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Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Postgraduate Rheumatology Training Program Open for Registration!
To learn more about this online training program and how it will lead to less on-the-job training and more rapid high-quality incorporation of NPs, PAs, and other clinicians into rheumatology practices or academic training settings, read more about the program and register.
2% Incentive for Electronic Prescribing
In order to promote the adoption and use of e-prescribing systems, the “Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008” authorized an e-prescribing incentive program beginning January 1, 2009. This program will provide eligible professionals who successfully e-prescribe an incentive of two percent of the total estimated allowed charges for professional services covered by Medicare Part B and furnished by an eligible professional during the reporting period of one calendar year.
Click here for more information.
New Codes for 2009
There are changes to some of the drug administration CPT codes. The new codes will become effective January 1, 2009. Rheumatology offices should make changes to all their super bills and charge slips. Billing with the old codes from 2008 will cause claim denials.
Newly Released RFP – Systematic Literature Review of Data Examining Effects of Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The ACR invites proposals for a Comprehensive Systematic Literature Review of the Effects of Early Diagnosis and Initiation of Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs in RA. Applications are due by January 16, 2009.
Search for Next Editor, Arthritis & Rheumatism (2010–2015 Term)
The American College of Rheumatology Committee on Journal Publications announces the search for the position of Editor, Arthritis & Rheumatism. The official term of the next Arthritis & Rheumatism editorship is July 1, 2010–June 30, 2015; however, some of the duties of the new Editor will begin during a transition period starting April 1, 2010. Individuals who are considering applying are encouraged to contact the current Editor, Dr. Michael Lockshin, to discuss details; initial contact should be made via e-mail to . Applications will be due in the spring of 2009 and reviewed during the summer of 2009. Application materials and specific information on application deadlines will be available in early 2009.
Online CME Application
Complete your Evaluation and CME Credit Application Online and receive your CME or hours of participation certificate immediately.
ACR Launches EMR Review
Are you:
Considering EMR implementation and want to know what systems fellow ACR and ARHP members are currently using? Interested in connecting with other members to discuss their experiences using different EMRs? Hoping to connect with members who share the same system?
The ACR currently offers an EMR Review. EMR Review allows you to:
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Research EMR systems that are currently being used by ACR and ARHP members and read about their experiences.
If you are interested in implementing an EMR or exploring new features of an EMR you already have, you can read about the experiences others have had first. Visit the ACR EMR Review to begin reading EMR system reviews submitted by your colleagues today.
Submit your own system review by clicking on the “Rate My EMR” tab.
If you are currently using an EMR in your practice—or have used EMRs in the past—there are ACR and ARHP members who would benefit from your experience and knowledge! Thank you in advance for rating your EMR and helping to advance successful EMR implementation in rheumatology practices.
For more information on the ACR’s EMR Review, contact Itara Barnes at (404) 633-3777 or via e-mail at .
ACR SessionSelect Is Now Available!
This new benefit for 2008 Annual Scientific Meeting Attendees provides complimentary online access to more than 90% of the 2008 educational sessions for one full year! This added bonus includes two viewing options: webcasts and downloadable vodcasts.
Request for Applications for REF Preceptorship Awards
The American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation is now accepting applications for REF Preceptorship Awards. Online applications are due February 1, 2009.
CARE 2008 – Online Self Assessment - Now Available
The ACR’s newest online self assessment tool that can be used for Maintenance of Certification and/or Lifelong Learning is now available. Subscribe to CARE 2008 today.
Welcome New Members
Welcome to the newest ACR and ARHP members, and thanks to their sponsors for promoting membership in the ACR and ARHP.
Postponement of the 2009 Competitive Acquisition Program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services made the decision to postpone the 2009 CAP due to contractual issues with bidders. CMS has provided instructions on how participating CAP physicians can transition out of the program. The instructions are as follows:
CAP drug claims will be denied for any dates of service after December 31, 2008. The deadline for submitting any 2008 CAP claims is January 30, 2009. Any CAP drugs not administered by December 31, 2008 are the property of the approved CAP vender, and the unused drugs must be returned to the vender by February 28, 2008. The CAP physician will be liable for the cost of any drugs not returned to the vender by the deadline.
There is still a provision in place for the emergency restocking of CAP drugs for dates of services on or prior to December 31, 2008. Physicians may submit a prescription order for a CAP drug to replace what was used from their own supply. Listed below are the requirements:
The CAP drugs have to be used by the date of service of December 31, 2008; and the drug administration claim is submitted by January 30, 2009. CAP physicians will not be permitted to bill Medicare under the ASP system for any CAP drug used from their supply that was administered on or prior to December 31, 2008.
If you have any questions or concerns about this matter, contact Melesia Tillman, CPC, CCP at (404) 633-3777 ex. 820 or via e-mail at .
The ACR/AMA Physician Practice Information Survey Is Underway – Rheumatologists Need to Respond!
Have you been selected to participate in the physician practice information survey? If so, we urge you to take this opportunity to complete the confidential survey as it is an important and necessary vehicle for positive change in the field of rheumatology. Read more.
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