DO-Online.org - American Osteopathic Association

Pharmaceutical Company Issues Drug Warning for Quinine Sulfate Capsules

AR Scientific, Inc., has issued a warning regarding potential serious and life-threatening hemotologic reactions resulting from use of Qualaquin (quinine sulfate) capsules, 324 mg., which are approved only for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria and not for treatment or prevention of nocturnal leg cramps. Read the letter to physicians and other healthcare providers. updated Aug. 5

Watch Now! AOA Inaugurates Karen J. Nichols, DO, as 114th President

On July 17, the AOA inaugurated Karen J. Nichols, DO, as its 114th president and the first female president of the AOA. An osteopathic internist from Arizona and Dean of the Midwestern University/Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr Nichols will focus on "Teamwork" during her term as AOA President. During her Inaugural Address, she thanked Immediate Past President Larry A. Wickless, DO, for his leadership over the past year and outlined several goals for her presidency. Watch Dr. Nichols' Inaugural Ceremony now! View end user requirements. Learn more about Dr. Nichols' presidential focus. updated July 27

AOA Announces Call for Annual History Essay Competition Submissions

The AOA Bureau of Osteopathic History and Identity is now accepting entries for its sixth annual history essay competition. To encourage DOs and osteopathic medical students to explore the profession's past struggles and achievements, contestents are asked to focus their essays on one of the six principles from the bureau's "Core Principles for Teaching the History of Osteopathic Medicine." The bureau will bestow up to three awards: a $5,000 first prize, a $3,000 second prize and a $2,000 third prize. The winning authors will be honored during OMED 2010, the AOA's 115th Annual Osteopathic Medical Conference and Exposition, which will be held Oct. 24-28 in San Francisco. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 13. For full details, see The DO article "With $10,000 in Prizes, History Bureau's Essay Contest Targets Five Core Principles." updated July 27

U.S. Surgeon General Addresses DOs, Students at House of Delegates Meeting

The Honorable Rear Admiral Regina Benjamin, MD, USPHS, the 18th Surgeon General of the United States, addressed members of the AOA House of Delegates in Chicago on July 17. A member of the AOA, Dr. Benjamin discussed the importance of prevention and wellness, as well as the role the osteopathic medical profession plays in caring for the nation's underserved patients. During the inaugural ceremony for the AOA's 114th President, Karen J. Nichols, DO, Dr. Benjamin saluted Dr. Nichols for becoming the first woman to serve as president of the AOA. Read more and listen to Dr. Benjamin's address on The DO website. updated July 26

More than 400 DOs Convene in Chicago for AOA 2010 Annual Business Meeting

The 90th Annual Meeting of the AOA House of Delegates commenced in Chicago Friday, July 16, under the leadership of Carl Michael Pesta, DO, Speaker of the House, and Ray E. Morrison, DO, Vice Speaker. AOA President Larry A. Wickless, DO, gave his farewell remarks to the 425 Delegates in attendance, thanking them for their support throughout his Presidential year. He also presented Presidential Citations to William D. Strampel, DO, Dean of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine; W. Jack Macgruder, EdD, President of the A.T. Still University Board of Trustees; and Rick Vincent, MBA, CEO of the Osteopathic Research Center. Learn more about the meeting. updated July 16

FDA Launches Health Care Professional Outreach Program

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently launched an outreach program to educate health care professionals about how they can help the FDA ensure that prescription drug advertising and promotion is truthful and not misleading. The “Bad Ad” program will help health care providers recognize and report misleading prescription drug information and facilitate reporting violations to the FDA. Violations can be reported to the agency via email at BadAd@fda.gov or phone at (877) 793-3622. For more information, visit www.fda.gov/badad. updated July 8

AOA President Addresses Medicare Physician Payment

In light of Congressional action this week to reverse the 21.3% cut to Medicare physician payments without addressing a long-term solution to the flawed sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, physicians continue to question the stability of the Medicare program and their ability to continue to provide care for Medicare beneficiaries. As a result, AOA President Larry A. Wickless, DO, has drafted a "Dear Colleague" letter to all osteopathic physicians regarding the current state the of the Medicare physician payment formula and the options available to all physicians regarding the Medicare program. Read the letter from Dr. Wickless. updated June 25

