American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Senators Baucus and Hatch ask for advice on replacing SGR

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

In a recent letter to health letter to health care providers, Senators Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) sought input on how to permanently replace the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula. Congress routinely has passed legislation to delay cuts called for by the SGR, but physicians face substantial reductions in their Medicare reimbursements each time the "doc fix" expires. The most recent doc fix delayed the cuts until January 1, 2014, at which time physicians face about a 25% reduction to Medicare reimbursement rates.

Poll finds half of small businesses believe ACA will negatively affect their business

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

According to a new Gallup poll, forty-eight percent of small businesses believe that the Affordable Care Act will negatively affect their business. The poll found that just 9% of employers said the law would be good for their businesses.

Health and Human Services announces $150M exchange enrollment initiative

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced a $150 million initiative aimed at helping community health centers enroll uninsured patients in the Affordable Care Act's health insurance exchanges, which open for enrollment on October 1, 2013.

Aetna lowers first-year estimates for exchange enrollment

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini stated that the company has reduced its first-year estimates for how many individuals it expects to enroll in health insurance exchanges. Mr. Bertolini said, "The process required to sign up, to get the subsidies, is going to take some time." He added, "I think this is a two-year ramp to get the individual exchanges up to a level where customers are going to feel appropriate signing up."

Affordable Care Act update on coverage, employers & insurers

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Health experts say the amount of money that states spend on consumer assistance during the first year of the ACA's insurance exchanges could have a "major impact" on the number of residents who obtain health coverage.

IRS proposed rule outlines tax credits, coverage requirements for employers

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) unveiled draft rules outlining the subsidies that will help residents purchase health coverage through the health insurance exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act. Individuals could receive tax credits if they are not eligible for "affordable coverage" through an employer-sponsored plan that covers less than 60% of the costs.

The AASM invites all members to the AASM Political Action Committee (AASM PAC) Breakfast at SLEEP 2013

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

This informative and educational meeting is a great opportunity to learn about how the AASM PAC is an essential part of our advocacy efforts. As our members know, health care is at a critical juncture as medicine is shifting towards outcomes based medicine and 32 million people will enter the system because of the Affordable Care Act.

Report finds that the government could save federal dollars by using integrated care

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A report from the Brookings Institution found that the federal government could save $300 billion over a decade and as much as $1 trillion over two decades by further using integrated care models and shifting away from fee-for-service payment systems.

Implementation and promotion of Affordable Care Act still faces significant challenges

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The New York Times reports that the Obama administration still faces significant challenges implementing and promoting the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Another challenge involves businesses who may delay hiring or shift some of their full-time employees to part-time jobs to avoid the requirement that businesses with 50 or more full-time workers offer affordable coverage or pay a penalty.

Slower health care spending largely attributed to weak economy

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The recession and the slow recovery from it are the major driving forces behind a recent slowdown in health care spending, while higher patient cost-sharing and other changes to the health system play a smaller role, according to a study released Monday by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Altarum Institute.

Senate leader states concern about ACA implementation

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

During a Senate Finance hearing, Chair Max Baucus (D-Mont.) warned Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius that her department has not adequately informed the public and small businesses about the Affordable Care Act, which he stated could result in a "train wreck" during its implementation. The Senator cited a March Kaiser Family Foundation poll that found large percentages of respondents believe inaccurate information regarding the ACA's provisions. In the poll, sixty-seven percent of uninsured respondents under age 65 and 68% of respondents with annual household incomes under $40,000 said they have an inadequate understanding of the law.

HHS official touts progress on ACA's federal exchange

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Director Gary Cohen of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) said that HHS is making progress on the logistical and technological aspects of creating a federal insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). CCIIO is charged with helping implement many of the provisions in the ACA and they work closely with governors, state insurance commissioners, consumers, and other stakeholders on this initiative. About 900 insurers have already indicated their interest to market their plans in the online marketplace.

Analysis of President Obama's budget proposal

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

As reported last week, President Obama released his $3.77 trillion budget proposal for fiscal year 2014, which includes $400 billion in spending cuts to health care and would raise taxes on higher-income individuals.

President unveils $3.77 trillion budget proposal

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

This week President Obama released his $3.77 trillion budget proposal for fiscal year 2014, which includes $400 billion in spending cuts to health care and would raise taxes on higher-income individuals.

House Republicans release plan to permanently repeal SGR

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Republican leaders recently released an updated draft plan to permanently repeal and replace the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, which sets the Medicare physician payment rates. The draft was developed by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Fred Upton (R-Mich.), Ways and Means Committee Chair Dave Camp (R-Mich.) and the committees' health subcommittee chairs, Reps. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) and Joe Pitts (R-Pa.).

Survey finds Affordable Care Act's potential impact concerns small business executives

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's latest small-business survey, the Affordable Care Act and its potential effect on employee coverage costs and hiring trends is the top concern among a vast majority of U.S. small businesses.

HHS proposes rule clarifying navigator role for federal exchanges

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Health and Human Services (HHS) released a proposed rule defining the eligibility, standards and training of “navigators,” who are responsible for providing guidance to people enrolling in federal health exchanges under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Loophole could allow insurers to avoid ACA requirements through 2014

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Some health insurers are planning to let residents renew their current coverage to avoid new requirements under the Affordable Care Act, a move that could temporarily derail efforts to reform the insurance market, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Subsidies individuals receive in ACA carries little-known repayment clause

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

According to the AP/Sacramento Bee, millions of residents who will obtain federal subsidies to offset the cost of health insurance through the ACA's insurance exchanges could be subject to additional taxes if they do not accurately project their income,.

Officials behind past local, state efforts highlight future challenges for state exchanges

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Officials behind previous local and state efforts to enroll uninsured individuals in health coverage say that such individuals often are reluctant to purchase coverage and that outreach efforts take longer than expected, which could foreshadow similar struggles for the health insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act.

White House defends ACA after remarks about possible increase in consumers' health care costs

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Obama reiterated that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is helping to reduce health care costs even after Health and Human Service (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius stated that some newly insured residents could experience higher health costs in the coming years.

Businesses might look to temporary-staffing agencies to avoid ACA health coverage requirements

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Some businesses might begin hiring more workers through temporary-staffing agencies to avoid providing health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, the Washington Post reports.

Majority of voters say they do not have enough information to understand ACA

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation's March tracking poll, nearly six in 10 U.S. residents feel they do not have enough information to understand the Affordable Care Act (ACA)and how it will affect them.

MedPAC recommends $30B in medicare savings, calls for SGR repeal

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

In its annual report, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) asserted that Medicare could reduce its spending by $30 billion over the next five years through provisions in the Affordable Care Act and if Congress follows MedPAC’s recommendations.

Federal government preparing to operate insurance exchanges if states are not ready by Oct. 1 deadline

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Obama administration is developing contingency plans that would allow the federal government to step in and assume operational control of 17 states' health insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act if state exchanges are not ready for enrollment by the October 1 deadline.

Consumers with self-purchased individual plans could experience high premium rate hikes

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Individuals who purchased individual health plans could see their premiums increase between 20% and 100% in January 2014 because of certain provisions in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that will take effect next year.

Most large companies plan to provide benefits, some may shift part-timers, retirees to exchanges

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Most large U.S. employers expect to continue providing full-time workers with health insurance benefits after the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented, according to the latest employer and health care trends study. However, some employers indicated that they might shift some part-time workers and retirees to government insurance exchanges. For the annual study, researchers surveyed more than 500 companies with at least 1,000 employees between November 2012 and January.

One in 50 health plans currently cover all benefits required by ACA

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Just one out of every 50 health plans in the private insurance market currently meets the minimum coverage or essential health benefit standards that will be required in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act.

HHS vows to make health IT a major priority in 2013

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it would make the adoption of health information technology a major priority in 2013. The agency also noted that the adoption rate of electronic health record systems tripled to 44 percent over the last three years.

New article provides sleep professionals an overview of the Affordable Care Act

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

In the March issue of Sleep Review, an article by AASM Sr. Health Policy and Government Affairs Analyst Ted Thurn provides an overview of the Affordable Care Act. The article gives sleep professionals a broad analysis of key provisions in the ACA including the individual mandate, health insurance excise tax, and State Exchanges. Members also can find answers to frequently asked questions about State Exchanges on the AASM website.

EHR incentive payment program Affected by Sequestration & IRS Collecting Taxes Under ACA

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Hospitals that participate in the Medicare portion of the federal electronic health record (EHR) incentive payment program could lose thousands of dollars in payments as a result of the 2 percent cut to Medicare reimbursements under sequestration.

Sequestration initiated

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Last week, President Obama signed an order to initiate $85 billion in spending cuts under sequestration for the fiscal year. The mandated cuts are the first installment of nearly $1 trillion in across-the-board reductions, including a 2 percent reduction to Medicare reimbursement rates.

Affordable Care Act regulations released

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Obama administration recently released more than 700 pages of new regulations to implement various aspects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The rules cover the ACA's health insurance exchanges and new standards and reforms to the insurance market, such as encouraging cost-sharing, stabilizing health insurance premiums and blocking insurers from denying coverage.

CMS provides timeline for implementation of ACA exchanges

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

CMS recently issued a detailed timeline that outlines the steps they will take to implement the health insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act between now and October 1.

States selected to receive $300M in state innovation model design

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that 25 states will be awarded nearly $300 million for a state innovation program that will help states design and test new multi-payer payment and delivery models for their Medicaid and CHIP programs.

NIH institute directors will determine distribution of sequester cuts

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The directors of NIH's 27 institutes and centers will be charged with determining how to distribute cuts under sequestration, should they take effect, announced NIH Director Francis Collins.

Health care industry, federal agencies prepare for mandated spending reductions

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The health care industry is bracing itself for some of the $85 billion in automatic spending cuts scheduled to take effect March 1, as a deal to avert the sequester remains out of reach. The automatic cuts involve nearly $1 trillion in across-the-board reductions, including a 2 percent reduction to Medicare reimbursement rates.

