AAOE Meets with Deputy Administrator for Medicare
On Monday, November 4th, several AAOE representatives, along with a representative from OrthoForum, met with Jonathan Blum, Deputy Administrator and COO of Medicare, in Washington, DC. The meeting, arranged by AAOE’s lobbyist Cameron Wheeler, focused on three of AAOE’s top CMS regulatory priorities:
- Physician Fee Schedule: Mr. Blum expressed optimism about a legislative solution in the coming months, noting strong bipartisan support for a long-term adjustment that would include an inflationary factor. He also listened to AAOE's concerns about the administrative and financial burdens posed by MIPS, the substantial rise in RAC and UPIC audits, and the calls for meaningful reforms.
- Prior Authorization in Medicare Advantage: AAOE raised concerns about the complexities of prior authorization and how it negatively impacts patient access and practice efficiency.
- CMMI and the TEAM Model: We shared our insights on both the positive and challenging aspects of the TEAM model currently being piloted by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI).
Left to Right: Dr. Behr Ortho Atlanta, Karen Simonton OrthoForum, Jonathan Blum Deputy Administrator for CMS, Joseph Mathews President AAOE, Dr. Bruning Advocacy Council Chair AAOE.
This historic meeting marked the first time AAOE has engaged directly with CMS, and it was both productive and encouraging. CMS Deputy Director Blum holds substantial influence over areas that directly affect efficiency in orthopedic practices, particularly through policies and administrative guidelines that establish the standards for Medicare and Medicaid operations. He was genuinely interested in AAOE’s input on avoiding the traps previously experienced in the BPCI model. He listened closely to our suggestions, questions, and real-world experiences. We look forward to further conversations with CMS to continue advocating for the needs of orthopedic practices and patients.
If you’d like to participate in hosting a visit to your facility, please reach out to Cameron Wheeler or Jennifer Nordquest, and include the following information:
- Your specific location (city and state)
- Your contact information
- 3-5 Sentences about what your facility does