The end of 2016 brings to a close an eventful year for the field of sleep medicine that included the public launch of a new telemedicine system, publication of updated scoring rules, and the release of updated Standards for Accreditation. Here is a selection of some of the top headlines and highlights from the past year:
1. Public launch of new telemedicine system AASM SleepTM innovates sleep medicine
The AASM officially launched AASM SleepTM, a new state-of-the-art telemedicine platform that will dramatically increase patient access to the expertise of board-certified sleep medicine physicians and accredited sleep centers.
2. Recharge with sleep: AASM’s pediatric sleep recommendations promote optimal health
For the first time, the AASM released official consensus recommendations for the amount of sleep needed to promote optimal health in children and teenagers.
3. AASM releases updated scoring manual with new electrode placement rules
Changes in the updated scoring manual include a new Technical Specifications section in the Movement Rules chapter, which includes new rules and figures for electrode placement for monitoring or detecting movements.
4. AASM updates Standards for Accreditation and sets 2017 compliance deadline
The AASM released updated Standards for Accreditation of sleep facilities and independent sleep practices. By July 1, 2017, all AASM-accredited facilities must show compliance by either completing a reaccreditation application under the updated 2016 standards or submitting a letter of attestation.
5. Economic burden of undiagnosed sleep apnea in U.S. is nearly $150B per year
The AASM released a new analysis, titled “Hidden health crisis costing America billions,” that reveals the staggering cost of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea.
6. AASM updates ASV recommendations for central sleep apnea associated with heart failure
The AASM published updated recommendations pertaining to the use of adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) to treat central sleep apnea syndrome (CSAS) associated with congestive heart failure.
7. AASM Guide to MACRA will help you prepare for changes to physician payment
The AASM Guide to MACRA is a useful tool that will help you understand and prepare for the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015, which will dramatically change how providers are paid by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
8. Senate Finance Committee considers revisions to Stark Law
The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing, which was attended by AASM staff, to examine ways to improve and reform the physician self-referral “Stark” Law.
9. Record number of applicants participate in 2017 sleep medicine fellowship training program match
On sleep medicine Match Day, Nov. 2, the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) announced that 143 applicants participated in the match for the 2017 appointment year, which represents a 12.6 percent increase from last year.
10. CMS finalizes 2017 payment and policies for sleep medicine
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the 2017 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Final Rule, its annual rule finalizing payment policy and rates effective January 1, 2017.
