The Endocrine Society submitted comments this week to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) responding to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule. This annual rule updates payment policies and rates for Part B services furnished under the MPFS.
Our comments focused on the following policies:
We also highlighted that there is a shortage of endocrinologists; wait lists to see an endocrinologist can be many months long; diagnosis and treatment can be extremely complex; the amount of work outside of clinic time is increasing; and endocrinologists have some of the lowest salaries of medical subspecialists, yet they have not seen significant increases in Medicare payments in decades. Consequently, the payment policies and other revisions in the MPFS are of great importance to our members.
Funding for the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) is set to expire on December 31 unless Congress passes legislation to extend it. SDP is a federal program comprised of two components — the Special Diabetes Program for Type 1 Diabetes and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians. Congress created these programs in 1997 to advance research for type 1 diabetes at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders (NIDDK) and to provide treatment and education programs for type 2 diabetes among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN).
The Endocrine Society is advocating for reauthorization for the program at $160 million per program per year for at least two years. Join us in urging Congress to pass legislation to protect this important program by taking action in our online campaign.
We rely on your voice to advocate for our policy priorities. Join us to show our strength as a community that cares about endocrinology. Contact your US representatives or European Members of Parliament through our online platform. Take action and make a difference today.