AASM thanks members who donated to the AASM PAC at the Winter Course

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The AASM would like to thank our members who donated to the AASM Political Action Committee (AASM PAC) at the Winter Course

Republicans reject Senate Democrats' proposal to avoid sequester cuts

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Republicans rejected a proposal by Senate Democrats to replace the sequestration cuts with alternative spending cuts and tax increases. Recent events suggest that a compromise will not be reached before the sequester takes effect on March 1.

House unveils proposals to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate formula

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Recently, proposals have been unveiled on Capitol Hill that would eliminate Medicare’s sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula. On February 6, Reps. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) and Joe Heck, DO (R-NV) reintroduced H.R. 574, the Medicare Physician Payment Innovation Act, which permanently repeals the SGR, provides positive updates for four years, and tests a variety of new payment models to provide options for physicians across medical specialties, practice types, and communities.

White House releases final essential health benefits rule

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Obama administration issued a final rule outlining the 10 broad categories of essential health benefits that most health insurance plans must offer in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Under the ACA, health plans in state exchanges must provide coverage for 10 categories of benefits, such as maternity care, prescription drugs and preventive care.

Federal government will run state exchanges in 26 states

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Washington Post recently reported that the federal government will run health insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 26 states, while seven states will partner with the federal government and 17 states and the District of Columbia will run their own exchanges.

Final Rule on Essential Health Benefits (EHBs) to be released soon

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is conducting a final review of the essential health benefit (EHB) regulations under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Under the ACA, health plans in state health insurance exchanges must provide coverage for 10 broad categories of benefits, such as maternity care, prescription drugs and preventive care. HHS in November 2012 released a proposed rule on the minimum benefits.

Some lawmakers willing to allow sequester to take effect

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Some lawmakers recently have suggested that they might allow mandated spending cuts under sequestration, which includes a 2 percent reduction to Medicare reimbursement rates, to take effect on March 1. The mandated cuts involve about $1 trillion in across-the-board reductions. In January, President Obama signed legislation that delayed the cuts by two months.

Lawmakers propose bill to permanently repeal sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Representative’s Joe Heck (R-Nev.) and Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.) unveiled legislation (HR 574) that would permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate formula (SGR), which sets Medicare physician reimbursement rates.

AHRQ director plans to step down later this year

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Carolyn Clancy, MD, is planning to step down as AHRQ director later this year. One of 12 agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality strives to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans.

HHS confirms exchanges on schedule

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Health and Human Services (HHS) officials said that federally run health insurance exchanges are on schedule for October enrollment. HHS Officials stated that the government is on track to start accepting insurance plan applications in April, and it currently is testing a data hub designed to confirm the eligibility of people seeking insurance in any of the federal exchanges.

Most states lack laws essential to enforcing ACA's consumer protections

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Thirty-nine states have not enacted laws essential to enforcing new consumer protection rules under the Affordable Care Act, raising the possibility of increased federal oversight, according to a survey released Friday by the Commonwealth Fund.

Some manufacturers seek to pass ACA-related fee on to hospital customers

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Some medical device manufacturers may pass on the cost of a new medical device tax under the Affordable Care Act to their hospital customers.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announces that he will step down

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Earlier this week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced to the employees of the U.S. Department of Transportation that after serving for four years in President Obama’s Cabinet, he would not be staying on for the second term.

Department of Labor extends exchange notification deadline for employers

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

In a statement posted on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website, the Department of Labor announced that it has delayed the March 1 deadline for employers to notify workers about health insurance exchanges available under the Affordable Care Act.

NIDA issues RFQ for sleep study readings

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) on behalf of the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) has issued a request for quotation (RFQ) for Sleep Study Readings. The total numbers of hours are 102 per annum. The period of performance is March 1, 2013 through Feb. 28, 2014 with two (2) option years. This is a small business set-aside. Performance will be in Bethesda, Maryland. The quotations are due on January 31, 2013 at 3:00PM EST.

Health and Human Services awards $1.5 billion in grants to help 11 states establish exchanges

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced last week that it had awarded $1.5 billion in grant funding to help 11 states establish or develop their health insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act. A total of 49 states, the District of Columbia, and four territories have received grants to plan their marketplaces, and 34 states and the District of Columbia have received grants to build their marketplaces.

Insurers ask HHS to impose additional penalties for individual mandate

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

This week Politico reported that health insurers are asking Health and Human Services (HHS) to implement additional penalties on U.S. residents who do not acquire health insurance coverage beginning in 2014. Penalties assessed under the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate begin at $95. However, insurers are worried that the fee will not be enough to motivate healthier individuals to purchase coverage. America's Health Insurance Plans, BlueCross BlueShield Association, the National Association of Health Underwriters and the American Academy of Actuaries all have urged HHS to impose late-enrollment fees to help prevent individuals from waiting to sign up for coverage until they become sick.

Health and Human Services will waive, extend deadline for exchanges

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

This week the New York Times reported that Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will extend or waive the deadline for states interested in running their own health insurance exchange. HHS will work with states and set timelines and goals to progress toward creating an exchange. Every state is supposed to have an exchange by October.

MedPAC urges Congress to limit cuts to hospital payments

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) urged the federal government to limit cuts required by the "fiscal cliff" deal in order to leave hospitals with a 1% payment increase for inpatient and outpatient care in fiscal year 2014. The 1% payment increase would technically be a reduction from the scheduled 1.8% increase in inpatient payments and 2% increase in outpatient payments established by a pre-existing legislative formula.

Deadline to request exemption from ePrescribing penalty is January 31

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Physicians unable to file for a Medicare ePrescribing hardship exemption by the June 30, 2012 deadline have until January 31, 2013 to avoid a 1.5 percent payment penalty

Many businesses beginning to consider options as ACA coverage requirements loom

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

A growing number of employers are reviewing their options as the new health coverage regulations under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are set to be rolled out later this year and implemented on January 1, 2014.

President Obama signs fiscal cliff bill into law, delays SGR cuts

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

President Obama signed legislation (HR 8) to avert the fiscal cliff, postponing mandated spending cuts under sequestration from taking effect, the Wall Street Journal reports. The measure was approved by Congress, with the House voting 257-167 and the Senate voting 89-8 in favor of the bill.

Most consumers 'oblivious' to health-related costs, study finds

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

About 53 percent of consumers are unaware of health care costs and typically accept any care that is suggested, while 10 percent are "price sensitive" and take costs into account when making health care decisions, according to a study reported by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions.

Affordable Care Act: 32 states decline to operate their own insurance exchange

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

All 50 states met the Health and Human Services (HHS) December 14 deadline to declare whether they will set up their own health insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act. Thirty-two states have declined to operate their own exchange.

Health and Human Services approve six health insurance exchanges

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Health and Human Services (HHS) granted conditional approval to six states' plans to operate their own health insurance exchange, the New York Times reports.

AASM taking action regarding SGR and sequestration

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The AASM is working with the American Medical Association (AMA) and contacting Congress regarding the SGR and sequestration issue. AASM is concerned that if these cuts are implemented, many sleep providers will be unable to continue to treat Medicare patients. The consequence of enacting these extreme cuts will cause a substantial and severe access to care crisis for Medicare patients.

ACOS: Used by as many as one in 10 U.S. residents, study finds

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Nearly 10 percent of U.S. residents, or about 31 million individuals, are receiving health care through an accountable care organization, according to a study released Monday by consulting firm Oliver Wyman. The study found that roughly 2.4 million Medicare beneficiaries are receiving care through ACOs that are participating in CMS' "Medicare Shared Savings Program," while 15 million non-Medicare patients obtain care through those ACOs, Healthcare Finance News reports.

Businesses reassessing models to comply with ACA's coverage mandate

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Many companies that are reliant on low-wage workers are reassessing their business models in light of the Affordable Care Act's mandate that they provide all full-time employees with affordable health insurance by 2014, or pay a penalty.

Hospital and provider groups are seeking a ‘doc fix’ to avert cut

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Hospital and physician groups are meeting with congressional staffers to discuss averting a scheduled reduction to Medicare physician reimbursement rates, which could be included in a larger deficit-reduction deal.

Republicans offer counter deficit-reduction proposal

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Republican leaders released a counter offer to President Obama's deficit-reduction proposal that would raise $800 billion in new tax revenue and calls for $600 billion in automatic tax increases and reductions to federal health care programs in 2013, the Washington Post reports.

Millions unaware of new health reform coverage options

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Millions of low-income residents who might qualify for new insurance coverage options in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are unaware of the upcoming benefits. In a focus group conducted by Enroll America, a not-for-profit organization, none of the 31 participants were aware of subsidies for individuals with incomes below 400 percent of the federal poverty level or Medicaid for the lowest-income U.S. residents. However, most of the participants were aware of the requirement to purchase coverage under the ACA.

Negotiations addressing sequester deal seems far off

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Although negotiators spent the holiday weekend discussing a deficit reduction deal, a compromise to avoid looming mandated spending reductions under sequestration seems distant. Both Republicans and Democrats have suggested a willingness to work together to reach a deal, but a "wide gap" remains on taxes and changes to entitlement programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, according to the Washington Post.

OIG responds to AASM Safe Harbor recommendation

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Decisions on provider payments, insurance exchanges expected soon

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

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

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

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

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

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.

Deadline extended for states to submit health insurance exchange plans

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

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.

New sleep technology authorization law takes effect in New York

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

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

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

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.

AASM provides election information to members

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Over the last several weeks, the AASM has been providing members information about the 2012 election through the Weekly Update and special email alerts. The AASM felt it was important to supply members educational material since the presidency, 33 Senate seats and every Congressional seat was under challenge. This election was significantly important to the health care profession in general and specifically to sleep medicine practitioners since the fate of many essential health policy issues, including the Affordable Care Act and the Sustainable Growth Rate, could be affected.

Renew Today! Your Membership Dues Support the AASM Political Action Committee (AASM PAC)

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Your 2013 membership dues help the AASM PAC support legislators who will champion our Safe Harbor initiative and profession. A Safe Harbor will allow sleep physicians to provide a sleep test and dispense DME to their Medicare patients. It is crucial that the AASM PAC has sufficient funds to keep our industry’s vital interests well represented in Washington, so please renew today. Already renewed but still want to donate? Contribute to the AASM PAC.