Download a PPACA Tent Card to display in your office

The AOA has created a new resource to help physicians and their patients find the most current information on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). DOs can display a printable AOA Tent Card in their offices directing patients to DO-Online's PPACA online education center, where they will find healthcare reform resources and helpful links. Download the printable tent card. updated May 26

Teamwork Celebrated at AOA Reception

AOA President Larry A. Wickless, DO (left) and AMA President J. James Rohack, MD (right) meet this week during the AMA House of Delegates.

AOA President Larry A. Wickless, DO, and President-elect Karen J. Nichols, DO, hosted a reception at AOA Headquarters in honor of the teamwork and collaboration between the AOA, the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB). Several AMA and FSMB leaders were invited to attend, along with all DOs who serve as delegates in the AMA House of Delegates, which is meeting this week in Chicago. AMA President J. James Rohack, MD, AMA Chair-elect Ardis Dee Hoven, MD, Humayun J. Chaudhry, DO, President & CEO, and FSMB Chair Freda McKissie Bush, MD, were among the honored guests who attended the Reception. updated June 14

New Mexico historic marker honors first black DO

The state of New Mexico has unveiled a historic marker honoring the first black osteopathic physician, Meta L. Christy, DO. African-American DOs have been members of the AOA since the 1930s, when Dr. Christy joined the association after graduating from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1921. Dr. Christy ran a clinic in her Las Vegas home for several years. The marker was created as part of the New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative. Read the article to learn more. updated June 9

Learn more about how the new health reform law affects GME

As part of the AOA's ongoing efforts to inform physicians and patients about the provisions included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, this week's focus turns to those provisions included in the law that impact graduate medical education. View the AOA's one-pager on GME and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. updated June 1

FTC delays enforcement of "Red Flags" rule

The AOA has joined with the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC) to file a lawsuit in federal court last week seeking to prevent the FTC from extending identity theft regulations to physicians. The complaint, prepared by the Litigation Center of the AMA and State Medical Societies, targets the "Red Flags" Rule, which requires creditors to implement safeguards against identity theft. The medical societies charge that the FTC’s rule exceeds the powers delegated to it by Congress and that its application to physicians is "arbitrary, capricious and contrary to the law." At the request of Congress, the FTC has now delayed the enforcement of the "Red Flags" rule until December 31, 2010; the Red Flags rule was scheduled to go into effect on June 1. For more information on the delay, visit the FTC website. updated May 28

Crosby speaks at press conference on Medicare payment legislation

AOA Executive Director John B. Crosby, JD (far right in photo), represented the osteopathic family on Wednesday during a Capitol Hill press conference to call upon the U.S. House of Representatives to support the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act (H.R. 4213). The proposed legislation will help preserve access to health care for millions of Medicare beneficiaries until 2014 by preventing the scheduled 21.1% cut to Medicare physician payment and replacing the reduction with at least 1% positive updates until a permanent fix to the flawed sustainable growth rate formula can be implemented. updated May 26

Kids learn the basics of osteopathic medicine from 'schoolhouse docs'

Learning the fundamentals of healthy fitness and nutrition can be tricky for kids. But thanks to a team of DOs and osteopathic medical students who visited Clifford Johnson Elementary School in Warrenville, Ill, on April 22, students learned that making healthy choices can be fun. As part of National Osteopathic Medicine (NOM) Week, held April 19-23, the AOA hosted a mini-medical school to educate elementary school students about preventive medicine. During the event, volunteer DOs and osteopathic medical students taught pint-sized participants about protecting their bodies from germs and making healthy choices when it comes to fitness and nutrition. View The DO's audio slide show from the mini-medical school. updated May 18

DO-Online survey results lay groundwork for website improvements

The AOA would like to thank all members who participated in DO-Online's Web-based survey last month. The feedback generated from the survey will be used to enhance and improve the AOA's website. All survey respondents were entered into a drawing for a free iPad. Congratulations to Yancy Galutia, DO, of Owasso, Okla., on winning the drawing. updated May 18

