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MOA Installs Edward J. Canfield, D.O. as its 114th President

The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA), represents more than 8,000 osteopathic physicians and students, installed Edward J. Canfield, D.O. as its 114th president during its annual House of Delegates meeting in Dearborn on May 16, 2012. MORE>

MOPAC adds new giving club level: President’s Circle

Kris T. Nicholoff, MOA CEO/Executive Director made the first donation to the newly established President’s Circle of your Michigan Osteopathic Political Action Committee.

The President’s Circle is an opportunity to show your support for MOPAC at a significant level.

Your MOPAC is the official political action committee of doctors, students, interns and activists supporting the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) and its member physicians. MOPAC engages supporters and policymakers on a variety of issues through fundraisers, meet-and-greets and MOA events; you are encouraged to get involved. MOPAC’s history of developing relationships with key legislative leaders early in their careers provide immense benefits to the osteopathic profession.

“This new donor level is an opportunity to show your support at a significant level. The $1000 President’s Circle will increase MOPAC giving which brings awareness to osteopathic principles among key legislators in our state,” said Mr. Nicholoff. “I am very excited about being founding donor of this level.”

To join the President’s Circle, please visit https://www.mi-osteopathic.org/transactions/mopacDonation.php

BCBSM's 2011 Annual Report: Good for you. Better for everyone

BCBSM's 2011 Annual Report demonstrates how the work of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan benefits more than just their key stakeholders. MORE>

Healthy Kids, Healthy Michigan asks for help to advocate for physical and health education! MORE>

Researchers show prebiotic can reduce severity of colitis

Researchers at Michigan State University have shown a prebiotic may help the body's own natural killer cells fight bacterial infection and reduce inflammation, greatly decreasing the risk of colon cancer. MORE>

Health care law increases payments to doctors for primary care

Primary care physicians serving Medicaid patients would see their Medicaid payments rise under a proposed rule announced today by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.  Through the Affordable Care Act, the increase would bring Medicaid primary care service fees in line with those paid by Medicare. The boost would be in effect for calendar years (CY) 2013 and 2014. States would receive a total of more than $11 billion in new funds to bolster their Medicaid primary care delivery systems. MORE>

Clinical trial could reverse scourge of cerebral malaria for survivors

Michigan State University researchers, with the help of a groundbreaking medical device, are starting a clinical trial in Africa they hope will provide relief for the hundreds of thousands of children who survive cerebral malaria but are left stricken with epilepsy or other neurologic disorders. MORE>

Variation in Interventional Cardiac Care in Michigan

An extensive body of research has identified and examined the wide geographic variation in Medicare utilization and spending in the United States. A small but growing number of studies also assess such variation in commercially insured populations. Our previous report on health care variation (CHRTBook: Health Care Variation in Michigan1) described geographic variation in the use of cardiac procedures in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) members in Michigan. MORE>

The May-June 2012 issue of BCN Provider News is now available online

This issue is full of valuable information, including:

Value Partnerships program gaining recognition

Value Partnerships programs are continuing to gain national recognition. Value Partnerships team members, as well as our partners in the PO and hospital community, are frequently asked to present both locally and nationally on the successes in practice transformation and quality improvement that have been realized through various Value Partnerships programs, including the Physician Group Incentive Program, Patient-Centered Medical Home, Collaborative Quality Initiatives and Organized Systems of Care. MORE>

Specialty uplifts coming: PGIP physicians must update Portico specialty

Coming in 2013, physicians in several select provider specialties will be eligible to receive uplifts if their practice unit is nominated and subsequently selected by BCBSM. To correctly identify all PGIP physicians that may be eligible for future uplifts, physicians must verify the accuracy of their primary specialty type in Portico. Although the Self Report Database collects physician primary practice type, PGIP will use Portico’s information to further define specialists. We encourage POs to communicate to their physicians the importance of validating and updating, if needed, their primary specialty. MORE>

Snyder Signs Motorcycle Helmet Requirement Repeal

Motorcyclists will be able to ride helmet-free for the first time in decades with Governor Rick Snyder signing a bill ending Michigan's longtime mandatory helmet requirement.

Mr. Snyder signed SB 291 Thursday afternoon, but it was not filed until 9 a.m. today with the Office of the Great Seal.
~ from Gongwer News Service

Snyder Vetoes $10M For Hospitals With Large Medicaid Populations

Governor Rick Snyder vetoed the $10 million bill allocated to hospitals that treat a disproportionate share of those covered by Medicaid.

The funds were specifically set aside for hospitals getting a smaller share of the existing $45 million pool of funds in the disproportionate share program to increase their payments. Those hospitals have mounted a push for fairer treatment under the program, which appropriates the bulk of its funds to the Detroit Medical Center.

In his veto message for HB 4289*, Mr. Snyder noted the funding was for "a limited group of hospitals" and appropriated money that he has recommended carrying forward for use in the 2012-13 fiscal year. "Pulling back the money from next year’s budget into the current year would leave a hole in FY 13. The governor wants to avoid that," Snyder spokesperson Ken Silfven said.

