American Academy of Neurology

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS to Eliminate Outpatient Mental Health Treatment Limitation

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:29:00 GMT

As part of its final 2010 ruling on the physician fee schedule, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has initiated a plan to phase out the current limitation on payment for outpatient mental health treatment.

Coding & Reimbursement: Medicare Eliminates Consults: What the Academy is Doing For You

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:56:00 GMT

When the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed eliminating consults in the summer of 2009, the Academy, along with other consultative specialties and the AMA, opposed the change.

Public & Private Payer Relations: CMS Announces 2010 Annual Participation Enrollment Program Extension

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:50:00 GMT

Due to revisions in to the 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), CMS has extended the 2010 Annual Participation Enrollment Program end date from December 31, 2009, to January 31, 2010.

Public & Private Payer Relations: UHC to Implement Change to Radiology Notification Program in 2010

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:46:00 GMT

The AAN has learned that UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is implementing a change to the Radiology Notification Program, effective February 15, 2010, whereby Premium Quality and Cost Efficiency

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: What Should Neurologists Know About the 'Stark' Law?

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:47:00 GMT

The physician self-referral or "Stark" law, first enacted by Congress in 1989, and amended many times since, was intended to prevent overutilization that was perceived to stem from arrangements in which physicians benefited financially from their referrals

Public & Private Payer Relations: Take a Survey About Problems with Health Insurers

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:08:00 GMT

The AMA and AAN invite you to participate in a survey on claims denial management and health insurer business practices. This 10-minute survey is open to physicians and their practice staff and will help us determine how we can best equip your practice

Practice: Questions About H1N1 Vaccination and GBS? Webinar Now Offers Vital Information

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:39:00 GMT

In addition to a recorded webinar, AAN.com offers a wide range of online tools as part of a nationwide effort to encourage neurologists and health care professionals

Coding & Reimbursement: New 2010 CPT Code: Report Nerve Conduction with Electrode Arrays

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:28:00 GMT

The 2010 Current Procedural Terminology book includes a new code to report nerve conduction tests performed using preconfigured electrode arrays. The creation of this new code allows those performing studies that differ from traditional nerve conduction tests

Payment Policy & Decision Making: 2010 Medicare Fee Schedule Changes Include Elimination of Payment for Consultation Codes

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:39:00 GMT

On November 1, the CMS released its final ruling regarding the 2010 Physician Fee Schedule. One of the major announcements in the Final Rule is the elimination of payment for consultation codes as of January 1, 2010.

ICD-9, CPT & E/M Coding : Read the Latest on CMS Elimination of Consultation Codes

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:55:00 GMT

The recent announcement by CMS that it will stop paying for consultation services has raised a lot of concern and questions from specialists. The AAN answers your questions in an effort to help neurology offices sort through the confusion.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: FTC Red Flags Rule Delayed Until June 1

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:12:00 GMT

In a last-minute decision, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that the Red Flags rule will be delayed until June 1, 2010. The AMA has been urging the FTC and Congress that physicians are not "creditors" and should not be subject to the rule

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS to Redistribute Payment for Evaluation and Management Services Starting January 1

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:51:00 GMT

The CMS has announced plans to stop paying for consultation codes and to redistribute those dollars to other E/M services as part of its 2010 Final Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

Pay-for-Performance: CMS Offers Alternative Process for Accessing PQRI Reports

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:02:00 GMT

Beginning on October 19, 2009, individual eligible providers may now call their respective carrier or A/B MAC Provider Contact Center to request 2007 Re-Run and 2008 PQRI feedback reports

Coding & Reimbursement: Minimize Mistakes, Maximize Reimbursement with Final Audio Conference Call

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:47:00 GMT

The last of the one-hour 2009 AAN Coding Audio Conference Calls gives advice for coding correctly and avoiding common reimbursement pitfalls.

Public & Private Payer Relations: Academy Document Drives Changes to Aetna Policy

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:02:00 GMT

In an October 2009 update to its medical policy for magnetoencephalography (MEG), Aetna, one of the nation's largest private insurance companies, references the Academy's own model policy document for the technology.

Public & Private Payer Relations: Get Ready for 'Heal that Claim' Month

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:29:00 GMT

The Academy encourages members to perform a claims process checkup during November, in an effort to reduce waste from the claims process and decrease the physician cost to submit claims.

Practice: Q&A: Robert G. Miller Discusses New ALS Guidelines

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:59:00 GMT

Two new AAN guidelines—"The Care of the Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Drug, Nutritional, and Respiratory Therapies (an evidence-based review)," and "The Care of the Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Multidisciplinary Care, Symptom Management, and Cognitive/Behavioral Impairment (an evidence-based review)"—were published in the October 13, 2009, issue of Neurology® (2009; 73:1218-1233). AAN.com asked Robert G. Miller, MD, FAAN, to discuss how the guidelines were developed. He spoke with AAN.com Practice & Technology Editor, Neil A. Busis, MD, FAAN.

Practice: Capitol Hill Report: Neurology Amendment Ready for House Health Reform Debate

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:47:00 GMT

After seven days of deliberations last week, the Senate Finance Committee wrapped up consideration of more than 500 amendments on a health reform measure. The Senate legislation is unlikely to draw support from any physician specialties.

Quality Initiatives : Parkinson's Disease Measurement Set Now Open for Public Comments

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:16:00 GMT

Your expert opinion is needed on ten performance measures developed for Parkinson's disease.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Medicare Releases Results of Provider Satisfaction Survey

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:18:00 GMT

The Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS) enables CMS to gauge provider satisfaction with key services performed by the contractors that process and pay the more than $300 billion in Medicare claims each year.

Public & Private Payer Relations: Review Your Humana Contract Before October 19

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:57:00 GMT

The physician protections of the Humana multidistrict litigation class-action settlement agreement end October 19, 2009. The termination of the Humana settlement agreement means that Humana no longer has to comply with its settlement terms.

Pay-for-Performance: Medicare Learning Network Announces 2009 PQRI and E-Prescribing Program Course

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:23:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Learning Network (MLN) is pleased to announce that the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) and Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program (E-Prescribing) Web-based Training Course is now available.

Coding & Reimbursement: ICD-10-CM Is Coming, Are You Ready?

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:34:00 GMT

Register now for the latest one-hour AAN Audio Conference Call, outlining changes in the 2010 ICD-9-CM and the upcoming ICD-10.

Coding & Reimbursement: New E/M Templates Address Documentation of Inpatient Consults

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:20:00 GMT

The Coding Subcommittee of the AAN has developed five new E/M templates for neurologists to use when seeing inpatient consultations. There are now 20 templates available

Technology News -- Members Only: AAN Hosts Open Call to Discuss Coding for Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:25:00 GMT

The AAN will host an open, one-hour call on Tuesday, October 6, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. ET, for interested members

Practice: Guideline Finds Children with Microcephaly Risk Neurologic Problems, Need Screening

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:40:00 GMT

A new guideline from the AAN finds children with microcephaly are at risk of neurologic and cognitive problems and should be screened for these problems. The guideline, developed in full collaboration with the Child Neurology Society,

Running a Practice: The HITECH Act: New HIPAA Requirements

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:44:00 GMT

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, includes rules and regulations that will soon expand HIPAA requirements for covered entities and business associates

Patient Safety: Neurologists Asked to Monitor Patients for Post-Vaccine Related GBS

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:00:00 GMT

The American Academy of Neurology is asking its member neurologists and other health care professionals to report any potential post-vaccine related cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare nerve disorder

Practice: Evaluation of the Child with Microcephaly

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:28:00 GMT

A new AAN guideline, "Practice Parameter: Evaluation of the Child with Microcephaly (an evidence-based review)," has been published. The lead authors, Stephen Ashwal and David Michelson, discuss how the guideline was developed.

Practice: The Perils of Being An Expert Witness

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:56:00 GMT

By Donna Vanderpool, MBA, JD - Courts, government agencies, and professional organizations are demonstrating an increasing interest in holding physicians accountable for expert witness testimony. This article provides an overview of three categories

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Academy Responds to Proposal to Eliminate Consultation Codes

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:24:00 GMT

On August 31, the Academy submitted a detailed comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on its proposed 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Among other issues, the letter stated the Academy's opposition

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Recovery Audit Contractors: Here To Stay in 2010

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Section 302 of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 makes the Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) Program permanent and requires the Secretary to expand the program to all 50 states by 2010.