AOA poll: Medicare payment policies threaten access to care

An alarming number of physicians will stop seeing Medicare beneficiaries if current payment policies are not reformed, according to an independent poll conducted on behalf of the AOA. When physicians who have input into what kind of insurance they accept in their practices were asked about the pending 21.3% cut in Medicare payments, only 42% said they would definitely or probably continue seeing their current Medicare patients if the cut were to occur. "These numbers should be a wake up call to policymakers," stated AOA President Larry A. Wickless, DO. Read more and view poll results. updated May 12

Timeline maps out provisions of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) contains several provisions that will have an impact on physicians, their practices, payment policies, and patient insurance coverage. The AOA has created a series of educational documents aimed at educating osteopathic physicians and the profession about the provisions contained in the PPACA. View a timeline outlining implementation of the major provisions of the bill. updated May 10

The next AOA Regional Osteopathic Medical Education (ROME) conference is just around the corner, offering up to 23 hours of AOA Category 1-A CME programming on practice management, women’s health issues, pediatric health, OMT, and much more. ROME–Mid-Atlantic will take place July 29-31 in Cambridge, Md., at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay. You can receive up to $100 off registration if you register for ROME–Mid-Atlantic by June 1. View ROME information, including registration details, the complete CME program schedule, and hotel information. updated May 6

Nearly 800 DOs, osteopathic medical students rally for reform on Capitol Hill

DOs, osteopathic medical students and supporters from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., last week for the AOA's premier advocacy event, DO Day on Capitol Hill. Nearly 800 participants met with lawmakers to discuss issues of importance to the osteopathic medical profession, including Medicare physician reimbursement. This year's event drew participants from nearly every state in the U.S. and delegations from almost every osteopathic medical school. Read more and view a photo slideshow from DO Day on Capitol Hill. updated May 4

What has the AOA done for you lately?

The AOA prides itself on being the professional family for DOs and osteopathic medical students by offering numerous services and benefits exclusively for its members. If you are an AOA member, we hope that you have taken full advantage of the many services and benefits available to you. We also hope that you have turned to us for assistance when you faced a dilemma during your career, whether discrimination because of your DO credentials, inaccurate portrayals of DOs in the media or coding and reimbursement issues. If the AOA has helped you deal with a challenging issue, let us know by filling out this member testimonial form. updated April 15

What does the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act mean for patients?

To help inform members of the osteopathic medical profession and the public about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the AOA has created an online education center featuring a variety of background documents and links to legislative resources. For the next 16 weeks, the AOA will provide an overview of the various issues and provisions included in the new legislation. This week, the AOA will focus on what patients need to know about the PPACA—from expanding coverage for the uninsured to accessing preventive health care services. Learn more about what the PPACA means for patients. updated May 3

JAOA publishes annual osteopathic medical education theme issue

The annual osteopathic medical education theme issue for JAOA—The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association is now available online. In addition to 2010 updates on everything from college accreditation to board certification, this year’s theme issue features three DO-authored reports that examine student performance on COMLEX-USA Level 2-PE, describe the implementation of an addiction medicine curriculum, and evaluate Web-based asynchronous technology in a clinical clerkship. Visit the JAOA Web site. updated April 16

AOA responds to omission of osteopathic medical profession in Wall Street Journal article

On April 14, AOA President Larry A. Wickless, DO, sent a letter to the editor of the Wall Street Journal in response to an article titled "Medical Schools Can't Keep Up," which was published on April 13, 2010. While the article focused much-needed attention on the severity of the projected shortage of primary care physicians, it failed to acknowledge the important role of osteopathic physicians within the nation's primary care physician work force. In his letter, Dr. Wickless stresses the strong emphasis that osteopathic medical education places on primary care, noting that DOs currently account for 10% of the total primary care physician population in the U.S. Read the letter in the AOA's Media Center. updated April 14

