Ronald M. Davis, MD
CPT: what it is and how it works
Have you ever wondered where Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes originate? CPT codes are the backbone of communication between physicians and other providers and third parties concerning most services in health care.
They're also a fine example of collaboration in medicine. Representatives from across the spectrum of the profession help evaluate these codes, and all physicians have a voice in the process of developing and maintaining them.
Created by the AMA more than four decades ago, CPT codes provide a uniform vocabulary that accurately describes medical, surgical, and diagnostic services, and they serve as the most widely accepted medical classification used to report medical procedures and services under public and private health insurance programs. Each year, the AMA prepares an annual publication that makes changes corresponding with significant updates in medical technology and practice. The most recent version, "CPT 2007," contains more than 8,600 codes and descriptors.
CPT codes are updated annually and take effect Jan. 1 of every year. The AMA prepares
each annual update so new CPT books are available each fall, preceding the effective date, to allow for
implementation. Certain codes are "early released" for reporting either Jan. 1 or July 1 of a given
CPT cycle.
Read More>>
Please send comments, questions, and replies to amaprez@ama-assn.org.
eVoice®
Dec. 6, 2007
AMA eVoice is your regular update on the most important health care issues and recent AMA activities.
The AMA is committed to communication. We encourage you to help us spread the word by forwarding AMA eVoice to your colleagues.
Your news interests
Sign up to receive customized AMA eVoice messages.
Faculty practice physician issues
1) In AMNews: Delegates seek tax credit to help pay for EMRs
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender physician issues
1) In JAMA: The re-emerging HIV/AIDS epidemic in men who have sex with men
Group practice physician issues
1) In AMNews: Non-compete provisions might not be legal
2) In AMNews: Gift cards for health care—new stocking stuffer
International medical graduate issues
1) Applications sought for NRMP IMG board member position—deadline Dec. 21
2) IMGs: Your leaders in medicine applications are due Dec. 7
3) Disposition of actions from AMA-IMG Section Interim Meeting now online
Medical school news
1) AMA-SMS Interim Meeting educational program slides available online
2) In AMNews: Student loan deferment program temporarily restored
3) In AMNews: University of California system loses tuition-hike appeal
4) In Medical Education Online: Innovative fourth-year medical student ambulatory care
rotation
Medical student issues
1) AMA Foundation seeks everyday heroes in medicine
2) Apply now for one of many AMA-MSS leadership positions
3) Mark your calendar: Upcoming deadlines for research forums
4) In AMA GME e-Letter: More medical students—now what?
Minority health issues and professional concerns of minority
physicians
1) Mark your calendar: 2008 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program deadline Dec. 14
2) New online program addresses cardiovascular disease among African-Americans
3) AMA-MAC disposition of actions online
4) Last call for minority leaders in medicine—applications due Dec. 7
Organized medical staff issues
1) 2007 AMA-OMSS Interim Assembly Meeting materials now online
2) Listen to Joint Commission conference calls on MS.1.20 and new leadership standards
3) CMS proposes Medicare hospital payment system based on quality of care
Resident and fellow issues
1) AMA-RFS policy highlights from its Interim Assembly Meeting
2) In AMNews: Non-compete provision in contract might not be legal
3) Study shows too few U.S.-trained primary care doctors
Senior physicians issues
1) AMA-SPG focuses on preventive services
2) Cruise the Baltic's Amber Coast
Women physician and women's health issues
1) AMA-WPC Physician Mentor Recognition Program presentation online
2) Call for Joan F. Giambalvo Scholarship Fund applications
Young physician issues
1) Applications due tomorrow for AMA Foundation Leadership Awards
2) Nominations for AMA-YPS Young at Heart Award due Dec. 31
3) AMA supports legislation to restore medical education loan deferment
4) Just in time for the holidays, get a $15 Amazon gift card to jumpstart your earnings on Sermo
General AMA news:
1) Medicine's grassroots surge on Medicare payment issue is unprecedented
2) AMA releases its National Health Care Policy Agenda
3) Prepare for upcoming NPI implementation deadlines
4) Earn five CME credits through the AMA's free online video series
5) AMA offers Web-based course in disaster preparedness
6) Resources available to manage CA-MRSA infections
7) Available now: Updated booklet on managing home care patients
8) In JAMA: Some common treatment for sinus infections may not be effective
Your news interests
Sign up to receive customized AMA eVoice messages.
