ARKANSAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY GOES HOME AFTER LONGEST SESSION SINCE THE DEPRESSION; HEALTH CARE AND MEDICAID HIGHLIGHT THE SESSION
Health Law Bulletin from the Mitchell, Blackstock, Ivers and Sneddon law firm “Private option” is Arkansas’ answer to federal health care reform. In the longest legislative session since the early 1930’s, the Arkansas General Assembly passed legislation that will have an unprecedented impact on the Arkansas Medicaid program,…
Three New Laws With Immediate Impact
The 2013 meeting of the Arkansas Legislature will be remembered most for adopting the "private option," an innovative and game-changing alternative to expanding the Arkansas Medicaid program to persons making up to 138 percent of poverty. AMS played a major role in helping pass the private option, but…
Walgreens Policies
A number of weeks ago, AMS was advised by a number of physicians that Walgreens pharmacists were requesting ICD-9 codes, medical records and/or treatment plans before filling prescriptions for some medications. After further requests for information from our physicians, it became apparent that Walgreens had begun a new…
Webinars and Events Pertaining to Arkansas Payment Improvement Initiative Now Available
Arkansas Medicaid has announced upcoming webinars and events that will provide valuable information about several episodes of care that are ongoing or in the planning stages. The Payment Initiative website contains locations, dates and registration information. Be sure and check this website often to keep abreast of what…
HIPAA Changes to Come, Is Your Practice Ready?
AMS and SVMIC will host a half day seminar to bring your staff up to date on changes to the HIPAA law. The changes will take effect September 2013. The event is June 20, 2013, in North Little Rock at the Independent Insurance Agency Building. Registration information will…
Primary Care Physicians Need to Attest to Be Eligible for Enhanced Payment from Medicaid
AMS has learned that only a small number of Arkansas Primary Care Providers have completed the attestation for increased payments from Medicaid. Physicians have been asked to either attest to 60 percent billed codes are either E&M codes and/or vaccines or as being board certified in Family Medicine,…
AMS Announces New Officers for 2013-2014
On May 4, 2013, the AMS House of Delegates elected or re-elected members to the following positions: (denoted with an asterisk) Those without an asterisk are still serving their previously elected terms. OFFICERS President: Omar Atiq, MD, Pine Bluff* President-elect: Alan Wilson, MD, Crossett* Vice President: G. Edward…
Omar Atiq, MD of Pine Bluff Named New President
Little Rock, AR – Omar Atiq, MD, an oncologist from Pine Bluff, was installed as president of the Arkansas Medical Society at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock during the organization’s 137th Annual Session. Dr. Atiq has practiced medicine in Arkansas…
President of the Arkansas Down Syndrome Association Honored
Little Rock, AR – Suzanne Hicks of Little Rock was recently recognized for her many contributions to her community by receiving the Arkansas Medical Society’s 2013 Shuffield Award. The award was presented on Saturday, May 4, as a part of the society’s 137th Annual Meeting. Suzanne Hicks is…
Pine Bluff Physician Honored
Dr. Herbert Fendley awarded for service to Arkansas patients. Little Rock, AR – Herbert Fendley, MD, of Pine Bluff has dedicated his career to enriching the lives of others. In honor of his years of service, the Arkansas Medical Society has named Dr. Fendley as the 2013 Asklepion…
Arkansas Prescription Monitoring Program
We are pleased to announce that the Arkansas Prescription Monitoring Program is now accessible to prescribers and pharmacists. You may create an access account at www.arkansaspmp.com. Click the Practitioner/Pharmacist tab on the left, then the highlighted link “Training Guide for Arkansas Practitioners and Pharmacists." The guide will provide…