Medigram Archive | Wisconsin Medical Society

Current Issue

July 2:

Physician groups show support for Society’s lawsuit to return $200 million to Fund

Wisconsin leads nation in 2008 National Healthcare Quality Report
DHS adds on-line option for regional HIE summits
CMS proposes payment rate changes for services provided by MPFS physicians
New resources for developing free community clinics available from DPH
New CMS Web page outlines federal incentives for EHR adoption
Kaiser Family Foundation issues new report on federal health care reform
Capitol Insider: Biennial budget signed: Progress made, but challenges ahead
Your Practice. Your Future. Inspector General’s testimony on health care fraud now available on-line
Foundation Focus: White Coat Campaign: Small gifts have powerful impact
Foundation FocusFirst Slota-Varma Scholarship awarded
Educational Programs: July 16 teleconference to address key risk management topics
Quality Corner: AHRQ Effective Health Care Program seeks your input
FAQ: How do I log in to the 'Members-only' section of the Society Web site?

June 25:

Coding & Practice Management Symposium materials headed your way

NHANES coming to Dane County beginning July 7
International Swine Flu Conference slated for August 19-21
New Web resources about e-prescribing available from CMS
Roberts featured on NPR’s ‘All Things Considered’
Vasudevan sworn in as Waukesha County Medical Society president
Clarke elected to AMA Alliance nominating committee
Your Practice. Your Future. Free monograph offers seasonal influenza vaccination strategies
Educational Programs: July 8 teleconference to discuss soon-to-arrive HIPAA changes
Quality Corner: New policy brief explores public health insurance plan options
FAQ: Where can I find answers to my questions on evaluation and management (E/M) services for WPS Medicare Part B?

June 18:

AMA Annual Meeting: Obama discusses health care reform; Society members elected to leadership posts

AMA Annual Meeting: Obama discusses health care reform; Society members elected to leadership posts
Big wins for Society members in AMA elections
State files brief in lawsuit to protect Fund
MCW awards $300,000 to groups addressing Wisconsin’s health care worker shortage
July 9 CME teleconference to discuss patient-centered medical home
Strategic Policy Panel to meet June 26
DHS to host Health Information Exchange regional summits this July
BadgerCare Plus Core training available on-line and in a city near you
Beware of scammers posing as Medicare carriers or contractors
2007 PQRI feedback reports headed to archives June 30
National ASK Day aims to raise awareness about pediatric injuries
Capitol Insider: Senate axes joint and several liability provision; Conference committee next
Capitol Insider: Medical Examining Board streamlines cross-border physician licensing
F.Y.I. For Your Insurance: Apply on-line for the Wisconsin Medical Society Member Life Insurance Plan
Quality Corner: Recommendations on cardiovascular disease available from AHRQ
FAQ: What should a physician consider before advertising?

June 11:

Assembly Democrats remove harmful liability-expansion item from biennial budget

Assembly Democrats remove harmful liability-expansion item from biennial budget
Society leadership welcomes President Obama to Green Bay
Fund Board considers language to define ‘direction and supervision’
Gov. Doyle announces new health insurance program for low-income adults
AMA continues to aid Society’s efforts to defend integrity of Fund and protect Wisconsin’s medical liability environment
Medicare expands coverage of PET scans for cancer screening
In Memoriam: Farley remembered for her dedication to health care reform
In Memoriam: Foundation mourns loss of trustee
Newsmakers: Oshkosh physician inducted as ACR fellow
Your Practice. Your Future. Joint Commission proposes new requirements for Hospital Accreditation Program
Foundation Focus: Scholarship awards announced
Quality Corner: Accountability in health care: A Texas case study
FAQ: What is the IV League?

June 4:

Budget item increasing potential medical liability exposure still alive; calls to lawmakers urged

Society unveils new educational opportunities for practice management
Wisconsin Medical Journal seeks reviewers
New guidance from ACOG urges genetic counseling prior to genetic testing
Newsmakers: Inhorn receives national award for lab system development
Educational Programs: Your questions answered: Billing Medicare for mental health services
Quality Corner: New Commonwealth Fund study on at-risk women available
FAQ: How should I report rapid testing for both influenza virus types A and B?

May 28:

Council on Health Care Access to meet June 3

Celebrate National Time Out Day June 17
Build a culture of safety with June 18 webinar
Don’t miss June 23 CMS conference call about ICD-10-CM/PCS
Wisconsin Poison Center faces significant funding cuts
Newsmakers: Schwartz receives MCW’s Randle E. Pollard Award
F.Y.I. For Your Insurance. What types of insurance are needed to open a medical practice?
Quality Corner: New policy report available: Coverage When It Counts
FAQ: What is AHRQ?

May 21:

Governor Doyle to announce budget fix: How will it affect medicine?

Society to add physician track to October Coding Symposium
Society’s Council on Health Care Ethics to convene May 29
National Health Service Corps reopens application cycle for loan repayment
AMA program helps protect doctors’ prescribing information
Call for submissions: 2009 Wisconsin Quality & Safety Forum
Capitol Insider: Society urges Legislature to remove major lawsuit policy change from budget
Capitol Insider: Assembly’s insurance committee votes to allow Fund fees increase
Capitol Insider: U.S. Senate Finance Committee releases final Health Care Reform Options paper
Your Practice. Your Future. Narrative may be required for future Medicare coverage of hospice care
Foundation Focus: Memorials and tributes: Honor the past while aiding the future
Foundation Focus: IV League kicks off May 29
Quality Corner: New info on EMR systems available from AHRQ
FAQ: Should I write a business plan prior to opening a medical practice?

May 14:

Society files appellate brief in effort to restore $200 million to Fund

Quality Forum Tuesday: Learn about patient-centered care and risk management from experts in the field
Medicare provider enrollment changes: Are you current and correct?
Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement in effect: Be sure you are being paid correctly
Tell us about your problems with health insurers
Newsmakers: Remington named associate dean of UW School of Medicine and Public Health
Your Practice. Your Future. Sixth Circuit rules that third parties may sue for damages under EMTALA
Capitol Insider: Workplace smoking-ban bill heads to governor’s desk
Educational Programs: Medical Records & the Law coming to a city near you
Quality Corner: Plain-language guides to osteoarthritis of the knee now available
FAQ: How can I find out if a procedure may be quantity-billed to Medicare Part B?

