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Get to know incoming CHEST President John “Jack” D. Buckley, MD, MPH, FCCP
Starting January 1, 2024, current President-Elect John “Jack” D. Buckley, MD, MPH, FCCP, will become the new President of CHEST. Dr. Buckley is a pulmonologist and critical care physician with an extensive background in education, and he has served on the Board of Regents for the College for 8 years collectively.
What would you like to accomplish as President of CHEST?
I mentioned this in my address during the CHEST Annual Meeting in Honolulu, but the role of President is to guide the Board of Regents as we provide governance and direct the organization to fulfill our mission. With that in mind, my job is to advance CHEST by following our strategic plan, continuing the great work already being done, and preparing for what comes next.
As our world changes around us, we must not only adapt to the current environment but anticipate the future and take the lead by influencing the direction we believe to be important. This is the role of the Board of Regents, and we need input from CHEST’s members.
In 2023, with the guidance of an advisory board, and a tremendous amount of time and effort encompassing input from a wide range of CHEST members, leaders and staff, the organization defined its core values. The values – Community, Inclusivity, Innovation, Advocacy, and Integrity – are reflective of the CHEST organization and will guide decisions for years to come.
While looking forward, it’s also important to reflect on the past. CHEST started as an organization centered on preventing and treating tuberculosis. As progress was made, the entire pulmonary field evolved from tuberculosis experts and, from there, critical care emerged and continues to evolve. Now we’re seeing tremendous growth in the roles of advanced practice providers in our ICUs and, most recently, a resurgence of cardiology-critical care. We are excited to welcome these colleagues into CHEST as we move forward.
What do you consider to be CHEST’s greatest strength, and how will you build upon this during your presidency?
The strength of CHEST is in our community and our educational programs. Our emphasis is on delivering relevant information to our members in ways that are immediately clinically applicable – something I think we do better than anyone – to improve the care we’re able to provide to our patients. Through expanding our community and continuing to produce quality medical education, this will continue to be a focus for years to come.
What are some challenges facing CHEST, and how will you address them?
The challenges facing CHEST are the same challenges facing the whole of health care. Predominantly, providers and patients are both caught navigating complex health systems and insurance programs, costs of care, and access. The latter is particularly concerning for us as the burnout of health care providers has worsened, and people are leaving the clinical setting.
While there is no simple solution, CHEST has demonstrated commitments to making an impact through initiatives like First 5 Minutes®, which was created to address implicit bias, establish trust, and form a stronger connection between patients and their clinicians more quickly.
This will be a growing focus for CHEST, and it is reflected in the formal addition of social responsibility to our organizational pillars. The work being done in philanthropy and through our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts will continue to develop and are now a core element of the organization.
And finally, what do you ask of the members and Fellows of CHEST to support you during your presidency?
I cannot stress enough that every person reading this should join the conversation. Meant to represent the whole of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine clinicians, CHEST is stronger with every voice. Conveniently, an email address exists for this very purpose. The address president@chestnet.org is a direct way to communicate with me, and I very much encourage you to take me up on this.
Let me know what you would like to see change in 2024 or what you think we’re doing well. I’d also like to hear if there is something neat you’re doing for the field; beyond my personal interest, CHEST loves to celebrate the accomplishments of members.
I look forward to elevating your voice and am truly elated to serve as the next President of CHEST.
Starting January 1, 2024, current President-Elect John “Jack” D. Buckley, MD, MPH, FCCP, will become the new President of CHEST. Dr. Buckley is a pulmonologist and critical care physician with an extensive background in education, and he has served on the Board of Regents for the College for 8 years collectively.
What would you like to accomplish as President of CHEST?
I mentioned this in my address during the CHEST Annual Meeting in Honolulu, but the role of President is to guide the Board of Regents as we provide governance and direct the organization to fulfill our mission. With that in mind, my job is to advance CHEST by following our strategic plan, continuing the great work already being done, and preparing for what comes next.
As our world changes around us, we must not only adapt to the current environment but anticipate the future and take the lead by influencing the direction we believe to be important. This is the role of the Board of Regents, and we need input from CHEST’s members.
In 2023, with the guidance of an advisory board, and a tremendous amount of time and effort encompassing input from a wide range of CHEST members, leaders and staff, the organization defined its core values. The values – Community, Inclusivity, Innovation, Advocacy, and Integrity – are reflective of the CHEST organization and will guide decisions for years to come.
While looking forward, it’s also important to reflect on the past. CHEST started as an organization centered on preventing and treating tuberculosis. As progress was made, the entire pulmonary field evolved from tuberculosis experts and, from there, critical care emerged and continues to evolve. Now we’re seeing tremendous growth in the roles of advanced practice providers in our ICUs and, most recently, a resurgence of cardiology-critical care. We are excited to welcome these colleagues into CHEST as we move forward.
What do you consider to be CHEST’s greatest strength, and how will you build upon this during your presidency?
The strength of CHEST is in our community and our educational programs. Our emphasis is on delivering relevant information to our members in ways that are immediately clinically applicable – something I think we do better than anyone – to improve the care we’re able to provide to our patients. Through expanding our community and continuing to produce quality medical education, this will continue to be a focus for years to come.
What are some challenges facing CHEST, and how will you address them?
The challenges facing CHEST are the same challenges facing the whole of health care. Predominantly, providers and patients are both caught navigating complex health systems and insurance programs, costs of care, and access. The latter is particularly concerning for us as the burnout of health care providers has worsened, and people are leaving the clinical setting.
While there is no simple solution, CHEST has demonstrated commitments to making an impact through initiatives like First 5 Minutes®, which was created to address implicit bias, establish trust, and form a stronger connection between patients and their clinicians more quickly.
This will be a growing focus for CHEST, and it is reflected in the formal addition of social responsibility to our organizational pillars. The work being done in philanthropy and through our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts will continue to develop and are now a core element of the organization.
And finally, what do you ask of the members and Fellows of CHEST to support you during your presidency?
I cannot stress enough that every person reading this should join the conversation. Meant to represent the whole of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine clinicians, CHEST is stronger with every voice. Conveniently, an email address exists for this very purpose. The address president@chestnet.org is a direct way to communicate with me, and I very much encourage you to take me up on this.
Let me know what you would like to see change in 2024 or what you think we’re doing well. I’d also like to hear if there is something neat you’re doing for the field; beyond my personal interest, CHEST loves to celebrate the accomplishments of members.
I look forward to elevating your voice and am truly elated to serve as the next President of CHEST.
Starting January 1, 2024, current President-Elect John “Jack” D. Buckley, MD, MPH, FCCP, will become the new President of CHEST. Dr. Buckley is a pulmonologist and critical care physician with an extensive background in education, and he has served on the Board of Regents for the College for 8 years collectively.
What would you like to accomplish as President of CHEST?
I mentioned this in my address during the CHEST Annual Meeting in Honolulu, but the role of President is to guide the Board of Regents as we provide governance and direct the organization to fulfill our mission. With that in mind, my job is to advance CHEST by following our strategic plan, continuing the great work already being done, and preparing for what comes next.
