Avoid a MIPS penalty by reporting on one sleep-specific measure
The Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) of the Quality Payment Program is already underway. MIPS participants who did not start their activities by Oct. 2, 2017, are no longer eligible for a positive payment adjustment in 2019. However, MIPS-eligible [...]
AASM helps to raise awareness of polycystic ovary syndrome and sleep apnea
On Nov. 16, Senate Resolution 336 was introduced in the U.S. Senate to highlight the seriousness of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Recognizing that many of the women and girls who have PCOS also have obstructive sleep apnea, the AASM is [...]
AASM supports proposed rule to increase veterans’ telemedicine access
The AASM has submitted comments to the Department of Veterans Affairs in support of a proposed rule that would expand telemedicine access for VA patients (RIN 2900-AQ06-Authority of Health Care Providers to Practice Telehealth). Citing a longstanding commitment to [...]
Latest proposal to fix health care gains support from Senate and House conservatives
Following the release of a bipartisan health care fix drafted by leaders of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), the more staunchly conservative wings of the Senate and House - led by Senator Orrin Hatch [...]
BCBS of North Carolina to implement new sleep management program
Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of North Carolina will implement a new sleep management program for sleep testing and therapy services on Dec. 1, 2017. The program will be administered by AIM Specialty Health®. Providers will be required [...]
One week left to claim your FREE online Scoring Manual subscription
Renew your AASM individual membership online for 2018 by Oct. 31 to receive a FREE 2018 subscription to the online AASM Scoring Manual. Renew your membership today for continued access to our brand new career center, discounted rates for [...]
AASM congratulates members on recent career achievements
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates the following members for their recent achievements: • Evin Jerkins, DO, has joined Fairfield Healthcare Professionals in Lancaster, Ohio, as medical director for the Fairfield Medical Sleep Lab. • Michael Grandner, PhD, [...]
AASM congratulates new Fellow members
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is pleased to welcome the following members who have earned recognition as Fellows of the AASM: Jamil Sulieman, MD, FAASM Kyra Clark, MD, FAASM Fellow status in the AASM is a unique honor [...]
ABIM announces changes to 2018 MOC fee schedule
The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) recently announced that beginning in 2018, its fee schedule for the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program will include two components: an annual program fee, due within each calendar year, and an assessment [...]
CMS open virtual group election period for MIPS 2018
On Oct. 11, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) opened the “virtual group” election period for participation in the 2018 Merit-based Incentive Performance System (MIPS) performance year. Clinicians have from now until Dec. 1, 2017, to make [...]
Bill seeking to stabilize health insurance market faces uncertain future
On Tuesday, Oct. 17, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Patty Murray (D-WA), announced a bipartisan agreement to stabilize health insurance markets. In response [...]
CDC invites comment on proposed shift work training for law enforcement
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is inviting comment on the proposed development of a training program for law enforcement to reduce risks associated with shift work and long work hours. The CDC will develop and pilot [...]
AASM invites public comment on draft PAP therapy guideline
The draft guideline is no longer available. The final clinical practice guideline will be available shortly. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) is inviting public comment on a draft clinical practice guideline [...]
Register for upcoming webinars to learn about MIPS
The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) required the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish a Quality Payment Program, which comprises two participation tracks: Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs) and the Merit-based Incentive Payment [...]
President Trump issues executive order to reform health plans
As Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives and Senate have stumbled in their attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), President Donald Trump moved on Tuesday, Oct. 12, to rollback components of the ACA via executive order. [...]
Access your 2016 PQRS and QRUR feedback reports today
The final payment adjustment under the Value Modifier (VM) and corresponding Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) is underway. On Sept. 18, 2017, CMS released the 2016 PQRS feedback reports and 2016 Annual Quality and Resource Use Reports (QRURs). The [...]
President Trump names Eric Hargan acting HHS secretary
Following the high-profile resignation by former Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tom Price, MD, over his misuse of public funds for chartered flights, President Trump has tapped Eric Hargan to be acting secretary of the HHS. [...]
AASM advocates for research funding in National Defense Authorization Act
In collaboration with the Sleep Research Society (SRS), the AASM has called upon the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House Committee on Armed Services and the Senate Committee on Armed Services to continue to support the Congressionally Directed [...]
AASM releases position statement on home sleep apnea testing
DARIEN, IL – A new position statement published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) describes the appropriate clinical use of a home sleep apnea test (HSAT). An HSAT is a medical assessment that can be ordered by [...]
Online event will engage general public in sleep deprivation learning experience
The University of Michigan is hosting a new “Teach-Out,” Sleep Deprivation: Habits, Solutions, and Strategies, which begins Monday, Oct. 23. The free, online learning experience is open to participants from around the world. You are encouraged to share this [...]
MIPS reporting as easy as 1-2-3
MIPSwizard is an easy to use online tool to help MIPS-eligible clinicians quickly and easily participate in the MIPS program. Similar to online tax preparation software, MIPSwizard helps guide clinicians through a few easy steps to rapidly collect, validate [...]
Join the American Medical Association to support the sleep specialty
Twenty years ago the American Medical Association (AMA) granted the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) a seat in its House of Delegates. For two decades this position has given us a platform to represent the interests and needs [...]
FDA approves Remedē implantable device to treat central sleep apnea
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced the approval of a new treatment option for patients who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe central sleep apnea. The Remedē System is an implantable device that stimulates a nerve [...]
Read new Scoring Manual FAQs
Subscribers to the online AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events now have access to a new FAQs document. On the AASM website go to “My Account” and then select “Subscriptions.” After you select the Scoring [...]
AASM endorses AMA letter stressing flexibility in MACRA implementation
The AASM has signed onto an American Medical Association (AMA) letter urging Congress to pass legislation to prioritize flexibility in the implementation of the Quality Payment Program (QPP) authorized by the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA). Current [...]