June 22, 2020 — HOD, Spring Online CME, COVID-19 Updates and Resources
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Spring Online CME draws over 500 attendees
The Michigan Osteopathic Association hosted an online CME event June 13 and 14. The program featured speakers who were originally planned for the cancelled, in-person event that would have taken place in May.
Over 500 registrants joined in the new, MOA Learning Center platform. As the speakers presented their sessions, attendees were able to ask questions via a Discussion Forum.
The MOA received countless positive reviews of the event and the success has led to plans on expanding our online CME offerings. Stay tuned to MOA communications for information on future programs and events.
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Spring Online CME Follow-up
AOA Survey
If you attended the "Building Pathways in Pain Management: Advancing the Future of Chronic Pain Management," lecture with Annette Carron, DO, FACOI, over the weekend please participate in a brief survey.
Evaluation Instructions
AOA Number: 123456 (If AOA number less than 6 digits, use a zero to start, e.g., 012345)
Password: MOACME
Once your attendance has been verified, you may then print or save CME certificate for your records.
MOA will submit final roster of attendance (sessions evaluated and attendance confirmation) to the AOA.
Outcomes Measurement Survey
Outcomes Measurement Survey will be emailed to attendees 14+ days post convention and must be completed by July 14.
For questions or comments, please contact:
Melissa Budd, CME Program Manager - mbudd@domoa.org or 517-347-1555 x112
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Contact your legislator End Surprise Billing
As an osteopathic physician, you know the burden that surprise billing can place on both your patients and physicians. Patients should have access to high-quality physician-led care where they live and should not have to suffer additional financial burdens when dealing with out-of-network charges for emergency services. We need to find a solution to this issue that protects patients from this process but also does not penalize physicians.
Michigan's lawmakers continue to debate
H.B. 4459
and
4460
which attempts to shield patients from these billing disputes but leaves you, the physician, without an appeals process. As currently proposed it would still not be fair to all parties. Write your state Representative today and ask them to oppose H.B. 4459 and 4460 and pass surprise billing legislation that in addition to protecting patients, includes the following recommendations:
1) Incorporate actual billed charges, as determined through an independent claims database, when calculating out-of-network payments to physicians.
2) Establish an appeals process when disputes arise between physicians and insurers.
3) Strengthen health insurance network adequacy standards.
Michigan's lawmakers are working on this issue right now, but without hearing from you, they may pass legislation that is not fair to all parties. Write to your legislator and let them know surprise billing that is fair to patients and the physicians who treat them.
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OMED 2020 and this year’s AOA House of Delegates meeting will be virtual
After extensive discussions with affiliate leaders and other key stakeholders, the Executive Committee of the AOA Board of Trustees has voted to host
OMED 2020
as a virtual conference, rather than the live event scheduled Oct. 15-19, 2020.
With the health and safety of DOs and medical students a top priority, the trustees considered the current pandemic status and existing restrictions, as well as the possibility of a fall COVID-19 resurgence, as critical factors in this decision.
In addition, a special meeting of the AOA House of Delegates (HOD) planned for Oct. 13-14 will also be held virtually. The AOA is committed to preserving the critical functions and roles of the HOD, including resolution consideration and debate.
OMED 2020 will remain an event filled with educational programming, discussions on the evolving practice of medicine, the advancement of the osteopathic profession and networking opportunities.
The AOA has also re-booked in Austin for OMED 2026.
Please email questions about these developments to
ceo@osteopathic.org
. The AOA will monitor submissions and respond accordingly, as well as post responses to the OMED
2020 FAQ web page
.
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CME for hours worked responding to COVID-19
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A State of Michigan Executive Order is allowing clinicians to submit for Continuing Medical Education for hours worked responding directly to the COVID-19 emergency between March 17, 2020 - June 9, 2020. There is the possibility of an extension to the end date. We are monitoring the Executive Orders being issued and will update the information as we receive it.
Executive Order:
Executive Order 2020-49
provides that LARA may recognize hours worked responding to the COVID-19 pandemic as hours toward continuing education courses or programs required for licensure. The Order is effective immediately and continues through June 9, 2020 at 11:59 pm.
All hours must be submitted by
July 1, 2020.
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COVID-19 Materials and Business Impact Survey
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How has COVID-19 Impacted your practice?
As the MOA is attempting to fill the needs of our members, we are trying to get a better grasp of what those needs are and what changes the COVID-19 crisis has caused for our membership. Please take a moment to complete the short survey to share your insight on how the COVID-19 outbreak has impacted your practice.