New online interactive
program
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New online interactive program provides helpful insurance information
and tools for physicians Recognizing the demands on your time, AMA Insurance Agency Inc. is committed to giving you the information you need to protect the lifestyle you're working so hard to build, and to delivering that information in a quick, concise manner that can fit easily into your intensely busy schedule. The AMA Insurance Agency has launched Consultations™, a new series of brief, online "e-sessions" designed to provide you with key issues for consideration to help secure your financial future. Please visit QuickConsultations.com to view our first in a series of ongoing Consultations™ e-sessions, where you can also enter for your chance to win $500 in American Express gift checks and other American Express awards.* In under 10 minutes, you'll have the information you need to make a better term life insurance decision—just what you'd expect from AMA Insurance Agency Inc., a subsidiary of the AMA. *No purchase necessary. |
Faculty practice physician issues
1) In AMNews: Delegates seek tax credit to help pay for EMRs
At the AMA's Interim Meeting in November, the House of Delegates supported a full, refundable tax
credit for physicians for help in buying and using health information technology that includes
electronic medical health records (EMRs) and prescribing systems. Physicians' reimbursement, which
is often tied to pay-for performance, should not be contingent on their ability to pay for EMRs. Of
the nearly 5,000 physicians who responded to the AMA survey, 79 percent backed the idea of a tax
credit for help in defraying EMR costs.
View the Dec. 3 American Medical News (AMNews) article.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender physician issues
1) In JAMA: The re-emerging HIV/AIDS epidemic in men who have sex with men
The number of men who have sex with men (MSM) reported with the human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV)/AIDS is now increasing in many countries, according to a commentary in the Nov. 28 issue of
the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the estimated number of U.S.
cases of HIV/AIDS among MSM by year of diagnosis in the 33 states and U.S. dependent areas with
confidential named-based HIV reporting increased from 16,167 in 2001 to 18,296 in 2005—a 13
percent increase.
In this commentary, the authors examine current HIV/AIDS epidemiology in MSM, discuss why the epidemic may be re-emerging, and describe what can be done to address it. Although there is recognition and reporting of MSM with HIV/AIDS from low-income and middle-income countries, including those in Africa and Asia where interventions for MSM are few, cultural stigma may be strong, and homosexuality may be illegal, this article is limited to industrialized countries and focuses particularly on the United States.
View the commentary.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Group practice physician issues
1) In AMNews: Non-compete provisions might not be legal
Per an article in the Dec. 3 issue of American Medical News (AMNews), non-compete clauses, where a
doctor contractually agrees not to pursue a similar position within a certain radius of a former
employer, are not legal in every case. Since there is no single, guiding law covering non-compete
clauses, the legality is often left to state statutes and case law. Within specific states, case
law can put restrictions on how much time and distance are covered.
View the AMNews article.
2) In AMNews: Gift cards for health care—new stocking stuffer
Pittsburgh-based insurer Highmark is believed to be the first company to issue a gift card that can
be used nationally for everyday health expenses. Per an article in the Nov. 26 issue of American
Medical News (AMNews), the trend is reflective of patients taking on more financial responsibility
for their health care. Since consumers are paying for more health care expenses out of their own
pockets—choosing services like LASIK or cosmetic surgery—the cards offer retail
convenience. Highmark's cards cover everything from a blood pressure monitor to a gym membership.
The market is reportedly strong for gift cards, with nearly 78 percent of U.S. adults responding to
Highmark's survey saying they had purchased or received a card in the last 12 months.
View the AMNews article.
