Published: December 9, 2016

Annual Meeting 2016: Member Engagement & Unity

Value. Lately everyone is insisting on it, from value-based healthcare to value-added mobile data family plans. With so many options available to us, we’re right to insist on value, including in our professional association memberships. AAO-HNS offers value-added benefits that help Members achieve excellence and provide the best ear, nose, and throat care. The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery provides value for our Members through professional and public education, research, and health policy and legislative advocacy. As a membership organization, the Academy exists solely for the benefit of our Members and advancement of the specialty. The value of membership extends far beyond efforts to provide clarity in these uncertain times. As a Member, you have access to exclusive programs and resources designed just for you. Whether you practice general or subspecialty otolaryngology, and regardless of your practice setting, there are Academy resources just for you. We exist for you. BOG’S ‘BRING HOME THE ACADEMY’ WORKED TO BRING HOME VALUE The theme of this year’s Board of Governors (BOG) activities was “Bring Home the Academy.” The campaign was launched to help increase awareness of the BOG’s critical role as the grassroots arm of the AAO-HNS, highlighting the numerous resources available for state/local/regional otolaryngology societies and their representatives to the BOG. New toolkits and slide presentations were developed and a virtual society platform was created to help Members “Bring Home the Academy.” Membership by the numbers (as of October 20, 2016) 11,884 members; 93% retention rate 880 new and reinstated Members 69% Fellows, board certified 17% Members, not board certified 12% Residents 9% International members PRIMARY SUBSPECIALTIES BY THE NUMBERS 49% General Otolaryngology 11% Head and Neck Surgery 10% Facial Plastic Surgery 9% Pediatric Otolaryngology 5% Neurtology 5% Otology/Audiology 4% Rhinology 4% Laryngology 3% Allergy 1% Sleep Medicine

AAO-HNS offers value-added benefits that help Members achieve excellence and provide the best ear, nose, and throat care.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery provides value for our Members through professional and public education, research, and health policy and legislative advocacy. As a membership organization, the Academy exists solely for the benefit of our Members and advancement of the specialty. The value of membership extends far beyond efforts to provide clarity in these uncertain times.

As a Member, you have access to exclusive programs and resources designed just for you. Whether you practice general or subspecialty otolaryngology, and regardless of your practice setting, there are Academy resources just for you. We exist for you.

BOG’S ‘BRING HOME THE ACADEMY’ WORKED TO BRING HOME VALUE

The theme of this year’s Board of Governors (BOG) activities was “Bring Home the Academy.” The campaign was launched to help increase awareness of the BOG’s critical role as the grassroots arm of the AAO-HNS, highlighting the numerous resources available for state/local/regional otolaryngology societies and their representatives to the BOG. New toolkits and slide presentations were developed and a virtual society platform was created to help Members “Bring Home the Academy.”

Membership by the numbers

(as of October 20, 2016)

11,884 members; 93% retention rate
880 new and reinstated Members

69% Fellows, board certified
17% Members, not board certified
12% Residents
9% International members

PRIMARY SUBSPECIALTIES BY THE NUMBERS
49% General Otolaryngology
11% Head and Neck Surgery
10% Facial Plastic Surgery
9% Pediatric Otolaryngology
5% Neurtology
5% Otology/Audiology
4% Rhinology
4% Laryngology
3% Allergy
1% Sleep Medicine
<1% Endocrine Surgery

Election of Officers: During this year’s Board of Governors (BOG) General Assembly meeting at the AAO-HNSF 2016 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO^SM, Stacey L. Ishman, MD, MPH, assumed the role of BOG Chair, and David R. Edelstein, MD, became Immediate Past Chair. Sanjay R. Parikh, MD, was elected BOG Chair-Elect and Daniel L. Wohl, MD, was elected BOG Member-at-Large.

