To safeguard patient access to vital clinical laboratory services, the AOA signed onto a broad coalition letter supporting the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act (S. 2761 / H.R. 5269). The letter notes that: The Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (CLFS) accounts for less than 1% of Medicare spending, yet laboratory services … Read More
The AOA recently joined coalitions of national and state medical organizations in letters to advance legislation that expands access to physician-led care and addresses harmful consolidation in hospital markets. The letters call on the support of the following bills: H.R. 4002 – Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act AOA joined a coalition supporting … Read More
In response to a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Request for Information (RFI) on employee noncompete agreements, the AOA submitted detailed comments documenting how noncompetes in physician contracts undermine access to care and disrupt the patient-physician relationship. Drawing on member experiences from across the country, the AOA highlighted that: Noncompete clauses can force physicians to leave … Read More
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and Quality Payment Program final rule, and the AOA has prepared a high-level summary of the changes most relevant to osteopathic physicians and their practices. AOA advocacy delivered several important wins, including a positive conversion factor update and … Read More
On Oct. 27, Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT) visited Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (RVUCOM) in Ivins, Utah, to discuss the importance of osteopathic medicine and the challenges facing the physician workforce. During her visit, Rep. Maloy met with osteopathic medical students and campus leadership to explore issues such as graduate medical education funding … Read More
On Tuesday, Oct. 28, the Ohio Osteopathic Association (OOA) led osteopathic physicians and medical students to the Ohio State Capitol for DO Day in Columbus, an advocacy event focused on advancing policies that strengthen patient care and protect access to physician-led treatment. This event empowered OOA members to engage directly with state lawmakers, champion legislation … Read More
As the federal government shutdown continues, critical healthcare programs and services remain at risk. The prolonged stalemate has delayed key federal operations, including Medicare payment system updates, and created uncertainty for physicians and patients alike. Now is the time for Congress to act. Urge your lawmakers to fund the government and support permanent telehealth flexibilities … Read More
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is seeking feedback on how non-compete clauses in employment contracts impact physicians, patients and the healthcare system. The agency’s Request for Information (RFI), released on Sept. 4, 2025, aims to better understand how these clauses affect career mobility, physician well-being, innovation and patient access to care. As part of its … Read More
The AOA, in partnership with more than 30 state and specialty affiliates, continues to amplify the osteopathic voice in Washington. Recently, the AOA and its affiliates submitted joint letters to Congress and the U.S. Department of Education addressing two major policy issues: extending key health program funding and protecting the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) … Read More