http://www.DO-Online.org The AOA, Founded in 1897, is a member association representing more than 61,000 osteopathic physicians (D.O.s). The AOA serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s, and is the accrediting agency for all osteopathic medical colleges and health care facilities. en-gb Copyright 2008 AOIA and AOA http://www.DO-Online.org/webfeeds http://www.DO-Online.org/image/DOOnlineorg_rss.jpg http://www.DO-Online.org http://www.do-online.org/ http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services(CMS) Provider Communications Group will host the first in a series of national provider conference calls on the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). This toll-free call will take place from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., EST, on Wednesday, January 14, 2009. PQRI U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:01:04 CST Lana Henderson Article http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI/15_MeasuresCodes.asp#TopOfPage http://www.cms.hhs.gov/pqri/ 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative Measure Specifications Now Available. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce the release of the detailed specifications for the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) measures and the 2009 PQRI measures groups. All information has been posted to the PQRI webpage on the CMS website PQRI U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:20:03 CST Lana Henderson Article http://www.jaoa.org/cgi/content/full/108/12/694 https://www.do-online.org/rss/item10 Coronary heart disease continues to be the most frequent cause of death among firefighters. In an effort to explore firefighters' cardiac risk factors and interest in risk modification, Patrick Scanlon, PA-C, DO, and Elizabeth Ablah, PhD, MPH, conducted a survey of volunteer firefighters in Long Island, NY. The study, published in the December issue of JAOA—The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, found that although many respondents had cardiac risk factors, the majority were interested in fire department–sponsored health lectures and fitness programs AOA Publications AOA Members Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:20:03 CST Lana Henderson Article http://www.do-online.org/index.cfm http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/17/AR2008121702651.html As mentioned in the Daily Report, a DO at the Cleveland Clinic, Chad Gordon, DO, was on the team that performed the first facial transplant surgery in the US. This 22-hour surgery replaced 80% of a disfigured woman’s face with the face of a donor, whose family gave special permission to allow the facial transplant. Prior to the surgery, the recipient had been unable to eat, speak, or breathe normally, despite many prior reconstructive surgeries. One doctor on the team was quoted in the Washington Post calling the operation "the most complex surgical procedure ever performed." AOA Trustee Robert S. Juhasz, DO, is Medical Director of the Cleveland Clinic’s Willoughby Health Center. AOA Members Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:32:20 CST Lana Henderson Article http://www.regonline.com/PROEHR6 http://www.cms.hhs.gov The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be conducting an exclusive webinar on CMS electronic prescribing incentives, what they mean to you and how you can take advantage now. The webinar will cover topics on How you can take advantage of CMS ePrescribing incentives, Allscripts ePrescribe, and Using Allscripts ePrescribe with Allscripts Professional EHR. Learn more and register at the Webinar Web site CME CMEOnline Education Tue, 15 Dec 2008 12:06:11 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/pdf/CorrectionalHealthcareConference.pdf https://www.do-online.org/rss/item20 Updates in Correctional Health Care: Translating Principles to Practice is a four-day event – held April 4 -7, 2009 at the Flamingo Las Vegas- will offer a terrific learning experience for health professionals and others interested in this growing field or who treat the millions of adult and juvenile patients who will pass through our nation’s correctional systems each year. Download the brochure for more information Education Wed, 10 Dec 2008 01:21:55 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageId=hme_cmsMedicare http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll Internet-Based Medicare Enrollment is now available in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Now there’s a better way for physicians and non-physician practitioners to enroll or make a change in their Medicare enrollment information. The Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) will allow physicians and non-physician practitioners to enroll, make a change in their Medicare enrollment, view their Medicare enrollment information on file with Medicare, and check on the status of a Medicare enrollment application via the Internet. Read more about this fast, easy and secure way to enroll. CME CMEOnline Education Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:29:35 CST Lana Henderson Article http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI/Downloads/PQRI2007ReportExperience.pdf http://www.cms.hhs.gov/pqri The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the release of a new report entitled, "Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI): 2007 Reporting Experience." Specifically the report, describes several issues identified for 2007 and CMS’s plans for modifications to the analytics for the 2008 PQRI. In addition, CMS will apply these modifications to the 2007 PQRI data and re-run the data. CMS expects that additional eligible professionals will qualify for an incentive payment for both 2007 and 2008 based on these efforts. It is anticipated that these activities will be completed by the fall 2009. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services PQRI Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:54:10 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageId=hme_cme8698 http://www.cecity.com/ce-bin/owa/eact?a=8698 This activity is intended for osteopathic physicians and other health care professionals interested in learning more about the management of patients with type 2 diabetes. CME CMEOnline Education Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:35:01 CST Lana Henderson Article http://www.massmed.org/Content/NavigationMenu2/NationalEprescribingConferenceOnline/default.htm http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI/03_EPrescribingIncentiveProgram.asp In 2009 the The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will provide incentives for health care providers who use e-prescribing. In October 2008 CMS and 34 partner organizations hosted a meeting about the mechanics of implementing an e-prescribing program in a practice. Simply go to the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) hosted Online Continuing Education Web site to view the presentations and hear the audiotapes of the program. All course materials and exams are offered free of charge. PQRI Benefits Advocacy Government Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:01:10 CST Lana Henderson Article http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/11399.pdf www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI. The guide explains the e-prescribing incentive program, how eligible professionals can participate, and how to choose a qualified e-prescribing system. 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. PQRI Benefits Advocacy Government Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:56:02 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/pdf/2008_conventionhighlightsSummary.pdf https://www.do-online.org/rss/item30 The 113th AOA Annual Convention and Scientific Seminar, held October 2008, in Las Vegas was our largest yet, with over 9,000 osteopathic family members attending this great educational event. For all those family members who couldn't attend the convention or every seminar they wanted, we have prepared a comprehensive document entitled the "113th AOA Convention Summary and Highlights". This summary reports on actions and meetings, held in conjunction with the Convention. It also includes a list of resolutions passed by the AOA Board of Trustees; synopses of AOA bureau, council, and committee meetings; and summaries of reports presented by AOA affiliates, among other information. Convention Benefits Advocacy Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:54:04 CST Lana Henderson Article http://www.ehealthinitiative.org/eRX/education.mspx https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm The e-health Initiative is holding a series of webinars on electronic prescribing. The next webinar is entitled "Clinicians: Bringing Electronic Prescribing into the Practice". This webinar will offer information to help clinicians make informed decisions in transitioning to e-prescribing systems. The dates and times of the webinar are Wednesday, November 19 from 5:30 to 7pm. Registration is free; however, a nominal fee will be charged for those interested in obtaining the slides and/or audio after the event. Information can be found at the Health Initiative Web site. Benefits Advocacy Government Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:04:00 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageId=gov_pqrimain https://www.do-online.org/rss/item40 The AOA's Clinical Assessment Program (CAP) was selected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as one of the registries qualified by CMS for the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) incentive payment program. The AOA developed the CAP for PQRI to provide physicians with an opportunity to receive enhanced payment from CMS and understand how diabetic patients are doing using evidence-based process and outcome measures. The CAP is provided to AOA members at no charge, as a benefit of AOA membership. Get instructions on access DO CME Online Benefits Advocacy Government Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:10:25 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageID=pub_do1108 https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageID=pub_main Elite athletes weren't the only ones making history at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games: For the first time, a DO served as the chief medical officer for the US Olympic Team. He joined several other osteopathic physicians in caring for athletes in Beijing. Read this article and more in the November issue of The DO. Publications Education Advocacy Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:09:25 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageId=home_convention http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/tristar/aoa08-1/ During the opening session of the AOA Annual Convention and Scientific Seminar in Las Vegas yesterday, several individuals were honored for giving back to the profession through service, mentoring, or research. James M. Lally, DO, was presented the Mentor of the Year Award. Paul R. Standley, PhD, a former member of the JAOA Editorial Board and a former faculty member at the Midwestern University/Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, accepted the award and on the behalf of his co-author Kate R. Meltzer. Convention Convention Media Kit Membership Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:28:05 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageID=doday_home https://www.do-online.org/rss/item50 Each year, hundreds of osteopathic physicians and students from across the country storm the nation's Capital to attend meetings with Members of Congress and their staff. The AOA will prepare you for your meetings so you can thoughtfully share our profession's view on a variety of policy issues and advance the legislative process. If you have not participated in DO Day on Capitol Hill in the past, your colleagues who have will tell you that it is an unequaled opportunity to bring your concerns, and the concerns of your patients, directly to the decision-makers in Washington, DC. Register Now at our DO Day registration page! Benefits Government News Grassroots Advocacy Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:28:11 