Medical Society of New Jersey e-Newsletter
 
August 2, 2013

   
In This Issue
-MSNJ CALENDAR
CME Activity
POLST Seminars
-Hurricane Sandy Relief
Verizon Wireless Discount
.
NEWS
-Update: Medicare Recoupment; Incarcerated Beneficiaries
-"HIPAA Minutes"
-MSNJ Golf Outing
.
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
-"HIPAA Minutes"
-HIPAA Resources
-Medicaid Re-Enrollment
-Opting out of Medicare
-August Coding Tip
-Novitas
-Medicare Workshop
-ICD-10 Provider Call
-NJ-HITEC
.
WEBINARS
-HIPAA Compliance Mandates on the Horizon
.
CORPORATE PARTNERS
-Capital One Bank
.
MEMBER BENEFITS
.
EVENTS/TRAINING
 

Download MSNJ's 2013/2014 
 Meeting Calendar  
CME Activities

Registration NOW OPEN!

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Certified Medical Examiner Training.   

 

 

- Saturday, September 21 - Westin Mount Laurel, Mt. Laurel, NJ 
(8:30 AM- 4:00 PM)


- Saturday, October 26 - Parsippany Hilton, Parsippany NJ
(8:30 AM- 4:00 PM)


The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners

(National Registry) is a new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) program.  

 

 

It requires all medical examiners* (MEs) who wish to perform physical examinations for interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers be trained and certified in FMCSA physical qualification standards.  

 

Medical examiners that complete the training and successfully pass the test are included in their online directory. CMV drivers must have their required physical examinations performed by a certified ME starting May 21, 2014.

 

This live activity is approved for AOA Category 1A Credit as well as AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

 

As a courtesy, NJAOPS is providing MSNJ members a $100 discount-off the registration fee - MSNJ members pay the same as NJAOPS members! MSNJ members, please click here to obtain your promotional discount code and link to continue to further info and registration.

Others interested attending this training, please click here for further information and registration.

 

* doctor of osteopathy, doctor of medicine, advanced practice nurse, doctor of chiropractic, physician assistant, or other medical professional authorized by applicable State laws and regulations to perform physical examinations. 


POLST Seminars

MDAdvantage Presents: Decision Making in Advanced Illness - Introduction to NJ Guidelines for Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Program. Joint Sponsor: Saint Barnabas Medical Center. This complimentary program is open to all New Jersey physicians and APNs.
  • Thursday, September 19, 2013 from 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. in Mountainside, NJ
  •  Thursday, October 10, 2013 from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. in Eatontown, NJ
  •  Thursday, November 7, 2013 from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. in Lawrenceville, NJ
Learn more and register online.

Applications for Hurricane Sandy  

Relief Grant 
The Physicians Foundation announced a grant in the amount of $350,000 to the Medical Society of New Jersey. Grantees do not have to be MSNJ Members. Download the application today.


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Connect with Medical Society of New Jersey on LinkedIn

Verizon Wireless Discount Validation

If you are taking advantage of this discount, you may be receiving an email or letter from Verizon asking you to validate your information. Follow our online instructions for renewing. For assistance, please e-mail [email protected]. 

NewsTOP

House Committee Unanimously Approves Medicare SGR Repeal Bill

On July 31, the 48th anniversary of Medicare, the House Energy & Commerce Committee reviewed and unanimously approved a draft bill that would repeal the flawed sustainable growth rate (SGR) physician payment formula and provide a new payment methodology for physicians. On the same day, MSNJ leadership met with Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., to thank him for his leadership on the Committee and discuss work that remains to be done. The "Medicare Patient Access & Quality Improvement Act" would provide a five year period of payment updates of 0.5% and the ability for physicians to earn additional updates under new reporting requirements beginning in 2019. The bill also allows for a variety of new delivery and payment models.