Tell Congress to stop jeopardizing patient access to care

Show your support for the enactment of meaningful physician payment reforms by signing a petition sponsored by the AOA. After signing the petition, urge your patients, colleagues, family, and friends to do the same. Together, we can send a clear and convincing message to Congress that health care coverage is not access to health care. Congress must follow through on the promise of Medicare, Medicaid, and the recently enacted health care reform legislation and ensure that all patients have access to physicians. Learn more. updated April 13

Health care stakeholders meet to advance adoption of medical home

AOA Executive Director John B. Crosby, JD, represented the osteopathic family Tuesday in our nation's capitol during a stakeholder meeting for the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative. Crosby introduced the meeting's keynote speaker, U.S. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin, MD, who stressed the importance of increasing adoption of the patient centered medical home. Live coverage of her keynote address, "Preventing Chronic Disease Through Trust-Based Relationships in the Medical Home," aired live on C-SPAN 2. Watch the address. updated March 30

What has the AOA done for you lately?

AOA provides online resource center for HIT information

The AOA believes that, if implemented properly, the widespread adoption of health information technologies such as e-prescribing and electronic health records will reduce the occurrence of medical errors, enhance quality, and improve the efficiency of providing medical care. The AOA supports efforts to ensure that all patient populations, especially those in rural and underserved communities, benefit from HIT. While the AOA supports the adoption and implementation of EHR systems, the association has several concerns with the proposed EHR incentive program. To read more about the EHR requirements and the AOA's recent comments on "meaningful use," visit the AOA's new HIT online resource center. updated March 26

Health Policy Fellowship, Training in Policy Studies programs accept applications

The Health Policy Fellowship and Training in Policy Studies programs are now accepting applications for the classes of 2010-2011. Now in its 17th year, the Health Policy Fellowship is designed to teach mid-career osteopathic physicians to affect change in health policy on the local, state, and federal levels. During a year-long series of seminars beginning in August, Health Policy Fellows study the economics of health policy, federal and state health programs and the impact of health care reform. The TIPS program is a leadership program designed for second and third year (PGY2 and PGY3) osteopathic residents interested in health policy. Learn more about both programs. updated April 9

Obama signs historic health care reform bill into law

Following more than 15 months of debate, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on March 23. The House of Representatives approved the legislation on March 21, following approval by the Senate in December. On behalf of the 67,000 osteopathic physicians it represents, the AOA congratulates lawmakers on the approval of this historic legislation. For the first time in history, nearly all Americans will have access to affordable health care coverage and will be protected in their interactions with health insurance companies. View the vote summary. updated March 23

HRSA program offers up to $40,000 for student loan repayment

The Health Resources and Services Administration is now accepting applications for its Faculty Loan Repayment Program, which can provide physicians from disadvantaged backgrounds with up to $40,000 to repay student loans. The program seeks to recruit health care professionals to serve on the faculties of accredited health profession institutions for a minimum of two years. Faculty members who are degree-trained health care professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds are eligible to apply. Learn more. updated March 19

DO helps shed light on the dangers of inhalant abuse

On March 11, the AOA joined the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at a press conference to raise awareness about the dangers children face by sniffing inhalants to get high. Guest speakers included Jennifer N. Caudle, DO, an AOA board-certified family physician and director of the family medicine section of the Department of Internal Medicine at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore. Dr. Caudle was quoted as a media expert in articles published on ABCnews.com, FOXnews.com and CNN Health. updated March 11

Florida DO featured in media coverage of pending Medicare payment cuts

On March 3, AOA Trustee Joseph Giaimo, DO, was featured in a news broadcast on Florida NBC affiliate WPTV. During the broadcast, Dr. Giaimo discussed how Medicare physician payment cuts will affect physicians and their patients. As the AOA's representative to the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, Dr. Giaimo regularly travels to Washington, D.C., to consult with Medicare and Medicaid officials about ensuring patient care by providing fair reimbursement for physicians. Watch the video. offsite content updated March 11

