- During an election year when legislative activities slow down, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons continues to advocate for our most critical federal programs.
- A recent major development was the Federal Trade Commission's final rule to ban non-compete clauses, which STS has strongly advocated for.
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has been busy proposing the Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM), an episode-based payment model that focuses on coronary artery bypass grafts, among other procedures.
- STS is reviewing the TEAM meticulously, preparing to provide comprehensive feedback to ensure it reflects the interests of cardiothoracic surgeons and their patients.
As Congress enters an election year, legislative activities typically slow down. Yet lawmakers already are beginning to lay the important groundwork for fiscal year 2025 appropriations. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons continues to advocate for our most critical federal programs, including one increasing funding for lung cancer research. Reach out to your lawmakers to support this issue.
Meanwhile, the administration has been busy promulgating new rules in case the election fails to go their way. A recent major development was the Federal Trade Commission's final rule to ban non-compete clauses. STS has strongly advocated for this ban, recognizing that non-compete clauses significantly hinder cardiothoracic surgeons by limiting their ability to serve their communities, maintain continuity of care, and ensure patient access to specialized surgical services. The unfortunate exclusion of most non-profit hospitals from this rule constrains its benefits, so the Society urges Congress to go further by enacting S. 220 / H.R. 731, the Workforce Mobility Act, which would extend these crucial protections to all physicians.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has been busy proposing the Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM), an episode-based payment model that focuses on coronary artery bypass grafts, among other procedures. It mandates participating hospitals to manage surgical costs and quality of care during the first 30 days post-discharge. This model will test its efficacy in selected geographic regions starting in 2026, potentially transforming how care is coordinated and financed. STS is reviewing the TEAM meticulously, preparing to provide comprehensive feedback to ensure it reflects the interests of cardiothoracic surgeons and their patients.
The last few months have been vital for state legislatures, many of which were in session and passed impactful healthcare policies. One success story took place in Kentucky, where STS member Tessa London-Bounds, MD, and Amanda Crabtree, RN, influenced legislation with House Bill 31. This recently enacted law enables Medicaid patients on blood thinners to use at-home monitoring devices, improving access and convenience for patients, especially those in rural areas. This legislation enhances patient care and serves as a model for other states considering healthcare improvements. If you’d like to pursue a similar policy in your state, contact us at advocacy@sts.org.