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Iowa Medical Society Applauds Governor Reynolds’ Signature on Landmark Insurance Reform Legislation DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Medical Society today applauded the signature of Gov. Kim Reynolds on House File 2635 during a bill signing ceremony at Monroe County Hospital & Clinics, advancing significant reforms to prior authorization and strengthening protections for patients and physicians across the state. “This law addresses a high priority for physicians across Iowa – fewer barriers to care and decisions grounded in clinical expertise,” said IMS President, Lillian Erdahl, MD. “By addressing prior authorization challenges and strengthening accountability for insurers, we help ensure patients receive timely, appropriate care.” House File 2635, a top legislative priority for IMS, makes substantial changes to how health insurance carriers and utilization review organizations operate in Iowa. The law requires that only clinical peers or qualified reviewers may deny or downgrade prior authorization requests, helping ensure medical decisions are made by individuals with appropriate expertise. The legislation also exempts cancer-related screenings recommended under current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, as well as emergency medical conditions requiring immediate inpatient treatment, from prior authorization requirements across private insurance plans, Medicaid-managed care, and the Hawki program. Additional provisions prohibit insurance carriers from penalizing physicians for referring patients to or affiliating with out-of-network providers, bar unreasonable or unconscionable contract terms, and ensure physicians have the opportunity to negotiate agreements and amendments with insurers. The law also establishes new audit standards and timelines for insurer determinations and appeals, while including updates to Iowa’s certificate…
IMS Operation I.O.W.A. Report
IMS Operation I.O.W.A. Report In response to growing concerns from Iowa Medical Society members and policymakers of our state’s physician workforce shortage, IMS launched Operation I.O.W.A. (Innovative Opportunities for Workforce Action) – this one-day summit convened nearly 60 physicians, healthcare executives, policy experts and community leaders from across the state…
Read MoreFive Iowa Physicians to Watch Award to recognize outstanding service to community and commitment to patient care
Five Iowa Physicians to Watch Award to recognize outstanding service to community and commitment to patient care DES MOINES – The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) is pleased to announce the newly created “Five Iowa Physicians to Watch” award for 2025 in honor of its upcoming 175th Anniversary as an…
Read MoreFinding solutions to Iowa’s physician shortage crisis: Iowa Medical Society to convene physician and healthcare leaders from across the state to form recommendations
Finding solutions to Iowa’s physician shortage crisis: Iowa Medical Society to convene physician and healthcare leaders from across the state to form recommendations DES MOINES, IA – Like many rural states, Iowa is facing a physician workforce shortage crisis like never before. Iowa is ranked 44th in the nation…
Read MorePhysician Shortage Crisis in Cedar Rapids
For immediate release: May 9, 2024 DES MOINES, IA – Iowa is currently facing a physician workforce shortage crisis and is ranked 45th in the nation for patient-to-physician ratios per 100,000 population. To address the shortage and other state healthcare priorities, the Iowa Medical Society (IMS) will be in Cedar…
Read MoreUrban Bicycle Food Ministry, Vallery Griffis, and Marygrace Elson, MD, honored at IMS President’s Reception
For immediate release: April 22, 2024 DES MOINES — The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) proudly announces the recipients of its esteemed awards for 2024, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to public health and the field of healthcare. Urban Bicycle Food Ministry: Washington Freeman Peck Award The…
Read MoreDavid Muller, MD, Recipient of 2024 Physician Humanitarian Award
For Immediate Release: April 22, 2024 DES MOINES, IA – The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) and COPIC are delighted to announce Cedar Rapids-based ophthalmologist David Muller, MD, as the distinguished recipient of the 2024 IMS/COPIC Physician Humanitarian Award. This prestigious award is bestowed annually to honor physicians in Iowa who…
Read MoreIowa Medical Society brings statewide advocacy efforts to Burlington
Focus is Iowa’s physician shortage crisis For Immediate Release: March 4, 2024 DES MOINES, IA – Iowa is currently facing a physician crisis like never before. Iowa is ranked 45th in the nation for patient to physician ratios per 100,000 population. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, in…
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