New Guide Available from Performance Measure Committee

Need guidance on how to successfully report PQRS measures and avoid future Medicare payment adjustments? Check out the NASS Performance Measurement Committee’s guide, “Navigating CMS Quality Initiatives: Avoiding Penalties.”

NASS’ DC Advocacy Update

Tags

Affordable Care Act, Medical Technology, Medicare, SGR

SENATORS INTRODUCE BILL TO LIMIT AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF HHS: Last week, Senators Tom Coburn, MD (R-OK), John Barrasso, MD (R-WY), Rand Paul, MD (R-KY) and John Boozman, OD (R-AR), introduced, S. 2278, the Safeguarding Care of Patients Everywhere Act (SCOPE ACT). This legislation aims to protect the physician-patient relationship endangered by repealing section 1311(h) of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). According to the Senators, this provision grants the authority to the Health and Human Services Secretary to determine whether a doctor is providing “quality health care measures”  and can prohibit health insurers from working with medical providers who don’t meet Secretary-established criteria for quality. This Senate bill is a companion to a House bill that was previously introduced by Rep. Phil Gingrey, MD (R-GA). At this time there is little legislative activity to report; however, NASS will continue to monitor this legislation and provide any updates as they become available.

ABIM Foundation Defends ‘Choosing Wisely’

Tags

ABIM, Choosing Wisely, Media

In 2013, NASS joined more than 50 medical specialty societies participating in ABIM Foundation’s Choosing Wisely campaign. This campaign encourages active discussion between physicians and patients about the most appropriate care, based on the patient’s situation and the very latest in research and treatment. Specialty organizations were asked to explore the necessity of tests and procedures within their field and create lists of “Things Physicians and Patients Should Question.”

Daniel Wolfson of ABIM Foundation recently wrote an essay in response to an article that questioned the merits of the Choosing Wisely initiative. The response lauds the leadership of the specialty organizations and examines the interconnectedness of the health care system that lead to the lists. Wolfson states the project is important for reducing waste in a time of waning health care resources, and asserts that improvements can only be made by having these discussions with health care stakeholders, physicians and patients.

NASS’ list of “Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question” is available on both the NASS and Choosing Wisely websites.

Take Dr. Mick’s Final Presidential Poll: Spine Is #1

If you have not had a chance to read Dr. Mick’s last presidential message, you can do so at http://www.spineline-digital.org.

Take Dr. Mick’s Code of Silence Part II Survey!

Take 2 minutes and weigh in on Dr. Mick’s latest survey from the May/June issue of SpineLine. Results will appear in the September/October issue! If you have not read Dr. Mick’s Presidential Message, you can do so at http://www.spineline-digital.org. Click the link below and take the survey now!

This survey is now closed. Thanks to all who participated.

Take Dr. Mick’s Health Care Reform Poll Now! [now closed]

Update: Thanks so much to all who participated in Dr. Mick’s health care reform poll. The results of the poll will appear in the March/April edition of SpineLine. Watch the NASS Blog for an opportunity to participate in the next of Dr. Mick’s presidential surveys!

 

Weigh in on health care reform by taking Dr. Mick’s SpineLine poll!

If you haven’t read Dr. Mick’s Presidential Message, you can do so here.

November/December President’s Message Poll: Now Closed!

The first of NASS President Charles Mick’s surveys is now closed! The results from the survey will appear in the upcoming January/February issue of SpineLine. Watch for it in your mailbox or check out the digital edition at http://www.spineline-digital.org! Thanks for your participation.

New Content on KnowYourBack.org

Tags

knowyourback.org, patient education

A new feature article recently posted on the NASS patient education website, http://www.knowyourback.org, regarding smoking and back pain. The article, entitled “Does Your Back Hurt? Then Put Down that Butt!” can be viewed here:  http://goo.gl/mxOml

If you have an article you think would benefit the patient population,  please contact Kelly Dattilo at kdattilo@spine.org.

Spine Safety Notice: Acetaminophen

Information for Healthcare Professionals:
Acetaminophen Prescription Products Limited to 325 mg Per Dosage Unit: Drug Safety Communication

Source: FDA MedWatch

Audience: Pharmacy, Pain Management

Spine Safety Notice: Remicade for IV Injection

Tags

Spine Safety Warning

Information for Healthcare Professionals: remicade (infliximab) for intravenous (iv) injection: warnings and adverse reactions – labeling changes

WARNINGS

Hypersensitivity

• In rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and psoriasis clinical trials, re-administration of Remicade after a period of no treatment resulted in a higher incidence of infusion reactions relative to regular maintenance treatment. In general, the benefitrisk of re-administration of Remicade after a period of no-treatment, especially as a reinduction regimen given at weeks 0, 2 and 6, should be carefully considered. In the case where Remicade maintenance therapy for psoriasis is interrupted, Remicade should be reinitiated as a single dose followed by maintenance therapy.