Legislators Press ABCBS on Fee Changes
In a public hearing on November 4, legislators on the Joint Interim Committee on Insurance & Commerce pressed representatives of ABCBS on their decision to reduce their current fee schedule by 15 percent for "non-primary care" specialties. The reduced fee schedule applies to the new products being offered…
Six Counties in South Arkansas will Benefit from Investment in Healthcare
DUMAS, Ark. – The Delta Regional Authority will announce today (December 3) an investment of $175,000 for healthcare training at the Delta Technology/Education Center (DTEC) in Dumas. This crucial training program will be provided by the Greater Alliance for Health in areas including insurance education, safety training and…
AMS Welcomes 48 New Members
The physicians listed below have illustrated their commitment to improving health care in this community and our state by joining the Arkansas Medical Society. “As society members, these physicians are part of a statewide network of over 4,000 Arkansas physicians, residents and medical students, dedicated to protecting the…
AMS Member Clinic Receives $170,517 for Healthy Living Campaign
The Delta Regional Authority recently awarded ARcare of East Arkansas $170,517 to further health outcomes through the “Eat Better Move More” Healthy Lifestyle Campaign and the Brinkley Health Center, Wellness Center and Mobile Unit. This investment is part of the Healthy Workforce Challenge program that has awarded $800,000…
Dr. Richard “Whit” Hall Honored
The Arkansas Chapter of The March of Dimes recently honored AMS member, Dr. Richard "Whit" Hall at their annual Signature Chefs Auction at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. This event was attended by over 600 medical professionals, friends of UAMS, and many other distinguished guests including…
ABCBS Adjusts Reimbursement for Individual Metallic Plans
Physicians and other medical providers are receiving contract amendments from Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield (ABCBS) laying out how they plan to begin reimbursing for services under the new health care plans. This information was shared with AMS staff recently. The network affected by the amendments is…
Patient-Centered Medical Home Town Hall Meetings
A message from Medicaid Managed Care Services (A division of Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care): Arkansas Medicaid’s Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) program was officially launched on October 1st. PCMH seeks to transition primary care in Arkansas to a more comprehensive, coordinated patient-centered practice model. They are writing now…
FDA Warns Oral Anti-Fungal May Cause Adrenal, Liver Problems
The Wall Street Journal (7/27, Burton, Subscription Publication, 2.29M) reported that the US Food and Drug Administration announced Friday that it was limiting the use of Johnson & Johnson's oral, anti-fungal therapy, Nizoral (ketoconazole). Although the product is available as a topical, including as a cream and a…
AR PMP Access
Approximately 1,700 physicians have signed up to access the Arkansas Prescription Monitoring Program to monitor their patient use of controlled substances. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Reminder, AR PMP information is HIPAA protected. Please do not fax reports to other practitioners or give to patients. Practitioners have their…
Arkansas Physicians Receive EHR Incentive Payments
CMS recently released monetary figures reflecting incentive payments paid to Arkansas physicians who have achieved meaningful use. These physicians adopted, implemented, or upgraded to a certified EHR through new technology. The figures include payments made since 2011. Payments for meaningful use from Medicaid to 933 physicians was $16,719,507. …
PCP Supplemental Payment
It is not too late to attest for the PCP Supplemental Payment with Arkansas Medicaid. Arkansas Medicaid is participating in a federal program that allows for supplemental Medicaid payments to certain physician specialties for primary care services for calendar years 2013 and 2014. To qualify for the payment,…