It's Virtual Lobby Time!!

 

     Support Virtual Lobby Week
Let Your Voice Be Heard on Capitol Hill

What are we asking for?

Request: Co-Sponsor of HR 1406 

We need permanent telehealth virtual pulmonary rehabilitation for Medicare beneficiaries.

During the COVID public health emergency respiratory therapists were allowed to furnish cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services to patients in their homes as virtual services by physicians or practitioners from the outpatient setting. Without additional authority from Congress, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has no flexibility to permit permanent continuation of virtual cardiac and pulmonary rehab services to Medicare beneficiaries in their homes. 

To solve this problem Representatives John Joyce (R-PA) and Scott Peters (D-CA) introduced legislation called “the Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act (H.R. 1406)”, which would permanently allow patients to receive in-home cardiac and pulmonary rehab services under Medicare. Respiratory Therapists are not specifically recognized in this legislation and would be billed “incident to” physicians.

Virtual delivery of services has provided an avenue for improved patient adherence, earlier intervention, and removal of barriers such as distance and transportation, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Support Medicare Oxygen Payment Reform – Support a legislative fix

To help fix the problems created by the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program, the AARC has been working with a comprehensive coalition of oxygen stakeholders that includes, providers, patients, and the durable medical equipment industry. CMS has indicated that the solution must come from Congress. 

 Our coalition has based legislative reform on 4 Pillars 

1. Ensure supplemental oxygen is patient-centric 

2. Ensure access to liquid oxygen for patients for whom it is medically necessary 

3. Create a statutory service element to provide adequate reimbursement for respiratory therapists to ensure patients have access to their expertise

4. To ensure predictable and adequate reimbursement and to protect against fraud and abuse, establish national standardized documentation requirements that rely upon a template rather than prescriber medical records to support claims for supplemental oxygen suppliers.

 Organizations In Support 

  • Allergy & Asthma Network 
  • Alpha-1 Foundation 
  • American Association for Respiratory Care 
  • American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation 
  • American College of Chest Physicians 
  • American Lung Association 
  • American Physical Therapy Association 
  • American Thoracic Society 
  • California Society for Pulmonary Rehabilitation 
  • COPD Foundation 
  • The Council for Quality Respiratory Care 
  • Dorney-Koppel Foundation 
  • Hawaii COPD Coalition 
  • Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association 
  • The LAM Foundation 
  • NTM Info & Research 
  • PCD Foundation 
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation 
  • Pulmonary Hypertension Association 
  • Respiratory Health Association 
  • Running On Air 
  • Scleroderma Foundation of California 
  • TSC Alliance 
  • USCOPD Coalition 

 Take Action

 


 

AARC Congress is Coming!

This year’s annual AARC Congress is back live in Nashville, TN, on Nov. 5-8. Plan on representing Georgia this year at Congress. Register today!

Registration for Congress 2023 is open and as our state society member, you’re eligible for a discount when you check out.

USE THIS PROMO CODE FOR YOUR STATE DISCOUNT: GA10OFF

Register Now: https://www.aarc.org/aarc-meetings/congress-2023/

Here’s Why You Should Attend:

  • Network with colleagues from around the world
  • Learn from the top experts in respiratory care
  • Party it up at the Welcome Party
  • Your chance to speak with several industry exhibitors and check out the latest in respiratory equipment       
  • Learn new processes, techniques, and more to bring back to your team
  • Receive CRCE credits with sessions focusing in all areas of respiratory care
  • Stay through the weekend and enjoy the rich culture and history of Nashville             

 Learn More About Congress and Register


AARC Elections are Underway!!
Be sure to check your emails and cast your vote for your AARC leadership 2024.
(Polls close: Friday, Sept. 29 at 11:59)
As always, the GSRC like to highlight our own.
Our very own Teri Miller is running for AARC President
Click the link below to view Teri's Service to the profession
Don't Wait...Vote Today!!
Did not receive an email to cast your vote?
  • Email [email protected] to request the emailed invitation be sent to you. Staff will confirm eligibility before sending an invitation email.

We Need You!! 

If you want to get involved in the GSRC at a deeper level, consider running for office.  If not you, then who?? Feel free to nominate a person that is passionate about the profession and would be a good leader! (Please do not nominate without the person's permission)

Scan the QR code below Or Click the Link Below

 https://forms.office.com/r/KW5zz5vNN5

                                                                                                                                             

 


 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Sept. 10th 2023

The T-shirt contest is back!!  Design the next GSRC t-shirt for 2024.  See details below:

 GSRC T-shirt Design Rules                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Who can participate?  Students and professionals that are AARC/GSRC members

 T-shirt Guidelines

  • Professionally appropriate
  • Design must include “GSRC” printed on the shirt
  • Design should be a limited to 2 screen print colors + t-shirt color
  • Indicate if it’s a front t-shirt or back t-shirt design (may include pocket design)
  • If applicable, design may alter the colors of GSRC logo but not the logo itself
 Contest Process

Submissions due Oct. 6th to [email protected]. The P& E committee will post the designs on GSRC social media sites: (Twitter, Facebook, gsrc website).The membership will vote for their favorite design Oct. 8th – Oct. 20th.  The winner will be announced during Respiratory Care Week!

 

Oct. 6th 2023

11th Annual "Asthma Education at the Cutting Edge: Wheeze, Crackle & Flow" 

This event is sponsored by Georgia Southern University Respiratory Therapy Program faculty and students supporting the work of Georgia Asthma Coalition(GAC).   

Location: Armstrong Center Ballroom
 11395 Abercorn St, Savannah GA 31419
Cost: $25 coffee included (Lunch on your own)  8 CRCEs (AARC RTs, AE-C, RN/LPN)     
To pay get Zelle QR code via email from [email protected] 

RSVP at https://lnkd.in/etnKCkiF (Register by: Oct. 1st 2023). A donation will be made to the ARCF Bill Bitzel Fund.

Oct. 22nd-28th

Respiratory Care Week!! Mark your calendar to celebrate yourself!!

 Celebrate Respiratory Care Week 2023 (Oct. 22–28) and let your community, patients, and colleagues know how vital you are to patient care.

Visit the RC Week Store, hosted by AARC’s partner Jim Coleman, Ltd. for themed products to support your events and activities. AARC Member discount pricing available!

 Nov. 17th 2023

Athens Respiratory Symposium

 The Fifth Annual GSRC Scholarship Fundraiser remembering Bruce Ott, RRT, EdD.  This event is hosted by Todd Drake.   

 Location: The Classic Center   
 130 Foundry Street, Athens, GA 30601
Cost: $40 (Lunch Included)  7 CRCEs 
To Register email: [email protected]

 


 

                                                                                                     The 2023 GSRC Board of Directors