Here are the federal decisions AGA suggests gastroenterologists look out for:
1. The 21st Century Cures Act (H.R.6), sponsored by U.S. Representative Fred Upton (R-Mich.), aims to increase NIH research funding and streamline FDA approval of new treatments. The bill already passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, but has stalled in the U.S. Senate.
2. A rule CMS proposed this past spring may change the way providers are reimbursed for drugs. Medicare Part B would lower the percent of the average sales price that providers are reimbursed for, decreasing the price paid from 106 percent to 102.5 percent.
3. The Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act (H.R.1220), sponsored by U.S. Representative Charlie Dent (R-Pa.), would waive coinsurance payments for colorectal cancer screening tests, regardless of other procedures done during the clinical encounter — even for the removal of tissue or other therapeutic procedures.
More articles on gastroenterology and endoscopy:
Pharmacy costs exceed inpatient, outpatient care costs for Crohn’s patients: 5 study insights
NYU Langone names Dr. Feza Remzi director of the IBD center: 3 notes
What CRC screening method boasts the best long-term compliance? 3 study insights