Delays in implementation of the Affordable Care Act creates uncertainty for states, insurers

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

A delay in implementation of the Affordable Care Act is creating uncertainty among states and health insurers tasked with creating health insurance exchanges. The delay has raised questions about whether the exchanges will be ready to enroll individuals on October 1, 2013, and how many plans will be available.

Analysis looks at states with fewest, most physicians

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

States with higher median incomes and fewer uninsured residents tend to have better physician-to-resident ratios, according to a state-by-state analysis of the physician shortage issue.

ACA compliance will have cost states, private employers more than $27B

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

New regulations under the ACA will have cost states and private business more than $27 billion once the law is fully implemented, according to a study by the American Action Forum. According to the study, private businesses will have spent $20 in new compliance costs, while state governments will have spent another $7.2 billion.

Cadillac tax may affect more than half of Massachusetts workers

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

An excise tax on so-called "Cadillac" plans in the Affordable Care Act would affect more than half of workers in Massachusetts when it takes effect in 2018, according to a study by the Pioneer Institute.

Poll reveals mixed feelings on health reform

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Although there is a high level of approval for nearly all the provisions of the Affordable Care Act, a majority of U.S. residents oppose the overall law, 55% to 45%, according to a new Reuters poll.

State governors miss exchange deadline

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

At least two dozen states missed Health and Human Services (HHS) October 1 soft deadline to submit their essential health benefit benchmark plans. Under the Affordable Care Act, health plans in the exchanges must provide coverage for 10 broad categories of benefits, such as ambulatory patient services, emergency services and pediatric services.

Employer-sponsored coverage continues to decline

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The rate of workers with employer-sponsored health insurance plans continues to decline, while the percentage of individuals with public health insurance coverage is increasing, according to a new report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

Health and Human Services (HHS) awards state exchange grants to five states, District of Columbia

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the distribution of an additional $224 million in establishment grants to five states and the District of Columbia to create health insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act.

Medical advocacy groups warn lawmakers against automatic cuts

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Several Health lobbying groups are warning lawmakers about the negative consequences to the health care industry if the $1.2 trillion in spending cuts scheduled under the sequester take effect in 2013. A White House report found that about $11 billion in total spending would be cut from Medicare, while NIH would lose $2.5 billion.

Six million U.S. residents predicted to face ACA tax penalty in 2016

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

In 2016, nearly six million U.S. residents are expected to pay a tax penalty under the Affordable Care Act for not purchasing health insurance, two million more individuals than estimated in April 2010, according to a report released by the Congressional Budget Office.

Health care reform overview: Long-term care

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Over the last several weeks, the AASM has provided a synopsis of certain provisions in the bill. This last synopsis will focus on long-term care. This includes the CLASS Act, Medicaid and requirements under Medicare and nursing facilities under Medicaid.

Health care reform overview article directory

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

With the recent Supreme Court decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, there is much speculation on how this legislation will change clinical practice. While the unknowns are greater than what we currently understand about the ACA, the AASM has been analyzing what is in store for sleep medicine. The AASM has provided synopses of certain provisions in the bill.

Office of Management and Budget report outlines reductions under 2011 Budget Control Act

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

In 2013, roughly $11 billion in total spending would be cut from Medicare and millions more from programs under the Affordable Care Act if automatic cuts outlined in the 2011 Budget Control Act (BCA) take effect as scheduled on January 2, 2013 according to a White House Office of Management and Budget report.

Eight states will be most affected by Affordable Care Act reductions

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The $716 billion in Medicare cuts in the Affordable Care Act will be felt disproportionately by insurers and providers in eight heavily populated states, according to a white paper published by the University of Minnesota.

Delaware governor signs sleep technologist licensure bill

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Senate Bill 194 (SB 194), which establishes licensure for polysomnographic technologists, was recently passed by both legislative chambers was signed into law by Governor Markell on Wednesday, Sept. 12. The law requires that on July 1, 2014, any person who is engaged in the practice of Polysomnography in the state of Delaware must be properly trained and licensed.

Health care reform overview: Prevention and wellness

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The AASM has provided continuing analysis of the Affordable Care Act and what it means for sleep medicine. The latest entry in the ongoing series addresses coverage of preventative services. AASM government analysts also review the national components for prevention, wellness and public health activities. The health care reform includes additional provisions for employee wellness programs. The AASM examines these provisions in the full article.

Premiums for family plans increased by 4.5 percent in 2012

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Annual premiums for employer-based family health insurance increased by 4.5 percent in 2012, down from a 9 percent increase in 2011, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research and Educational Trust'sannual employer health benefits survey. However, the report also found that such premiums have increased by 97 percent since 2002, which is three times faster than wages and inflation.

Health policy positions for 2012 Presidential Elections

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The outcome of this important election may significantly affect the health care profession in general and specifically to sleep medicine practitioners. The fate of many essential health policy issues, including the Affordable Care Act and the Sustainable Growth Rate, could be determined by the outcome of this election. Because of the election’s significance, the AASM is providing members links to the health policy positions for Governor Romney and President Obama so members can review where they stand on the issues that impact your practice.

Health care reform overview: improving quality/health system performance

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

With the recent Supreme Court decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, there is much speculation on how this legislation will change clinical practice. While the unknowns are greater than what we currently understand about the ACA, the AASM has been analyzing what is in store for sleep medicine. Over the next several weeks, the AASM website will provide a synopsis of certain provisions in the bill. This week will focus on improving quality/health system performance.

Health care reform overview: Cost containment

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

With the recent Supreme Court decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, there is much speculation on how this legislation will change clinical practice. While the unknowns are greater than what we currently understand about the ACA, the AASM has been analyzing what is in store for sleep medicine. Over the next several weeks, the AASM website will provide a synopsis of certain provisions in the bill. This week will focus on Cost Containment.

Health care reform overview: changes to private insurance

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500

With the recent Supreme Court decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, there is much speculation on how this legislation will change clinical practice. While the unknowns are greater than what we currently understand about the ACA, the AASM has been analyzing what is in store for sleep medicine. Over the next several weeks, the AASM website will provide a synopsis of certain provisions in the bill. This week will focus on Changes to Private Insurance.

Position open for Medical Officer at the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is accepting applications from eligible candidates for the position of Medical Officer at the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research (NCSDR). The Medical Officer is expected to focus on sleep disorder medicine and the development of a portfolio in sleep research training.

Health care reform overview: Tax changes to finance health care reform

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Affordable Care Act includes an array of tax changes affecting individuals, employers, medical service providers, drug companies, health insurers and other businesses. AASM government analysts provide a synopsis of provisions of the bill that effect taxes.

61 percent of U.S. businesses expect health care costs to increase under health reform law

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Sixty-one percent of businesses expect to pay more for their workers' health coverage when the Affordable Care Act fully takes effect in 2014, according to a survey of 1,203 companies conducted by Mercer. The survey found that 20 percent of respondents said they expect their costs to increase by at least 5 percent.

Health care reform overview: premium and cost-sharing subsidies

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Beginning in 2014, individuals who purchase health insurance coverage through the new health insurance exchanges will be eligible for financial assistance if their income is no more than 400 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). These amounts are updated for inflation annually and vary by family size. In 2010, this amount is $43,320 for individuals and $88,200 for a family of four.

2011 survey: Nearly a third of physicians unwilling to accept new Medicaid patients

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500

In a recent survey, 31 percent of physicians indicated that they were unwilling to accept any new Medicaid patients. An article in the Health Affairs disseminated data from the 2011 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.

Large companies expect health costs to increase next year

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Large employers expect health care costs to increase by about 7% next year, according to a survey by the National Business Group on Health (NBGH). The expected increase for 2013 is about the same as what employers projected in 2012.

Health care reform overview: Expansion of public programs

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500

With the recent Supreme Court decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, there is much speculation on how this legislation will change clinical practice. While the unknowns are greater than what we currently understand about the ACA, the AASM has been analyzing what is in store for sleep medicine. Over the next several weeks, the AASM website will provide a synopsis of certain provisions in the bill. This week will focus on the expansion of public programs.

Workers wary of access to adequate coverage, survey finds

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500

About 53% of U.S. workers say they are not confident that they will be able to find similar or better health coverage in the insurance exchanges than they currently receive through their employers, according to a survey by the National Business Group on Health. The survey found that health insurance is the most vital benefit that employers can offer, with 87% of respondents saying that health insurance is very or extremely important, up from 84% in a similar 2007 survey.

Health care reform overview: employer requirements

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500

With the recent Supreme Court decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, there is much speculation on how this legislation will change clinical practice. While the unknowns are greater than what we currently understand about the ACA, the AASM has been analyzing what is in store for sleep medicine. Over the next several weeks, the AASM website will provide a synopsis of certain provisions in the bill. This week will focus on employer requirements.

9 percent of U.S. employers plan to drop coverage, study finds

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Nearly one in 10 U.S. employers plans to drop health coverage for their workers within the next three years, according to a Deloitte study expected to be released shortly, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Health care reform overview: the individual mandate

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500

With the recent Supreme Court decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act, there is much speculation on how this legislation will change clinical practice. While the unknowns are greater than what we currently understand about the ACA, the AASM has been analyzing what is in store for sleep medicine. Over the next several weeks, the AASM website will provide a synopsis of certain provisions in the bill. This week will focus on the individual mandate.

House GOP funding bill would "terminate" AHRQ and ban federal funding of patient-centered outcomes research

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Representative Denny Rehberg (R-Montana), chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, released his version of the subcommittee's fiscal year 2013 appropriations bill funding the departments of Labor, Education, HHS, and related agencies.

Automatic federal spending cuts scheduled for 2013 would significantly affect HHS

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Automatic reductions in federal spending scheduled to take effect in 2013 would result in a 7.8 percent reduction in the budget for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If these cuts take effect it would lead to the elimination of 2,300 new and competing NIH research project grants, and the downsizing of numerous other federal health programs.

