It’s that time of year again! The 2021 AIM Melanoma Walk is Sunday, October 10th. Please show your support and if you want to join a team we suggest ADAMSTRONG. Thank you to all of those who have supported this great cause in the past.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we can end melanoma.
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FROM THE OSTEOPATHIC ADVOCACY NETWORK:
Possible reduction in Medicare payment rates for some physicians
The AOA represents the interests of all osteopathic physicians, regardless of specialty or practice type, and is committed to advocating for policies that support their ability to care for their patients and is supportive of many of the proposals in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule for calendar year (CY) 2022. However, the AOA is concerned that some of the Relative Value Unit (RVU) changes and other policies included in the PFS proposed rule would result in a reduction in Medicare payment rates for some physicians.
What is Happening and Why it Matters
The annual PFS is required to be budget neutral, meaning that any increases in RVUs or new payments are offset by a corresponding across-the-board reduction in the PFS conversion factor to ensure that there is no increase in the total cost of the Medicare program.
Congress provided a temporary infusion of funding for CY 2021 to avert a 3.75% budget neutrality cut and suspended the 2% sequestration cut. However, that was only for this year and absent further action combined 5.75% cut will be implemented in 2022. Additionally, Congress also has to waive its ‘PAYGO’ requirements to prevent an additional 4% cut from happening in 2022.
What You Can Do to Help
CMS does not have any discretion over its statutory budget neutrality requirement. However, CMS can make a request to Congress that it waive the statutory budget neutrality requirement for 2022. Absent Congressional action, the 3.75% reduction in RVU rates and 2% sequestration cut will be implemented in 2022.
The AOA is strongly urging CMS to ask Congress to waive its statutory budget neutrality requirement, but our comments alone are not enough to stop the cuts from taking effect. Please submit your own comments to CMS using our advocacy action center asking the agency to request a waiver from Congress on its budget neutrality requirement and extend the suspension of sequestration cuts to avoid imposing further financial distress on physicians.
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MOA 17th Annual Autumn Scientific Convention
October 29 - 31, 2021
Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids, MI
22 AOA Category 1-A Credits
22 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS:
Sleep Apnea • Gastroenterology • Update Business of Medicine • Hypertension in Geriatrics • Driver’s Rehabilitation • Cardiology Update • Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist Addressing Pandemic • Basic Management of Parkinson’s Disease
Lifestyle & Functional Medicine Sessions • Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine • Women’s Health • Safe Opioid Seminar
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Please note:
Registration is limited to either the in-person or On Demand program
VIRTUAL ON DEMAND OPTION: The MOA is continually monitoring the conditions regarding the COVID-19 virus and the Delta variant. An online version of the complete Autumn CME sessions will be offered On Demand after the October event.
Use the button below to preregister for the On Demand program.
Autumn On Demand sessions will be available November 15.
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COVID-19 Protocol Update
The Michigan Osteopathic Association is continually monitoring the situation regarding the coronavirus and its variants. At this time, we are planning to offer both in person and virtual education opportunities this fall. We are working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Amway Grand Plaza to ensure that safety protocols will be taken for in-person attendees.
The speaker sessions featured at the Autumn Scientific Convention will be available On Demand through the MOA Learning Center.
Visit domoa.org/autumn for in person CME registration or to pre-register for the virtual, On Demand sessions starting November 15.
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MOA Autumn 2021 Virtual SRE Competition - October 30, 2021
Participate virtually via Zoom!
The Michigan Osteopathic Association hosts a Scientific Research Exhibit (SRE) twice annually. These competitions provide osteopathic medical students, residents, fellows and attending level physicians an opportunity to present their medical and scientific research to our profession. The SRE competition demonstrates the very best of what osteopathic medicine is and reaffirms the profession’s commitment to the advancement of science in osteopathic medicine.
MOA Autumn Virtual SRE Competition Deadlines
- October 1 - Abstract submission deadline
- October 8 - Notification of acceptance deadline
- October 20 - Poster PDF submission deadline
- October 25 - Final PowerPoint submission deadline
- October 30 - Participant judging times 8 am - 12 pm via Zoom
- November 1 - Awards via Zoom 6-6:30 pm
Participation is via Zoom only.