Public & Private Payer Relations: White House Announces Open Conference Call on Health Insurance Reform

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:51:00 GMT

Academy members can participate in the White House's open conference call for physicians on health insurance reform.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: FTC Delays Enforcement of 'Red Flag' Rules until November 1, 2009

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:18:00 GMT

he "Red Flags" Rule is an anti-fraud regulation, requiring "creditors" and "financial institutions" with covered accounts to implement programs to identify, detect, and respond to the warning signs, or "red flags,"

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Update Your NPPES Record

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:15:00 GMT

The National Plan and Provider Enumeration System has assigned more than 700,000 NPIs to physicians. Many physicians were assigned their NPIs upon their graduation from medical school.

Practice: FTC Delays Enforcement of the Red Flag Rules Until November 1, 2009

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:31:00 GMT

The "Red Flags" Rule is an anti-fraud regulation requiring "creditors" and "financial institutions" with covered accounts to implement programs to identify, detect, and respond to the warning signs, or "red flags," that could indicate identity theft.

Coding & Reimbursement: Changes to ICD-9-CM Announced

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:58:00 GMT

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) has published the annual Addenda to ICD-9-CM. These diagnosis-coding changes will become effective on October 1, 2009. The Coding Subcommittee of the Medical Economics and Management Committee

Public & Private Payer Relations: Academy Joins Specialty Societies: Meets with Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:15:00 GMT

Working with a coalition of specialty societies, the Academy arranged a July meeting at the BCBSA offices in Chicago to discuss areas of mutual interest and potential collaboration between physicians and insurers in the face of a changing health care landscape.

Coding & Reimbursement: Learn to Avoid Claim Denials in One-Hour CME Conference Call

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:29:00 GMT

Register now for the next one-hour AAN Audio Conference Call, "Avoid Coding Pitfalls and Reduce Claim Denials," and learn how to ensure you sidestep costly coding mistakes.

Patient Safety: Two Internet Drug Safety Sites Your Patients Should Know

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:15:00 GMT

By Daniel B. Hier, MD, MBA, FAAN - Medication safety is a serious issue in the United States. Neurologists may find it useful to refer patients to MedNotes or iGuard, two free Internet drug safety sites,

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS Releases Proposed 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:51:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services published its proposed 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The proposed rule contains a number of important policy changes that have implications for neurologists.

Electronic Health Records: Incentives Announced for Meaningful Use of EHR

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:11:00 GMT

Starting in 2011, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) will provide qualifying physicians reimbursement incentives for showing "meaningful use" of Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems.

Public & Private Payer Relations: Reorganizing Care: Workers' Compensation

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:51:00 GMT

By Gary M. Franklin, MD, MPH - A 2002 report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), identified the most serious quality problems facing the United States' health care system. This report focused on the quality side of the value equation. The US is spending

Payment Policy & Decision Making: Request Health Insurer Documents Before Settlements End

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:02:00 GMT

Due to recent insurer settlements with WellPoint/Anthem, Health Net, Humana and Blue Cross Blue Shield, physicians can provide written requests to the health insurers for copies of their contracts and fee schedules.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Recovery Audit Contractor Audit Letters Coming Soon

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:51:00 GMT

The first batch of audit letters from Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs) is currently on its way to 24 states; the remaining 26 states will begin receiving letters in August. Due to the strict deadlines for responses and appeals upon receipt of a RAC letter, it is a good idea to set up a RAC Response Team if you haven't already done so.

Electronic Health Records: New Report Helps Members with Office Technologies

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:15:00 GMT

A new Academy report helps members use technology solutions in their neurology practices. "Technology Solutions for Neurology Practices: A 2009 Report" presents an overview of the technologies such as e-prescribing, smart phones, and chart scanning

Patient Safety: Libby Zion's Lesson: Adverse Drug Reactions and Interactions

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:47:00 GMT

By Laurence Kinsella, MD, FAAN - The lesson to be learned from Libby Zion's death is that drug-drug interactions (DDI) and adverse drug events (ADE) are under-recognized, and many are unaware

Practice: Sign Up Now for Evidence-Based Medicine Training

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:26:00 GMT

Program Directors can register today for free training on how to teach evidence-based medicine to your residents. The AAN's Evidence-Based Medicine Toolkit is an intensive, intimate training program taught

Coding & Reimbursement: How the Academy Participates in the CPT Process

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:04:00 GMT

By Marc R. Nuwer, MD, PhD, FAAN - The Academy participates in the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) process by submitting new codes and changes to existing codes, and by commenting on code changes proposed by other societies.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Information You Need to Know: Medicare Private Fee for Service Plans

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:18:00 GMT

A Medicare Advantage Private Fee for Service Plan (PFFS) is a particular product in which the rules for participation are defined by Medicare. It is a Medicare Advantage (MA) health plan, offered by a state-licensed, risk-bearing entity (sometimes a private insurance company).

Quality Initiatives : Waste Not, Want Not: A Vision for Health Care in America

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:52:00 GMT

By Rita M. Richardson, MD - The NQF recently held a conference, "Waste Not, Want Not: The Right Care for Every Patient,"

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS Issues Scam Alert to Physicians

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:16:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has become aware of a scam in which perpetrators send faxes to physicians' offices posing as the Medicare carrier

ICD-9, CPT & E/M Coding : Online ICD-9/CPT Database Now Free to Academy Members

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:11:00 GMT

For the past nine years, the Academy has maintained an online coding database with up-to-date information on both ICD-9 and CPT coding. The database is now available free of charge to all Academy members.

Quality Initiatives : Let Us Be Part of a Culture of Health Care Quality Improvement

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 28 May 2009 23:13:00 GMT

By David Z. Wang, DO, FAHA - Under new national interest in health care reform, the AMA-convened PCPI held a meeting in Chicago in March 2009. The conference's theme was to "Mobilize a Culture of Quality Improvement."

Public & Private Payer Relations: MEM Workgroup Develops Model Medical Policy for MEG

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 28 May 2009 20:33:00 GMT

On May 8, 2009, the Academy Board of Directors voted to approve an Academy-developed model medical policy on Magnetoencephalography (MEG). The document explains MEG, summarizes

Electronic Health Records: Free AMA Webinar Helps Physicians Access Stimulus Funds For HIT

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:56:00 GMT

As part of its continuing efforts to help physicians learn about and adopt new technology, the American Medical Association (AMA) announced a new, free webinar series that will help physicians understand the health information technology (HIT) provisions

ICD-9, CPT & E/M Coding : ICD-10-CM To Be Implemented in 2013: What You Need To Do Now

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 14 May 2009 22:51:00 GMT

On January 16, 2009, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a Final Rule announcing that ICD-10-CM (diagnosis coding) and ICD-10-PCS (procedure coding for hospital use only)

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS Goes Green: Electronic Medicare Handbooks Now Available

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:36:00 GMT

CMS is going green - new in 2009, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service is happy to bring to Medicare beneficiaries an electronic option to receive their Medicare and You handbooks each year.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Red Flag Rules Start August 1

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:54:00 GMT

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has indicated that enforcement of the Red Flags Rule will be delayed until August 1, 2009. The rule–designed to prevent identity theft—requires that physicians (as well as many other businesses) implement procedures to verify identity and protect patient information.

Practice: New Guidelines Published on Women with Epilepsy and Pregnancy

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:01:00 GMT

New guidelines developed by the Academy show the relative safety for women with epilepsy to become pregnant, but caution against taking one particular epilepsy drug, which can cause birth defects.

Practice: AAN.com Talks with Cynthia Harden About New Guidelines for Women with Epilepsy

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:41:00 GMT

Three updated Practice Parameters address issues of concern to women with epilepsy who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. AAN.com asked Cynthia L. Harden, MD, the lead author of these Practice Parameters, to discuss the updates by the Quality Standards Subcommittee and

Practice: Protect Your Practice with a Free Webinar on 'Red Flags Rule' Compliance and Identity Theft

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:31:00 GMT

Practices are required to comply with the "Red Flags Rule" that requires businesses and organizations to implement a written Identity Theft Prevention Program designed to detect the warning signs—or "red flags"

Technology News -- Members Only: New Videos on Voice Recognition Software Available

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:06:00 GMT

Voice recognition software can save physicians time and money.