>>Return to your news interest contents
International medical graduate issues
1) Applications sought for NRMP IMG board member position—deadline Dec. 21
The AMA-RFS is accepting applications for the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Board of
Directors. There are two resident positions available, including one whom must be an international
medical school graduate (IMG). The NRMP Board of Directors governs and oversees the Main Residency
Match and the Specialties Matching Service, ensures all match participants abide by match policies
and informs the medical education community about trends in graduate medical education. New board
members attend an orientation in June and meet three times each year—usually in October,
February and May. Board members also serve on one or more committees which may entail additional
travel.
Visit the Web site for more information about the matching program and NRMP policies as well as examples of recent board activities. The term of the position is two years. IMGs may e-mail nomination forms, statements of interest and curricula vitae with the subject line "NRMP Nominee."
Download (Word, 114KB) an application.
2) IMGs: Your leaders in medicine applications are due Dec. 7
Make sure your 2008 AMA Foundation Leadership Awards applications are received by the AMA
Foundation office by Dec. 7. As a program of the AMA Foundation Excellence in Medicine Awards, the
awards are presented in collaboration with the AMA sections and special groups and in association
with the Pfizer Medical Humanities Initiative.
The AMA Foundation Leadership Awards program aims to:
- Reward outstanding nonclinical leadership skills in community service, education, public health and/or advocacy.
- Encourage involvement in organized medicine.
- Provide leadership development for the country's brightest and most energetic leaders in the medical field.
Award recipients receive paid travel expenses to the AMA Foundation's Leadership Awards program and the AMA's National Advocacy Conference from March 30 to April 2, 2008, in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about the awards and apply.
3) Disposition of actions from AMA-IMG Section Interim Meeting now online
AMA-IMG Section physicians played an active role in the AMA Interim Meeting in November.
View the AMA-IMG Section disposition of actions.
Visit the Web site for additional information on AMA Interim Meeting proceedings, including meeting, section and reference committee highlights.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Medical school news
(Brought to you by the AMA Section on Medical Schools)
1) AMA-SMS Interim Meeting educational program slides available online
Slides from the AMA-SMS November educational sessions, including innovative approaches in medical
education, updates on AMA's initiative to transform medical education and innovative strategies for
transforming the education of physicians, and resident intimidation are now available online.
View these slides. Presentation summaries will be available online in January.
2) In AMNews: Student loan deferment program temporarily restored
Qualifying resident physicians get a year's reprieve while final rules are developed to determine
the economic hardship student loan deferment program's future, according to an article in the Dec.
3 issue of American Medical News (AMNews). The AMA has been lobbying extensively to
protect and expand medical student loan repayment options.
View the article.
View details on the educational loan repayment issue.
3) In AMNews: University of California system loses tuition-hike appeal
The California Court of Appeals upholds a $33.8 million award to medical students and others,
according to an article in the Dec. 3 issue of American Medical News (AMNews). It was
found that the university had breached its contract with continuing professional students when it
raised their fees contrary to what the university had posted on its Web site and printed in its
catalogs, that fees would not be raised for the duration of students' enrollment. The AMA
Litigation Center and the California Medical Association had filed a joint friend-of-the-court
brief on the students' behalf.
View the article.
4) In Medical Education Online: Innovative fourth-year medical student ambulatory
care rotation
A recent study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel fourth-year medical student rotation at the
University of New Mexico School of Medicine that integrates three underrepresented subject areas in
medical education: the interface between public health and medicine, ethics and professionalism,
and the shift from inpatient to outpatient clinical care and instruction. According to the study
results published in Medical Education Online, the students' skills had improved and their
evaluations support that the rotation was a success in integrating the three emerging areas of
significance in medical education.
View (PDF, 334KB) the study.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Medical student issues
1) AMA Foundation seeks everyday heroes in medicine
Recognizing the extraordinary efforts of leaders in the medical community, the AMA Foundation
honors those who go beyond the call of duty to improve the health of our nation. The AMA
Foundation, in association with the Pfizer Medical Humanities Initiative, recognizes a select group
of physicians and medical students who represent the highest standards of volunteerism, public
service and leadership each year.
The Excellence in Medicine Awards include:
- The Pride in the Profession Awards—four domestic physicians aiding underserved U.S. patients
- The Dr. Nathan Davis International Award—one domestic physician aiding the international population
- The Jack B. McConnell, MD, Award—one domestic senior physician improving access to care in the U.S.
