ABA News and Activities

Today, CMMI launched a new payment model, the Part D Payment Modernization Model, and made changes to the existing Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design Model as part of a broader effort to lower drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries.

Earlier today, CMS issued a final rule on “Pathways to Success,” the proposed overhaul of Medicare’s National ACO Program.

The regional burn conferences provide great opportunities for multidisciplinary burn care professionals to participate in table top discussions, explore educational opportunities, earn CEUs and network with other burn care colleagues, and exhibitor partners in a more intimate setting.

With a new Editor-in-Chief and a publisher, the American Burn Association’s Journal of Burn Care & Research (JBCR) has recently made huge strides forward.

The mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children is composed of three pursuits: to provide the highest quality, family-centered care; to educate physicians and other health care professionals; and to conduct research to discover new knowledge that improves care and the quality of life of children and families.

ABA representatives, Drs. Colleen Ryan, Jim Jeng, and Steve Wolf have been attending many meetings this past summer, in Washington, DC, with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to discuss medical care in response to a disaster.

Congress recently approved continued funding for the Military Burn Research Program. The new bill, signed into law on September 28, 2018 commits $8 million in funding for the upcoming year.

The ABA Coding Committee has developed the following to provide CPT coding guidance for cases using cell suspension autografts.

Military Burn Research Program funding has been approved by the Senate! On August 23, the Senate passed its version of the Fiscal Year 2019 defense appropriations bill.

I am honored to be the recipient of the 2018 President’s Leadership Award. I am humbled by and appreciative of this prestigious recognition. It has been my privilege to work with the true heroes of the association. My family, friends and colleagues joined me to witness the receipt of this award.  I thank the ABA Board of Trustees, the ABA membership and the fine staff of the ABA central office for the opportunity of a very fulfilling career.