ACP RESPONSE TO NOVITAS POLICY DRAFT

As my article above outlines, Novitas has come out with a new policy that greatly curtails the ability to treat patients in a prudent and effective manner.  I want to assure our readers that there is a concerted effort to provide commentary to Novitas regarding the exclusion of specific language allowing CEAP 2 and 3.

 

The American College of Phlebology (ACP), Society for Interventional Radiology (SIR), and the American Venous Forum (AVF) are all very aware of this policy.  While I am not involved with SIR or the AVF, I can speak a bit about what the ACP has been doing.

 

As soon as the ACP became aware of the policy, an emergency conference call was held to determine if someone would be able to attend the meeting in Mechanicsburg, PA and on such short notice.  Dr. Worthington-Kirsch did come forward as the ACP representative for the meeting.  Dr. Khilnani, Dr. Schul, Mr. Darby of the ACP, Dr. Worthington-Kirsch, myself and some others helped craft some speaking points for Dr. Worthington-Kirsch prior to the meeting.

 

Dr. Worthington-Kirsch did attend the meeting and presented our primary objection regarding the lack of clarity in the draft policy and the need for CEAP 2 and 3 coverage.  The Novitas panel listened politely but offered no feedback at that time.

 

The ACP is now working with SIR and the AVF in trying to get individual providers in the Novitas administration areas to submit letters with peer reviewed documentation to Novitas supporting the need for CEAP2 and 3 treatment.  This information should be forthcoming.

 

Click HERE for the start of an example letter.

 

While the various organizations can help bring some information and pressure to bear, we really need each physician to take the time to craft a letter in the next month (with support) and send it to Novitas.  To paraphrase Smokey the Bear:  Only You can Stop Bad Policies.

 

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