CGS Administrators changes LCD for polysomnography and other sleep studies
American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) members and sleep centers in Medicare Jurisdiction 15, which comprises Parts A/B for Kentucky and Ohio, should be aware of a new local coverage determination issued by CGS Administrators, LLC regarding coverage for Polysomnography and Other Sleep Studies (L36902).
Study examines whether exercise and occupational activity are associated with sleep apnea
Structured exercise was significantly associated with a 23-percent lower odds ratio for moderate obstructive sleep apnea and 34-percent lower odds ratio for severe OSA, according to a study in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
An analysis of allowing health insurance companies to sell across state lines
As Congress focuses on major health care reform to replace the Affordable Care Act, Republican congressional leadership will recommend eliminating the restriction that allows insurance companies to sell only in the states where they have obtained license from the regulatory authority.
Instructions to access journal SLEEP beginning March 1
Beginning March 1, 2017, access to the journal SLEEP will require a subscription, which is included as a complimentary benefit of your AASM membership.
AASM members share expertise and insight with local television news media
Recent television news coverage of sleep-related topics has included on-camera remarks from AASM members who have helped raise awareness of the importance of healthy sleep.
Member Notes: AASM congratulates members on recent career achievements
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates members Moris Girgis, MD, and Franklin M. Douglis, MD, for their recent achievements.
AASM committee volunteer deadline extended to Tuesday, Feb. 28
Expand your professional knowledge, network with colleagues and contribute to the sleep medicine field by volunteering to serve on an AASM standing committee. Members interested in volunteering should review the conflict of interest policy and submit the required documents by Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017.
Submit a late-breaking abstract by March 13 for presentation at SLEEP 2017
The Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS) is now accepting late-breaking abstract submissions for presentation at SLEEP 2017, which will be held at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston from June 3-7.
Updated AASM Scoring Manual (v2.4) with new calibration rules to be released April 1
The AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events, Version 2.4, will be released April 1, 2017. All AASM-accredited sleep facilities will be required to implement the new rules in Version 2.4 by Oct. 1, 2017.
Learn about the AMA/Specialty Society RVS Update Committee (RUC) process
The AMA/Specialty Society RVS Update Committee (RUC) is a unique, multi-specialty committee dedicated to describing the resources required to provide physician services. In the coming weeks, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine will be conducting a RUC survey of the CPT codes for home sleep apnea testing (95800, 95801, 95806).
The updated Essential Readings is an indispensable sleep medicine resource
Newly updated in 2017, this compilation of articles from SLEEP and Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine is a great resource for anyone looking for case studies, board prep, or an informative reference.
Blog post by NIH director examines how sleep resets the brain
A Feb. 14 blog post by National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins describes the results of two NIH-funded studies in mice, both of which found that the brain’s neural connections grow stronger during waking hours, but scale back during sleep. The results suggest that this sleep-related phenomenon keeps neural circuits from overloading.
Health savings accounts may play larger role in future health care system
As Congress considers repealing the Affordable Care Act, the concept of a health savings account (HSA) is at the forefront of replacement program discussions.
CDC report shows prevalence of sufficient sleep does not differ by urban-rural status
A new CDC report estimates the prevalence of five self-reported health-related behaviors (sufficient sleep, current nonsmoking, nondrinking or moderate drinking, maintaining normal body weight, and meeting aerobic leisure time physical activity recommendations) by urban-rural status.
Member Notes: AASM congratulates members on recent career achievements
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine congratulates M. Safwan Badr, MD, MBA; Vishal Saini, MD; and Muhammad Sayed, MD, for their recent achievements.
New guideline provides clinical recommendations for specific insomnia drugs
A new clinical practice guideline is the first from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine to provide comprehensive, evidence-based analyses of individual agents commonly used in the treatment of chronic insomnia disorder.
Study finds that melatonin content of supplements varies widely
A new study suggests that the melatonin content of dietary supplements often varies widely from what is listed on the label.
Wisconsin Physicians Service changes LCD for polysomnography and other sleep studies
AASM members and sleep centers in Medicare Jurisdiction 5 and Jurisdiction 8 should be aware of a new local coverage determination (LCD) policy issued by Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS) Government Health Administrators regarding coverage for Polysomnography and Other Sleep Studies (L36839).
PQRSwizard reporting deadline extended to March 17 – register for upcoming webcasts
The deadline for 2016 data submission through the PQRSwizard site has been extended from March 10 to March 17 at 5 p.m. EDT.
New NIH video explains how to navigate the R01 grant application process
The National Institutes of Health Center for Scientific Review has posted on YouTube a presentation covering what applicants need to know about the submission and review of their R01 NIH grant applications.
Severe obstructive sleep apnea hurts hearts
Untreated, severe obstructive sleep apnea more than doubles your risk of dying from heart disease, the National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project warns in conjunction with American Heart Month in February.
Dr. David Shulkin nominated for VA secretary
On Jan. 11, 2017, then President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate President Obama’s current Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health, David J. Shulkin, MD, to become the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA). Dr. Shulkin will lead the government’s second-largest agency with nearly 370,000 employees and an annual budget of more than $166 billion.
AASM updates Standards for Accreditation to clarify diagnosis review requirement
The AASM has made a minor update to the Standards for Accreditation to clarify that only diagnoses based upon the interpretation of a sleep study must be reviewed by an individual who is board-certified in sleep medicine (Standard F-8 of the Standards for Accreditation and Standard F-2 of the Independent Sleep Practice Standards for Accreditation).
Join me at Trends 2017 to discuss the future of sleep medicine
In less than three weeks, hundreds of sleep medicine clinicians from across the country will gather at Sleep Medicine Trends 2017 to discuss the latest advances in our field and consider future opportunities for growth. There is still time for you to register and join us for this premier event, which will be held at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in Phoenix, Arizona.
Study suggests yoga and exercise fail to improve sleep in midlife women
A new study in the January issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine indicates that yoga and aerobic exercise interventions did not significantly reduce objectively measured sleep disturbances among midlife women who were experiencing hot flashes.