Congress extends 2009 Medicare pay rates for additional 30 days

The U.S. Senate has approved H.R. 4691, legislation that extends the current Medicare physician payment policy until March 31, 2010. The bill, which passed in the Senate by a vote of 78-19, was approved by the House of Representatives on February 26. The Senate vote ensures that the 21.2% cut in Medicare physician payments scheduled to take effect March 1 will be averted for 30 additional days. The AOA urges all physicians to take action by asking members of Congress to permanently repeal the SGR formula. Contact your lawmakers. updated March 11

AOA provides members with one-stop shop for HIT information

To reap the rewards of more than $19 billion in financial incentives for health information technology (HIT) adoption provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, physicians must make "meaningful use" of HIT and use qualified or certified electronic health record systems. The AOA has created a one-stop shop for all AOA members interested in learning more about how to become a meaningful user and what they need to do to collect federal HIT incentive payments, which will become available starting in 2011. Learn more. updated Feb. 19

Osteopathic family unites in response to New York Times article

Members of the osteopathic family have united to educate the public in response to an article titled "Expecting a Surge in U.S. Medical Schools" that was published on the front page of The New York Times on Feb. 15, 2010. Noting an influx in the number of medical schools opening across the country, the article failed to acknowledge the five osteopathic medical schools that have opened during the last four years. AOA President Larry A. Wickless and several other members of the osteopathic medical profession have written letters to the editor describing rapid growth in the number of osteopathic medical students and the contributions of DOs who treat patients in medically underserved regions. Read The New York Times article. Read letters to the editor from members of the osteopathic family. updated Feb. 18

Nearly 1,800 osteopathic medical students participate in 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 reports that a total of 1,794 individuals participated in the 2010 Match, resulting in 1,483 successful matches. This figure is slightly up from the 1,433 students who matched last year. In addition, there will be an additional 218 osteopathic graduates serving in the military this year. View Match results. updated Feb. 16

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

DOs, osteopathic medical students contribute to relief efforts following Haiti earthquake

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 members only content 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

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

CMS invites feedback on claims processes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched the fifth annual Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS), which offers Medicare fee-for-service (FSS) providers an opportunity to give CMS feedback on the services provided by the contractors who process and pay more than $370 billion in Medicare claims each year. A random sample of Medicare FSS providers and suppliers were invited to take the survey. Selected providers can easily access and complete the survey on the Internet via a secure Web site. The AOA strongly encourages the participation of those who were selected. Read the MCPSS overview on the CMS Web site for more information. updated Jan. 7

U.S. health care spending rate shows slow growth for 2008

Health care spending in the U.S. increased by only 4% during 2008—the slowest rate of growth since the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services began officially tracking expenditures four decades ago, according to Modern Healthcare. Despite the slow rate of growth, health care spending continued to outpace overall economic growth, which increased by 2.6% during 2008. Hospital spending in 2008 grew 4.5% to reach $718.4 billion, while physician and clinical services spending increased 5%, a decrease from 5.8% in 2007. Read the full report. updated Jan. 5

Medicare discontinues reimbursement for non-FDA-approved prescriptions

To ensure that beneficiaries receive safe and legally marketed prescription drugs, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a fact sheet for Medicare Part D enrollees. Starting January 1, CMS will no longer reimburse Part D sponsors for prescription drugs that are not listed with the FDA. This policy is part of a safety initiative to ensure that Medicare Part D enrollees receive prescription drugs that are properly registered with the FDA. View the fact sheet for more information about filling prescriptions with FDA listed products. updated Dec. 30

CMS announces revisions to consultation services payment policy

Effective Jan. 1, 2010, several CPT consultation codes will no longer be recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for Medicare Part B payment. Codes for services falling into the ranges of 99241-99245 and 99251-99255 will no longer be valid. Alternatively, physicians should code patient evaluations and management visits using E/M codes that represent where the visits occurred and identify the complexity of the services performed. View the article on the CMS Web site. updated Dec. 17

President Wickless addresses health care reform debate

During the past 11 months, the AOA and the nation have engaged in the ongoing debate regarding the reform of our nation’s health care system. This debate has invoked strong reactions from AOA membership and the public. In a letter to the entire osteopathic family, AOA President Larry A. Wickless, DO, details the AOA’s concerns regarding health system reform and discusses the AOA's efforts to work with lawmakers to create legislation that will ensure access to affordable health coverage for all Americans and fundamentally reform the nation's health care delivery system. Read the letter. updated Dec. 4

