News from ACOI

Staying Grounded in Our Osteopathic Identity

Recently, I reread the Osteopathic Oath I took during my white coat ceremony in 2024. At the time, it felt like a milestone marking the beginning of my training. Now, I understand it as a call to live with purpose.

ACOI to Participate in AOA’s DO Day on Capitol Hill

The ACOI is proud to participate in DO Day on Capitol Hill, sending physician leadership to Washington, DC to ensure the osteopathic voice is heard on issues impacting internists, patient access, and physician-led care.

Call to Action: Senate Committee Examines Contributors to Physician Burnout

The Senate Aging Committee held a hearing on February 11 on the subject of how administrative and regulatory red tape fuels physician burnout and impacts patient access to care. ACOI members can voice their support of the Seniors’ Act by contacting their members of Congress through the ACOI Action Center.

CMS Announces Rate Bump for Medicare Advantage Plans

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is proposing an increase of 0.09 percent, or over $700 million, in Medicare Advantage (MA) payments to plans in CY 2027.

Call to Action: KFF Prior Auth Analysis Shows Low Rates of Appeal Following Denial

A new analysis by KFF found Medicare Advantage insurers processed 52.8 million prior authorization requests in 2024.

Physician Names Released for Required Ambulatory Specialty Model Participation

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a searchable database of physicians who will be required to participate in new payment models for heart failure and lower back pain starting January 1, 2027. The models will run for five years.

ACOI Joins the Osteopathic Community in Reaffirming Commitment to Unimpeded Access to Care

ACOI has joined the osteopathic community in a statement reaffirming a commitment to unimpeded access to care for all individuals. The statement follows reports of immigration enforcement activity in and around hospitals and emergency rooms and concerns that patients will avoid treatment.

ACOI Joins Call for Oversight of ICE Detention Facilities

In response to mounting reports of how individuals held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) family detention facilities have been denied necessary medical care, a letter with the support of ACOI and 16 other medical societies was sent to congressional leaders on February 9 in advance of Department of Homeland Security oversight hearings.

Call to Action: ACOI Endorses Physician Workforce Legislation

ACOI has endorsed the bipartisan Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 (S. 2439 / H.R. 4731), which would add 2,000 Medicare-supported graduate medical education (GME) slots annually over seven years, for a total of 14,000 new positions.

Call to Action: Bill Takes Aim at CMS’ Efficiency Adjustment

Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to stop the 2.5 percent Medicare cut to work Relative Value Units (RVUs) for all non-time-based physician fee schedule services. The cut, which took effect on January 1, 2026, stems from a new “efficiency adjustment” policy finalized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) last November. CMS instituted the policy because it assumes that, for non-time-based services, providers accrue gains in efficiency over time.

Letter from the SOIMA Region III Representative

As we begin another exciting year, I want to say just how thrilled I am to reconnect with all of you. Whether you’re starting your first didactic year, navigating clinical rotations, or preparing for residency applications, every stage is filled with opportunities to grow, learn, and deepen your passion for internal medicine.

Spring Meetings Student Session: Learn Presentation Best Practices

On Monday, March 23, you can join ACOI for the following student session: How to Present, Publish, and Communicate Your Research, 5 PM to 6 PM ET.

Stay True to Why You Pursued Medicine.

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