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Government Grand Rounds: Opportunity knocks as Congressional ‘busy season’ beckons
With the congressional “busy season” upon us, the SVS is gearing up for big tasks ahead on the legislative and regulatory fronts. Having stepped into the role of chair of the SVS Advocacy Council this past June, I have to…
Corner Stich: Bridging knowledge gaps and meeting new demands of vascular surgical training
This month in Corner Stitch, we highlight a trainee-centric study presented at the 2023 Midwestern Vascular Surgical Society (MVSS) annual meeting held in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Sept. 7–9). With the rise of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) and the diminishing number of…
Why CMS should still not extend reimbursement indications for carotid stenting or other carotid ‘revascularization’ procedures
This commentary—authored by Anne Abbott, PhD, MBBS, Lawrence Schott, MD, Lan Gao, MMed, PhD, Hrvoje Budincevic, MD, PhD, Rishad Faruqi, MD, Tatjana Rundek, MD, PhD, Jean-Baptiste Ricco, MD, PhD, Saeid Shahidi, MD, and Gert J. de Borst, MD, PhD—consists of…
CMS: Proposed reduced conversion factor would cut vascular surgeon reimbursements
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in mid-July released two payment-related proposed rules—the highly-anticipated calendar year (CY) 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule (MPFS) and the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center…
Empowering vascular surgery to promote five pivotal healthcare bills before Congress
Welcome back to Government Grand Rounds, a campaign aimed at expanding vascular surgeons’ understanding of—and comfort with—the SVS’ many advocacy tools. In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, the promotion of positive change and the advancement of our profession require more…
Congress considers incremental steps towards Medicare payment reform
There is no doubt that the Medicare payment system needs reform. At this moment, the SVS is aiming to inspire reform through all facets of effective advocacy. This takes place incrementally by raising Congressional awareness of the issues that physicians…
Corner Stitch: Supplementing our formal learning as vascular trainees
As a vascular surgery trainee, there are multiple aspects of vascular surgery that I’ve had the opportunity to learn about. And to be honest, I’m still learning. To that end, the SVS has put a great deal of effort in…
‘FDA’s mission to bring safe and effective vascular surgery devices to market remains steadfast’
The Vascular and Endovascular Devices Team (VEDT) in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Cardiovascular Devices appreciates the Vascular Specialist editorial board’s offer to provide an update to the vascular community to enhance regulatory transparency and communication. In…
Changing gears: A guide to cruising back to the operating room
For surgeons-in-training, professional development time (colloquially known as “the research years”) is a welcome break from the rigors of surgical residency. A time to rest, reflect, and embark on new growth opportunities. A reprieve from the 6:00 a.m. (or earlier)…
Educational opportunities abound at VAM 2023
Ok, so day one has lived up to the hype. From hearing about amazing research endeavors to listening to lively discussions on the latest treatment options for vascular patients, it has been very invigorating. Day two is equally packed. One…