NSF requests small-scale research project applications
The National Sleep Foundation is seeking applications for research grants of $10,000 or less for small-scale research projects at a sharply-focused level on one or more of these topics: caffeine and sleep, evaluation of sleep hygiene recommendations, sleep disturbance associated with communication technology, and sleeping surfaces/environments.
Pre-deployment insomnia symptoms increase the risk of PTSD
Combat-related trauma and pre-deployment insomnia symptoms are significantly associated with higher odds of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety, according to a study in the July issue of SLEEP.
Study links sleep restriction with increased late-night calorie consumption
A study in the July issue of Sleep suggests that healthy adults with late bedtimes and chronic sleep restriction may be more susceptible to weight gain due to the increased consumption of calories during late-night hours.
Editorial by AASM leaders promotes expertise of board certified sleep specialists
The July issue of CHEST contains point/counterpoint editorials in response to the question, “Should board certification be required for sleep test interpretation?” An editorial by AASM past presidents Samuel Fleishman, MD, and Nancy Collop, MD, and director Amy Aronsky, DO, argues that board-certified sleep medicine physicians are uniquely qualified to provide the most reliable interpretation of diagnostic tests for sleep disorders and to establish an effective and longitudinal disease management plan for the patient. In a rebuttal to the counterpoint editorial, they also note that resident physicians in fellowship training programs outside the sleep medicine subspecialty receive only limited exposure to the pathophysiology of sleep disorders and the interpretation of polysomnographic data.
FDA rejects proposed doses of suvorexant in Merck’s new drug application
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has denied a new drug application submitted by Merck for suvorexant, the New York Times reported Monday. Suvorexant is an orexin receptor antagonist with a proposed indication for insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset and/or maintenance. According to a Merck statement, the FDA determined that the safety data do not support the approval of the proposed suvorexant doses of 30 mg and 40 mg.
House Republicans release another update to draft legislation to replace SGR
Leaders of the House Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Committees released another update to draft legislation that would permanently repeal and replace the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, which determines Medicare physician reimbursement rates. The revised draft, described as a "legislative framework" would repeal SGR and replace it with a fee for service system which allows providers to develop quality measures that will lead to better and more efficient care.
ACA’s workplace wellness programs could have unintended consequences
According to a viewpoint article in the Journal of the American Medical Association, financial incentives under workplace wellness programs encouraged by the Affordable Care Act might not be enough to motivate workers to adopt healthy lifestyle choices. Penalties under such programs could leave employees less healthy and financially worse off.
Final Rule issued for individual mandate penalty exemptions
Last week, the White House issued a final rule detailing which individuals could obtain exemptions from penalties for noncompliance with the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate.
Affordable Care Act becoming more unpopular according to poll
A new Gallup poll shows that the Affordable Care Act is becoming increasingly unpopular only a few months before the law takes full effect. The survey found that 52 percent of respondents disapprove of the law, while 44 percent support it. A similar poll by Gallup last year found that 45% of respondents disapproved of the law and 48 percent approved.
DME face-to-face requirement – implementation delay
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on June 27 that it would allow providers and suppliers additional time to implement the protocols necessary for the new face-to-face encounter requirement for certain durable medical equipment (DME).
OIG issues report on replacement schedules for CPAP Supplies
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report on June 25 summarizing its study on replacement schedules for Medicare continuous positive airway pressure supplies.
Deadline extended to nominate speakers for SLEEP 2014!
Submit your recommendations for speakers for SLEEP 2014, the 28th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC which will be held May 31 – June 4, 2014 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Program Committee is now accepting recommendations through Wednesday, July 17.
Time is running out – Purchase the SLEEP 2013 postgraduate course books today!
Available in convenient PDF format, the SLEEP 2013 course books are downloadable and easily viewed from any computer or mobile device. Choose a few or buy the whole bundle, but don't wait too long, the SLEEP 2013 course books are only available until July 15!
Register for the Sleep Medicine Board Review Course and Cram Courses
Only 64 percent of the individuals who took the sleep medicine exam passed in 2011. As the leader in sleep medicine education, the AASM has the essential Sleep Medicine Board Review courses to prepare you for success! Register today to take part in the Sleep Medicine Board Review Course; a two-and-a-half-day comprehensive review of sleep medicine which will take place at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in Denver, Colorado from August 2-4.
New course! Successfully Navigating Reimbursement for Sleep Medicine
Register today for the new AASM fall course, Successfully Navigating Reimbursement for Sleep Medicine, to improve you and your center staff’s knowledge of coding processes, current sleep medicine codes, incentive programs and working with payers.
Free for members: AASM Membership Directory eBook
The AASM membership directory is now a digital resource, offering the convenience of easy accessibility and portability for quickly looking up information about your peers. The Membership Directory eBook contains the contact information for any AASM members and Member Center as well as members of the Sleep Research Society (SRS), American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) and American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST). AASM members can access the Membership Directory for free in the AASM Resource Library.
New revision to AASM Online Scoring Manual to be released July 1
On July 1, 2013, the AASM will launch version 2.0.1 of the AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events: Rules, Terminology and Technical Specifications.
Late bedtimes and less sleep may lead to weight gain in healthy adults
A new study suggests that healthy adults with late bedtimes and chronic sleep restriction may be more susceptible to weight gain due to the increased consumption of calories during late-night hours.
Help the AASM by completing online survey on preauthorization
In order to get a clear picture of exactly how preauthorization protocols are impacting the membership so the AASM can effectively communicate with insurance companies and utilization management companies, the AASM has developed a preauthorization survey.
USDA announces 2013 telemedicine grant
The AASM is committed to educating members on opportunities in telemedicine. In the next few weeks, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting grant applications for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program.
HHS department launches updated website and call center to promote ACA
The New York Times reports that the Obama administration recently announced an updated website and a new call center designed to help citizens get enrolled into state exchanges. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the administration established the website and the call center in preparation for an influx of individuals who are expected to purchase coverage through the exchanges when open enrollment begins October 1.
Less than 100 days until ACA open enrollment
There are less than 100 days until October 1, when open enrollment begins for the Affordable Care Act's health insurance exchanges. Although the exchanges are expected to enroll millions of uninsured residents, the Obama administration is facing two big challenges, educating the public and technical challenges.
New pricing! AASM Patient Education Brochures
Prepare and educate patients by providing them with the need-to-know information about sleep and sleep disorders through these convenient, easy-to-read educational brochures.
Nominate speakers for SLEEP 2014 by July 3
Submit your recommendations for speakers for SLEEP 2014, the 28th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC which will be held May 31 – June 4, 2014 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Program Committee is now accepting recommendations for sessions.
Join us in Denver for the Board Review Course
Join our expert faculty of basic researchers, academicians and clinicians at the forefront of the field as they present a broad review of sleep medicine at the Sleep Medicine Board Review Course in Denver, CO from August 2-4, 2013.