AAP Private Sector Advocacy
The
Academy recently established a permanent advisory group to develop strategies
and tools to help pediatricians tackle the tough issues they face in getting
timely and appropriate pay for pediatric services from private payers.
The
AAP Private
Sector Advocacy Advisory Committee (PSAAC) knows how difficult it is
for individual pediatricians to educate private payers when it comes to making
sure their payment policies are appropriate for pediatric services. That’s because most plans are set up for
adult patients. It takes constant
attention and focused effort to make sure the pediatric services are not
undervalued.
Through
the AAP Private
Sector Advocacy, assistance and resources are available to assist
members and chapters in addressing private sector issues.
·
The
Hassle Factor Form for pediatricians to report problems with payers is
now available online on the
·
Chapter
Pediatric Councils are forums whereby pediatricians meet
with health plan medical directors to discuss carrier policies and
administrative practices impacting on access, quality, coverage and
compensation for pediatric services. Pediatric Council Start-up Kits are
available to chapters considering forming a pediatric council as well as a
letter from the AAP to carriers for chapters to use.
·
Online
resources are
available on the AAP Web site,
·
Staff
consultation from
the AAP
Division of Health Care Finance and Practice is available on coding,
coverage and contract issues, including assistance in preparing appeal letters
to carriers. Contact staff via the
National AAP Coding Hotline at aapcodinghotlne@aap.org
or 800/433-9016 ext 4022 (a free services to AAP members and
their office staff).
·
AAP
Coding, Documentation, and Reimbursement in Pediatric Practice Workshops: Introductory: November 12-13, 2005
Additional information available on www.pedialink.org/cmefinder
For information on the AAP
private sector advocacy, contact Lou Terranova, Sr. Health Policy Analyst at lterranova@aap.org or 800/433-9016 ext
7633.