BOG Governance & Society Engagement Committee: The Connecticut Ear, Nose & Throat Society was awarded the Model Society Award, the Virginia Society of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery (VSO-HNS) was awarded the Model Society Honorable Mention Award, and Eiji Yanagisawa, MD, was awarded the BOG Practitioner Excellence Award. In addition, the committee has begun hosting online virtual societies via GoToMeeting to assist in launching new societies and improving awareness of AAO-HNS and BOG programs.

BOG Socioeconomic & Grassroots Committee: Twice a year, the committee conducts a survey of local, state, national, and specialty society members. The latest survey sought input on the impact of Emergency Room call requirements. The goal of this survey was to determine trends and concerns among membership relating to ER call requirements, and to steer common and significant issues to the BOG and AAO-HNS for further study or discussion. A survey on implementation of the Affordable Care Act was also conducted in 2016.

BOG Legislative Affairs Committee: In 2016, the committee continued to work via two workgroups: PROJECT 535 and Legislative Grassroots. Both workgroups held quarterly conference calls, with the last being in July. The PROJECT 535 workgroup established a strategy to designate certain BOG members to serve as state or regional managers to help with recruitment efforts. The Grassroots workgroup provided feedback on the Academy’s outreach efforts, including a questionnaire being distributed to State Trackers seeking input on ways to improve the program and to verify states are being properly monitored. Workgroup efforts, with a focus on Member engagement, will continue in 2017.

AAO-HNS/F 2016 Leadership Forum & BOG Spring Meeting: This year’s AAO-HNS/F 2016 Leadership Forum & BOG Spring Meeting was productive, with nearly 200 attendees. The four-day event included a new mENTorConnect Welcome Reception; a combined luncheon with the AAO-HNS/F Boards of Directors; renowned keynote speakers; a General Assembly with AAO-HNS/F Presidential candidate speeches; and 21 sessions offering a total of six CME credits.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The BOG looks forward to supporting the launch of new virtual societies and efforts to “Bring Home the Academy” via recruitment of volunteers for various advocacy initiatives, specifically PROJECT 535, and new initiatives to strengthen communications with and through the BOG Representatives.

SECTION FOR RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS-IN-TRAINING (SRF)

SRF members captured the spirit of engagement while working on strategic activities.

Growth and Visibility: The SRF continues to work to increase the number and visibility of its Members at specialty society meetings. In addition, a new SRF brochure was developed to promote the section and its numerous resources.

Connecting and communicating: As part of its quarterly eNewsletter, a new segment was included summarizing important legislative topics relevant to residents and the specialty, such as audiology scope of practice and GME funding. In addition, the first resident-focused podcast for the Academy was created. The annual 2016 SRF survey was completed with 341 responses and published in the November edition of the Bulletin.

Educating: A manuscript was published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery on fellowship trends for otolaryngology residents. Also, at the AAO-HNSF 2016 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO℠, the SRF, in conjunction with the Endocrine Surgery Committee, presented a Miniseminar, “Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring in Thyroid Surgery,” with two resident panelists joining other leaders in the field.

Leadership: With 32 SRF Members in attendance, the section was well-represented at the AAO-HNS/F 2016 Leadership Forum & BOG Spring Meeting and assisted in the development of the programming. Following the event, SRF leaders visited Members of Congress on Capitol Hill to discuss legislative proposals impacting otolaryngology patients and the future of the specialty.

WOMEN IN OTOLARYNGOLOGY (WIO) SECTION

Communication: Over the past year, the WIO Section enhanced its member communications through website updates, social media outreach, posts on ENTConnect, articles in the Bulletin, and quarterly eNewsletters with Member Spotlights and Shout-Outs.

Leadership and Mentoring: Building upon the success of last year’s pilot initiative, the 2016-2017 WIO Section Leadership Training Program launched at September’s Annual Meeting in San Diego. This unique opportunity supports the professional leadership development and education of female AAO-HNS Members in an effort to promote women into leadership positions within the WIO Section, the AAO-HNS/F, and other facets of the participants’ professional and personal lives. The year-long program consisting of in-person meetings and topic-based webinars has 17 participants.

