HRA Town Hall: The Evolving Ep Practice Landscape-HRA Town Hall: The Evolving Ep Practice Landscape

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This Heart Rhythm Advocacy (HRA) town hall, hosted by the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), featured a panel of electrophysiologists discussing the vital role of HRA in the evolving field of electrophysiology (EP), focusing on advocacy efforts to support both patients and practitioners. The session emphasized the importance of physician engagement in advocacy to counteract ongoing reimbursement cuts and budget neutrality policies that unfairly impact physician payments, despite increasing procedure volumes.<br /><br />Panelists detailed the formation of HRA as a 501c6 advocacy entity dedicated to influencing health policy, distinct from HRS’s 501c3 educational status, enabling more proactive lobbying. Members must opt-in to join HRA, which is free for HRS members. Collaboration with organizations like the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology strengthens advocacy impact.<br /><br />A significant discussion focused on ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), outpatient facilities allowing safe, cost-efficient EP procedures like cardiac ablations. Studies show comparable outcomes between ASCs and hospital outpatient departments, with substantial cost savings projected if procedures shift to ASCs. Challenges include state Certificate of Need (CON) laws that restrict ASC development in some regions, but coordinated state task forces led by HRA aim to address these.<br /><br />Other key topics involved combating budget neutrality, fighting reimbursement cuts, and the role of the Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC), which influences physician payment rates through surveys. HRA actively engages with CMS to protect EP procedural valuations and reimbursement. Efforts to increase research funding and promote innovation are ongoing despite federal funding cuts.<br /><br />The panel highlighted the need for increased physician participation, grassroots advocacy, and philanthropy to strengthen HRA’s influence. Multiple initiatives are underway, including educational programs, legislative outreach, patient engagement campaigns, and creating ASC resource networks. The session concluded with a call for 75% of HRS members to join HRA by April 2026 to unify and empower the EP community.

Keywords

Heart Rhythm Advocacy

Heart Rhythm Society

electrophysiology

physician advocacy

reimbursement cuts

ambulatory surgery centers

Certificate of Need laws

Relative Value Scale Update Committee

CMS engagement

physician participation