- The Leadership Awards—medical students, residents and fellows, early career physicians, and established physicians who demonstrate outstanding nonclinical leadership skills in community service, education, public health and/or advocacy
All awards will be presented at the Excellence in Medicine Awards banquet March 31, 2008, in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about these awards and apply. Applications are due Dec. 7.
2) Apply now for one of many AMA-MSS leadership positions
Are you interested in becoming more involved in the AMA-MSS? If so, we encourage you to apply for
one of the various leadership roles in the AMA. The AMA-MSS is accepting applications for student
positions on the seven AMA councils, the AMA Foundation Board and representatives to the National
Resident Matching Program, National Board of Medical Examiners, and the Liaison Committee on
Medical Education.
Apply. Applications are due Jan. 31, 2008.
View current medical student representatives. Please feel free to contact them for more information on their positions.
In addition, the AMA-MSS is accepting applications for the Government Relations Advocacy Fellowship program. One fellow will be selected to work in Washington, D.C., as a full-time paid member of the AMA's federal advocacy team for one year. This exciting opportunity is available to any AMA-MSS member in good standing at a medical school in the United States and presents an exceptional opportunity for an interested student to be exposed to the workings of the federal government.
Visit the Web site for a detailed description and application procedures. Applications are due Jan. 31, 2008.
3) Mark your calendar: Upcoming deadlines for research forums
Deadlines for research abstracts are fast approaching for three AMA Foundation programs. The
Midwest, Eastern and National Student Research Forums offer young scientists the opportunity to
receive meaningful feedback and pertinent evaluation of their research efforts from their peers and
established scientists. Medical students, residents, fellows and graduate students are invited to
apply to the following:
Midwest Student Biomedical Research Forum
Abstract deadline: Dec. 7
Forum date: Feb. 29–March 1, 2008, in Omaha, Neb.
Apply.
Eastern-Atlantic Student Research Forum
Abstract deadline: Dec. 31
Forum date: Feb. 27–March 1, 2008, in Miami, Fla.
Apply.
National Student Research Forum
Abstract deadline: Jan. 11, 2008
Forum date: April 24–25, 2008, in Galveston, Texas
Apply.
4) In AMA GME e-Letter: More medical students—now what?
Medical schools are answering the calls for growth: The 2007 entering class is the largest in the
nation's history, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. At the same time,
without concomitant growth in the number of residency slots, the overall physician work force will
not increase significantly.
When looking at the health work force, it's also important to take the global view. Our national picture, as dire as it is portrayed, cannot compare to the huge worldwide shortage of health care workers (physicians, nurses and midwives) needed to provide "essential health interventions"—a deficit of 2.4 million, according to the World Health Organization.
Read the November issue of the AMA GME e-Letter, a leading source of news and information on graduate medical education (GME).
Other highlights from this issue, include:
- Postponing Medicaid GME payments with a new bill
- Researching work-hour regulations for surgical residents, faculty
- Communicating with limited English proficient patients
>>Return to your news interest contents
Minority health issues and professional concerns of minority physicians
(brought to you by the AMA Minority Affairs Consortium)
1) Mark your calendar: 2008 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program deadline Dec.
14
The application deadline for the 2008 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program is 5 p.m. EST
Dec. 14. This program is for college seniors and recent college graduates who have a strong
interest in addressing racial and ethnic health disparities, and/or who are themselves a member of
a population that is adversely affected by racial and ethnic health disparities.
View the application materials and find out more about this opportunity.
2) New online program addresses cardiovascular disease among African-Americans
The AMA recently released "Paying attention to preventing cardiovascular disease among racial and
ethnic minorities" as part of the online educational series, Educating Physicians on Controversies
in Health. This program focuses on cardiovascular disease among racial and ethnic minority
patients, especially African-Americans. It aims to better educate physicians on why
African-Americans are more at risk for heart disease and stroke and how the medical community can
address this growing problem.
View this program.
3) AMA-MAC disposition of actions online
The AMA House of Delegates (HOD) convened Nov. 11–13 in Honolulu for its 2007 Interim Meeting.
