The Honorable Thomas Price, MD
Secretary
Department of Health & Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20201

As of Jan. 20, the United States has a new president, Donald J. Trump.

While Dr. Michael Dalsing doesn’t have a crystal ball, he is nonetheless making two predictions in the wake of the November presidential election:

The 2017 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule includes many changes beneficial to SVS members, following many months of work, including submission of comments, by SVS members and advocacy staff. The schedule was released on Nov. 2, 2016. 

The holiday season – the season of caring and goodwill, for giving -- is upon us. It’s the season where people reach out to help people in need, to help make the world a better place, to impact the future through donations of time, effort and money.  

Since Congress scrapped the formula for Medicare reimbursement in 2015, SVS has worked closely with legislators to shape the replacement rule, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) and ensure our members’ voices are heard on Capitol Hill.

Dr. Jason K. Wagner, M.D., M.S., resident at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Heart and Vascular Institute, was the 2015 recipient of the SVS Vascular Surgery Trainee Advocacy Travel Scholarship. He spent time during the 2016 Vascular Annual Meeting talking with members of Congress and their staff. Below is his report on the experience, with more information about the scholarship following.  

CHICAGO, Illinois - Vascular surgeons and vein specialists made their case for newer lower extremity chronic venous disease treatments at a recent MEDCAC panel.The Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee’s reports offer professional advice on treatments to the Centers for

Read the SVS letter to CMS

Update on the Medicare Value-Based Payment Modifier and Electronic Health Record Incentive Program Requirements
 

SVS Quality and Performance Measures Committee Provides Information on National Changes