Save OMT: A message from the President of the Michigan Osteopathic Association

"A proposed rule, called "Local Coverage Determination," (LCD) threatens to limit the coverage patients will have for Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in ten states, including Michigan. The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) has created a "Save OMT" campaign where our voices can be heard on this matter. The proposed rule would significantly reduce patient's access to effective pain-relieving treatment at a time when the healthcare system and our communities are seeking non-opioid interventions for chronic pain. If the proposed LCD rule is not stopped there is a strong chance Medicare contractors and private insurers would adopt the rule. I strongly urge our members to click on the link, go to the www.saveomt.org website, and submit your comments. The MOA will continue to monitor the LCD rule and keep our members informed on the outcome."
- MOA President Bruce Wolf, DO, FAOCR

Save OMT Call-to-Action

A Medicare billing contractor- National Government Services (NGS), the carrier for Medicare in the Northeast, has proposed a change to the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) coverage. If it passes, it would not cover an office visit and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) during the same visit.

The passage of this move would immediately affect ten states: Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Rhode Island-and likely see other providers follow suit.

Since OMT can make up a major portion of a DO's income, passage of this measure would severely decrease the DO's income.The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) has started a campaign for DOs, medical students and patients to send messages to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) asking them to fight this measure.

Specifics on the proposed, LCD rule: http://www.saveomt.org/draftlcd/
Make your voice heard! Click here, www.SaveOMT.org





Economic Impact of Healthcare Report

The Partnership for Michigan's Health, consisting of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, the Michigan Osteopathic Association and the Michigan State Medical Society, has released the latest Economic Impact of Healthcare report to demonstrate the substantial role healthcare plays in the well-being of both the state's residents and its economy. Healthcare providers invest in their local communities in ways beyond helping restore and support good health. Healthcare provided nearly 586,900 direct jobs in Michigan in 2014. The report uses data from fiscal year 2014, which is the most recent available data.

The report's dashboard provides statewide data and breaks it down by region and county. This interactive tool allows information to be viewed and printed for one county or region and for any chosen combination of counties or regions. These data demonstrate that healthcare is Michigan's largest creator of direct, private-sector jobs--jobs that continue to provide employment opportunities for residents statewide.

http://www.economicimpact.org/






Save the Date for November 4-6, 2016
The 12th Annual Autumn Scientific Convention will be Nov. 4-6, 2016 at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Registration is available, click HERE
Exhibitor Prospectus is available, click HERE
Next Webinar:
August 10  
Why Should Pharmacists Join Your Practice Team

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians already contribute to the health and wellness of individuals and communities by being medication experts. The pharmacist's role is expanding to provide leadership in quality improvement initiatives and medication-related measures.  The ability to communicate and collaborate effectively as a member of the inter-professional practice team is essential to improve health outcomes and deliver safe and quality care to all patients. Registration Link>
Michigan Sepsis Challenge Series:

Stomp Out Sepsis 5K Campaign

Each year, nearly 260,000 Americans die from sepsis--more than prostate cancer, breast cancer and AIDS combined. To raise community awareness around this issue the MHA Keystone Center has partnered with Sepsis Alliance on a first-of-its kind statewide community awareness campaign in Michigan.

As part of the partnership, hospitals from across the state are hosting 5K run/walk events through the Michigan Sepsis Challenge Series: Stomp Out Sepsis 5K campaign. The events will take place in September, which is recognized as Sepsis Awareness Month.
 
In addition to providing runners and walkers with a fun outdoor activity capturing the beauty of a Michigan autumn, the events will provide information about the signs and symptoms of sepsis and raise funds to support sepsis awareness programs. Three events have been scheduled across the state in Lansing, Traverse City and Rochester. Run or walk for a cause and help us "Stomp Out Sepsis!" Sign up for a race near you: www.sepsis.org/get_involved/sepsis_challenge/michigan/
MOA and MSUCOM Team Up for Kelser Camp

On August 3, the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) and MSU College of Osteopathic
Medicine (MSUCOM) joined MSU legend Greg Kelser at his annual basketball camp.
The main purpose is basketball, but what sets Kelser's camp apart is that a good deal of the campers' time is spent on academics.

The MOA and MSUCOM were able to talk to campers about living healthy and careers in healthcare. They were able to show campers all about MSUCOM's "Future DOcs"- a summer camp for high school upperclassmen eyeing a career as a DO and the Osteopathic Medicine Scholars Program for MSU undergrads looking to prepare better to attend MSUCOM.
MSUCOM students Jason Oetman, Devon Pyykkonen and Dan O'Connor volunteered their time promoting the programs and interacting with campers.

"Nowadays kids are really into being healthy, kids really want to learn about the body and they enjoy learning about the body. Everyone knows someone that's been sick once in their life and it's interesting to see the experiences they take away... and they're all really eager to learn which is great," Pyykkonen said. The event was a great success and the MOA looks forward to returning next year.

