David Vernon to Speak at AHLA’s 2026 Winter Institute
David Vernon will present “Understanding Medicare Supported GME Reimbursement: Key Concepts and Policy Updates,” on February 12, 2026, at American Health Law Association (AHLA)’s Winter Institute: Advising Providers and AI in Health Care.
This session will provide a comprehensive introduction to Medicare-supported Graduate Medical Education (GME), offering a strong foundation for understanding key reimbursement policies and touching on advanced topics critical to GME expansion at academic health systems. Attendees will explore essential concepts related to Direct GME (DGME) payments, Indirect Medical Education (IME) adjustments, full-time equivalent (FTE) caps and counting rules, and strategic opportunities to grow GME capacity. Special attention will be given to mechanisms that allow academic health systems to increase their GME caps, including Section 126 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, and rural track programs. Participants will gain valuable insights into the structure, policy levers, and impact of Medicare GME funding, with a focus on issues relevant to academic medical center general counsel, private practitioners, and institutional decision-makers. The session will also provide updates on any new policies finalized in the year’s CMS payment rules. Topics will discuss:
- Medicare’s support for GME, to include DGME and IME reimbursement policies
- Key policies for Medicare GME FTE caps and FTE audits
- GME development opportunities; Section 126 of the CAA, 2021, Section 4122; and, updated Rural Track Programs
- Teaching physician reimbursement: Requirements and billing guidelines
- Strategies for Medicare GME affiliated group agreements
- GME scenarios and exemplary issues
Professional
