On April 4, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the CY2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D final rule. The rule makes several changes to improve access to timely care supported by the AOA, including: Adding network adequacy evaluation standards for an “Outpatient Behavioral Health” new facility-specialty provider category; Requiring MA utilization management … Read More
This year’s DO Day on Capitol Hill was a resounding success, as hundreds of osteopathic physicians, students and advocates came together to make their voices heard in the halls of Congress. The AOA is proud of the passion and commitment demonstrated by participants, and we are excited to share some of the key accomplishments and … Read More
The AOA and the Minnesota Osteopathic Medical Society (MOMS) recently sent a letter supporting Minnesota state bill, S.F.3531, which enacts various policies aimed at supporting physician wellness and addressing burnout, to the benefit of the state’s physicians as well as the patients whom they serve. The letter states that, as of 2023, 26 state medical … Read More
CMS has created a new office/outpatient (O/O) evaluation and management (E/M) visit complexity add-on code to improve payment for the time, intensity and practice expense resources involved when physicians furnish E/M office visit services that enable them to build longitudinal relationships with patients. The AOA has developed a range of new resources to educate physicians … Read More
The AOA recently sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) stressing the importance of maintaining payment parity for telehealth and in-person services. The letter highlights a commitment to ensuring telehealth services, including both audio-visual and audio-only modalities, receive appropriate payment. These ongoing advocacy efforts reflect an understanding of the challenges … Read More
On Feb. 15, the AOA and other physician organizations from the “The Group of Six” issued a statement in support of the safety of vaccines, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine. In an era where public health faces unprecedented challenges, the AOA continues to stand at the forefront of advocating for commonsense health policy. The … Read More
The AOA and the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association recently launched a grassroots campaign encouraging the Arizona State Legislature to support a bill (H.B. 2187) that promotes truth in advertising in health care. This legislation is crucial for ensuring that patients understand their providers’ credentials and can make informed decisions about their care. This bill will … Read More
The West Virginia State Legislature is considering a bill (WV S.B. 714) that eliminates the osteopathic (DO) medical board and transfers the regulation and discipline of DOs to the allopathic (MD) medical board. While DOs and MDs complete the same comprehensive medication education, DOs complete additional training in osteopathic principles and practice – unique competencies … Read More
The AOA and the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM), recently sent a letter to Congress supporting the recently introduced Substance Use Disorder Workforce Act (H.R. 7050). This legislation aims to establish 1,000 new Medicare-supported residency positions in addiction medicine, addiction psychiatry or pain medicine over five years, enhancing patient access to specialized care. … Read More