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Governing Board Meeting Notes

1/26/2025

 

Immediate Priorities

 

The Board discussed approaches and objectives for a critical pending HRA/HRS/ACC meeting with CMS on January 29, 2025 with a focus on Ambulatory Surgery Centers. The Board considered research findings on the potential impact of approving EP codes in ASCs on physician professional fees. Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) President, Dr. Kenneth Ellenbogen lead the meeting and the following crucial points were discussed:

  • Safety and Efficacy Data

  • CMS Definition of Surgery

  • Efficiency and Cost-Saving Benefits

 

The key message of the meeting was HRS/HRA and ACC urge CMS to add the cardiac catheter ablation procedures to the ASC CPL for CY 2026. A list of CPT codes will be submitted through the MEARIS portal.

 

The Governing Board also discussed and confirmed the HRA Legislative Priorities for 2025:

 

  • Prior authorization – A major issue for all of medicine, not just EP

      • Join established medical coalitions

      • Work with other CV societies (ACC/SCAI/HFSA)

      • Pursue HRA membership on insurance Advisory Panels

  • Approval of ASC Codes for ablation procedures

    • Actions:

      • January 30 meeting with CMS and follow-up

      • Submit a list of CPT codes to CMS

      • Finalize Same Day Discharge paper co-authored with ACC

  • Preserve compensation for PFA

      • Aetna and Cigna now reimburse – Early win for HRA and model

      • Continue discussions with Blue Cross/Blue Shield

  • Fair compensation for EP procedures

      • Work with HRS Health Policy and Regulatory Affairs Committee (HPRAC) to ensure proper EP codes are submitted

      • Investigate available Fair Market Value surveys and consider the need for an EP survey

 

The Board also discuss several critical needs and priorities to support these legislative efforts.  The need for accurate information regarding EP compensation was identified and the Board agreed to explore the development and deployment of an EP Compensation Survey.

 

The Board also stressed the importance of prioritizing continued funding support for research and innovation and the critical role of remote monitoring for arrythmia care.

 

Organizational Structure

 

Launching a new organization like HRA is a significant undertaking and the Governing Board must make many decisions in establishing the operating protocols and structure of the organization.  HRA is moving rapidly, after completing the initial step of submitting an IRS filing as a 501 (c) 6. HRA bylaws were drafted and discussed during this meeting and are currently being refined for final endorsement.

 

One of the key components of the bylaws is Heart Rhythm Advocates membership structure.  The Board determined anyone can become a paid member of HRA.  A membership fee structure is being refined and will be available soon. 

 

The Board also agreed that HRA will provide complimentary memberships to all HRS members.  HRS members must choose to join HRA independently, membership is not automatic. HRS and HRA will work to assure the membership process for both organizations are convenient and easy to navigate.

 

HRA will begin accepting memberships by March 31, 2025.

 

Another critical element of the HRA organizational structure will be the establishment of Regional Sections.  HRA will establish regional sections that will provide opportunities for members throughout the country to become actively involved in localized advocacy efforts and contribute to meeting the organizational goals.

 

We are establishing seven Regional Sections with up to 12 members per section, representing distinct geographic areas of the country. Regional Section members will serve a key role in advancing the mission of HRA and the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) through activities such as:

 

  • Establishing relationships with local and state policymakers.

  • Collaborating with patient advocacy groups.

  • Promoting disease awareness campaigns (e.g., atrial fibrillation, sudden cardiac death).

  • Supporting national legislative efforts and participating in conferences

 

This is a unique opportunity to make a difference, become a leader in the field, and shape the future of cardiac electrophysiology advocacy in the United States.

 

The following initial committees and work groups are also being formed to help guide and advance the work of HRA:

  • Fundraising

  • Legislative Affairs

  • Communications

  • Membership

  • ASC Working Group

 

Other committees and work groups may be formed as the need for volunteer support and input arises.

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To apply for a committee, please email advocacyinfo@hrsonline.org the following information:

  1. Your CV.

  2. A brief statement outlining your interest and reasons for volunteering for HRA.

  3. Indicate which committee, work group or regional council role you are interested in.  

 

To receive SMS text updates:

  • Text "Subscribe Advocacy" to 1-771-240-3798

  • Or log into your HRS Profile and update your Communication Preferences.

 

Join Discord Here

 

  • The HRA Discord server is now open to HRS members and HRA supporters

  • After you have joined, you will have to edit your display name to include your full name (first and last name) and message the HRA Discord Administrator (Scott Greenberg) to confirm you are an HRS member with your full name, where you practice, your email address, and your title.

  • These confirmations are required to remain in the discussion.  Unconfirmed users and users that do not meet the display name criteria will be subject to removal from the server.

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