Proposed Amendments to the AMS Constitution and Bylaws
The Arkansas Medical Society Constitution and Bylaws Committee met on January 20, 2014 and recommended the following proposed amendments be submitted to the House of Delegates at its May meeting. Members of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee are Charles Logan, MD, Little Rock Chairman; Amy Cahill, MD, Pine…
AMS Forming New APRN/PA Interest Group
Recognizing that most APRNs and PAs work directly with physicians either in an employment or team-based model, the AMS Board of Trustees has authorized the creation of a PA/APRN Interest Group. These professionals are invaluable to the physician's practice and play an important role as part of the…
Private Option: What to do when patient has carrier card and Medicaid number
Under the "private option" coverage expansion, individuals that have been approved for coverage will first receive a letter which includes a Medicaid number. The letter also provides directions to determine if they qualify for the Private Option. If they qualify for Private Option, they will be directed to…
2014 Award Nominations
The Arkansas Medical Society is seeking nominations for the 2014 Asklepion, Shuffield and Student Leadership Awards. Asklepion and Shuffield Award recipients will be honored at the annual meeting Saturday, May 4, at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain. The Student Leadership Award will be presented during…
Upcoming Webinar Gets You ready for ICD-10
With the ICD-10 implementation deadline looming on October 1, 2014, it is critical for practices to begin their preparation for the ICD-10 conversion. Make plans today to attend the AMS webinar, How to Prepare for ICD-10: A guide for Physicians and Clinic Managers, presented by State Volunteer Mutual…
ICD-9 to ICD-10 Crosswalk Diagnoses by Specialty
Information was recently released from WEDI in collaboration with AAPC regarding the most common diagnoses typically used on Superbills. The following information is provided as a free resource for crosswalk translations that may be applicable to your practice. You can click on the link below and access translations…
Two networks join Medicare cost-lowering
The Arkansas Health Network, owned by the St. Vincent Health System, and Arkansas Accountable Care LLC, formed by the Medical Associates of Northwest Arkansas, will join hundreds of "accountable-care" organizations participating in a program where they will be able to earn rewards for lowering the cost of providing…
Medicare SGR Cuts of 24% Averted – SGR Repeal Gaining Momentum
As 2013 came to a close, the U.S. House and Senate approved a $1.012 trillion dollar 2014 budget. Included in the budget deal was a three-month .05% Medicare physician payment increase in lieu of the 24% cut created by the SGR (sustainable growth rate) formula. The three-month deal is…
SVMIC Supports AMS Leadership Development
John Mize, president and CEO of State Volunteer Mutual Insurance Company, presented the Arkansas Medical Society with a $22,000 check in support of leadership development during the recent AMS Fall Board Meeting. AMS deeply appreciates this contribution and continued support.
Opportunity to Serve as an AMS Trustee
AMS District Trustee nominations are now being accepted through February 1, 2014. District Trustees will be elected by AMS members in the respective districts, with voting taking place from February 17-28, 2014. Eligibility criteria: must live and/or practice in the district you wish to represent; be an Active, Direct…
SGR Fee Schedule Rule Announced
SGR cuts of 24% for 2014 were announced by CMS on Wednesday, November 27th. Because of the lateness of this announcement, physicians will have until the end of January 2014 to change their Medicare participation status, if so desired. Congress must repeal the SGR, or put another temporary…