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20+ AOA Category 1-A credits
Speaker: Richard Koss, DO, C-SPOMM, C-ACOFP
November 19-21, 2021
Friday: 8 am - 6 pm
Saturday: 8 am - 6 pm
Sunday: 7:45 am - 3 pm
Sheraton Detroit Novi
21111 Haggerty Road, Novi, Michigan 48375
(Ballrooms A-B)
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From Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, The Record:September 2021
No‑cost COVID‑19 treatment ending Sept. 30
As we reported in The Record previously, we’re ending our $0 member cost share for COVID‑19 treatment Sept. 30.
We’ll still pay for medically necessary treatment, but it will now be subject to member cost sharing. This change applies to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network, Medicare Plus Blue℠, BCN Advantage℠ and Medigap plans.
Effective Oct. 1, member cost sharing will apply for COVID‑19 treatment.**
Throughout the pandemic, we’ve implemented many short-term changes to help our providers and members during this difficult time. This included waiving authorization requirements and member cost sharing for COVID‑19 testing and treatments.
Many of our policies had end dates that were revised throughout the health emergency. We’re continuing to revise the end dates for temporary changes to our policies. For additional information, refer to this document.
We’ll continue to cover physician‑approved testing for the duration of the public health emergency, as required by federal guidelines.
**Some commercial self-funded groups may end the temporary waiver of member cost sharing on a different date. For example, MESSA is extending the waiver of member cost sharing through the end of 2021. Providers are encouraged to submit claims to Blue Cross and BCN, and wait for the voucher before charging member cost sharing, if applicable.
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Lunch and learn webinars for physicians and coders focus on risk adjustment, coding
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) is offering lunch and learn webinars for physicians and coders focusing on risk adjustment, coding. Starting in April, BCBSM began offering webinars that provide updated information on risk adjustment documentation and coding of common challenging diagnoses.
All sessions start at 12:15 p.m. Eastern time and run for 15 to 30 minutes. They also provide physicians and coders with an opportunity to ask questions.
Click on a link below to sign up for a webinar.
Physician led
Coder led
Wednesday, Nov. 17: Coding scenarios for primary care and specialty Register here
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MOA President Competes in 3Disciplines DuoThon |
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Michigan Osteopathic Association President, David Best, DO, competed in the 3Disciplines Championships held on Belle Isle in Detroit Michigan on September 5. Dr. Best participated in the DuoThon—combining bicycling and running—for a combined distanced of over 16 miles. His time of 1:05:55 placed him 1st in his division and 4th overall.
“I like the competition as well doing different races. I find that training for running and biking gives me time to reflect, and for me that helps in my overall wellness, as a dad and as a physician."
Dr. Best was cheered on by his wife Lindsay, and his daughters Caroline and Maggie.
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MOA and PIN urge parents to get caught up on child vaccinations and 'Take the Pledge'
As an advocate for immunization efforts, the Michigan Osteopathic Association is a member of the Parent Information Network (PIN), a coalition of groups advocating for vaccines and vaccine use in Michigan. And in the wake of COVID-19, their work could not be more important.
Since the onset of the pandemic, immunization rates for vaccine-preventable diseases like the measles, mumps and rubella have fallen off dramatically here in Michigan. According to a study published by the CDC earlier this year, vaccination rates overall for children 18 and younger dropped by more than 20 percent, leaving far too many children and communities unprotected and vulnerable to outbreaks of potentially deadly, completely preventable conditions.
Taking the pledge to get caught up has never been more important. With social distancing requirements easing and in-person learning returning this fall, the conditions will be just right for a serious outbreak of a highly contagious and potentially deadly communicable disease like the measles.
That’s something we can prevent, but only if we all do our part to see that our children are caught up on their routine immunizations. Please take the pledge today and ask others to do the same. Getting our children caught-up on routine, life-saving immunizations before the start of the coming school year could very well save lives—that alone should be reason enough to take the pledge.
