ASCRS This Week June 29, 2022

Aetna Drops Prior Authorization Policy Thanks to Advocacy Efforts

Today, June 29,Aetna announced that beginning July 1, 2022, it will no longer require prior authorization for cataract surgery, except for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in Florida and Georgia. The timing of this win for cataract patients and surgeons is very apropos as it comes at the tail end of Cataract Awareness Month.

The removal of this policy is a direct result of advocacy from ASCRS and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) that the policy be rescinded. Read more about these advocacy efforts that have been taking place for the past year here.

This is a major victory for cataract surgeons and the patients they serve. ASCRS would like to thank all members who engaged in grassroots efforts and those who participated in the meetings with Aetna and federal agencies to help us achieve this reversal in Aetna’s prior authorization policy.

Register by July 1 for the Summer Meeting

The early bird registration deadline for the ASCRS Summer Meeting ends this Friday, July 1! Register today for effective, in-person education delivered over a long weekend in Nashville, Tennessee, August 19–21.

At the ASCRS Summer Meeting you’ll experience some of the “best” elements of ASCRS education usually reserved for the ASCRS Annual Meeting, including clinical pearls to put into practice on day 1, hands-on wet labs (included with registration), a practice management track, and more!

Learn more about the meeting and its programming here.

P.S. Breakfast, lunch, and parking at the hotel are included!

Keep #ASCRScatarACTION Going

Cataract Awareness Month concludes with the end of the month, but ASCRS is committed 365 to advancing anterior segment surgeons in the areas of education, advocacy, and philanthropy.

ASCRS celebrates all cataract surgeons for their work in performing and improving upon this sight-restoring procedure, which has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life.

Look back on ASCRS’ promotion of Cataract Awareness Month on its social media platforms. Thanks to all who took #ASCRScatarACTION during #CataractAwarenessMonth!

“Technique Tuesdays” Showcases Weekly Clinical Video

The ASCRS App, which launched earlier this year for year-round member communication and educational engagement, has a new microlearning opportunity.

“Technique Tuesdays” will feature weekly clinical videos that showcase a specific surgical or clinical technique. Head on over to the app to view the latest “Technique Tuesdays.”

Not on the app yet? Learn more about the app and where to download it here.

Beyond 20/20: An ASCRS Series in Modern Refractive Surgery and Presbyopia Therapy is now available fully on demand as a four-module program, allowing registrants to earn up to 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM at their own pace.

Participants who finish this program are eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion.

This program, sponsored by the ASCRS Refractive Surgery Clinical Committee, presents a deeper dive into new and established refractive surgery techniques and tools:

Laser corneal refractive procedures
Pharmaceutical presbyopia therapy
Phakic IOLs and refractive lens exchange

Gain clinical pearls, learn from case-based presentations, and listen to dynamic keynote speakers panel discussions. Learn more about the Beyond 20/20 program and register to start learning today!