WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc. (AAAHC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing proposed changes in the Medicare and Medicaid Programs regarding payment systems, quality reporting, and overall hospital quality. In its letter, AAAHC expressed its commitment to improving health care quality through accreditation and emphasized the importa  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Allergy & Asthma Network, a nationwide nonprofit patient advocacy organization, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expressing strong support for vaccine availability and access for consumers across all insurance coverage types. The organization emphasizes the vital role vaccines play in public health and safety, particularly for the over 100 million Americans affect  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Alliance of Safety-Net Hospitals (ASH) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing concerns regarding the proposed changes outlined in the CY 2026 Physician Fee Schedule. The letter highlights crucial issues associated with the proposed payment policies that impact safety-net providers across the country. In the correspondence, ASH expresses gratitude for the oppor  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The American Academy of Audiology has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concerns about proposed changes in the Medicare payment policies for 2026. The Academy, representing the largest organization dedicated to audiologists, is urging the agency to reconsider certain policies that could jeopardize financial sustainability and access to crucial services for Medicar  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding proposed changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for 2026. The AAFP represents over 128,300 family physicians and medical students nationwide and has emphasized the importance of the proposed rule in enhancing primary care delivery. In their letter, the AAFP commended  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding proposed changes to the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment Systems for the calendar year 2026. The letter outlines concerns and suggestions in response to the updates released in the Federal Reg  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The American Association of Provider Compensation Professionals (AAPCP) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) emphasizing the necessity for revisions in the proposed 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). The AAPCP, a national organization devoted to provider compensation and valuation, represents a diverse membership exceeding 250 organizations, including health system  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing proposed payment policies for skin substitutes under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year 2026. The AATB, which represents over 125 accredited tissue banks across the United States, is advocating for policies that ensure patient access to critical medical produ  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- American Atheists, a national civil rights organization, has expressed strong opposition to proposed changes from the U.S. Department of Education concerning the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The organization is particularly concerned about new and unclear restrictions imposed on qualifying employers, viewing these updates as unconstitutional and indicative of viewpoint discrimination. The proposed rule aims to redefine qualifying employers under the PS  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (ACNS) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) voicing serious reservations about proposed Medicare payment policies set for calendar year 2026. Established in 1946, ACNS represents over 1,600 professionals in neurophysiology who provide care to patients with neurological disorders, emphasizing the importance of appropriate reimbur  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding their proposed changes to the hospital outpatient and ambulatory surgical center payment systems for the calendar year 2026. The letter details significant concerns over CMS's proposal to eliminate the Inpatient Only (IPO) list, which currently designates certain surgical procedures as pay  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advocating for the reassignment of two Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, 76978 and 76979, from APC 5571 (Level 1 Imaging with Contrast) to APC 5572 (Level 2 Imaging with Contrast). This initiative comes as part of AIUM's ongoing efforts to enhance the utilization and recognition of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) i  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The American Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ASPN) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning the agency's Request for Information on Infant Formula Nutrient Requirements. Established in 1969, ASPN represents over 700 pediatric nephrologists and allied health professionals in North America, focusing on optimal care for children with kidney disease. In the letter, ASPN expressed   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing critical changes it believes are necessary for the Medicare and Medicaid Programs. The organization, representing the interests of payers managing behavioral health insurance benefits, highlights the need for improved access to quality behavioral health care in response  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Blueprint 2025 has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) encouraging the agencies to prioritize the finalization of proposed regulations for deep seabed mining. The organization emphasizes that the prompt implementation of these regulations is critical for the United States to maintain its leadership in deep seabed mining and related technologies. In the letter, Blueprint 2025 highligh  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Bon Secours Piedmont Orthopaedics hand and upper extremity surgeon Megan Friend submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed 2026 Physician Fee Schedule. The letter expressed concern that the proposed payment for an ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release procedure is too low and could limit patient access to the treatment. The surgeon stated that while the procedure is less invasive for patients, it   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- California State Sen. Brian W. Jones submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Justice highlighting potential economic impacts stemming from a California state law related to tire fuel efficiency standards. The letter urges the department to address Assembly