New podcast episode discusses progress made in fighting the overdose epidemic
In a new podcast, AMA Immediate Past President and current Opioid Task Force Chair Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA, discusses results of the update to the AMA-Manatt Health National Policy Roadmap, which details how states have made progress in fighting the overdose epidemic, and what the next steps are. Listen here.
New Preventive Services Coding search tool now available
Due to the ACA, when physicians order certain evidence-based preventive services for patients, the insurance company may cover the cost of the service, with the patient having no cost-sharing responsibility (zero-dollar).
The ACA requires that most private insurance plans provide zero-dollar coverage for the preventive services recommended by four ACA designated organizations (the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), Women’s Preventive Services Initiative, and Bright Futures).
As coverage is directly aligned with these evidence-based recommendations, it is important to recognize which patient populations are eligible for each preventive service without cost-sharing and which patients may require cost-sharing for the same services.
The AMA offers coding guides that helps physicians ensure that they are coding services correctly to be eligible for zero-dollar coverage for private payer and Medicare services.
Nominations for AMPAC Award for Political Participation now open
Awarded every two years by the AMPAC Board of Directors, the AMPAC Award for Political Participation recognizes an AMA or AMA Alliance member who has made significant personal contributions of time and talent in assisting friends of medicine in their quest for elective office at the federal and state level. These can include: volunteer activities in a political campaign or a significant health care-related election issue such as a ballot initiative or referendum.
Nominees must be a current member of the AMA or AMA Alliance and AMPAC with preference given to members with a demonstrated history of AMPAC involvement. The deadline to submit nominations is Jan. 31. The full criteria for the 2019 AMPAC Award for Political Participation including how to submit a nomination can be found here.
The winning nominee will receive special recognition during the AMPAC Board Chair's speech before the House of Delegates or during the AMPAC luncheon at the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago. The winning nominee will also receive free admittance (including airfare and hotel expenses) to a future AMPAC political education program (campaign school or candidate workshop) in Washington, DC.