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The MOA is consistently striving to improve and adapt in the value we provide to members. As technology advances and health care continues to change, we look to improve upon the benefits and services offered to members. If you have input you would like to share, take a moment to let us know what is important to you. |
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Membership Renewal
The 2022 membership renewal notices have been sent through email. A similar notice will be sent via U.S. Mail after Labor Day. A reminder—90% of your yearly dues can be deducted on your tax returns.
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#DOPROUD
Defending the osteopathic profession against misrepresentation, scope encroachment and more
The AOA’s new annual report outlines recent advocacy efforts in these areas and also details the organization’s efforts to fight discrimination against osteopathic medical students and residents.
During the 2020-2021 fiscal year, DOs and osteopathic medical students faced numerous stresses, including legislative efforts to encroach on their scope of practice and widespread misrepresentation of their profession in the media. They met these challenges while simultaneously navigating a global pandemic — with many members of the profession serving on the front lines and volunteering to aid others.
The AOA 2020-2021 Annual Report (PDF) outlines these potential setbacks and details how the organization worked with affiliates and members of the profession to fight them. The report also provides an overview of the AOA’s recent endeavors in osteopathic education, training, research and board certification, along with additional information about AOA advocacy efforts in other areas. CONTINUE TO FULL ARTICLE
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Quick Drawing of A.T. Still, DO, MD, featured in The DO
The Michigan Osteopathic Association was featured in a News in Brief item with a quick draw of A.T. Still, DO, MD. After viewing a caricature of Dr. Still on an MOA dry erase board, the AOA asked if it was possible to record a sketch in a time lapsed video. The MOA obliged, and the video has made the rounds on social media. Click on the video below to see full sketch. Click here for the FULL ARTICLE. |
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Revenue Recovery made easy - It's your money
MCAG is a revenue recovery consulting firm where teams of advisers, auditors, analysts and IT professionals provide expertise, analysis and breakthrough technology to ensure its clients capture every recoverable dollar.
As a trusted adviser, MCAG shares its expertise and know-how of class action litigation claim recovery through a range of services tailored to meet its clients' revenue recovery needs.
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Coverys live webinar
HIPAA Update: What You Need to Know about Amendments, Access, and Enforcement
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been the center of attention over the last 18 months, the privacy-focused HIPAA Omnibus Rule has continued to evolve in the background.
Join Coverys September 23, 2021 from 2 to 3 pm ET for this 60-minute webinar with Chris Bennington, JD, as he reviews recent HIPAA developments relative to today and beyond. These include amendments to the Privacy Rule, “Right of Access” enforcement, and findings from the latest round of HIPAA audits. This is one webinar you don’t want to miss - register below!
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Coverys Call for Action Claims Series
Coverys released an analysis of malpractice claims data from the previous 10 years in October 2020. A review of a decade's worth of malpractice claims makes us wonder why more progress has not been made in improving patient safety. Despite focused education, we continue to see high numbers of claims in largely the same areas. In some ways, this report is a call for action to make a greater—and more effective—investment in a safer healthcare delivery model.
Surgery: September 22, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. ET
General Medicine: October 20, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET
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Treatment Court and Health Professionals Collaborative Regional CrossTraining Sessions: Northern Michigan
On behalf of the Treatment Court and Health Professionals Collaborative, you are invited to attend a virtual training session to bring together treatment court judges and team members, physicians, advanced practice professionals, local public health representatives, community support service providers, and law enforcement agencies from Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Kalkaska, Manistee, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Otsego, Roscommon, and Wexford Counties.
The curriculum is designed to be informative, interactive, and enhance local interprofessional collaboration to support treatment court participants on their path to recovery. In addition to fostering community relationships, key objectives include:
- Describe current standards of care related to the treatment of persons with substance use disorder, evidence-based medications and therapies, and best practices.
- Discuss how to integrate health principles in courtroom decisions.
- Identify how medical treatment decisions may impact the recovery process of patients who are involved with a treatment court.
