Beebe Signs “Private Option” Into Law
Today (April 23, 2013) Governor Mike Beebe signed the bi-partisan "private option" alternative to Medicaid expansion. The AMS strongly supported this bill that will set up the mechanism to provide private health insurance to those with incomes up to 138% of Federal poverty level. The bill promotes personal…
Private Option Passes in House!
Today, April 16, 2013, the Arkansas House of Representatives passed the private option appropriation by a vote of 77-23. Picking up 8 votes from the failed attempt yesterday. 75 votes were needed. The issue now goes to the senate where it will need 27 votes.
Top House Republicans circulate plan to permanently replace SGR
Article adapted from the AMA Morning Rounds, 4-4-2013. CQ (4/4, Ethridge, Subscription Publication) reports, "House Republican leaders have updated their plan for a new system of paying Medicare physicians and may have legislation on the floor this summer." Leaders of the House Energy and Commerce and Ways and…
AMS Welcomes 35 New Members
The following physicians have recently illustrated their commitment to improving health care in this community and our state by joining the Arkansas Medical Society. “As a society members, these physicians are part of a statewide network of over 4,000 Arkansas physicians, residents and medical students, dedicated to protecting…
Education and Open Voting to Headline State Physician Meeting
May 4th will mark the first ever Annual Meeting of the Arkansas Medical Society where voting in the House of Delegates will be open to any and all dues-paying members. This new policy, enacted in 2012, allows every physician an opportunity to have a say in the Society’s…
Physicians Rally at State Capitol
AMS members in white coats rallied on the Capitol steps today in support of healthcare expansion. Dr. Clark Fincher of Searcy is pictured here speaking to the crowd.
FDA Drug Alert Issued
An important FDA-approved Drug Alert for INVIRASE affecting Cardiology, Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Nurse Practitioners, and Pharmacies was published on February 28, 2013. This PDR® Drug Alert was delivered electronically to all Arkansas Medical Society members within this specialty who are registered with PDR® Network. To ensure…
Public Workgroup Meetings
As the Arkansas Health Care Payment Improvement Initiative continues to move forward, four public workgroup meetings have been scheduled to present information on new episodes that are being considered. This is your chance to voice your opinion on those conditions that may affect your practice. These meetings will…
CMS Releases Final Regulations
CMS recently released the final regulations governing the implementation of the Medicaid primary care rate increase to 2009 Medicare rates for calendar years 2013 and 2014. AMS has been working with Arkansas Medicaid to implement this program. To qualify for the increased payment, the physician must meet one…
AMS District Trustee Elections
District Trustee Elections It's important to our Society that all eligible members have the opportunity to choose the physician leaders who will represent them in the coming year and lead the AMS. Ballots containing the names of candidates for the respective districts will be sent according to the…
Arkansas Health Care Payment Improvement Initiative Workgroups
As part of the Arkansas Health Care Payment Improvement Initiative, four public workgroup meetings have been scheduled to present the latest episode details, answer your questions and solicit your feedback. Your input will help us improve the episode design. These meetings will be held in Little Rock at…