5, the AAO-HNS partnered with the American Broncho-Esophagological Association and the American Laryngological Association in sending a joint letter to …
AAO-HNS Joins Multispecialty Coalition letter to UHC on Implementation of Prior Authorization for Gastroenterology Services
Private Payer Advocacy
The undersigned organizations urge you not to implement United Healthcare’s (UHC) gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy prior authorization program.
Academy, Stakeholders Urge Congress to Increase Funding for Federal Tobacco Cessation Program
Advocacy
On March 16, the Academy and a diverse group of stakeholders sent a coalition letter to leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate calling for inc…
AAO-HNS comments on CMS Proposed Rule for Improving Prior Authorization and Interoperability
Advocacy, Regulatory Relief
On December 13, 2022, CMS issued a proposed rule that aimed to reduce provider burden by improving prior authorization processes and interoperability. The Acad…
AAO-HNS Fights New Modifier 25 Policy in New Jersey
Letter of Opposition, Private Payer Advocacy
On February 17, the Academy sent a letter of opposition to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (BCBSNJ) in response to the company’s updated reimburse…
Enjoy, Engage, and Enlighten with the WIO Leadership Library
The Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Leadership Development and Mentorship Committee has established an online leadership library.
[Podcast] Wellness and Work-Life Balance for Women in Otolaryngology
The Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Section hosted a podcast on well-being.
[Webinar] Surgical Ergonomics for the Woman Surgeon
A variety of issues affect numerous surgeons every day and even more so for women who at many times are operating with equipment not designed for smaller hands.
A Message to Our Colleagues in Turkey and Syria
Many of our colleagues and their families, friends, and patients have experienced the catastrophic aftermath of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The devasta…
AAO-HNS Comments on UHC Changes to Rhinoplasty and Other Nasal Surgeries Policy
Private Payer Advocacy
On January 27, the Academy sent comments to United Healthcare (UHC) regarding revisions made to the coverage criteria in its Rhinoplasty and Other Nasal Surger…
AAO-HNS Summary of CY 2023 MPFS Final Rule
Advocacy, Physician Payment Reform, Private Payer Advocacy, Regulatory Relief, Reimbursement
Following the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) release of the CY 2023 Final Rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), which also …
Join WIO for an Interactive Virtual Discussion with the Author of Cassandra Speaks!
WIO will host a virtual interactive discussion with Elizabeth Lesser, NY Times best-selling author of Cassandra Speaks: When Women are the Storytellers, the Hu…
Podcast: Mistakes to Avoid with Your Student Loan Debt
Member login required. Watch Now
2023 Global Grand Rounds Webinar Series Kicks Off on February 18: Endoscopic Sinus Surgery- Technique & Strategy to Optimize Patient Outcomes
The AAO-HNSF invites you to attend the kick-off to the 2023 Global Grand Rounds Webinar series on Saturday, February 18 at 9:00 a.m. EST. The first webinar in…
Podcast: Three Pitfalls to Avoid When Starting a Private Practice
Member login required. Patrick R. Owens, MD, and Michael G. Jerkins, MD, and Panacea Financial, President and Co-Founder, discuss pitfalls to avoid when starti…
Registration Open for November Global Grand Rounds Webinar: Disruption and Innovation in Otology and Neurotology
Don’t miss the AAO-HNS Global Grand Rounds webinar, “Disruption and Innovation in Otology and Neurotology” on Saturday, November 5 at 9:00 AM EST! Sign up tod…
AAO-HNS Advocates for Immediate Change to Horizon’s Modifier 25 Policy
Advocacy, Private Payer Advocacy
Effective August 1, 2022, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield will reimburse E/M services appended with Modifier 25 at 50% if a procedural code is reported on the s…
AAO-HNS Summary of CY 2023 MPFS Proposed Rule
Advocacy, Physician Payment Reform, Private Payer Advocacy, Regulatory Relief, Reimbursement
On July 7, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2023 Proposed Rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), which also…
Cigna Delays New Modifier 25 Policy
Private Payer Advocacy
Following advocacy efforts by the AAO-HNS and other impacted specialties, Cigna announced that it plans to delay the implementation of their reimbursement poli…
Academy Urges CMS to Work with Physicians to Review Appropriate Use Criteria Program
Advocacy, Regulatory Relief
The Academy joined the American Medical Association and 42 other medical societies and associations to urge the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (C…
Cigna Announces Reimbursement Policy Update Related to Modifier 25
Private Payer Advocacy
Effective August 13, 2022, Cigna will require the submission of office notes with claims submitted with evaluation and management (E/M) CPT codes 99212, 99213,…
HRSA Details New Requirements for Late PRF Reporting
Advocacy, Regulatory Relief
Last week, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced that it would reopen the reporting portal for recipients of Period 1 Provider Reli…
Registration Open for May Global Grand Rounds Webinar: Artificial Intelligence in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