May 7:

New drug warning announced, available immediately via HCNN

May 19 Quality Forum to address coordination of care
CIGNA lifts administrative burden in response to physician groups’ concerns
Learn about hypertension and sleep apnea via free webinar
RAs receive makeover under ForwardHealth
Quality & Efficiency: WHIO extends data-study activities
Capitol Insider: Legislators reach statewide smoking-ban deal
Capitol Insider: State deficit reportedly growing; Medicaid reimbursement cuts coming?
Your Practice. Your Future. HIPAA privacy rules go high-tech: Are you ready?
F.Y.I. For Your Insurance: May 19 seminar features CME, potential for premium discount
F.Y.I. For Your Insurance: Disability insurance: Five things you need to know now
Quality Corner: New reports on national health care quality and disparities released
FAQ: Is disability insurance affordable?

May 1:

FTC delays enforcement date for ‘Red Flag Rules’

April 30:

Swine flu resources available on Society Web site

Society airs new radio spot statewide
Fund agrees to $17.3 million settlement
Agendas for upcoming Council meetings available on-line
Measuring hand hygiene adherence: New monograph available
Feedback sought about health literacy
Capitol Insider: Legislature’s Finance Committee to vote on efforts to improve MEB
Capitol Insider: Senate leader wants action on smoking ban bill by mid-May
Capitol Insider: Legislators propose first beer tax increase in 40 years
Foundation Focus: 2009 fundraising event a success
Foundation Focus: It’s white coat time again!
Quality Corner: Task Force reaffirms recommended resources for tobacco cessation
FAQ: Are there limitations on the number of medical records the Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs) can request from physicians?

April 23:

Dr. Robert Jaeger of Mosinee elected Wisconsin Medical Society President

Carl Eisenberg, MD, receives Wisconsin Medical Society Director’s Award
T. Michael Bolger receives Wisconsin Medical Society’s Presidential Citation Award
Speak up on Society issues
On-line toolkit now available to help with Medicare enrollment
Additional loan repayment contracts coming soon from NHSC
Wisconsin Literacy’s Third Biennial Health Literacy Summit available as Webcast
HITECH Act Breach Notification Guidance and request for public comment issued
Your Practice. Your Future. Medicare-enrolled physicians must maintain ordering and referring documentation for seven years
Capitol Insider: Medical Examining Board criticized in national study
Educational Programs: New ‘Red Flag Rules’: How to protect physicians and their patients from identity theft
Quality Corner: Luther Midelfort Mayo Health System: Laying tracks for success
FAQ: How should we code for Albuterol and Levalbuterol administration?

April 16:

Society advocates for statewide workplace smoking ban; goes smoke-free June 1

CMS recognizes Joint Commission for continued Hospice deeming authority
Nominations open for USP Council of Experts
Measuring hand hygiene adherence: making the what, why and how decisions
Your Practice. Your Future. Society offers Red Flag Rules Toolkit for members
Capitol Insider: Worker’s Compensation update: Management proposes treatment protocols
Capitol Insider: Legislature’s Finance Committee starts voting on biennial budget—What you can do
F.Y.I. For Your Insurance: Floods emphasize the need for business insurance
Quality Corner: Comments needed for draft of AHRQ research review
FAQ: Get help finding an EHR

April 9:

CMS cancels Phase II of EHR Demonstration as Society steps up resources

Poor liability environment and its impact on access: Share your story
In the age of EHRs, what does e-discovery really mean to health care professionals?
Earn CME credit at upcoming risk management programs
Quality & Efficiency: Save the date: Quality Forum scheduled for May 19
Capitol Insider: Some policy—but not all—pulled from state budget; major tort policy remains
Capitol Insider: Psychologists introduce independent prescribing bill
Foundation Focus: 2009 Fundraising Event and Silent Auction
Foundation Focus: Spring newsletter now available
Quality Corner: April 14 listening session to focus on comparative effectiveness research priorities
FAQ: Get help finding an EHR

April 2:

Medicaid reimbursement: How would cuts affect your practice?

Free symposium April 22 focuses on healthy classrooms
CMS to host special RAC Open Door Forum April 14
Changes in UnitedHealthcare PDP designations may mean notification exemptions
OIG posts Open Letter to health care professionals
Educational Programs: Compliance with the new ‘Red Flag Rules’: Protecting physicians and their patients from identity theft
Educational Programs: Additional Medical Records and the Law seminar to be offered
Quality Corner: New Commonwealth Fund Report available on-line
FAQ: Submitting Albuterol and Levalbuterol claims to Medicare

March 26:

Wisconsin med students flock toward primary-care positions on Match Day

Waukesha County participants needed for National Children’s Study
AMA announces physician class action against WellPoint
Comment period on rescission of federal ‘conscience clause’ rule ends soon
RFS Annual Meeting March 30
Hospital physicians invited to participate in March 30 teleconference
Your Practice. Your Future. Regulations proposed by IRS could affect physicians
Quality & Efficiency: EHR vendor fair to offer hands-on demonstrations and expert advice
F.Y.I. For Your Insurance: Upcoming risk management program offers CME
Quality Corner: Kaiser Family Foundation issues updated primer on health care costs
FAQ

March 19:

Deadline nears for IHI challenge

Health care roundtable at YPS Annual Meeting open to all
Helping physicians help patients quit smoking
Photos needed for IPFCF’s 2010 Patient Safety Calendar
‘Principles’ help strengthen physician-hospital relationship
Capitol Insider: Wasserman appointed to MEB
Capitol Insider: Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance begins budget work
Foundation Focus: 2009 summer fellowships announced
Foundation Focus: 2009 fundraising event and silent auction April 16
Quality Corner: Safe Practices for Better Healthcare—2009 Update: A Consensus Report
FAQ

March 17:

Society files appeal to overturn decision on IPFCF raid

March 12:

Turney represents Society at White House Regional Forum on Health Reform

Stimulus package to provide Medicare and Medicaid incentives to promote EHR adoption
Callers to Medicare will be required to verify ID
HIPAA COW conducting survey to clarify compliance
Green Bay’s ‘Doctor’s in Recital’ raises $20K for parenting coalition
Newsmaker: UW med student represents Wisconsin at Obama’s health care reform forum
Capitol Insider: Society appears before Assembly Public Health Committee
Educational Programs: Medicare changes in 2009—Are you prepared?
Quality Corner: IOM seeks input into comparative effectiveness research priorities
FAQ