Coding & Reimbursement: Earn Practice Management CME Via AAN Audio Conferences

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:50:00 GMT

The Academy is helping members take some of the confusion out of coding. The 2009 Coding Audio Conferences review proper coding in common circumstances, helping participants to code with

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: FTC 'Red Flags' Rule Takes Effect May 1, 2009, Likely Applies to Your Practice

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 17:25:00 GMT

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) "Red Flags" Rule requires many businesses and organizations to implement a written Identity Theft Prevention Program designed to detect the warning signs of identity theft in their day-to-day operations. Health care providers should pay particular attention to the requirements that the Red Flags Rule applies to "creditors."

ICD-9, CPT & E/M Coding : An Overview of the ICD-9-CM Process

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:51:00 GMT

By Laura B. Powers, MD, FAAN - The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM), is the...

Payment Policy & Decision Making: Academy Members Encouraged to Challenge Inappropriate Insurer Rankings

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:28:00 GMT

Although insurer physician ranking plans are not currently in place in every state or market, a number of large national health plans such as UnitedHealth Care and Aetna will be rolling out their quality designation and grading programs this spring and simultaneously sending notifications to physicians regarding opportunities to appeal their rating(s).

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: RACs Become a Reality

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:59:00 GMT

Practitioners and hospitals will soon find Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs) are a reality. This service offers a valuable way to retrieve Medicare overpayments (and underpayments), and also help prevent future overpayments.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: All About CMS' Carrier Advisory Committees

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:52:00 GMT

Saty Satya-Murti, MD, FAAN, answers questions about the role of CACs in setting policies and establishing standards of patient care...

Payment Policy & Decision Making: Updated CPT Code Crosswalk Table Now Available

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:28:00 GMT

In response to direct feedback from physicians and medical societies, a CPT Code Crosswalk Table was implemented in 2007 to support the UnitedHealthcare Radiology Notification Program. The crosswalk table houses CPT code information that will enable physicians

Payment Policy & Decision Making:

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:20:00 GMT

BRAINS: Practice Managers: Now More Than Ever You Should Join the AAN and BRAINS!

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:49:00 GMT

By Bryan Soronson, MPA, FACMPE, CRA - During the current financial crisis, managing a neurology practice has become increasingly challenging. Every day, practice managers face declining reimbursement,

Payment Policy & Decision Making: AMA Practice Tip: Losing Revenue Through Inappropriate Health Insurer Adjustments

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:38:00 GMT

The American Medical Association has developed the educational resource "Is your practice losing revenue through inappropriate health insurer adjustments?" to alert physician practices to the need to carefully review

Practice: Practice Management and Technology Subcommittee: Dedicated to Assisting Members

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:24:00 GMT

By Gregory J. Esper, MD - PM&T takes a broad approach to helping Academy members keep up-to-date with new government and private sector developments in practice management and technology.

Practice: Evidence-based Medicine and AAN Guidelines

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:57:00 GMT

By Janis M. Miyasaki, MD, MEd, FRCPC - Few words generate as much controversy and confusion as "evidence-based medicine." For some, the term implies that medicine before the 1980s

BRAINS: BRAINS Listserv Participation Options Changing

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:48:00 GMT

The Business and Research Administrators in Neurology Society (BRAINS) listserv is a valuable tool for its users. Members are able to network with one another, sharing information and answering one another's questions.

Coding & Reimbursement: Use CPT Code 95999 for Nerve Testing Using Pre-configured Electrode Arrays

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:34:00 GMT

Nerve conduction testing performed with pre-configured arrays are to be reported using 95999, according to the AMA's CPT® Assistant (December 2008). Academy members are encouraged to educate other physicians in your community that utilize NCS testing

Coding & Reimbursement: Participate in Surveys for New CPT Codes

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:05:00 GMT

The Academy will be conducting surveys to develop physician work Relative Value Units for new CPT codes. All new codes must be surveyed to determine the rate at which Medicare and other payers reimburse for procedures.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: Reminder Regarding CAP Drugs

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:56:00 GMT

In September 2008 the CMS announced the postponement of the Competitive Acquisition Program for 2009. Any physicians who participated in the 2008 program have until February 28, 2009 to return unused CAP drugs to the approved vendor

Payment Policy & Decision Making: AMA Practice Tip: Negotiating Contracts

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:38:00 GMT

Taking command of payer contracts and thoroughly understanding their implications is essential to the success of a physician practice. Protect your practice from inappropriate payer discounts by understanding the implications of contract provisions.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: Competitive Acquisition Program Postponed by CMS

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:25:00 GMT

Physicians who participated in the 2008 program have until February 28, 2009, to return unused CAP drugs to the approved vendor.

Pay-for-Performance: Your Comments on Epilepsy Performance Measures Needed

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:52:00 GMT

The Academy has developed eight performance measures for epilepsy, and now your expert opinion on the measures is needed. The 30-day open public comment period runs from February 11 to March 12, 2009.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: UnitedHealth Care Extends Physician Appeal Deadline to February 11

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:02:00 GMT

As a result of requests by the AMA, UnitedHealthcare has agreed to extend the January 27, 2009, physician appeal deadline for its UnitedHealth Premium PDP two full weeks to February 11, 2009.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: Major Settlements Reached with UHG and Aetna over Ingenix Database

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 21:00:00 GMT

New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has reached a settlement with UnitedHealth Group, requiring the insurer to pay $50 million to finance the creation of a new database for determining the "usual, reasonable, and customary (UCR)" charges for medical care.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: Information Updated for Physicians Appealing Rating in UHC's Premium Designation Program

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Further Information for physicians who wish to appeal their rating before February 27 has been released. Physicians must visit the UnitedHealth Premium® Designation Program web page and log in

Practice: January 2009 Update: Practice and Technology on AAN.com

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:58:00 GMT

The AAN's vision is "to be indispensable to our members." The Practice and Technology section of AAN.com is strongly committed to doing our part in achieving the goals and following the standards set forth in our mission statement.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: Appeal Your Rating in UHC's Premium Designation Program Before January 27

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:46:00 GMT

Physicians should appeal their rating in United Healthcare's (UHC) Premium Designation Program (PDP) by January 27 if they believe it is wrong.

Pay-for-Performance: New PQRI Tools Available to Assist Members with Participation

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:53:00 GMT

The American Medical Association (AMA) has developed tools to assist physicians in participating in the 2009 PQRI program.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: UnitedHealth Premium Designation Program Assessment Results Now Available to Physicians

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:02:00 GMT

UnitedHealthcare recently completed the annual UnitedHealth Premium® physician designation program quality and cost efficiency assessment, then mailed the results to physicians across the country.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Providers Urged to Participate in Annual MCPSS

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:53:00 GMT

The Medicare Provider Satisfaction Survey offers providers the opportunity to contribute directly to CMS' understanding of Medicare contractor performance, as well as aid future process improvement efforts at the contractor level.

Practice: Coding Subcommittee of MEM: Our Activities and Accomplishments

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:36:00 GMT

By Peter D. Donofrio, MD, FAAN - The Coding Subcommittee of the Medical Economics and Management Committee focuses on three areas

Practice: New Administration Embraces EHRs

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:11:00 GMT

On December 6, President-elect Obama announced three major economic recovery initiatives: rebuild the nation's roads and bridges, enhance schools including broadband access, and deploy electronic health records (EHR) for every clinician and hospital in the US.

Practice: Learn the Basics of Medicare's Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:45:00 GMT

With the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program scheduled to begin in January, many physicians are preparing for a transition from paper and faxed prescriptions to a computer-based electronic generation, transmission, and filling of a prescription.

Practice: Multimodal Monitoring and Neurocritical Care Bioinformatics: The Dawn of a New Age

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 21:43:00 GMT

By J. Claude Hemphill III, MD, MAS and Michael De Georgia, MD - Neurocritical Care is a growth industry. New approaches to treating stroke, head and spinal cord trauma, global cerebral ischemia after cardiac arrest, and status epilepticus

Electronic Health Records: Choosing a Certified EHR System

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:36:00 GMT

Choosing an EHR System for your practice can be a time consuming and an over-whelming task. A good place to start is the list of CCHIT-certified EHR systems.

