CDC Recommendations for Subsequent Zika IgM Antibody Testing
This is an official CDC HEALTH UPDATE Distributed via the CDC Health Alert Network June 21, 2016, 1140 EDT (11:40 AM EDT) Summary Testing for Zika virus infection using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) molecular assays is now commercially available. When requesting Zika rRT-PCR testing from a…
Practice Management Update: Medicaid PCP Assignments
It has just come to our attention that a computer error is causing Medicaid patients to be delinked from their assigned PCP. In addition to the challenges posed for PCPs, our understanding is that it is also causing some claims to be denied for lack of PCP referral. …
AMS Welcomes 46 New Members
By joining the Arkansas Medical Society (AMS), the physicians listed below have illustrated their commitment to improving health care in their communities and our state. “As AMS members, these physicians are part of a statewide network of over 4,300 Arkansas physicians, residents and medical students, dedicated to protecting…
New Policy Released Concerning Texting in Your Practice. Are You Compliant?
The Joint Commission has updated its policy on texting orders, and the AMS’ free member benefit, DocbookMD, remains the best way to ensure your practice’s compliance. The new Joint Commission policy reads: “Licensed independent practitioners or other practitioners in accordance with professional standards of practice, law and regulation,…
Zika Update
The Zika virus continues to lead the news. Read below several updates from the CDC and the AMA about the disease and the US response. Congress fails to act on Zika funding before recess The Washington Post (5/27, Kane, Debonis) reported that Congress left the Capitol last week…
Health Alert Network (HAN) Update
Distributed via the CDC Health Alert Network May 25, 2016 Diagnostic Testing of Urine Specimens for Suspected Zika Virus Infection Summary On May 13, 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued interim guidance that recommends Zika virus rRT-PCR testing of urine collected less than 14 days…
FDA approves first implantable drug to treat opioid addiction
The Washington Post (5/26, McGinley) reports in “To Your Health” that the Food and Drug Administration “on Thursday approved the first implantable drug to deliver long-lasting medication to people addicted to opioids.” The implant, known as Probuphine, “administers the anti-addiction drug buprenorphine in a continuous dose for six…
New sleep center honors longtime AMS member
Arkansas Medical Society member, Hillard Duckworth, MD was recently recognized for over 60 years of service to the Piggott community through the newly opened Duckworth Diagnostic Sleep Center, part of the Piggott Community Hospital. Dr. Duckworth has been a continuous member of the Arkansas Medical Society since 1956. Full article below from…
House passes multiple bills to address opioid epidemic
The U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month passed 18 bills to address the opioid epidemic, including the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Reduction Act (H.R. 5046), which would authorize various grant programs through the Department of Justice. The House also passed H.R. 4641, which would establish an inter-agency task…
How new Medicare payment system intends to help small practices
The proposed rule for implementing key provisions of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) has drawn concerns regarding its regulatory impact analysis, which projected that the quality and resource use components of the new Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) would have a negative impact on most…
New Group Purchasing Program Supports Private Practice Members
The Arkansas Medical Society is excited to announce the purchase of a franchise from the Arkansas based group purchasing organization (GPO), Buygility LLC. The partnership will allow physician members of the Arkansas Medical Society to access lower pricing on a wide variety of practice needs such as medical…