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In this Issue...
- Report: OB/GYN Physicians are Leaving Idaho
- Join Provider Bridge to Support Emergency Response
- Medicare Preventative Services Revised - 2024
- IMA Member Benefit: Payor Portal
- Physician Vitality Program
- State of the states: AMA Advocacy Insights Webinar
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IMA Membership
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Increasing Revenue w/ the Complexity Code, Care Management, & Under Utilized CME Services - IMA Education Webinar
- Order Your 2024 AMA Coding Books Today!
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Report: OB/GYN Physicians are Leaving Idaho
On February 19, the Idaho Coalition for Safe Healthcare and the Idaho Physician Well-Being Action Collaborative shared a report showing that nearly a quarter of Idaho’s OB/GYNs have stopped practicing in our state since the implementation of Idaho’s strict abortion ban.
Using publicly available data, the report shows that between 40-60 OB/GYN physicians – about 22% of the workforce – have either left the state or retired from the workforce from August 2022 through November 2023. During the same timeframe, Idaho lost 55% of our Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists. In 2023, two Idaho hospitals closed their Labor & Delivery (L&D) departments, and a third hospital recently announced it will close its L&D and NICU departments as of April 1.
Because Idaho laws make it illegal for physicians to provide evidence-based, standard of care treatment for many pregnancy complications, Idaho women with pregnancy complications are experiencing delays in care that threaten their health and future ability to have children. This creates significant challenges for patients to access obstetrical care and will cause Idaho’s maternal mortality rates to worsen.
IMA continues to work in collaboration with other organizations to bring this information to light and urge Idaho lawmakers to take action to stabilize the physician workforce and ensure access to care for all Idahoans.
To review all of the data and read the full report, click HERE.
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Join Provider Bridge to Support Emergency Response
The incidence of emergencies and disasters has increased steadily in the U.S. since the 1980’s. In 2023, the United States experienced 25 disasters, including a deadly wildfire in Maui and Hurricane Idalia in Florida. By registering for Provider Bridge, you will join thousands of qualified medical providers who are ready to provide care and contribute to the effective emergency management of these disasters.
Provider Bridge is a free-to-use technology platform that maintains a comprehensive registry of health professionals that can be accessed expeditiously to prepare for and respond to local, regional, or national emergencies.
Joining the Provider Bridge platform allows you to create and own a time-stamped, digital report (“passport”) that includes your name, provider type, professional school and graduation date, NPI, state license number(s), specialty or area of practice, and DEA registration(s), as well as any disciplinary history. Each license is verified via data sharing with the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), and the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
Provider Bridge supports expeditious emergency response most effectively by having a large number of medical professionals registered in the platform. Registration takes only a few minutes and can be completed at the following link: https://provider.providerbridge.org/.
For more information, please contact: Provider Bridge Program Officer, Anne K. Lawler, JD, RN at alawler@fsmb.org.
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Medicare Preventive Services Revised – 2024
By Jana Weis, Gill Compliance Solutions
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CMS updated several areas of preventive benefits that apply to 2024 claims. The following outlines major changes and updates.
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Annual wellness visit: Code G0136 was added for Social Determinants of Health Risk Assessment as an optional element and information about community health integration initiating visit
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Colorectal cancer screening: Use the KX modifier when billing screening colonoscopies as a follow up to a non-invasive test(s)
- Diabetes screening:
- Patients can get 2 screenings within a 12-month period
- Medicare will cover an A1c blood test for patients getting a diabetes screening
- Diabetes self-management training:
- Added telehealth qualifications and flexibilities
- Registered dietitians and nutrition professionals performing and billing services
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Flu shots: Added information about additional payment for in-home flu shot administration
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Medical nutrition therapy: Added information about registered dietitians and nutrition professionals performing and billing services
- Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program:
- Updated HCPCS and CPT codes and billing frequency for CY 2024
- Added information on the extended flexibilities period
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and high intensity behavioral counseling to prevent STIs:
- Added CPT code 0402U effective October 1, 2023
- Updated the ICD-10 code section
Visit https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Prevention/PrevntionGenInfo/medicare-preventive-services/MPS-QuickReferenceChart-1.html to view all preventive services and revisions as outlined above.
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Don't Miss Out on the Benefit of Utilizing the Payor Portal!
IMA and Gill Compliance Solutions have partnered together to offer a membership benefit with unlimited usage that is a valuable resource for those seeking updated telehealth and vaccine payor rules in Idaho. The Payor Policy Portal is a virtual tool that offers viewing privileges that includes common codes, modifiers, and links to essential information and payor guidelines that are updated on a weekly basis.