 

Of concern to MSNJ and others is a provision that allows a 1% net reduction of funds over a period of years to be removed from program funding based on certain misvalued codes. Current law on budget neutrality allows these amounts to remain in the program fund to offset undervalued codes. Read our letter on budget neutrality to ranking members of the Committee and news coverage on this issue.

 

MSNJ, the AMA and organized medicine remain positive about the framework that has been established to repeal and replace the SGR. While Congress is in recess we will continue to work on the bill and to meet with our Representatives. Our efforts will focus on budget neutrality, whether the update is sufficient to keep up with inflation and the rising costs of medicine, and to ensure that all physicians are able to receive additional payment incentives by participating in innovative payment models and quality reporting. Read more

UPDATE: Medicare Recoupment for Services Provided to Incarcerated Beneficiaries

CMS has identified previously paid claims that contain Dates of Service (DOS) that overlap a period when beneficiaries were incarcerated, based on information from the Social Security Administration (SSA). A significant amount of overpayments were identified, demand letters were released and in many cases automatic recoupment of overpayments were made.  

 

CMS has since learned that information from the SSA on incarcerated beneficiaries was incomplete for recoupment requests issued in June and July 2013 and they are now advising that physicians discontinue notifying the local CMS office of any errors, as CMS is working on correcting the issue. The AMA, along with MSNJ and other state medical societies, urged CMS to review the issue. We were advised in a conference call with CMS last week that CMS will: instruct the Medicare Contractors (MACs) to review recoupment requests based on bad data; direct the MACs to refund physicians for erroneous recoupments and rescind recoupment requests; and advise affected beneficiaries of the mistake. MSNJ is urging physicians to appeal erroneous recoupment requests.

 

This week CMS issued a series of FAQs to provide additional guidance on the issue. We will keep members apprised of new developments as they become available.

ICD-10 Preparation Poll

The ICD-10 compliance deadline is October 1, 2014. MSNJ is interested in learning where each practice currently stands with ICD-10 preparation. Ask your practice manager to take the poll in the MPMS Community by August 29.

HIPAA Minutes"- New Educational Tool 

MSNJ and Helen Oscislawski, Esq. present two-minute videos on the HIPAA changes due to the Final Omnibus Rule. Part 7: Patient Rights - Access is now available.  


Proceeds from the event will benefit the MSNJ Foundation, the Institute of Medicine and Public Health of New Jersey (IOMPHNJ).

For more information: contact Jessica at
[email protected]
Practice Management

"HIPAA Minutes" - New Educational Tool
MSNJ worked with Helen Oscislawski, Esq. to produce two-minute videos on the HIPAA changes due to the Final Omnibus Rule. 

 

Part 7: Patient Rights - Access
Part 7: Patient Rights - Access

Templates- Available Online: MSNJ and Weber Gallagher Simpson Stapleton Fires & Newby LLP's HIPAA Business Associate Agreement and Notification of Privacy Practice templates are now available on MSNJ's website.    

 

The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) recently launched three modules on HIPAA compliance: 

Did you know that the MSNJ has a Medical Practice Managers Section (MPMS)?

At MSNJ, we know that managing a medical practice is a daily challenge. We are here to help. Practice Managers and Office Staff can join MPMS to stay up to date on important information through e-News, participate in educational events, get complicated questions answered through our Member Resource Center, and take advantage of our many member benefits. In addition, MSNJ advocates on behalf of all the practice managers in the state of New Jersey. Have your office staff join today! 

Medicaid Re-Enrollment

The Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services is required as part of the Affordable Care Act to complete a re-enrollment of all Medicaid physicians every five years. At the end of 2013 or the beginning of 2014, the Division will begin a re-enrollment process for all physicians who have enrolled prior to January 1, 2013. Physicians, who enrolled on or after January 1, 2013 or submitted a completed enrollment packet for reactivation on or after January 1, 2013, will not be requested to enroll. Be on the lookout for notices; they will go out to physicians that need to enroll 30 days in advance. Read more.