Several hospitals had pushed hard for the Legislature to increase the pool of funds available through the disproportionate share program to aid those hospitals getting a small amount of the funds. Officials with those hospitals could not be reached Thursday for reaction to Mr. Snyder's decision.

UPDATE on Universal Prior Authorization, SBs 429 and 430

The Michigan State Senate Insurance Committee voted unanimously to support Senate Bills 429 and 430 which calls on Michigan's Insurance Commissioner to create a single universal prior authorization form to create uniformity in the authorization process, replacing hundreds of pages of paperwork currently forced on physicians. Kurt C. Anderson, D.O. and William R. Morrone, D.O. both testified in support of SBs 429 and 430 earlier this month on this issue.

On March 29, the Senate did pass both universal prior authorization bills (429 and 430) by a vote of 38-0.  The Bills now will move to the House.

Read the original Press Release. View Dr. Anderson's testimony.

MPCC’s Adult Immunization Second Plenary Session

The Michigan Primary Care Consortium’s (MPCC) Adult Immunization Second Plenary Session (SPS) was held on March 29. MOA members Craig T. Magnatta, D.O., MPCC chairman, and Lawrence J. Cowsill, D.O. was in attendance as was Kevin M. McFatridge, MOA’s manager of communications.

The keynote speaker was Carolyn Bridges, M.D., Associate Director of the Centers for Disease Control's adult immunization division. Additionally, research was presented by Walt Talamonti, M.D., medical director of Ford Motor Company; Annette Mercatante, M.D., director of the St. Clair County Health Department; John McLaughlin, PhD., Pfizer medical affairs; Eddy Bresnitz, M.D., MSCE, Merck Vaccines; L.J. Tan, PhD., director of medicine and public health of the American Medical Association; and Robert Swanson, MPH, director of the division of immunization for Michigan Department of Community Health. All offered insights on the quality of life and financial advantages and barriers for adult immunization.

The day long, collaborative session also conducted a "roll up your sleeves" afternoon of work groups which addressed immunization barriers and providing recommendations. Those work groups were:

  1. Integrated, Networked, Adult Immunization Delivery Platform;
  2. Provider Awareness and Culture in Adult Immunization;
  3. Consumer and Community Awareness and Culture in Adult Immunization;
  4. Provider Adult Immunization Guidelines;
  5. Provider and Recipient Incentives and Metrics and Financial Barriers to Full Adult Immunization;
  6. Challenges in Communities to Full Adult Immunization; and,
  7. Access Barriers to Full Adult Immunization

Dr. Magnatta attended the second work group, which focused on Provider Awareness and Culture in Adult Immunization. Dr. Cowsill attended the fifth work group, which focused on Provider and Recipient Incentives and Metrics and Financial Barriers to Full Adult Immunization along with Mr. McFatridge who also served as the Work Group Leader.

For more information on the SPS, please visit MPCC’s website.

Media coverage included:

MDCH Update to HIPAA 5010 Deadline 

In response to CMS's most recent extension of the 5010 enforcement period from April 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012, MDCH will be continuing as planned and not be accepting 4010 claims after March 31, 2012.

Effective Sunday, April 1, 2012, all transactions sent to MDCH Medicaid must be in 5010 format. Transactions submitted in 4010 format will be rejected. You will not receive payment from Michigan Medicaid on any claims submitted in 4010 format.

In preparation for our final change-over to 5010, we have recognized that some claims are still being submitted in the 4010 format. Please make the necessary changes needed prior to April 1, 2012 so that your claims can be adjudicated properly in the 5010 format. You must also submit data using the appropriate Application IDs for 5010. Application IDs of 4780 (for fee-for-service claims) and 4951 (for managed care encounters) used for 4010 files will be discontinued and will reject at the Data Exchange Gateway.

For those Providers who are not prepared for 5010, or will not be ready by April 1, 2012 we recommend that you submit your transactions through Direct Data Entry screens in CHAMPS.

For any questions please contact us at: MDCH-5010@Michigan.gov

MOA President addresses MSUCOM students


Pictured are: Dean William D. Strampel, D.O.; MOA President Kurt C. Anderson, D.O.; Jesse Park, MOA Student Trustee.

On March 26, 2012 Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) President, Kurt C. Anderson, D.O. addressed Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine students regarding the importance of being an MOA member. After giving a brief history on what led him toward osteopathic medicine, he explained to the students what the MOA does for physicians and the many benefits physicians, practice managers and others receive. Students responded with questions ranging from why he chose his field of medicine, to how the MOA can help them as they move forward through their internships and residencies. Both Dr. Anderson and Kris T. Nicholoff, CEO and Executive Director of the MOA encouraged the MSUCOM students to get involved with the Association early.  

MOPAC chairman attends fundraiser


Pictured are: Anthony F. Ognjan, D.O., MOPAC chair and OPAC committee member and Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Senator for Michigan.

Anthony F. Ognjan, D.O., Michigan Osteopathic Political Action Committee (MOPAC) chair, attended a political fundraiser with Kris T. Nicholoff, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) in Lansing on March 23.

