The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) is undertaking a new study to take an objective, qualitative and quantitative approach when assessing the importance and financial impact of vascular services to health systems.

SVS members have said that the lack of identity for vascular services as a leading service line represents a fundamental threat to the specialty. In many markets, health system administrators are unaware of the importance of vascular surgery, its impact on patient safety and the value of the support it provides to many other service lines within an organization.

The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) has two dedicated member-supported service organizations fulfilling very distinct needs: the SVS Foundation and the SVS Political Action Committee.

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.