Because the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) updates healthcare billing codes annually, vascular surgeons need to have updates as well. It is important they have the knowledge and understanding required to correctly apply these billing codes to receive reimbursement for their services to their patients.

With the expiration of the fourth edition of the Vascular Educational Self-Assessment Program (VESAP4) on July 31, owners have a bit more than six months to complete all modules and claim credits.

Those who want to purchase the educational product similarly should be aware of this expiration date; content and exams will not be available as of Aug. 1.

BY JEFFREY SIRACUSE, MD

As a member of the Society for Vascular Surgery’s Coding and Reimbursement Committee (two years), I have been able to attend both CPT and RUC meetings in conjunction with the American Medical Association (AMA).

BY CHERRIE ABRAHAM, MD

Audra Duncan, MD, is professor of surgery at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada, and vascular surgery division chair since 2016. Prior to being named chair, she was on the faculty at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Duncan has led multiple educational and research committees, including as program director of the Mayo Vascular Surgery Residency and Fellowship; chair, Institutional Review Board; and chair of the American Board of Surgery Vascular Surgery In-Training Examination Committee.

BY MALACHI SHEAHAN III, MD

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued its CY2020 final rules on Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems and Quality Reporting Programs (HOPPS).

These rules will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2020. Highlights for vascular surgery include:

From the SVS PAC Committee

The SVS Political Action Committee (PAC) supports congressional candidates whose positions on health care policies are aligned with SVS and our members. SVS support for candidates who share our views is a critical tool for achieving SVS legislative and regulatory priorities, and we have identified a number of candidates who could strengthen the influence and voice of vascular surgery on Capitol Hill.

A major “something new” – a Practice Pavilion – is coming to the Exhibit Hall at the 2020 Vascular Annual Meeting.

It will be the hub for a wide range of practical sessions and opportunities for vascular surgeons, nurses and physician assistants, including lectures, hands-on sessions and small workshops.

The program for the 2020 Vascular Annual Meeting is taking shape, from the educational programming to the more practical offerings under consideration for the new Practice Pavilion. (See story on page 12)