January 8, 2019 Issue 72
Focus on Flu: Joint Statement from KMA, KFMC and the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky and Coding for Influenza Vaccinations

On Friday, KMA, the Kentucky Foundation for Medical Care and the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky released a joint statement regarding the increase in flu activity across the state.

KMA member and KPLI graduate Vaughn Payne, M.D., was interviewed by two Louisville television stations on behalf of the Focus on Flu campaign to encourage residents to get their vaccines and to exercise proper handwashing and hygiene techniques to halt the spread of the illness.

The statement is available here . More information on Focus on Flu, including links to media coverage, is available here . 

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Deductible and coinsurance amounts typically do not apply for influenza vaccinations.
However, coding for flu vaccinations consists of two CPT codes – administration and vaccine.

Administration
90471 : immunization administration (includes percutaneous, intradermal, subcutaneous or intramuscular injections) for insurers (except for Medicare)
G0008 : Administration of influenza virus vaccine for Medicare

Vaccine
Read more to locate specific vaccine CPT codes, drug name and the Medicare Payment Allowances for the 2018-2019 flu season.
As increasing numbers of flu cases are being reported across the state (Jefferson County had 570 flu cases reported during the last week of December, compared to 202 cases the week before) treatment for patients with the flu includes an E/M and most likely a blood test.
87275 : Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique; influenza B virus 
87276 : Infectious agent antigen detection by immunofluorescent technique; influenza A virus

If you have questions about billing, coding and reimbursement for flu vaccinations contact lady@kyma.org .  
Mason Johnson Values Mentorship and Seeks to Give Back to His Community

Mason Johnson’s biggest mentor is his brother Ryan. “I’ve always looked up to him,” Johnson said. “He’s like a second parent to me.”

Johnson grew up in Pikeville, Ky. and attended undergraduate school at the University of Kentucky where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. Mason is a first-generation college graduate and the first to become a doctor. He’s currently a second-year medical school student at UK.

Kentucky Medicaid Provider Portal Application Webinars Available 

In an effort to launch the web-based system, KY MPPA (Kentucky Medicaid Partner Portal Application), a series of webinars are scheduled to provide support to Providers and Credentialing Agents in accessing the system and functionality.

Physician Feedback on Medicaid and Kentucky HEALTH Requested

Kentucky has contracted with the University of Pennsylvania and NORC at the University of Chicago to conduct the evaluation of the Kentucky HEALTH program. As part of the evaluation, NORC is conducting brief 40 minute telephone interviews with providers who serve Medicaid beneficiaries in order to gain an understanding of providers’ experiences with the Medicaid program, and their opinions on the Kentucky HEALTH program. NORC can scheduled around your availability and providers will receive an incentive of $100 for their time. NORC is looking to interview providers who serve Medicaid beneficiaries and are in the following categories:

  • Internists, family practitioners, and general internists
  • Obstetricians/Gynecologists
  • Emergency medicine physicians
  • Psychiatrists
  • Pulmonologist
  • Oncologists
  • Cardiologists

We want to assure you that your participation is confidential. NORC will not use your name or your institution’s name in any data or reports we submit to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

If you are interested in participating, please send an email to the project helpdesk ( KYHelpDesk@norc.org ) or call 1-301-634-9544. A member of the project team will respond to schedule your interview.
Flu Myth Buster Video: A message from the KMA Alliance

Rhonda Rhodes with the KMA Alliance, urges the public to get their flu shot, consult their doc and prevent the spread. This video is part of a series of videos for KMA's Focus on Flu public health campaign.

MEMBER NEWS
Castellanos and Pezzi Join Baptist Health Medical Group Gastroenterology

KMA members Alberto Castellano, M.D., and James Pezzi, M.D., have joined Baptist Health Medical Group Gastroenterology, Lexington.
Alankar Joins Norton

KMA member Sudha Alankar, M.D. , joined Norton Children's Medical Associates - Preston.
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