The AMA-MAC played an active role in the policy items considered by the AMA-HOD and authored one
resolution—Resolution 604. The AMA-MAC also testified on many key issues before the AMA-HOD,
including those listed in its disposition of actions.
View the AMA-MAC's disposition of actions.
4) Last call for minority leaders in medicine—applications due Dec. 7
Applications for the AMA Foundation Leadership Awards are due at the AMA Foundation office on or
before Dec. 7. As a program of the AMA Foundation Excellence in Medicine Awards, the AMA Foundation
Leadership Awards are presented in collaboration with the AMA sections and special groups and in
association with the Pfizer Medical Humanities Initiative.
The AMA Foundation Leadership Awards program aims to:
- Reward outstanding nonclinical leadership skills in community service, education, public health and/or advocacy.
- Encourage involvement in organized medicine.
- Provide leadership development for the country's brightest and most energetic leaders in the medical field.
Award recipients receive paid travel expenses to the AMA Foundation's Leadership Awards program and the AMA's National Advocacy Conference from March 30 to April 2, 2008, in Washington, D.C.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Organized medical staff issues
1) 2007 AMA-OMSS Interim Assembly Meeting materials now online
The disposition of actions, meeting summary and highlighted reports from the 2007 AMA-OMSS Interim
Assembly Meeting are now available online. View the materials.
Members can view and download the presentations and handouts of the faculty of the AMA-OMSS educational programs.
2) Listen to Joint Commission conference calls on MS.1.20 and new leadership standards
Did you miss the Joint Commission conference calls on the new leadership standards and Standard
MS.1.20 on Oct. 25 and Nov. 1? If so, you can listen to the conference calls by calling (877)
919–4059. The replay will be available for 60 days. The conference replay password for the
Nov. 1 call on MS.1.20 and new leadership standards is 25460006. The conference replay password for
the Oct. 25 call on new leadership standards is 24759244.
Learn more about these conference calls and access playback instructions.
3) CMS proposes Medicare hospital payment system based on quality of care
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed changes to the Medicare hospital
reimbursement system that, if implemented, would reduce payments to hospitals and create an
incentive payment pool to reward hospitals that meet or exceed certain quality-of-care standards.
The proposal also calls for the creation of a "Medicare hospital value-based purchasing program
(VBP)" that would base the payments hospitals receive for each discharge on quality
performance.
Learn more about the CMS proposal.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Resident and fellow issues
1) AMA-RFS policy highlights from its Interim Assembly Meeting
The AMA-RFS considered 10 items of business at its Interim Assembly Meeting in Hawaii. Two
resolutions—covering the monitoring of at-home call implementation by residency programs and
reinstatement of the economic hardship deferment qualification criterion known as the "20/220
pathway"—were immediately forwarded to the AMA House of Delegates.
Visit the Web site for a complete summary of the 2007 AMA-RFS Interim Assembly Meeting actions and the final reference committee report.
2) In AMNews: Non-compete provision in contract might not be legal
In some cases, states do not allow non-compete clauses. Even states that do allow non-compete
clauses limit the restrictions, such as the amount of time and the distance covered. AMA policy
says that non-compete agreements are unethical if excessive in scope.
Read more about this contract provision in a Dec. 3 American Medical News (AMNews) article.
3) Study shows too few U.S.-trained primary care doctors
According to a study in the journal Annals of Family Medicine, only about 31 percent of
primary care doctors are trained in the U.S. Many U.S. medical student are more attracted to
specialties because of the fewer work hours and higher pay. This has caused the U.S. to depend on
recruiting foreign medical graduates to help fill the gap.
Read the Nov. 20 HealthDay article.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Senior Physicians issues
1) AMA-SPG focuses on preventive services
At the 2007 Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates in November, the AMA-SPG Governing
Council agreed to help spread the word about preventive services covered under Medicare. Even
though many preventive services are still not covered by Medicare, there are about 16 that are.
