Latest Newsletter Now Availible
The February 2018 issue of AMS NewsBriefs has been distributed via email and printed mail. Members, if you did not receive a copy, please give us a call to update your subscription preferences at 800-542-1058. The issue is available online in the Publications section as well as excerpts…
Prepare for New Medicare Cards
The new Medicare card is a result of MACRA's requirement that CMS issue Medicare cards that do not display Social Security numbers to address the risk of beneficiary identity theft. New Medicare cards will be issued beginning in April 2018 and physician offices must be prepared to accept…
AMS Announces New Partnership With LendKey
AMS now has a solution for helping physicians manage their student loan debt. Through a new partnership with LendKey, AMS members can consolidate and refinance student loan debt at competitive interest rates (as low as 2.56%) for free. LendKey is not a bank, but a service that packages…
AMS Sponsors “Doctor of the Day” Program at the State Capitol
The Arkansas Medical Society is seeking a few more physician volunteers for the 2018 Fiscal Session at the State Capitol. The doctor of the day should plan to arrive at the State Capitol Infirmary around 9:00 a.m. The daily session usually concludes about 2:30 p.m. (or sometimes earlier.)…
Annual Insurance Conferences
Save the dates! October 2 & 3 - Little Rock, Wyndham Hotel October 11 - Fayetteville, Hilton Garden Inn October 18 - Jonesboro, ASU Convocation Center
Social media & HIPAA: When sharing is not caring
Social media is an increasingly common presence within the healthcare industry - among providers and consumers alike - but despite the potential benefits it can offer both parties, it introduces many risks. Paging Dr. Google It’s no exaggeration to say that the internet has completely transformed the way…
CDC HEALTH ADVISORY: Influenza
Seasonal Influenza A(H3N2) Activity and Antiviral Treatment of Patients with Influenza Summary The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is providing: a notice about increased influenza A(H3N2) activity and its clinical implications; a summary of influenza antiviral drug treatment recommendations; an update about approved treatment drugs and…
Member Benefit Update: DocbookMD
Due to feedback from users, DocbookMD, a fully encrypted, exclusive messaging service for AMS members, has discontinued the "CareTeam" feature for new enrollees. "Care Team" allowed physicians to add other medical staff to their DocbookMD account and share messages. Members who have already been using it will be…
Enhancements to Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS)
After receiving a number of calls about concerns regarding the new Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) portal, AMS recently met with representatives of DXC, DHS and AFMC to discuss the complaints. Those complaints include lack of eligibility information, PCP assignment and remittance advice information. Below are the enhancements that…
ADH adopts new guidelines for high blood pressure
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the primary causes of heart attack and stroke. Arkansas leads the nation for the highest heart attack death rates and is number five for the highest stroke death rates. To combat this, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) and other healthcare…
The Seventh Rule
The day was drawing to an end and Charlie - my third year medical student - and I were struggling to see the last patients when my pager went off. Being involved in examining a patient I asked Charlie to get it for me. He came back saying that Mrs.…