Statement attributable to American Osteopathic Association President John W. Becher, DO
Statement attributable to American Osteopathic Association President John W. Becher, DO
Washington, DC – July 7, 2016 – The AOA today responded to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 2017 proposed physician fee schedule:
The proposed fee schedule puts necessary dollars behind the push to team-based, coordinated care and moves the health care industry further away from silos of service. Osteopathic physicians appreciate that the schedule recognizes the value of primary care, chronic disease management and a multi-disciplinary approach to mental and behavioral health. It’s also a win for patients and families dealing with cognitive impairment and care planning.
There are other points we are still examining, particularly in terms of the rule’s proposed approach to identifying and reviewing potentially misvalued services. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is included in this list, and we appreciate CMS’ willingness to entertain public input on ways to address appropriate valuation for it. We are optimistic that CMS will appropriately align payment policy for OMT, an effective non-pharmacological approach to pain management, with the administration’s efforts to expand access to alternatives to opioids. AOA remains a committed partner in the Administration’s campaign to address the opioid epidemic.
About the American Osteopathic Association
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) represents more than 123,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students; promotes public health; encourages scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for DOs; and is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical schools. More information on DOs/osteopathic medicine can be found at www.osteopathic.org.
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Media Contact:
Lauren Brush
(312) 202-8061 (Office)
lbrush@osteopathic.org