SIR has joined with the American Association of Clinical Urologists, American College of Cardiology, American Vein & Lymphatic Society, American Venous Forum, Outpatient Endovascular and Interventional Society, and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions in sponsoring a resolution at the June American Medical Association (AMA)  House of Delegates meeting to back legislation to remove certain high-cost supplies and equipment from the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). The resolution will be voted on during the AMA House of Delegates meeting being held in Chicago from June 6–11.

For several years, the AMA RUC has recommended CMS create Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes to identify and pay for high-cost disposable supplies priced more than $500, but CMS has consistently declined to do so. If passed, the resolution would indicate AMA support for federal legislation that would provide Medicare reimbursement of high cost medical supplies apart from the Physician Fee Schedule by creating a new Medicare payment system in community settings. SIR will keep you posted on the results of the June AMA meeting.