March 5:

ProAssurance Wisconsin offers eligible members premium discount for EHR implementation

Get up to speed at June 23 EHR Systems Fair
New Alliance PSAs target underage drinking
CME credit available for March 28 physician wellness workshop
Capitol Insider: Society testifies against proposed IPFCF Fund fee increase
Capitol Insider: Track Capitol topics the Society is watching for you
Quality Corner: National Patient Safety Awareness Week is March 8-14
FAQ

February 26:

Poor liability environment and its impact on access: Share your story

Obama unveils 2010 federal budget
Society’s 2009 Annual Meeting scheduled for April 17-18
Society launches new legal resource for members
Federal stimulus bill provides funds for electronic medical records
Quality & Efficiency: Making sense of alphabet soup
Capitol Insider: Society joins statewide effort to ban workplace smoking
Capitol Insider: Biennial budget raises important questions for physicians
Your Practice. Your Future. Society joins AMA to oppose Red Flag Rules for physicians
Foundation Focus: 2009 Foundation Fundraising Event
Foundation Focus: Scholarship deadline approaching
Quality Corner: New report: ‘The Path to a High Performance U.S. Health System’
FAQ

February 19:

IHI issues Surgical Safety Checklist Challenge

Wisconsin Medical Journal goes ‘virtual’
Medicare RAC protest resolved; Wisconsin implementation may begin August 2009
Registration Open for Wisconsin Literacy’s 2009 Health Literacy Summit
Quality & Efficiency: Overcoming misconceptions about EHRs
Capitol Insider: Biennial budget proposal unveiled
Educational Programs: Medicare changes in 2009–Are you ready?
Quality Corner: Slide presentations from AHRQ’s 2008 Annual Conference
FAQ

February 12:

Nominating Committee prepares slate of nominees for Society offices

DHS issues Hib alert, recommendations
HHS OCR posts new Web site for health information privacy
Quality & Efficiency: Society offers resources to help practices maximize potential of HIT
Capitol Insider: State, federal lawmakers finalizing stimulus, budget plans
F.Y.I. For Your Insurance: How well are you protected?
Quality Corner: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Methods: Insufficient Evidence
FAQ

February 5:

WPS appeals CMS decision to award contract to Noridian; your feedback encouraged

When to make the switch from pediatric to adult care? Physicians asked to complete on-line survey
AMA launches redesigned Web site
2009 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Awards
New free on-line course helps clinicians make better prescribing decisions
Quality & Efficiency: Tuesday Quality Forum to focus on transparency—WHIO, the Capitol, the patient and the health care professional
Capitol Insider: Psychologist prescribing bill looming—Grassroots contacts needed
Capitol Insider: State budget to wait for federal stimulus approval
Capitol Insider: DRL proposes license fee increase
Foundation Focus: 2009 Foundation Fundraising Event April 16
Foundation Focus: Win a Wisconsin vacation package
Quality Corner: AHRQ Evidence Report—Health information technology use
FAQ

January 29:

Difficulty getting your patients into nursing homes? Share your experience

Get to know candidates for Society offices
UHC extends appeal deadline
Call for speakers—10th Annual Midwest Coding & Practice Management Symposium
Fee assessment for Wisconsin-licensed physicians mailing soon
AMA award nomination deadline approaching
Your Practice. Your Future. Physicians should review closely hold harmless clauses in managed care contracts
Capitol Insider: Governor’s State of the State address touches health care issues
Capitol Insider: Bipartisan effort to constitutionally protect IPFCF-like state funds underway
Capitol Insider: Medical license process improving
Educational Programs: Accurate charge capture—It affects your bottom line!
Quality Corner: AHRQ reports highlight findings from Health IT Portfolio
FAQ

January 22:

USP invites public comments on dietary supplement safety review process

Society seeks member participation for reference committees, councils
Physicians able to appeal their UHC rating
Senior Physicians Group nomination deadline extended to Feb. 16
Newsmakers: Internist Noel Deep receives 2009 AMA Foundation Leadership Award
Quality & Efficiency: 2009 Quality Forums to feature risk management education opportunity
Capitol Insider: Medical Examining Board update: January meeting
F.Y.I. For Your Insurance: Now is the time to look at long term care insurance
Quality Corner: AMA PQRI Tools Available
FAQ

January 15:

Society airs second radio spot statewide

HHS issues final ICD-10 code sets and updated electronic transaction standards rules
UnitedHealth Group agrees to settlement
ForwardHealth to deny claims if NPI information unavailable
New TV ad promotes health care reform as top domestic priority
Feb. 15 deadline to apply for Joan F. Giambalvo Memorial Scholarship
Foldy named DPH Administrator
Quality & Efficiency: WHIO requests information from Ingenix regarding settlements
Foundation Focus: Last chance to nominate a young physician and support a local charitable organization simultaneously
Foundation Focus: Foundation fundraising event: How Medicine Solves Crime
Quality Corner: New report—computational technology for effective health care: Immediate steps and strategic directions
FAQ

January 8:

CMS selects Noridian Administrative Services, LLC to administer Medicare claims payments for Wisconsin

Sign up to receive drug recall alerts on-line
Division of Public Health launches new electronic surveillance system for disease reporting
Joint Commission seeking input
Medicare revises components of the ‘Welcome to Medicare’ physical
Marshfield Clinic’s EHR use featured in New York Times
Capitol Insider: State Senate and Assembly Committee rosters announced
Quality Corner: Quality tools available from Innovations Exchange
FAQ

December 30:

Society’s Executive Committee votes to appeal

December 19:

Society to appeal Circuit Court IPFCF ruling

December 18:

IPFCF Board approves 9.9% fee increase; Society Reps oppose

Society launches statewide radio campaign
FowardHealth December Update outlines J-code carve-out requirements
New OCR guidance on the HIPAA Privacy Rule and electronic health information exchange available
Reference Committees seeking members
Society Councils seeking members
Health plans and vendors evaluate WEDI standardized health ID cards
Quality & Efficiency: Early Society findings from the WHIO Data Mart
F.Y.I. For Your Insurance: No 2009 increase in Dental Dental premiums for Society members
Foundation Focus: During this season of giving...
Quality Corner: A new quality improvement resource: whynotthebest.org
FAQ

