MGMA TO CONGRESS: CUT RED TAPE FOR MEDICAL GROUPS

MGMA submitted testimony to the House Committee on Small Business Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations & Regulations ahead of its July 19 hearing, "Burdensome Red Tape: Overregulation in Health Care and the Impact on Small Businesses." The testimony highlights the ongoing challenges medical groups face related to MIPS, APM development and reporting, physician reimbursement, and prior authorization. 

Notably, Committee Chair Van Duyne referenced data points from MGMA's annual regulatory burden report in her opening statement, saying, “89% of [medical group practices surveyed] feel that regulatory burden has increased in the past year." In the testimony, MGMA raised concerns that increasing regulatory burdens further impede practices' ability to ensure high-quality, timely patient care. 

NOW ON-DEMAND: MID-YEAR POLICY UPDATE WEBINAR

If you missed MGMA's mid-year policy update webinar earlier this week, it is now available to members on-demand. To learn about the current congressional and regulatory landscape as it pertains to medical practices, federal payment issues on the horizon, and the latest on MGMA's advocacy and member engagement, the recording may be accessed here. 

For additional insights on the proposed cuts to Medicare reimbursement, prior authorization reform, Medicare site of service differentials, upcoming changes to health IT regulations, telehealth policies following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, and more, members are encouraged to read our latest article from the July 2023 issue of MGMA Connection magazine.

TRANSITION OF COVID-19 VACCINE TO COMMERCIAL MARKET

The Department of Health and Human Services has released guidance for the transition of the COVID-19 vaccine to the commercial market. Effective Aug. 3, 2023, at 4 p.m. ET, the U.S. Government will end their regular vaccine and ancillary kit distribution processes. Providers are encouraged to place any necessary orders in advance of the Aug. 3, 2023, deadline. The Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act's liability protections to providers administering COVID-19 vaccines will not be impacted by this transition.

It is important to note that this guide is intended for planning purposes and its details may change pending future recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control. MGMA Government Affairs will continue to monitor this transition process and keep members apprised any relevant changes.