More opposition: MedPAC last week released its June 2011 report to Congress. The report included recommendations related to diagnostic imaging that your ACC has – and continues to – oppose. In particular, the ACC is very concerned with the recommendation that reduces the physician work component for imaging and other diagnostic tests ordered and performed by the same practitioner. In addition, the ACC opposes prior authorization of advanced imaging procedures, as the report recommends, because requiring prior authorization would increase the administrative burden on Medicare, increase physician practice costs and could interfere with the physician-patient relationship, potentially delaying timely access to life-saving procedures. Get the details!
The FDA has been very busy! Last week, the agency issued four Class I Recalls for the Boston Scientific Innova Self-Expanding Stent System, the Maquet Datascope Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump, the Boston Scientific iCross and Atlantis SR Pro 2 Coronary Imaging Catheters and the Terumo Coronary Ostia Cannula (10, 12 and 14). In addition, the FDA notified the public that the smoking cessation aid varenicline (Chantix) may be associated with a small, increased risk of certain cardiovascular adverse events in patients who have cardiovascular disease. On Tuesday, the FDA released nine new warning labels that will be used to deter people from smoking. These labels constitute the first major change to cigarette warning labels and ads in almost 25 years. Every ad for and package of cigarettes will be required to contain the new verbiage and graphics by Sept. 2012. The new images are graphic in nature and include depictions of the potential effects of cigarette smoking. Your ACC commented on the proposed rule, encouraging the government to take action against cigarette smoking. With this, the U.S. joins other countries in using graphic depictions of the effects of smoking to deter individuals from smoking, especially children and teens. Read more about all of these updates in the FDA Issues Center.
The Annual Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule will be released very soon. This rule contains most of the major proposals for physician payment and quality programs for the coming year. ACC will review the rule as soon as it is released and inform members of the major proposals contained within it.
Don't miss the 2011 Legislative Conference, Sept. 11-13 in Washington, D.C.! Planning for this much-anticipated annual event is well underway. Don't miss this opportunity to hear more about the issues facing cardiology and to meet face-to-face with your members of Congress. Just announced: the Sunday night dinner to benefit the ACC Political Action Committee (PAC) will feature General Stanley McChrystal. Tickets will be required! The cost is $250 for general admission, with discounted rates for FITs, CCAs and Practice Administrators. In addition, PAC contributors of $1,000 or more will receive preferred seating and an opportunity to meet General McChrystal during a VIP reception prior to the dinner. VIP tickets need to be requested by Aug. 11. Contact Lucas Sanders at lsanders@acc.org to register for the dinner. Questions about the conference should be directed to advocacyleg@acc.org.
Questions/Comments contact
advocate@acc.org
.