Health system reform
Health system reform continues to be a key issue in Washington, D.C. The AADA ensured that the voice of dermatology was heard loudly and clearly in 2011 and kept members up to date regarding crucial impending developments in legislation, such as those relating to the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) and accountable care organizations (ACOs).
During the 112th Congress, members in both chambers introduced a variety of legislation to repeal IPAB, including HR 452 and S 668. The AADA expressed concerns regarding the removal of congressional oversight of Medicare, IPAB’s lack of accountability to Medicare beneficiaries, and the establishment of another flawed target-based expenditure system. As the bills were discussed, we maintained our belief that systemic reform should encourage collaborative, patient-centered care that results in improved quality, accountability, and cost efficiencies throughout the system.
More information about the implications of IPAB can be found in the March 2011 issue of Dermatology World.
CMS introduced the final rule regarding ACOs on Oct. 20, 2011. The AADA had provided comments on the proposed rule, stressing the importance of specialty care to the future of patient-centered managed health care. CMS responded, indicating in the final rule that it intends to add an access to specialists module for care coordination. The July 2011 issue of Dermatology World covered the role of specialty care in the proposed ACO rule, while a feature in the March 2012 issue explores factors dermatologists should consider when deciding if they should participate in an ACO.
Visit the Academy’s Health System Reform Resource Center to view more information related to the reform law and its implementation. It provides Academy members with access to tools, including the HIT-kit and coding and reimbursement information for new payment policies, to help them better understand the law and its impact on their practices.
