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E-News for CSEPS members October 2012
In this issue
CSEPS/AAO combined dues billing
2012 Colorado general election forecast
Mandatory ASC reporting
President's update
October eye safety
CSEPS/COA mixer
Combined AAO and CSEPS 2013 membership dues mailing

LegEventsThe Colorado Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons is collaborating with the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) in a pilot program that combines the 2013 membership dues mailing for AAO and CSEPS. AAO works very closely with CSEPS because protecting the interests of Colorado ophthalmologists requires a local partnership. As AAO CEO David Parke, II, MD, recently stated, "Success in advocating for patients and the profession in any state jurisdiction cannot be achieved by the AAO acting alone. Rather, success requires critical local knowledge of key state issues, politics, and personal relationships."

2012 Colorado general election: Who's going to win?
by Dick Brown
The upcoming general election in Colorado is critically importantDick Brown and holds the potential to set the stage for control of the Houseand Senate for the next decade because of legislative redistricting. The Colorado Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons actively advocates for ophthalmology's priorities at the state capitol. With that in mind I created a "watcher's guide" to the upcoming state legislative races. It effectively "handicaps" the races that will be decided on November 6 and is important reading for physicians interested in the future legislative and regulatory environment. Read more here.
Mandatory ASC quality reporting

As of October 1, 2012, ophthalmic ambulatory surgery centers must now report on five claims-based measures included in Medicare's new ASC quality-reporting program. ASCs must correctly report these measures at least 50% of the time from October-December 31, 2012 in order to avoid 2014 reductions in Medicare facility payments. More information about the ASC quality-reporting program is available 

on the Academy website.

We want to hear        from you

Colorado Society 
 

of Eye Physicians 
and Surgeons 

 

 
PHONE:  720-858-6336 
 FAX: (720) 859-7509

[email protected]
President's Update
by Ron Pelton, MD, PhD
Ron Pelton, MD

"The Democrats are the party of government activism, the party that says government can make you richer, smarter, taller, and get the chickweed out of your lawn. Republicans are the party that says government doesn't work, and then get elected and prove it."

P.J. O'Rourke

 

In this season of politics, the following column by Jack Hunter made me think about why I am involved and why I continue to push and prod you - my colleagues - to pick up the mantle as well. Like it or not Colorado politics affect your practice and your profession and that's why CSEPS and your participation in CSEPS is critical. We are figuratively married to politics and CSEPS will always fight for you. Read on to learn why.
  

"Married to Politics

by Jack Hunter 

(Originally printed 3/21/12 Charleston City Paper)

 

My sanest friends are usually those who spend their time far away from the world of politics. Their main concerns are their wives or husbands, girlfriends or boyfriends, kids, family, and everything but the ongoing mischief in Washington. I think this is quite normal. Some talk radio hosts and conservative pundits constantly criticize Americans who aren't politically engaged. Not me. In fact, I often feel like joining them.

 

Some of these sane friends have asked me in the past, "Why are you so into politics, Jack? Nothing ever changes." They're certainly not wrong in their assessment. For all the debating..."

 

Read more here.

Want scary eyes for Halloween?

Halloween is a popular time for people to use decorative contact lenses, to enhance their scary costumes. But most people do not know the sight-stealing consequences of wearing over-the-counter decorative contact lenses. Wearing decorative lenses, circle lenses, colored contacts or other novelty lenses without a prescription is dangerous. Retailers often market these products as cosmetics, fashion accessories or toys, when in fact they are medical devices. Their target is often teens.

 

CSEPS is warning parents and teens that purchasing any contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from a licensed eye care professional can cause serious eye disorders and infections, which may lead to blindness. Even if someone has perfect vision, he or she needs to get an eye exam and a prescription from an eye care professional in order to wear any kind of contacts, including decorative contact lenses.

 

Please talk to your patients and encourage them to get the facts about the dangers of cosmetic lenses. Click here for a poster that can be displayed in your waiting room. To learn more, view the American Academy of Ophthalmology's
30- and 90-second public service announcements and visit www.geteyesmart.org for information about keeping your eyes healthy all year around.
CSEPS/COA mixer - October 
Building off of another meet and great in June, CSEPS physicians once again met with members of the Colorado Optometric Association. The October mixer featured another no-agenda format that helped make, build and grow relationships between
CSEPS board member Adrienne Ruth, MD, (right) enjoys the conversation with COA members.
ophthalmologists and optometrists. "It's critical that we know each other and continue to work together," said CSEPS President Ron Pelton, MD. "These events demonstrate our commitment to ensuring open lines of communication and proactive collaboration between ophthalmologists and optometrists. We want to work together to advance and protect the ocular health of Coloradans," he said. Check out more pictures from the event here.
CODEQuest helps with ICD-10
Just hearing the term ICD-10 strikes fear in the hearts of many ophthalmology practices. Switching to this code set will be a challenging task and CSEPS is here to help. More than 70 physicians and their practice teams from around Colorado and the western region got a jump on this work last month at the annual CODEQuest Ophthalmic Coding College in Denver on September 29 sponsored by CSEPS and the American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives. This hands on training session provided
Another packed house for CODEQuest at the September 2012 event in Denver.
a foundational start for the ICD-10 journey ahead, in addition to detailing the latest tips and techniques to appropriately coding for proper reimbursement. Don't leave money on the table by inappropriately coding. Plan on attending CODEQuest next year. For more ICD-10 transition resources visit the AAO ICD-10 Readiness page here. You can also find more information at the CMS.gov resource page here

Join us - CSEPS is the Colorado ophthalmology society
Join us in helping to ensure excellence in Colorado eye care. Contact Chet Seward if you have not yet joined. Call for more information at (720) 858-6336.
About Us
The Colorado Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (CSEPS) is the Colorado ophthalmology society representing Colorado Ophthalmologists (medical doctors - MDs and DOs) who specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of eye disease. This newsletter is published by the CSEPS Communications Division, which works with CSEPS physician leadership and the American Academy of Opthamology to advocate on behalf physicians, practice managers and other office staff to help practices remain viable and thrive. If you have questions for the society, e-mail [email protected] or call 720-858-6336.