As our world changes around us, we must not only adapt to the current environment but anticipate the future and take the lead by influencing the direction we believe to be important. This is the role of the Board of Regents, and we need input from CHEST’s members.
In 2023, with the guidance of an advisory board, and a tremendous amount of time and effort encompassing input from a wide range of CHEST members, leaders and staff, the organization defined its core values. The values – Community, Inclusivity, Innovation, Advocacy, and Integrity – are reflective of the CHEST organization and will guide decisions for years to come.
While looking forward, it’s also important to reflect on the past. CHEST started as an organization centered on preventing and treating tuberculosis. As progress was made, the entire pulmonary field evolved from tuberculosis experts and, from there, critical care emerged and continues to evolve. Now we’re seeing tremendous growth in the roles of advanced practice providers in our ICUs and, most recently, a resurgence of cardiology-critical care. We are excited to welcome these colleagues into CHEST as we move forward.
What do you consider to be CHEST’s greatest strength, and how will you build upon this during your presidency?
The strength of CHEST is in our community and our educational programs. Our emphasis is on delivering relevant information to our members in ways that are immediately clinically applicable – something I think we do better than anyone – to improve the care we’re able to provide to our patients. Through expanding our community and continuing to produce quality medical education, this will continue to be a focus for years to come.
What are some challenges facing CHEST, and how will you address them?
The challenges facing CHEST are the same challenges facing the whole of health care. Predominantly, providers and patients are both caught navigating complex health systems and insurance programs, costs of care, and access. The latter is particularly concerning for us as the burnout of health care providers has worsened, and people are leaving the clinical setting.
While there is no simple solution, CHEST has demonstrated commitments to making an impact through initiatives like First 5 Minutes®, which was created to address implicit bias, establish trust, and form a stronger connection between patients and their clinicians more quickly.
This will be a growing focus for CHEST, and it is reflected in the formal addition of social responsibility to our organizational pillars. The work being done in philanthropy and through our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts will continue to develop and are now a core element of the organization.
And finally, what do you ask of the members and Fellows of CHEST to support you during your presidency?
I cannot stress enough that every person reading this should join the conversation. Meant to represent the whole of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine clinicians, CHEST is stronger with every voice. Conveniently, an email address exists for this very purpose. The address president@chestnet.org is a direct way to communicate with me, and I very much encourage you to take me up on this.
Let me know what you would like to see change in 2024 or what you think we’re doing well. I’d also like to hear if there is something neat you’re doing for the field; beyond my personal interest, CHEST loves to celebrate the accomplishments of members.
I look forward to elevating your voice and am truly elated to serve as the next President of CHEST.
“A physician’s secret weapon”: Why the world needs more RTs
CHEST and the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) are continuing their longstanding partnership to raise awareness about the More RTs initiative, which addresses the alarming shortage of respiratory therapists (RTs) in the United States.
A survey from the American Association for Respiratory Care showed several factors driving the need for more RTs, including an aging U.S. population, growing incidences of respiratory disorders, and advances in pulmonary medical devices.
But the squeeze is coming from both internal and external forces. Retirements of RTs are outpacing new growth, while, at the same time, the need for quality respiratory care is increasing. Simply put, demand for RTs is high but the supply of RTs is dangerously low.
Lori Tinkler, Executive Officer of the NBRC, said physicians can make a difference in increasing the number of RTs and championing their success on the clinical care team. Tinkler recently shared her insights on the initiative and how physicians can get involved.
CHEST: Respiratory therapists are extremely valuable members of the clinical care team. Can you share why RTs are so important?
Lori Tinkler: I like to say respiratory therapists are a physician’s secret weapon. Respiratory therapists work under the direction of a medical director.
They really carry out the orders of physicians and help the physician determine the best pathway for patients using protocols. They [serve as] experts when it comes to ventilators and treating the patients for their pulmonary issues under the physician’s orders.
CHEST: How can physicians get more done with more RTs on the clinical team?
Tinkler: By working with protocols and relying on their respiratory therapists. Listen to what they’re saying when it comes to patient care since respiratory therapists are spending much more time with the patients than the physicians are.
It’s really the whole health care team working together with the patient. What [physicians can] keep in mind is, how are they going treat that patient the best and utilize the expertise that respiratory therapists bring to the table? They probably have the most diverse skillset, but they are highly trained and specialized in lung diseases and treatment of asthma and COPD.
CHEST: How can physicians help integrate RTs into the clinical team?
Tinkler: It’s really ensuring that their institutions recognize the value of respiratory therapists and what they bring to the table. Ensuring that their departments are adequately staffed and championing that effort, speaking up, and being a voice for the respiratory therapist and what they bring to the bedside.
CHEST: How else can physicians get involved?
Tinkler: We’re always looking for physician stories about how they utilize and champion their respiratory therapist. And, of course, we’re always looking for physicians to get involved in the credentialing process by being a consultant or board member, or by being a content expert and helping write the test questions for the respiratory therapy credentialing exams.
CHEST and the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) are continuing their longstanding partnership to raise awareness about the More RTs initiative, which addresses the alarming shortage of respiratory therapists (RTs) in the United States.
A survey from the American Association for Respiratory Care showed several factors driving the need for more RTs, including an aging U.S. population, growing incidences of respiratory disorders, and advances in pulmonary medical devices.
But the squeeze is coming from both internal and external forces. Retirements of RTs are outpacing new growth, while, at the same time, the need for quality respiratory care is increasing. Simply put, demand for RTs is high but the supply of RTs is dangerously low.
Lori Tinkler, Executive Officer of the NBRC, said physicians can make a difference in increasing the number of RTs and championing their success on the clinical care team. Tinkler recently shared her insights on the initiative and how physicians can get involved.
CHEST: Respiratory therapists are extremely valuable members of the clinical care team. Can you share why RTs are so important?
Lori Tinkler: I like to say respiratory therapists are a physician’s secret weapon. Respiratory therapists work under the direction of a medical director.
They really carry out the orders of physicians and help the physician determine the best pathway for patients using protocols. They [serve as] experts when it comes to ventilators and treating the patients for their pulmonary issues under the physician’s orders.
CHEST: How can physicians get more done with more RTs on the clinical team?
Tinkler: By working with protocols and relying on their respiratory therapists. Listen to what they’re saying when it comes to patient care since respiratory therapists are spending much more time with the patients than the physicians are.
It’s really the whole health care team working together with the patient. What [physicians can] keep in mind is, how are they going treat that patient the best and utilize the expertise that respiratory therapists bring to the table? They probably have the most diverse skillset, but they are highly trained and specialized in lung diseases and treatment of asthma and COPD.
CHEST: How can physicians help integrate RTs into the clinical team?
Tinkler: It’s really ensuring that their institutions recognize the value of respiratory therapists and what they bring to the table. Ensuring that their departments are adequately staffed and championing that effort, speaking up, and being a voice for the respiratory therapist and what they bring to the bedside.
CHEST: How else can physicians get involved?
