On the agenda: reimbursement, veterans, and children

This year, as with every year, fairreimbursement for all ophthalmologists tops the American Academy of Ophthalmology's (AAO) agenda in Washington, DC. The academy expectsto build on the success achieved withthe "Medicare Prescription Drug andModernization Act"-which replaced an expected 4.5% reduction with a 1.5% increase in Medicare fees in 2004 and 2005-by working to achieve a permanent fix to the reimbursement formula so future Medicare rates are reasonable and patient access to care is secure.