SLEEP 2014 housing alert: book through the APSS for contracted rates
Recently, housing companies have contacted individuals stating that they can secure hotel rooms at designated hotels in Minneapolis for the SLEEP 2014 annual meeting. These companies are not authorized to represent the APSS, nor do they have access to officially contracted hotel room blocks or rates on behalf of the APSS.
Don’t miss the March 13th PQRS submission deadline
Submit your 2013 PQRS measures by March 13th, 2014 to be eligible for 0.5 percent financial incentive payment (*Based on your total allowed charges for Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) covered services).
SLEEP 2014 registration opens Jan. 13
Mark your calendars – the SLEEP 2014 registration opens for everyone on Monday, January 13!
Members save on registration for the 2014 Trends Course
Renew your AASM membership today to take advantage of discounted member pricing for the Sleep Medicine Trends 2014: Emerging Clinical and Business Topics course.
CPAP therapy improves golf performance in men with sleep apnea
A new study suggests that treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy improves golf performance in middle-aged men.
Washington Post examines home sleep testing for sleep apnea
A story published Dec. 9 in The Washington Post described how out of center sleep testing (OCST) for obstructive sleep apnea is part of a growing trend toward home testing in medicine.
Review examines link between depression and sleep apnea in children
A new meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests that depressive symptoms are higher among children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
JAMA study shows CPAP improves blood pressure in those with resistant hypertension
A study published Dec. 11 in JAMA examined the effect of CPAP therapy on blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and resistant hypertension.
Study links CPAP mask air leak during titration to central sleep apnea development
A new study found that both average and maximum air leak were associated with the development of central sleep apnea during continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration, particularly in subjects using a nasal mask.
Study evaluates new Parent-Child Sleep Interactions Scale
A study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine evaluated a new measure for assessing sleep-related parenting behaviors and interactions among preschool-aged children — The Parent-Child Sleep Interactions Scale (PSIS).
Update on recent AASM federal initiatives
The AASM continues to move forward with federal initiatives that will benefit our Medicare patients. These initiatives are vital for ensuring the future of the sleep medicine profession:
Report indicates physicians may not drop Medicare beneficiaries because of payment cuts
An August 2013 report by the HHS Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation found that the number of physicians accepting new Medicare patients has stayed mostly the same throughout the past seven years.
Congress likely to pass short-term ‘Doc Fix’ as committees consider permanent SGR repeal
The Senate Finance and House Ways and Means are considering separate legislative proposals that would permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate formula, even though either measure is unlikely to be enacted by the end of the year.
OIG identifies areas of potential EHR fraud
In a report dated Dec. 9 the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) identified gaps in electronic health record (EHR) data validity, accuracy and integrity.
CMS proposes new EHR meaningful use timeline
On Friday, Dec. 6, officials from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a proposal to delay implementation of Stage 3 Meaningful Use requirements.
Your membership supports the development of Clinical Practice Guidelines
In 2012 the AASM’s member driven Task Force published three new Clinical Practice Guidelines.
SLEEP 2014 abstracts submission deadline approaching
Reminder: abstract submissions are being accepted from now through December 16, 2013.
Register today for the 2014 Sleep Medicine Trends course
Held on February 21-23, 2014 at the historic Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona, an expert faculty will highlight topics and emerging trends in several areas, including legal, regulatory and business aspects of sleep medicine, diagnosing and managing sleep disorders and models of care.
Find a BSM provider using online directory
The Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine (SBSM) has compiled a directory of its members who are providing BSM clinical services such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and CPAP desensitization.
Volunteer for the AASM Maintenance of Certication Committee
The AASM is accepting applications for volunteers to serve on the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Committee.
Support sleep research with an end-of-year donation to ASMF
Make an end-of-year donation to the American Sleep Medicine Foundation (ASMF) to support sleep research and help the ASMF achieve its mission to enhance sleep health for all.
Short term ‘doc fix’ now likely
Although there were high expectations that legislation to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate (SGR) would pass this year, lawmakers have acknowledged that there is not enough time on the 2013 legislative calendar to enact a permanent "doc fix".
AASM leaders featured in December issue of Delta’s Sky magazine
The December issue of Sky, Delta’s in-flight magazine, features the in-depth article “Too tired to sleep,” which includes insight from AASM President Dr. Safwan Badr, President-Elect Dr. Timothy Morgenthaler, and Director Dr. Nathaniel Watson.
Poor sleep linked to mood disturbance, lower quality of life in obese adults
A new study in the December issue of the journal Sleep shows that poor sleep quality is strongly associated with mood disturbance and lower quality of life among people with extreme obesity.
CMS finalizes 2014 payment and policies for sleep medicine
On Nov. 25, 2013 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the display copy of the 2014 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule, which reflects updates to payment policies and payment rates for services billed on or after Jan. 1, 2014.