Pay-for-Performance: Get Ready for E-Prescribing

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:17:00 GMT

The E-Prescribing Incentive Program went into effect on January 1, 2009, so start reporting now to qualify for the two percent bonus from Medicare.

ICD-9, CPT & E/M Coding : New E/M Templates Now Available

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:18:00 GMT

In response to feedback from members, the Coding Subcommittee has developed nine new templates. These templates have been designed to assist neurologists in coding for a variety of services.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: NCOIL Model Act Paves Way for Favorable State Regulation of Rental Network PPO Market

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:24:00 GMT

As part of an ongoing advocacy campaign to promote fair physician contracting and payment practices, the American Medical Association has actively encouraged the National Conference of Insurance Legislators, which consists of lead state legislators who handle insurance issues, to adopt model legislation to regulate the rental network PPO market.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Decrease Medicare Paperwork Time by 50 Percent

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:37:00 GMT

Now there's a better way for physicians and non-physician practitioners to enroll or make a change in their Medicare enrollment information.

Practice: E-Readers For Neurologists

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:52:00 GMT

By Saty Satya-Murti, MD - For several years, we physicians have been bombarded with information aimed at moving to a paperless office. What about moving to a paperless library? Recently introduced technology is making this a viable option.

Electronic Health Records: Electronic Health Records Demonstration Now Available

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:33:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed a new demonstration initiative to reward the delivery of high-quality care supported by the adoption and use of electronic health records (EHR).

Pay-for-Performance: Medicare's Practical Guide to the E-Prescribing Incentive Program Now Available

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 02:54:00 GMT

By adopting e-Prescribing through Medicare's program, eligible professionals can save time, enhance office and pharmacy productivity, and improve patient safety and quality of care while earning incentives from Medicare.

Practice: New AAN Guidelines Identify Best Tests for DSP

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:00:00 GMT

The American Academy of Neurology has developed new, evidence-based guidelines to support the most accurate diagnosis for distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP). The guidelines, published in the December 3, 2008, online issue of Neurology(R), find that a combination of laboratory and genetic blood tests and other specialized assessments like autonomic testing and nerve and skin biopsy appear to be the most helpful tests for finding the cause of DSP.

Electronic Health Records: Medicare Guide to the E-Prescribing Incentive Program is Now Available

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:28:00 GMT

A guide explaining the e-Prescribing incentive program, how eligible professionals can participate, and how to choose a qualified e-Prescribing system has been published on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website.

Practice: Advances in Technology Increase Telestroke's Viability

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:32:00 GMT

By Lawrence R. Wechsler, MD - Telestroke offers an alternative source for emergent evaluation in the emergency department by a vascular neurologist.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: Payment Policy Subcommittee Seeks Collaborative Working Relationships with Health Plans

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:36:00 GMT

By Joel Kaufman, MD, FAAN - The mission of the Payment Policy Subcommittee of the Medical Economics and Management Committee (MEM) is to foster positive relationships with the health insurance industry in working together toward health care solutions, and to establish itself as a primary point of contact for members and payers seeking policy definition and development.

Practice: Protests Put RAC Development on Hold

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:19:00 GMT

An automatic hold will stop work for all four Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC) regional awards as the result of protests filed by two unsuccessful bidders for the RAC program with the General Accountability Office (GAO).

Practice: The Medical Economics and Management Committee Is Working for You

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:32:00 GMT

By Laura B. Powers, MD, FAAN - In our current difficult economic climate, the Medical Economics and Management Committee (MEM) is working hard to ensure the financial viability of neurology practices.

ICD-9, CPT & E/M Coding : Significant New ICD-9 Codes for 2009 Go Into Effect

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:09:00 GMT

Many coding changes with an impact on neurology and the way diagnoses are reported have gone into effect since October 1.

Pay-for-Performance: CMS Rolls Out New Electronic Prescribing Incentive Program

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:50:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a new initiative for physicians to trade in their prescription pads and improve efficiency and safety when ordering drugs for patients with Medicare.

Electronic Health Records: New E-prescribing Resource Launched by AMA

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:27:00 GMT

The AMA, along with a steering group of clinicians, consumers, employers, health plans, pharmacies, and four major medical associations, has issued the first comprehensive "how-to" guide to help clinicians make informed decisions about how and when to transition from paper to electronic prescribing systems.

Coding & Reimbursement: ICD-10-CM/PCS: The Good News, the Bad News, and Potentially No News

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:11:00 GMT

By Laura B. Powers, MD, FAAN - Our current diagnosis coding system, ICD-9-CM, is out of date. Accommodation for new classifications results in limited and scattered entries. Is it time for the United States to start using ICD-10?

Payment Policy & Decision Making: AMA Reminds Physicians: 'November is National Heal that Claim Month'

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:07:00 GMT

As part of its national campaign to save the health system billions of dollars by improving the accuracy and efficiency of medical claims processing, the AMA announced last week it has selected this month as the first national "Heal that Claim"™ month.

Coding & Reimbursement: Improve Your Reimbursement: Register for E/M Audio Conference by November 7!

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Time is running out to register for the Academy's Evaluation and Management audio conference call on Wednesday, November 12, at 2:00 p.m. Central Time. If you register for this important conference call by Friday, November 7, you will learn how to use the Academy's new E/M templates, improve your reimbursement, and earn one CME credit.

Practice: AMA Program Helps Protect Prescribing Information

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:00:00 GMT

The Physician Data Restriction Program (PDRP) offers physicians the option of withholding their prescribing data from pharmaceutical sales representatives while still making it available for medical research purposes.

Pay-for-Performance: CMS Announces Updates to Physician Quality Reporting Initiative Web Page

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:00:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced a new E-Prescribing Incentive Program section page its Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) web page.

Electronic Health Records: Chart Scanning Offers Versatility, Saves Time, Space, and Money

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:31:00 GMT

"Digital Demos: Technology Solutions That You Can Afford" will take place at the 2009 AAN Annual Meeting in Seattle on April 28, 2009.

Electronic Health Records: Personal Health Records: Evolution or Revolution?

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:31:00 GMT

Consumers more readily log onto the Internet to help them manage their health and health care decisions. Rather than limiting this information to a paper format, a new movement seeks easier access through computer, Internet, or a portable storage device such as USB flash drive, disk, or smart card.

Coding & Reimbursement: Medically Unlikely Edits Go Public, Thanks to CMS

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 20:00:00 GMT

CMS developed the Medically Unlikely Edit (MUE) program to reduce the paid claims error rate for Part B claims. The first edits were implemented January 1, 2007.

Practice: New RAC Program Contractors Named by CMS

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:00:00 GMT

The CMS has begun the initial phase-in of its Recovery Audit Contractor program by announcing the four new contractors that will administer the program. Each RAC will be responsible for identifying overpayment and underpayments in approximately one-quarter of the country, according to the agency.

Practice: 2009 CAP Postponement Article is Available on CMS Website

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:57:00 GMT

A Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Matters Special Edition article on the 2009 CAP postponement is now available on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for website.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Medicaid Requires One Out of Three Features for Handwritten Prescriptions

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Effective October 1, 2008, requirements for prescriptions to meet Medicaid tamper-proof requirements moved to a second phase. The National Association of State Medicaid Directors (NASMD) has provided additional information. Handwritten prescriptions must now have at least one of three tamper-resistant features:

Payment Policy & Decision Making: Aetna Will Allow Outside Panel(s) of Physicians to Decide on Rescissions

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:00:00 GMT

Aetna, the third-largest US health insurer, has announced that it will let an independent panel of physicians decide whether to rescind health insurance policies for sick plan members suspected of submitting false or incomplete information on their applications.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS Develops Discharge Planning Checklist for Patients, Caregivers

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:00:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce the availability of a useful checklist that prompts patients and caregivers to ask questions about key discharge planning topics including their likely care needs, the options for continuing care, post-discharge care instructions, community-based resources, and more.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Sept. 21–27 is National Adult Immunization Awareness Week

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:00:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) remind health care professionals that Medicare Part B reimburses health care providers who accept the Medicare-approved payment amount for influenza, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccines and their administration.

