Workers’ Compensation Rule 30
The Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission is seeking a change to Rule 30 that would implement Official Disability Guidelines (ODG) and a Drug Formulary. A public hearing on the proposed rule change is scheduled for 10 a.m. on December 4 in Hearing Room "A" of the Workers' Compensation Building.…
Congratulations!
While AMS has many friends in the legislature, we wish a special congratulations to some of our closest friends for their recent re-election to serve in the 90th Arkansas General Assembly, convening January 12, 2015: State Senator Cecile Bledsoe (Rogers), State Representative Deborah Ferguson, DDS (West Memphis), State…
Beware of Phishing Calls
Calls are being made in NWA to medical offices asking for physician cell phone numbers on behalf of another physician, but the caller will not provide a call back number. Phishing calls have been made by male and female callers. The callers even go so far as to…
2015 Doctor of the Day
The Arkansas Medical Society will again sponsor the "Doctor of the Day" program for the 2015 session of the Arkansas legislature. The legislative session will convene on January 12, 2015, and continues for a minimum of 60 days, but the time can be extended by action of the…
Congressional Budget Office revises score for SGR repeal
On Nov. 14, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released revised scoring for repealing the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula. The CBO reduced the 10-year score for repealing the SGR and replacing it with a long-term payment freeze to $118.9 billion. In August, CBO had scored this policy at $131…
10 Medicare payment policy revisions you need to know
Chances are you haven't been able to read through the nearly 1,200 pages that constitute the 2015 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule released Oct. 31 and published last Thursday in the Federal Register. We've pulled out the 10 top payment policy changes discussed in this mammoth document…
AMS Trustee Nominations Are Being Accepted
AMS District Trustee nominations will be accepted through February 1, 2015. District Trustees will be elected by AMS members in the respective districts, with voting taking place from February 16 – 27, 2015. Nominations will be accepted through the nomination form from any member (or group/organization) in the…
Physician Volunteers Needed at the State Capitol
The Arkansas Medical Society will again sponsor the "Doctor of the Day" program for the 2015 session of the Arkansas legislature. This program has been provided by the Society for a number of years and has enhanced the effectiveness of our political efforts. The legislative session will convene on…
Vote!!
Early voting runs from October 20 to November 3. AMS encourages you and your staff to get out and make a difference. One vote CAN make that difference. A 2010 example from here in Arkansas ... two candidates for sheriff in Stone County tied twice, both in the…
Fall Meeting to Be Held Atop Mount Magazine
Join us on Friday, Oct. 31 for the AMS Fall Meeting. Every two years AMS members gather to discuss healthcare issues that may be considered in the upcoming legislative session. We will hear from state representatives and Scott Smith, JD, director of AMS governmental affairs, who will outline…
Arkansas Department of Health Distributes Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Screening Resource
In light of new developments and extensive media coverage regarding the Ebola case in Texas, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) wanted to distribute some helpful resources for management of potential Ebola patients. The CDC is actively developing and updating information on their website, and the recommendations and guides…