AASM needs your support to help us succeed in our advocacy efforts

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Over the last several months the AASM has been very active meeting with legislators and administrators in Washington, D.C. to educate and obtain their support on our Safe Harbor proposal. As our members know, the current Medicare practice model of care for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is fragmented. Current policy and Federal law prevents a sleep physician from providing a sleep test and dispensing the therapeutic durable medical equipment (DME).

Supreme Court health care decision expected today

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The United States Supreme Court is expended to hand down its much-anticipated ruling on the constitutionality of President Obama's health care reform law sometime today. No one outside of the court knows what decision the justices have made. The announcement is likely to be made sometime after 9 a.m. CST. AASM government analysts are closely following this story and will keep members updated. For live updates, follow the AASM on Twitter at @AASMorg.

Louisiana passes Senate Bill 637

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Governor Bobby Jindal signed Senate Bill 637 (SB 637) into law. SB 637 amends the Louisiana Polysomnographic Practice Act (“Act”) by postponing licensure for sleep technologists until 2017.

Delaware passes legislation to license sleep technologists

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Congratulations to the Delaware Sleep Society! Senate Bill 194 (SB 194), which establishes licensure for sleep technologists, was recently passed by both legislative chambers and has been submitted to the Governor for signature! The bill will require that on July 1, 2014, any person who is engaged in the practice of sleep technology must be licensed.

DoT launches Railroaders' Guide to Healthy Sleep website

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

U.S. Department of Transportation launched an interactive, multimedia website intended to reduce on-the-job fatigue among railroad employees by advising them on the importance of obtaining healthy sleep to maintain individual well-being, safety and workplace performance. The Railroaders’ Guide to Healthy Sleep website features an anonymous self-test to screen for possible sleep disorders, a sleep and wake diary for tracking sleep and various tailored and effective strategies for improving the amount and quality of sleep obtained.

Report: recent regulations to limit tired air traffic controllers repeatedly violated

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Washington Post reports recent regulations intended to keep air traffic controllers from falling asleep on the job have been violated nearly 4,000 times. The regulations require controllers have at least nine hours off between shifts. Internal Federal Aviation Administration documents show that more than half of the airport control towers violated this rule at least once.

Materials available from NTSB SLEEP 2012 keynote "From Bench to Planes Trains and Automobiles"

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

At the SLEEP 2012 Plenary Session, Mark Rosekind, PhD, a National Transportation Safety Board Member, delivered a memorable keynote speech on the dangers of fatigue across all modes of transportation. Materials from Dr. Rosekind's speech are now available through the NTSB. This includes a full powerpoint of his presentation, and a call to action on the NTSB Director's blog.

Anticipation over Supreme Court’s ruling on health reform prompts concern about law's provisions

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the constitutionality of the federal health reform law and the individual mandate later this month. The anticipation and debate over the ruling has stakeholders and lawmakers concerned about the future of the law's popular consumer benefit provisions.

Concerns about Congress' ability to address 'doc fix' this year

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Healthcare stakeholders are concerned about Congress' ability to stave off a scheduled 30% Medicare physician pay cut scheduled for 2013, particularly with the November election and the anticipated workload during the lame duck session.

Maryland passes amendment recognizing A-STEP as an educational pathway

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Congratulations to the Maryland Sleep Society (MSS) for passing House Bill 827! The bill amends the Maryland Polysomnography Practice Act by recognizing A-STEP as an educational pathway.

FTC activity at the state level regarding scope of practice and state licensure

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is increasing its antitrust examination of state medical board and state legislative actions, particularly those concerning scope of practice.

Lawmakers working on Sustainable Growth Rate

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

After numerous failed attempts to replace the sustainable growth rate (SGR), the formula that annually determines physician reimbursement rates under Medicare, lawmakers have again begun to discuss solutions to the SGR issue.

Health care costs stem from price increases

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Health care spending by privately insured individuals increased by 3.3 percent between 2009 and 2010. Spending has increased primarily because prices of services increased, according to a study by the Health Care Cost Institute. The findings are based on claims data from Aetna, Humana and UnitedHealthcare, which cover about 20 percent of residents with employer-sponsored health plans.

Study finds insurers would lose a trillion in revenue if health reform law is struck down

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

U.S. health insurers would lose nearly a trillion dollars in new revenue between 2013 and 2020 if the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the federal health reform law, according to a study by Bloomberg Government.

Visit the AASM PAC booth at SLEEP 2012

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Please help support our advocacy efforts by contributing to the AASM Political Action Committee (AASM PAC) booth at SLEEP 2012. Over the last few months the AASM has been meeting with federal lawmakers and agencies to increase the AASM’s presence in Washington, D.C.

AAST conducting SLEEP 2012 workshop addressing legislative/regulatory activity for 2011-2012

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Please join government relations specialists from the American Association of Sleep Technologists (AAST) on Monday, June 11 at 3:15pm at SLEEP 2012 to learn about legislative/regulatory activity for 2011-2012.

House lawmakers to release details of new bipartisan proposal for “Doc Fix”

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

U.S. Representatives Joe Heck (R-Nev.) and Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.) will release details of a new proposal that aims to repeal the sustainable growth rate formula that sets Medicare physician payment rates.

AASM to attend upcoming Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board (SDRAB) meeting

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Members of the AASM Government Relations team will travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the May 30-31 meeting of the National Institute of Health (NIH) Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board (SDRAB). The AASM and the SDRAB will discuss the sleep and circadian research developments and the NIH sleep research plan and provide updates.

AASM attends Oklahoma Sleep Society meeting

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The AASM presented at the Oklahoma Sleep Society meeting conducted on Saturday, April 28.

Maryland Bill to amend Polysomnography Practice Act

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Maryland House Bill 827 (HB 827) & Senate Bill 776 (SB 776) have been submitted to Governor Martin O'Malley for signature.

Learn about the health care reform law and sleep medicine at SLEEP 2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Please join the AASM government relations specialists on Tuesday, June 12 at 9:00am at SLEEP 2012 to learn about Health Care Reform and Sleep Medicine. Charles Buck, JD, a partner in the law firm McDermott Will & Emery LLP, will identify health care legal trends and describe how the health care reform law will impact sleep medicine.

Support sleep advocacy efforts by contributing to the AASMPAC

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

It is vital that the AASM continue our advocacy efforts during the 2012 election. Elected representatives place a high value on advocacy involvement. By contributing to the AASM PAC, you will join with other concerned members of the sleep community who are interested in shaping the outlook of sleep medicine, sleep research and our healthcare and public health system.

Medicare trust fund insolvency date remains 2024

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Medicare's hospital insurance fund is expected to become insolvent in 2024, a projection unchanged from last year, according to a report by the board of trustees for Medicare and Social Security.

AASM responds to proposed CMS rule on Reporting and Returning Overpayments

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The AASM has signed onto a letter which responds to CMS’ proposed rule on Reporting and Returning Overpayments. As you may know, the proposal obligates physicians to report and return overpayments that if not completed carries significant legal and financial penalties.

Recap of oral arguments before the Supreme Court addressing the health reform law

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

After three days of oral arguments, the Supreme Court's conservative justices generally seemed skeptical of the constitutionality of the federal health reform law while liberal justices often came to the law's defense.

Supreme Court concludes arguments on health care law, individual mandate

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Supreme Court has retreated from the public spotlight to get to work on a series of appeals that will determine the future of health care law in the United States.

MEDPAC recommends 1 percent pay increase for hospitals, reiterates support for SGR repeal

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Last week, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) submitted its annual report to Congress in which it recommended increasing certain hospital payments and urged lawmakers to overhaul the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula.

MCSAC and the MRB submit recommendations for drivers with OSA

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (MCSAC) and the Medical Review Board (MRB) recently submitted recommendations to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regarding regulatory guidance obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in drivers.

House to vote next week on bill to repeal IPAB, curb medical malpractice suit damages

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The House of Representatives is expected to vote next week on a measure (HR 5) that would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Both the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means reported favorably on the measure.

AASMPAC: Thanks to members for recent contributions

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The AASM would like to thank the following members who have recently donated to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Political Action Committee (AASMPAC).

Support sleep medicine by donating to the AASMPAC

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The AASMPAC is a bi-partisan political action committee which assists in supporting sleep medicine-friendly legislators in their Congressional elections. This support opens doors for expressing the AASM's viewpoints and the need for and value of sleep care services for patients, sleep care research and sleep-related public health implications. An investment in the AASMPAC is an investment in your profession and livelihood; by contributing to the AASMPAC, you will help shape the outlook of sleep medicine. Donate online today by visiting www.aasmpac.org.

Poll: U.S. residents split on health reform

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Public support for the federal health reform law is split nearly evenly, with 42 percent of U.S. residents holding a favorable view of the overhaul and 43 percent viewing it unfavorably, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll released last week.

House health subcommittee passes bill to repeal panel

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee on Wednesday voted 17-5 to pass a bill (HR 452) that would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board, a 15-member panel created by the federal health reform law to make cost-cutting recommendations in Medicare.

Patient-oriented guide and podcast on treating sleep apnea available on the AHRQ website

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has expanded its resources for health care consumers to include information on sleep apnea. The guide titled "Treating Sleep Apnea" includes information on the symptoms and treatment for sleep apnea. Alongside the guide, AHRQ has released a brief podcast on sleep apnea. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine also provides clinicians with informational resources for patients with sleep disorder, in the form of patient education brochures and the patient website yoursleep.aasm.org, which includes information on the symptoms and treatments for a variety of sleep disorders.

President Obama signs legislation to delay Medicare cuts until end of 2012

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

President Obama signed legislation (HR 3630) that delays scheduled cuts to Medicare physician reimbursement rates, extends the payroll tax cut and continues unemployment benefits. The $143 billion package delays the Medicare rate cut, which would have been a 27%, until the end of 2012. When the "doc fix" expires in December, physicians will face about a 32% reduction in Medicare payments.

Physicians slow to transition to electronic health records

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Just 25 percent of physicians are "on target" to meet the health IT meaningful use standards established under the federal stimulus package, according to a study by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions. The study found that most of the respondents use some form of electronic health records to manage clinical information, and most believe EHRs can help improve care over the long term. Only 21 percent of respondents say they do not expect to meet the Oct. 2013 for transitioning to ICD-10, but 62 percent said managing ICD-10 documentation is a "major concern."