Don’t miss the AAO-HNS Global Grand Rounds webinar, “Artificial Intelligence in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery” on Saturday, May 14 at 9:00 AM EST! Si…
2022 Health Policy Scholarship
The AAO-HNS and the American College of Surgeons (ACS) are offering an annual scholarship to subsidize attendance and participation in the Health Leadership Pr…
Update to Clinical Practice Guideline on Most Common Outpatient Surgery Performed on Children: Tympanostomy Tubes
ALEXANDRIA, VA ‒ The American Academy of Otolaryngology‒Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) published the Clinical Practice Guideline: Tympanostomy Tub…
Expired: 2022 Global Grand Round Webinar Series
The AAO-HNS 2022 Global Grand Rounds webinar series launches on Saturday, February 12, 9:00am (ET). The first topic of our 2022 series focuses on Chronic Rhino…
CMS Releases 2022 Physician Fee Schedule/Quality Payment Program Final Rule
Advocacy, Regulatory Relief
On November 2, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule implementing changes to the Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Paym…
AAO-HNS Supports COVID-19 Physician Liability Protection Legislation
The AAO-HNS joined members of the Health Coalition on Liability and Access (HCLA) to offer its strong endorsement of H.R. 3021. The “Coronavirus Provider Prote…
AAO-HNS Comments on Second No Surprises Act Interim Final Rule
Advocacy
On December 6, the Academy joined 20 other surgical specialties in submitting coalition comments on the most recent No Surprises Act regulations. The joint com…
CMS Releases 2022 HOPPS/ASC Final Rule
Regulatory Relief
On November 2, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year 2022 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS)/Am…
AAO-HNS Comments on CY 2022 HOPPS/ASC Proposed Rule
Regulatory Relief
On September 17, the AAO-HNS submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the CY 2022 Hospital Outpatient Prospectiv…
AAO-HNS Comments on CY 2022 Medicare PFS/QPP Proposed Rule
Regulatory Relief
On September 13, the AAO-HNS submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the CY 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedul…
AAO-HNS Summary of CY 2022 MPFS Proposed Rule
Regulatory Relief
On July 13, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2022 Proposed Rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), which also …
AAO-HNS Virtual Career Fair
Attend the AAO-HNS Virtual Career Fair on September 9 from 5-8 pm (ET) to connect with private practice employers, group practices, hospitals, health systems, …
AAO-HNS Continues Medicare Advocacy Efforts on Payment for PPE
Regulatory Relief
On February 1 the AAO-HNS submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding its interim final policy on coding and p…
AAO-HNS Releases Summary of Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute Final Rules
Regulatory Relief
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued two new regulations, which took effect on January 19, that have implications for otolaryngologists and…
CMS Releases Revised 2021 Physician Fee Schedule Conversion Factor
Regulatory Relief
On January 7 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced modifications to the calendar year 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) base…
AAO-HNS Comments on CY 2021 HOPPS Final Rule
Regulatory Relief
On January 4 the AAO-HNS submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicare Services on the Calendar Year 2021 Hospital Outpatient Prospective…
CMS Releases Calendar Year 2021 HOPPS Final Rule
Regulatory Relief
On December 2 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year 2021 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS) final…
AAO-HNS Preliminary Summary of CY 2021 MPFS Final Rule
Regulatory Relief
On December 1 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2021 Final Rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and Quality Paym…
AAO-HNS Comments on CY 2021 MPFS Proposed Rule
Regulatory Relief
On October 5, the AAO-HNS submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the CY 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule a…
AAO-HNS Comments on CY 2021 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS) Proposed Rule
Regulatory Relief
On October 5, the AAO-HNS submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the CY 2021 Medicare HOPPS proposed rule. The…
Medicare to Require Prior Authorization for Certain Outpatient Department Services Starting July 1, 2020
Regulatory Relief
In the Calendar Year 2020 Outpatient Prospective Payment System/Ambulatory Surgical Center Final Rule (2020 OPPS Final Rule), the Centers for Medicare and Medi…
AAO-HNS Comments on Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule
Regulatory Relief
On December 30, the AAO-HNS submitted comments to CMS regarding the CY 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule. In the November 15 federal register not…
AAO-HNS Comments on Medicare CY 2020 Hospital Outpatient Proposed Rule
Regulatory Relief
On September 27, the AAO-HNS submitted a comment letter to CMS regarding the CY 2020 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulat…
AAO-HNS Comments on Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
Regulatory Relief
On August 30, the AAO-HNS submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the CY 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule a…
CMS Heeds AAO-HNS Concerns on CY 2019 MPFS
