Announcements: H.R. 1052 Physician Assistant Direct Payment Act, UAPA Awards and Elections, PA Day on the Hill

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Feb. 7, 2019)-Today, the American Academy of PAs (AAPA), the professional organization representing more than 131,000 PAs (physician assistants) across the country, applauds members of the U.S. House of Representatives, Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Adrian Smith (R-NE), for introducing H.R. 1052, the Physician Assistant Direct Payment Act, to authorize PAs to receive direct payment under Medicare.

Currently, PAs are the only health professionals who are authorized to bill Medicare for their services but are not able to receive direct payment. Medicare permits all health professionals-physicians, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), physical therapists, psychologists, podiatrists, social workers, and others-to receive direct payment under their own name and National Provider Identifier number.

When PAs cannot be paid directly by Medicare, they are unable to reassign their payments in a manner similar to physicians and APRNs. The inability to be paid directly further hinders PAs from fully participating in the increasing number of innovative value-based payment arrangements and emerging models of healthcare delivery. For example, the restriction means PAs are often unable to work for healthcare staffing companies or group practices, which are increasingly used by hospitals to deliver care, because they cannot reassign their Medicare payments to their employer.

"When enacted, this legislation will improve access to care for patients. By removing unnecessary administrative burdens and restrictions, it will enhance the ability of PAs to bring their proven clinical competence and skill sets to patients in need," said Jonathan E. Sobel, DMSc, MBA, PA-C, DFAAPA, FAPACVS, president and chair of the AAPA Board of Directors. "We look forward to continue working with Congresswoman Sewell and Congressman Smith to improve access to healthcare."

"Our country is facing a significant shortage of healthcare providers, and this needed legislation will help ensure that PAs are a part of the solution" Sobel continued. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of PAs is expected to increase by 37 percent from 2016 to 2026.

Enactment of this legislation will not change how PAs currently practice and it will not change PA scope of practice.

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Hello Utah Academy of Physician Assistant Members:

It’s that time of year again. We are seeking nominations for awards and elections!

This year is a perfect opportunity to get off the sidelines and into the game and help make this the best state to practice as a PA. UAPA needs all PAs in Utah to support our profession. Getting involved on the UAPA board is a great way to give back to the profession and make a real difference for the PAs practicing in Utah.

We also love to recognize those PAs and MDs that are doing a great job out there with distinguished awards from the UAPA.

 

Please see the attached flyer for additional information.

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Dear UAPA Members,

Wednesday we launch PA Day on the Hill at the Capitol Rotunda.  We have invited all state legislators by email and hand-delivered invitations to join us.  Please see the attached flyer for additional information about the event. We invite you to give a gentle reminder to your legislators via email.  Please see the attached sample letter for an example of appropriate wording.