December 11:

Wisconsin leads effort to bolster public health

2009 Health Literacy Summit proposal deadline December 31
Internet-based Medicare enrollment now available for Wisconsin physicians
Quality & Efficiency: Quality & Efficiency ‘staffs up’ for e-health initiatives
Capitol Insider: Assembly health committees, chairs named
Your Practice. Your Future. Federal regulations to implement and enforce Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 published
Foundation Focus: During this season of giving...
Foundation Focus: Foundation elects new treasurer
Quality Corner: CMS to host PQRI Q&A session December 16
FAQ

December 4:

Lawsuit update: Judge extends decision period 90 days

Member benefit program means increased savings from PIC WISCONSIN/ProAssurance
ForwardHealth to hold meetings for interChange implementation questions
Reports predict Medicare Part A trust may be exhausted by 2016
Nominating committee solicits nominees
Resolution deadline date for 2009 Wisconsin Medical Society Annual Meeting
In Memoriam: Paul S. Robinson, PA-C
Quality & Efficiency: WHIO Data Mart ready for participating organization access
Your Practice. Your Future. Employer-sponsored parties: What is your liability?
Your Practice. Your Future. Court rejects CMS policy allowing contractors to pay least costly alternative for Part B drugs administered in physician’s offices
Educational Programs: Upcoming teleconferences target successful reporting for Medicare PQRI and E-prescribing incentives
Quality Corner: New inventory of HHS quality measures released to improve public- and private-sector performance measurement efforts
FAQ

November 20:

Medicaid reimbursement alert

DHS releases educational materials to help prevent unsafe injection practices
Clinical resource for available for Dane County tobacco-using patients
Newsmakers: Radant named Family Physician of the Year
Quality & Efficiency: Pharmacies collaborate on quality improvement project
Capitol Insider: Federal health proposals already emerging
Capitol Insider: Wisconsin Supreme Court race shapes up for Spring 2009
Capitol Insider: Wisconsin legislative committees beginning to take shape
Your Practice. Your Future. Pharmacies to be more regulated
Educational Programs: 2009 CPT updates impact multiple specialties
Educational Programs: December teleconferences target successful reporting for Medicare PQRI and e-prescribing incentives
F.Y.I. For Your Insurance: Stan Starnes, CEO of ProAssurance, previews PIC WISCONSIN rate reductions for 2009
Quality Corner: New inventory of HHS quality measures released to improve public- and private-sector performance measurement efforts
FAQ

November 13:

WCMEW report: Physician shortage deepens across state

Reminder: IPFCF lawsuit update November 20 in Pewaukee
AMA survey highlights need to improve Medicare’s PQRI
Joint Commission seeks information to improve influenza vaccine rates among health care professionals
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield approves pilot project for procedures in India
Newsmakers: Durkee, Reardon elected as AMA delegates
Quality & Efficiency: A Perspective: Why physician satisfaction must matter to WHIO
Capitol Insider: Legislators pick leaders for 2009-2010
Capitol Insider: Democratic leaders lay out initial policy agenda amid budget deficit growth
Capitol Insider: Medical Examining Board takes action
Your Practice. Your Future. Milwaukee clinics will be affected by mandatory paid sick leave ordinance
Foundation Focus: Help us benefit your community
Foundation Focus: Your donation helps address physician shortages in the state
Foundation Focus: Newsletter available on-line
Quality Corner: In chronic condition: Experiences of patients with complex health care needs, in eight countries, 2008
FAQ

November 6:

Physicians may earn pay boost of up to 5.1% from MIPPA update plus e-prescribing and PQRI incentives

New ‘how-to’ guide designed to help transition to e-prescribing
Medicare announces influenza, pneumococcal vaccine reimbursement rates
UnitedHealth Premium Physician Designation Program update
Fact sheet now available for ICD-10
Nominate a candidate for Physician Citizen of the Year
Quality & Efficiency: Society milestones in transparency
Capitol Insider: Tuesday elections wrap-up
Educational Programs: Medicaid--Preparing for changes now and in 2009
Quality Corner: Medicare value-based purchasing program listening session December 9
FAQ

October 30:

Society, pharmacy group alert Attorney General about DEA number issue

Medicaid reporting of NDCs and the Managed Care J-Code Carve out project—What you need to know before November 10!
AMA declares November ‘Heal that Claim Month’ and offers on-line tools to assist physicians
Physician nominees sought for $100,000 Kanter Prize
In Memoriam: Frank Urban, MD
Quality & Efficiency: Are we up for the tipping point?
Capitol Insider: November elections finally imminent
Capitol Insider: State Commerce Secretary: Budget deficit could be $4 billion
Your Practice. Your Future. Pulling a ‘Favre’: Lessons in employee relations
F.Y.I. For Your Insurance: Umbrella coverage prevents financial ruin
Quality Corner: Help desks available for obtaining 2007 PQRI reports
FAQ

October 23:

Follow-up: Society policy ETH-004 elicits feedback

FTC delays enforcement of Red Flag Rules until May 1, 2009
IPFCF lawsuit update scheduled November 20 in Pewaukee
Society joins letter to Leavitt, requests more time for ICD-10 implementation
Board on Aging offers free education
Newsmakers: Mental health parity law holds promise for addicted patients
Newsmakers: Roberts first woman to be elected President of AACDP
Quality & Efficiency: What physicians should know about the WHIO Data Mart
Capitol Insider: Campaign Focus: Senate Districts 8 and 18
Foundation Focus: IV League Supports Fellowships
Quality Corner: AHRQ’s 2008 Guide to Clinical Preventive Services now available
FAQ

October 16:

Society Board passes new policy on money/gifts from health product industry

Reminder: 2008 Wisconsin Quality & Safety Forum October 20-21
CMS extends comment period for interim study on alternative payment locality structures
Web-based seminar to address patient safety November 18
Quality & Efficiency: Society Board approves transparency principles
Capitol Insider: WISMedPAC Board responds to HOD Resolution; no endorsements for 2008 cycle
Capitol Insider: Campaign Focus: State Senate Districts 12 and 32
Educational Programs: Collecting cash up front—making the process seamless
Quality Corner: Medicare Medical Home Demonstration project focus of upcoming forum
FAQ

