scoanet

Initial EHR Certification Bodies Named

The Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT), Chicago, Ill. and the Drummond Group Inc. (DGI), Austin, Texas, were named today by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) as the first technology review bodies that have been authorized to test and certify electronic health record (EHR) systems for compliance with the standards and certification criteria that were issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services earlier this year.

http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/08/20100830d.html

CBO states reform laws will save government money…if SGR cuts are allowed to take effect

The U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that recently enacted healthcare reform legislation will produce a net budget savings to the federal government of $143 billion during the period 2010 to 2019. In a letter to Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), however, the director of the CBO points out that the savings figure is based on estimates that assume that physician pay cuts mandated by the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula will take effect as planned on Dec. 1, 2010. Should Congress act to prevent such cuts and allow for inflation updates to physician pay, the net cost to the federal government will be $272 billion.

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Congress to take up SGR fix, but too late to stop cuts.

The Hill reports that the U.S. Senate is prepared to consider a 19-month delay in Medicare reimbursement cuts currently mandated under the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula, but a vote may not take place until early next week. Observers say it is likely that physicians will begin receiving Medicare payments reflecting a 21.3 percent reduction starting June 15. The cuts went into effect on June 1, but the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has held off processing payments for 10 business days to give Congress time to act.
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FTC Extends Enforcement Deadline for Identity Theft Red Flags Rule

At the request of several Members of Congress, the Federal Trade Commission is further delaying enforcement of the “Red Flags” Rule through December 31, 2010, while Congress considers legislation that would affect the scope of entities covered by the Rule. Today’s announcement and the release of an Enforcement Policy Statement do not affect other federal agencies’ enforcement of the original November 1, 2008 deadline for institutions subject to their oversight to be in compliance.

“Congress needs to fix the unintended consequences of the legislation establishing the Red Flags Rule – and to fix this problem quickly. We appreciate the efforts of Congressmen Barney Frank and John Adler for getting a clarifying measure passed in the House, and hope action in the Senate will be swift,” FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz said. “As an agency we’re charged with enforcing the law, and endless extensions delay enforcement.”

The Rule was developed under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, in which Congress directed the FTC and other agencies to develop regulations requiring “creditors” and “financial institutions” to address the risk of identity theft. The resulting Red Flags Rule requires all such entities that have “covered accounts” to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs to help identify, detect, and respond to patterns, practices, or specific activities – known as “red flags” – that could indicate identity theft.

The Rule became effective on January 1, 2008, with full compliance for all covered entities originally required by November 1, 2008. The Commission has issued several Enforcement Policies delaying enforcement of the Rule. Most recently, the Commission announced in October 2009 that at the request of certain Members of Congress, it was delaying enforcement of the Rule until June 1, 2010, to allow Congress time to finalize legislation that would limit the scope of business covered by the Rule. Since then, the Commission has received another request from Members of Congress for another delay in enforcement of the Rule beyond June 1, 2010.

The Commission urges Congress to act quickly to pass legislation that will resolve any questions as to which entities are covered by the Rule and obviate the need for further enforcement delays. If Congress passes legislation limiting the scope of the Red Flags Rule with an effective date earlier than December 31, 2010, the Commission will begin enforcement as of that effective date.

In the interim, FTC staff has continued to provide guidance, both through materials posted on www.ftc.gov/redflagsrule, and in speeches and participation in seminars, conferences and other training events to numerous groups. The FTC also published a compliance guide for business, and created a template that enables low risk entities to create an identity theft program with an easy-to-use online form (www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/redflagsrule/get-started.shtm). The FTC staff also has published numerous general and industry-specific articles, released a video explaining the Rule, and continues to respond to inquiries from the public. To assist further with compliance, FTC staff has worked with a number of trade associations that have chosen to develop model policies or specialized guidance for their members.

As was the case previously, this enforcement delay is limited to the Red Flags Rule and does not extend to the rule regarding address discrepancies applicable to users of consumer reports (16 C.F.R.§641), or to the rule regarding changes of address applicable to card issuers (16 C.F.R.§681.2).

For questions regarding this Enforcement Policy, please contact Naomi Lefkovitz or Pavneet Singh, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 202-326-2252.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them.  To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).  The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,800 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.  The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2180

 

“CMS Holding Claims as of June 2010 Pending Congressional Action on Physician Fee Schedule”

 

“The Continuing Extension Act of 2010, enacted on April 15, 2010, extended the zero percent (0%) update to the 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) through May 31, 2010.  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) believes Congress is working to avert the negative update scheduled to take effect June 1, 2010.  To avoid disruption in the delivery of health care services to beneficiaries and payment of claims for physicians, non-physician practitioners, and other providers of services paid under the MPFS, CMS has instructed its contractors to hold claims containing services paid under the MPFS (including anesthesia services) for the first 10 business days of June.  This hold will only affect MPFS claims with dates of service June 1, 2010, and later. 

 

This hold should have minimum impact on provider cash flow because, under the current law, clean electronic claims are not paid any sooner than 14 calendar days (29 for paper claims) after the date of receipt. 

Be on the alert for more information about the 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Update.” 

Dear Colleagues,

Since the last update, much has happened. It seems that finally, the log jam is loosening. We have received numerous reports that orthopaedic aid organizations are on their way to Haiti, and some—such as Operation Walk/Haiti, SIGN, CURE International, and many academic institutions—are already on the ground. The AAOS is continuing to work with other orthopaedic organizations, the State Department, and other government entities to ensure that orthopaedic surgeons and medical equipment are rapidly deployed.