Tinkler: We’re always looking for physician stories about how they utilize and champion their respiratory therapist. And, of course, we’re always looking for physicians to get involved in the credentialing process by being a consultant or board member, or by being a content expert and helping write the test questions for the respiratory therapy credentialing exams.
CHEST and the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) are continuing their longstanding partnership to raise awareness about the More RTs initiative, which addresses the alarming shortage of respiratory therapists (RTs) in the United States.
A survey from the American Association for Respiratory Care showed several factors driving the need for more RTs, including an aging U.S. population, growing incidences of respiratory disorders, and advances in pulmonary medical devices.
But the squeeze is coming from both internal and external forces. Retirements of RTs are outpacing new growth, while, at the same time, the need for quality respiratory care is increasing. Simply put, demand for RTs is high but the supply of RTs is dangerously low.
Lori Tinkler, Executive Officer of the NBRC, said physicians can make a difference in increasing the number of RTs and championing their success on the clinical care team. Tinkler recently shared her insights on the initiative and how physicians can get involved.
CHEST: Respiratory therapists are extremely valuable members of the clinical care team. Can you share why RTs are so important?
Lori Tinkler: I like to say respiratory therapists are a physician’s secret weapon. Respiratory therapists work under the direction of a medical director.
They really carry out the orders of physicians and help the physician determine the best pathway for patients using protocols. They [serve as] experts when it comes to ventilators and treating the patients for their pulmonary issues under the physician’s orders.
CHEST: How can physicians get more done with more RTs on the clinical team?
Tinkler: By working with protocols and relying on their respiratory therapists. Listen to what they’re saying when it comes to patient care since respiratory therapists are spending much more time with the patients than the physicians are.
It’s really the whole health care team working together with the patient. What [physicians can] keep in mind is, how are they going treat that patient the best and utilize the expertise that respiratory therapists bring to the table? They probably have the most diverse skillset, but they are highly trained and specialized in lung diseases and treatment of asthma and COPD.
CHEST: How can physicians help integrate RTs into the clinical team?
Tinkler: It’s really ensuring that their institutions recognize the value of respiratory therapists and what they bring to the table. Ensuring that their departments are adequately staffed and championing that effort, speaking up, and being a voice for the respiratory therapist and what they bring to the bedside.
CHEST: How else can physicians get involved?
Tinkler: We’re always looking for physician stories about how they utilize and champion their respiratory therapist. And, of course, we’re always looking for physicians to get involved in the credentialing process by being a consultant or board member, or by being a content expert and helping write the test questions for the respiratory therapy credentialing exams.
CHEST 2023 award winners
Each year, , through their commitment to educating the next generation, and so much more.
MASTER FELLOW AWARD
John E. Studdard, MD, FCCP
Masters of CHEST are national or international Fellows of CHEST who have distinguished themselves by attaining professional preeminence. Because of their personal character and leadership; extraordinary contributions to medical research, clinical practice, quality improvement, or medical education; and years of enduring and outstanding service to CHEST, they have advanced chest medicine
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Victor J. Test, MD, FCCP
This award is conferred to a CHEST Fellow (FCCP) who has held a CHEST leadership position; has led significant society achievements; and/or has donated time, leadership, and service to CHEST.
COLLEGE MEDALIST AWARD
Steven D. Nathan, MBBCh, FCCP
The College Medalist Award is a long-standing CHEST tradition. This award is given for meritorious service in furthering progress in the field of diseases of the chest.
EARLY CAREER CLINICIAN EDUCATOR AWARD
Viren Kaul, MD, FCCP
The Early Career Clinician Educator Award recognizes the achievements of a clinician educator who has already made significant contributions to CHEST educational activities and is committed to continuing to grow as CHEST faculty.
MASTER CLINICIAN EDUCATOR AWARD
Christopher L. Carroll, MD, FCCP
The Master Clinician Educator Award recognizes long-term achievements of one clinician educator who has made significant contributions to CHEST activities and has demonstrated a strong commitment to medical education throughout their career.
ALFRED SOFFER AWARD FOR EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE
Laura Riordan
This award honors Alfred Soffer, MD, Master FCCP, Editor-in-Chief of the journal CHEST® from 1968 to 1993, and Executive Director of CHEST from 1969 to 1992. Recipients have made significant contributions to CHEST and are often world experts in their fields, have written numerous papers and abstracts, have served as primary investigators, and/or have served as a department editor for the journal CHEST.
PRESIDENTIAL CITATION
Scott Manaker, MD, PhD, FCCP
The Presidential Citation is awarded on behalf of the CHEST President to individuals who have shown their dedication to the chest medicine field and for their contributions to CHEST.
For a comprehensive list of Distinguished CHEST Educators, new FCCP designees, and scientific abstract award winners, visit chestnet.org/awards.
Each year, , through their commitment to educating the next generation, and so much more.
MASTER FELLOW AWARD
John E. Studdard, MD, FCCP
Masters of CHEST are national or international Fellows of CHEST who have distinguished themselves by attaining professional preeminence. Because of their personal character and leadership; extraordinary contributions to medical research, clinical practice, quality improvement, or medical education; and years of enduring and outstanding service to CHEST, they have advanced chest medicine
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Victor J. Test, MD, FCCP
This award is conferred to a CHEST Fellow (FCCP) who has held a CHEST leadership position; has led significant society achievements; and/or has donated time, leadership, and service to CHEST.
COLLEGE MEDALIST AWARD
Steven D. Nathan, MBBCh, FCCP
The College Medalist Award is a long-standing CHEST tradition. This award is given for meritorious service in furthering progress in the field of diseases of the chest.
EARLY CAREER CLINICIAN EDUCATOR AWARD
Viren Kaul, MD, FCCP
The Early Career Clinician Educator Award recognizes the achievements of a clinician educator who has already made significant contributions to CHEST educational activities and is committed to continuing to grow as CHEST faculty.
MASTER CLINICIAN EDUCATOR AWARD
Christopher L. Carroll, MD, FCCP
The Master Clinician Educator Award recognizes long-term achievements of one clinician educator who has made significant contributions to CHEST activities and has demonstrated a strong commitment to medical education throughout their career.
ALFRED SOFFER AWARD FOR EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE
Laura Riordan
This award honors Alfred Soffer, MD, Master FCCP, Editor-in-Chief of the journal CHEST® from 1968 to 1993, and Executive Director of CHEST from 1969 to 1992. Recipients have made significant contributions to CHEST and are often world experts in their fields, have written numerous papers and abstracts, have served as primary investigators, and/or have served as a department editor for the journal CHEST.
PRESIDENTIAL CITATION
Scott Manaker, MD, PhD, FCCP
The Presidential Citation is awarded on behalf of the CHEST President to individuals who have shown their dedication to the chest medicine field and for their contributions to CHEST.
For a comprehensive list of Distinguished CHEST Educators, new FCCP designees, and scientific abstract award winners, visit chestnet.org/awards.
Each year, , through their commitment to educating the next generation, and so much more.
