AASM Sleep Medicine Weekly Insider | December 12, 2020

Sleep Medicine Weekly Insider – December 12, 2020

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine Weekly Insider keeps members informed about current AASM initiatives and the latest developments in the field of sleep medicine.

New webcasts explore sleep telemedicine

Visit the new AASM telemedicine video library to view a two-part webcast recorded by the AASM Telemedicine Presidential Committee. The videos will help you navigate the challenges of integrating telemedicine in your sleep practice.

CMS proposes rule on prior authorization

On Dec. 10, CMS released a proposed rule to reduce provider and patient burden by improving prior authorization and increasing patient access to electronic health information. The AASM is reviewing the proposal and will submit comments.

Renew your membership for 2021
Membership is open for 2021! Renew early for a chance to win some great prizes and maintain access to the resources and education that will equip to you to stay at the forefront of sleep medicine during these challenging times. Renew now

In memoriam: Richard P. Allen, PhD

The AASM regrets to announce the passing on Dec. 9 of longtime member, clinician, and sleep scientist Richard P. Allen, PhD. Recognized worldwide as a leading RLS scientist, Dr. Allen served the AASM in a variety of roles through the years.

Pediatric sleep medicine and COVID-19

In an accepted editorial in JCSM, the AASM COVID-19 Task Force describes the need to reconsider how to serve the needs of pediatric patients while at the same time maintaining safety for patients, their caregivers, and the workforce.

FDA authorizes mask filter PortPatch

The FDA has authorized emergency use of the PortPatch to reduce spread of airborne particulates through exhalation ports, anti-asphyxia valves and carbon dioxide vents on full-face or non-rebreathing CPAP and other ventilation masks.

FDA clears EVO oral appliance

ProSomnus Sleep Technologies announced the FDA has cleared the ProSomnus EVO oral appliance for treatment of OSA and snoring. The device is engineered with medical grade materials, manufacturing robotics and artificial intelligence.

RBD prevalence in Parkinson’s disease

A retrospective, single-center, PSG-based study observed REM sleep behavior disorder in 77% of 540 consecutive Parkinson patients, suggesting the prevalence of RBD in sporadic Parkinson disease might be higher than previously assumed.

Virtual SLEEP 2021 abstracts & sessions

Be a part of Virtual SLEEP 2021, the 35^th annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS). Submit a postgraduate course proposal by Monday, Dec. 21. Submit abstracts and other session proposals by Monday, Dec. 28.

Apply for 2021 class of Fellows of the AASM

The AASM now accepts applications for Fellow membership on an annual review schedule. To be considered for the 2021 class of Fellows of the AASM, you need to apply by Jan. 1, 2021. Take the next step to become a Fellow and apply today!

E/M code changes coming in 2021

In the year’s final episode of the Talking Sleep podcast, Dr. Asha Singh of the AASM Coding and Compliance Committee describes for both providers and office staff the changes to evaluation and management codes that are coming in 2021.

COVID-19 Relief Fund for sleep societies
The AASM is offering a third round of relief funding to state and regional sleep societies impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. Societies that have not yet received funding can apply by Jan. 3 to receive up to $10,000.

Get Virtual SLEEP 2020 on-demand

If you missed Virtual SLEEP 2020 in August, you can now purchase on-demand access to the year’s premier sleep and circadian conference. You’ll receive access until Aug. 1, 2021, giving you plenty of time to enjoy all the presentations.

Most read last week: CMS posts Physician Fee Schedule final rule

On Dec. 1, CMS released the final rule including final changes to the 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The 2021 conversion factor is about $3.68 lower, while there are increases in RVUs for the E/M office/outpatient visit codes.

AASM: Get savings on sleep technologist education products when you purchase A-STEP modules

Save big on AASM products! From now through Dec. 31, 2020, receive 20% off AASM technologist education products when you buy one or more A-STEP Online Self-Study Modules. Purchase the A-STEP Online Self-Study Module bundle and receive both 20% off Technologist Education products and FREE access to the AASM Sleep Technologist Practice Exams. Don’t delay, buy modules today at astep.aasm.org!

CDC: 24-hour accelerometry data now available from NHANES

The CDC has released 24-hour accelerometry data collected by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2011-2012 and 2013-2014. Participants were asked to wear the physical activity monitor for seven consecutive days to collect objective information on 24-hour movement when awake and asleep.

APIC: National survey shows health care facilities implementing PPE crisis standards of care

A national survey conducted by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology found that while health care personnel have better access to PPE than they did in the spring, many healthcare facilities have implemented PPE crisis standards of care.

Leapfrog Group: Announces 2020 Top Hospitals

The Leapfrog Group announced its 2020 Top Hospital award, recognizing the 105 highest performing teaching, general, rural, and children’s hospitals in the U.S. Less than 5% of all eligible facilities receive the award. Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas were the three states with the most Top Hospitals.