Overview
The AAO-HNS Health Policy Fellowship is a prestigious two-year program designed to develop the next generation of leaders in physician payment policy, reimbursement, and advocacy. The fellowship honors the enduring legacy of health policy leaders and celebrates a spirit of advocacy, mentorship, and service to the otolaryngology community.
Comprehensive Learning Domains
- CPT & RUC Advocacy – In-depth exposure to the coding and valuation process, including CPT application development and RUC survey methodology
- Legislative Advocacy – Participation in state and federal advocacy through direct engagement with lawmakers and coalition work
- Payer Policy Development – Understanding and influencing reimbursement policies from private payers and CMS
- Industry and Innovation – Engagement with stakeholders across medical technology, devices, and innovation platforms
- Academy Policy Resource Development – Helping to review and shape AAO-HNS policy documents (e.g., position statements, payment guidance, and member-facing tools)
Additional Focus by Year
Year One: Work with the CPT team, observing code submissions to the AMA, contributing to CPT coding applications, and learning the fundamentals of the CPT development process.
Year Two: Focus shifts to the RUC team, following codes through valuation, learning to prepare and defend survey data, and engaging in reimbursement strategy.
Engagement Throughout Both Years
- Active participation in the 3P (Physician Payment Policy) Workgroup
- Monthly CPT/RUC team calls
- One in-person CPT Panel meeting, at least one virtual CPT Panel meeting and one in-person RUC Panel meeting
- Participation in Capitol Hill advocacy
- Contribution to AAO-HNS position statements and policy resources
Eligibility
- Domestic AAO-HNS Members who are practicing otolaryngologists with a strong interest in health policy, reimbursement, and advocacy.
- Selected participants must be willing to sign any necessary confidentiality agreements prior to beginning the fellowship. Commitment to confidentiality is critical as you will be working with information not available to the public. Full conflict-of-interest disclosure, and adherence to all AMA CPT/RUC protocols will be required.
Application Details
- Application Window: June 23 – July 21
- Submit: CV and Letter of Interest to [email protected]
- Interviews: Virtual interview for selected applicants
- Target Start Date: Annual Meeting 2025 (October 11)
- Fellows will receive a certificate of completion