AMA-SPG Governing Council Chair William E. Jacott, MD, said, "We are concerned that seniors are not
taking advantage of those preventive services that are paid by Medicare, such as flu shots,
pneumovax, mammograms, colorectal cancer screenings and glaucoma tests. As senior physicians, we
need to set an example for seniors throughout our country that these services are important and
demonstrate an action for good health. Prevention is cost saving. All seniors need to tell their
legislators to change the Medicare law to include more preventive services. The AMA Senior
Physicians Group is prepared to help lead that charge."
Visit the Web site and learn more (PDF, 281KB) about preventive services covered under Medicare.
2) Cruise the Baltic's Amber Coast
The AMA-SPG offers a wide variety of travel opportunities for senior physicians. Its newest travel
partner, Academic Arrangements Abroad, offers the ultimate in luxury travel. In July 2008, the Sea
Cloud II—a three-masted barque steeped in timeless elegance and modern amenities—will
sail the Baltic's Amber Coast. This is the only trip on the Sea Cloud II available to AMA
physicians in 2008.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Women physician and women's health issues
(brought to you by the AMA Women Physicians Congress)
1) AMA-WPC Physician Mentor Recognition Program presentation online
The AMA-WPC would like to thank all of you who participated in our first annual AMA-WPC Physician
Mentor Recognition Program, which honored those physicians who have made a difference in the
profession of medicine. As part of this program, nominees were highlighted in various venues,
including being honored in a special display at the AMA-WPC gala reception at the 2007 Interim
Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates, Nov. 9 in Honolulu.
View and download this presentation.
2) Call for Joan F. Giambalvo Scholarship Fund applications
Applications for the 2008 Joan F. Giambalvo Scholarship Fund are due Feb. 1, 2008. This scholarship
was established by the AMA-WPC with the goal of advancing the progress of women in the medical
profession and strengthening the AMA's ability to identify and address the needs and interests of
women physicians and medical students.
Visit the Web site for additional information and to download an application.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Young physician issues
1) Applications due tomorrow for AMA Foundation Leadership Awards
Have you or someone you know exhibited outstanding leadership in organized medicine, advocacy,
community service, public health or education? Young physicians are encouraged to apply for the
2008 AMA Foundation Leadership Awards, which aim to:
- Reward outstanding nonclinical leadership skills in community service, education, public health and/or advocacy.
- Encourage involvement in organized medicine.
- Provide leadership development for the country's brightest and most energetic leaders in the medical field.
Award recipients receive travel expenses to the AMA Foundation Leadership Award Program and the AMA's National Advocacy Conference, from March 30 to April 2, 2008, in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about the awards and apply. Applications are due Dec. 7.
2) Nominations for AMA-YPS Young at Heart Award due Dec. 31
Don't delay—nominations for the 2008 AMA-YPS Young at Heart Award must be submitted by Dec. 31.
Nominees should be AMA members who are not eligible for section membership and whose support and
guidance have strengthened the AMA-YPS through: 1) organizational aid; 2) support of AMA-YPS issues
in reference committees/causes and on the floor of the AMA House of Delegates; or 3) support of
AMA-YPS leadership development.
Nominations will be accepted from AMA-YPS Assembly members only—either via e-mail, letter or fax—until Dec. 31.
Visit the Web site for more information and to submit a nomination electronically.
3) AMA supports legislation to restore medical education loan deferment
In a statement released Nov. 28, the AMA voiced its strong support for new legislation introduced
by Sens. Richard Burr, R-N.C., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., to permanently restore the medical
student loan deferment program, known as the "20/220 pathway," which many residents rely upon to
defer payments on their loans. Although the U.S. Department of Education recently postponed
elimination of the medical student loan deferment eligibility, congressional action is needed to
permanently restore the loan deferment eligibility for residents.
View the AMA's statement in its entirety.
4) Just in time for the holidays, get a $15 Amazon gift card to jumpstart your earnings on
Sermo
Want to speak out about insurance-company bureaucracy and looming Medicare payment cuts? Have a
medical insight or observation worth sharing with colleagues? Join the 40,000 physicians on Sermo
who are learning from one another and creating a new voice in medicine. You'll even get paid for
participating. Sermo is offering physicians a $15 Amazon gift card for joining—that's just the
beginning. Please note: Type "AMA2" in the promotion box when you join Sermo to receive your $15
Amazon gift card.
