Cost measure could directly impact allergists
On March 11, the Measure Applications Partnership (MAP) announced it does not recommend the Asthma/COPD Episode-Based Cost Measure for inclusion in the Merit-b…
Your advocacy connection
If you’re from the Southeastern part of the country, take part in the region’s House of Delegates town hall meeting. It’s your opportunity to discuss nonclinic…
Taking a stand on allergy blood testing
The College’s Advocacy Council submitted comments to the chairs of the Committee of Jurisdiction opposing S. 701 – Allergy Testing Access Act of 2021 – sponsor…
The HOD wants to network with you
A key component of the House of Delegate’s strategic plan was to develop a network of allergists throughout the United States. In 2020, 18 of your colleagues s…
Information blocking requirements now in effect
Beginning April 5, health care providers (including allergy practices) and electronic health record (EHR) vendors must comply with the Office of the National C…
Allergy practice pleads guilty
A private, solo practitioner allergy practice recently pleaded guilty to criminal charges and agreed to pay the government over $2 million in civil penalties f…
New rules for emotional support animals
Since January, airlines are no longer required to transport emotional support animals – a change in policy that will likely reduce the overall number of potent…
New OIT Coding Recommendations
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology provide this guidance on coding for FDA appro…
AAP payments may begin in April
Early in the pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) offered Medicare providers loans, based on past Medicare billing, to help strugglin…
The Medicare 2% Sequester
On March 10, Congress passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan (ARP) (summary of ARP) into law. Absent new action by Congress, the ARP will trigger a 4% r…
Help Get FASTER Act passed to benefit those with food allergies
College members have an opportunity to support legislation that would benefit those living with food allergies and related disorders.The "Food Allergy Safety, …
Summary of the American Rescue Plan
Last week, President Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan (ARP), which provides new COVID-19 relief as well as establishes other policies. The D…
Relief from MIPS penalties
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will exempt MIPS-eligible clinicians (EC) from up to a …
Can mid-level practitioners provide skin testing?
Many allergists are assisted by nurse practitioners (NPs) and/or physician assistants (PAs) in providing care in the office. The Advocacy Council frequently re…
Join College in supporting Medicare payment sequester moratorium
The College’s Advocacy Council recently joined the AMA and other medical specialty organizations in encouraging Congress to support legislation that would cont…
ACAAI scores on surprise billing
After a two-year stalemate, Congress passed bipartisan legislation to protect patients from unexpected out-of-network (OON) “surprise” medical bills as part of…
Get the scoop on 2021 MIPS changes
It’s a new year, and that means a new set of policies for the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). Many of the reporting requirements remain the same a…
Telehealth continues to be covered
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit last year and the government declared a public health emergency (PHE), Medicare coverage of services provided via telehealth wer…
How will federal laws affect your compensation?
In a Final Rule issued last fall, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) added seven new safe harbors to the Medic…
HHS issues final rule on anti-kickback statute
In a Final Rule issued November 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) added seven new safe harbors…