MASTER FELLOW AWARD
John E. Studdard, MD, FCCP
Masters of CHEST are national or international Fellows of CHEST who have distinguished themselves by attaining professional preeminence. Because of their personal character and leadership; extraordinary contributions to medical research, clinical practice, quality improvement, or medical education; and years of enduring and outstanding service to CHEST, they have advanced chest medicine
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Victor J. Test, MD, FCCP
This award is conferred to a CHEST Fellow (FCCP) who has held a CHEST leadership position; has led significant society achievements; and/or has donated time, leadership, and service to CHEST.
COLLEGE MEDALIST AWARD
Steven D. Nathan, MBBCh, FCCP
The College Medalist Award is a long-standing CHEST tradition. This award is given for meritorious service in furthering progress in the field of diseases of the chest.
EARLY CAREER CLINICIAN EDUCATOR AWARD
Viren Kaul, MD, FCCP
The Early Career Clinician Educator Award recognizes the achievements of a clinician educator who has already made significant contributions to CHEST educational activities and is committed to continuing to grow as CHEST faculty.
MASTER CLINICIAN EDUCATOR AWARD
Christopher L. Carroll, MD, FCCP
The Master Clinician Educator Award recognizes long-term achievements of one clinician educator who has made significant contributions to CHEST activities and has demonstrated a strong commitment to medical education throughout their career.
ALFRED SOFFER AWARD FOR EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE
Laura Riordan
This award honors Alfred Soffer, MD, Master FCCP, Editor-in-Chief of the journal CHEST® from 1968 to 1993, and Executive Director of CHEST from 1969 to 1992. Recipients have made significant contributions to CHEST and are often world experts in their fields, have written numerous papers and abstracts, have served as primary investigators, and/or have served as a department editor for the journal CHEST.
PRESIDENTIAL CITATION
Scott Manaker, MD, PhD, FCCP
The Presidential Citation is awarded on behalf of the CHEST President to individuals who have shown their dedication to the chest medicine field and for their contributions to CHEST.
For a comprehensive list of Distinguished CHEST Educators, new FCCP designees, and scientific abstract award winners, visit chestnet.org/awards.
AGA provides leadership development for women in GI
As a part of AGA’s ongoing goal to support women in GI and advance gender equity in gastroenterology, we hosted nearly 60 women executives in GI for the inaugural Women’s Executive Leadership Conference held recently in Denver.
– academia, hospital systems, and private practice – for seminars on strengthening leadership skills and career progression, along with opportunities for networking and socializing with other women in the AGA Gastro Squad.
Women on the AGA governing board, including Kim E. Barrett, PhD, AGAF and Sheryl Pfeil, MD, AGAF, led sessions on how to best communicate as a leader and pathways to society leadership. In addition, other leaders such as Aja McCutchen, MD and Gyongyi Szabo, MD, PhD, shared their best practices for leadership and managing others.
Thank you to Fasiha Kanwal, MD, MSHS, and Aimee Lucas, MD, MS, cochairs of the AGA Women’s Executive Leadership Conference, for leading the weekend, and to everyone who contributed to a productive weekend. Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage with the AGA Gastro Squad.
As a part of AGA’s ongoing goal to support women in GI and advance gender equity in gastroenterology, we hosted nearly 60 women executives in GI for the inaugural Women’s Executive Leadership Conference held recently in Denver.
– academia, hospital systems, and private practice – for seminars on strengthening leadership skills and career progression, along with opportunities for networking and socializing with other women in the AGA Gastro Squad.
Women on the AGA governing board, including Kim E. Barrett, PhD, AGAF and Sheryl Pfeil, MD, AGAF, led sessions on how to best communicate as a leader and pathways to society leadership. In addition, other leaders such as Aja McCutchen, MD and Gyongyi Szabo, MD, PhD, shared their best practices for leadership and managing others.
Thank you to Fasiha Kanwal, MD, MSHS, and Aimee Lucas, MD, MS, cochairs of the AGA Women’s Executive Leadership Conference, for leading the weekend, and to everyone who contributed to a productive weekend. Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage with the AGA Gastro Squad.
As a part of AGA’s ongoing goal to support women in GI and advance gender equity in gastroenterology, we hosted nearly 60 women executives in GI for the inaugural Women’s Executive Leadership Conference held recently in Denver.
– academia, hospital systems, and private practice – for seminars on strengthening leadership skills and career progression, along with opportunities for networking and socializing with other women in the AGA Gastro Squad.
Women on the AGA governing board, including Kim E. Barrett, PhD, AGAF and Sheryl Pfeil, MD, AGAF, led sessions on how to best communicate as a leader and pathways to society leadership. In addition, other leaders such as Aja McCutchen, MD and Gyongyi Szabo, MD, PhD, shared their best practices for leadership and managing others.
Thank you to Fasiha Kanwal, MD, MSHS, and Aimee Lucas, MD, MS, cochairs of the AGA Women’s Executive Leadership Conference, for leading the weekend, and to everyone who contributed to a productive weekend. Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage with the AGA Gastro Squad.
A letter from Michael Camilleri, MD, DSc, AGAF, AGA Research Foundation chair and past AGA Institute president
And you understand the tremendous value of research to advance patient care.
We are in a time of major scientific breakthroughs; however, there is a growing gap in federal funding for research. Without gastroenterology and hepatology research, there would be no discoveries to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of digestive diseases.
The AGA Research Foundation funds promising GI investigators who don’t receive funding at crucial times in their early careers. The research of these talented individuals, while important to the field, could end prematurely if they are left unfunded. That’s something the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology can’t afford, and that’s why, as an AGA member, I’m making a year-end donation to the AGA Research Foundation. You can help fill the funding gap and protect the next generation of investigators by joining me in supporting the AGA Research Foundation through a personal year-end gift.
Gifts to the AGA Research Foundation this past year directly supported 71 investigators. Despite this success, close to 245 other promising research proposals were not funded.
We must continue to foster the careers of talented scientists and clinicians, and protect the GI research pipeline. A financial contribution to the AGA Research Foundation is the opportunity for you to help foster the careers of talented scientists and protect the GI research pipeline.
Help make a difference. You can make your tax-deductible donation online at www.gastro.org/donateonline; by phone at 301-222-4002; or, by mail:
AGA Research Foundation
4930 Del Ray Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
All gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of U.S. law.
Thank you for your support and best wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season and prosperous New Year.
And you understand the tremendous value of research to advance patient care.
We are in a time of major scientific breakthroughs; however, there is a growing gap in federal funding for research. Without gastroenterology and hepatology research, there would be no discoveries to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of digestive diseases.
The AGA Research Foundation funds promising GI investigators who don’t receive funding at crucial times in their early careers. The research of these talented individuals, while important to the field, could end prematurely if they are left unfunded. That’s something the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology can’t afford, and that’s why, as an AGA member, I’m making a year-end donation to the AGA Research Foundation. You can help fill the funding gap and protect the next generation of investigators by joining me in supporting the AGA Research Foundation through a personal year-end gift.
Gifts to the AGA Research Foundation this past year directly supported 71 investigators. Despite this success, close to 245 other promising research proposals were not funded.
We must continue to foster the careers of talented scientists and clinicians, and protect the GI research pipeline. A financial contribution to the AGA Research Foundation is the opportunity for you to help foster the careers of talented scientists and protect the GI research pipeline.
