Academy Comments on Proposed 2017 Physician Fee Schedule (9/6/16)
On September 6, the Academy submitted comments to CMS regarding the 2017 Proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Topics addressed include: practice expense adjustments; proposed global surgical data collection requirements; Appropriate Use Criteria for Advanced Diagnostic Imaging requirements, modifications to the Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR) qualification requirements, and updates to the Value Based Modifier and Physician Feedback Programs.
Academy Comments on Proposed CY 2017 HOPPS (9/6/16)
On September 6, the Academy has submitted comments on the proposed rule for CY 2017 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment Rate. The Academy addressed: point-of-care imaging access for patients, Appropriate Use Criteria for Advanced Diagnostic Imaging requirements, and changes to Ambulatory Payment Classifications assignments.
Academy Collaborates with Anthem to Revise SPECT/CT Policy (9/1/16)
Following discussion with AAO-HNS leaders, Anthem accepted the Academy's request to consider the use of SPECT/CT fusion imaging as medically necessary in the evaluation of parathyroid glands in individuals with hyperparathyroidism when used for anatomic localization prior to parathyroid surgery. View Anthem's most recent updates to the language and medical literature referenced in the policy.