On March 3, 2026, representatives from the Tennessee Orthopaedic Society (TOS) traveled to the Tennessee State Capitol to participate in Doctors’ Day on the Hill, an annual event that brings physicians and healthcare leaders together with lawmakers to discuss issues impacting patient care across the state.
Throughout the day, the TOS delegation met with approximately eight to ten legislators, engaging in meaningful conversations about several pieces of healthcare legislation currently under consideration. A central topic of discussion was HB2619/SB2155, legislation designed to address downcoding practices by insurance payors—a growing concern among physicians and healthcare providers.
Downcoding occurs when insurers reduce the level of medical services billed by physicians, often resulting in lower reimbursement rates despite the complexity or necessity of the care provided. TOS leaders emphasized how these practices can create administrative burdens for physicians and potentially impact the sustainability of medical practices that serve patients across Tennessee.
The Society has been at the forefront of advocating for transparency and accountability in insurance reimbursement, and the conversations on Capitol Hill helped advance awareness among lawmakers about the importance of the legislation. According to TOS leadership, the meetings were productive and marked significant progress in building support for the bill. Both HB2619 and SB2155 are scheduled to move to full committee votes next week, representing a key step forward in the legislative process.
Among those representing TOS during the visit were physicians and healthcare leaders from across the state, including Dr. Eric Bowman, President of TOS and a physician with Vanderbilt Orthopaedics, and Dr. Chris Carver, TOS Vice President from Watauga Orthopaedics. They were joined by industry and practice leaders such as Rob Simmons, CEO of Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance; Earl Anderson, Executive Director of TOS; Jeff McPherson, Market President of TOA East Tennessee; Becky Farmer, CEO of Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics; and Kim Marden, CEO of Watauga Orthopaedics.
During the day’s meetings, the group had the opportunity to speak directly with lawmakers including Dan Howell, the House sponsor of the downcoding legislation, and Bo Watson, who is sponsoring the bill in the Senate. Their support has been instrumental in moving the legislation forward and ensuring the concerns of Tennessee’s physicians are heard.
Doctors’ Day on the Hill serves as a vital opportunity for physicians and healthcare leaders to bring real-world perspectives from medical practices to policymakers, ensuring that legislative decisions reflect the needs of both patients and providers.
TOS leaders said the event was an important step in continuing the Society’s mission to advocate for policies that support fair reimbursement practices, sustainable medical practices, and high-quality patient care across Tennessee. As HB2619 and SB2155 advance to committee votes, the organization will continue working closely with legislators to keep the momentum moving forward.