Help make a difference. You can make your tax-deductible donation online at www.gastro.org/donateonline; by phone at 301-222-4002; or, by mail:
AGA Research Foundation
4930 Del Ray Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
All gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of U.S. law.
Thank you for your support and best wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season and prosperous New Year.
And you understand the tremendous value of research to advance patient care.
We are in a time of major scientific breakthroughs; however, there is a growing gap in federal funding for research. Without gastroenterology and hepatology research, there would be no discoveries to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of digestive diseases.
The AGA Research Foundation funds promising GI investigators who don’t receive funding at crucial times in their early careers. The research of these talented individuals, while important to the field, could end prematurely if they are left unfunded. That’s something the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology can’t afford, and that’s why, as an AGA member, I’m making a year-end donation to the AGA Research Foundation. You can help fill the funding gap and protect the next generation of investigators by joining me in supporting the AGA Research Foundation through a personal year-end gift.
Gifts to the AGA Research Foundation this past year directly supported 71 investigators. Despite this success, close to 245 other promising research proposals were not funded.
We must continue to foster the careers of talented scientists and clinicians, and protect the GI research pipeline. A financial contribution to the AGA Research Foundation is the opportunity for you to help foster the careers of talented scientists and protect the GI research pipeline.
Help make a difference. You can make your tax-deductible donation online at www.gastro.org/donateonline; by phone at 301-222-4002; or, by mail:
AGA Research Foundation
4930 Del Ray Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
All gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of U.S. law.
Thank you for your support and best wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season and prosperous New Year.
525,600 minutes ... how does one measure a year as President?
For the first time since CHEST 2011, when I was the Scientific Program Committee Vice Chair, I was able to return to beautiful Hawaiʻi as the organization’s President, which was such a big coincidence that it felt almost like fate.
During my time on stage at the CHEST 2023 Opening Session, I reflected on the last (at the time) 9 months and shared how truly humbled I have been to lead such a group of leaders and doers. I’m continually amazed at the energy of our members and our staff. In my 25 years as a member, I thought I knew all that CHEST did, but there is so much more happening than any one person realizes. From creating and implementing patient care initiatives to drafting and endorsing statements advocating for better access to health care, there is a tremendous amount accomplished by this organization every year.
One notable accomplishment of this particular year is that not only was CHEST 2023 our largest meeting ever, but I’m proud to share that we also had more medical students, residents, and fellows than any other year, with over 2,000 attendees in-training.
This is a great reflection of the work we’ve been doing to expand the CHEST community – both to physicians earlier in their careers and also to the whole care team. We are putting a dedicated focus toward welcoming and creating a sense of belonging for every clinician. The first step toward this inclusion is the creation of the new CHEST interest groups – Respiratory Care, which is dedicated to the field, and Women in Chest Medicine, which is a more inclusive evolution of the previous Women & Pulmonary group.
This year, we also established CHEST organizational values. The result of a tremendous effort from an advisory committee, CHEST leaders, members, and staff, these values – Community, Inclusivity, Innovation, Advocacy, and Integrity – are reflective of the CHEST organization and will guide decisions for years to come.
They also serve to elevate the work we are doing in social responsibility and health equity, within both of which we’ve made great strides. CHEST philanthropy evolved from what was known as the CHEST Foundation, with a new strategic focus, and we continue working to create opportunities to expand diversity within health care, including the new CHEST mentor/mentee sponsorship fellowship in partnership with the Association of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Program Directors.
Though I could go on for eternity describing all we did at CHEST this year, the reality is that at the end of the next month, as we ring in the new year, I will cede the presidency to the incredibly accomplished and capable Jack Buckley, MD, MPH, FCCP, who will take the reins of our great organization.
For now, in my parting words to you, I encourage everyone to stay in touch. I am always reachable by email and would love to hear your thoughts on CHEST – reflections on this past year, ideas about where we’re going, and suggestions for what we’re missing. The role of the President (and, to some extent, the Immediate Past President) is to be a steward of the needs of the CHEST members, and it’s been a true honor being your 2023 CHEST President.
For the first time since CHEST 2011, when I was the Scientific Program Committee Vice Chair, I was able to return to beautiful Hawaiʻi as the organization’s President, which was such a big coincidence that it felt almost like fate.
During my time on stage at the CHEST 2023 Opening Session, I reflected on the last (at the time) 9 months and shared how truly humbled I have been to lead such a group of leaders and doers. I’m continually amazed at the energy of our members and our staff. In my 25 years as a member, I thought I knew all that CHEST did, but there is so much more happening than any one person realizes. From creating and implementing patient care initiatives to drafting and endorsing statements advocating for better access to health care, there is a tremendous amount accomplished by this organization every year.
One notable accomplishment of this particular year is that not only was CHEST 2023 our largest meeting ever, but I’m proud to share that we also had more medical students, residents, and fellows than any other year, with over 2,000 attendees in-training.
This is a great reflection of the work we’ve been doing to expand the CHEST community – both to physicians earlier in their careers and also to the whole care team. We are putting a dedicated focus toward welcoming and creating a sense of belonging for every clinician. The first step toward this inclusion is the creation of the new CHEST interest groups – Respiratory Care, which is dedicated to the field, and Women in Chest Medicine, which is a more inclusive evolution of the previous Women & Pulmonary group.
This year, we also established CHEST organizational values. The result of a tremendous effort from an advisory committee, CHEST leaders, members, and staff, these values – Community, Inclusivity, Innovation, Advocacy, and Integrity – are reflective of the CHEST organization and will guide decisions for years to come.
They also serve to elevate the work we are doing in social responsibility and health equity, within both of which we’ve made great strides. CHEST philanthropy evolved from what was known as the CHEST Foundation, with a new strategic focus, and we continue working to create opportunities to expand diversity within health care, including the new CHEST mentor/mentee sponsorship fellowship in partnership with the Association of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Program Directors.
Though I could go on for eternity describing all we did at CHEST this year, the reality is that at the end of the next month, as we ring in the new year, I will cede the presidency to the incredibly accomplished and capable Jack Buckley, MD, MPH, FCCP, who will take the reins of our great organization.
For now, in my parting words to you, I encourage everyone to stay in touch. I am always reachable by email and would love to hear your thoughts on CHEST – reflections on this past year, ideas about where we’re going, and suggestions for what we’re missing. The role of the President (and, to some extent, the Immediate Past President) is to be a steward of the needs of the CHEST members, and it’s been a true honor being your 2023 CHEST President.
For the first time since CHEST 2011, when I was the Scientific Program Committee Vice Chair, I was able to return to beautiful Hawaiʻi as the organization’s President, which was such a big coincidence that it felt almost like fate.
During my time on stage at the CHEST 2023 Opening Session, I reflected on the last (at the time) 9 months and shared how truly humbled I have been to lead such a group of leaders and doers. I’m continually amazed at the energy of our members and our staff. In my 25 years as a member, I thought I knew all that CHEST did, but there is so much more happening than any one person realizes. From creating and implementing patient care initiatives to drafting and endorsing statements advocating for better access to health care, there is a tremendous amount accomplished by this organization every year.