Recognition: The Section continued to recognize its peers through an awards program. The Helen F. Krause, MD Memorial Trailblazer Award was presented to Karen M. Kost, MD. Kara S. Davis, MD, was presented with the inaugural Exemplary Senior Trainee Award.

The WIO Sunrise Yoga session at the Annual Meeting was an inspired way to energize the mind and body for sustained performance through the day.

YOUNG PHYSICIANS SECTION (YPS)

Communication: In its second year as a Section, the YPS had a very successful and productive year. The newly created YPS Communications and Recruitment taskforces continued to grow their Facebook and ENTConnect presence. Multiple online roundtable sessions were held, including topics of Physician Contracts and Maintenance of Certification (MOC).

Engagement and representation: A new appointed leadership liaison was created with the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto). In addition, nominations of section members were made for all seven Advisory Clinical Committees for the Regent℠ registry and were accepted by the AAO-HNS/F Board of Directors. Also, in an effort to identify liaisons with individual state societies, a YPS State Delegates program was started in collaboration with the AAO-HNS Board of Governors (BOG), and the program continues to grow.

Programming: The newly created Programming taskforce provided content of interest to YPS physicians at both the Spring Leadership Forum and fall Annual Meeting. In the spring, the section presented a panel on developing short-term and long-term career plans, as well as hosted the speed mentoring session. At the Annual Meeting, the Section had three co-sponsored Miniseminars accepted, including topics on leadership and social media.

Members networked with colleagues and associates prior to the Annual Meeting Opening Ceremony.

GLOBAL AFFAIRS: INCREASING OUR VALUE 4 INTERNATIONAL MEMBERS

INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITY AT THE ANNUAL MEETING

In the first year of launching the International Symposium at the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO Experience we received over 75 submissions. The accepted sessions included education content from speakers from around the world and a number of sessions were presented in Spanish. The first day of the International Symposium was offered as a live webcast to a remote audience throughout Latin America and other countries. There were also a number of submissions that were presented as posters. Throughout the week the International Symposium had more than 2,000 attendees.

INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

The newly developed International Advisory Board (IAB) will provide international otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons more meaningful representation in AAO-HNSF governance. The IAB general assembly will be composed of delegates representing more than 60 International Corresponding Societies (ICS) and 10 international Members who will serve as “at-large” representatives. The General Assembly will be chaired by Johan J. Fagan, MD, and vice chaired by Sady Selaimen da Costa, MD, who will each serve a two-year term. Dr. Fagan will also serve as a non-voting member of the AAO-HNSF Board of Directors in an advisory role, representing issues and concerns of the international constituency.

HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS

AAO-HNSF offers financial support to SRF participants for humanitarian missions that deliver care to those that are in need. In 2016, AAO-HNSF provided support to 15 Members who then traveled and served in 10 developing countries and territories.

AAO-HNSF also recognized exceptional Members for their commitment to humanitarian work. The AAO-HNSF Distinguished Award for Humanitarian Service was awarded to Wayne M. Koch, MD. Throughout his career, Dr. Koch has gone on as many as 25 medical missions to various countries around the world and has worked to create and support a training program for African surgeons. Domestic humanitarian service is recognized through the The Jerome C Goldstein, MD Public Service Award, and this year C. Ron Cannon, MD, was so honored for his dedication, passion, and long-standing commitment to serve mankind in both medical and community activities. The Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award was awarded to Susan D. McCammon, MD. After Hurricane Ike, Dr. McCammon logged more than 400 hours of Hospice and Palliative Care volunteer time for marginalized patients unable to receive care in the economic aftermath of this natural disaster. The AAO-HNSF Nikhil J. Bhatt, MD International Public Service Award was awarded to Lokman Saim, MD. Because or Dr. Saim’s pioneering work in cochlear implant surgery, Malaysian children who were born deaf and adults with acquired deafness are now able to regain hearing and develop normal speech and language. AAO-HNSF Nikhil J. Bhatt, MD Humanitarian Award was awarded to Nega Kiros, MD. Dr. Kiros founded a new ENT hospital in Ethiopia to attend to the needs of the poor and underserved.