Practice: Are You Losing Compensation Because of Bad Coding? Register for the E/M Audio Conference

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:53:00 GMT

If you are not coding correctly, you may be shortchanging your practice. Learn how to receive what you deserve at the AAN's Evaluation and Management audio conference on Wednesday, November 12, at 2:00 p.m. central time. The registration deadline is Wednesday, November 7.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: 'Heal that Claim' Month: Take Time to Review and Appeal Inappropriately Paid Claims

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:00:00 GMT

November is "Heal that Claim"™ month. All physician practices are encouraged to hold health insurance companies accountable for making claims processing more cost effective and transparent as part of the American Medical Association's (AMA) "Heal the Claims Process"™ campaign, which the AMA launched earlier this year.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS Announces Postponement of the Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP) for Part B Drugs

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:30:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced the postponement of the 2009 Medicare Part B Competitive Acquisition Program. The program will continue through December 31, 2008.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: UnitedHealth Care Announces Its Next Review Cycle for the UnitedHealth Premium Designation Program

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:00:00 GMT

UnitedHealth Care has announced that the assessment reports for the next Premium® designation cycle are based on refreshed paid claims data and will be sent to physicians in October. Physicians are encouraged to access information on UnitedHealthcare's physician website in order to prepare for the review of their individual data when the reports are issued in October.

Pay-for-Performance: Take the 2007 PQRI Survey

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Did you participate in the 2007 Medicare Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI)? Complete a brief survey to provide your input and help guide the AAN and AMA to effectively advocate for changes to the PQRI. We appreciate your comments.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Fee-For-Service Contractors Continue to Get Good Marks from Medicare Providers

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:00:00 GMT

Results of the 2007 Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS) conducted by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) show that Medicare health care providers are reasonably satisfied with services provided by Medicare fee-for-service contractors.

Practice: New Guideline Published on Use of Natalizumab for MS

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 20:15:00 GMT

The AAN has published a new guideline on the use of the drug natalizumab for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Pay-for-Performance: NQF Announces New Composite Measure Evaluation Framework

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:00:00 GMT

The National Quality Forum (NQF) has announced its draft report, Composite Measure Evaluation Framework, is available for review and comment. NQF must receive all member comments by Thursday, September 11, 6 pm, ET.

Coding & Reimbursement: Have You Been Selected to Participate in the Physician Practice Information Survey?

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:57:00 GMT

The AAN, the American Medical Association, and more than 70 other organizations are conducting a comprehensive, multi-specialty survey of America's physician practices. The results will be used to positively influence national decision makers. The section of the study pertaining to your practice expenses is particularly important, and we request that you complete it accurately in its entirety. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has indicated it will use the results of this study to help determine physician payment. The survey firm, dmrkynetec, has been retained to contact randomly selected physicians and practice managers to collect responses. All responses will remain confidential.

Practice: New Guideline Published on Trigeminal Neuralgia

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:00:00 GMT

A new guideline developed by the AAN finds that surgery should be considered for people who suffer from extreme, electric shock-like pain in their face and do not respond well to drugs. The guideline on treating trigeminal neuralgia, developed in partnership with the European Federation of Neurological Societies, has been published in the August 20, 2008, online issue of Neurology®.

Pay-for-Performance: Comment Periods for NQF National Consensus Standards for Outpatient Imaging and PCPI Obstructive Sleep Apnea Measurement Sets Closing Soon

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Open comment periods for measures vetted by the National Quality Forum (NQF) and the Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement® (PCPI) will soon close.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: Academy Takes a Stand on Principles of Physician Profiling Programs

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:16:00 GMT

The American Academy of Neurology Professional Association (AANPA) has adopted a statement of principles that it believes should be included in increasingly popular physician profiling programs that rank physicians according to various criteria.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS Extends Appeal Rights When Applications for Medicare Billing Privileges Are Denied or Revoked

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have issued a final rule that extends appeal rights to all providers and suppliers enrollment applications for Medicare billing privileges are denied or revoked by CMS or a Medicare contractor. The rule will also allow providers and suppliers to seek judicial review after they have exhausted the administrative appeals process.

Practice: Effective Neurology Presentations

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:21:00 GMT

Behind every successful neurology presentation lies solid research, thoughtful preparation . . . and well designed visual materials. Grabbing the audience's attention with color, contrast, and good layout enhances the effect of your presentation. Your research might be compelling and your presence at the podium might be engaging, but poor visuals can turn off your audience in a matter of moments. Learn how to create effective presentations for your next conference or professional meeting.

Practice: 2008 EHR Vendor Report Published

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:50:00 GMT

The 2008 Electronic Health Records (EHR) Vendor Report is now ready for viewing. This is the third year the AANPA has published a vendor report that evaluates the business benefits, functionality, and financial viability of various EHR vendor applications according to the needs of neurology practices.

Practice: Health 2.0 for Neurologists

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:33:00 GMT

Health 2.0 is a term that describes health resources on the web that get more robust as more people use the resources and add more information. These resources include discussions in disease-based websites, narratives written by a community in the manner of Wikipedia, and community-maintained databases from which one can get advice on making a diagnosis. Health 2.0 resources offer the prospect of combining physician and patient knowledge in ways that add much to physician experience and patient knowledge.

Pay-for-Performance: CMS Releases Preliminary Data from Physician Quality Reporting Initiative

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:00:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have released preliminary data related to the reporting of the 2007 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) measures. While individual reports will not be available until mid-July, physicians in multi-physician practices should register online now to allow time for processing.

Coding & Reimbursement: Supplementary ICD-9 'V-Code' Available October 1 to Identify 'Drip and Ship' Patients

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 22:00:00 GMT

A new ICD-9 "V-code" has been approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to identify patients who are given tPA (rt-PA) at a differing institution within 24 hours of an admission for ischemic stroke. There is an immediate need to identify the patients who have tPA initiated in one hospital's emergency room and are then transferred for advanced care at a stroke center—a procedure commonly called "drip and ship."

Payment Policy & Decision Making: Join the AMA in its 'Heal the Claims Process' Campaign

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:00:00 GMT

The American Medical Association rolled out its "Heal the Claims Process" campaign on Monday, June 16, at the AMA House of Delegates meeting in Chicago. Working in conjunction with the National Health Insurer Report Card (NHIRC), the campaign seeks to reduce unnecessary administrative waste in the health care claims process.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: Make an Impact on Patient Care: Take the Physician Survey

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:51:00 GMT

The American Medical Association has teamed up with the Ohio State Medical Association and the Toledo Blade to distribute a national survey to physicians regarding the impact of third-party payers on patient care. Results will be published as part of a series of stories being written by The Toledo Blade.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: NPI: A Work in Progress

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:00:00 GMT

In an effort to help iron out problems with inconsistent information between National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) and the IRS database, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are mailing out letters to organization health care providers whose information doesn't match.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: CIGNA Healthcare Announces Medical Home Pilot Project

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:00:00 GMT

In the interest of providing better coordination of care, CIGNA and Dartmouth-Hitchcock recently announced that they have launched a "patient-centered medical home" pilot program. Among the goals of the program are the further enhancement of the coordination of care and the improvement of care quality for patients covered by a CIGNA plan.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Exceptions to Outpatient Therapy Caps Restricted on or After July 1

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:12:00 GMT

CMS allowed exceptions to outpatient therapy caps from January 1, 2008, to June 30, 2008, for medically necessary services that were appropriately billed with KX modifiers. On or after July 1, 2008, the exceptions to therapy caps are restricted to those medically necessary services billed by the outpatient departments of hospitals, and use of the KX modifier will no longer be effective.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS Announces Updates Part B CAP Drug List Effective July 1, 2008

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:03:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented the Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP) for Medicare Part B drugs and biologicals not paid on a cost or prospective payment system basis. The CAP is an alternative to the average sales price ASP (buy and bill) methodology for acquiring certain Part B drugs which are administered incident to a physician's services.