October 9:

New Web site posts nearly 400 Wisconsin physician vacancies

Society, nurses, WPS partner with domestic violence and sexual assault advocates for ‘Health Cares About Violence Against Women Day 2008’
National Depression Screening Day observed Friday; free on-line screening tool available
New resource guide available for people with diabetes
Joint Commission Alert: Help prevent blood thinner deaths and overdoses
Prepare yourself for Medicare in 2009
Former journalist honored as outstanding medical student
Quality & Efficiency: WHIO Physician Cabinet meets October 15
Capitol Insider: DHS: Act 108 now allows sharing of patient test results and symptoms
Capitol Insider: Campaign focus: Senate District 10
Your Practice. Your Future.: FTC: Implement 'red flag' identity theft policies by Nov 1
F.Y.I. For Your Insurance: Is your business properly insured?
Quality Corner: ICD-10-CM/PCS national provider conference calls scheduled
FAQ

October 2:

Reminder: Tuesday’s Green Bay forum to feature lawsuit update, Congressional candidates

Physician input sought on Healthiest Wisconsin 2020
AMA, specialty societies comment on proposed E-prescribing rule
Quality & Efficiency: WHIO pilot program scheduled for first quarter 2009
Capitol Insider: Mental health parity bill becomes vehicle for bailout package
Capitol Insider: Where are the Presidential candidates on health care issues?
Your Practice. Your Future.: DHS: Ensure a successful transition to NPI and ForwardHealth interchange
Foundation Focus: 2009 grant application deadline approaching
Quality Corner: New search tools indicates if PQRI Feedback Report is available
FAQ

September 25:

New fact sheets available regarding reporting Medicare enrollment information changes

National Adult Immunization Awareness Week underway
Resolution deadline for 2009 Wisconsin Medical Society Annual Meeting
CMS releases revised guidelines for teaching future physicians
Quality & Efficiency: McGlynn focuses on cost and performance measures at Efficiency Symposium
Capitol Insider: Congress close to passing mental health parity law
Educational Programs: Be prepared for Medicare in 2009 and Stark Law changes
Quality Corner: eHealth initiative survey links health IT to lower costs and improved outcomes
FAQ

September 18:

Flu vaccine now recommended for all children

PAI program enables physicians to file BCBS compliance complaints
Southwest/Southcentral Regional Health Literacy Conference rescheduled for October 28
Language and cultural barriers in health care focus of Friday Webinar
Quality & Efficiency: Rattray, McGlynn featured at Efficiency Symposium
F.Y.I. For Your Insurance: Telemedicine—from a risk management standpoint
Quality Corner: Interim study available from CMS examines alternative payment locality structures
FAQ

September 11:

Green Bay Health forum to feature lawsuit update, Congressional candidates

New e-mail addresses for Society staff
Society announces final seminars for 2008
CMS seeks feedback—Town Hall meeting September 22
Rabies, 'under-reported, untreatable disease'
Newsmakers: Milwaukee County welcomes new Chief Medical Examiner
Quality & Efficiency: Don’t miss ‘The Efficiency Symposium’ September 16
Foundation Focus: Save the Date—You won’t want to miss this!
Foundation Focus: Foundation welcomes new staff
Quality Corner: Grant Community Clinic: case studies of patient- and family-centered primary care practices
FAQ

September 4:

Reminder: Tamper-resistant prescription requirement effective October 1

CMS to host national e-prescribing conference next month
Wisconsin physicians invited to ‘Reading Retreat in the Medical Humanities’
Quality & Efficiency: Physician feedback sought as WHIO finalizes Data Use Guidelines
Capitol Insider: Primary elections Tuesday
Educational Programs: You still have 1 day to save $80–don’t wait!
Quality Corner: 2008 PQRI national provider conference call with Q&A Session
FAQ

August 28:

Fund lawsuit receives media coverage following Court arguments

UnitedHealthcare announces changes to Premium Designation Program
Time is running out!
Register now for 2008 WI Quality and Patient Safety Forum
HHS proposes adoption of ICD-10 code sets and updated electronic transaction standards
New statewide group takes concussion ‘epidemic’ head on
Council on Health Care Access meeting Sept 10
Quality & Efficiency: WHIO and 1 health plan's program: How do they compare?
Capitol Insider: Review of draft policy on physician licensure urged
F.Y.I. For Your Insurance: ProAssurance ranks in Ward’s top 50
Quality Corner: Info available now for 2007 PQRI participants
FAQ: ABN Deadline Extended

August 25: No Court decision today on IPFCF lawsuit

August 21: Hearing in the Society’s lawsuit against the State scheduled for Monday

E/M coding and the EMR—How to adhere to the CMS documentation guidelines
Council on Health Care Ethics meeting Sept 5
CMS seeks feedback on use of Social Security Numbers for Medicare beneficiary identifier
Quality & Efficiency: Society, WCHQ to host symposium Sept. 16
Capitol Insider: Medical Examining Board August meeting: A wrap-up
Foundation Focus: A closer look at 2 of the 10 fellowships awarded this summer
Quality Corner: MIPPA Legislation means changes for 2009
FAQ: What is “Return of Premium” life insurance?

August 14: Informational meetings about Society’s lawsuit to restore IPFCF fund scheduled in September

Wisconsin Women’s Health Guide now available in Spanish
HWPP offers proposal writing and informational sessions for upcoming funding cycle
WHIO’s Top 10 Q&A
E/M Coding in the Hospital—Does your documentation measure up?
Register now for the Coding Symposium!

August 7: Tim Bartholow, MD, joins Society staff

Quit Line Expands Services for Pregnant Smokers
NPPES and NPI Registry unavailable Aug 10
Interview with John Foley: the payer perspective
November Elections: Spotlight on State Assembly
New member benefit—the Wisconsin Medical Society Member Life Insurance Plan

July 31: What delegation process is best for you and your patients?

Health care requires your input
AMA campaign focuses on process to reduce administrative costs for claims
Q&A with Julie Bartels, executive director of WHIO: Key issues
Falk named Foundation President
HHS takes new steps to encourage electronic prescribing

July 24: How would you change the health care system? We want to hear from you!

