Year: 2019
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ALBME Names New Executive and Associate Executive Directors
MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners has named Sarah H. Moore as its new executive director and William M. Perkins as its associate executive director. Moore and Perkins, both of Montgomery, are the first female and first African American to serve the ALBME in executive roles. “We are fortunate to have individuals of…
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Are You Interested in Becoming a DATA-Waived Physician?
Enhanced Payment Rates Available The Alabama Department of Mental Health is interested in partnering with physicians and other medical professionals who provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in the black belt counties and surrounding counties. As part of this initiative, ADMH is currently developing a Center of Excellence (COE) which will be located in one of these counties.…
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HHS Proposes New Rules to Improve Interoperability of EHI
Could new innovations in technology promote patient access and make no-cost health data exchange a reality for millions? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed new rules to support seamless and secure access, exchange and use of electronic health information. The rules, issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services…
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Analysis: Pulling Back Curtain on Hospital Prices Adds New Wrinkle in Cost Control
As President Donald Trump was fighting with Congress over the shutdown and funding for a border wall, his administration implemented a new rule that could be a game changer for health care. Starting this month, hospitals must publicly reveal the contents of their master price lists — called “chargemasters” — online. These are the prices that most…
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‘Through With Chew Week’ Highlights Dangers of Smokeless Tobacco Use
Smokeless tobacco may not be getting as much press as e-cigarettes and vaping, but it is as addictive and has many harmful side effects. The Medical Association is joining with the Alabama Department of Public Health to encourage smokeless tobacco users to quit the spit during “Through With Chew Week,” Feb. 18-22. The education campaign…
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A New Anti-Kickback Law Targets Clinical Lab Marketing Arrangements
Some very important and potentially game-changing legislation was recently passed. On Oct. 24, 2018, Congress enacted the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act of 2018 (or EKRA) – a statute that potentially eliminates legal protections (i.e., “safe harbors”) used by clinical laboratories to market their services. EKRA is part of the “Support for Patients and Communities…
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Attention Primary Care Providers: Alcohol and Drug Conference is March 19-21
See also: Are You Interested in Becoming a DATA-Waived Physician? Alabama Department of Mental Health has partnered with the Alabama Department of Public Health on a grant to increase awareness of substance use disorders among primary care professionals. This grant will allow ADMH to pay the registration fee only for any of the following to…
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BCBS 2019 Circle of Care Summit for Primary Care Select Physicians, March 1-2
Primary Care Select Physicians may now register for the Circle of Care Summit, March 1-2, 2019, at The Westin Birmingham. Reserve your spot online today! This year’s event is being hosted by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and co-hosted by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, Alabama Chapter – American Academy of…
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In Memoriam: Patrick Burrus Jones, M.D.
Patrick Burrus Jones, M.D., of Dothan died peacefully at home on Jan. 15, 2019, with his family at his side. He was 84. Dr. Jones was born in Dothan on Sept. 11, 1934, the only child Reba Pilcher Jones of Dothan, and Patrick B. Jones of Columbus, GA. He graduated from Dothan High School in…
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How to Tell If There Is a Problem with Your Accounts Receivable and How to Fix It
You can’t correct a problem if you don’t know it exists. Physicians usually spend the day focused on patients and patient care so it can be difficult to spot A/R inefficiencies unless key performance goals are in place. Specific reports should be generated each month to analyze the practice collection performance. Warning Signs of a…