Pay-for-Performance: PQRI Feedback Reports Available in Mid-July

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:36:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced that feedback reports for those physicians who participated in the 2007 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative will be available online in mid-July. Reports will be available by practice, as identified by the Tax Identification number (TIN), under which at least one eligible provider has reported 2007 PQRI quality measures data. The reports will include information on reporting rates, clinical performance, and incentives earned by individual providers, along with a summary on reporting success and incentives earned at the practice level.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS Rescinds Transmittal to Clarify 'Incident-To' Billing Rules

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:36:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced that they are rescinding the transmittal issued on May 2, which was intended to clarify "incident-to" billing rules. CMS will reissue the transmittal, presumably with changes, once they have met with medical community and heard their concerns.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: Aetna Reveals 'Guiding Principles for Physician Relations'

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 30 May 2008 14:30:00 GMT

On May 28th, Aetna posted its "Guiding Principles for Physician Relations" document online. The Principles coincide with the June 2, 2008, expiration of the Physicians Settlement Agreement with Aetna.

By publishing the Guiding Principles, Aetna seeks to formally define its commitment to building solid relationships with the medical community and to working collaboratively to improve the quality of health care. Specifically, the Principles identify behaviors and business actions that govern Aetna in its interactions with health care professionals.

Practice: Remote Consultation Offers a Valuable Alternative to Face-to-Face Medical Treatment

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 15 May 2008 19:40:00 GMT

Standard face-to-face delivery of medical care provides the best means of evaluation and treatment, though there are times when this type of interaction may not be necessary or possible. In these circumstances, remote consultation can be a valuable alternative.

Practice: Help the AANPA Inform Medicare About Remaining NPI Problems

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:17:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) confirm that the National Provider Identifier (NPI) deadline will remain May 23rd, with no chance for an extension. That's less than two weeks away! During a recent exercise Medicare conducted, clearinghouses "stripped off" legacy numbers contained on any claims they received and forwarded them onto Medicare with just the NPI numbers. Medicare reported that this drill resulted in a low claims rejection rate. The purpose of the exercise was to determine what the situation may look like after May 23rd when just the NPI number will be the only identifier permitted on claims.

Practice: Have You Been Selected to Participate in the Physician Practice Information Survey?

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:10:00 GMT

The AMA and more than 70 other organizations are conducting a comprehensive multi-specialty survey of America's physician practices. The results will be used to positively influence national decision makers to ensure accurate and fair representation for all physicians and patients, and to articulate the challenges of running a practice that provides expert patient care, while operating a business that is sustainable.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Recovery Audit Contractors: Not Just an Experiment Anymore

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:50:00 GMT

The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 requires the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to perform a pilot test of Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs), which helps recover what has been estimated as $10.8 billion in Medicare overpayments and underpayments each year. This initiative started as a three-year demonstration project in California, Florida, and New York–and, as a result of its success, the project is currently being expanded.

Coding & Reimbursement: AANPA Coding Subcommittee Develops Series of E/M Templates

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 12 May 2008 19:25:00 GMT

Members of the AANPA's Coding Subcommittee of the Medical Economics and Management Committee (MEM) have developed a series of templates to assist members in appropriate coding for E/M services. The current templates cover levels 3–5 for established and new patient/consultations.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: AANPA Develops Principles for Appropriate Coding of Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring and Testing (IOM)

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:25:00 GMT

The American Academy of Neurology Professional Association (AANPA) Board of Directors recently approved a document designed to assist payers in the development of medical policies for intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring and testing.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: CIGNA to Stop Reimbursing Hospitals for Never Events and Avoidable Hospital Conditions

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:31:00 GMT

CIGNA HealthCare recently announced its intent to stop reimbursing hospitals for so-called "never events" and avoidable hospital conditions, which are errors in patient care that can and should be prevented. The message comes as part of CIGNA's ongoing focus on improving health care quality.

ICD-9, CPT & E/M Coding : CMS Offers Clarification on E/M Services on the Same Day as Critical Care

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:56:00 GMT

In a recent transmittal, CMS offers clarification on how to bill for E/M services that are provided to a patient who receives critical care services the same day.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: WellPoint No Longer Paying for 11 Preventable Errors

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:48:00 GMT

On April 2, WellPoint announced it is following the lead of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which last year announced a plan to end payments for some medical mistakes, so-called "never events." WellPoint is changing its policy and halting reimbursement payments to hospitals and doctors for 11 medical errors that are considered preventable.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: 3 Things to Know About "Tamper Resistant" Prescription Pads

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:47:00 GMT

Starting on April 1, 2008, the first phase of the new requirement on the use of tamper-resistant prescription pads in the Medicaid program will go into effect.

Practice: "Give Me 5" Campaign to Help Public
Identify Signs of Stroke

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:49:00 GMT

Help your patients recognize the five signs of stroke–and get them to the ER fast. A new public awareness campaign from the AAN in partnership with the American College of Emergency Physicians, the American Stroke Association, and actress/stroke care activist Morgan Fairchild is reaching out to women at risk of stroke and health care professionals.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Third Annual Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS)

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:31:00 GMT

You still have time to participate in the Third Annual Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS). A random selection of 35,000 Medicare physicians, providers, and suppliers is chosen to participate in the survey.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS Announces Expansion of Coverage of CPAP for OSA

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:28:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced changes to their 2005 National Coverage Determination (NCD) for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) to allow coverage of CPAP.

BRAINS: Come to Open House and Receive Coupon for Free Coding Tool

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 21:02:00 GMT

Proper coding is a constant challenge for members. The Academy helps them by offering services and materials to assist in correct coding procedure. When members code accurately, they receive the appropriate reimbursement in a timely manner. Come to the Guidelines, Practice, and Advocacy Open House at the Annual Meeting to learn more.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: New CMS Claims Approval Policies Underscore the Importance of Verifying NPPES Data

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:25:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently discovered a significant problem in the National Provider Identifier (NPI) filing system. Provider verification of information held in the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) is now critical to avoid rejection of claims.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Important Changes to Advanced Beneficiary Notice Process

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:04:00 GMT

As of March 3, 2008, CMS has replaced the Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN) and the Lab ABN with the ABN of Noncoverage. There will be a six-month transition period beginning March 3 and extending until no later than September 1. All providers must begin using the new ABN during this period.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: NY Attorney General Begins Lawsuit Against Ingenix® for Possible Fraud

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:20:00 GMT

On February 13, 2008, New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced that he had expanded an investigation that focused on Ingenix, an arm of UnitedHealth. Ingenix collects, sorts, and analyzes a large array of data, including therapeutic outcomes and billing information. After an initial six-month investigation, the AG has begun a lawsuit against Ingenix and has subpoenaed many New York health insurers to gather additional information on how they used the Ingenix data.

Practice: It Pays to Know the Latest Business Trends in Practice Management

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:00:00 GMT

As part of the January 2008 AAN Winter Conference in Miami, the AAN Winter Practice Management sessions offered courses to inform members about recent innovations and changes in practice management, and tips to improve productivity and efficiency. The courses covered a wide range of topics, including the latest in coding procedures, modifier usage, claims and billing, and many other important business functions for running an effective neurological practice.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: UnitedHealthcare Announces User Feedback Survey

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:27:00 GMT

A new survey on UnitedHealthcareOnline.com allows members the chance to provide their information and offer suggestions for future design updates to the website.

Practice: New Search Features Make Finding the Right Guidelines Easier Than Ever

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:35:00 GMT

The AAN now offers an enhanced, in-depth search tool, enabling members to find the right guideline or associated tool to care for patients. Search the full text of any Academy guideline or tool, or limit a search to specific topics, tools, or date ranges. Sort the results by date, topic, relevance or tool type.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: April 1 Deadline Approaches for Required Use of Medicaid Tamper-proof Prescription Pads

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:57:00 GMT

Medicaid prescriptions will require use of tamper-proof pads; physicians encouraged to order their supplies now.

Practice: New Guideline Identifies Those Most at Risk of Falls

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:18:00 GMT

A new AAN guideline finds certain neurology patients are at a high risk of unintentional falls and should be screened regularly to help prevent the high number of fall-related injuries and deaths in the United States each year. The guideline, "Assessing Patients in a Neurology Practice for Risk of Falls," appears in the February 5, 2008, issue of Neurology®.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: More BCBS Plans Agree to Pay $10 Million

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:53:00 GMT

Several additional Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plans have reached settlements in the class action lawsuit brought by 90,000 physicians. Physicians who treated a BCBS patient are encourage to file their claim forms for their portion of the Highmark Settlement Fund soon. Claim forms are due by February 27.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: February 27 is Deadline for Physicians to Collect Settlement Shares from Highmark Settlement

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 22:14:00 GMT

The AMA encourages physicians who treated Blue Cross Blue Shield patients between May 22, 1999, and May 31, 2007, to recover their portion of the $10 million Highmark Settlement Fund.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: NPI Required on Medicare Claims Starting March 1

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:37:00 GMT

Beginning March 1, 2008, all 837P and CMS-1500 claims, when required for Medicare claim submission, must have an NPI or NPI/legacy pair in the required primary provider fields.