Participating physicians to receive over $36 million for 2007 PQRI efforts
Collaborative releases medical home purchaser guide
Input needed for blood management measures
Society keeps pulse on key physician issues in WHIO
Special Committee on School Safety meets at Capitol
Additional CAN-SPAM rules issued by Federal Trade Commission
Legal issues in the office—Get your most common questions answered
Coding Symposium early bird deadline extended

July 17: Medicare veto expected today

CMS pilot program saving nearly $700 million in improper Medicare payments—How will the RACs affect your office?
2009 Joint Commission Standards available on-line; revised and enhanced for ease of use
New educational product available for 2008 PQRI
Dealing with the loss of patient medical records in a disaster
Society and WCHQ partnering on efficiency symposium
Voluntary benefits—are they right for your practice?
Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group: A case study of patient- and family-centered primary care practice

July 15: Medicare veto expected today

July 10: Stunning Senate Medicare vote would prevent reimbursement cut; veto coming?

Wisconsin Medicaid warns of denials on crossover claims
Wisconsin Medical Journal calls for papers on health care reform
Updated Policy Compendium now on-line
AMA seeks Hispanic physician nominees for political leadership seminar
Save the date: AMPAC workshops schedule for 2009
DEA proposes regulations to allow e-prescribing of controlled substances
WHIO: A public-private collaboration in health care transparency
Election matchups set for November
Foundation announces 2009 grant opportunities
Foundation offers free public lecture Menopause, Mood and Depression: What's a Woman To Do?

July 3: New Department of Children and Families unveiled July 1

Deadline extended for 2008 Quality & Safety Forum call for quality or safety improvement projects
Free on-line conference to focus on early ID/treatment of kidney disease
Multi-carrier system release information for July 2008
In Remembrance: William L. Treacy, MD
Quality & Efficiency
More Medicare fireworks after congress’ July 4 recess?
July 4 holiday kicks off election season
Effectively developing job descriptions–it really matters!
CMS to host 2008 PQRI national provider conference call July 9

June 30: Medicare reimbursement cuts delayed

June 27: Senate fails to prevent July 1 Medicare cut

June 26: 12,000 member milestone surpassed!

PQRI forum July 1 to help family physicians receive incentives
AMA looking for allied health pros turned physicians
Quality & Efficiency
Medicare reimbursement fix close; physician calls needed!
New Benefits in ‘Healthworks’

June 19: Secretary Leavitt announces selection of Wisconsin Medical Society, MetaStar and WCHQ as 1 of 12 sites for major EHR Demonstration

Reminder: First of three meetings about lawsuit to restore IPFCF fund
Society seeks physician nominees for BadgerCare Plus Clinical Advisory Committee
2009 National Patient Saftey Goals announced
Give a ‘country’ doc a well-deserved break
Quality & Efficiency
Medicare cut still looms, Congress considering options
MEB begins to address license time issue
November 2008 elections: Wisconsin poll shows Obama +9
Court of Appeals upholds trial court’s rejection of informed consent claim
Niesen chosen as first recipient of the Robert ‘Jason’ Gore Scholarship

June 12: Medicare bill support needed: Contact Senators Kohl, Feingold now

Society seeks summary judgment in lawsuit
Prevention Summit July 17-18 in Appleton
CMS starts program to confirm NPPES data
Reminder: National survey gives physician a voice
Quality & Efficiency
Medicaid training: Sign up today!

June 6: Society endorses resolution to improve patient safety, eliminate adverse events

Register now to access 2007 PQRI feedback report
Reminder: Dane County’s ‘MedDrop’ offers safe disposal of unwanted meds
Society’s Medical Records & the Law seminar next week
Society asks State for licensing delay answers
Society member insurance options at age 65
Physician level quality measures: CMS asks providers to help test new measures
2008 PQRI National Provider Call now available

May 29: In Memoriam: Alice Hassberg Thayer

Free Webinar June 12 to focus on importance of documentation
Updated tobacco guideline now available
NIH launches Undiagnosed Diseases Program
Election races taking shape; physician involvement needed!
Scholarship recipients announced

May 22: No NPI = no pay after tomorrow

OCR releases HIPAA privacy consumer brochures in eight languages
Update: Workers’ Compensation Guidelines, intent
Resources available for people exposed to radiation
Humana to post updated ‘physician effectiveness’ scores for patients
MEB to review licensure process
Society councils taking on the tough issues
CMS releases updates to the incident-to billing policy for Medicare

May 15: NPI deadline next Friday; AMA seeking input by Monday

It’s in the mail!
Free talk to focus on domestic violence SBIRT
HHS adds new HIPAA enforcement data to Web site
Dunn to be honored with Distinguished Service Award
Budget repair bill now in Gov. Doyle’s hands
Long-term care insurance: A smart investment at any age

May 8: Physicians urged to join HCCN

New rule creates new Medicare standards for e-prescribers
Reminder: CMS to host national education call May 13
Dane County’s ‘MedDrop’ offers safe disposal of unwanted meds
Input sought on use of suffixes in drug names, subsequent problems
Society members encouraged to submit ideas year round
Physician participation wanted in cure for claims month campaign
Wisconsin’s chance to be heard, survey in the mail
2008 White Coat Campaign underway
Memorial/Tribute program way to honor someone special

May 1: Enforcement of state law restricting use of DEA numbers expected to begin May 23

Value of both quit-smoking counseling and medications confirmed in new guideline
CMS urges testing NPI-only claims now; deadline for implementation is May 23
Newly revised ABN must be implemented by September 1
New long-term disability plan features guarantee issue for members who enroll early
DMEPOS accreditation may impact your office
Madison physician to discuss lesbian health care needs at June AMA meeting
AMA to host EMR/EHR web conference

April 24: Workforce issue survey deadline extended to April 30

GAO report: Bush administration’s directive on SCHIP violates law
CMS proposes to expand quality program for hospital inpatient services
OIG issues letter detailing changes to self-disclosure protocol
Smith to receive UW-Madison 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award
Bailet appointed to AMA group practice advisory group
Waukesha physician elected President, Wisconsin Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Budget repair agreement: still waiting
PIC risk management teleconference and event updates April 29

April 17: Steven Bergin, MD, inaugurated Society 155th president

Two physicians named 2008 Physician Citizens of the Year
Robert Phillips, MD, receives Society’s highest honor
Thomas Meyer, MD, receives Presidential Citation Award
Society presents multiple Meritorious Service Awards
Help for uninsured rolls into Wisconsin
Society calls on Kohl/Feingold to support new Medicare bill
“It was truly an inspirational evening.”
Foundation award recipients honored during Society’s Annual Meeting

April 10: Measles confirmed in Wisconsin; DPH issues guidelines

Physician and CMO input still needed for workforce issue surveys
BadgerCare Plus implementation of the NPI–What you need to know!
Robert J. Dempsey, MD, to receive 2008 AANS Humanitarian Award
AMA Foundation recognizes two UW medical students for efforts to aid the homeless
Sri Vasudevan, MD, receives “Spirit of Caring” award
Smokefree poll shows strong bipartisan support
Contribute to WISMedPAC / WISMedDIRECT at Friday’s Annual Meeting
Are you comfortable with the ins and outs of “incident-to” billing?