INTERNATIONAL JOINT MEETINGS

Participated in the 35th Congreso Panamericano de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello June 13-16 in Havana, Cuba, by presenting a symposium that included AAO-HNSF leadership.
Participated in the All Africa ENT & Audiology Congress (AAENTA) June 19-22 in Kigali, Rwanda by presenting a symposium.

Annual Report 2016: Advocacy

Throughout the year, the Academy’s legislative and grassroots efforts act as the voice of the specialty on Capitol Hill and in the state houses. The Academy’s legislative advocacy work ensures lawmakers are knowledgeable about the issues affecting otolaryngology and understand how pending proposals could impact your practice and your patients. These initiatives, combined with the Academy’s Health Policy efforts, create a continual advocacy mechanism to ensure the specialty is well represented with policymakers and providing Value4U. Advocacy leaders and staff work in myriad areas to provide value. The work falls into two primary categories—Health Policy: agencies and payers; and Legistative: federal, regional, state, and local. These pages outline each area of endeavor. LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL Advocated on behalf of the specialty via 129 Capitol Hill meetings and 76 political fundraisers. Co-signed 34 coalition letters with others in the healthcare community on varied topics, including tobacco control, hearing health, MACRA implementation, and scope of practice. Testified before the Food and Drug Administration regarding Good Manufacturing Practices and Proposed Stratification of Hearing Aids. Submitted numerous comment letters in anticipation of the National Academies’ report on “Hearing Health Care for Adults: Priorities for Improving Access and Affordability.” Successfully thwarted attempts by allied professionals to inappropriately expand their scope of practice, as well as efforts to re-define audiologists as “physicians.” Supported and advanced “truth-in-advertising” proposals to ensure patients are fully informed in their healthcare decisions. Joined AAOA, AAFPRS, and others to oppose, on multiple fronts, proposed changes to USP 797 and related changes to in-office compounding regulations. GRASSROOTS AND STATE TRACKERS Advanced PROJECT 535, a BOG-sponsored initiative ensuring each Member of Congress is connected to an AAO-HNS Member. In the program’s first year, key contacts in more than 50 percent of states/congressional districts were identified. Activated nearly 1,800 members of the ENT Advocacy Network, urging them to contact their legislators via eight “Calls to Action.” Held monthly conference calls with more than 130 volunteer State Trackers to identify legislative trends developing at the state level. ALL-STAR ADVOCATES Effective legislative and political advocacy relies on you, our Members. To more broadly recognize AAO-HNS Members who support the Academy’s entire spectrum of advocacy programs, a new “All Star Advocate” distinction was established in 2016. AAO-HNS Members who carry the All-Star Advocate designation help to advance the specialty’s priorities by: Joining the ENT Advocacy Network. This “opt-in” network provides Members with timely updates and legislative “Calls to Action.” Advocacy Network members also receive information regarding the breadth of the Academy’s advocacy efforts via the monthly e-newsletter, The ENT Advocate. Participating in PROJECT 535. This initiative aims to recruit a “key contact” for each U.S. Senate and House Congressional seat. Pairing Academy Members with lawmakers in each Congressional district improves our outreach and effectiveness when major issues impacting the specialty are debated by Congress. Remember, elected officials value the input of their constituents/voters when considering legislation, and physicians are important community leaders. Your opinion carries weight! Thanks to the commitment of our AAO-HNS Members, approximately 54 percent of all 535 U.S. Congressional and Senate districts are currently “matched” with an otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon. Meeting with lawmakers at home via the In-District Grassroots Outreach (I-GO) Program. This critical program enables AAO-HNS Members to contact, establish relationships, and meet with federal legislators in their home state/district. Donating to the ENT PAC, the political action committee of the AAO-HNS. ENT PAC is non-partisan and issue-driven, which means we strive to support only pro-otolaryngology incumbents/candidates. By pooling the voluntary contributions of AAO-HNS Members, we are able to further amplify the strength of the specialty’s collective voice on Capitol Hill. The AAO-HNS thanks the physician volunteers who help ensure the success of the Academy’s various advocacy programs. With the 115th Congress scheduled to convene in January, we