For more on Future DOcs, click here>
For more on OsteoChamps, click here>
To view a photo album of the day's events, click here>
August is National Immunization Awareness Month!

Now is a great time to make sure your patients are up-to-date on vaccines.

Check out the CDC vaccine and immunization information recommendations: Click here>


Order your FREE 2016 AIM packets for children, adolescents and adults: Click here>
 
The Michigan Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS) is an online syste m that allows death certificates to be completed electronically. Using the Michigan EDRS offers an increase in security, a decrease in errors, and more efficient reporting.   The system can also be used to better coordinate the completion of a death certificate with funeral homes, medical examiners, certifying physicians, and county and city clerks. A key feature of EDRS is that the administrative staff can access the system to assist both funeral directors and physicians in completing the death certificate.
 
In an effort to encourage the use of the Michigan Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS) by medical professionals, the Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics for the State of Michigan would like to share information with you about the process of filing death records electronically, and offer some FREE training opportunities. Using EDRS is also FREE. The EDRS requires only a standard personal computer with an internet connection and a fingerprint scanner. The required fingerprint scanner is provided to you at no cost by the State of Michigan once you become a system user.
 
To learn more, visit the MPHI website and click on the Training tab. 
American Osteopathic Foundation Awards

The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) is proud to recognize two members of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM), William D. Strampel, DO, FACOI and Dean of MSUCOM, as well as recent graduate of MSUCOM Shane Sergent, DO, for earning awards from the American Osteopathic Foundation (AOF). Dr. Strampel received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and decorated past as a DO. Dr. Sergent was recognized as the Outstanding Resident of the Year in Emergency Medicine.

To view a list of AOF Award winners, click here>
2017 MOA Dues Notices
The MOA will send dues notices in early August. The notices will be sent via email and will allow online transactions through the MOA website: www.domoa.org
We appreciate your continued support! #DOFamily #DOProud

Reminder: 95% of your MOA dues are tax deductible

Transforming Medicine in the Digital Age


The digital age is transforming medicine. As healthcare undergoes this digital shift, there is
immense pressure to improve the value of medicine with healthcare providers trying to figure out how to enhance quality, safety, the patient experience, access, and efficiency.

The Doctor's Company offers a series of brief videos with compelling information on healthcare issues.

Learn more about healthcare in the digital age, visit www.thedoctors.com/digitalmedicine


News & Resource Links

CMS chief: 'MACRA will promote coordinated, patient-focused care'  In remarks to the AOA House of Delegates, Andy Slavitt thanked DOs for the care they provide to rural and under-served patients.  More> 
 

The AOA extends the deadline for submitting nominations for the  

"2016 Mentor of the Year" award until Aug. 8th:
Started in 2004, the Mentor of the Year award recognizes DOs who have gone above and beyond in promoting osteopathic philosophy, principles and practices with osteopathic medical students, interns, residents and new DOs. More>
   

Research Study: Can Roller Coasters Dislodge Kidney Stones? 

Recruiting Volunteers for Research: David Wartinger, DO, is conducting research suggesting that roller coasters could help dislodge kidney stones. If you're going to OMED, and think you might be riding some coasters, here is the other criterion to participate in the study:
    1    Currently have a known renal calculi
    2    Calculi, <5.0 mm in largest diameter
    3    No calculi >5.0 mm in largest diameter
    4    Planning to attend Disneyland regardless of study
    5    Record a diary including date of park attendance, order and frequency of rides
    6    Report passed calculi for 2 months after park attendance
    
Interested parties should email Dr. Wartinger at: [email protected] and [email protected]
You may also contact him at 734-386-6813.  

DO Appointments to Federal Committees Quadruples 
Federal committees and commissions appointed 18 DOs during the AOA's 2016 fiscal year, which ran from June 2015 through May 2016. That's an increase from four DO appointments during the 2015 fiscal year. More>
   
If you have an article or online resource you would like to share with the DO Family, please contact: Todd Ross, Manager of Communications 517.827.0615 - [email protected]

In Memoriam






April 7, 2016 saw the passing of Daniel Graham, DO

Feb. 15, 2016 saw the passing of Howard Rossman, DO
 
Feb. 4, 2016 saw the passing of Gerald Reznick, DO
 
Feb. 4, 2016 saw the passing of Jack Lighton, DO
 
Feb. 3, 2016 saw the passing of Norman Decker, DO

To see a list of all Michigan Osteopathic Association members who have passed, click  HERE.
The MOA Pulse is a member benefit for sharing news and events. If you have any news items you would like to share, or if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact:
Todd Ross
Manager of Communications
Michigan Osteopathic Association
517/827-0615


Michigan Osteopathic Association | 800.657.1556 | www.domoa.org