Error in Carotid Angiography Codes
It has come to the attention of the SVS Health Policy Committee that there appears to be an error in the 2013 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for the new carotid angiography codes. (Codes 36222-36226). The 2013 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule essentially prohibits the use of Modifier -50 when bilateral procedures are performed on CPT codes 36222-36226 because there is an indicator "0" attached to each. Payment is 100 percent for a unilateral procedure. It also means that when the -50 modifier is appended as per the CPT manual introductory guidelines for a bilateral procedure, payment is still only 100 percent and not 150 percent as would be the case if there was an indicator of "1". We have requested that CMS perform an urgent review of this matter and will provide further guidance when it becomes available.
Sean P. Roddy, Chair of the SVS Health Policy Committee
Research Funding for Vascular Injury
The Department of Defense has issued a program announcement to solicit and fund research on the topics of vascular injury and hemorrhage control. To
learn more, access the
grants.gov website and search endovascular.
Mobile Imaging Survey
To provide information about mobile and fixed imaging in vascular surgery and to better characterize the way vascular surgeons practice, please complete the short survey which was recently emailed to SVS members.
Medical Societies Launch Vein Filter Use Study
SVS and the Society of Interventional Radiology will launch the first large-scale, multispecialty prospective study to evaluate the use of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters and related follow-up treatment. The five-year PRESERVE (PREdicting the Safety and Effectiveness of InferioR VEna Cava Filters) study will evaluate the overall safety and efficacy of filters following the August 2010 FDA medical alert detailing the possibility that retrievable IVC filters could move or break, potentially causing significant health risks for patients.
Coding and Reimbursement Course
Learn to avoid costly coding errors and register today for Challenges in Vascular Surgery 2013: Coding and Reimbursement for Vascular Surgeons, to be held April 5-6 at the Taj Boston Hotel. A complimentary copy of the 2013 Coding Guide is included with registration.
A block of guest rooms has been reserved for SVS attendees. The special group rate of $240/night, single/double occupancy, is available on a first-come, first-served basis until March 12 or until the block sells out, whichever comes first. Reservations may be made by calling 877-482-5267 or 617-536-5700 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm EST Monday through Friday. Please be sure to identify yourself as part of the SVS meeting to obtain the group rate and make reservations today.
SVS Vascular Surgery Trainee Advocacy Travel Scholarship Application Deadline: March 15
To enhance the health policy and advocacy development of vascular surgery trainees, SVS offers the Vascular Surgery Trainee Advocacy Travel Scholarship, which provides the recipient with an opportunity to participate in Capitol Hill visits and learn more about SVS' health policy and advocacy activities. The $1,500 scholarship is to be used toward the cost of travel, housing, and subsistence during these visits. Applicants must be an SVS Candidate Member currently enrolled (or accepted) in a vascular surgery training program and have an earnest interest in health policy and advocacy issues relating to vascular surgery.
Apply Now for SVSŪ Foundation Award Deadlines
Deadlines are rapidly approaching for several SVS awards. Learn more about these exciting opportunities and apply for the following:
Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) (deadline Feb. 12)
Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) (deadline Feb. 12)
EJ Wylie Traveling Fellowship (deadline Feb. 15)
Student Research Fellowship (deadline March 17)