encourage all of our Members to get involved with any (or all!) of our legislative, grassroots, and political advocacy efforts. The Academy will provide the direction and resources—we just need your commitment to advocating on behalf of the specialty. Contact govtaffairs@entnet.org for more information or to sign up! EXAMINING THE ACCESSIBILITY AND AFFORDABILITY OF U.S. HEARING HEALTHCARE Over the last year, several Administration-related entities have been examining the topic of “access to hearing healthcare services and/or devices,” and what steps could be taken to mitigate perceived barriers associated with accessing such services. The AAO-HNS has been an active participant as this multifaceted investigation has evolved, having provided feedback and/or comments to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), the National Academies of Medicine (NAM), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Provided below is a brief overview of the Academy’s efforts on behalf of you, your practices, and your patients. President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) – In October 2015, the PCAST issued a report titled “Aging America & Hearing Loss: Imperative of Improved Hearing Technologies” that outlined the advisory group’s recommendations for broadening access to various hearing aid and/or hearing aid-like devices in the United States, including the potential for “over-the-counter” sale of certain hearing aids. After careful analysis, the AAO-HNS submitted a formal comment letter supporting most of the report’s recommendations while emphasizing the importance of a medical evaluation requirement. National Academy of Medicine (NAM, formerly the Institute of Medicine, IOM) – After a year of information gathering and analysis, the Committee on Accessible and Affordable Hearing Health Care for Adults released a report in June 2016, titled “Hearing Health Care for Adults: Priorities for Improving Access and Affordability.” The extensive report made several recommendations aimed at easing perceived barriers for patients to access various hearing healthcare services. The Academy was pleased the report did not recommend changes to Medicare’s current physician referral requirements (e.g., direct access). Although the report was initially expected to have a substantial impact on a wide range of hearing health-related advocacy efforts, the report has not generated much interest among lawmakers to quickly implement its recommendations. However, stakeholders in the hearing health community convened in December 2016, to discuss “next steps” and areas of possible collaboration. FDA – In April 2016, AAO-HNS/F Executive Vice President/CEO James C. Denneny III, MD, testified at an FDA Public Workshop on “Streamlining Regulations for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for Hearing Aids.” And, as follow-up, the AAO-HNS submitted a formal comment letter to the agency (on the same topic) at the end of June. Overall, the AAO-HNS has indicated its support for easing federal regulations associated with access to various hearing devices (hearing aids and/or PSAPs), as long as the requirements for an initial medical evaluation are upheld. Given the potential impact of these collective efforts, the AAO-HNS continues to closely follow all three entities. And, it remains possible that these reports could have broad implications pertaining to the AAO-HNS’ ongoing efforts (re: audiology scope/direct access) on Capitol Hill. However, the combined efforts of the PCAST, NAM, and FDA to analyze the provision of hearing healthcare services, and the AAO-HNS’ subsequent support for many of the collective recommendations, represent a positive shift from the status quo. As today’s technology evolves at an unbelievable pace, the AAO-HNS and its Members must continue to provide patients with the best pathway for safe, affordable, quality care. Positive patient advocacy includes reevaluating the role of technology and identifying common ground. It’s Value4U and the right thing to do. To learn more about the AAO-HNS’ efforts relating to the delivery of hearing healthcare services and/or to read the aforementioned comment letters, contact the Legislative Advocacy team at legfederal@entnet.org or visit www.entnet.org/advocacy. The Academy’s Health Policy Team works with the Physician Payment Policy (3P) Advisory Workgroup to represent the membership at large and ensure appropriate advocacy for Members’ interests. This includes developing and fostering relationships with top officials at Medicare and national private payer organizations and advocating for appropriate reimbursement for otolaryngology-related procedures. Coordination with other Academy committees, specialties, and surgical specialty societies is critical to the work of the Health Policy Team and 3P. Below are accomplishments over