April 7: Wisconsin Division of Public Health issues measles alert

April 3: AHRQ ranks Wisconsin no. 2

Physicians asked to complete workforce survey by April 10
CMS issues final Medicare e-prescribing rule
Sign-up open for June conference on eHealth
UW medical students host symposium to encourage ‘healthy classrooms’
Society physicians visit Congress to highlight Medicare concerns
WMSI&FS ranked no. 1 in ‘Best of 2007’

March 27: AHRQ ranks Wisconsin no. 2

Exclusive long-term disability plan for Wisconsin Medical Society members
More than 200,000 kids exposed to secondhand smoke at home
Network to send important alerts electronically, no longer via mail
UW La Follette Spring 2008 Symposium April 29
Ask Senators Kohl and Feingold to support the ‘Save Medicare Act of 2008’
Legislative retirements abound
Reminder: Save the date to explore your hidden potential

March 20: Explore your hidden potential at the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation annual event

Society joins Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease
Help build Wisconsin’s public health team
CME conference for young pediatricians April 18-20
Input sought from primary care doctors nationwide
Remington named to national advisory committee
Governor signs patient sharing data bill into law
Society Web site FAQ now includes Evaluation and Management coding information
Medicare requirements for prescribing durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies—What you need to know

March 13: Reminder: April 1 deadline for use of tamper-resistant prescription pads nears

Wisconsin first state to screen all newborns for ‘Bubble Boy disease’
2007 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative releases preliminary participation results
Deep elected to ACP Council of Young Physicians
Wisconsin Medical Journal needs your expertise
Hospital tax is budget repair centerpiece
Risk Management Solutions available through PIC WISCONSIN

March 6: Society files amended claim in Fund lawsuit

Web site and on-line course offer resources to improve health care quality in diverse populations
Health literacy the focus of Annual Meeting CME
Annual Alzheimer’s disease symposium March 15
“Healthy Wisconsin 2.0” introduced
Governor initiates budget repair process
Lance Armstrong joins fight to make Wisconsin Smoke Free
Campaign season quickly approaching
Explore your hidden potential
Foundation kicks off raffle

February 28, 2008: Save the date: Society’s Annual Meeting April 11 and 12

Calls to Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line break all records
Physician profiling resources available from AMA
Former Rep. Gielow joins Society on special assignment
Can a physician be liable to a third party for the actions of a patient?
Assembly version of statewide smoking ban heard in committee
PQRI, NPI, CAP, MAC, C-SNAP, EPO, IVR, RAC ... it just sounds like vegetable soup!

February 21, 2008: NPI deadlines around the corner

State has limited supply of free tamper-resistant prescription pads
Society discusses IPFCF lawsuit on radio
Leadership positions available
Wisconsin Medical Journal needs your expertise
Mental Health Parity Action Day draws big crowd
Update: Statewide Smoking Ban—Assembly public hearing
Citizens for Smoke-free Air to hold rally at the Capitol
Mental Health Records Bill passes Committee
FYI: For Your Insurance-You get what you pay for!
FYI: For Your Insurance-Congratulations

February 14, 2008: DHFS amends immunization regulations for students

Nominees for Society offices
Proposed regulation to enforce Patient Safety Act now available for comment
Society joins national campaign to discourage teen alcohol abuse
Reminder: Mental Health Parity Action Day is Feb. 20
Society testifies on two ‘cost transparency’ bills
Congressman Kagen introduces ‘No Discrimination in Health Insurance Act’
Update: Statewide smoking ban
2008 Landis Lecture for patients and physicians

February 7, 2008: HHS Secretary awards Wisconsin Healthcare Value Exchange with special distinction

Fee assessment notification for Wisconsin-licensed physicians on the way
The check could be in the mail
Physician musicians in Brown County raise money for childhood safety
February 13 WCRI webcast to include Wisconsin findings
Join a Strategic Council
Various cost ‘transparency’ bills abound in Capitol
Supreme Court election April 1
Mastering Medicare in 2008

January 24, 2008: IPFCF cash balance now over $40 million in the red

Medicare NPI requirement begins March 1, 2008; test claims now!
White Coat Wisdom celebrates Wisconsin physicians
Should your patient be driving?
$1,000 essay contest seeks UW’s best rural health paper
Pharmacy consolidation to be implemented Feb. 1
Call for speakers
Think Spring! April 10, to be precise…

January 10, 2008: Medicare participation deadline extended

Still time to participate in 2008 Medicare Part B Drug CAP
Family Planning Waiver Program changes detailed in latest ‘Update’
Join a Wisconsin Medical Society Strategic Council
Mental Health Parity Action Day set for Feb. 20
AMA steps up advertising campaign for the uninsured as elections approach
Still time to nominate doctors for Physician Citizen of the Year
Submitting influenza and pneumonia vaccinations to Medicaid—are you getting paid correctly?
BadgerCare Plus to be implemented Feb. 1
Starnes, PIC WISCONSIN prepared for your defense
Foundation announces 2008 grant awards

December 27, 2007: State files answer to IPFCF complaint

Physician musicians in Brown County raise money for childhood safety
Dr. Luetzow appointed to AMA committee
California orders Blue Cross to stop using controversial confidentiality agreement
Vaccine administration under the Part D Program starting January 1, 2008
Frozen pipes can wreak havoc
During this season of giving…