Bill No. 844, which establishes separate tire efficiency regulations applicable solely within California. The communication emphasizes that the law, enacted in 2003, demands that tire manufacturers   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Charles B. Wang Community Health Center has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) advocating for the continuation of the universal hepatitis B birth dose vaccination in the United States. The organization emphasizes the necessity of such a policy in safeguarding infants against preventable diseases like hepatitis B, and promotes adherence to science-based immunization p  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Coalition for Healthcare Innovation (CFHI) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed rule for the Calendar Year 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). CFHI expresses appreciation for the opportunity to contribute feedback, which underscores their commitment to enhancing health outcomes while simultaneously reducing costs for patients and taxpayers.   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations (CSRO) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expressing urgent concerns regarding proposed changes to Medicare payment policies. The coalition, comprised of over 40 state and regional rheumatology societies, advocates for high-quality care for managing rheumatologic and musculoskeletal diseases. In its letter, CSRO praised the p  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Conservative Political Action Coalition Foundation Center for Regulatory Freedom has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration expressing opposition to the agency's proposed extension of information collection activities related to Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for medical products. This letter refers specifically to Docket Number FDA-2025-N-1115, which concerns the potential continuation o  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) urging the agency to enhance payment policies for digital health solutions under the 2025 Physician Fee Schedule. CTA, which represents over 1,200 companies in North America's technology sector, emphasizes the need for innovative health technology to improve outcomes and reduce costs in the U.S  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) and Reno & Cavanaugh PLLC, have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) strongly opposing the agency's intention to modify its Privacy Act System of Records. The proposed changes involve adding sensitive personal information, including date of birth, place of birth, and citizenship status, to the Freedom of Information Act Management System (FMS2). CLPHA, which  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Delaware Nurses Association (DNA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing proposed changes in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for Calendar Year 2026. The association emphasized the importance of recognizing and valuing the role of nurses in patient care to improve healthcare outcomes. In their letter, the DNA highlighted concerns over the current billing sy  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Food Solutions Action, a policy organization focused on global protein solutions, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture, expressing concern over the classification of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The organization emphasizes that a process-only definition could unfairly categorize nutrient-dense foods as unhealthy. The agency recently issued a Request for I  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Friends of Plumas Wilderness President Darrel Jury submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding the proposed repeal of the Roadless Area Conservation rule. The writer, who has a background with federal land management agencies, stated that the policy should remain in place. According to the letter, the writer has a different perspective on roadless areas than the Secretary of Agriculture. The letter stated that the national for  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Milk Care Co. Inc. dba Harmony Baby Nutrition, Boston, Massachusetts, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advocating for the modernization of regulations surrounding infant formula. The letter, responding to the FDA's Operation Stork Speed, highlights the urgent need to advance infant formula innovation in the United States to ensure nutritional adequacy and health outcomes for infant  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Hattiesburg Clinic Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Medical Director Daniel T. McCall IV submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for the calendar year 2026. The letter recognized the opportunity for stakeholders in the healthcare sector to express their opinions concerning impending changes that impact the care provided to Medicare beneficiaries. The medical direct  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concerns over proposed revisions to payment policies under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year 2026. Representing 135,000 individual members, HFMA emphasizes their commitment to evaluating payment proposals against five guiding principles: quality, alignm  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Hema-Quebec, a blood service organization in Canada, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the agency's draft guidance on testing blood donations for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The organization, which is responsible for the collection and distribution of over 300,000 blood products annually in Quebec, is advocating for a reconsideration of the continued requirement to  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) has issued a public comment letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in response to the agency's Request for Information regarding infant formula nutrient requirements as part of Operation Stork Speed. In the letter, HMBANA commended the FDA's focus on science-driven reforms but urged for revisions to existing guidelines to underscore the health benefits of human milk. HMBANA, a recognized 501c(3) organ  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Infant Feeding Action Coalition USA Inc. (INFACT USA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing strong support for the agency's initiative to revise infant formula nutrient requirements established over two decades ago. This letter outlines crucial concerns about the safety and compositional standards of infant formulas, emphasizing alignment with health standards set by agen  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for improvements in the proposed Calendar Year 