AOA Latest News                                                                                

Osteopathic medical students receive results for 2010 Match

More than 1,400 osteopathic medical students have received Match placements for AOA-approved internship and residency programs during the next training year. The National Matching Service released results today, reporting that a total of 1,794 individuals participated in the 2010 Match. View Match results. updated Jan. 27

AOA President Wickless calls on DOs to help prevent Medicare payment cuts

AOA President Larry A. Wickless, DO, has issued a video statement urging members of the osteopathic family to take action to prevent the 21.2% cut to Medicare physician payments scheduled to take effect March 1. In addition to calling on lawmakers to address the flaws of the sustainable growth rate formula used to calculate physician payment, Dr. Wickless implores members of Congress to preserve patient access to physician services. On behalf of the AOA, Dr. Wickless encourages all DOs and osteopathic medical students to urge their members of Congress to enact legislation that will provide a meaningful and long-term solution. Take action today by calling (877) AOA-9400. Learn more. Watch the video on YouTube. updated Feb. 3

Osteopathic family contributes to relief efforts in Haiti

The AOA and DOCARE International are accepting financial contributions from the osteopathic family to help with relief efforts in the wake of the 7.0 earthquake that struck Southern Haiti on Jan. 12. In addition to destroying the headquarters for the U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti, the earthquake caused two of the three hospitals in the area to collapse, leaving injured and dying victims without access to care. Donations will be routed to internationally recognized aid organizations in which DOs are participating. Learn more about how you can help. updated Jan. 27

AOA hosts Virtual Town Hall Meeting on health care reform

On Jan. 21, the AOA hosted the seventh in a series of virtual town hall meetings focusing on health care reform. Following remarks from AOA President Larry A. Wickless, DO, AOA Director of Government Relations Shawn Martin provided participants with a comprehensive overview of current health care reform efforts in Congress, the process of merging the health reform bills, and the anticipated impact of the Massachusetts special election. View a replay of the webinar. updated Jan. 22 

President-elect Nichols testifies before House Doctors Caucus

AOA President-elect Karen J. Nichols, DO, participated in a Jan. 21 health care reform briefing hosted by the House of Representatives’ Doctors Caucus. After providing background information on the osteopathic medical profession, Dr. Nichols focused her testimony on physician work force, graduate medical education issues and student debt concerns. She urged lawmakers to maintain provisions in health care reform legislation that will create new training opportunities and clarify existing regulations governing non-hospital training. Read her full testimony. updated Jan. 21 

United Healthcare plans no changes in payment for consultation codes

United Healthcare has announced that there will be no change in reimbursement for commercial plans. Physicians may continue to bill for CPT codes 99241-99245 and 99251-99255 and follow the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines that are outlined in the December coding hint for coding whether Medicare is the primary or secondary payer. United Healthcare's Medicare Solutions, including Secure Horizons, AARP, Medicare Complete, Evercare, and AmeriChoice Medicare Advantage benefit plans, will follow CMS regulations and implemented the change effective Jan. 1. updated Jan. 20

AOA extends condolences to family and friends of FOMA president

The AOA is deeply saddened to learn about the deaths of Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA) President Robert G. Blackburn, DO, and his wife Sarah Blackburn. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Blackburns' families during this difficult time. FOMA has released a statement regarding this tragic situation on its Web site. updated Jan. 11

National Influenza Week stresses importance of continuing vaccinations

National Influenza Week, January 10-16, highlights the significance of continuing influenza vaccination. To further prevent the spread of H1N1 during 2010, National Influenza Week aims to educate high-risk individuals who have not yet been vaccinated or want to learn more about vaccinations. Because the traditional flu season is just beginning and typically lasts until May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages patients with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children, young adults, infant caregivers and health care workers to continue getting vaccinated against H1N1. Learn more about National Influenza Week, including details about activities planned in your state. updated Jan. 11

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