Year: 2019
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An Update on Alabama’s Certificate of Need Program
Over the past few months, we have seen some changes and movement when it comes to the certificate of need (“CON”) program in the State of Alabama. In February, Emily Marsal was appointed as the new Executive Director of the State Health Planning and Development Agency (“SHPDA”), the state agency overseeing the CON program. Emily comes…
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Don’t Forget Your Risk Assessments!
Many medical practices are planning their Security Risk Assessments for the new year. Whether to better qualify for the 2019 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) or to fulfill obligations to comply with the HIPAA Security Rule, a strong strategy now will reap benefits later. It’s a good time to remember what is required when conducting…
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Alabama Medicaid Cumulative MME Edit Coming Early 2019
UPDATE April 26, 2019: Effective May 1, 2019 the Alabama Medicaid Agency will begin implementing cumulative daily MME edits for opioid experienced recipients. Higher doses of opioids are associated with higher risk of overdose and death – even relatively low dosages (20-50 MME per day) may increase risk.1 Therefore, Alabama Medicaid will limit the amount of…
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MOC UPDATE: A Progress Report
March 22, 2019: The Medical Association is continuing to work with various stakeholders to make improvements in the MOC process, and we would like to offer a progress report from the American Board of Medical Specialties and its Continuing Board Certification: Vision for the Future Commission. The final report is out, and member boards are…
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National Health Survey Underway in Marengo County
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the most comprehensive survey of the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population, is underway in Marengo County through April 20. This is an “invitation-only opportunity” in which randomly selected participants will receive a free and comprehensive health and nutrition evaluation. Respondents will be compensated for…
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Legislation Introduced to Tackle Doctor Shortages
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (D-AL) and John Katko (R-NY) have introduced legislation that would take critical steps towards reducing nationwide physician shortages by boosting the number of Medicare-supported residency positions. The Resident Physician Shortage Act (H.R. 1763) would support an additional 3,000 positions each year for the next five years, for a…
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MOC Update: ABMS Plans Implementation of Board Certification Recommendations
March 12, 2019 CHICAGO – The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Board of Directors plans to address the recommendations shared in the Continuing Board Certification: Vision for the Future Commission’s final report. Presented to the ABMS Board in mid-February, the Commission’s final report is the culmination of research, testimony and public feedback from stakeholders…
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VCOM-Auburn Provides Care and Supplies to Lee County Tornado Victims
BEAUREGARD – Faculty, students and staff at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Auburn campus have been working to provide free medical care and supplies to neighboring Beauregard, Alabama area tornado victims. Following the devastating tornado outbreak on Sunday, March 3, VCOM-Auburn administrators worked quickly with community partners to devise a plan to try…
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Medical Association Successfully Lobbies for PDMP Changes
MONTGOMERY — Registered users of the Alabama Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) should have noticed a different format earlier this year. The new platform, called NarxCare™, provides enhanced analytics and risk scores with features including prescription information displayed in easy-to-understand graphic representations and allowing the users to obtain prescription information by clicking on the graphics.…