Moderator: John G. Finkenberg, MD
In 2010, Congress enacted the most comprehensive reform to the U.S. healthcare system in decades. Now, after seven years of implementation, Congress is again undertaking a major debate about transforming the healthcare system, one that will usher in dramatic changes across the spectrum of healthcare service delivery, access, coverage and reimbursement.
As we begin a national discussion about a potential overhaul of the Affordable Care Act and the future of American healthcare, this symposium examines the prospect of full or partial repeal and the effect on patient access to care. Further, can certain provisions within the law be salvaged, or must Congress develop new policies to deliver on the promises of controlling costs and expanding coverage? Finally, what alternatives are being proposed and how long will it take to develop a unified plan to address the underlying concerns with the law, and how will this will affect spine care providers and their patients?
Upon completion of this session, participants should gain strategies to:
- Gain an in-depth understanding of how the current political environment is shaping policies that will affect spine care providers and their patients;
- Become familiar with the legislative proposals that are being considered by Congress as they identify ways to address the major challenges to the U.S. health care system;
- Gain an in-depth understanding of NASS’ current federal legislative priorities and emerging trends in healthcare policy in Washington, DC.
Agenda
NASS General Advocacy Update
John G. Finkenberg, MD
Discussion: Healthcare System Transformation and the Implications for Spine Specialists
Discussion Agenda:
- What are the consequences of full or partial repeal?
- What are the alternative plans and discussions?
- What are the major reform provisions affecting spine specialists?
Panelists
Alan S. Hilibrand, MD, Rothman Institute, Member, NASS Advocacy Council, Chair, NASS CME Committee
Yvonne Bokelman, MBA, FACHE, Vice President, Global Market Access & Clinical Affairs, Medical Training & Education and Regenerative Therapies, Zimmer Biomet
Dave Fitzgerald, CEO, Proliance Surgeons, Inc., P.S., Chair, Government Affairs Committee, Ambulatory Surgical Centers Association
The Economics of Healthcare Reform
Lawrence ‘Larry’ Kudlow, Nationally syndicated columnist
Kudlow will dissect the current political and economic climate and interpret the long and short-term implications for health care.