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/pdf/aoaPresidential%20HealthcareSide-by-Side.pdf http://www.osteopathicpac.org/ With only days remaining until the 2008 Presidential elections, the AOA is releasing its 2008 Guide to the Presidential Health Care Platforms. The information in this guide outlines the policy position of the AOA and the two major Presidential candidates on 10 major health care issues. The AOA does not endorse Presidential candidates; however, we do seek to educate our members, enabling you to make an informed decision. Benefits Membership Advocacy Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:28:15 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.mdirectory.net/MDirectory/DO/SendOverPhysician.php?mod_site=DO https://www.do-online.org/rss/item60 Are you tired of flipping through the worn pages of your office paper directory to find a physician or pharmacy in your area? Now you can have accurate information on all of your local clinicians (DOs, MDs, NPs, PAs, RNs including NPI numbers), pharmacies, hospitals and managed care organizations at your fingertips with DODirectory™ - the first free electronic medical directory now available exclusively to AOA members. Log into DO-Online.org to access this new feature Benefits Membership Advocacy Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:28:10 CST Lana Henderson Article http://www.cms.hhs.gov/pqri/03_EPrescribingIncentiveProgram.asp https://www.do-online.org/rss/item70 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce new information regarding the E-Prescribing incentive program has been posted on the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) webpage. This new section will serve as a repository for information regarding the new E-Prescribing incentive program that was authorized by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) Regulatory Government News Education Advocacy Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:43:02 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageID=pub_do1008 https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageID=pub_main Despite the openness of many of the AOA's operations, one activity remains something of a mystery to a large number of DOs-the nomination of AOA officers and other AOA trustees. Find an explanation of the AOA's election process and more in the October issue of The DO. Publications Education Advocacy Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:09:25 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageID=hme_MedicareCoding http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalCorrectCodInitEd/08_MUE.asp#TopOfPage The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services today announced yesterday that it will publish most of the edits utilized in its Medically Unlikely Edit (MUE) program to improve the accuracy of claims payments. Says CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems, "It is always our aim to ensure that CMS pays for appropriate services, at the same time protecting the Medicare Trust funds and the American taxpayer"; "This program is going to help us dramatically reduce costly payment errors." Regulatory Government News Education Advocacy Thu, 02 Oct 2008 08:56:03 CST Lana Henderson Article http://www.eprescribeconference.com/ http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ Registration has closed and they do not anticipate allowing walk-ins. Ronald R. Burns, DO will be the AOA's official representative at this conference. Regulatory Government News Education Advocacy Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:50:02 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageID=hme_memberTestimonial https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageID=hme_memberTestimonial As an AOA member, we hope you have taken advantage of the many we offer from receiving personalized assistance with your coding and reimbursement questions to pairing up with a mentor through the iLearn program to meeting with members of Congress as part of DO Day on Capitol Hill. Benefits Membership Advocacy Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:01:09 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageID=TrialMembership https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageID=mem_benefits If you are a DO, or know a DO who has not been member of the AOA since May 31, 2007, they may be eligible for a trial AOA membership! Join 38,000 other DOs in supporting the osteopathic family. Apply for a trial membership today! AOA Membership About the AOA AOA Member Benefits Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:50:01 CST Lana Henderson Article http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6125.pdf https://www.do-online.org/rss/item80 Beginning October 1, 2008 your Medicare payments could be reduced if the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) needs to collect overdue taxes that you owe. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Section 1024, authorizes the IRS to reduce certain federal payments, including Medicare payments, to allow collection of overdue taxes. Should you owe such taxes and your payments are reduced, your remittance advice will reflect a provider level adjustment code (PLB) of "WU" in the PLB03-1 data field. Government News Education Advocacy Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:44:10 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageID=cme_conventionCME https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageId=conv_main To prepare osteopathic physicians to respond to an avian flu pandemic, the American Academy of Osteopathy and the American Osteopathic Association are sponsoring a one-day workshop before the start of the AOA's 2008 convention. CME Education AOA Convention Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:55:05 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageId=CMS_townhallMeeting https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageId=CMS_townhallMeeting The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be holding a town hall meeting on September 22, 2008, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Eastern