Coding & Reimbursement: Botulinum Toxin Coding Questions Answered

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:47:00 GMT

Find answers to your coding questions for botulinum toxin injections a coding FAQ from the AAN.

Practice: New Technology Page is Essential Resource for Members

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:40:00 GMT

AAN.com launches new Technology page to help members learn about how technology can improve neurology practice.

Practice: Practice and Technology Editor's Report, January 2008

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:27:00 GMT

We've continued to enhance the Practice section of AAN.com since my last report of October 2007. Our focus has been not only to develop and disseminate resources to help clinical neurologists and their staffs but to develop an infrastructure for future advances in knowledge management.

Practice: UnitedHealthcare Premium Designation Program

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:27:00 GMT

By William S. Henderson, FACMPE - After the release earlier this year of its physician premium designation program, UnitedHealthcare (UHC) has made some beneficial changes to the way physicians are educated about the program in the second data analysis of physicians in 2007.

Practice: EHR Demonstrations at Annual Meeting to Compare Vendors

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:28:00 GMT

The Academy will host EHR Chart Challenge at the 2008 Annual Meeting to give practitioners the opportunity to evaluate electronic health record vendors. Meeting attendees are invited to learn more at the event.

Practice: AMA Partners With More Than 70 Organizations to Survey Practices

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:59:00 GMT

Members are encouraged to watch their mailboxes for the Physician Practice Information survey.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Upcoming Training for the Medicare Part B Drugs Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP)

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 15:46:00 GMT

Noridian Administrative Services, the designated carrier for the CAP, offers interactive, online workshops about the CAP for Part B Drugs and Biologicals.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Updates Made to the 2008 Medicare Fee Schedule

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:57:00 GMT

The 2008 Medicare Fee Schedule has been updated to reflect the changes voted on by Congress which went into affect on January 1, 2008.

Practice: AAN.com Provides Web Resources on Academy Payer Advocacy/Payment Policy Initiatives

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:15:00 GMT

New Payment Policy and Decision Making page on AAN.com brings news, resources together for members.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: WellPoint Launches New Physician Rating System

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:01:00 GMT

Health benefits company, Wellpoint, announces plans to rollout a physician rating service for patients using Zagat surveys (famous for restaurant rating guidebooks).

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS Launches 3rd Annual Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:47:00 GMT

January marks the beginning of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) third Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS)–an effort aimed at measuring physicians' and other providers' satisfaction with Medicare fee-for-service contractors.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Natalizumab Added to List of Part B CAP Drugs; 2008 Election Period Extended

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 21:00:00 GMT

Effective January 1, 2008, natalizumab (J2323), will be available through the Medicare Part B Drug Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP).

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS Delays Certain Anti-Markup Provisions to January 1, 2009

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 20:26:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a delay in the implementation date of most of the anti-markup provisions discussed in the Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule.

Pay-for-Performance: PQRI Provisions Included in Recent Medicare Legislation

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:27:00 GMT

Congress passed legislation which extended the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) for an additional year and provides funding for 1.5-percent bonus payments to participating physicians.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: New York Attorney General Reaches Agreements with Insurers on Physician Ranking Programs

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 21:13:00 GMT

AMA and the New York Attorney General's office have reached agreements with various insurers to curtail unfair physician ranking programs.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Medicare Physician Participation Options: CMS Extends December 31^st Deadline by 45 Days

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:02:00 GMT

Physicians wishing to change their current Medicare participating or non-participating status must do so prior to this extended deadline (approximately February 15, 2008).

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: AANPA, AMA, Others Request Delay in CMS' Proposed Anti Mark-up Revisions

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:55:00 GMT

Starting January 1, 2008, CMS will require physicians to be in compliance with new provisions to the rule prohibiting the mark-up of diagnostic tests, published for the first time in the final 2008 Physician Fee Schedule on November 27, 2007.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Register Now for the Individuals Authorized Access to CMS Computer Services-Provider Community (IACS-PC)

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:43:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be announcing new online enterprise applications that will allow Medicare fee-for-service providers to access, update, and submit information online.

Pay-for-Performance: New Measures for Medicare Pay-for-Reporting Program

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:38:00 GMT

The measures and specifications for the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative are available. A full list of all 119 measures is available on the CMS website.

Practice: HHS Announces Electronic Health Record Demonstration Project

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:21:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has announced a demonstration project to encourage small and medium-sized practices to adopt electronic health records (EHR)

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: 2008 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Released

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:02:00 GMT

The 2008 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, effective January 1, includes a number of revisions that directly affect neurologists.

Practice: AAN and AMA Conducting Physician Practice Information Survey

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:45:00 GMT

For the first time in nearly a decade, AAN, the AMA, and more than 70 other medical specialty societies, have worked together to coordinate a comprehensive multi-specialty survey of America's physician practices.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: AMA Invites Physicians to Share Concerns About Insurers' Physician Profiling Programs

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 19:40:00 GMT

The AMA is encouraging physicians in all states to voice their concerns regarding inaccurate physician profiling systems in the wake of United Healthcare's Premium Designation Program, an online rating system for in-network physicians that grades "quality and efficiency."

Practice: New Guideline Recommends When Emergency Departments Should Use CT Scans for Seizures

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:24:00 GMT

Neuroimaging in the Emergency Patient Presenting with Seizure, a reassessment of the American Academy of Neurology's 1996 guideline, recommends brain CT scans to screen emergency department patients with seizure. The guideline appears in the October 30, 2007, issue of Neurology®, the premier scientific journal of the AAN.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS and Noridian to Offer Workshop for Physicians Electing Into 2008 Part B CAP

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:40:00 GMT

Physicians electing into the 2008 Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP) are invited to participate in an online workshop for Part B drugs and biologicals.

Practice: AAN, CNS, Epilepsy Organizations Work with Industry to Address ACTH Access Concerns

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 21:57:00 GMT

The AAN is currently working with four partner organizations to address concerns over a significant increase of H.P. Acthar Gel use to treat infantile spasms. The drug's maker, Questcor, has significantly raised the price.

Practice: New Audio Slide Presentation for AAN Parkinson Disease Guideline Now Available

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 16:59:00 GMT

Slide presentation features audio commentary by Rajesh Pahwa, MD, guideline author.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Six-month Delay Announced on Medicaid Tamper-Resistant Prescription Pad Mandate

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:11:00 GMT

New law requires physicians to use tamper-resistant prescription pads by spring of 2008.

Practice: Available Now - New Clinical Practice Guideline Tools

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:02:00 GMT

Listed below the titles are the tools recently made available online as companions to the following clinical practice guidelines.

Practice: Residents to Receive Free 2007-2008 AAN Clinical Practice Guidelines Tools

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 16:42:00 GMT

In early October, 2007 PGY1 residents and all other residents who are AAN members will receive a gift from the AAN. The gift is designed to welcome first-year residents to the AAN and the field of neurology and support residents in their efforts to become outstanding and successful neurologists.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Phase III of CMS' Physician Self-referral Rule to Go into Effect December 4, 2007

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 17:04:00 GMT

The Phase III final rule is the third phase of a final rulemaking amending the CMS regulations regarding the physician self-referral prohibition as part of the Social Security Act. This rule finalizes and addresses public comments regarding the Phase II interim final rule, published in March 2004.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Medicare Part B CAP Physician Election Period Starts October 1

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 17:03:00 GMT

The 2008 Physician Election Period for the Medicare Part B Drug Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP) will begin on October 1, 2007, and will conclude on November 15, 2007. The CAP is a voluntary program that offers physicians the option to acquire many injectable and infused drugs they use in their practice from an approved CAP vendor, thus reducing the time they spend buying and billing for drugs. The 2008 CAP program will run from January 1 to December 31, 2008.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Effective October 1, CMS Requires Use of Tamper-Resistant Prescription Pads

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 19:51:00 GMT

CMS will require physicians to write prescriptions on tamper-resistant prescription pads beginning October 1, 2007 to curb prescription misuse.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS to Require the Completion of Present On Admission (POA) Indications

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:19:00 GMT

Beginning on October 1, 2007, Medicare providers should submit a Present On Admission (POA) Indicator for every diagnosis on impatient acute care hospital claims. Some facilities, such as critical access hospitals, Maryland waiver hospitals, long term care hospitals, cancer hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and children's inpatient facilities are exempt from this requirement. It is important to be sure that your billing staff is aware of the requirement.