- Discuss how to develop and foster relationships with and communication amongst treatment court officials (e.g., judges, probation officers), health professionals, and community support agencies.
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There is no cost to attend and you are encouraged to bring a member of your team with you to the training and share this invitation.
Calendar invite and meeting link provided upon registration. If you have any questions, please contact Stacey Hettiger at shettiger@msms.org
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Following FDA approval and a unanimous recommendation from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for those ages 16 and up, the Michigan Department of Health and Humans Services is renewing its call to Michiganders to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
ACIP provides advice and guidance to the director of the CDC regarding use of vaccines and related agents for control of vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States. The committee’s 14-0 vote came a week after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted full approval for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
The Pfizer vaccine was the first COVID-19 vaccine to be distributed in December 2020 and was shown to be better than 94% effective against the virus that causes COVID-19.
Vaccinating adolescents 12-15 with the Pfizer vaccine and additional doses of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for immunocompromised individuals remain under Emergency Use Authorization. ACIP plans to meet in September to further discuss recommendations for booster doses after reviewing additional data.
To date, nearly 5.5 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been administered in Michigan and more than 65% of Michiganders have gotten at least their first dose of one of the three safe, effective vaccines. From January to July 2021, unvaccinated Michiganders accounted for 98% of COVID cases, 95% of hospitalizations and 96% of deaths.
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MDHHS COVID-19 Vaccine information
This webpage will have valuable information to support COVID-19 Vaccine Providers in the successful implementation of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program. It will also be home to a live MDHHS COVID-19 Provider Toolkit. This toolkit is currently being worked on and as soon as it becomes available, we will get a message out. This webpage will be partnered with CDC to provide important and timely education as it is arriving.
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Strategic Partner Career Opportunity Spotlight:
Beaumont Health
Physician Careers
Compassionate, extraordinary care, every day.
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JOB POSTING AT MSUCOM
Assistant Professor-Fixed Term
Job no: 715240
Work type: Faculty/Academic Staff
Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Osteopathic Medicine
Department: Osteopathic Medical Specialties Com 10034467
Sub Area: FAS- Fac./Acad Staff
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Education/Training, Fixed Term Faculty, Part Time (1-49.9%), Union
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The MOA has developed an online Learning Center to deliver CME in a virtual format. Our Spring and Autumn sessions were a tremendous success with over 900 attendees. These sessions can still be accessed, along with other CME sessions, all qualifying for AOA Category 1-A CME credits.
These sessions can be accessed at any time by clicking the link below. Evaluations are within the system and can be taken after you have viewed the program.
Coming CME Opportunities
October 29-31, 2021
November 19-21
On Demand CME programs
Single session CME Credits
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Michigan Osteopathic Physicians CME Information
As a courtesy to MOA Members, this is a reminder that all Michigan licensed Osteopathic Physicians must complete 150 hours CME during the 3 years immediately preceding the application for renewal. Of the 150 hours, at least 60 hours must be earned in Category 1 programs.
To better serve our members, the MOA has developed an online CME platform to help you meet MI LARA CME requirements. For a current listing of MOA Learning Center On-Demand CME programs offered to members at a discounted rate, visit www.domoa.org/meded
Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Michigan Osteopathic Physicians
Requirements for Renewal
150 hours of CME per 3‐year cycle
60 hours must be Category 1
- 40 hours must be AOA Category 1-A
- 20 hours either AOA Category 1-A or AMA PRA Category 1
90 hours either Category 1 or Category 2
Osteopathic physicians must also meet the following requirements,
- 3 hours pain and symptom management education (per 3-year cycle) R 338.141
- Training on human trafficking (one-time requirement) R 338.120
- Training in opioids and controlled substances for all prescribers or dispensers of controlled substances (one-time requirement) R 338.3135
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July 3, 2021, saw the passing of Joseph Richert, DO
June of 2021, saw the passing of Ronald W. Wadle, DO
An obituary is unavailable at this time
May 19, 2021, saw the passing of John Bodell, DO
April 15, 2021, saw the passing of Bruno Borin, DO
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