Online collection reveals unpublished documents by A.T. Still

For the first time ever, hundreds of original manuscripts and documents written by the father of osteopathic medicine, Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, can be viewed online. Thanks to a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services funded by the Library Services and Technology Act, the Still National Osteopathic Museum has transcribed more than 650 pages from the Andrew Taylor Still Papers for the online collection. The bulk of the papers consist of Dr. Still's essays, letters, book drafts and other writings. Also present are letters to Dr. Still, military records and other personal documents. View the collection on the Missouri Digital Heritage Web site. updated Dec. 1

House approves long-term fix for flawed SGR formula

The AOA has released a statement applauding the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the "Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act" (H.R. 3961). Addressing one of the AOA's top legislative priorities, this policy establishes a fair and equitable payment system for physicians, while recognizing the value of primary care and removing barriers to access to care for patients. Representing more than 67,000 osteopathic physicians, the AOA thanks the 243 lawmakers who took this important step toward preserving access to health care services for Medicare beneficiaries. Read the statement. updated Nov. 19

AOA applauds lawmakers for passing historic health care reform legislation

The AOA congratulates the House of Representatives on passing the "Affordable Health Care for America Act" (H.R. 3962) by a vote of 220-215. Ensuring increased access to health care for all Americans, the legislation marks a significant step toward the enactment of meaningful health care reform. The AOA now calls upon lawmakers to ensure that the reforms included in this legislation reach their full potential by immediately enacting the "Medicare Physician Payment Act" (H.R. 3961), which will help create a more stable and equitable Medicare reimbursement system for physicians. Read the AOA statement. updated Nov. 9

CMS announces plan to discontinue payment for consultations

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that consultation codes 99241-99245 and 99251-99255 will be eliminated when the 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule takes effect on January 1, 2010. According to CMS officials, the decision to eliminate the codes was made after several attempts to differentiate consultations from other evaluation and management services failed. This will set the conversion factor at $28.4061, a drop of 21.2% as mandated by the sustainable growth rate formula. For more information about the change, watch for the November coding hint on DO-Online later this month. Read CMS news release. updated Nov. 6

More than 600 DOs pack AOA town hall meeting on HIT and health care reform

The AOA hosted a special town hall meeting and panel discussion focused on health information technology (HIT) and health care reform during the 114th Annual Osteopathic Medical Conference and Exposition (OMED) in New Orleans. During the meeting, IBM executive Janet Marchibroda discussed federal HIT regulations and explained how physicians can earn bonuses for implementing electronic health records in their practices. Also during the session, White House Senior Health Policy Adviser Kavita Patel, MD; Joseph Antos, PhD, of the American Enterprise Institute; and David Kendall of The Third Way; shared their perspectives on how health care reform will impact physicians and their patients. Read more | View presentation slides. updated Nov. 5

The DO magazine launches online publication for osteopathic physicians

DOs and osteopathic medical students can now look to their computers instead of their mailboxes for The DO magazine’s latest coverage of the osteopathic medical profession. Following nearly five decades in print, The DO has been reborn as a strictly online publication, aligning with the “Leading Change” efforts of AOA President Larry A. Wickless, DO. In addition to benefiting the environment by saving an estimated 236,000 pounds of paper and 5,600 pounds of ink during the next fiscal year, The DO’s online transition will provide several new perks for readers, including more frequent news, interactive features, slide shows and more. Visit the site to learn more about the changes in store for readers as The DO bids farewell to print and hello to cyberspace. updated Oct. 28

AOA awards Certificates of Excellence for 2007-09 CME cycle

Physicians who have earned 30 hours of Category 1-A CME credit and 150 hours of applicable CME credit during the 2007-09 CME cycle may view and print a Certificate of Excellence by logging on to the password-protected section of DO-Online. After choosing to view their 2007-09 activity report, DOs who have completed CME requirements will receive a congratulatory message and will be given an option to print the certificate. View and print members only content a Certificate of Excellence. updated Oct. 22