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). The organization, which represents over 13,000 clinicians, scientists, and public health professionals, expressed that infectious diseases remain a critical concern for health care syste  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- INSIGHTEC, a manufacturer of innovative medical equipment, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding proposed payment policies for the calendar year 2026 pertaining to the physician fee schedule. The letter emphasizes the need for appropriate payment for the magnetic resonance image-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) services, specifically related to Cur  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Intrinsia Health has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for the year 2026. The organization, which operates as a Medicare accountable care organization (ACO) serving complex and home-bound beneficiaries, expressed appreciation for CMS's ongoing efforts to promote equitable and person-centered healthcare deliv  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Karl Storz Endoscopy-America Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, urging the agency to maintain contractor pricing for HCPCS Code G0561, which focuses on tympanostomy procedures performed in the physician office setting. The request comes in light of ongoing discussions regarding national pricing for various procedure codes in the Medicare payment framework. In the letter,  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York (LRANY) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. National Economic Council urging a reevaluation of the impacts of New York's Scaffold Law on both the state and neighboring economies. LRANY, which is a coalition of various stakeholders including businesses and municipalities, is advocating for reforms to alleviate the financial burdens imposed by this legislation. The Scaffold Law, enacted in  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Michigan Medicine has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing the organization's views on the proposed rule affecting the Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System for Fiscal Year 2026. The proposed rule includes various policy changes that have raised concerns within the healthcare community regarding patient care, quality reporting, and funding adjustments. In th  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Federal Public Defender's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee Capital Habeas Unit has sent a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) requesting a ninety-day extension to provide a comprehensive analysis regarding the Tennessee State Attorney General's request for certification of the state's post-conviction process. The certification is sought under Chapter 154 of the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act, which would impact nume  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Minnesota Department of Health has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, highlighting operational challenges faced by the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP). The letter emphasizes the need for adjustments to the proposed 2026 Physician Fee Schedule to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the program throughout Minnesota. In its correspondence, the health departm  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Moderna, a leading biotechnology company, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) calling for crucial revisions to the proposed changes in the Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). The company aims to improve coverage and reimbursement policies related to immunization counseling, an essential aspect of healthcare during flu and respiratory seasons. I  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- MRIguidance, a leader in AI-powered diagnostic tools, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) urging a reevaluation of the payment classification for the Bone MRI code G0566. The company advocates for the code's reclassification from Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) 5721 to APC 5723, contending that this adjustment is essential for ensuring adequate coverage of a servic  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The New York Health Foundation has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services urging critical reforms to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for Calendar Year 2026. With approximately 3.9 million New Yorkers enrolled in Medicare, the foundation stresses that changes in Medicare policy can significantly affect the health and wellbeing of the state's population. The foundation, an indepen  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) expressing its concerns regarding proposed modifications to the agency's Freedom of Information Act Management System. The letter, dated September 10, outlines NAHRO's apprehensions regarding new requirements that would demand additional personal information from individuals filing FOIA requests. Estab  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The National Health Federation has voiced serious concerns in a public comment letter addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration regarding a draft guidance that could jeopardize the health of premature infants. The letter criticizes the FDA's newly proposed standards for aluminum content in small volume parenteral drug products and pharmacy bulk packages for parenteral nutrition, highlighting the potential risks associated w  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The National Housing Law Project (NHLP) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) opposing a recent proposal to modify HUD's Freedom of Information Act Management System (FMS2). The letter highlights NHLP's concern regarding the addition of sensitive categories of records, specifically date of birth, place of birth, and citizenship, under Docket ID FR-7106-N-07, which was published in the Federal Register on August  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration in response to a request for information regarding infant formula nutrient requirements. As the leading trade organization for the U.S. oilseed industry, which includes over 99% of soybean crushing capacity, NOPA emphasizes the critical role that omega-6 fatty acids from seed oils play in the nutritional   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) urging the federal agency to take more substantial action to support rural hospitals financially as it proposes new rules for the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) for calendar year 2026. In the letter, NRHA highlights several critical concerns regarding the prop  