Thankful for you during this holiday season
As another year draws to a close, I want to thank you for your continued support as an American Academy of Sleep Medicine member. While vital for the AASM, your membership also helps unite and strengthen the entire sleep medicine community.
Review examines societal and clinical impact of consumer sleep technologies
Consumer sleep technologies – including mobile device apps and wearable devices - have the potential to both improve and impair collective and individual sleep health, according to a review published in the December issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
NIH releases new strategic plan for 2016 – 2020
This week the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2016–2020: Turning Discovery Into Health, which outlines how the agency will capitalize on new opportunities for scientific exploration and address new challenges for human health.
New report describes how telemedicine is being addressed by state legislatures nationwide
More than 200 telehealth-related bills were introduced in 42 state legislatures in 2015, according to a new report from the National Conference of State Legislatures.
AASM congratulates recipients of 2015 ASMF Focused Projects Awards
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates the following individuals who received a Focused Projects Award of up to $20,000 each from the American Sleep Medicine Foundation (ASMF).
CMS posts new data to Physician Compare
On Dec. 10 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) posted 2014 quality data on the Physician Compare website. AASM members are encouraged to review this information to be aware of the quality data patients are now able to access.
Oklahoma Health Care Authority proposes to eliminate coverage for positive airway pressure therapy for adult Medicaid patients
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is asking all Oklahoma members to submit comments to a recent proposal from the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) that will severely limit Oklahomans from receiving therapeutic sleep care.
Watch the AASM Sleep Telemedicine Webchat video on-demand
American Academy of Sleep Medicine President Dr. Nathaniel Watson and AASM member Dr. Jaspal Singh discussed the importance of telemedicine for the sleep field during an AASM Sleep Telemedicine Webchat on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015. Watch the recording on the AASM Webchats page.
Complete PQRS reporting by Feb. 26 deadline
This year, let PQRSwizard minimize the stress of your 2015 PQRS Reporting, which must be completed by Feb. 26, 2016.
ASMF congratulates recipients of 2015 Strategic Research Award
The American Sleep Medicine Foundation congratulates the following recipients of the 2015 Strategic Research Award (SRA), which supports research focusing on assessment, improvement, or innovation of strategies to achieve optimal outcomes, quality, cost-effectiveness, or value in delivery of sleep health care in the U.S.
AASM Sleep Telemedicine Webchat is today at 6 p.m. EST
American Academy of Sleep Medicine President Dr. Nathaniel Watson and AASM member Dr. Jaspal Singh will discuss the importance of telemedicine for the sleep field during an AASM Sleep Telemedicine Webchat on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015 at 6 p.m. EST. You can help shape the discussion by submitting your questions.
SLEEP 2016 abstract submission deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 15
Ensure your sleep research is seen by leading physicians and researchers in the field by submitting an abstract for poster or oral presentation at SLEEP 2016 by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 15.
AASM urges members to advocate for 9/11 first responders’ health care
The AASM is requesting that you contact your Representative and Senators today to advocate for the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act (HR 1786).
Study links childhood lead exposure to sleep problems
Elevated blood lead levels in early childhood are associated with increased risk for sleep problems and excessive daytime sleepiness in later childhood, according to a longitudinal study of Chinese children published in the December issue of the journal SLEEP.
Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board conference call is Friday, Dec. 11
A virtual meeting of the NIH Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board will be held on Friday, December 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. EST, by conference call. The public is invited to attend by phone or internet.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to AASM Standards for Accreditation by Dec. 15
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is inviting public comments on proposed changes to the AASM Standards for Accreditation by the deadline of Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015.
Apply to ASMF for 2016 ABSM Junior Faculty Research Award by Dec. 21
Board-certified sleep medicine physicians who are members of the AASM are encouraged to apply to the American Sleep Medicine Foundation (ASMF) for the 2016 American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM) Junior Faculty Research Award. Applications must be received by Dec. 21.
How will proposed accreditation standards impact you?
This is your last chance to submit comments about the proposed changes to the AASM Standards for Accreditation. I encourage you to review the proposed changes and submit your comments by the deadline of Tuesday, Dec. 15.
APSS requests SLEEP 2016 proposals for specific topics
As the final weekend to submit a SLEEP 2016 session proposal approaches, the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS) Program Committee requests submissions addressing these topics.
HHS reports that U.S. health care spending increased 5.3 percent in 2014
According to new estimates from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. health care spending increased 5.3 percent in 2014, following growth of 2.9 percent in 2013, to reach $3.0 trillion, or $9,523 per person.
Editorial by David Dinges, PhD, marks the end of his tenure as SLEEP editor
In the December issue of the journal SLEEP, an editorial by David F. Dinges, PhD, marks the culmination of his 10-year tenure as Editor in Chief of SLEEP.
NTSB publishes special report describing findings in 2013 train derailment
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently published a special report describing its findings from the investigation of a deadly train derailment in the Bronx, New York, in 2013. Published in the November/December issue of the Annals of Family Medicine, the NTSB’s report, "Fatal Consequences: Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Train Engineer," presents a familiar tale of driver/operator fatigue and the disastrous consequences of untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Hospital payment cuts averted for 2016
In mid-November the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published the 2016 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) Final Rule, which finalized recommended changes outlined in the proposed rule published this summer. However, proposals to drastically cut payment to in-center sleep testing were averted following comments submitted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
PQRS and value modifier informal review deadline is Dec. 16
Providers who did not satisfactorily report quality performance through the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) in 2014 are scheduled to receive a negative payment adjustment (penalty) of 2% in 2016. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will accept informal review requests through the QualityNet Portal through Dec. 16, 2015.
AASM SleepTM: Innovative telemedicine, designed by the AASM for sleep medicine
AASM SleepTM, formerly Tell A Sleep Doc, is more than just video appointments; its user-friendly interface and robust features simplify workflow. Get started now. The AASM has developed a simple enrollment process and customizable pricing structure to meet you practice needs.