Blue Cross Blue Shield offers credit monitoring following security breach

New information is available about the recent Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) security breach that resulted in the theft of a data set containing names, addresses, taxpayer ID numbers and NPI numbers of more than 800,000 physicians. The stolen data did not include any patient information or personal health records. The most serious data breach is for Massachusetts physicians, who typically use their Social Security numbers as their tax identification numbers. As a precaution, BCBS is offering a year of free credit monitoring services for physicians whose Social Security numbers were exposed. The AOA advises all DOs to contact their BCBS representatives regarding the monitoring service and to carefully review any waivers before signing them. The AOA will continue to monitor the situation and will provide further information as it becomes available. updated Oct. 20

AOA virtual town hall meeting examines proposals for health care reform

On Oct. 6, the AOA hosted its third virtual town hall meeting on health care reform, focusing on the current provisions proposed by the United States Senate and the status of the proposed bill in the House of Representatives. Policy experts were on hand to address member questions and concerns about how the proposed bills will affect their practices and patients. View a replay of the AOA's third town hall webinar and listen to the question and answer period following the presentation. updated Oct. 8

Advertisement for National Journal Magazine, Congress Daily features DO

An advertisement featuring Miriam L. Garcellano, DO, was published in this week’s edition of National Journal Magazine and in two issues of Congress Daily, National Journal’s daily publication. The AOA advertisement urging lawmakers to enact meaningful health care reform shows Dr. Garcellano treating a patient at the rural clinic where she practices family medicine in South Carolina. On Oct. 21, Dr. Garcellano will participate in a health care reform testimonial project coordinated by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). View the advertisement. updated Oct. 8

Earn bonus payments through AOA's Clinical Assessment Program

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has selected the AOA's Clinical Assessment Program (CAP) for its 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) incentive payment program. DOs who successfully report quality measures through CAP will be eligible for a lump-sum bonus payment of 2.0 percent of the Medicare-allowed charges for covered services provided during the 2009 calendar year. Read more and register online members only content . updated Sept. 17

DOs share lessons in primary care with Chinese physicians

For a group of physicians and health care administrators from China, a recent trip to the United States provided an opportunity to learn how osteopathic medical schools train physicians for careers in primary care. Members of the Chinese delegation observed DOs, osteopathic medical students and administrators in action during visits to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford. Read more. updated Sept. 14

Medbiquitous Releases American National Standards to Increase Accountability

Two new MedBiquitous American National Standards will make it easier to hold clinicians accountable for their CE and certification while enhancing research on the efficacy of those activities. "Continuing Education is key to improving clinician competence and patient care," said Peter Greene, M.D., Executive Director of MedBiquitous and Chief Medical Information Officer of Johns Hopkins Medicine. Read more. updated Sept. 1

Improving Accountability in Delivery of Care: The Prometheus Payment Model

In a new article written for the New England Journal of Medicine Health Care Reform Web site, authors François de Brantes, M.S., M.B.A., Meredith B. Rosenthal, Ph.D., and Michael Painter, J.D., M.D. propose a new structure to end the fragmented way services are delivered and to improve accountability. Called the Prometheus Payment Model, this structure of payment would propose a more "bundled episode-based delivery of care". "The Prometheus Payment model, for instance, bundles services and provides a budget with three components: evidence-informed base payment with patient-specific severity adjustments and an allowance for potentially avoidable complications" writes the authors of the article. Read more. updated Aug. 24

The Office of the Inspector General is focusing on Modifier -79

CMS has issued a transmittal-442 to be exact about practices who are submitting modifier -79 inappropriately during the global period. In case you are not familiar with modifier -79-Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period is the description. We will review physician coding of place of service on Medicare Part B claims for services performed in ambulatory surgical centers (ASC) and hospital outpatient departments Read July's Coding Hint. updated Aug. 18