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CMS announces changes to Accelerated Payment Program, launches telehealth toolkit
CMS no longer accepting applications for Medicare Accelerated Payment Program
On April 26, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it is reevaluating the amounts that will be paid under its
Accelerated Payment Program
to Part B providers and suppliers. Effective immediately, CMS will not accept any new applications for the Advance Payment Program in light of the recently appropriated $100 billion authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the $75 billion through the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act for healthcare providers. The Department of Health and Human Services is distributing this money through the Provider Relief Fund, and unlike the Accelerated Payment Program, the payments allocated under the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program do not need to be repaid.
New toolkit to accelerate state use of telehealth in Medicaid and CHIP
Since states have broad flexibility to expand telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS has created a
toolkit
to guide Medicaid and CHIP plans in making policy decisions. Coverage and payment policies vary by state within federal parameters, and this toolkit will help states identify policies that may impede the rapid deployment of telehealth when providing care.
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The Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA) conducted a media call June 15 to announce the
launch
of its statewide “Big Changes Ahead” public education campaign and website,
DriveProtected.org
.
The campaign is designed to make Michiganders aware of the medical coverage options available to them when the new auto no-fault insurance law takes effect July 1. The website will help drivers make fact-based decisions on how to best protect themselves while driving and encourages them to purchase the highest level of personal injury protection (PIP) they can afford.
Reporters from several media outlets, including the
Lansing State Journal
and
MiBiz
, participated in the call and asked questions about the scope and messaging of the Big Changes Ahead campaign, cost savings mandated by the new law and medical costs associated with auto accidents.
The
DriveProtected.org
homepage provides a video overview of the law, and the site outlines information on the
levels of medical and rehabilitation coverage
drivers can choose to protect against potentially large out-of-pocket costs, including long-term medical and rehabilitation expenses. It
answers questions
about how the law will work and provides links to
news coverage
providing background.
The website also offers
downloadable resources
that members and others may use to help explain the new law and available choices, including an infographic, templates for letters to the editor of local news outlets, a sample newsletter article and more.
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Origami
Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center selects DO as new Medical Director
Origami Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center welcomes new Medical Director, Dr. Marcy Schlinger, D.O. Dr. Schlinger brings a strong collaborative approach to medical care and a passion for helping individuals reach their full potential.
With a strong foundation of over 28 years of experience and leadership in this community, Dr. Schlinger specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R). Dr. Schlinger owns a full-time private practice in Okemos, Michigan. She remains a Clinical Associate Professor for the Department of PM&R, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM), and a faculty member of MSUCOM’s Continuing Medical Education Department. A true Spartan, Dr. Schlinger attended and graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
“I am excited to work with the extraordinary team of professionals at Origami,” Schlinger said. “Origami is an extremely valuable resource in this community, and I welcome the opportunity to continue the legacy of excellence in client care and recovery as together, we further the mission of Origami.”
Origami President & CEO, Tammy Hannah, says, “With Dr. Schlinger joining our team, we are excited for the opportunity to deepen our community partnerships further and enhance our strong commitment to positive outcomes for those we serve.”
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What to know about Telehealth billing and coding during COVID-19
Learn more about the changes to telemedicine billing and coding procedures brought on by CMS’ Waiver 1135
In March, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) signed
Waiver 1135
, which brought on significant changes to telemedicine service qualifications, and billing and coding procedures, while the nation battles the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Some insurance companies are following CMS’ lead, but each has its own unique policies. Jill Young, CPC, CEDC, discussed these changes and reviewed what codes are now available for Medicare telehealth/telemedicine services in an April 9 AOA/AOIA webinar.
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PROVIDER ALERT:
Blue Cross And BCN Announce Temporary Sequestration Relief And DRG Enhancement For Medicare Advantage Providers Treating Inpatient Covid-19 Patients
In accordance with our provider agreements and changes to Original Medicare payments under the federal CARES Act, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are implementing temporary sequestration relief and DRG enhancement for in-network Medicare Advantage providers. Both of these changes will be implemented by Blue Cross and BCN as noted below.
These changes will offer financial relief to health care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic and apply to services provided to members with Medicare Plus BlueSM PPO and BCN AdvantageSM coverage.
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February 18, 2020, saw the passing of
Rowland W. Hinds, DO
December 5, 2019, saw the passing of
Jack Quarters, DO
November 24, 2019, saw the passing of
Augutine L. Perrotta, DO
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