| LSMS President's Update |
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July 12, 2010
Medicare and Medicaid Cuts: How Are LSMS Physicians Responding?
Take the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NN8JQ8Y
Your input is needed! This November, physicians who participate in Medicare are facing nearly 30% in reimbursement reductions. Additionally, state budget cuts to the Louisiana Medicaid program have cut health care providers approximately 18% in the past three years, with another 5% program cut scheduled for implementation August 1. The LSMS is conducting a survey of our members to determine how physicians are adapting, specifically on how it may change participation rates in these programs. Your responses enable the LSMS to advocate on your behalf regarding reimbursement issues and to voice concerns about patients' access to care more accurately.
Please take a few minutes to complete this brief survey by August 1, 2010. The estimated time needed to complete this survey is 5-7 minutes.
For more information, please contact:
Sadie D. Wilks, LSMS Director of Public Affairs
(225) 763-8500 or (800) 375-9508
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• www.lsms.org
Follow me on Twitter: sadiepr
_________________________________________________________ Health Care Ends Legislative Session with Mixed Bag
After weeks of spirited debate and much compromise, the 2010 Regular Legislative Session adjourned at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 21, 2010. The legislature faced an insurmountable challenge to balance the budget, while adequately funding health care delivery for the citizens of
________________________________________________________ MEDICARE MELTDOWN Congress Approves Yet Another Plan to Delay Cut
On June 24, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a six-month plan to prevent a 21 percent cut in doctors’ fees paid by Medicare. The House approved Senate-passed legislation that raises payments by 2.2 percent through Nov. 30. President Obama signed the bill on June 25. The increase will be applied retroactively for claims for services on or after June 1. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule on June 25, 2010, that would update payment policies and Medicare payment rates for services furnished by physicians and nonphysician practitioners that are paid under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Comments on the proposed rule are due by August 24, 2010, with the final rule to be issued by November 1, 2010. The program faces an even steeper cut later this year when this latest temporary fix ends. Let your Representatives and Senators know that enough is enough. Patients and physicians deserve a long-term solution to the SGR formula, and a more stable Medicare physician payment system that provides security for patients and the physicians who care for them.
§ Sign the Petition, joining with other physicians from medical societies across the nation. Or download the print petition, sign and fax to the LSMS.
§ Contact your US Senators and Representatives and tell them to find a permanent replacement for the Medicare payment formula.
§ Post this informational flyer in your office, on your website, etc. Distribute the flyer to your patients, fellow physicians, family and friends.
§ Write a letter to the editor of your local paper, or call your local radio and TV station. Click here and enter your zip code to find your local media outlets.
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Medicaid Providers Required to Identify Oil-Spill Related Illnesses/Injuries for Medicaid Recipients
The Department of Health and Hospitals is implementing claims billing indicators to be used to identify services provided to Louisiana Medicaid recipients when treated for an oil spill-related illness or injury. This information is necessary to track and evaluate health outcomes and costs related to the BP Oil Spill. Providers should begin immediately using these indicators on claims submitted for Medicaid payment. Please contact Molina Provider Relations at (800) 473-2783 or (225) 924-5040 with any related questions. Effective immediately, providers are asked to use the following indicators on applicable claims submitted to LA Medicaid for processing and payment:
▪ EDI 837P Transaction for Professional Services - Enter modifier U9 (Disaster Related Service or Illness) with all appropriate procedure codes. This modifier should follow any other modifiers currently required for claims payment.
▪ CMS-1500 Claim Form - Enter modifier U9 (Disaster Related Service or Illness) with all appropriate procedure codes. This modifier should follow any other modifiers currently required for claims payment.
▪ EDI 837I Transaction for Institutional Services – Enter the Condition Code DR (Disaster Related Service or Illness) as the first Condition Code with all appropriate services.
▪ UB-04 Claim Form – Enter the Condition Code DR (Disaster Related Service or Illness) as the first Condition Code with all appropriate services.
▪ Pharmacy POS Transactions – Enter the NCPDP Field Reason for Service Code (Data Element 439-E4) valid value “RE” (Suspected Environmental Risk) with all appropriate services. ________________________________________________
Emma Borders Installed as President-Elect of AMA
The LSMS Alliance now has national representation. Emma Borders, long-time LSMS Alliance member and former officer, was installed as president-elect at the AMA Alliance Annual Meeting, June 12-15, 2010. Attending as
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2010 Member Satisfaction Survey
Let us know how we are doing as a society! The LSMS urges members to take five minutes to complete a member satisfaction survey. In December 2010, results will be compiled with other medical societies across the nation to give us a view of how we compare on a national scale. Access the survey online at http://survey2.9gs.org/survey.php?code=1u517kq. Thank you in advance for your time and input.
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Join LSMS on Facebook
Calling all Facebook friends… Become a fan of our site and get involved with the Society online: www.fbook.me/LSMS. Having trouble? Contact the LSMS Dept of Public Affairs at 800.375.9508 or 225.763.8500; or by email at
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Louisiana Medical Group Management Association Annual Conference – July 15-17 ________________________________________________
Capital Area Medical Society Hosts Disney Institute in
Every hospital, clinic, group medical practice, dental practice, or freestanding medical care provider has the opportunity to distinguish themselves through the delivery of quality services. A one-day local workshop, Disney’s Approach to Quality Service for Healthcare Professionals program will show you the importance of attention to detail in everything Disney does -- from training its Cast Members (employees) to treating every Guest (patient) as a VIP. You will hear the stories and see how Disney best practices can be easily adapted to your healthcare delivery organization.
____________________________________________________________________________ LAFP Annual Assembly – July 1-4, 2010
Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians invites you to join them for the 63rd Annual Assembly and Exhibition being held at the beautiful San Destin Golf and Beach Resort in
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