Tag Archive for ‘Affordable Care Act’

Dateline DC—Democrat leaders shift focus to preserving Affordable Care Act protections
Provisions in the Affordable Care Act that safeguard access to surgical care—currently under review by key congressional committees—are described.

Looking forward – November 2017
Dr. Hoyt’s column describes the economics of health care and addresses health care reform proposals.

The impact of financial barriers on access to quality care in breast cancer
Eliminating financial barriers and improving access to care will improve the health of individuals with or at risk for breast cancer.

American College of Surgeons 2017 statement on health care reform
The ACS has developed a statement on health care reform featuring four core principles that should be reflected in any related legislation.
Coming in October in JACS, and online now
This news brief highlights a JACS article on the topic of solid organ transplant outcomes and insurance type.

2015 ACS Governors Survey: Surgeons describe the ACA’s effects on access to care
The findings of the 2015 ACS Governors Survey, specifically the benefits and challenges associated with the Affordable Care Act’s efforts to expand access to care, are summarized.

Medicaid program expansion
This column describes changes occurring in the Medicaid program that have the greatest impact on practicing surgeons and addresses the program expansion as it relates to coverage rates in the states.
The College weighs in on leading health care issues
This article summarizes the College’s activities related to several key federal policy areas, including implementation of the Affordable Care Act, enactment of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act and payment reform, and proposed changes in GME funding.
State legislatures get back to work
An update on state legislative priorities for the ACS, including implementation of provisions in the Affordable Care Act, coverage for bariatric surgery, medical liability reform, scope of practice, and trauma are summarized in this article.
Expired and expiring ACA provisions
This month’s column summarizes provisions in the Affordable Care Act that have expired or are set to expire in the near future and offers guidelines for surgeons to advocate for extending key programs.

What does the ACA mean for residents and their future practice?
Major provisions in the Affordable Care Act are described, including insurance exchanges, employer-based coverage, and quality improvement efforts with an emphasis on what they mean for residents and their future as health care providers.
Implementation of the ACA: Turning federal law into state-level reality
A summary of the Affordable Care Act provisions that are to be implemented at the state level, as well as a review of how specific states are addressing Medicaid expansion are highlighted in this article.

Dual eligible beneficiaries: Roles for surgeons under health care reform
Medicare and Medicaid coverage access to care issue for dual eligibles are reviewed in this article. Provisions in the Affordable Care Act that are designed to improve care for this patient population, including those calling for establishment of state demonstration projects, are described.
Trauma and emergency care under the Affordable Care Act
An update on provisions in the Affordable Care Act related to trauma care and trauma systems is provided, as is a summary of surge capacity issues in the current system.
Outcomes key to ACA mission of reducing health care costs
A forum sponsored by the National Journal and composed of several health care experts examined the complex political, medical, and business ramifications of the Affordable Care Act.
Governors’ Committee on Socioeconomic Issues
The Board of Governors’ Committee on Socieoecnomic Issues is developing a white paper addressing the roles and future of surgeons as employees. This article provides an update on this report and other notable activities of the committee.

The ACS and the ABCs of how quality measures are established and implemented
The College has contributed its insights and services to a number of national organizations, agencies, and programs that are involved in creating a road map for improved quality of care and developing strategies aimed at creating change in health care delivery. This article outlines the roles of these various entities and details the College’s contributions to their endeavors.

ACS hosts first annual Advocacy Summit
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) convened a successful first annual Advocacy Summit March 26–27 in Washington, DC. The conference took place on the heels of the Leadership Conference and the same day the U.S. Supreme Court began historic hearings on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Throughout the conference, surgeon leaders and staff from the […]

PQRS reporting in 2012
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has continued the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) into 2012 as required under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.

CPT 2012 brings with it new codes and code changes
The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)* 2012 manual comprises several new codes and code changes pertaining to general surgery and its closely related specialties. This article summarizes these modifications. New modifier The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires all health care plans to begin covering immunizations and preventive services without any cost sharing. Modifier 33 has been […]