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Nevada Palliative Care has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the proposed rule for the Calendar Year 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). The organization, which provides care for seriously ill Medicare beneficiaries across Nevada, has expressed support for key provisions aimed at enhancing care accessibility and sustainability in advanced primary care models. I  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing proposed calendar year 2026 payment policies under the Physician Fee Schedule. The NJHA, representing more than 400 healthcare organizations, has voiced concerns regarding potential impacts on specialist providers and hospital-based practices. In its letter, NJHA highlighted a propos  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Novonesis, a global biosolutions company, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its request for information on nutrient requirements for infant formula. In the letter, Novonesis expressed strong support for the efforts of the agency and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in ensuring that American families have access to safe and nutritious infant formula, especially  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- O.N. Diagnostics, a biomedical research company based in Berkeley, California, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for broader access to innovative diagnostic procedures for osteoporosis. The letter addresses CMS's proposed regulations under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for the year 2026, asserting that the exclusion of certain CT-based tests from reimbur  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Omada Health Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the 2025 CMS Physician Fee Schedule. The letter emphasizes the importance of recognizing and adequately reimbursing digital health solutions such as Omada's Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to enhance care for Medicare beneficiaries. In its letter, Omada commended the agency for allowing any fully recognized D  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Parkview Health has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) urging advancements for the proposed G code for cryoablation. This innovative therapy, which is used during thoracic and cardiac surgery, is designed to enhance patient recovery by minimizing pain and reducing the reliance on opioids following surgical procedures. In the letter, the healthcare organization emphasized the  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Plainview Hospital Chief of Urology Bilal Chughtai submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) raising alarms among urologists regarding the proposed work relative value units (RVUs) for the new CPT code 52xx2. The letter highlights the inadequacy of the proposed 3.6 work RVUs for the innovative balloon dilation procedure designed to treat benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). The urolo  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Primary Care Collaborative (PCC) and its Better Health - NOW campaign have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for extensive reforms in Medicare payment policies to bolster primary care services. In their letter, PCC highlights the urgent need for a systematic overhaul of Medicare's payment framework, which has historically undervalued primary care and led to   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Primary Care Development Corp. (PCDC) submitted a public comment letter addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed rule for the Calendar Year 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). PCDC, a national non-profit organization dedicated to health equity and community development, emphasized the urgent need for reforms in primary care funding to enhance health outcomes and reduce  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Rep. James Comer (R-Kentucky) submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services addressing the Calendar Year 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) and highlighting serious concerns about proposed changes that could impact independent physician practices across the nation. The letter underscores the need for adjustments to prevent further consolidation of healthcare delivery, which may subsequently limit patient access to quality c  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Rep. James Comer (R-Kentucky) submitted a public comment letter sent to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressing serious concerns regarding the proposed Calendar Year 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). The letter highlights how anticipated changes could jeopardize the future of independent physician practices, threaten patient access to quality care, and lead to increased healthcare costs. Comer pointed out that the proposed rule includes a 2  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- SCA Health has submitted a public comment letter addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding proposals for the 2026 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems, alongside recommendations for quality reporting programs. The organization expressed serious concerns about the proposed 2.4 percent increase in the conversion factor for the upcoming year, sugge  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Michael Pryor, a urologist from SMC - Center for Urology, Spartanburg, South Carolina, submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the agency's proposed work RVUs for a balloon dilation procedure. The physician expressed concern that the proposed valuation does not accurately reflect the complexity, time, and expertise required to perform the procedure. The physician stated  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Society for Vascular Ultrasound has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing proposed changes to the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System for calendar year 2026. In its letter, SVU, which represents over 4,200 professionals in the field, expressed concerns and recommendations regarding the proposed regulations impacting vascular ultrasound and related ser  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM), representing over 50,000 hospitalists nationwide, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regarding the proposed Medicare and Medicaid Programs rule, CMS-1834-P. This initiative concerns changes to hospital outpatient payment systems, quality reporting, overall hospital quality ratings, and transparency in hospital pricing. In their letter, S  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Solutex NA LLC, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging a reassessment of the composition and specifications of infant formula under 21 CFR 107.100. The letter highlights recent scientific advancements and international experiences that suggest a need for updated guidelines reflecting the complexity of human breast milk (HBM) and its beneficial compon  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Temple University Health System has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing proposed changes to the Medicare payment policies outlined in the recent Federal Register. The health system, which serves as a critical healthcare provider in Philadelphia, highlighted the importance of fair and accurate Medicare reimbursement policies to sustain access to care for its patient   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Temple University Health System has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing serious concerns about the proposed updates to the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System for calendar year 2026. The proposals, outlined in CMS's rule, include a modest increase in payment rates and several key changes   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Turquoise Health has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed rule CMS-1834-P, which aims to enhance hospital price transparency. The organization expressed support for CMS's initiative to create comprehensive and accurate machine-readable files (MRFs) but emphasized the need for more clarity regarding the new percentile fields and related methodologies. I  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advocating for revisions to the nutrient requirements for infant formula. In its response to a request for information, the USBC emphasizes the importance of grounding formula standards in the established health benefits of human milk, the biological norm for infant nutrition. Highlighting the essential role   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- University of Connecticut Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery Jacob I. Jabbour submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing concerns about the proposed payment rate for a new minimally invasive carpal tunnel release procedure. The letter outlines how the suggested reimbursement, set for 2026, fails to adequately reflect the complexity and skill required for the operation, potentially compromising access to this inn  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The University of Missouri Board of Curators and university physicians have submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing critical issues affecting the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The organization highlights the need for adjustments in the reporting requirements for the MIPS Value Pathways and Advanced Alternative Payment Models to alleviate burdens on multi-specialty pra  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding proposed changes to the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) for calendar year 2026. The renowned cancer care institution emphasized the importance of maintaining access to high-quality, evidence-based care for cancer patients amid proposed modifications that could signi  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- UPMC North Central PA neurosurgeon Fadi Sweiss submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The letter expressed concern that the proposed payment for a minimally invasive carpal tunnel procedure underestimates its complexity and intensity. The surgeon stated that many patients, especially Medicare beneficiaries, delay or avoid t  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Urgent Care Association (UCA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expressing support for proposed changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) that will significantly impact urgent care centers. UCA's recommendations aim to address the unique operational challenges faced by enhanced urgent care centers (eUCCs), which play an essential role in alleviating pressu  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Paul D. Paterson, a hand and upper extremity surgeon from Vero Orthopaedics submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) urging the agency to reconsider the payment valuation for a carpal tunnel release procedure. The surgeon stated that the proposed payment for the office-based, ultrasound-guided treatment is too low and does not reflect the time and work involved. According to the l  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Voices for Non-Opioid Choices has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) addressing the proposed rule for the Fiscal Year 2026 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System. The organization, representing over 200 member organizations and tens of thousands of advocates, is focused on advocating for non-addictive pain management alternatives amidst the ongoing opioid crisis in   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Walla Walla City Council has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding the initiation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) focused on the proposed rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. This letter highlights concerns about the potential social, economic, and environmental impacts of these changes, particularly on local water resources. Located at the base of the Blue Mountains within the Umatilla Nationa  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- Western New England University Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Director Brittany Adams submitted a public comment letter drawing attention to potential cuts in reimbursements for occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) under the proposed rule by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The letter criticizes the agency's proposal to decrease value-based payment rates for non-facility-based therapists by 1%, arguing that this could severely limit acc  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (ACF) addressing the need for technical assistance related to the Indian Child Welfare Act. In its letter, the department emphasizes the significance of reducing the administrative burdens associated with meeting the requirements of title IV-B of the Social Security Act, as mandated by re  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 -- The Wisconsin Psychological Association (WPA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) advocating for policies aimed at improving access to mental health services across the state. The letter highlights the critical need for equitable access to mental and behavioral health treatment, particularly through telehealth services, which have proven essential, especially in rural area  more