Congress approves 'doc fix'; measure sent to President Obama

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan deal today which avoids a Medicare fee cut for physicians while also extending the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits for the rest of the year. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 60-36 and the House approved the measure by a 293-132 margin. President Barack Obama has promised to sign the legislation. The final agreement allows Medicare to maintain current physician reimbursement rates through December, delaying a 27.4% reduction in fees set to begin on March 1. To fund the $18 billion doc fix, the agreement includes several health-related offsets.

Support AASM action in Washington by donating to the AASMPAC

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

AASM staff has recently made progress in developing relationships with leading lawmakers, and several influential labor unions and federal agencies, after several productive trips to Washington, D.C. In order to continue this momentum in Washington, the AASM has reintroduced the AASM Political Action Committee (AASMPAC). The AASMPAC is a bi-partisan political action committee which assists in supporting sleep medicine-friendly legislators in their Congressional elections. This support opens doors for expressing the AASM's viewpoints and the need for and value of sleep care services for patients, sleep care research and sleep-related public health implications. An investment in the AASMPAC is an investment in your profession and livelihood; by contributing to the AASMPAC, you will help shape the outlook of sleep medicine. Donate online today by visiting www.aasmpac.org.

President Obama's 2013 budget request for the National Institutes of Health

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The 2013 budget request President Obama sent to Congress requests $30.9 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the same level as 2012. NIH estimates it will support a total of 35,888 research project grants, including 9,415 new and competing awards. The $30.9 billion request will be used to invest in basic research on the fundamental causes and mechanisms of disease, accelerating discovery through new technologies, advancing translational sciences, and encouraging new investigators and new ideas.

Conference committee discusses "doc fix"

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The conference committee tasked with developing an extension of the payroll tax cut and delaying scheduled reimbursement cuts to Medicare physicians met for the fourth time to discuss potential offsets.

AASM provides comments at federal hearing on regulations for commercial drivers with sleep apnea

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

On Feb. 6, the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (MCSAC) and Medical Review Board (MRB) conducted a hearing to address regulatory guidance for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) for motor carriers and commercial vehicle drivers.

Questions raised regarding war funds for "doc fix"

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

A proposal to use savings from ending the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to fund a "doc fix" might not be an option, according to the chair of the conference committee tasked with extending the payroll tax cut and delaying scheduled cuts to Medicare physician reimbursement rates.

Conference committee meets to address 'doc fix'

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Last week, a bicameral, bipartisan conference committee met to discuss extending a payroll tax cut and delaying the scheduled cuts to Medicare physician reimbursement rates. Lawmakers are discussing a yearlong extension of the initiatives, which must be passed before the short-term agreement expires at the end of February. Committee members from both parties were optimistic that they could reach an agreement, but Democrats and Republicans still disagree on how to offset the $160 billion cost of extending the tax cut and doc fix. Democrats want to increase taxes for high-income U.S. residents, while some House Republicans argue for a two-year delay of the cuts, which would be paid for in part with billions of reductions in federal health reform law spending.

Medicare 'doc fix' debate delayed

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Scheduling conflicts and policy disagreement are expected to delay the start of negotiations on a Medicare "doc fix." House aides predict that the bipartisan, bicameral conference committee charged with developing the fix will not convene until next week. The current plan that extends the payroll tax cut and delays scheduled reimbursement cuts to Medicare physicians expires at the end of February.

AASM meets with federal lawmakers and agencies

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The AASM was in Washington, D.C. last week and met with several federal lawmakers and agencies to discuss the importance of sleep. AASM representatives met with legislative aides for Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Senator John Kerry (D-MA), Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Senator Patty Murray, (D-WA). Discussions focused on supporting the AASM’s proposal for an integrated care delivery model to the CMS Innovation Center, repealing the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR), funding for NIH and sleep research and the possible effects of Health Care Reform. The AASM also met with several Federal Agencies including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to strengthen ties, communicate the importance of effective sleep and the role of the AASM as sleep experts.

AASM visits Washington D.C. to promote public safety

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Representatives for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine were recently in Washington to meet with federal agencies and lawmakers to forge relationships based on promoting the importance of sleep. AASM President Nancy Collop, MD, said the timing couldn’t be better. Late last month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced new rules for the maximum hours of work per shift and mandatory rest periods for passenger airline pilots and truck drivers. Sleep researchers and sleep scientists have been instrumental in assisting with the new transportation rules.

Department of Transportation issues new rule to ensure truck driver rest time

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a final rule that employs the latest research in driver fatigue to make sure truck drivers can get the rest they need to operate safely when on the road. The new rule by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) revises the hours-of-service (HOS) safety requirements for commercial truck drivers. FMCSA's new HOS final rule reduces the maximum number of hours a truck driver can work within a seven-day period by 12 hours. Under the new rule, a driver's work week is limited to 70 hours. In addition, truck drivers cannot drive after working eight hours without first taking a break of at least 30 minutes. The rule also requires truck drivers who maximize their weekly work hours to take at least two nights' rest when their 24-hour body clock demands sleep the most - from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.

FAA issues rule on pilot fatigue

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently announced a final rule that overhauls commercial passenger airline pilot scheduling to ensure pilots have a longer opportunity for rest. The final rule includes varying flight and duty requirements based on what time the pilot's day begins, establishment of a "flight duty period", flight time limits of eight or nine hours, a 10-hour minimum rest period, cumulative flight duty and flight time limits and a congress-mandated fatigue risk management system (FRMP). An FRMP provides education for pilots and airlines to help address the effects of fatigue which can be caused by overwork, commuting, or other activities. Required training updates every two years will include fatigue mitigation measures, sleep fundamentals, the potential effects of commuting and the impact to a pilot’s performance.

Congress passes two-month Medicare extension

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Last week, the President signed a measure which provides a two-month extension that delays a 27% cut to physician Medicare reimbursement rates. The measure cleared the Democratic-controlled Senate and the Republican-controlled House of Representatives by unanimous consent, a procedural move allowing the measure to pass even though most members of Congress are home for the holiday recess. Among other things, the measure also includes a two-month extension of the payroll tax cut and emergency federal unemployment benefits.

Over the past few months, this issue has been fiercely debated in Congress. The AASM has actively followed this debate and encouraged members to speak out. The AASM sent multiple Special Updates to members about the status of the issue, with directions on how members can contact their Representative and a template letter to inform Representatives of the dire consequences if the cuts were enacted. House and Senate members will resume negotiations on a year-long extension of the “doc fix”, payroll tax and unemployment benefits when Congress reconvenes in January. AASM plans to keep members updated and will again provide information members can use to take action.

Supreme Court schedules oral arguments addressing health care reform for March

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Supreme Court announced its schedule for oral arguments to determine the constitutionality of the federal health reform law. The court will devote a total of five-and-a-half hours to the case from March 26 to March 28, 2012. The court will hear aguments addressing such aspects of the law as the Anti-Injuction Act, the individual mandate and the issue of severability. A ruling could be issued in June.

Growth in health care spending, costs and employment declined in October

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

U.S. health care industry spending, price inflation and employment growth are trending downward, according to the December Health Sector Economic Indicators briefs released last week by the Altarum Institute's Center for Sustainable Health Spending. According to the briefs, total health care spending growth in October fell to 5%, from 5.2% in September because of reductions in hospital, physician services and nursing home spending. Health care spending as a share of the total economy, which is currently at 18.1%, shows signs of dropping to around 18% from its all-time high of 18.2% in June 2011.

House GOP extension of tax break includes two-year Medicare "doc fix"

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

House Republicans submitted a plan extending a $1,000 payroll tax break -- set to expire at the end of 2011 -- that includes a two-year "doc fix" to stave off scheduled cuts to Medicare physician reimbursement rates. The GOP plan includes a 1% increase for reimbursement rates over the next two years. The plan would pay for the $38 billion fix in part by limiting Medicare benefits for high-income beneficiaries. It also would offset the cost by redirecting funding from the federal health reform law that was intended for prevention and public health services. Also, CMS could briefly delay the impending Medicare physician payment rate cut if Congress appears to be on pace to reach an agreement on a doc fix before January 1. CMS previously has held physician payments for a brief period while lawmakers finalized deals to delay rate cuts.

Lawmakers work to address scheduled Medicare cut as year-end deadline looms

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Congress has a only a few weeks before a scheduled cut of nearly 30% to Medicare physician payment rates is enacted. Since 2002, Congress annually has passed a series of short-term bills to block scheduled cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates. The most recent "doc fix" bill, enacted in December 2010, is scheduled to expire on Jan. 1, 2012, at which point physicians face a nearly 30% payment rate cut.

Lobbyists will spend millions to influence outcome of reform law decision

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Lobbyists are expected to spend millions of dollars over the next few months trying to influence the U.S. Supreme Court's forthcoming decision on the constitutionality of the federal health reform law. Lobbyists' efforts are expected to include ideological appeals, arguments about the law's popularity among U.S. residents and campaigns that certain justices recuse themselves from the case. Four lawsuits challenging the law were presented to the justices, but the court selected only the multistate lawsuit filed by 26 states and the National Federation of Independent Business. The court also announced it accepted Health and Human Services petition to review the overhaul.

Berwick steps down as CMS Administrator, President Obama nominates Marilyn Tavenner

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Donald M. Berwick, MD, is resigning as Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), effective December 2, the Washington Post reports. The Obama administration has nominated Marilyn Tavenner, CMS' principal deputy administrator, to replace him. Dr. Berwick has occupied the post since July 2010 as a "recess appointment" by President Obama. As a recess appointee, Dr. Berwick had all the powers of a permanent appointee but could serve only until the end of 2011.

Congress acts to eliminate 3 percent withhold

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 674, that prevents a planned 3 percent tax-withhold for many Medicare payments, by a vote of 422-0. The Senate passed this legislation on November 10 by a vote of 95 to 0. The statute, originally passed in 2006 and delayed several times, called for all federal, state, and local government payments to those providing services or goods to have 3 percent of their payment withheld until the following tax year in an effort to increase tax compliance. However, the original statute was overly broad and would have applied even to Medicare payments made to physicians. The legislation, now headed to President Obama for his expected signature, repeals this provision of law and eliminates the planned withholding.