Time). The meeting will be held via conference call as well as in the auditorium at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services CMS Regulatory News Government News Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:45:00 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/pdf/InterviewCrosby-Japsen.mp3 http://www.reachmd.com/ Throughout the week, ReachMD, XM Satellite Radio Channel 157, will be airing an interview with John B. Crosby, JD, about the growing body of research behind osteopathic medicine. This research is helping DOs gain recognition and credibility among other health care providers and the public. To listen to the interview, either click on the link below to download the podcast or log on to www.reachmd.com Advocacy AOA Executive Branch Media Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:20:00 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageID=cms_PQRIRegistries https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageID=cms_PQRIRegistries The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the AOA's Clinical Assessment Program (CAP) as one of the registries deemed "qualified" by CMS for the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) incentive payment program. CMS Regulatory News Government News Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:02:23 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageID=cms_medicareSurvey https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageID=cms_medicareSurvey The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reported today that Medicare health care providers continue to be satisfied with services provided by Medicare fee-for-service contractors. The report also showed a relatively smooth transition to the new Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs). CMS Regulatory News Government News Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:10:10 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageID=cms_reportingPQRI https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageID=cms_reportingPQRI The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce that 2007 PQRI Final Feedback Reports are available on a secure website. Two MLN Matters articles; "Steps for Individual Eligible Professionals to Access Their 2007 PQRI Feedback Reports Personally", SE0830 and, "Steps for Organizations to Access Their 2007 PQRI Feedback Reports", SE0831 are now available. CMS Regulatory News Government News Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:10:10 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageId=cms_innovationguide https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm?PageId=cms_innovationguide Medicare beneficiaries and their health care providers may be able to take advantage of new advances in health care more quickly because innovators now have a new resource at their fingertips, a guide to Medicare coverage, coding, and payment issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Regulatory News Government News Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:15:00 CST Lana Henderson Article https://www.do-online.org/index.cfm http://www.usoc.org/ For those enjoying the Olympics, one interesting fact is that AOA member William J. Kuprevich, D.O., of Bloomsburg, PA, serves as Chief Medical Officer for the US Team in these Games. Dr. Kuprevich was named Chief Medical Officer in March 2008. In this capacity, he coordinates medical care for more than 600 US athletes in China. Dr. Kuprevich also works with a staff of 60 doctors (including several DOs), athletic trainers, and medical personnel in Beijing and throughout the country. Kudos to Dr. Kuprevich on a job well done! Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:15:10 CST Lana Henderson Article http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=mc_letter_20080819 http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=mc_letter_20080819 AOA President Carlo J. DiMarco, DO, submitted a letter to The New York Times in response to the article "Methadone Rises as a Painkiller with Big Risks," which lists osteopathic physicians separately from family doctors. Dr. DiMarco expressed his concern that this statement implies that a family doctor and a DO are two separate health care professionals. If you are concerned about this article and would like to send your own letter to The New York Times, use these guidelines on how to write a response letter. Advocacy OPAN ideas OPAN tools Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:50:10 CST Lana Henderson Article http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/359/7/764 http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/359/7/764 The New England Journal of Medicine published a letter to the editor from Dr. Ajluni in the Aug. 14 issue of the journal. The letter was sent in response to an article previously published in NEJM that included information about the establishment of new osteopathic medical schools bolstering the economies in their areas. However, the article failed to recognize that these new schools are also working to provide residents in these medically underserved areas access to physicians for health care. Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:53:10 CST Lana Henderson Article http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2007/ http://healthyamericans.org/reports/obesity2007/ On August 18th, The Trust for America's Health (TFAH) released its fourth annual version of "F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America." The report highlights obesity rates and rankings for each state and provides recommendations to combat the obesity epidemic. The report also noted that adult obesity rates rose in 31 states last year with 22 states experiencing an increase for the second year in a row and no states a decrease. The key recommendation calls on the federal government to implement a comprehensive national plan to combat obesity in partnership with state and local governments, businesses, communities and schools. Quality and Public health health Alerts Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:55:10 CST Lana Henderson Article