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Hone your knowledge to shape payment policies that support access to care
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) is now accepting applications for the inaugural cohort (2026-2027) of its Physician Payment Policy Fellowship. This program is designed to provide physicians with an in-depth understanding of healthcare payment policy that will empower them to represent and better advocate for the profession, themselves and their patients on this critical issue.
The fellowship seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the following:
The fellowship is designed as an 18-month program with two fellows participating during each cycle. The program is designed for early to mid-career physicians (those that have graduated residency within the last 20 years) with a strong interest in the structure of the U.S. health services payment paradigm.
The fellowship would use a mix of educational sessions, attendance of RUC and CPT meetings, attendance of relevant AOA bureau and council meetings, and a final capstone project to facilitate learning. Fellows would also be partnered with a mentor. Candidates must be AOA members. The deadline for applications is Dec. 19, 2025.
| Date | Structured activity | Parallel learning activities |
| October 2025 | Applications open | N/A |
| December 2025 | Decisions issued | |
| January 2026 | Program start and orientation | |
| Health System and Payment Foundations | ||
| Fellows to participate in the first three Training in Policy Studies (TIPS) meetings focused on health system foundations |
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| December 2025 | Introduction to Medicare payment (with TIPS) |
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| February 2026 | Introduction to Medicaid (with TIPS) | |
| April 2026 | Introduction to commercial insurance (with TIPS) | |
| RUC and CPT Foundations | ||
| Attend virtual learning sessions and meetings | ||
| April/May 2026 | Introduction to RUC and CPT processes |
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| May 2026 | Identify payment policy project topic | |
| June/July 2026 | Introduction to coding nomenclatures | |
| September 2026 | Attend virtual CPT meeting | |
| Practical Component | ||
| Participate in RUC process and develop payment policy reform proposal | ||
| October/November 2026 | Finalize policy recommendation to present to BFHP as HOD Resolution |
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| January/February 2027 | Present to BFHP | |
| April 2027 | Attend in-person RUC meeting | |
| July 2027 | Program conclusion; attend House of Delegates | |
*Note: Fellows will not attend RUC meetings simultaneously. Thus, program structure will be altered slightly to stagger attendance.
The program is designed to give osteopathic physicians the knowledge and skills they need to analyze current payment policy issues and formulate solutions that can be implemented by lawmakers. The program will also help physicians better understand the processes for developing CPT codes and valuing physician services, enabling them to engage in these processes.
The fellowship is designed for early to mid-career physicians who are in active practice, and a member of the AOA. While there is no required range of experience for applicants, the program is intended for those who completed residency within the last two to 20 years.
Over the course of the 18-month fellowship, fellows will attend:
Upon acceptance of a place in the fellowship, fellows must commit to attending all in-person meetings and coordinate with their employer to ensure time off can be afforded for in-person meetings.
The program is funded by the AOA and there is no tuition cost for the program. As part of the program, fellows will receive transportation and lodging to in-person meetings and associated AOA events. The AOA will cover costs related to travel for the in-person meetings in accordance with its travel policy.
As a capstone project, fellows will develop a payment policy reform proposal that they will present to members of the AOA Bureau on Federal Health Programs. This process will begin in the second half of the program. Additionally, fellows will be expected to review materials ahead of each meeting to be prepared for discussion.