Congressional debt panel will not reach agreement

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Republican and Democratic leaders of a 12-member congressional "super committee" issued a joint statement on Monday indicating that the group will not reach an agreement. The panel was tasked with finding at least $1.2 trillion in budget savings over 10 years. However, Republicans said Democrats want to rely too heavily on new tax revenue and will not accept significant cuts to entitlement programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid. Democrats said Republicans are unwilling to allow new taxes to balance spending cuts. If the panel does not finalize an agreement before Thanksgiving, $1.2 trillion in automatic spending cuts over 10 years will be implemented beginning in 2013. If a debt agreement is not reached, House and Senate leaders will have to take action on the sustainable growth rate (SGR) issue. Because the panel is unlikely to offer a plan to Congress, lawmakers must act quickly to fix to the SGR. The most recent "doc-fix" bill, enacted in December 2010, is scheduled to expire on Jan. 1, 2012, at which point physicians face a nearly 30% payment rate cut.

New deficit-reduction plans from Democrats and Republicans

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Democrats on the debt panel have offered a revised deficit-reduction plan that would reduce the federal deficit by $2.3 trillion over 10 years by cutting $400 billion from Medicare and Medicaid. The plan would cut government spending by $1 trillion and raise $1 trillion in tax revenues. Republicans countered the Democrats' plan with their own revised proposal. The plan would reduce the deficit by $1.5 trillion over 10 years by increasing tax revenue by $300 billion and raising the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67.

Supreme Court to review health care reform act

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Supreme Court on Monday announced that it will review the legal challenges against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in early spring 2012. Four lawsuits challenging the law were presented to the justices, but the court selected only the multistate lawsuit filed by 26 states and the National Federation of Independent Business. The Supreme Court also announced it has accepted HHS' petition to review the overhaul. It is expected that justices will allow about five and a half hours for oral arguments in the case. The court will also review whether the suit is barred by the Anti-Injunction Act, which prohibits the court from hearing a suit until the plaintiffs can prove harm. In this case, the challenge to the Affordable Care Act could not be heard until 2014 when the individual mandate, and, subsequently, the penalty for not obtaining health insurance, takes effect.

NIH releases updated Sleep Disorders Research Plan

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The National Institutes of Health recently released the 2011 NIH Sleep Disorders Research Plan. The plan identifies research opportunities to be pursued over the next three to five years in order to spur new approaches to the prevention and treatment of sleep disorders. The new plan expands upon previous and current research programs identified in the 1996 and 2003 plans.

Negotiations at a stall for debt panel

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Debt panel negotiations appeared to have stalled as Democrats and Republicans could not agree on entitlement cuts and revenue increases as part of a deficit-reduction proposal. Democrats continue to press for more revenue through tax increases while Republicans seek cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and other health programs. Both Democrats and Republicans have submitted separate proposals to the Congressional Budget Office for scoring, suggesting the two sides remain deeply divided over the issues. Currently, the panel has no further meetings scheduled before its Thanksgiving deadline for releasing a budget plan.

CMS Announces two-year delay of revalidation effort

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

CMS recently launched an effort to revalidate the enrollment of every provider and supplier by March 23, 2013 pursuant to the program integrity screening provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). CMS recently decided to extend the revalidation effort by two years. CMS also announced numerous, significant improvements to the online Medicare Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership (PECOS) system that should make revalidation less onerous for physicians. These improvements to PECOS will be implemented before most physicians are asked to revalidate

House passes 3 percent tax-withhold bill

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The U. S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 674 by a vote of 405-16 that prevents a planned 3% tax-withhold for many Medicare payments. The statute, originally passed in 2006 and delayed several times, called for all federal, state, and local government payments to those providing services or goods to have 3% of the payment withheld until the following tax year in an effort to increase tax compliance. However, the original statute was overly broad and would have applied even to Medicare payments made to physicians. The bill goes on to the Senate where a similar proposal fell three votes short of the needed 60 last week.

U.S. Supreme Court to discuss health reform on Nov. 10

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to discuss whether it will review any of the lawsuits against the federal health reform law during a private conference on November 10. Four lawsuits are pending before the court, including the multistate lawsuit in which 26 states and the National Federation of Independent Business are plaintiffs. The high court must decide on which issues it wants to rule. It might decide to consider only challenges to the individual mandate or combine issues from several different cases. Should the court decide to review the reform law, oral arguments likely would be scheduled for early spring 2012, with a decision by the end of June.

Democrats and Republicans on debt panel submit separate deficit-reduction proposals

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Democrats offered a proposal that would reduce the deficit by almost $3 trillion over 10 years through a mix of spending cuts and revenue increases, including $500 billion in cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. Republicans presented a $2.2 trillion proposal that would increase Medicare premiums by $200 billion and cut $585 billion from health programs. The proposal would cut $300 billion from Medicare, $185 billion from Medicaid and $100 billion from other health-related programs. The proposals were reviewed in a public hearing on November 1st.

Congressional support grows for SGR repeal in deficit package

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Earlier this month, a bipartisan letter signed by 113 members of the U.S. House of Representatives was sent to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (or “super committee”) urging it to include repeal of the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula in its final deficit reduction legislation. The letter highlighted that further short-term patches to the SGR would “continue to distort the picture of our nation’s fiscal status” and increase the cost of a permanent solution. It urged the committee to repeal the SGR and replace it with “a payment system that promotes efficiency, quality and value and ensures access to medical services for Medicare beneficiaries.”

CMS offers hospitals guidance for meeting meaningful use criteria

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

CMS has released additional guidance for hospitals on the process of attesting to the meaningful use of electronic health records (EHR). Under the 2009 federal economic stimulus package, health care providers who demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR systems can qualify for Medicaid and Medicare incentive payments.CMS' guidance also states that:

If hospitals have concerns about the accuracy of submitted data, facilities should work with their vendor or the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT to improve the accuracy of their equipment; and
Hospitals should save a copy of the clinical quality measures report as evidence of attestation in case the data are needed for an audit.

CMS releases final rules on ACO’s

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The federal health reform law requires federal health programs to begin contracting with ACOs starting in January 2012. ACOs aim to lower costs and improve care by fostering cooperation between physicians, hospitals and other providers. HHS estimates that ACOs will save Medicare between $510 million and $960 million during the first three years. CMS released proposed ACO rules over the summer. However, the response from stakeholders were mostly unfavorable. Comments ranged from requesting that the management of ACOs should be simplified to arguing that rule creates too many bureaucratic and legal hurdles. Groups also commented that the number of quality standards will require excessive data management and are worried that potential savings are limited.

Health and Human Services (HHS) solicits opinions from health provider groups on essential benefits

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Health and Human Services (HHS) conducted a private meeting last week with health care provider groups to discuss the elements of an "essential health benefits" package in new state-based health insurance exchanges. The federal health reform law mandates that by January 2014 states must create insurance exchanges that provide coverage options for individuals and small businesses. States can choose to administer their own exchanges, for which they must have some infrastructure in place by January 2013, or ask the federal government to run the exchanges for them.

House Democrats and Senate Republicans offer debt-reduction recommendations

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

House Democrats from 16 committees and Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee submitted their deficit-reduction recommendations to the debt panel. The 12-member panel, also known as the "supercommittee", had requested House and Senate committees to submit their ideas at the end of last week. House Democrats recommended maintaining the current Medicare eligibility age, reducing waste and fraud and maintaining programs established by the health care reform. Senate Republicans recommended repealing the federal health reform law, overhauling medical malpractice and turning Medicaid into a block grant system.

Health care reform overview: Investments and financing

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The last article in the continuing series on the Patient Protect and Affordable Care Act focuses on bill’s Investments and Financing. AASM legislative analysts explain how the bill includes investments in Medicare, the workforce, community and school-based health centers, trauma care and more. The article also details how the costs of providing coverage to an estimated additional 32 million Americans at $938 billion over ten years will be financed.

Health care reform overview: Improving quality/health system performance, prevention/wellness

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law comprehensive health care reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Part five of the AASM's health reform overview series focuses on Improving Quality/Health System Performance and Prevention/Wellness.

MEDPAC approves $220 Billion proposal to overhaul sustainable growth rate formula

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) voted 15-2 to approve its $220 billion plan to replace the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, which sets Medicare physician payment rates. Since 2002, Congress annually has passed a series of short-term bills to block scheduled cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates under the SGR. The most recent fix will expire on January 1, 2012, at which point physicians face a 29.4% payment rate cut.The MedPAC recommendations include updating hospital payments by 1% in 2012 and altering home health care payments in 2013. Further recommendations involve changing reimbursements for some categories of durable medical equipment and repealing bonus payments for quality improvements in Medicare Advantage.

IOM recommendations highlight cost over coverage

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

An Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee emphasized that affordability should be Health and Human Services' (HHS') main priority in its recommendations to the agency on how the basic coverage standards for the state-based health insurance exchanges should be established. Under the federal health reform law, states by January 2014 must create insurance exchanges that provide coverage options for individuals and small businesses. States can choose to administer their own exchanges, for which they must have some infrastructure in place by January 2013, or ask the federal government to run the exchanges for them.

Health care reform overview: cost containment

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law comprehensive health care reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Part four of the AASM's health reform overview series focuses on Cost Containment.

HHS invites abstracts for 2012 National Health Promotion Summit

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) invites abstracts on innovative disease prevention and health promotion programs for presentation at the 2012 National Health Promotion Summit. The summit will take place April 10-11, 2012, in Washington, DC. The goals of the summit are to promote the development of disease prevention and health promotion policies that align with national prevention initiatives; encourage stakeholders at every level to collaborate on reaching national health goals; and integrate health policies across all sectors.

Health care reform overview: Insurance Exchanges and Private Insurance

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law comprehensive health care reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). In part three of the AASM's health reform overview series, AASM Government Relations experts provide a synopsis of the creation of Health Insurance Exchanges and the changes to private insurance.

