What CMS’ meaningful use changes could mean for physicians
From AMA Wire, 1-29-15: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced Thursday its intent to modify meaningful use requirements, the notoriously burdensome electronic health record (EHR) incentive and penalty program, potentially making it easier for physicians to meet meaningful use. The agency said it would “engage…
Attempt to repeal ‘private option’ rejected by House panel
The proposal to end the "private option" on December 31st failed today (Jan 29) before the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee. The vote was 8-10. The private option uses federal money to purchase private insurance for the poor. Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson has called on lawmakers…
House to hold ACA repeal vote next week
Fox News (1/28) reports on its website that House Republicans are set to hold their first vote of the new Congress to repeal the ACA next week. The vote comes as the GOP debates how to address the health law. Republican lawmakers are facing mounting pressure from conservative…
New Certification Selection Process on the AHIN Provider Portal for ADHD
Beginning in February (or before) there will be a new certification selection process on the AHIN provider portal for ADHD. The old selection options presented two questions: Have you treated this patient for ADHD? Is this a severe patient who requires Level II Care? The new method presents…
Private Option, Budget and Tax Cuts on Legislative Agenda this Week
Capitol action will be plentiful during a short week as lawmakers and Gov. Asa Hutchinson return Tuesday for the state's legislative session. Hutchinson is scheduled to release his budget for 2015-2016 early in the week, have his tax cut proposal head to a state Senate committee Wednesday and…
January Newsletter Now Availible
The January 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 in…
United Health Care Credentialing Delay
As many of you are aware, AMS has received numerous complaints regarding delays in physician credentialing with United Health Care. Several months ago, executives from UHC were asked to sit down with AMS and attempt to solve the issues. That meeting failed to bring about results and the…
AMS Welcomes 136 New Members
By joining the Arkansas Medical Society over the last several months, the physicians listed below have illustrated their commitment to improving health care in their communities and our state. “As society members, these physicians are part of a statewide network of over 4,300 Arkansas physicians, residents and medical…
CDC director urges physicians to use antivirals against flu
Reuters (1/10, Steenhuysen) reported CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden stated the flu season in the US looks to be especially harsh and urged physicians to prescribe antiviral drugs when patients present with flu-like symptoms. Dr. Frieden noted that some doctors do not believe antiviral drugs like Tamiflu (oseltamivir)…
Updated Ebola Sinage for Your Office
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is redistributing the current English and Spanish ADH Ebola signs as of 12/23/2014. There have been quite a few changes in affected countries since the original was distributed back in August. It is critical that the most current signs (click images…
How doctors changed the legislative, regulatory landscape in 2014
The collective physician voice carried a lot of weight in 2014—both in the nation’s capital and in the state legislatures. Changes that took place covered a broad range of issues, including better access to care for veterans, increased graduate medical education (GME) funding and important updates to the…