Advocacy in Action: EDCs in Europe, E/M Codes, and More

Here is a quick run down of major issues being discussed by policymakers from an endocrine perspective and the Society’s current advocacy work. 

What’s Happening in Washington

European Parliament Passes Resolution Calling for Greater Action to Regulate EDCs

On April 18, during the final voting session of the current European Parliament’s term, the Parliament adopted a resolution by an overwhelming cross-party majority that calls for greater action to regulate endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).  This represents a HUGE ADVOCACY WIN for the Endocrine Society.  For the last several years we have led advocacy efforts in the EU to adopt science-based policies that reduce exposure to EDCs.

Adoption of the resolution and prioritization of EDCs in the European Parliament was made possible through advocacy by Endocrine Society members, led by the Society’s EDC Advisory Group and EU Task Force.  Members wrote to their national representatives, met with their Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), and participated in educational briefings at the Parliament.  We also were active at the Commission level, meeting with staff and issuing detailed criticisms of the Commission’s November communication on EDCs.  In recent months, we have urged the Parliament to propose a resolution on EDCs that would ensure that this important public health issue is appropriately prioritized beyond the EU elections this Spring and into the following term.  Securing the support of a majority of MEPs in spite of a crowded legislative agenda and opposition by industry speaks to the ability of our members to get our message across and be seen as a trusted and influential advisor.

For more information about the resolution, see our press release.

Society to Offer New Recommendations on E/M Codes

The Society continues to work to address recent policy recommendations by CMS that would restructure and revalue evaluation and management (E/M) codes. We are working with more than 50 medical societies to survey members on appropriate values for each E/M code level and we will offer recommendations to the AMA RUC next week. Once finalized and approved by the RUC, these recommendations will go to CMS for consideration. To learn more about the recent CMS proposal to restructure the E/M codes, visit the Society’s webinar on the topic here.

Society Addresses Diabetes Test Strip Access Issue at CVS Pharmacy

The Society has learned of a recent policy change by CVS that would limit patients from receiving diabetes test strips over the capped about by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which is 30 strips per month for patients on oral medications and 100 strips per month for patients on insulin. In the past, patients who require additional strips were able to receive their supplies by a prescription from their physician that detailed the need for the overage. We are working with a coalition of diabetes stakeholders to address this issue with both CVS and CMS and will keep our members apprised as well learn more about this issue and any additional documentation requirements that will be needed in the future.