the last year. HEALTH POLICY RECAP: PRIVATE PAYER Reviewed nine national medical payer policies and provided feedback on the following topics: functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), debridement prior authorization, implantable bone-conduction and bone-anchored hearing aids, cochlear implants, balloon sinus ostial dilation for chronic sinusitis, diagnostic fiberoptic flexible laryngoscopy, diagnostic nasal endoscopy, and injectable bulking agents for vocal cord insufficiency. Highlights from three positive changes as a result of Academy advocacy efforts in collaboration with private payers are noted below. Anthem ultimately 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. In response to Academy comments, Anthem also revised their Allergy Immunotherapy policy, changing coverage for the provision of increased allergen/antigen preparation for the first year of treatment. Based on concerns raised with UnitedHealthcare (UHC) regarding the number of debridements (CPT 31237) that are reasonable following FESS procedures, UHC removed CPT 31237 from the list of services that require prior authorization, effective October 1, 2016. HEALTH POLICY RECAP: CODING/REIMBURSEMENT Concluded work of FESS Task Force, comprised of experts from the Academy, ARS, and AAOA, resulting in the creation of five new and modification of seven existing nasal/sinus endoscopy codes, presented at the CPT Editorial Panel in October 2016. Surveyed 25 codes through the RUC survey process including Laryngoplasty, control of nasal hemorrhage, and Tracheostomy codes. Developed three new Category III codes for insertion, revision, and replacement of chest wall respiratory sensor or lead for Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation, available for reporting July 1, 2016. Drafted two CPT Assistant articles: Removal of Impacted Cerumen (69209) and Drug-Eluting Sinus Implant (CPT 0406T, 0407T). Updated three CPT for ENT articles (Cerumen Removal, Laryngoscopy, and Transtympanic Therapeutic Injections). HEALTH POLICY ADVOCACY RESOURCES 3P and the Health Policy staff created Position Statements, template appeal letters, advocacy statements, and other resources to help practices receive appropriate reimbursement from private payers, maintaining credibility with national and local representatives on socioeconomic and federal regulatory issues. The accomplishments below highlight responses to the needs and requests from Academy Members to receive relevant and valuable resources. REUSE OF SINGLE-USE DEVICES: RESPONSIBLE RECYCLING OF MEDICAL INSTRUMENTATION In July and August 2016, a special project Task Force developed an educational product on multi-use of single-use devices (SUD) designed to address FDA regulation, patient safety, and impact the Academy membership in a resourceful way. The Task Force developed a white paper that focused on SUDs that helps managing healthcare costs and operating sustainability. This details how it is “critical to recognize not only the importance of disinfection and sterility, but also the preservation of structural integrity to ensure delivery of the originally intended therapeutic result with no additional risk to the patient.” Further, the white paper addresses the obligations of physicians and practitioners to their patients on informed consent. You can find this white paper and other valuable resources in the November issue of the Bulletin. ACADEMY COLLABORATES WITH UNITED HEALTHCARE TO CHANGE DEBRIDEMENT PRIOR AUTHORIZATION The Academy raised concerns with UHC to request the removal of the number of debridements (CPT 31237) from their prior authorization list that were reasonable following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) procedures. After the Academy provided medical literature as supporting evidence, UHC decided to remove CPT 31237 from the list of services that require prior authorization. Further, UHC updated their FESS medical policy to reflect the latest (2015) versions of Clinical Indicators. Both advocacy victories were effective October 1, 2016. To find more information on this policy, a UHC Prior Authorization Requirement FAQ, and a list of UHC Prior Authorization Requirements, visit www.entnet.org/content/private-payer-advocacy. HEALTH POLICY REGULATORY ADVOCACY 3P and the Health Policy Team provide value for you by advocating to appropriate regulatory agencies on behalf of all Academy Members. Below is a snapshot of some of the policies the Academy has advocated on your behalf during the past year, which are scheduled to take place starting January 1, 2017. 