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Week of Sept. 4
Federation urges CMS to withdraw modifier 25 payment cut
Sept. 4, 2026
CMS characterizes the resource overlap it seeks to correct only as “likely,” without quantifying it, identifying the specific duplicated resources, or explaining what has changed since it declined to finalize a substantially similar, and narrower, proposal for CY 2019.
Doctors united on respiratory virus vaccine recommendations
- Sept. 4, 2026
- The respiratory virus season vaccine recommendations come from the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America. The recommendations are available at a new AMA website, SpreadTheFacts.org, and they were informed by a structured, evidence-based review process to assess vaccine safety and effectiveness for the 2026–2027 respiratory virus season. The effort was launched by the AMA and the Vaccine Integrity Project in Feb. 2026. Read the press release.
Justice Department announces emergency scheduling of three potent kratom compounds
- Sept. 4, 2026
- According to the order, the three kratom-related compounds "pose an imminent hazard to public safety." The AMA continues to support legislative efforts banning synthesized, purified or derivative products from kratom for marketing, distribution, promotion and sale.
View the Sept. 4 issue
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