One notable accomplishment of this particular year is that not only was CHEST 2023 our largest meeting ever, but I’m proud to share that we also had more medical students, residents, and fellows than any other year, with over 2,000 attendees in-training.
This is a great reflection of the work we’ve been doing to expand the CHEST community – both to physicians earlier in their careers and also to the whole care team. We are putting a dedicated focus toward welcoming and creating a sense of belonging for every clinician. The first step toward this inclusion is the creation of the new CHEST interest groups – Respiratory Care, which is dedicated to the field, and Women in Chest Medicine, which is a more inclusive evolution of the previous Women & Pulmonary group.
This year, we also established CHEST organizational values. The result of a tremendous effort from an advisory committee, CHEST leaders, members, and staff, these values – Community, Inclusivity, Innovation, Advocacy, and Integrity – are reflective of the CHEST organization and will guide decisions for years to come.
They also serve to elevate the work we are doing in social responsibility and health equity, within both of which we’ve made great strides. CHEST philanthropy evolved from what was known as the CHEST Foundation, with a new strategic focus, and we continue working to create opportunities to expand diversity within health care, including the new CHEST mentor/mentee sponsorship fellowship in partnership with the Association of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Program Directors.
Though I could go on for eternity describing all we did at CHEST this year, the reality is that at the end of the next month, as we ring in the new year, I will cede the presidency to the incredibly accomplished and capable Jack Buckley, MD, MPH, FCCP, who will take the reins of our great organization.
For now, in my parting words to you, I encourage everyone to stay in touch. I am always reachable by email and would love to hear your thoughts on CHEST – reflections on this past year, ideas about where we’re going, and suggestions for what we’re missing. The role of the President (and, to some extent, the Immediate Past President) is to be a steward of the needs of the CHEST members, and it’s been a true honor being your 2023 CHEST President.
Resources to help new GI fellows thrive
The AGA Gastro Squad is excited you’re here and we’re here to help.
AGA has resources and programs specifically for fellows. Whether you’re embarking on your first year or your last one, these tools can be used at any point to help you during your training.
Start here:
Review and bookmark these guides to make the most out of fellowship.
10 tips for new GI fellows
First year fellows guide
Small talk, big topics
A podcast for trainees and early career GIs from fellow early career GIs. Join our hosts for conversations with leaders in gastroenterology. They offer guidance for training and dissect the changing landscape of GI and what it means for you. Check out recent episodes and download and subscribe wherever podcasts are available.
AGA university
Get your clinical questions answered or take a deeper dive into different topic areas with AGA University. Courses include Gastro Bites sessions about topics such as examining new guideline recommendations for managing chronic idiopathic constipation in adults. CME is available. Access AGA University here.
AGA young delegates program
Get plugged in with your fellow engaged early career GIs and learn about volunteer opportunities to represent AGA. The only criteria to participate is to be an AGA member. Join now.
Get more advice
Interested in receiving additional career guidance or professional development opportunities? Connect with the AGA Gastro Squad at @AmerGastroAssn on X and on Instagram.
The AGA Gastro Squad is excited you’re here and we’re here to help.
AGA has resources and programs specifically for fellows. Whether you’re embarking on your first year or your last one, these tools can be used at any point to help you during your training.
Start here:
Review and bookmark these guides to make the most out of fellowship.
10 tips for new GI fellows
First year fellows guide
Small talk, big topics
A podcast for trainees and early career GIs from fellow early career GIs. Join our hosts for conversations with leaders in gastroenterology. They offer guidance for training and dissect the changing landscape of GI and what it means for you. Check out recent episodes and download and subscribe wherever podcasts are available.
AGA university
Get your clinical questions answered or take a deeper dive into different topic areas with AGA University. Courses include Gastro Bites sessions about topics such as examining new guideline recommendations for managing chronic idiopathic constipation in adults. CME is available. Access AGA University here.
AGA young delegates program
Get plugged in with your fellow engaged early career GIs and learn about volunteer opportunities to represent AGA. The only criteria to participate is to be an AGA member. Join now.
Get more advice
Interested in receiving additional career guidance or professional development opportunities? Connect with the AGA Gastro Squad at @AmerGastroAssn on X and on Instagram.
The AGA Gastro Squad is excited you’re here and we’re here to help.
AGA has resources and programs specifically for fellows. Whether you’re embarking on your first year or your last one, these tools can be used at any point to help you during your training.
Start here:
Review and bookmark these guides to make the most out of fellowship.
10 tips for new GI fellows
First year fellows guide
Small talk, big topics
A podcast for trainees and early career GIs from fellow early career GIs. Join our hosts for conversations with leaders in gastroenterology. They offer guidance for training and dissect the changing landscape of GI and what it means for you. Check out recent episodes and download and subscribe wherever podcasts are available.
AGA university
Get your clinical questions answered or take a deeper dive into different topic areas with AGA University. Courses include Gastro Bites sessions about topics such as examining new guideline recommendations for managing chronic idiopathic constipation in adults. CME is available. Access AGA University here.
AGA young delegates program
Get plugged in with your fellow engaged early career GIs and learn about volunteer opportunities to represent AGA. The only criteria to participate is to be an AGA member. Join now.
Get more advice
Interested in receiving additional career guidance or professional development opportunities? Connect with the AGA Gastro Squad at @AmerGastroAssn on X and on Instagram.
Propel your academic research opportunities with AGA FORWARD
The FORWARD program supports and facilitates a unique pathway for physician-scientists from underrepresented populations to advance their careers and make a meaningful impact as leaders within AGA and in academic medicine. Here’s how the AGA FORWARD program creates a supportive environment that fosters career advancement, leadership development and a growing community:
- Learn important skills critical for a successful research career, expert grant writing training and coaching from esteemed GI mentors.
- Connect with a community of GI leaders through one-on-one mentorship and near-peer mentors in medicine from underrepresented populations.
- Develop leadership skills vital to directing your lab, your institution, the field, and AGA, partnering with an executive coach to assess, identify and work on key strengths and areas of improvement.
Embark on a transformative journey toward a successful and fulfilling career in academic medicine.
Apply today.
The FORWARD program supports and facilitates a unique pathway for physician-scientists from underrepresented populations to advance their careers and make a meaningful impact as leaders within AGA and in academic medicine. Here’s how the AGA FORWARD program creates a supportive environment that fosters career advancement, leadership development and a growing community:
- Learn important skills critical for a successful research career, expert grant writing training and coaching from esteemed GI mentors.
- Connect with a community of GI leaders through one-on-one mentorship and near-peer mentors in medicine from underrepresented populations.
- Develop leadership skills vital to directing your lab, your institution, the field, and AGA, partnering with an executive coach to assess, identify and work on key strengths and areas of improvement.
Embark on a transformative journey toward a successful and fulfilling career in academic medicine.
Apply today.