2017 is proving to be a pivotal year of change for otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeons. Starting January 1, 2017, otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeons will begin participation in at least several new programs, all of which may require modifications to practice patterns and substantial investments on the part of practices. These include the MIPS and Alternative Payment Model (APMs) programs, which are replacing the SGR as the payment mechanism for Medicare; reporting Chronic Care Management (CCM) G-codes; and clinicians in certain states will begin reporting on claims data on post-operative visits furnished during the global period of a specified procedure using CPT code 99024 as part of a CMS required data collection for all 010 and 090 day global surgical codes. In the past year, the Academy has actively worked to reduce the regulatory burden facing otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeons. The Academy has: Submitted 11 comment letters submitted to CMS on coding and payment related policies, including the proposed new Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), Alternative Payment Model (APM) and Episode Grouper programs. Actively worked with Congress, including participating in meetings with representatives from the Doctors Caucus, to ensure robust oversight in the implementation of the MIPS and APM programs. Personally met with Patrick Conway, MD, Deputy Administrator for Innovation & Quality, CMS Chief Medical Officer, to discuss concerns regarding the implementation of the MIPS and APM programs. NEW ACADEMY PRACTICE MANAGEMENT RESOURCES In response to Member inquiries and new regulatory requirements, the following additional resources were developed: 2016 quality reporting programs factsheets 2017 MIPS and APM program overview factsheets ICD-10 FAQs Private Payer Advocacy Toolkit 3P and the Academy also developed: Five new Position Statements 12 revised Position Statements (As part of a collaborative effort with the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy and the American Rhinologic Society, the Academy revised the Position Statement on balloon sinus ostial dilation [BSOP]). Two reaffirmed Position Statements Three updated Clinical Indicators To locate these and other resources, please visit www.entnet.org/content/practice-management. These efforts contributed to CMS modifying the MIPS reporting periods for FY 2017, including the introduction of two new reporting periods. The Academy also reviewed, analyzed, provided a summary to Members and provided comments to CMS on the final 2017 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System and the 2017 final Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), including calling on CMS to drastically modify the proposal to force all clinicians to report G-codes to collect data on all 10 and 90 day global surgical procedures. Academy staff have also participated in 25 coalition meetings since March 2016 to advocate additional issues of importance to our Members. In 2017, several new programs clinicians may participate in include: GLOBAL SURGICAL DATA COLLECTION For procedures furnished on or after July 1, 2017, practitioners in practices of 10 or more in Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, and Rhode Island will be required to report on claims data on post-operative visits furnished during the global period of a specified procedure using CPT code 99024. The specified procedures are those that are furnished by more than 100 practitioners and either are nationally furnished more than 10,000 times annually or have more than $10 million in annual allowed charges. CMS will not implement a 5 percent withhold for clinicians that do not report 99024. MIPS AND APM REPORTING In 2017, eligible clinicians will begin reporting performance categories as part of the MIPS program or will participate in an Advanced APM. Starting January 1, 2017, clinicians have the option to pick their pace with three reporting periods for MIPS: Report one Quality, Advancing Care Information (ACI), or Clinical Practice Improvement Activity (CPIA) measure at any point in 2017; Report MIPS measures for any consecutive 90 days in 2017 (must begin reporting by October 2, 2017); or Report MIPS measures for all of 2017 starting January 1, 2017. CHRONIC CARE MANAGEMENT (CCM) Clinicians can report a new add-on G-code to describe work performed by the billing practitioner once, in conjunction with the start or initiation of CCM services. This new G-code was supported by the Academy as a method to pay separately for CCM services furnished, making reporting of the code less burdensome, and promoting use of the code for appropriate beneficiaries. As you prepare for changes coming in 2017, the Academy will continue to advocate on your behalf to ensure the regulatory burden placed on practices is as limited as possible, allowing you to continue to care for your patients.

Annual Report 2016Message from Leadership

This past year, AAO-HNS/F efforts reflected both our Vision and Mission, inspiring tremendous activity and accomplishments.