Regulatory Relief
On November 1, 2018, CMS released a final rule implementing changes to the 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. In response to AAO-HNS advocacy and coordinate…
CMS Releases CY 2020 MPFS/QPP Proposed Rule
Regulatory Relief
On July 29, 2019, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2020 Proposed Rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), which…
AAO-HNS Comments on CY 2019 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule
Regulatory Relief
On December 31, the AAO-HNS submitted a comment letter on the CY 2019 PFS Final Rule thanking CMS for implementing multiple policy changes positively impacting…
CMS Releases CY 2019 OPPS and ASC Final Rule
Regulatory Relief
On November 2, 2018, CMS released a final rule implementing changes to the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center…
AAO-HNS Comments on Medicare CY 2019 Hospital Outpatient Proposed Rule
Regulatory Relief
On September 24, the AAO-HNS submitted a comment letter to CMS regarding the CY 2019 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulat…
AAO-HNS Submits Comments on Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
Regulatory Relief
On September 10, the AAO-HNS submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing several components of the CY 2019 …
CMS Releases CY 2019 MPFS/QPP Proposed Rule
Regulatory Relief
On July 12, 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2019 Proposed Rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Whi…
Phillips Recall of PAP Devices
On June 14, 2021, Phillips issued a voluntary recall notification of positive air pressure (PAP) and ventilator devices. The recall applies to all Phillips dev…
Announcing the International Advisory Board (IAB) Chair-elect: Sheng-Po Hao, MD
Sheng-Po Hao, MD, has been selected to become the Chair-elect of the International Advisory Board (IAB). Dr. Hao is professor and chair of the Department of Ot…
Annual Election Results
Thank you for sharing your voice and helping to decide the future of the specialty. The results are now in and have been verified. Find out which leaders were …
AAO-HNS/F Strategic Plan: Updated April 2021
Our Strategic Plan sets the overall direction of the organization by defining specific goals and objectives that guide resource management.
CMS Releases FY 2022 Inpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule (5-13-21)
On April 27, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) proposed rule.…
Expired: Join the SRF Governing Council
Apply today for a position on the SRF Governing Council. Applications are due by August 2nd.
AAO-HNS Celebrates House of Representatives Passage of Anti-Tobacco Legislation
Advocacy
Over the course of the past year, the American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) has collaborated with a number of physician and publi…
Medicare Begins Advance Payment Recoupment
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that the agency has begun recouping COVID-19 Accelerated and Advance Payments (CAAPs) received…
Now Closed: Call for Nominations: WIO Governing Council
Apply for a position on the WIO Governing Council. Applications are due by August 2nd. APPLY TODAY
Reg-ent Clinical Data Registry
Research
Reg-ent, focused on quality improvement and patient outcomes, is an essential tool to advance outcomes in the specialty.
Anthem Announces Extension of Telehealth Flexibility (4/12/21)
Private Payer Advocacy
On April 6, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield announced that, until further notice, they will continue to cover telephone-only medical services from in-network and…
Wellmark Reverses Negative Coverage Policy for Balloon Sinus Ostial Dilation (11/19/20)
Private Payer Advocacy
Following extensive advocacy efforts by the AAO-HNS, the Iowa Academy of Otolaryngology, and other stakeholders, Wellmark revised its medical policy, “Function…
AAO-HNS Comments on Humana’s New Imaging and Interpretation Criteria (11/2/20)
Private Payer Advocacy
On November 2, the Academy sent comments to Humana opposing their new Imaging and Interpretation Criteria for Diagnostic Imaging Authorizations. The new criter…
AAO-HNS Advocates for Coverage of Balloon Sinus Ostial Dilation (8/5/20)
Private Payer Advocacy
On July 1, following the Academy’s advocacy efforts and submission of clinical input, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program updated its medical p…
AAO-HNS Continues Advocacy on Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Coverage for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (7/20/20)
Private Payer Advocacy
On July 20, the AAO-HNS sent comments to Anthem opposing their medical policy designating hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) as experimental / investigationa…
AAO-HNS Comments on Cigna Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Services Coverage Policy (6/24/2020)
Private Payer Advocacy
On June 15, the AAO-HNS sent comments to Cigna opposing their medical policy on “Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment Services” which designated hypoglossal nerve…
AAO-HNS Continues Advocacy on Balloon Ostial Dilation for Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis (2/5/2020)
Private Payer Advocacy
On February 5, the AAO-HNS sent comments to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Federal Employee Program (BCBS FEP) opposing their medical policy designating balloon osti…