The FORWARD program supports and facilitates a unique pathway for physician-scientists from underrepresented populations to advance their careers and make a meaningful impact as leaders within AGA and in academic medicine. Here’s how the AGA FORWARD program creates a supportive environment that fosters career advancement, leadership development and a growing community:
- Learn important skills critical for a successful research career, expert grant writing training and coaching from esteemed GI mentors.
- Connect with a community of GI leaders through one-on-one mentorship and near-peer mentors in medicine from underrepresented populations.
- Develop leadership skills vital to directing your lab, your institution, the field, and AGA, partnering with an executive coach to assess, identify and work on key strengths and areas of improvement.
Embark on a transformative journey toward a successful and fulfilling career in academic medicine.
Apply today.
Highlights of the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule
The suggested Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year (CY) 2024 was announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in July 2023. Physicians who specialize in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine will be impacted by a number of policy and payment changes. Additionally, keep in mind that this is the proposed rule. Following are some of the key points for our readers:
1. The conversion factor that CMS is suggesting for 2024 is $32.75, which represents a $1.14 (–3.34%) reduction. The current conversion factor is $33.89. This is specifically meant to lower total Medicare spending.
2. It is forecast that pulmonary specialists will experience an estimated 1.09% reduction in Medicare reimbursements if the proposed changes are approved. Medicare reimbursements for critical care specialists will be reduced by 2.51%, and sleep medicine specialists will be seeing a 0.75% increase.
3. Interestingly, CMS is proposing a Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code G2211 that will have a distinct add-on payment starting on January 1, 2024. With the help of this add-on code, the resource costs of evaluation and management visits for primary care and long-term treatment of difficult patients will be more accurately recognized. In general, it will be used as an additional payment for outpatient office visits in recognition of the potential expenditures that doctors may face when treating a patient’s single, significant, or complex chronic condition over time. Payment for this add-on code would have a redistributive impact on all other CY 2024 payments, which are still lower than what was previously predicted for this policy in CY 2021 under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which was not implemented at the request of various surgical specialties.
4. As you all are aware, split (or shared) E/M visits in hospitals and other institutional settings are those that are provided in part by doctors and in part by other practitioners of the same specialty but billed under a single provider. Thankfully CMS is recommending delaying the application of the “substantive portion” definition of more than 50% of the total period to at least December 31, 2024. Instead, they are going to keep the present definition of the “substantive portion” for CY 2024, which permits use of either more than half of the visit’s total time or one of the three major components (history, exam, or MDM) to determine who bills the visit. Please remember that Critical Care services (99291/99292) may also be shared or split; however, in this case, billing is based only on time.
5. According to CMS’s current regulatory stance, teaching physicians have to be physically present to charge for services involving residents at the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Congress, on the other hand, stepped in and passed legislation to expand Medicare coverage of a number of telehealth services. In accordance with the expanded telehealth policies adopted by Congress, CMS is recommending that teaching physicians be permitted to employ audio/video real-time communications technology when the resident physician provides telehealth services to Medicare beneficiaries for CY 2024.
The CMS’s document is fairly comprehensive, so please visit this link for more information
The suggested Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year (CY) 2024 was announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in July 2023. Physicians who specialize in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine will be impacted by a number of policy and payment changes. Additionally, keep in mind that this is the proposed rule. Following are some of the key points for our readers:
1. The conversion factor that CMS is suggesting for 2024 is $32.75, which represents a $1.14 (–3.34%) reduction. The current conversion factor is $33.89. This is specifically meant to lower total Medicare spending.
2. It is forecast that pulmonary specialists will experience an estimated 1.09% reduction in Medicare reimbursements if the proposed changes are approved. Medicare reimbursements for critical care specialists will be reduced by 2.51%, and sleep medicine specialists will be seeing a 0.75% increase.
3. Interestingly, CMS is proposing a Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code G2211 that will have a distinct add-on payment starting on January 1, 2024. With the help of this add-on code, the resource costs of evaluation and management visits for primary care and long-term treatment of difficult patients will be more accurately recognized. In general, it will be used as an additional payment for outpatient office visits in recognition of the potential expenditures that doctors may face when treating a patient’s single, significant, or complex chronic condition over time. Payment for this add-on code would have a redistributive impact on all other CY 2024 payments, which are still lower than what was previously predicted for this policy in CY 2021 under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which was not implemented at the request of various surgical specialties.
4. As you all are aware, split (or shared) E/M visits in hospitals and other institutional settings are those that are provided in part by doctors and in part by other practitioners of the same specialty but billed under a single provider. Thankfully CMS is recommending delaying the application of the “substantive portion” definition of more than 50% of the total period to at least December 31, 2024. Instead, they are going to keep the present definition of the “substantive portion” for CY 2024, which permits use of either more than half of the visit’s total time or one of the three major components (history, exam, or MDM) to determine who bills the visit. Please remember that Critical Care services (99291/99292) may also be shared or split; however, in this case, billing is based only on time.
5. According to CMS’s current regulatory stance, teaching physicians have to be physically present to charge for services involving residents at the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Congress, on the other hand, stepped in and passed legislation to expand Medicare coverage of a number of telehealth services. In accordance with the expanded telehealth policies adopted by Congress, CMS is recommending that teaching physicians be permitted to employ audio/video real-time communications technology when the resident physician provides telehealth services to Medicare beneficiaries for CY 2024.
The CMS’s document is fairly comprehensive, so please visit this link for more information
The suggested Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for calendar year (CY) 2024 was announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in July 2023. Physicians who specialize in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine will be impacted by a number of policy and payment changes. Additionally, keep in mind that this is the proposed rule. Following are some of the key points for our readers:
1. The conversion factor that CMS is suggesting for 2024 is $32.75, which represents a $1.14 (–3.34%) reduction. The current conversion factor is $33.89. This is specifically meant to lower total Medicare spending.
2. It is forecast that pulmonary specialists will experience an estimated 1.09% reduction in Medicare reimbursements if the proposed changes are approved. Medicare reimbursements for critical care specialists will be reduced by 2.51%, and sleep medicine specialists will be seeing a 0.75% increase.
3. Interestingly, CMS is proposing a Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code G2211 that will have a distinct add-on payment starting on January 1, 2024. With the help of this add-on code, the resource costs of evaluation and management visits for primary care and long-term treatment of difficult patients will be more accurately recognized. In general, it will be used as an additional payment for outpatient office visits in recognition of the potential expenditures that doctors may face when treating a patient’s single, significant, or complex chronic condition over time. Payment for this add-on code would have a redistributive impact on all other CY 2024 payments, which are still lower than what was previously predicted for this policy in CY 2021 under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which was not implemented at the request of various surgical specialties.
4. As you all are aware, split (or shared) E/M visits in hospitals and other institutional settings are those that are provided in part by doctors and in part by other practitioners of the same specialty but billed under a single provider. Thankfully CMS is recommending delaying the application of the “substantive portion” definition of more than 50% of the total period to at least December 31, 2024. Instead, they are going to keep the present definition of the “substantive portion” for CY 2024, which permits use of either more than half of the visit’s total time or one of the three major components (history, exam, or MDM) to determine who bills the visit. Please remember that Critical Care services (99291/99292) may also be shared or split; however, in this case, billing is based only on time.