The scene in Haiti, however, remains chaotic, as we can tell from various news reports, and from communications with AAOS members who are there. With such widespread destruction, it is not only the needs of the injured that must be addressed, but also the need for feeding and housing the many volunteer rescue workers. Careful planning and coordination are needed to address issues resulting from the lack of an organized, functioning infrastructure in Haiti. We wish to minimize waste and ensure that your skills as orthopaedic surgeons are optimized in the operating room, not spent in debris removal.

AAOS members have been instrumental in facilitating the movement of medical equipment and healthcare personnel to Haiti. Carlos Lavernia, MD, has access to a 40,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Miami, where equipment can be sent and held until arrangements for shipping it into Haiti can be made. Groups that have or are in the process of making arrangements to go to Haiti can also use the warehouse as a holding space. Dr. Lavernia is also establishing a list of who needs equipment and where it is most needed so that delivery arrangements can be made. He may also be able to assist in arranging transport to Haiti. Shipping information follows:

Operation Walk Haiti

Orthopedics Inc.

2860 W. State Rd 84, Suite 113

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312

If you are part of a group planning to go to Haiti, please forward contact information to Lynne Dowling, director of the AAOS International Department, using our dedicated e-mail (Haiti@aaos.org). The International Department is tracking participation by AAOS members and coordinating efforts to match people and resources. If you’ve already registered with the AAOS as a volunteer, you should be aware that we have submitted your contact information to a variety of aid groups. They will contact you directly as openings occur.

Specific needs that we have been made aware of include the following:

Personnel

o   Trauma surgeons, pediatric orthopaedists, nurses, and others who are experienced and capable of treating crush injuries and are willing to commit to spending at least 2 weeks on the ground, living in austere conditions

o   French or Creole speakers

Equipment

o   Gigli saws or power saws

o   Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) dressings

o   Tourniquets/inflatable blood pressure cuffs with valve releases

o   Antibiotics—all types, as much as possible (will take antibiotics that have passed their expiration dates)

o   Anesthesia machines

o   Endotracheal tubes or laryngeal mask airways (LMAs)

o   Lavage irrigation equipment

o   Small fluoroscopy machines

o   Electrocautery machines (for amputations)

o    Amputation kits

o    External fixators, nails, and plates (okay if used, as long as they are clean)

We are working with our industry partners to make arrangements for ensuring that orthopaedic equipment reaches the devastated areas. We have also begun to compile a list of U.S. hospitals that are willing to take Haitian patients and provide direct care assistance. If your hospital is willing to support this effort, please forward the following information to Haiti@aaos.org :

o        Name of hospital

o        Number of patients you can accept

o        Pediatric or other specialty patients you will accept

o        Availability of housing for family members

Thank you all for your outpouring of support. We realize that the first few days after such as a disaster are critical, but the devastation in Haiti will have a long-term impact on the delivery of health care there, and the need for orthopaedic services will continue over several months.

We will continue to keep you updated as we receive information. We urge you to visit www.aaos.org/Haiti regularly for the latest information.

Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD- AAOS President

John J. Callaghan, MD- First Vice President               

Daniel J. Berry, MD- Second Vice President

 

Modern Physician Reports on CMS Concerns that Senate Bill will Drive Providers out of Medicare

Modern Physician is reporting on a new report released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that expresses concern that the current health care reform legislation in the Senate will drive providers out of the Medicare program. 

Clear here to read the full story:

http://www.modernhealthcare.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100109/MODERNPHYSICIAN/301099995/-1

Call for abstracts and Residents Research Competition Submissions for 2010 SCOA Annual Meeting! Deadline to submit materials is March 1, 2010!

The South Carolina Orthopaedic Association is now accepting abstract submissions and Resident Research Competition submissions for the 2010 SCOA Annual Meeting.  The 2010 Annual Meeting is taking place August 5-8, 2010 at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island.  All of the information you will need to secure your participation has been added to this SCOA Blog:

                                                                                 http://blog.scoanet.org/

All abstracts and Resident Competition papers must be submitted by March 1, 2010 to be considered by the Program Committee.  Instructions for regular abstract submissions and the 2010 Resident Research Competition are included on the SCOA website.   In addition to the abstract information, all submissions should be accompanied by a completed AAOS Financial Disclosure Form and an AAOS FDA Disclosure Form attached below.

Download CallforAbstracts 2010 Application form

Download 2010 AAOS Financial Disclosure SCOA

Download 2010 AAOS FDA disclosure SCOA

House passes two-month delay on SGR cuts.

Modern Healthcare reports that the U.S. House of Representatives has approved a fiscal 2010 defense appropriations bill that includes a rider to stave off cuts in Medicare reimbursement under the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula through Feb. 28, 2010. Currently, a 21 percent reduction in Medicare reimbursement is planned to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2010. The Senate is scheduled to vote on the appropriations bill by Friday.

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CMS issues instructions on new reimbursement policy for consultation services.

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released detailed instructions for providers on how to adjust their coding for consultative evaluation and management (E/M) services. As of Jan. 1, 2010, CMS will no longer recognize Current Procedural Terminology codes 99241-99245 and 99251-99255, which reimburse physicians for providing consultative E/M services. Providers will instead be expected to use the appropriate new or established patient office, outpatient, or inpatient visit code. This change is effective for Medicare only; other carriers have not yet stated whether they will adopt similar policies for consultative services.
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