We understand the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest regulations and guidelines, especially in the ever-evolving healthcare industry. That's why we are proud to offer complimentary access to our members to help ensure that healthcare providers and their office staff have access to the most current information available. Our commitment to providing high-quality resources and support to our members is unwavering, and we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to stay informed and remain compliant. Please contact Rebecca Adams at rebecca@idmed.org or 208-344-7888 X101 to gain access to the Payor Policy Portal today!
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Physician Vitality Program
The Physician Vitality Program (PVP) offers confidential, affordable, and easily accessible mental health support tailored for Idaho's physicians. It is now available to all medical licensed professionals (physicians, PAs, NPs) who are members of the IMA wherever they practice. PVP was created by Ada County Medical Society in 2016 to address the growing needs of those facing the epidemic of physician burnout, as well as other occupational and personal stressors.
The program provides five confidential appointments at no cost, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the privacy of individuals seeking help. While many clinicians have access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) through their insurance plans, they often hesitate to use them due to genuine or perceived confidentiality concerns. ACMS created its own panel of clinically licensed mental health professionals available throughout Idaho and via telehealth and chose those with a reputation for serving medical clinicians. It is suitable for those seeking help for depression, grief, relationship and work challenges, imposter syndrome, and other issues commonly faced by those who practice medicine.
To determine if you are eligible for services, you may verify your IMA membership at https://www.idmed.org/idaho/Idaho_Public/Physician_Finder/Idaho_Public/Physician_Finder/Search.aspx.
To find out more about this program and access appointments, visit the site by clicking the button below.
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State of the states: What key health care issues are in play this year? | |
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As states are kicking off their legislative sessions this year, what trends are emerging related to three key issues affecting patients and physicians: prior authorization, scope of practice and physician wellness? How do all of these topics impact quality and timely delivery of patient care? How are legislators and regulators shifting their approaches to these issues?
Moderator
- Willie Underwood III, MD, MSc, MPH, chair of the AMA Board of Trustees
Speakers
- Daniel Blaney-Koen, JD, senior attorney, Advocacy Resource Center, AMA
- Emily Carroll, JD, senior attorney, Advocacy Resource Center, AMA
- Kimberly Horvath, JD, senior attorney, Advocacy Resource Center, AMA
- Michaela Sternstein, JD, vice president, Advocacy Resource Center, AMA
When
March 5, 2024, 9:00 A.M., MST
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Seize the Moment: Join or Renew Your Membership Now!
Idaho Medical Association (IMA) is the leading organization representing physicians in all specialties, practice settings, and geographic locations in our state, and is recognized as the voice of medicine in Idaho. IMA’s mission is to unify and advocate for all Idaho physicians, promote the art and science of medicine, and remain dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all Idahoans.
Idaho Medical Association has over 4,000 members, all Idaho medical professionals who meet the Association's stringent membership requirements. Predominant membership is comprised of over 2,000 actively practicing physicians, including residents, with the balance of members comprised of retired physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and medical students.
* NOTE: Non-Renewals Become Delinquent on March 31st
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Our membership period spans from January 1st to December 31st, with a generous three-month grace period to allow you to enjoy uninterrupted access to the various benefits and services we offer. However, it's important to note that, without timely renewal, your membership will be considered delinquent as of March 31st.
* Don't forget: If you pay your AMA dues through IMA, IMA benefits.
Visit www.idmed.org or contact us at (208) 334-7888 for more information.
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Don't Miss Out! Ensure Our Emails Reach You
It has come to our attention that some of our important emails may be getting lost in your junk folder. We understand that automated filters can sometimes be a bit overzealous, and we wouldn't want you to miss out on crucial updates from us.
To ensure that you receive our communications directly to your inbox, please consider adding the following email addresses to your safe senders list:
By applying this simple step, you can be confident that you won't overlook any essential information or announcements from the IMA.
Your continued engagement and participation are vital to our community, and we want to make sure you stay connected. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
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Order Your 2024 ICD-10-CM Complete Official Code Set Today!
The newest codes in the ICD-10 book took effect October 1 and your billing staff will need to start using these new codes ASAP! The books are already at the IMA office and can be picked up, shipped, or delivered today! The 2024 ICD-10-CM files contain information on the ICD-10-CM updates for FY 2024. These 2024 ICD-10-CM codes are to be used for discharges from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, and for patient encounters from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024.
As part of your membership, Idaho Medical Association offers most coding, billing, and reference manuals at a significant discount. This saves you and your office money when you provide your staff with the tools to help you ward off unwelcome challenges to your revenue. The order form for 2024 publications is available here. If you have questions or if there is a type of book you don’t see, but would like to purchase, please contact Rebecca Adams at rebecca@idmed.org or 208-344-7888 ext. 101.
CPT ® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association
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