TALKING POINTS (please print & share)
1. RNFAs are professionally licensed registered nurses who are non-physician providers of the first assistant-at-surgery function (the person across from the surgeon) in the operating room. We have specialized education to perform this function, in addition to our RN license.
2. First assistant-at-surgery services are currently reimbursed by Medicare Part B.
If a physician is the first assistant-at-surgery, the reimbursement is 16% of the surgeon’s fee.
If an eligible non-physician (such as a physician assistant) is the first assistant-at-surgery, the reimbursement is 13.6 percent of the surgeon’s fee. Obviously, reimbursement for non-physician providers saves money. RNFAs provide first assistant-at-surgery services,
but we are not currently listed as eligible non-physician providers. This eligibility requires a change in law for Medicare Part B.
3. The most recent GAO report regarding this topic is a study of reimbursement rates over five years. As eligibility for non-physician providers increased, Medicare Part B expenses for this service decreased. We can provide a copy of this study, upon request.
4. Please support legislation to include RNFAs as eligible non-physician providers for Medicare Part B first assistant-at-surgery reimbursement. We have submitted draft legislation to congressional offices expressing an interest in this issue, and we would be happy to share this with you. We are highly sensitive to CBO scoring concerns and will work with you to avoid potential misunderstandings. This proposal does not add new expenses and it does not increase the number of surgical procedures (since a surgeon selects only one first assistant per procedure based on clinical criteria). This proposal does not ask Congress to “take sides” because the demand for first assisting exceeds the supply. This proposal is not opposed by physicians (many consider the reimbursement too low to be worthwhile) and it is supported by other currently eligible non-physician providers (we can provide letters of support from them).
5. This proposal saves money for Medicare, helps nurses, and impacts our home state. Here is my personal example and contact information.
Thank you...
