OIG responds to AASM Safe Harbor recommendation
On Tuesday, Nov. 27, the Office of Inspector General's (OIG) Semiannual Report to Congress was posted on the OIG website. The final pages of the report summarize the OIG’s response to seven proposals and recommendations it received for new or modified “safe harbors,” which would protect health care providers and others from liability under the federal anti-kickback statute or related administrative authorities. The OIG had issued its annual solicitation for such proposals in December 2011.
AASM brochure discounts and closeouts
Prepare and educate your patients for less by providing the need-to-know information about sleep and sleep disorders through convenient, easy-to-read educational brochures. All current AASM brochures are discounted to $15 for a pack of 50! Discontinued AASM Patient Education Brochures are also marked-down to $10 for a pack of 50.
Monday, Dec. 3 is the last day to submit a session proposal for SLEEP 2013
Individuals interested in coordinating a presentation for SLEEP 2013, to be held June 1-5, 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland, can submit session proposals through the meeting's website at www.sleepmeeting.org. The last day to submit a session proposal is Monday, Dec. 3 at 11:59pm CT. This deadline includes submissions for the Brown Bag Report sessions.
Hypnogram: Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day is an opportunity for us to spend time with family and friends and reflect on what is most important in our lives. As Cynthia Ozick writes, “We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” As president of the AASM, I want you to know that I am extremely grateful for your loyal support of the sleep medicine field.
Decisions on provider payments, insurance exchanges expected soon
The Obama administration in the near future is expected to announce several decisions on how provisions of the Affordable Care Act will be implemented.
Medicare premiums and deductibles to increase in 2013
Medicare Part B premiums will increase by $5 per month next year. According the Federal Register, the monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be $104.90, up by 5 percent from $99.90 in 2012. Annual deductibles for Part B also will rise, from $140 to $147.
Congressional leaders optimistic after first round of negotiations
President Obama and congressional leaders agreed to a two-stage approach to avoid looming mandated spending cuts under sequestration, which include cuts to Medicare provider payments.
Don’t miss this must-attend course for Sleep Medicine Physicians
Filled with a mix of traditional lectures, case-based discussions and pro/con debates, attendees will discuss new strategies and review updated information with a focus on changing guidelines and regulations in sleep medicine including the Affordable Care Act, diagnosing and managing sleep disorders and business considerations for sleep specialists. Register today and take advantage of waived resort fees and discounts on spa services and golfing when you stay at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Arizona from February 22 – February 24, 2013.
Important SLEEP 2013 session proposal deadlines approaching
The deadline to submit a session proposal is Monday, December 3 and the deadline to submit an abstract is Monday, December 17.
Get the full AASM course experience at your fingertips
Streaming on any computer or mobile device, the AASM Online Learning Modules are easy-to-access learning tools that have been captured and developed from previous live AASM Sleep Education Courses. With topics ranging from portable monitoring, CPAP adherence and business of sleep medicine, Online Learning Modules are the easiest way for you to gain expertise from the leaders in sleep medicine all while earning CME Credit! Browse our topics and gain instant access today.
Deadline extended for states to submit health insurance exchange plans
In a November 9 letter to governors, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is giving states more time to submit health insurance exchange plans. States planning to run their own exchange are required to notify HHS by November 16. The deadline for submitting an exchange plan has been extended to December 14. States that are planning to pursue a partnership exchange now have until February 15 to submit a plan. The revised deadlines are not expected to affect the January 2014 launch of all state exchanges.
HHS publishes 2013 physician fee schedule
On November 1, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published the display copy of final rule for the 2013 physician fee schedule. The rule describes a 26.5 percent payment cut for all services based on the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula.
Congratulations to new AASM Fellow Members
Fellow status in the AASM is a unique honor which recognizes special competency in sleep medicine and significant contributions to the field. We are pleased to welcome Jimmy G Gilbert, MD, FAASM, James E Mojica, FAASM and David T Plante, MD, FAASM as new fellow members.