Join today.
>>Return to your news interest contents
General AMA news
1) Medicine's grassroots surge on Medicare payment issue is unprecedented
Over the past two months, the AMA and its local, state and national specialty society partners have generated
an unprecedented number of contacts to federal lawmakers to convey the urgency of stopping steep cuts in
Medicare payments to doctors.
Since Oct. 8, the coordinated effort has resulted in more than 180,000 contacts to members of Congress about Medicare payment, at least 27,000 of which were phone calls placed through the AMA Grassroots Hotlines. The campaign on this issue has made a concerted effort to educate patients about how cuts in Medicare physician payments will affect access to quality medical care for seniors. Tactics have included media interviews, opinion pieces in newspapers, TV, radio, and online advertising, and outreach to voter groups. Several key senators have been contacted thousands of times during this period.
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee this week has been formulating legislation to address physician payment and other aspects of the Medicare program. The AMA and other medical societies are strongly urging the Senate to replace at least the next two years of cuts, in 2008 and 2009, with positive payment updates that are funded in a way that does not increase the overall cost of replacing Medicare's deeply flawed physician payment system.
>>Return to your general news contents
2) AMA releases its National Health Care Policy Agenda
With health care system reform a top issue in the 2008 elections, the medical profession is poised to play an
active role to inform and influence this crucial debate.
To that end, the AMA has formulated its National Health Care Policy Agenda and is sharing it with every member of Congress and candidate for president. The AMA also will use this document to develop questionnaires for congressional candidates seeking support from organized medicine.
The AMA Board of Trustees created the document in accordance with Resolution 607 adopted by the House of Delegates at its 2006 Interim Meeting, and with assistance from delegates at a discussion forum at the 2007 AMA Annual Meeting.
Download (PDF, 40KB) the agenda and share it with others.
>>Return to your general news contents
3) Prepare for upcoming NPI implementation
deadlines
The AMA continues to advocate to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on several fronts regarding
the implementation of the National Provider Identifier (NPI). The AMA is concerned about Medicare's ability to
correctly match physicians' old, or legacy, provider numbers to their new NPI numbers in their systems—and
about the requirement for physicians to re-enroll in Medicare if a match can not be made. The Medicare
enrollment process for physicians is burdensome and lengthy and the AMA continues to advocate that CMS
streamline it.
CMS recently announced two key deadlines for NPI implementation:
- March 1, 2008—This deadline applies to Medicare claims only. Physicians will no longer be permitted to submit paper and electronic claims using just their legacy provider number. All claims must include the physician's NPI, with the option of also including the legacy provider number.
- May 23, 2008—This deadline applies to all public and commercial claims. Physicians will be required to use only their NPI on all electronic claims. Physicians who bill Medicare on paper must also use only their NPI starting on this date. No legacy numbers will be permitted on claims after this date.
The AMA strongly urges physicians and their office staff members to take the following steps:
1) Look for NPI informational warnings. Since Oct. 15, Medicare has been issuing informational warnings on pre-pass reject reports (M389, M390, M391, and or M392) to billers if no NPI was included on the claim. If you have received one of these messages even though you submitted claims bearing your NPI, it is possible a billing agent or clearinghouse removed the NPI before sending the claim to Medicare. Call your clearinghouse or billing agent to determine how to fix future claims.
2) Begin using your NPI immediately—begin first by sending a few claims through to ensure they process correctly. Doing so now allows time to correct any problems Medicare may encounter when matching your legacy number to your NPI. If these first few claims are rejected, first validate your NPI information in the NPI system. Visit the Web site or call (800) 465–3203 to access the system. Once there, ensure that the correct legacy number appears in the "Other Provider Identification Numbers" field. If the information in the NPI system is correct, contact your contractor and ask they validate what appears in their system.
3) If required, re-enroll in Medicare immediately. The enrollment process can be lengthy; the AMA strongly recommends allowing enough time to meet the March 1, 2008, deadline. Read (PDF, 100KB) the newsletter or view (PDF, 31KB) more details on the Medicare enrollment process.
