Soundings SPRING 2020
PUBLISHED IN THE INTEREST OF OUR MEMBERS AND THEIR PATIENTS
President’s Message outpouring of information and knowledge sharing I have witnessed between otolaryngologists, as well as organizations during this dark time. Initially we knew so little, but understood we should have special concerns about the types of procedures we do and how COVID-19 affected our patients, but uniquely our staff and ourselves. Much remains unanswered, but new information continues to arise almost daily. I encourage everyone to continue those collaborate efforts, and to review websites like ours, the CDC, PAMED, AAOHNS, and the PA Department of Health for information. Johnathan D. McGinn, MD, FACS PAO-HNS President This message, as well as the majority of this newsletter, Soundings, was written in February. Related to various minor delays and the COVID-19 pandemic, publication was delayed beyond our typical date. As we were looking at proofs, I came to realize how surreal this time has become. My original message focused on enjoying the spring weather, the advocacy work we had been doing, and looking forward to a great summer and our Annual Scientific Meeting at Nemacolin Resort. Obviously, much has changed for all of us, our patients, and our nation in that interval, so a re-write was in order. I know many questions still exist regarding COVID-19 and the impact it has had, and will continue to have, on our practices. While we are starting to see some light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, I hope that light is not the light of an oncoming new train. I expect we will see some resumption of in-person outpatient visits, operative cases, and “normalcy” in the coming weeks. As we transition to the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, what our true new “normal” will be, however, is far from clear. I am proud of the
Much remains unanswered, but new information continues to arise almost daily. While so much of our lives has been focused on COVID-19, it still remains important to highlight other issues going on in our profession and state.This winter has provided us with several opportunities in advocating for our patients and colleagues, and we have coordinated with state and national groups in those efforts. On the national level, we partnered with the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery to oppose bills introduced in to both the House and Senate (HR4056 and S2446) which would allow audiologists unfettered direct access to Medicare patients and amend the Social Security Act to label audiologists as practitioners. Similar efforts have been made in previous Congressional sessions, which we likewise opposed. On a state level, we have advocated for HB1220 supporting CMV education and newborn screening and the bill has passed the House and is being considered in the Senate. We also collaborated with PAMED and several
specialty organizations opposing HB1862, which addresses Surprise Medical Bills. While all groups support the concept of taking patients out of the middle of insurerprovider out-of-network billing disputes, the rates established for reimbursement jeopardize access to care in the state. We supported two amendments to the bill which would adjust the reimbursement to more reasonable rates and streamline the arbitration process. No recent motion has occurred on this bill. PAOHNS was also involved in a letter of concern on the proposed procedural rules change on medical liability venue change. We have signed on to a recent letter to the PA Supreme Court opposing the trial lawyers’ efforts to continue pre-trial proceedings against healthcare professionals during the pandemic, and have supported other efforts to seek civil suit immunity for healthcare workers battling the pandemic. We also have been advocating for our membership via letters requesting the state’s main insurers reconsider their policies on reimbursement for drug-eluting stents for office and operative room placement. Committee members have also participated in discussions on proposed coverage determinations for hypoglossal nerve stimulators. PAOHNS has been in communication with Aetna over their Sinus Surgery policy and have been able to guide them to some upcoming revisions. When these types of issues arise and impact your practice and your patients, please engage us in efforts to support your concerns. My original message spoke of two upcoming events to anticipate. The first was the annual AAOHNS/F Leadership Forum and Board of Governor’s Spring Meeting May 1-3, 2020. While the event has been canceled this year, there are BOG meetings September 12, 2020, Continued on page 2