Legacy of Excellence Digital Flipbook

LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

submitted a formal comment letter to the agency (on the same topic) in June 2016. Overall, the AAO-HNS indicated its support for easing federal regulations associated with access to various hearing devices (hearing aids and/or PSAPs), as long as the requirements for an initial medical evaluation were upheld. The combined efforts of the PCAST, NAM, and FDA to analyze the provision of hearing healthcare services, and the AAO-HNS’ subsequent support for many of the collective recommendations, represented a positive shift from the status quo. As technology evolved at an unbelievable pace, the AAO-HNS and its Members continued to provide patients with the best pathway for safe, affordable, quality care. Positive patient advocacy included reevaluating the role of technology and identifying common ground. Payer Issues The Ad Hoc Payment Model Workgroup engaged in identifying opportunities for otolaryngologists to participate and lead in development of new payment and care delivery models with both public and private payers. In 2015 the Workgroup created a member awareness campaign to identify and leverage member alternative payment model (APM) knowledge. In partnership with the Board of Governors, they surveyed members’ experiences in states already involved in a new payment model. As a result of 3P leadership and active engagement with several payers over the years, key changes in payer reimbursement policies were achieved, such as fiberoptic flexible laryngoscopy, nasal and sinus endoscopy, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), balloon sinus ostial dilation (BSOD), and vocal fold injection for paralysis and glottic insufficiency, rhinoplasty policies, Medicaid allergy policies, and ongoing issues with diagnostic imaging reimbursement policies. Another key action occurred in 2015 when the Board of Directors approved the creation of appropriate use criteria. These were an additional guidance tool that could be used in payer negotiations and as well as incorporated into the AAO-HNSF registry to help the October 2015: Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery published a special focused issue celebrating the achievements of young physicians comprised of 40 articles whose first authors were under 40.

2015: Launched Project 535, a BOG-initiated program that was a key contact network of physician members who volunteered to establish one-to-one relationships with members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate to strengthen the Academy’s overall advocacy efforts.

After careful analysis, the AAO-HNS submitted a formal comment letter supporting most of the report’s recommendations while emphasizing the importance of a medical evaluation requirement. National Academy of Medicine (NAM, formerly the Institute of Medicine, IOM) – After a year of information gathering and analysis, the Committee on Accessible and Affordable Hearing Health Care for Adults released a report in June 2016 titled, “Hearing Health Care for Adults: Priorities for Improving Access and Affordability.” The extensive report made several recommendations aimed at easing perceived barriers for patients to access various hearing healthcare services. The Academy was pleased the report did not recommend changes to Medicare’s current physician referral requirements (e.g., direct access). Stakeholders in the hearing health community convened in

December 2016 to discuss “next steps” and areas of possible collaboration. FDA – In April 2016, Dr. Denneny testified at an FDA Public Workshop on “Streamlining Regulations for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) for Hearing Aids.” And, as follow-up, the AAO-HNS

2015: Election Review Task Force, Chaired by Dr. Waguespack, moved the election in 2016 to the spring rather than late summer.

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