December 17, 2007: ALERT - HIB containing vaccine recalled

December 13, 2007: IPFCF Board votes to not increase fees for FY 2008

Assembly takes first step toward Constitutional amendment to protect IPFCF, other funds
UnitedHealthcare clarifies notification requirements
Do you have your number?
Medical College of Wisconsin names new Dean
UW Hospital and Clinics names new CEO
Dec. 19 seminar will teach strategies to help patients quit smoking
Employer tips for holiday parties
Surgical and non-surgical modifiers—telling the whole story
Waiting to purchase long term care insurance can be costly
During this season of giving…

November 29, 2007: Court upholds $8.4 million malpractice award

CMS cautions: Some physicans reporting Social Security Numbers in publicly-disclosed fields
Madison and Dane County Health Departments merge
Resolution deadline date for 2008 Wisconsin Medical Society Annual Meeting
Nominate a candidate for Physician Citizen of the Year
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars - Call for applications
Society seeks to file an amicus brief in the Schultz case
‘What’s New for 2008’ is just around the corner
PIC Wisconsin shows support of Society lawsuit
Kenneth M. Viste, Jr., MD, 2008 Young Physician Leadership award nominations being accepted

November 15, 2007: Unless Congress acts, physicians face 10% Medicare payment reduction

A LETTER TO SOCIETY MEMBERS
United Healthcare to pay preventive and problem-focused visits on the same day
When ‘dolor’ means ‘pain’, and you’re not sure where to go from there
AMA urges physicians to share concerns about insurers’ profiling programs
Looking ahead for 2008
PIC WISCONSIN announces rate reduction for 2008
A semester off turned into 24 years…

November 1, 2007: Media coverage positive in wake of lawsuit

October Journal part of global initiative
CPT code updates – What’s new for 2008
All worker’s comp carriers are not alike
Foundation donations help keep outstanding students in Wisconsin

October 18, 2007: State budget update: Rumors of progress?

Wisconsin law restricts use of DEA numbers to intended purpose
Cash in those PIC shares pronto!
Collaboration and supervision requirements for APNPs and CRNAs
Practice management issues focus of upcoming teleconference
Dental plan options available for Society members
Contributions to Foundation benefit students

October 4, 2007: Society prepared to protect IPFCF

President delays implementation of tamper-resistant Rx pads
Society seeks small practices to test DocSite
National Depression Screening Day October 11
Register now for PIC Wisconsin risk management session
Dane County’s ‘MedDrop’ offers safe disposal of unwanted meds
Vasudevan receives national honor
Society hires new Sr VP of Quality and Efficiency
Milwaukee Circuit Court issues latest ruling in wrongful death and medical malpractice case
Coding Symposium just 10 days away
Pick wisely: Compare operating philosophies, defense records, stability and experience
Smiles from the Class of 2011

September 20, 2007: Tamper-resistant Rx pads required October 1

Upcoming legislative forums offer chance to share your views
Wisconsin site of Midwest Healthcare IT conference
The check could be in the mail
Litigation efforts yield nearly $7 million for Wisconsin physicians
Coding changes: Are you prepared?
Life Insurance: Taking care of personal AND professional needs
2008 Foundation event to feature the real ‘Rain Man’

September 6, 2007: NPI Registry now available

NPI: Tips for successful claims processing
Wausau doctor takes ‘Medical Diplomacy’ seriously
Society co-sponsors 2007 Wisconsin Quality and Safety Forum in October
Physician support sought for better alternatives to toxic chemicals
APNPs must have individual insurance if prescribing independently
Tomorrow is last day to save $80
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month
Robert T. Cooney, MD Scholarship encourages rural practice

August 23, 2007: Society launches innovative health insurance pilot for Fox Valley physicians

Your voice is needed!
Nominating Committee solicits nominees
Wisconsin Medicaid to require NDC codes for all drugs and supplies: What does this mean for you?
Participants sought for consumer education facilitator training
Medical College of Wisconsin and Children’s Research Institute establish new National Pediatric Kidney Disease Research Center
AMA launches multi-million dollar campaign to cover the uninsured
Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps more than 57,000 Wisconsin patients
Medical Examining Board decides physician supervision not required for some certified registered nurse anesthetists
Just two weeks left to save
Smiles from the Class of 2011
A Reminder…

August 9, 2007: Statewide Physician Health Program ending; Society seeking information

Wisconsin Medicaid now collecting NPIs
NPI registry and database dissemination delayed
An Extraordinary Art Exhibit
Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation to host second annual dialogue
New federal law requires Medicaid patients’ prescriptions be written on tamper-resistant pads
Time running out for ‘early bird’ savings
Retirement Savings Shortfall
White Coat Campaign achieves goal

July 26, 2007: Sign the petition - Stop the IPFCF raid

Proposed Medicare rule cuts physician reimbursements by 10 percent in 2008
CMS proposes eliminating fax exemption for electronic prescribing
Doctors Without Borders coming to Milwaukee
Free clinic seeks volunteers
Society members in the news
CMS publishes additional guidance on educational requirements under Deficit Reduction Act of 2005
Evaluation and Management Services series offered
Most homes are undervalued for insurance
Society members encouraged to apply for Foundation grants

July 12, 2007: State budget: Conference Committee members named; IPFCF raid in play

Society to officially launch new Web site Monday
Don’t waste good medicine!
Physician volunteer sought for anti-global warming group
Health literacy input sought
Law allows CMS to revoke Medicare enrollment and billing privileges for physicians convicted of certain felonies
WPS Medicare Part B clarifies E/M Table of Risk
Earn up to 17 CEUs in 2½ days
CME available for ‘Medical Professional Liability Insurance: A Practitioner’s Primer’
New donor recognition wall installed

June 28, 2007: State Senate passes budget; IPFCF raid remains - Democrats also unveil Universal Health Care Proposal

Hetsko re-elected to AMA Board of Trustees
CMS Delays Dissemination of National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) Data
Previously denied CAD mammography claims to CIGNA being accepted
Present on Admission—get your questions answered
Society member receives award from international medical association
Wisconsin Medical Society Alliance awards grant
Preventing rabies deaths
FYI from WPS: ASCA enforcement of mandatory electronic submission of Medicare Claims
Last call for PMCC course
Transform knowledge into action
PIC Wisconsin accepting registrations for networking session
Scholarship recipients announced

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