Overview: 2013 Federal Legislative Priorities

The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) is committed to the enactment of legislation that will strengthen the delivery of, and access to, quality healthcare. To that end, the AAO-HNS urges Congress to take the following actions in 2013: Permanently Repeal the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) Formula The volatility and instability of the Medicare payment system is threatening beneficiaries’ access to healthcare. Continued payment cuts, rising practice costs, and a lack of certainty going forward make it difficult, if not impossible, for already financially challenged physician practices to continue to treat Medicare patients. During the past decade, the AAO-HNS and others in the physician community have repeatedly advocated for the reform and redesign of the unstable and unsustainable Medicare physician payment formula. However, Congress’ failure to enact permanent reform has created an instability and uncertainty that undermines the ability of physicians to plan for the future, to provide for their employees, and to make investments to help improve the quality and efficiency of the care they provide. No true success in the healthcare reform and/or deficit reduction arenas can be achieved without the concurrent repeal of the SGR formula and development of a new Medicare physician payment model. Members of Congress are urged to support the permanent repeal of the flawed SGR formula. Protect Patient Safety Within the Medicare Program The AAO-HNS strongly believes a physician-led hearing healthcare team with coordination of services is the best approach for providing the highest quality care to patients. In past years, some in the audiology community have pursued unlimited direct access to Medicare patients without a physician referral, and the AAO-HNS has repeatedly opposed such legislative efforts due to significant patient safety concerns. In addition, some audiologists now seek to amend Title XVIII (18) of the Social Security Act to achieve a “limited license physician” status within the Medicare program. Hearing and balance disorders are medical conditions that require a full patient history and physical examination by a Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). While audiologists play a critical role in providing quality-hearing healthcare, their desire to independently diagnose hearing disorders transcends their level of training and expertise. Members of Congress are urged to oppose “direct access” to audiologists without a physician referral and proposed Title XVIII expansions to ensure patient safety is preserved. Repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB)  The IPAB, an unaccountable body of individuals appointed by the President and charged with creating Medicare payment policy, usurps the rightful authority of our elected Congressional officials to create and shape Medicare policy. By limiting Congressional authority, the IPAB essentially eliminates the transparency of hearings, debate, and the meaningful opportunity of stakeholder input. In fact, fewer than half of the IPAB members can be healthcare providers, and none are permitted to be practicing physicians or be otherwise employed. Members of Congress are encouraged to support the introduction and passage of legislation to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board. Enact Comprehensive Medical Liability Reforms The nation’s current medical liability system places patients in jeopardy of losing their access to vital healthcare services. With affordable and adequate medical liability insurance becoming difficult to find, physicians are retiring early, limiting their practices, or moving to states with less costly premiums. This disturbing trend is leaving entire communities without access to critical healthcare services. As a specialty, in an effort to reduce and learn from instances of medical error, we have committed substantial resources to and engaged our members in proactive quality improvement initiatives. However, further statutory changes are necessary to address flaws in our current tort system and enact proven reforms to reduce frivolous lawsuits. Members of Congress are urged to explore innovative solutions to alleviate the burdens associated with the current medical liability system. Support Clarity and Transparency in Healthcare Advertisements Currently, there is little “transparency” associated with the most fundamental and important component of healthcare delivery—the many health professionals who interact with patients every day. Recent studies confirm America’s patients prefer a physician-led approach to healthcare and are often confused about the level of training and education of their healthcare providers. Because of this uncertainty, patient autonomy and decision-making have been compromised. America’s patients deserve to be fully informed and able to easily identify in healthcare advertisements their providers’ credentials, licenses, and training when seeking treatment. Members of Congress are urged to support legislation designed to require ALL healthcare providers to provide critical credentialing/training information in healthcare advertisements and during patient interactions. For more information on AAO-HNS federal legislative priorities, contact the Government Affairs team at legfederal@entnet.org. *Priorities are subject to change as the year continues. Check back on the Government Affairs webpage (www.entnet.org/advocacy) for updates.