AAPM&R Connection E-Newsletter

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USBJI Grant Mentoring Program Deadline

The deadline to apply for the fall workshop is July 15, 2015. Visit the USBJI website to learn more and apply for this program.


Ultrasound Needs Assessment Survey

AAPM&R is seeking input on ultrasound in physiatric practice through our ultrasound needs assessment survey. Whether or not you currently utilize ultrasound in practice, your Academy wants to understand how we can better serve you in this area.


Earn 8AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ through our SAE-Ps

Check out one of your Academy’s12 Self-Assessment Exams for Practitioners (SAE-Ps)that helps you earn 8AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.


Academy News


FreePQRSwizard®Webinar on July 17

The Academy is hosting a PQRS webinar onFriday, July 17 @ 11 am (CT); 12 pm (ET). Webinar content will cover:

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  • Overview of 2015 PQRS (What’s New for 2015)

  • Overview of 2015 Value-Based Modifier

  • How you can avoid penalties

  • How to report using PQRSwizard®

  • What value PQRSwizard®can bring to you and your practice

The webinar is free but you must register.Register Now!


Annual Assembly Networking Opportunities with Peers, Employers, and Industry

Head to Boston this October 1-4 for the largest gathering of physiatrists in the world! This year’s Annual Assembly offers a variety of ways to connect with peers, employers, and industry. You’ll get to experience:

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Register byAugust 5to take advantage of early bird registration rates!


Less than 100 Days to ICD-10 Implementation

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ICD-10 is almost here, but you still have time to get ready. Prepare by: 1) Making a Plan, 2) Training Your Staff, 3) Updating Your Processes, 4) Talking with Your Vendors and Health Plans, and 5) Testing Your Systems and Processes.

Get ready now, your Academy has created ICD-10 resources to help you prepare.


2015-2016 Dues Renewal Available for Members In-Training and Recent Graduates

Dues renewal for in-training members is now open until September 15, 2015. You are eligible for renewal if you meet 1 of the following criteria:

  • You are a resident.

  • You are in a fellowship (fellowship application must be submitted to AAPM&R).

  • You graduated from your residency program in 2014 or 2015.

  • You are a medical student with aPM&Rsubscription.

All eligible members will receive an AAPM&R dues invoice. You can renew your dues by submitting your payment with the invoice or simply renew online.


Changes to the Medicare Opt-Out Law for Physicians and Other Qualified Health Care Professionals

Prior to the enactment of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA), physician/ other qualified health care professional opt-out affidavits were only effective for 2 years. As a result of changes made by MACRA, valid opt-out affidavits signed on or after June 16, 2015, will automatically renew every 2 years.

If physicians and other qualified health care professionals that file affidavits effective on or after June 16, 2015 do not want their opt-out to automatically renew at the end of a 2 year opt-out period, they may cancel the renewal by notifying all Medicare Administrative Contractors with which they filed an affidavit in writing at least 30 days prior to the start of the next opt-out period. Valid opt-out affidavits signed before June 16, 2015, will expire 2 years after the effective date of the opt-out. If physicians and other qualified health care professionals that filed affidavits effective before June 16, 2015 want to extend their opt out, they must submit a renewal affidavit within 30 days after the current opt-out period expires to all Medicare Administrative Contractors with which they would have filed claims absent the opt-out. Learn more about your Medicare enrollment and participation options. You may also visit the Medicare website for further information.


Certification Exam Prep Qbank is Now Available!

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AAPM&R’s valuable study resource for physiatrists preparing for the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) Certification Part I Examination is now available!

This study tool features 870 questions covering the breadth of the exam and provides immediate feedback with explanation. Visit the ®website to learn more. AAPM&R members save significantly!


Workers Compensation Slide Lectures are on mē®

New! Four online slide lectures focused on workers compensation – chronic pain management and biophysical treatments are now available on ®. Each slide lecture is free and offers 0.50-1.0AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.


Congress Repeals the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB)

On June 23, 2015, by a vote of 244 to 154, the U.S. House passed H.R. 1190, the Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act, which would repeal (IPAB). Your Academy has actively supported the repeal of the IPAB provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The IPAB not only poses a threat to access, but also is likely to consider short-term savings in the form of payment cuts for health care providers. Your Academy will continue its advocacy measures as the legislation has now passed to the Senate for consideration.


Claim Your CME for Live Events

Have you claimed your continuing medical education (CME) credit for recent AAPM&R live events? If not, you need to do so on the ®site within 1 year of the event:

Some live events you may still need to claim CME credit for include:

  • 2014 Coding and Billing Workshop
    November 11-12, 2014

  • Introduction to Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound Applications in Physiatry
    November 11-12, 2014

  • Regenerative Medicine: Current Concepts in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Conditions
    November 12, 2014

  • AAPM&R 2014 Annual Assembly
    November 13-16, 2014

  • Diagnostic and Interventional Musculoskeletal Ultrasound of the Upper Extremity
    June 26-28, 2015

Around the Web

CMS ICD-10 Resources
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed a series of videos to help ease your transition to ICD-10. These videos will provide an overview of ICD-10 and will explain the benefits of the new code set. The videos are currently available for viewing on theCMS YouTube channel.

AMA ERA Resources
The AMA has just released a newly revisedElectronic Remittance Advice (ERA) Toolkitthat offers information for physician practices interested in implementing or maximizing the utility of this standard electronic transaction.

 

AboutAAPM&R Connection

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