Advocacy
For more than three decades, OOSS has represented the interests of ophthalmic-driven ASCs in Washington, working with Congress, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the ophthalmic and ambulatory surgery center community, and industry partners. OOSS seeks to ensure the availability of high quality and affordable surgical care through the pursuit of three integral goals:
- Protect the rights of physicians to own ASCs
- Address issues that affect the financial viability of ASCs
- Ensure industry participation in the development of standards and regulations
Mike Romansky, J.D., Washington Counsel, exclusively represents OOSS on issues ranging from Medicare ASC payment rates and reimbursement for intraocular lenses and ophthalmic devices to government policy for payment for new technology and medical device reform. He has been a practicing healthcare lawyer and lobbyist since 1977. For more information about Mike or to contact him directly, go to Leadership.
OOSS collaborates with member facilities and industry partners, including the Industry Coalition for Restorative Eye Care (ICARE), AAO, ASCRS, ASC Association, SEE, and other specialty organizations. All share a common commitment to patient care and closely align with the advocacy interests of the ophthalmic ASC.
The OOSS President’s Council provides an excellent forum for industry partners and individuals representing member facilities to participate in formulating and implementing advocacy initiatives at national and grassroots levels. Individuals are eligible to serve on the President’s Council if they are affiliated with qualified ambulatory surgery centers and contribute $1,500 annually, in addition to the regular dues paid by their affiliated surgery centers. A limited number of seats on the President’s Council are also granted to representatives of qualified OOSS Partner organizations. For more information about the President’s Council, contact Diane Blanck at dblanck@ooss.org.