Call to Action: Bill Takes Aim at Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (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.
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.
February Student of the Month: Maria Fricko, OMS-III
Maria Fricko is a deeply committed student doctor and natural leader who consistently demonstrates initiative, compassion, and a strong drive to uplift both her peers and her broader community.
Why Medical Education Must Integrate Paramedicine Now
Medicine today is evolving rapidly—not just in what we know clinically, but in where and how care is delivered. For decades, medical training has focused on hospital-based care and outpatient clinic experiences, often sidelining one of the most impactful sectors of modern health care: paramedicine.
February offers us a timely opportunity to focus on an issue that remains at the very center of our mission as osteopathic internists: the ongoing challenge of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Spending Package Includes Significant Health Measures
On February 3, President Trump signed into law a $1.2 trillion spending package that ended a brief partial federal government shut down. The package is notable for the numerous bipartisan health care provisions, including an extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027.
Each year, ACOI honors its members with awards that reflect their impressive contributions to the osteopathic internal medicine community. Nominations are now open for the 2026 Teacher of the Year, Researcher of the Year, and Internist of the Year awards.
The ACOI Fellowship is an incredible opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to the osteopathic internal medicine community. If you are considering taking your career and your ACOI membership to the next level, and want to step into a new leadership role, this is a wonderful way to do so.
Are you a physician or other clinician who wants to help advance sustainable healthcare directly in your practice? The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) has created a shortlist designed for health professionals in clinics and similar settings who are interested in practical, individual actions to advance sustainable healthcare in their workplace.
