Medicare fee fix tops AAO’s 2003 agenda

WASHINGTON — Medicare payment levels will be the primary focus of the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s lobbying efforts for the upcoming year, according to an AAO press statement.

A 4.4% fee reduction is slated to be implemented Mar. 1. Congress is considering an emergency measure to halt the cut, and later it may work on a longer-term solution in broad Medicare reform. The AAO, which recently met to set its legislative advocacy agenda for the year, announced that the fee fix will be its primary focus. In addition, working with the American Medical Association, the AAO will try to capitalize on recent momentum for medical malpractice reform.

Other lobbying efforts will include contact lens issues. The AAO will work for legislation to ensure contact lenses are regulated as medical devices. The AAO will also join forces with Prevent Blindness America in an effort to establish a Congressional vision caucus.

On the regulatory side, through practice expense refinements, the AAO will correct anomalies and update supply costs, etc., for more than 100 ophthalmology codes expected to be reviewed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2003. The AAO is also redoubling its efforts to update codes for its specialties, with particular emphasis this year on cornea and oculoplastics. In addition, the AAO is seeking improved coverage of corneal pachymetry and scanning computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging.