CMS publishes rule proposing prior authorization for CPAP
On May 28 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a proposed rule recommending a prior authorization process for certain durable medical equipment, prosthetics orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS). The rule identifies a “master list” of DMEPOS items of a certain price point that are frequently subject to unnecessary utilization – both CPAP and RAD are identified on the master list. CMS will implement prior authorization for a limited number of DMEPOS items from the master list.
Walk-ups welcome at SLEEP 2014 Minneapolis
If you haven’t yet registered, you can still attend SLEEP 2014. Walk-ups are welcome at the registration desk. SLEEP 2014 will be held Saturday, May 31 – Wednesday, June 4 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Registration includes full access to scientific program and admission to the SLEEP 2014 Exhibit Hall.
Spotlight on SLEEP 2014 sessions
SLEEP 2014 features more than 90 clinical and scientific sessions on topics ranging from best practices to the latest research developments. This year the SLEEP 2014 Plenary Session (Monday, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.) will include the keynotes “Sleep and the Price of Plasticity” by Giulio Tononi, MD, PhD, and “Managed Care Perspective on Long-term Treatment, Outcomes and Economics of Sleep Disorders.”
Family support may improve adherence to CPAP therapy for sleep apnea
A new study suggests that people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who are single or have unsupportive family relationships may be less likely to adhere to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
NIH accepting applications for health scientist administrator openings
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is accepting applications for Health Scientist Administrator openings in several institutes. Sleep and circadian expertise is relevant to a vacancy in the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research (NCSDR).
Upcoming course: Sleep Disorders for the Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner
Visit the AASM website today to register for the Sleep Disorders for the Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner course. This one-and-a-half-day course takes place on October 18 – 19 at the AASM National Office located near Chicago.
Register today for the 2014 National Sleep Medicine Course
Registration is now open for the 2014 National Sleep Medicine Course that takes place September 11 – 14, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare just outside Chicago. Earn MOC and CME credits at this two-and-a-half-day course featuring an expert faculty and presentations on current topics in sleep medicine. Visit the event page to register and learn more.
Limited tickets for SLEEP 2014 Postgraduate Courses still available
Visit the SLEEP 2014 registration desk on Saturday, May 31st to purchase your course tickets. Limited quantities are available for all courses, so show up early to reserve your seat!
May 27 deadline to volunteer for the EMR Integration Task Force
The AASM seeks volunteers to serve on the newly established Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Integration Task Force. The task force, chaired by Dr. Dennis Hwang, will develop mechanisms to share current practices related to work-arounds for obtaining sleep-related information from EMRs and develop a series of sleep-related questions that should be included in EMRs.
Editorial describes AASM investment in new Welltrinsic Sleep Network
The May issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine includes an editorial by AASM President-Elect Timothy Morgenthaler, MD, and President Safwan Badr, MD, describing the AASM’s recent investment in the establishment of the Welltrinsic Sleep Network. The editorial explains how the network will promote the long-term viability of the sleep medicine specialty and ensure patient access to sleep specialty care as the U.S. health care system continues to evolve.
Hypnogram: Sign the Seniors Sleep Pledge
The AASM’s Seniors Sleep Campaign took a major step forward this week when a sleep apnea screening bill was introduced May 21 in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Michael C. Burgess, R–Texas, who is a physician and co-chair of the Congressional Health Caucus. Now we need AASM members to help move the bipartisan legislation forward by signing the Seniors Sleep Pledge.
Sleep apnea screening legislation introduced in U.S. House
A sleep apnea screening bill was introduced today in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Michael C. Burgess, MD, R–Texas. The bipartisan legislation, H.R. 4695, which is co-sponsored by Rep. Bobby L. Rush, D-Ill., and endorsed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, would add screening for obstructive sleep apnea to the initial preventive physical examination covered under the Medicare program.
Sleep apnea screening bill introduced as part of AASM Seniors Sleep Campaign
Rep. Michael C. Burgess, MD, R–Texas, introduced a sleep apnea screening bill in the U.S. House of Representatives on May 21. The legislation, H.R. 4695, which was initiated through the AASM Seniors Sleep Campaign, would add screening for obstructive sleep apnea to the initial preventive physical examination covered under the Medicare program. The bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Bobby L. Rush, D-Ill.
Latest sleep research to be presented June 1 – 4 at annual meeting in Minneapolis
Sleep clinicians and scientists from around the world will discuss current practices in sleep medicine and the latest findings in sleep research at SLEEP 2014, the 28th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies LLC (APSS), which will be held June 1-4 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
FDA lowers starting dose for sleeping pill Lunesta
In a May 15 safety announcement, the FDA announced that it has decreased the recommended starting dose of the sleeping pill Lunesta to 1 mg at bedtime. The hypnotic drug Lunesta (eszopiclone) is indicated for the treatment of insomnia.
AASM welcomes five new Fellow Members
Fellow Member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (FAASM) is a unique honor which recognizes special competency in sleep medicine and significant contributions to the field.
New pricing for the AASM Sleep Medicine Crosswalk
The AASM ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM Sleep Medicine Crosswalk has new multi-book pricing.
Purchase your printed ICSD-3 today
The printed International Classification of Sleep Disorders – Third Edition (ICSD-3) is now available for purchase by AASM members for only $60.
Pre-registration for SLEEP 2014 ends May 19
Individuals who wish to register after this date must register on-site, will not have access to download postgraduate course materials, may experience long lines and will pay a registration fee that is $25 more than the pre-registration rate.
AASM launches healthy sleep campaign in cooperation with CDC, SRS
The “Sleep Well, Be Well” campaign launched Monday as part of the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project. The effort is in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Sleep Research Society, to promote awareness of the dangers of sleep deprivation and sleep illness.
Volunteer for the AASM EMR Integration Task Force
The AASM seeks volunteers to serve on the newly established Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Integration Task Force. The task force, chaired by Dr. Dennis Hwang, will develop mechanisms to share current practices related to work-arounds for obtaining sleep-related information from EMRs and develop a series of sleep-related questions that should be included in EMRs. Once created, these questions will be recommended to industry on a national-level.
Hypnogram: An invitation to join us in celebrating Tom Roth
As you finalize your plans to attend SLEEP 2014, we encourage you to register for the Pizza with a Purpose Welcome Reception, which will include special recognition of Dr. Thomas Roth for his many contributions to the development of the AASM, SRS and APSS.
Sleep well, be well: National campaign makes healthy sleep a priority
A nationwide “Sleep Well, Be Well” campaign is being launched today as part of the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project, a collaboration between the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Sleep Research Society (SRS). The campaign will promote widespread awareness of the dangers of chronic sleep loss and untreated sleep illness, encouraging Americans to achieve healthy sleep for improved overall health.
White House releases details regarding ACA enrollment data
A recent report released by the Obama administration offers more detailed demographic information on who enrolled into the exchange market. According to the report, of the 3.8 million people who enrolled through the federal exchange at HealthCare.gov, voluntarily disclosed information on their age, race and gender
ICD-10 implementation date announced: Oct. 1, 2015
On May 1 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) stated that it expects to “release an interim final rule in the near future that will include a new compliance date that would require the use of ICD-10 beginning October 1, 2015.”