Opting out of Medicare

Physicians and non-physician practitioners who wish to opt-out of Medicare must file an Affidavit, with the state's Medicare Contractor (New Jersey's is Novitas), agreeing to opt-out of Medicare for a period of two years. The affidavit must be in writing and signed by the physician/non-physician practitioner. Read more. View AMA's Medicare Participation Guide and sample affidavit.

View August's Coding Tip of the Month on Coding Signs and Symptoms in ICD-9. If you would like your questions addressed in an upcoming edition of e-News or you have a coding question specific to your practice, please email your questions. We will work with a certified professional coder to help answer them.

Novitas E&M Score Sheet Webinar

Novitas Solutions will host a webinar on "Advanced Evaluation and Management Score Sheet" on Wednesday, August 7 from 2:00 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. Learn the importance of the Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) Program, and examine the score sheet to determine the proper level of service for the following E&M case examples: New patient in the Office or other Outpatient setting, Initial Hospital Care, and Subsequent Hospital Care. Register online.  

Novitas Appeals Inquiry Status Tool

Novitas Solutions has a new tool that provides the status of Part A and B Appeal requests. You have the ability to search using the following criteria:

  • Part A & B: Case Control Number (CCN)- displays status for a specific Appeal request
  • Part A & B: Provider Transaction Access Number (PTAN) -displays status for all Appeals submitted by this PTAN for the past year.
  • Part A: Provider Transaction Access Number (PTAN)and Document Control Number(DCN) - display status of Appeal requested for a specific claim.
  • Part B: Provider Transaction Access Number (PTAN)andInternal Control Number(ICN) - display status of Appeal requested for a specific claim.

2013 CMS National Training Program Medicare Workshop

CMS will host a free 2013 CMS National Training Program Medicare Workshop on August 20 and 21, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick. Learn both high-level and detailed information about key aspects of the Medicare program; get an introduction to the new Health Insurance Marketplace; view Medicare training modules and more! For more information, registration, and hotel accommodations visit the workshop logistics page.

National Provider Call: ICD-10 Basics MLN Connects™

CMS will host a National Provider Call on "ICD-10 Basics MLN Connects™" on Thursday, August 22 from 1:30 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. Topics include: benefits of ICD-10; similarities and differences from ICD-9; coding; training needs and timelines; resources for coding and training; and national implementation issues. Register online

NJ-HITEC Offers Meaningful Minutes

NJ-HITEC has changed their Meaningful Use hour-long webinars into Meaningful Minutes so they can still continue to provide updates, but in a more concise and shorter format. At the conclusion of each Webcast, participants will receive a one-page summary of the most important topics covered to share with the rest of their team. The "Meaningful Minutes" will be offered every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. and will continue to help physicians, nurses, and practice managers stay up-to-date on the important changes in Meaningful Use, CMS incentive programs, and related Health IT issues. These Webcasts are open to all physicians and their staff regardless of membership. View the list of upcoming topics.

Webinars

 

HIPAA Compliance Mandates on the Horizon - Be Prepared

Wednesday, August 28 from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M.

 

Join MSNJ for a webinar on "HIPAA Compliance Mandates on the Horizon - Be Prepared." Understand the upcoming mandates and how to be in compliance with them, and learn practical advice for integrating compliance into the day to day practice.


This event is $25 for MSNJ members, $100 for non-members, and $50 for PAHCOM & NJMGMA members. Register online. Non-members:join MSNJ's Medical Practice Management Section (MPMS) for $60 and save $15! 

Corporate Partners

 

Member Resource Guide

Check out the current MSNJ Member Resource GuideInside, you will find a complete listing of partners by service/product category, along with contact information. Also, be sure to check out the individual Corporate Partner pages on our website as some offer additional discounts to members!


