Physicians Boost the National and State Economy
Beyond their role of safeguarding a healthy community and a productive work force, physicians have a huge positive impact on the national and state economies, as demonstrated in an American Medical Association study that was completed in conjunction with state medical associations. The national report shows that each…
CDC HEALTH ADVISORY: Bird Infections with Highly-Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses
Bird Infections with Highly-Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N2), (H5N8), and (H5N1) Viruses: Recommendations for Human Health Investigations and Response Summary: Highly-pathogenic avian influenza A H5 viruses have been identified in birds in the United States since December 2014. The purpose of this HAN Advisory is to notify public…
Physicians influence the lowest growth rate in national healthcare cost since 1961
How physicians are slowing health care costs An AMA Viewpoints post by Barbara L. McAneny, MD, chair of the AMA Board of Trustees. As physicians, we hear firsthand from the media and other places how health care costs are out of control, and we’re often asked what can be done…
Be Wary of Compounding Pharmacy Practice
The Arkansas Medical Society has been notified of a questionable practice by an out-of-state compounding pharmacy, Global Compounding Pharmacy in Alabama. AMS has been told that the pharmacy is sending one or more reps around to local clinics with "pre-printed" scripts for topical pain and scarring medications. According…
Hepatitis C Trend Increasing in Arkansas
Video from THV11 | Download May Journal (members only) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (ADH) – Illness and death due to Hepatitis C (Hep C) infection is increasing in Arkansas, according to new research published in the May 2015 issue of the Journal of the Arkansas Medical Society. The research,…
AMS Physicians Achieve Remarkable Legislative Successes
Once again, physicians stood up for their patients and profession, going 8-0 in the most recent legislative session. The Arkansas Medical Society went undefeated in the legislative session, passing all eight supported bills and defeating all 13 bills the Society opposed. AMS Legislation that became law: Prior Authorization…
(S)aying (G)ood (R)iddance
No, you weren't dreaming. Congress really did get rid of SGR. So, now what? After twelve years and seventeen patches and eighteen years after the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 brought us the flawed SGR, we can say good riddance! Senate and House members from both sides of…
Medicaid Enrollment Problems
The Division of County Operations (DCO) recently implemented a new system, CURAM, to process Medicaid applications and determine eligibility. The new system has incurred technical problems which is slowing the process of issuing applicant Medicaid ID numbers. John Selig, DHS Director, and Delia Anderson, DCO Director, have established…
Tax Scam Hits Again!
Once again, AMS has been contacted by several physicians regarding fraudulent tax returns filed with the IRS. AMS has contacted the FBI and were referred back to the IRS agents who are looking into the scam. If you encountered this problem and have not contacted AMS, please call…
What’s new with Arkansas Medicaid?
Claims submitted without ICD-10 codes on or after 10/01/15 will not be paid. All claims submitted to Arkansas Medicaid for dates of service on and after 10/01/15 must bill using ICD-10 codes. Claims that do not bill ICD-10 codes will be denied and you will not be paid…
Ax-it option is in, Medicaid’s reviewers told
Article by ANDY DAVIS, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, May 1, 2015 An advisory group studying Arkansas’ Medicaid program should explore alternatives that include giving up the more than $ 1 billion in federal funding the state receives annually to provide coverage to more than 200,000 low- income adults, Gov. Asa…