Health Care Reform and The Future of Managed Care

A video feature on the Web site Modern Healthcare, featured panelist from the health care industry to discuss the future of managed care under health care reform. Modern Healthcare Editor David Burda and Managing Editor Neil McLaughlin hosted panelists Allan Baumgarten of Managed Care Reviews, Larry Boress of the Midwest Business Group on Health, and Vicky Gregg of Blue Cross and Blue Shield at their Spring 2009 CEO Roundtable. View video. updated Aug. 12

AOA Releases Annual Business Meeting Summary and Highlights

The 2009 Annual Business Meeting of the AOA Board of Trustees and House of Delegates has concluded. Under the leadership of the 112th AOA President Carlo J. DiMarco, DO, the 2008-2009 AOA Board of Trustees held its final meeting, considering almost 50 resolutions. In addition, AOA Speaker of the House Carl M. Pesta, DO and over 650 delegates and alternates considered over 150 resolutions. Download summary (PDF 149K) updated August 04

Department of Government Relations' Federal and State Priority Issues

The Priority Issues page on DO-Online.org, features Federal and State legislation related to health care issues that the Department of Government Relations (DGR) lobbies Administration, Congress and Federal Agencies in an effort to improve patient access. The DGR staff prepares recommendations based on policies set by the AOA House of Delegates, the current political landscape, and the AOA’s mission. Priorities are reviewed before the start of each second session of Congress. Get information on our latest priorities updated July 28

2009 AOA Mentor of the Year

Nominations for the AOA Mentor of the Year award may be submitted all year long. Through the Mentor Recognition Program, presented in association with Pfizer, Inc., the AOA seeks to recognize these outstanding mentors. Every nominee is inducted into the AOA Mentor Hall of Fame. Mentors are needed throughout every phase of ones career, from student to DO. The iLEARN Mentor Exchange Program gives mentees the opportunity to search the iLEARN mentor database and match with a mentor. Get more information updated July 28

President Obama Announces Nominee for Surgeon General

Doctor Regina M. Benjamin MD, a family physician from Alabama, has been nominated for Surgeon General. According to the White House website, "Dr. Benjamin was previously named by Time Magazine as one of the "Nation's 50 Future Leaders Age 40 and Under." She was also featured in a New York Times article, "Angel in a White Coat", as "Person of the Week" on ABC's World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, and as "Woman of the Year" by CBS This Morning." Read the full release on the WhiteHouse.gov website. updated July 13

(Photo above)June 14 -- At a reception that the AOA hosted for leaders of the American Medical Association and the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States, FSMB Treasurer James M. Andriole, DO (left), and former AOA President Carlo J. DiMarco, DO, pose for a photo with 2008-09 AMA President Nancy H. Nielsen, MD, PhD; FSMB Immediate Past Chairman Regina M. Benjamin, MD; and FSMB Chairman Martin Crane, MD.

Gov't Relations Develops Talking Points on "America’s Affordable Health Choices Act"

The Department of Government Relations has prepared talking points on the "America’s Affordable Health Choices Act" (H.R. 3200). Some of the topics included in this document detail what this legislation proposes to do to address deficiencies and concerns with Medicare and primary care. This legislation addresses the drastic cuts in Medicare funding to primary care physicians and what it proposes to avert these cuts; reforms to the Medicare physician payment methodology; and bonus payments to primary care physicians servicing designated and shortage areas. Download the talking points PDF updated July 15

Medicare extends the Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE) Benefit

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services extension of coverage are a rare gift but it is happening, with the initial preventive physical examination (IPPE). Medicare enrollees will now have one full year to take advantage of the IPPE (aka, the welcome to Medicare exam) which was effective January 1, 2009. This time frame is a significant change from the former six-month window under the old requirements. Get more information regarding the Coding Hint members only updated July 14

Revitalizing Primary Care Physicians

In an article posted on the New England Journal of Medicine website, Doctors Thomas Bodenheimer, M.D., Kevin Grumbach, M.D., and Robert A. Berenson, M.D., discuss the issues primary care physicians encounter. Because of gaps in Medicare compensation, overwork, and the low levels of medical students choosing primary care residencies, "primary care in the United States needs a lifeline". Short term, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission(MedPAC) recommends a 5-10% increase for primary care evaluationand management services. Read entire article offsite link updated July 10