4) Earn five CME credits through the AMA's free online video
series
The AMA's online educational series, Educating Physicians on Controversies and Challenges in Health, now offers
five easily accessible programs to earn continuing medical education (CME) credit online. Each webcast presents
strategies to address health care disparities in your medical practice and enhance your skills and knowledge on
vital public health issues in medicine.
To earn CME credit, view the five webcasts and answer the self-assessment and program evaluation questions using the online form. All questions must be answered correctly to receive CME credit. Allow approximately one hour to review the materials and answer the questions, and once complete, print your certificate online.
Learn more about this online series, and complete the program and obtain CME credit.
Accreditation statement
The American Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Designation statement
The American Medical Association designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
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5) AMA offers Web-based course in disaster
preparedness
Physicians and health care professionals who would be on the front lines if a disaster or mass-casualty event
strikes their community now have an easier way to ensure they're ready to serve as a first responder to any
public health emergency.
The AMA Center for Public Health Preparedness and Disaster Response (CPHPRD) has developed an online version of its nationally recognized Core Disaster Life Support® (CDLS®) course, making it possible to access this critical training when and where it's convenient for you. A four-hour, all-hazards program developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, CDLS is designed to increase emergency responders' awareness of basic skills, competencies, knowledge and resources that are critical for a coordinated and effective local emergency response effort. The online course, eCDLS™, comprises nine modules, a pre-test and a post-test.
Send an e-mail or call Suraj Madoori at (312) 464–4074 to get login instructions for the eCDLS course.
Visit the CPHPRD Web site for more about the CDLS course and the rest of the AMA's National Disaster Life Support curriculum.
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6) Resources available to manage CA-MRSA
infections
To help facilitate outpatient management of skin and soft tissue infections in the era of community-associated
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections, the AMA has collaborated with the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) to produce an
informational resource on this topic.
The piece is intended to assist in the management of CA-MRSA skin and soft tissue infections. While it describes recommended interventions, it is not meant as a substitute for the advice of a physician or another knowledgeable health care professional. This information represents the best clinical practice at the time of publication, but practice standards may change as more knowledge is gained.
A poster-sized version of the same information also is available. The AMA, CDC and IDSA are working on a pocket-sized laminated card version with this information as well.
Learn more and download the flier and poster.
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7) Available now: Updated booklet on managing home care
patients
The third edition of the Medical Management of the Home Care Patient: Guidelines for Physicians is
available for purchase. This valuable resource is made possible through the close collaboration of the AMA and
the American Academy of Home Care Physicians. With more than 100,000 copies of previous editions distributed,
the new edition contains the most current information on continuity of care, based on a decade of proven
approaches. This 70-page booklet contains information to help physicians, including:
- Understanding different types of medical practice and delivery systems.
- Accessing system resources.
- Planning care, controlling costs and utilizing resources for better outcomes.
- Assessing and advocating for patient needs in our complex, fragmented delivery system.
Bound copies are available, 10 per package for $50, plus state sales tax and $9.95 for shipping/handling. Visit the Web site to order bound copies of the booklet. Limited quantities are available.
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8) In JAMA: Some common treatment for sinus
infections may not be effective
A comparison of common treatments for acute sinusitis that included an antibiotic and a topical steroid found
neither more effective than placebo, according to a study in the Dec. 5 issue of the Journal of the American
Medical Association (JAMA). In an accompanying editorial, an author comments on the findings regarding treating
acute sinusitis.
View the study.
Preview an editorial on this topic.
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Feedback
If you have specific comments on this edition of AMA eVoice, simply
reply to this message. For more general feedback on AMA eVoice, send an e-mail to evoice@ama-assn.org and alert the editor of your comments and
concerns. Do you have general questions about the AMA? Call the AMA Unified Service Center at (800)
262-3211.
Thank you for your AMA membership! The AMA's strength comes from its numbers. That strength grows when our membership increases — please urge your fellow physicians and medical students to join our cause by calling (800) 262–3211 or visiting the AMA Web site.
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