Advocacy

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently finalized a new policy impacting the coding and reimbursements for 90-day surgical global periods. This change may impact reimbursement so surgeons and their staff should learn about the details of this policy going into effect on January 1, 2025.

Access to early cancer detection is crucial for saving lives. Unfortunately, many Americans living in rural or underserved areas struggle to access screenings.

As the government funding Dec. 20 deadline approaches, Congress is working to finalize plans for either a continuing resolution (CR) or an omnibus spending package. House Republicans are advocating for a CR that would extend funding through March, allowing the new GOP trifecta (President, House, and Senate) to have greater leverage in the upcoming year.

As Lung Cancer Awareness Month begins, it’s important to reflect on the significant efforts made by STS over the past year to advocate for improved lung cancer outcomes and raise awareness. Key initiatives have included:  

Congress recently passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through Dec. 20, providing a reprieve before another potential budget showdown. Despite the urgency of keeping the government running, significant progress has been made on key STS advocacy priorities in the House of Representatives.  
 

This month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a new mandatory episode-based alternative payment arrangement called the Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM).

It's the August recess and lawmakers are back home in their districts campaigning and meeting with their constituents, providing a prime opportunity for STS members to support STS’s advocacy priorities.

Despite the rapidly evolving presidential political scene, Washington remains uncharacteristically busy this election year.