January 27, 2012
Georgia Pulse
Georgia Pulse is a compilation of news briefs collected from state, national and medical trade media outlets as a resource for physicians in the state. Archive
MAG News
01.27 MAG forming work group to evaluate Medicaid/CHIP report
The Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) is forming a work group to evaluate the 223-page report that Navigant Consulting recently completed in assessing the Medicaid Program and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP/PeachCare for Kids) in the state for the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH). In redesigning the programs, DCH hopes to 1) improve health care outcomes for members and 2) enhance the appropriate use of services by members and 3) achieve long-term sustainable savings in services. DCH is scheduled to implement the redesigns in 2014. "It's going to be a diverse group that represents the full array of stakeholders, from small town solo practitioners to physicians with large groups to hospitals," MAG Executive Director Donald J. Palmisano Jr. says of the work group. "And, of course, we'll share its conclusions with DCH as soon as possible." E-mail Cam Grayson with MAG at cgrayson@mag.org with questions. Go to dch.georgia.gov to review the Navigant report.
01.25 January 27 meeting to focus on Medicaid/smoking cessation
The American Lung Association (ALA) in Georgia reports that "Georgia is one of only two states not covering any quit smoking treatments for all Medicaid enrollees." The organization is hosting a meeting to discuss the subject from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, January 27 at The Loudermilk Center at 40 Courtland Street NE in Atlanta. The meeting is free, but space is limited. Register by January 24. Contact June Deen at jdeen@lungga.org or 770.544.0520 to register or for additional information.
01.24 MAG calling on patients, physicians to sign Medicare payment reform legislation petition
The Medical Association of Georgia is encouraging patients and physicians to sign a petition to support the “Medicare Patient Empowerment Act” (HR. 1700/S. 1042), which would “allow patients to use their current Medicare coverage to help cover the cost of seeing a non-Medicare doctor.” The grassroots campaign is designed to “show (Congressional leaders that there is) a groundswell of grassroots support for this important reform…”
Click here to sign the “My Medicare. My Choice” petition
01.24 MAG, others sign letter urging Congress to stabilize Medicare and eliminate the SGR
01.24 Georgia DCH releases 'Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids Design Strategy Report'
Click here for report prepared by Navigant
01.24 CMS Website addresses EHR incentives attestation appeals process
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated the "Attestation Section" of its Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs Website to include information addressing the appeals process. CMS began accepting appeals for eligible professionals on December 1. Call 855.796.1515 (between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday) or e-mail OCSQAppeals@provider-resources.com or visit www.cms.gov/EHRIncentivePrograms for additional information.
01.24 Cahaba holding 'Medicare 101' course on February 1
Click here for details or to register
01.20 MAG's e-News from the Capitol: Issue 2
01.19 Doctors' poll: $14 billion a year spent on unnecessary medical care in Georgia
Read the "The practice of defensive medicine: A survey of Georgia physicians" executive summary
01.19 March 14 symposium in Atlanta to address health care payment reform
Click here for details, registration information
01.18 CMS recruiting reviewers for Health Care Innovation Challenge
01.13 CMS reminding providers about important dates for Medicare EHR incentives program
Click here for details from CMS
01.11 Medical malpractice conference to take place in Augusta on March 1
The Greater Augusta Chapter of the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants will host an "educational" conference entitled "Avoiding Medical Malpractice: Be Proactive, Not Reactive" at the Pinnacle Club in Augusta on March 1. The full-day program costs $199 for physicians. Physicians will receive a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for their attendance at the conference.
Click here for details on the conference
01.10 New CMS FAQ resource addresses Medicaid RAC program
01.10 Cahaba says practices can resubmit December 23 “BHT” rejections
Cahaba GBA says that Medicare Part B providers that submitted a claim in the 4010A1 format on December 23, 2011 and received a "BHT CREATE DATE GREATER THAN CURRENT DATE" rejection message can resubmit any rejected claims. Cahaba GBA is also stressing that the "issue did not affect 5010 claim files." Call EDI Services at 866.582.3253 with questions.
01.05 Beyond pay cut delay, CMS confirms rest of 2012 Medicare rule went into effect January 1
01.03 CMS promoting Version 5010, ICD-10 transition resources
01.02 MAG recruiting Doctor of the Day volunteers for 2012 session
12.23 CMS extends Medicare enrollment until February 14
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that it is extending the annual Medicare enrollment period for 2012 through Tuesday, February 14. CMS is stressing that, "The effective date for any participation status change during the extension, however, remains Sunday, January 1, 2012, and will be in force for the entire year." And CMS adds that, "Contractors will accept and process any participation elections or withdrawals made during the extended enrollment period that are post-marked on or before Tuesday, February 14, 2012."
12.21 MAG creates value for every physician in Georgia because MAG represents every physician in Georgia - join or renew today
Click here to join/renew or call Lesley Nevins at 678.303.9261
12.16 MAG Alert: Pharmacy Board changes deadline for new security paper requirement to March 31
Click here for alert
Click here for pharmacy board memo
12.16 Physicians can earn up to 10 CME credits as volunteer at Atlanta center for uninsured
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