5. According to CMS’s current regulatory stance, teaching physicians have to be physically present to charge for services involving residents at the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Congress, on the other hand, stepped in and passed legislation to expand Medicare coverage of a number of telehealth services. In accordance with the expanded telehealth policies adopted by Congress, CMS is recommending that teaching physicians be permitted to employ audio/video real-time communications technology when the resident physician provides telehealth services to Medicare beneficiaries for CY 2024.
The CMS’s document is fairly comprehensive, so please visit this link for more information
CHEST launches sepsis resources in partnership with the CDC
Earlier this year, CHEST released new clinical resources on sepsis and antibiotic stewardship developed by the Sepsis Resources Steering Committee with grant support from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The resources – including infographics, videos, podcasts, and research commentaries – aim to help clinicians increase their knowledge of sepsis prevention and treatment, especially when considering the use of antibiotics.
According to CHEST Past President, Steven Q. Simpson, MD, FCCP, who serves as Chair of the Sepsis Resources Steering Committee, sepsis is the number one cause of death in U.S. hospitals . It’s also the most expensive condition treated in those hospitals.
“Perhaps the single most important tool we have to fight sepsis is our array of antimicrobial therapies, including antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agents,” Dr. Simpson said. “It is vital that we use the antibiotics we have wisely and preserve them for future use.”
He pointed to the apparent tension between the need to administer broad-spectrum antimicrobials quickly to patients with sepsis and the need to limit the use of broad-spectrum agents as much as possible. But these concepts aren’t at odds with each another, he said. They’re allies in the sepsis war.
CHEST’s new resources can help clinicians practice good antimicrobial stewardship as they balance these needs. Included in the collection is a two-part video discussion exploring conservative and aggressive approaches to antibiotic use in suspected sepsis. A series of podcasts delves into complex sepsis cases, and easy-reference infographics outline key components of an antimicrobial stewardship program, rapid diagnostics for infectious diseases in the ICU, and sepsis mimics.
Steering committee members were chosen from CHEST’s membership for their clinical expertise in sepsis, infectious diseases, and antimicrobial stewardship. The committee selected topics based on current practice and knowledge gaps where education is most needed.
Working with the CDC increases CHEST’s impact in this area. Much of the care of patients with sepsis happens before they reach the ICU. The CDC’s broad reach with general and specialty medical audiences allows CHEST to share these resources with a wide array of clinicians who practice inside and outside of the ICU.
“Cooperation with the CDC gives us an opportunity to spread CHEST’s knowledge and expertise to a much broader audience, making the CDC a powerful partner and allowing us to serve the nation and beyond in a way that we cannot do by ourselves,” Dr. Simpson said.
Access the full collection of sepsis resources at chestnet.org/topic-collections/sepsis.
Earlier this year, CHEST released new clinical resources on sepsis and antibiotic stewardship developed by the Sepsis Resources Steering Committee with grant support from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The resources – including infographics, videos, podcasts, and research commentaries – aim to help clinicians increase their knowledge of sepsis prevention and treatment, especially when considering the use of antibiotics.
According to CHEST Past President, Steven Q. Simpson, MD, FCCP, who serves as Chair of the Sepsis Resources Steering Committee, sepsis is the number one cause of death in U.S. hospitals . It’s also the most expensive condition treated in those hospitals.
“Perhaps the single most important tool we have to fight sepsis is our array of antimicrobial therapies, including antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agents,” Dr. Simpson said. “It is vital that we use the antibiotics we have wisely and preserve them for future use.”
He pointed to the apparent tension between the need to administer broad-spectrum antimicrobials quickly to patients with sepsis and the need to limit the use of broad-spectrum agents as much as possible. But these concepts aren’t at odds with each another, he said. They’re allies in the sepsis war.
CHEST’s new resources can help clinicians practice good antimicrobial stewardship as they balance these needs. Included in the collection is a two-part video discussion exploring conservative and aggressive approaches to antibiotic use in suspected sepsis. A series of podcasts delves into complex sepsis cases, and easy-reference infographics outline key components of an antimicrobial stewardship program, rapid diagnostics for infectious diseases in the ICU, and sepsis mimics.
Steering committee members were chosen from CHEST’s membership for their clinical expertise in sepsis, infectious diseases, and antimicrobial stewardship. The committee selected topics based on current practice and knowledge gaps where education is most needed.
Working with the CDC increases CHEST’s impact in this area. Much of the care of patients with sepsis happens before they reach the ICU. The CDC’s broad reach with general and specialty medical audiences allows CHEST to share these resources with a wide array of clinicians who practice inside and outside of the ICU.
“Cooperation with the CDC gives us an opportunity to spread CHEST’s knowledge and expertise to a much broader audience, making the CDC a powerful partner and allowing us to serve the nation and beyond in a way that we cannot do by ourselves,” Dr. Simpson said.
Access the full collection of sepsis resources at chestnet.org/topic-collections/sepsis.
Earlier this year, CHEST released new clinical resources on sepsis and antibiotic stewardship developed by the Sepsis Resources Steering Committee with grant support from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The resources – including infographics, videos, podcasts, and research commentaries – aim to help clinicians increase their knowledge of sepsis prevention and treatment, especially when considering the use of antibiotics.
According to CHEST Past President, Steven Q. Simpson, MD, FCCP, who serves as Chair of the Sepsis Resources Steering Committee, sepsis is the number one cause of death in U.S. hospitals . It’s also the most expensive condition treated in those hospitals.
“Perhaps the single most important tool we have to fight sepsis is our array of antimicrobial therapies, including antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agents,” Dr. Simpson said. “It is vital that we use the antibiotics we have wisely and preserve them for future use.”
He pointed to the apparent tension between the need to administer broad-spectrum antimicrobials quickly to patients with sepsis and the need to limit the use of broad-spectrum agents as much as possible. But these concepts aren’t at odds with each another, he said. They’re allies in the sepsis war.
CHEST’s new resources can help clinicians practice good antimicrobial stewardship as they balance these needs. Included in the collection is a two-part video discussion exploring conservative and aggressive approaches to antibiotic use in suspected sepsis. A series of podcasts delves into complex sepsis cases, and easy-reference infographics outline key components of an antimicrobial stewardship program, rapid diagnostics for infectious diseases in the ICU, and sepsis mimics.
Steering committee members were chosen from CHEST’s membership for their clinical expertise in sepsis, infectious diseases, and antimicrobial stewardship. The committee selected topics based on current practice and knowledge gaps where education is most needed.
Working with the CDC increases CHEST’s impact in this area. Much of the care of patients with sepsis happens before they reach the ICU. The CDC’s broad reach with general and specialty medical audiences allows CHEST to share these resources with a wide array of clinicians who practice inside and outside of the ICU.
“Cooperation with the CDC gives us an opportunity to spread CHEST’s knowledge and expertise to a much broader audience, making the CDC a powerful partner and allowing us to serve the nation and beyond in a way that we cannot do by ourselves,” Dr. Simpson said.
Access the full collection of sepsis resources at chestnet.org/topic-collections/sepsis.