MEDPAC releases proposed offset list for SGR overhaul

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission on Monday released a draft list of offsets for its $200 billion plan to replace the sustainable growth rate formula, which sets Medicare physician payment rates. Since 2002, Congress annually has passed a series of short-term bills to block scheduled cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates under the SGR. The most recent "doc-fix" bill, enacted in December 2010, is scheduled to expire on Jan. 1, 2012, at which point physicians face a 29.4% payment rate cut. MedPAC Chair Glenn Hackbarth last week announced that the advisory panel will vote on a proposal to replace the SGR at its meeting next month.

Debt Reduction: Obama releases plan calling for more than $300B in cuts to Medicare, Medicaid

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

President Obama released a proposal this week to reduce the federal deficit by $3 trillion over the next 10 years, in part by making cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. The plan was developed to provide guidance to the newly created debt panel, which is charged with finding $1.5 trillion in savings by the end of November.

Proposal for integrated delivery model for sleep medicine submitted to CMS

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The AASM Board of Directors has submitted a final draft proposal for an integrated delivery model for sleep medicine to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The proposal is the result of months of discussion about the future role of the sleep specialist in patient care. Members are encouraged to download and review the draft proposal.

Summary of first Super Committee debt panel hearing

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The first super committee debt panel public hearing was held on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011. During the hearing, Congressional Budget Office Director Douglas Elmendorf offered testimony about the potential consequences of the rising cost of health care and the aging baby boomer population. He warned that federal spending would surpass revenue collected if current policies remain in place. The Congressional Budget Office Director suggested changes in spending, tax policies or both would be required to put the federal budget on a sustainable path.

Health care reform overview: premium subsidies to employers, reinsurance and tax changes

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law comprehensive health care reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Although the constitutionality of the law is still being challenged in the courts, it is important for members to be aware of how the law may affect your practice. Over the next several weeks, the AASM Weekly Update is including a synopsis of certain provisions in the bill. This week’s edition will focus on premium subsidies to employers, reinsurance program and tax changes related to health insurance.

Health care reform overview: the individual mandate, employer requirements and the expansion of public programs

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law comprehensive health care reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Although the constitutionality of the law is still being challenged in the courts, it is important for members to be aware of how the law may affect your practice. Over the next several weeks, the AASM will provide a synopsis of certain provisions in the bill. This week will focus on the individual mandate, employer requirements, and expansion of program provisions in the law. Visit the AASM website to view part one of the health care reform synopsis.

Super committee debt panel holds first meeting

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The bipartisan, bicameral debt panel created by the recent budget agreement will held its first meeting on Thursday, Sept. 8. The first public hearing will be Sept. 13. As part of the recent debt deal, the panel must develop and pass by the end of November at least $1.5 trillion in federal spending cuts over 10 years. Failure to do so would trigger a series of across-the-board cuts. Medicaid would be exempt from those cuts, and Medicare is protected from deep spending cuts. However, the deficit panel is not bound by those stipulations. View the full article on the AASM website for a list of deadlines for the panel.

NIH partners with U.S. Department of Defense for database on traumatic brain injuries

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Defense announced the Federal Interagency Traumatic Brain Injury Research (FITBIR) database earlier this week. The database is intended to accelerate research on brain injury treatment and diagnosis, and will house new data, link to current databases and allow comparison of results across studies.

NIH releases 2011-2012 Wednesday Afternoon Lecture Series schedule

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

A full roster of speakers for the 2011-2012 Wednesday Afternoon Lecture Series was made available by the NIH. The first presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011 at 3 p.m. EDT, and will feature Dr. Carlos Bustamante, a Professor of Physics, Chemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. Each following week at 3 p.m., EST, leading biomedical investigators will present their latest findings in a live webcast. Learn more about the Wednesday Afternoon Lecture Series on the NIH website.

CDC report analyzes prevalence of insufficient rest or sleep

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500

In the Aug. 19, 2011, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Surveillance Summary, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided an analysis of data from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Results show that in 2009, the median estimated overall prevalence of insufficient rest or sleep among adults aged ≥18 years was 39.3 percent, ranging from 34.3 percent in the Virgin Islands to 52.6 percent in West Virginia.

NIH funding: White House calls for all agencies to reduce their 2013 budget requests

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500

A recent memo to the heads of federal departments and agencies from Jacob J. Lew, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, addressed 2013 budget requests. Lew stated that 2013 budget submissions to OMB should be at least five percent below 2011 enacted discretionary appropriation, unless an agency has been given explicit direction otherwise by OMB.

FDA releases medical device draft guidance for clinical studies and premarket review

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500

On Aug. 15, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it is seeking comment for two sets of proposed guidelines: the draft guidance for Design Considerations for Pivotal Clinical Investigations for Medical Devices, and the draft guidance for Factors to Consider when Making Benefit-Risk Determinations in Medical Device Premarket Review. Submit comments by Nov. 14, 2011.

AHRQ releases comparative effectiveness review for obstructive sleep apnea

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Last week the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality released “Comparative Effectiveness Review of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults,” the latest report from AHRQ's Effective Health Care Program. The systematic review included 234 clinical studies published through September 2010.

HHS webinar on healthcare-associated infections is Aug. 16

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The first webinar in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Healthy People webinar series will focus on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Join the discussion on Aug. 16, 2011, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. EDT.

New York enacts “authorization” for sleep technologists

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500

New York Assembly Bill 354 (AB 354), which establishes “authorization” for sleep technologists, was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Aug. 4, 2011. The bill requires an individual performing sleep procedures to obtain an authorization certificate issued by the State Education Department. The AASM has been working with the New York State Society of Sleep Medicine (NYSSSM) over the past 10 years to pass this licensure bill. Now that AB 354 has been enacted, the AASM will assist the NYSSSM on developing the regulatory language.

HHS announces proposal to improve rules protecting human research subjects

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Last week the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that the federal government is contemplating various ways of enhancing the regulations overseeing research on human subjects. The public comment period closes at 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, 2011.

CDC releases infection prevention guide to promote safe outpatient care

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Recently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the release of its “Guide to Infection Prevention for Outpatient Settings: Minimum Expectations for Safe Care.” The guide is based on existing, evidence-based CDC guidelines that apply to a wide range of health-care facilities but are mostly used by hospitals.

Study funded by AHRQ finds that few primary care clinicians screen for OSA

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Earlier this month the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reported that a recent study funded by the AHRQ revealed that very few primary care clinicians (PCCs) routinely screen for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study gathered information from 44 randomly selected practices in five regional, practice-based research networks.

The study found that only 10 of the 44 PCCs (23 percent) who were interviewed said that they routinely screen patients for OSA. Only 14 of the 45 PCCs could identify 25 patients in their practices with OSA despite using multiple methods and having three months to do so.

Sleep Technology Licensure Bill is Signed into Law in Oregon

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Bill requires that an applicant for licensure complete educational and training requirements approved by a newly constructed Respiratory Therapist for Polysomnographic Technologist Licensing Board before obtaining a sleep technologist license. The bill also establishes a scope of practice for sleep technologists, outlining the procedures they can perform under the general supervision of a licensed physician.

NIH Seeks Applicants for the 2011 Council of Public Representatives

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking nominations to fill vacant appointments to the 2011 Council of Public Representatives (COPR) roster. The COPR consists of up to 21 individuals with diverse backgrounds from local, regional, and national levels, with a range of professions and experiences, including community leaders, patient advocates, health educators, media, medical and public health professionals, science administrators, and academicians who have a broad public perspective. Every year NIH selects new COPR members who serve an average of four-year terms.

HHS is Advised to Halt the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Montana congressman Denny Rehberg, Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education, recently sent a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius calling for a halt to the establishment of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He expressed concerns about how NCATS would impact existing programs such as Institutional Development Awards and Clinical and Translational Science Awards.

NHLBI Considering a New Mentored Scientific & Career Enhancement Award in Sleep

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

At the June 15, 2011, meeting of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council (NHLBAC), NHLBI staff presented 15 new initiatives that had been reviewed in May by the Board of External Experts (BEE). One of the proposed initiatives was a Mentored Scientific and Career Enhancement Award in Sleep and Circadian Health and Biology (K18), which would improve the capacity of established investigators to develop trans-disciplinary research programs that integrate the latest concepts in sleep and circadian biology.

AASM Working to Have Sleep Testing Included in the “Welcome to Medicare” Benefit

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The AASM has been working with legislators in Washington, D.C., on a draft bill that would incorporate sleep disorders testing into the "Welcome to Medicare" benefit, which allows individuals entering the Medicare program to receive an initial preventive physical examination and other screening services without a copayment. Some of the other services included in this benefit are various cancer screening tests, cardiovascular screening blood tests, diabetes screening tests, and an electrocardiogram.

AASM Submits Comments to NACOSH on Sleep and Workplace Safety

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The AASM recently submitted comments on the importance of effective sleep as a vital element in achieving the goal of developing and maintaining safe workplaces. The AASM urged NACOSH and its Subgroup on Injury and Illness Prevention Programs to take a serious look at the undisputed implications between fatigue and workplace safety.

OIG Advisory Opinion Addresses DME and IDTF Contracts

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500

On June 21, 2011, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) posted Advisory Opinion No. 11-08 in response to a request for clarification regarding an existing arrangement and a proposed arrangement involving contracts between a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier and various independent diagnostic testing facilities (IDTF).

AASM Urges CMS to Include Sleep Measures in Standards for Accountable Care Organizations

Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

In late May, the AASM submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposed rule to establish standards for the operation of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), which create incentives for health-care providers to work together to treat an individual Medicare patient across care settings – including doctor’s offices, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.

Collins Testifies before Senate Subcommittee on FY 2012 NIH Budget

Sat, 21 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

National Institutes of Health Director Francis S. Colins presented the NIH fiscal year 2012 budget request before the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies.

AASM Submits Comments to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Fri, 20 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Comments addressed recently released studies related to hours of service for drivers of commercial vehicles. The AASM noted the studies provide evidence to support the well-established scientific connection between hour of work and fatigue.