Affordable Care Act impact to be examined at AASM Winter Course
During this two-and-a-half-day course, expert faculty will explore state-of-the-art patient care management in the diagnosis and treatment of various disorders and reveal strategies to improve current business practices. Filled with a mix of traditional lectures, case-based discussions and pro/con debates, attendees will discuss new strategies and review updated information with a focus on changing guidelines and regulations in sleep medicine, diagnosing and managing sleep disorders and business considerations for sleep specialists.
Submit a challenging case for the SLEEP 2013 Brown Bag Sessions
We encourage all of our members to consider submitting a challenging case for the Brown Bag Report Sessions. During these sessions, an expert panel will review and discuss challenging cases submitted in advance by SLEEP 2013 attendees. The cases will be selected by the Program Committee, and individuals will be notified of whether or not their case is accepted for presentation in February 2013.
Buy the print version of the AASM Scoring Manual today
It's here! The AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events: Rules, Terminology and Technical Specifications Version 2.0 Print Edition is now available for purchase. The AASM Scoring Manual is now offered as a print edition add-on to the online subscription. To purchase the print version, you must first be an online subscriber.
AASM and AADSM release joint statement
As the number of dentists providing oral appliance therapy has increased in recent years, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) have received inquiries that seek clarification regarding the scope of practice for physicians and dentists in the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
New sleep technology authorization law takes effect in New York
On August 3, 2012, New York established ‘authorization’ for sleep technologists. Individuals must now hold an authorization certificate from the State Education Department to provide sleep technology services or to use the title “Authorized Polysomnographic Technologist”. Licensed individuals who are already permitted to practice sleep technology services within their scope of practice, including respiratory therapists and respiratory therapy technicians, may continue to do so without obtaining the sleep technology authorization.
Officials say reimbursement reductions to SGR unlikely
A 2 percent reduction to all Medicare reimbursement and a 27 percent cut to Medicare physician reimbursement rates under the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula likely will not happen, according to White House and congressional officials, American Medical News reports.
New practice parameters and review on non-respiratory indications for PSG and MSLT in children published in November issue of SLEEP
Practicing physicians are encouraged to review new practice parameters and an accompanying review published by the AASM in the November issue of the journal SLEEP. Practice Parameters for the Non-Respiratory Indications for Polysomnography and Multiple Sleep Latency Testing for Children Non-Respiratory and Indications for Polysomnography and Related Procedures in Children: An Evidence-Based Review are the first AASM publications on this topic.
Don’t miss out on Emerging Clinical and Business Trends in Sleep Medicine
During the two-and-a-half-day long AASM Winter Course, expert faculty will explore state-of-the-art patient care management in the diagnosis and treatment of various disorders. Emerging Clinical and Business Trends in Sleep Medicine will reveal numerous strategies to improve current business practices. The program includes a mix of traditional lectures, case-based discussions and pro/con debates.
Present your findings to the largest audience of sleep specialists by submitting an abstract or proposal for SLEEP 2013
You are invited to submit an abstract or session proposal for SLEEP 2013, the 27th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC (APSS). SLEEP 2013 will be held June 1–5, 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland and attracts the largest audience of sleep specialists in the nation. The success of the meeting is attributed to the premier educational opportunities that blend the best clinical practices with the most current research. This unique meeting is only possible with the submission of high-quality abstracts and session proposals from individuals practicing in the fields of sleep medicine and sleep research.
AASM patient education brochures: new topics-new content-new designs
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. AASM patient brochures offer information including definitions, symptoms, treatment options, tips and answers to frequently asked questions. Brochures are available in packs of 50. Visit the AASM Online Store to preview each AASM patient brochure.
Call for volunteers: serve on AASM Nominating Committee
The AASM invites nominations from the membership for one two-year term on the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee is charged with the evaluation of applications received from the membership and the recommendation of highly-qualified candidates for service in leadership capacities.
Last call: nominations for Board of Directors due Friday
Each year we elect new leaders who guide the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and address the interests and needs of our members. As the sleep medicine field evolves, the AASM requires strong leaders to set the direction of our organization and connect with members to determine how the organization will support our membership. The AASM invites members to nominate candidates (self-nominations welcome) for service as an at-large member of the Board of Directors.