Dr. Ognjan attended the fundraiser on behalf of MOPAC as well as a committee member of the American Osteopathic Association Political Action Committee (OPAC), which was a recent appointment.

During the fundraiser, Dr. Ognjan was able to spend time with Debbie Stabenow, U.S. Senator for Michigan.

MOA members recognized at ACOFP Annual Convention and Scientific Seminars

The American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians’ (ACOFP) Annual Convention and Scientific Seminars were held March 15-18 in Kissimmee, FL. This educational event for osteopathic family physicians and professionals provided a wide range of workshops and lectures on the latest techniques and advances in the field.

On March 16, the Osteopathic Political Action Committee (OPAC) held a reception thanking their donors. Pictured (L-R) are Premier Circle Club donors: George T. Sawabini, D.O., FACOFP, ACOFP Immediate Past President; Joseph P. McNerney, Macomb County Osteopathic Medical Association President; Peter L. Schmelzer, CAE, Executive Director ACOFP; Andrew Adair, D.O., Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians (MAOFP) President; Kris T. Nicholoff, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA); Mark E. Sikorski, D.O., FACOFP,  Speaker, Congress of Delegates; Grozda Swetech; Stephen M. Swetech, D.O., FACOFP.

During the President’s Banquet on March 17, the presentation of the Distinguished Service, Osteopathic Family Heritage and Lifetime Achievement Awards were announced. Stephen M. Swetech, D.O., FACOFP was honored with an Osteopathic Family Heritage Award and Joseph R. McNerney, D.O., FACOFP dist. Was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The ACOFP Osteopathic Family Heritage Award honors those who have family members who also contribute to the osteopathic medical profession. Dr. Swetech’s wife is the clinic manager at Swetech Medical Center, his son is in the medical scholars program at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and his daughter begins MSUCOM this summer.

The ACOFP Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an outstanding individual who demonstrates career-long service to patients, to the profession of osteopathic family medicine, and to the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.

Congratulations to MOA members Dr. McNerney and Dr. Swetech.

MOA President-elect testifies in front of Senate Appropriations DCH subcommittee

On March 15, Edward J. Canfield, D.O., president-elect for the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA), testified in front of the Michigan Senate Appropriations Department of Community Health (DCH) subcommittee in regards to the MOA’s position on two issues:

  1. Support the governor’s proposal to preserve access to primary care services by appropriating $281 million in federal funds to increase primary care rates from Medicaid to Medicare levels;
  2. Restore funding in FY 2013 for graduate medical education (GME), which is a critical factor for providing health care access for Michigan’s uninsured and Medicaid patients and for addressing the growing physician workforce shortage in our state. The newly proposed $17.1 million (gross) cut in FY 2013 is compounded by an additional $14.7 million (gross) cut to GME made in FY 2012.

During Dr. Canfield’s testimony, a few questions were asked by Senator Darwin Booher of the 35th District and Chairman John Moolenaar of the 36th District, which showed their engagement in the topic at hand.

Of the day’s events, Dr. Canfield had to say “It’s great the MOA made me aware of the opportunity to speak on behalf of our member physicians. I appreciate the subcommittees’ time and willingness to listen to my testimony.”

Physicians ask State Lawmakers to approve Health Care Reform that Cuts Wait Times, Improves Access to Care

On March 13, the Michigan State Senate Insurance Committee voted unanimously to support Senate Bills 429 and 430 which calls on Michigan's Insurance Commissioner to create a single universal prior authorization form to create uniformity in the authorization process, replacing hundreds of pages of paperwork currently forced on physicians. Kurt C. Anderson, D.O. and William R. Morrone, D.O. both testified in support of SBs 429 and 430. Read the Press Release. View Dr. Anderson's testimony.

IMPORTANT CME CHANGES

Beginning with the current CME cycle ending December 31, 2012, AOA members will have five months to fulfill their CME requirements. Previously, members were allowed 17 months following the close of a cycle to fulfill the CME requirement and maintain their AOA membership and AOA board certification. If you have questions about the change, contact the CME Service Center at cme@osteopathic.org.

In other news:

The Economic Impact of Health Care in Michigan, Seventh Edition MORE>
New Cancer Screening Guidelines MORE>
HHS proposes one-year delay of ICD-10 compliance date View the proposed rule; fact sheets.
Beginning April 1: All Medicare Claims Must be Submitted in 5010 Format MORE>
text4baby MORE>
 Osteopathic Continueous Certification (OCC) materials available in AOA Online Store MORE>
SIGN UP TODAY! All Providers are expected to Subscribe to WPS Medicare eNews MORE>
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons asks for your Help MORE>
2012 Electronic Prescribing (eRx) Incentive Program Payment Adjustment Feedback Report Update MORE>
Town Hall Meeting on State of Medicine MORE>
ICD-10 MORE>
Medicare Participation Guide / SGR Resources MORE>
The Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation (CHRT) flow chart MORE>
2012 Medicare Physician Payments MORE>
Mandated Reporters MORE>
CMS & 5010 enforcement MORE>
FRAUD ALERT: Recognition Award targets physicians MORE>
Medicaid Toolkit MORE>