AASM Congressional Forum on Sleep Medicine is a Success

Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

A Washington D.C. forum sponsored by U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL) was attended by Congressional Health Policy staffers. The forum including presentations by sleep experts from the AASM, AADSM and SRS that educated lawmakers and their staff on the importance of effective sleep and the essential role of the sleep medicine and sleep research communities.

Maryland House Bill 560 and Senate Bill 641 Signed into Law

Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

On Tuesday, May 10, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed House Bill 560 (HB 560) and Senate Bill 641 (SB 641) into law. The bills, which have identical language, delay the licensing of sleep technologists until Oct. 1, 2013.

AASM Submits Comments to Federal Railroad Administration Regarding Duty Hours

Fri, 06 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The AASM submitted comments to the Federal Railroad Administration on the proposed modification of duty hours for train employees who provide commuter and intercity rail passenger transportation. The AASM cautioned that hours of duty limitations also are necessary for other train employees; fatigue from inadequate sleep can affect the performance of personnel who provide critical maintenance and oversight, which also increases the risk of accidents.

District of Columbia Finalizes Regulations for the Practice of Sleep Technology

Fri, 06 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The bill establishes a scope of practice for sleep technology and establishes the licensure and registration requirements for a sleep technologist, technician and trainee in the District of Columbia. The Board, along with the newly created Advisory Committee on Polysomnography comprised of physicians and sleep technologists, was directed to develop the education and training standards for regulating the practice.

IOM Releases Report on Child and Adolescent Health and Health Care

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The report evaluated the state of efforts to measure child and adolescent health and the quality of their health care services. The report concluded that the lack of standardization between data sets, as well as the lack of information on physical and social environments, limits researchers' ability to accurately assess the data.

NIH Releases 2011 Fiscal Policy for Grant Awards

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The notice indicates that NIH has been allocated a budget of $30.9 billion, which is nearly one percent less than the total fiscal year (FY) 2010 budget authority level of $31.2 billion. As a result, the NIH will implement reductions in commitment levels for non-competing research awards.

NHLBI Posts Executive Summary from Workshop on Sleep-Disordered Breathing and CVD

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The workshop outlines specific scientific priorities in the areas of sleep, circadian and neuroendocrine mechanisms of energy metabolism; cardiovascular and SDB pathophysiology; and intermediate molecular markers of CVD and SDB. To view the executive summary, login and read the full article.

Invite Your U.S. Representative to AASM Congressional Forum on Sleep Medicine

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The AASM is conducting a Congressional Forum on Sleep Medicine in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, May 4, from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. to educate lawmakers and their staff in the U.S. House of Representatives on the importance of effective sleep and the essential role of the sleep medicine and sleep research communities. To ensure that the forum is well attended, the AASM is asking members to contact the D.C. office of your elected official in the U.S. House of Representatives to discuss this forum and urge his or her attendance. The AASM has provided a script (available within the article) that you can use when making phone calls and sending follow-up emails.

Next Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board Meeting is April 29

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The next in-person, public meeting of the Sleep Disorders Research Advisory Board (SDRAB), which is an advisory committee of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), will be held Friday, April 29, 2011, on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Campus in Bethesda, Md., Building 31, C wing, Room 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

FDA Approves Horizant to Treat Restless Legs Syndrome

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the approval of Horizant Extended Release Tablets, a once-daily treatment for moderate to severe restless legs syndrome (RLS). Horizant is the third drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe RLS, joining Requip and Mirapex.

Poll Finds Strong Public Support for Research Funding

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Results of a poll commissioned by Research!America show that 78 percent of Americans think federal funding for health research is important for job creation and the economy.

NIH and AHRQ Focus on Obesity Research and Prevention

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The National Institutes of Health released a new Strategic Plan for NIH Obesity Research to combat the obesity epidemic by encouraging diverse scientific investigations. The plan emphasizes the development of practical solutions by moving science from the laboratory to clinical trials, and it is designed to help target efforts and resources in areas most likely to help.

CMS Open Forum on the Physician Quality Reporting System is April 14

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will host a Special Open Door Forum on the 2011 Physician Quality Reporting System and E-Prescribing Incentive programs. The live conference call will take place on Thursday, April 14, 2011 and will feature three presentations that focus on success stories.

AMA Report Examines Economic Impact of Office-Based Physicians

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The American Medical Association's Advocacy Resource Center has released a report that examines the impact that office-based physicians have on the economy.

ANALYSIS: Medicare Payments for Physician Services in 2012

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Between now and Jan. 1, 2012, physicians can anticipate frequent speculation from industry analysts about how Congress will address the next scheduled reduction to physician Medicare payments. With the Medicare sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula scheduled to cut the 2012 payments by approximately 29.5 percent, Congress will have to impose another short-term fix or develop a permanent solution.

Safety and Efficacy of Hypnotic Drugs Workshop is May 10-11

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Division of Neurology Products, in conjunction with the Pharmaceutical Education & Research Institute Inc. (PERI), will host the Safety and Efficacy of Hypnotic Drugs workshop May 10-11, 2011, at the Bethesda Marriott Hotel in Bethesda, Md.

CDC Reports that U.S. Life Expectancy Continues to Rise

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Life expectancy at birth increased to 78.2 years in 2009, up slightly from 78.0 years in 2008, according to the preliminary 2009 death statistics reported by the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics.

Physicians Scheduled To Receive 29.5% Medicare Pay Cut in 2012

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Medicare officials recently announced that physicians face a 29.5-percent cut in Medicare reimbursement in 2012 unless lawmakers act to prevent the reduction.

IOM Recognizes Sufficient Sleep as a Key Objective in “Healthy People 2020”

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

In December the AASM reported that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services included four sleep health objectives in “Healthy People 2020.” The new 10-year plan covers 42 topics and nearly 600 objectives for health promotion and disease prevention. This week the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies announced that it had identified one of these sleep health objectives as one of the 24 key objectives in the plan.

Safety and Efficacy of Hypnotic Drugs Workshop is May 10-11

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The FDA Division of Neurology Products in conjunction with PERI will host the Safety and Efficacy of Hypnotic Drugs worshop in Bethseda, MD. The workshop will focus on insomnia, study population selections, end-points and efficacy assessments. The second day will center on the safety of insomnia drugs, in particular on the assessment of next-day function, including psychomotor vigilance and driving testing.

AASM Urges Congress to Maintain Appropriate NIH Funding Levels

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Implementing across-the-board budget cuts could stop prominent, patient-oriented research in mid-stream, creating a gap in the research field. The AASM supports funding for the National Institute of Health that will allow the careful continuation of the current research agenda, and urged Congress to recognize the value of the NIH as an incubator for advancing scientific and health-care knowledge.

House Oversight Subcommittee Examines Medicare Fraud

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations examined a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, which noted that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has estimated fiscal year 2010 improper payments for Medicare fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage of almost $48 billion.

CDC Issues Reports on Unhealthy Sleep-Related Behaviors & Short Sleep Duration

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

In Friday's issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on an analysis of data from a new sleep module added to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in 2009.

AASM Comments on Washington State Health Technology Assessment of Sleep Apnea

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The AASM noted that there is an essential patient care benefit in identifying people with OSA and providing the related treatment for this chronic medical condition, outlined some of the connections between OSA and comorbid conditions, and emphasized that the sleep physician has an essential role in the diagnosis and treatment of OSA.

AASM & SRS Urge U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs to Focus on Sleep Disorders in Gulf War Veterans

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

a representative of the AASM and the Sleep Research Society (SRS) appeared before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses and submitted a letter urging the Committee to focus on sleep care research associated with the nation’s veterans.

Participate in Survey about Physicians’ Administrative Burdens

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

An American Medical Association (AMA) survey is giving physicians an opportunity to provide input on rules and regulations that increase their administrative costs and paperwork burden, or that interfere with patient care without a significant benefit to patients and/or the government.

Registration Ends for OIG Free Compliance Training Sessions

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The OIG has announced that all spots are full in the six free compliance plan training sessions offered in early 2011. As a response, the OIG will offer a webcast for those unable to attend.

HHS to Offer Free Compliance Training Sessions in 2011

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The training sessions are aimed at curbing fraud, waste and abuse in the Medicare and Medicaid programs and features presentations from government experts from the OIG, CMS, United States Attorney’s Offices and State Medicaid Fraud Control Units.

Office of the Inspector General to Require Fraud and Abuse Compliance Programs

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The HHS Office of the Inspector General issued a regulatory announcement on February 2 of its intent to finalize new Medicare and Medicaid enrollment standards that will establish procedures to better police fraud and abuse in these programs.

HHS Announces Recovery of $4 Billion Stolen from Federal Health Care Programs in 2010

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

On Monday U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and U.S. Associate Attorney General Thomas J. Perrelli announced a new report showing that the government’s health care fraud prevention and enforcement efforts recovered more than $4 billion in 2010.

New Tools Available to Help with Registration for EHR Incentive Programs

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Earlier this week the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that new tools are available online to help providers register for the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs.

Physician Reimbursement Amendment Added to Health Care Reform Replacement Resolution

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The amendment directs relevant House committees to draft legislation that would permanently change the formula for determining Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians.

Oregon Introduces Bills Punishing Drowsy Drivers with Fines, Imprisonment

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Under both bills, drivers could face hefty fines and even prison time for accidents due to driving while fatigued.

New York Drowsy Driving Legislation Would Amend State Traffic Laws

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Under the two bills, a person who falls asleep while driving or is proven to be without sleep for 24 or more consecutive hours would be considered by state law to be fatigued.

AASM Submits Comments to HHS & AHRQ Focusing on Sleep and Prevention

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The comment advised that the strategy’s Strategic Directions should be expanded to include healthy sleep, recognizing the reality of poor sleep as a readily identifiable and modifiable risk factor associated with the leading causes of death.

New House Budget Rules Impact Funding for Sleep Medicine and Research

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Adopted on Jan. 5, rules package H. Res. 5 revises House operating rules and includes numerous directions for how the House in the 112^th Congress will address budget issues.

Registration is Open for the Medicare & Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Modern Healthcare reports that the first provider payments have already been issued; participants should register early to get the maximum incentive payments.

2010 State Society Update