 

Capital One Bank, Gold Level Partner 

 

Contact: Lisa M. Spadafino
Phone: 732.321.4726
Website 

 

 

 

 

Advanced Banking for Healthcare Professionals from Capital One Bank� lets you optimize cash flow with next-day availability on deposited checks, offers preferred rates for your practice and provides simplified access to your account, right from your office. You'll also get a Capital One Bank Adviser who can help with both your business and personal finances, so you can spend more time caring for your patients. More information.


 

 

 

 

It is important to note that MSNJ does not endorse any vendor, service, or product. However, we encourage members to please consider our Corporate Partners first as the financial support received from these organizations is vital to our association. It is our hope that their investment in MSNJ will help keep your membership dues and programming affordable.

Member Benefits

 

Do you purchase magazines for the office or yourself?  Order through the MSNJ Magazine Subscription Service to save time and money!

 

ATTENTION: Do you currently receive "THE ECONOMIST"? Subscribe or renew through MSNJ Subscription Services NOW as a price increase is scheduled to take effect September 1, 2013!

 

Subscription Services, Inc., is always working  hard to get you the lowest rates. As a member, you are eligible for the very lowest prices on magazine subscriptions as well as personalized hands-on customer service. Click "Shop for Magazines" to place new subscriptions, renewals, as well as gift order subscriptions. You can also  inquire about titles you may be interested in.  If you ever have a question regarding your order or your account, please call 1-800-603-5602, or use the contact page to communicate with a customer service representative.  If you ever find a lower authorized price, they will match it!


 

Rutgers Football is offering discount tickets for some of the 2013 home games at Rutgers Stadium in Piscataway. Health Professionals Day is September 14. For more information, contact Rutgers Athletics at 866-445-4678 or [email protected].   

Events/Training/Resources
Health Literacy Resources: First Book 

First Book works directly with leading health professionals to ensure that low-income kids have access to the brand new, high-quality books that speak to the things that will positively impact their lives, including topics surrounding going to the doctor/dentist and being physically active. Check eligibility and sign up to start receiving books today.


Prescribers' Clinical Support System for Opioid Therapies (PCSS-O)
is a three year grant funded by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT).

The online modules are designed to increase your understanding of the current state of opioid-dependence treatment, increase your understanding of treatment issues for special populations, and lastly to increase your ability to assess and treat patients. Access the modules.

MDAdvantage Presents: Decision Making in Advanced Illness - Introduction to NJ Guidelines for Practitioner Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Program. Joint Sponsor: Saint Barnabas Medical Center. This complimentary program is open to all New Jersey physicians and APNs.

  • Thursday, September 19, 2013 from 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. in Mountainside, NJ
  •  Thursday, October 10, 2013 from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. in Eatontown, NJ
  •  Thursday, November 7, 2013 from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. in Lawrenceville, NJ
Learn more and register online.

The Central Jersey Chapter of PAHCOM, and the JFK Health System Physician's Alliance are hosting their Annual Insurance Update on Wednesday, September 18 at 8:30 A.M. at JFK Conference Center. More information. Register online.


National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) 15th Anniversary Run/Walk

2013 will be a very special event as the NOCC celebrates their 15th Anniversary Run/Walk. Please join the thousands of ovarian cancer survivors, their families and friends, medical and health professionals, and the local community in support of the NOCC. Read more. 

 
Medical Society of New Jersey
2 Princess Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(o) 609-896-1766 e-mail:
 

About the Medical Society of New Jersey:

Founded in 1766, the Medical Society of New Jersey (MSNJ) is the oldest professional society in the United States. MSNJ promotes the betterment of the public health and the science and the art of medicine, to enlighten public opinion in regard to the problems of medicine, and to safeguard the rights of the practitioners of medicine.  The organization and its members are dedicated to a healthy New Jersey, working to ensure the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship. In representing all medical disciplines, MSNJ advocates for the rights of patients and physicians alike, for the delivery of the highest quality medical care.  For more information visit our website or send us an e-mail.

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