Congress needs to act soon to extend telemedicine services that were greatly expanded under COVID provisions, or they will expire by October. Anders Gilberg, senior vice president of government affairs at the Medical Group Management Association, explains concerns raised by doctors and lawmakers.

Anders Gilberg, senior vice president of government affairs at the Medical Group Management Association, explains the political and patient care issues involved with ending Affordable Care Act subsidies.

GLP-1 drugs have been taking the United States by storm in recent years. According to a new study of more than 90,000 patients, some of these medications can also make a big impact on reducing adverse heart failure outcomes.

Anders Gilberg, senior vice president of government affairs at the Medical Group Management Association, explains why Congress needs to renew the Medicare geographic pay adjustments in rural areas—to make payments competitive with urban areas and help retain physicians in those communities.

Many make federal reimbursement plans into an issue about high-paid specialists complaining about pay cuts, but these fees also compensate nurses, technicians, support staff and administrators. Payment keeps the doors of brick-and-mortar medical practices open, MGMA warns.

The Medical Group Management Association shares concerns about the draft fee schedule published in July. A major concern is the government possibly changing how RVUs are set, rather than allowing the medical specialty representatives to have a say.

Efforts to expand the scope of practice for these lesser-trained clinicians are increasing as the growing shortage of physicians becomes more pronounced, especially in rural areas.

Researchers expected these conditions to reduce the benefits of early treatment. However, that was not the case.