ACOG lobbies White House and Congress for pandemic priorities
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is pressing federal officials for prioritized testing access in labor and delivery units and increased financial support for physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an acog.org report. ACOG CEO Maureen Phipps met with White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Deborah Birx to secure testing priorities and address rising home birth rates. Phipps warned that an increase in home births risks exacerbating the existing maternal mortality crisis.
During the discussions, Birx committed to reinforcing the message that hospitals remain safe places to give birth and that ob-gyns remain dedicated to their patients. Phipps also spoke with Congressman Ami Bera to advocate for additional liability protections for ob-gyns serving patients during the pandemic. As Congress considers new stimulus legislation, ACOG has joined coalition partners, including the American Medical Association, to lobby for direct financial assistance for medical practices, resident support, and adequate telemedicine reimbursement.
ACOG urges Congress to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates
As a member of the Partnership for Medicaid, ACOG urged Congress to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates to at least match Medicare levels to protect the healthcare safety net. On Thursday, ACOG hosted a virtual congressional briefing titled “Providing Safe Maternity Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: What the Evidence Tells Us and How Congress Can Help.” Panelists included ACOG immunization and infectious disease experts Denise Jamieson and Laura Riley, alongside March of Dimes Chief Medical and Health Officer Rahul Gupta and American College of Nurse-Midwives President-Elect Cathy Collins-Fulea. The speakers emphasized adherence to clinical guidance for pregnant patients, the necessity of ongoing prenatal care, and hospital safety protocols.
ACOG lobbies Congress for physician financial relief
What specific testing priorities did ACOG discuss with White House officials?
ACOG focused on securing prioritized access to COVID-19 diagnostic testing specifically for hospital labor and delivery units.
Which medical organizations joined ACOG in lobbying Congress for financial assistance?
ACOG partnered with the American Medical Association and other healthcare groups to advocate for physician financial relief, liability protections, and expanded telemedicine reimbursement.
Who spoke at the virtual congressional briefing hosted by ACOG?
The briefing featured ACOG experts Denise Jamieson and Laura Riley, March of Dimes Chief Medical and Health Officer Rahul Gupta, and American College of Nurse-Midwives President-Elect Cathy Collins-Fulea.