Payment Policy & Decision Making: Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement Claim Forms Due October 19, 2007

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:41:00 GMT

The deadline to submit claim forms for the BCBS settlement is approaching. The deadline to opt out You is September 14, 2007.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Incorrect NPI Implementation Schedule Published, CMS Clarifies

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 13:58:00 GMT

Due to an incorrect schedule published by a trade publication, CMS advises providers to look to their Medicare contractors for official schedule information and details.

ICD-9, CPT & E/M Coding : Changes to ICD-9-CM Announced

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 20:55:00 GMT

The ICD-9-CM Coordination and Maintenance Committee recently posted the changes to ICD-9-CM for 2008. The codes will go into effect starting October 1, 2007.

ICD-9, CPT & E/M Coding : 2007 Fall Conference Offers Coding, Practice Management Information

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 20:50:00 GMT

Register now for the 2007 Fall Conference in Las Vegas and improve your practice with updated practice management courses.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS to Disclose NPPES Health Care Provider Data September 4, 2007

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 19:46:00 GMT

National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) health care provider data will be disclosed to the public via the internet by CMS beginning on September 4, 2007.

Practice: AAN Publishes EHR Vendor Report

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:05:00 GMT

The AAN's EHR Work Group has produced the 2007 Electronic Health Records (EHR) Vendor Report, which includes results of an evaluation of five EHR vendors targeted at small neurology practices. The findings were derived at a product demonstration session at the 2007 Annual Meeting in Boston and serve as a starting point for those interested in beginning their search for an EHR vendor.

Pay-for-Performance: CMS Issues Alert for PQRI Claims Submitted Through Clearinghouses

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 16:17:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has indicated that there have been some instances of the National Provider Identifier (NPI) being stripped from claims submitted through some clearinghouses.

Coding & Reimbursement: AAN and AMA Conducting Physician Practice Information Survey

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 18:21:00 GMT

The AAN and AMA are partnering to survey thousands of physicians from many specialties to collect up-to-date information on physician practice characteristics in order to positively influence national decision makers while further developing and refining AMA and AAN policy.

Coding & Reimbursement: CMS Announces Revised HCPCS Codes Relating to Immune Globulin

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:06:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) have announced revised HCPCS codes for immune globulin services, beginning July 1, 2007.

Pay-for-Performance: AAN Advocates for Changes to the PQRI Specifications

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 15:14:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced revisions to the final 2007 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) Measure Specifications, Version 1.1 to provide certain technical corrections. The AAN was able to advocate for changes to the PQRI stroke measures.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS Publishes NPI Data Dissemination Notice

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 15:51:00 GMT

CMS has published its NPI Data Dissemination Notice, asserting who will have access to physicians’ NPI numbers as well as other information from their NPI application. Physicians have 30 days to remove any “optional” data.

Pay-for-Performance: Share Information on New Neurology PQRI Listserv

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 25 May 2007 17:27:00 GMT

The PQRI program begins July 1 and provides an opportunity for physicians to earn a 1.5% bonus on Medicare payments. Members who plan to participate in the voluntary PQRI program can join the listserv to ask questions of their colleagues and get input from others who experience similar challenges.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Physician Election Period Open Until June 15 for CMS' Part B CAP

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 23 May 2007 16:26:00 GMT

An additional election period for physicians who are not currently participating in the Part B Competitive Acquisition Program (CAP) is underway. The CAP is an alternative to the Average Sales Price (ASP) method of acquiring many drugs and biologicals administered incident to a physician's services.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: CMS Posts Final Decision Memorandum for Carotid Stenting

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 18 May 2007 17:19:00 GMT

CMS has elected not to modify covered indications outlined in its National Coverage Decision proposed changes for Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) of the Carotid Artery Concurrent with Stenting, The CMS decision is consistent with AAN opinion on the issue.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: Medicare Fee For Service NPI Contingency Plan

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 22:21:00 GMT

Effective May 23, 2007, Medicare fee for services (FFS) is establishing a contingency plan for implementing the National Provider Identifier (NPI). This plan includes the stipulation that, as soon as Medicare considers the number of claims submitted with an NPI for primary providers (billing, pay-to, and rendering providers) is sufficient, Medicare will begin rejecting claims without an NPI for primary providers. The plan could be implemented as early as July 1, 2007.

Practice: Free Compensation and Cost Reports Available to Survey Participants

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:25:00 GMT

The AAN is partnering with the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) to urge neurologists and practice managers to participate in two MGMA benchmark surveys on salaries and management costs. Participants will receive free copies of the results of the surveys they complete, valued up to $1,190 if both questionnaires are submitted.

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: AAN Responds to CMS' Proposed National Coverage Determination (NCD) Change for Carotid Artery Stenting

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 15:39:00 GMT

On February 1, 2007, CMS announced a proposal to extend coverage of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the carotid artery concurrent with stenting. The AAN worked in collaboration with the Neurovascular Coalition (NVC) to submit comments on the proposed changes and also put forward our own letter to CMS outlining AAN concerns with portions of the proposal.

View the proposed NCD revisions on the CMS website

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: 2007 Medicare Fee Schedule for Neurologists

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 15:40:00 GMT

The fee schedule designed for neurologists and derived from national Medicare Relative Value Units (RVUs) as published annually in the Federal Register is now available. The dollar values shown here are based on the Medicare RVUs multiplied by the Medicare conversion factor (also published annually in the Federal Register). Actual reimbursement may vary based on geography.

Medicare RVUS (.pdf)
Dollar Values (.pdf)

The AAN submitted comments on the 2007 final Medicare physician fee schedule.

Read the comment letter (.pdf)

Medicare & Regulatory Issues: New Taxonomy Codes for Diagnostic Neuroimaging

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 15:00:00 GMT

The National Uniform Claim Committee approved a request from the AAN for new taxonomy codes for diagnostic neuroimaging. New listings for Diagnostic Neuroimaging are located under both Psychiatry & Neurology and Radiology. The codes were released January 1, 2007, and are effective April 1, 2007. To view the health care provider taxonomy code set, visit www.wpc-edi.com/taxonomy. Providers include a taxonomy code on the national provider identifier (NPI) application.

ICD-9, CPT & E/M Coding : Increased Values for E/M Services

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 15:51:00 GMT

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published proposed values for 35 E/M codes in June, 2006. The AAN worked closely with other medical specialty societies over the past two years as a leader in the effort to revalue E/M codes as part of the Five-Year Review process. Work RVUs increased for many E/M codes that are key to neurology. The work RVUs for a level 3 office visit, the most billed service on the Medicare fee schedule, increased by 37%. High level consult codes and office visits also saw increases in the work values.

Coding & Reimbursement: AAN Board Endorses AANEM Position on Electrodiagnostic Studies

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 20:30:00 GMT

The Board voted to endorse the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine position paper entitled "Proper Performance and Interpretation of Electrodiagnostic Studies" (Muscle & Nerve, March, 2006) on September 22, 2006.

Coding & Reimbursement: AAN Board Endorses AANEM Position on Electrodiagnostic Studies

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 20:30:00 GMT

Coding & Reimbursement: AAN Board Endorses AANEM Position on Electrodiagnostic Studies

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 20:30:00 GMT

The Board voted to endorse the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine position paper entitled Proper Performance and Interpretation of Electrodiagnostic Studies" (Muscle & Nerve, March, 2006) on September 22, 2006. Read more.

Coding & Reimbursement: AAN Board Endorses AANEM Position on Electrodiagnostic Studies

webmaster@aan.com (Webmaster) — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 20:30:00 GMT