May 16, 2018 -- Volume 7, Number 20
Trump Administration Launches Plan to Reduce Drug Prices and Out-of-Pocket Costs

On Friday, May 11, President Trump released a blueprint to lower drug prices and reduce out-of-pocket costs entitled “American Patients First.” The blueprint sets forth certain proposals intended to: 1) increase competition; 2) improve negotiations; 3) create incentives for lower list prices; and 4) lower out of pocket costs. Certain actions may be taken by HHS immediately, but many of the proposals are “further opportunities” the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is actively considering and will seek feedback on. Click for more information on The Trump Administration Blueprint to Lower Drug Prices and Reduce Out-of-Pocket Costs.
 
Some changes to prescription drug policies in several federal health care programs and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policies will be undertaken immediately, yet most will be forthcoming in regulatory proposals by HHS. Anticipated proposals that could impact retina specialists would likely include, among other things, demonstration projects for value-based pricing in pharmaceuticals, moving some drugs from Part B to D, implementing a competitive acquisition program for Part B drugs, guidance and education regarding biosimilars, and potential changes to effect site neutrality.
 
ASRS will closely monitor the forthcoming Administration actions and proposals and keep you informed. 
Register Today for the Next Journal Club Webinar

Join us at 7:30 PM (CT) on May 23 for a journal club on Gene Therapy - A New Hope. Dr. Mark Pennesi will be discussing the latest developments in the field through a seminal paper on adenoviral-RPE65 gene therapy for Leber Congenital Amaurosis that led to the landmark approval by the FDA of gene therapy for this inherited retinal degeneration. Visit the Journal Club webpage for more information and to register.

CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION CREDITS
The American Society of Retina Specialists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The American Society of Retina Specialists designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Image of the Week
Congratulations to Kim Barrett, COA, from Retina Specialist of Michigan in Grand Rapids, Michigan , w hose image Multiple Myeloma with Cytomegalovirus Retinitis has been selected as the Image of the Week. 
Challenge the Masters

How often do you have the chance to present a great case to an audience of your peers and engage them in lively case-related discussion? 

Don't miss the chance to present your most compelling case at the "Challenge the Masters" course, Friday, July 20 from 1:00 to 2:15 PM at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Please be sure to check your availability before submitting a case! 

If you're interested, please email   Calvin Mein, MD , a short summary of the case by May 30. The meeting schedule will allow time for 10 cases, so we ask that presentations be no more than 4 minutes to allow for 5 minutes of discussion. Cases will be selected based on their potential for stimulating lively conversation among our audience of retina "Masters."

Selected case presenters will be notified on June 11 and will receive instructions on how to upload their final presentation -- due by July 5 for peer review. 
Enter the Winning Pitch Challenge

Pitch your innovative solution to a retina problem to win $10,000 and expert guidance!

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: June 11, 2018
**Submissions are advanced to Round 2/ paired with Mentors on a rolling basis!**
Submit now to ensure access to a Mentor!

Sunday, July 22, 2018
2018 ASRS Annual Meeting 

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION:
  • $10,000 1st Place prize 
  • $5,000 2nd Place prize
  • Defray some of your IP expenses!
  • Valuable feedback from Judges and Advisory Board members
  • Exposure to potential investors
  • Access to Advisory Board mentorship program
  • Network with other innovative retina specialists
  • Contribute to innovation in retina! 

Obtain more information and apply at:  www.WinningPitchChallenge.net  

See Enhancements to this
Trusted Resource!
  • Dynamic visual layout
  • Redesigned landing pages
  • More intuitive navigation
  • Expanded content sections
  • Handy homepage links for key resources
  • Convenient drop menus
  • Social media connectivity
 
Coming Soon!
  • ASRS Retina Career Center
  • ASRS Multimedia Library
Website        |       Annual    |      Education      |      Patients      |      Contact Us
American Society of Retina Specialists | (312) 578-8760 | members@asrs.org | www.asrs.org