March 22, 2018 Issue 53

Another Notch in the Win Column for Kentucky Physicians and Patients

As most of you are probably aware, last month Anthem agreed to fully rescind its Modifier 25 policy that would have reduced payments for E&M services reported with CPT Modifier 25. Had this policy been put into action, it would have severely burdened our patients and undermined our positions as physicians. 

Anthem’s official statement, released on Feb. 26, credited the American Medical Association, national medical specialty societies, state medical associations and individual providers with taking the lead on discussions that ultimately led to their decision. 

Update on CMS New Medicare Cards
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is required to remove Social Security Numbers (SSNs) from all Medicare cards by April 2019. A new, unique Medicare Number will replace the SSN-based Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) on each new Medicare card. Starting April 2018, CMS will begin mailing new Medicare cards to all people with Medicare on a flow basis by geographic location and other factors.  

KMA Mourns the Passing of Former President
Robert Sherley Howell, M.D.
Robert Sherley Howell, M.D., KMA President from 1979-1980, passed away March 7.

He served 30 years as Director of Laboratories at Jewish Hospital in Louisville and 25 years on the clinical associate staff of the Pathology Department of the University of Louisville Medical School.

As president of the Jefferson County Medical Society (Greater Louisville Medical Society) from 1976-77, he was instrumental in obtaining and restoring the Old Medical School.

Life Events and Leadership Opportunities Guide Direction of
Future Physician Kevin Kwan
Can one person or event change your life? For Kevin Kwan, who initially planned on becoming a pharmacist, several people and events changed his.

A second year medical school student at the University of Louisville, Kwan is now on track to become the first physician in his family. 

MEMBER NEWS
Sosnin Joins Norton Community Medical Associates

KMA member B. Brian Sosnin Jr., M.D., D.O. , joined Norton Community Medical Associates—Mallard Creek.
Sawyer Joins Norton Heart Specialists

KMA member Robert Sawyer, M.D. , joined Norton Heart Specialists.
KMA IN THE NEWS
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