Coming in February - Vertebroplasty, Kyphoplasty & Sacroplasty Comprehensive Seminar

ASIPP invites you to attend an exciting, focused, and comprehensive, didactic and hands-on cadaver workshop covering vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and sacroplasty on February 16-18, 2007 in Memphis TN. This state-of-the-art educational program of didactic courses will cover various aspects of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, followed by a comprehensive hands- on cadaver workshop. All of which will assist interventional pain physicians who would like to perform these procedures in meeting the credentialing needs. It is also appropriate for those who would like to learn more about the procedures.

The course is planned as a CME activity to prepare physicians seeking credentialing and as an in-depth review of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Participants will experience a comprehensive and focused learning opportunity; focusing on all aspects of vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty and sacroplasty. This 3- day event will provide the opportunity to improve existing skills, learn new skills, and expand your knowledge in interventional pain procedures.

Reserve your spot today!

With the end of the year approaching and Congress expected to adjourn at the end of this week, every ASIPP member should contact their officials immediately. If no action is taken, the looming 5% cut in Medicare payment will take effect on Jan. 1, 2007. We must convince Congress to make this fix a priority in its final days. It is critical that every ASIPP member, along with their associates, staff, and family, contact their Representative and Senators—even if you have already sent messages or made calls—asking them to support legislation that would reverse payment cuts in 2007. This action is particularly critical since anesthesiology will take a 12% cut and radiology will be cut 16%.

The sooner Congress reverses the cut, the more likely the reversal will be retroactive to Jan. 1, so it is imperative we keep the momentum going. Revised sample letters are located on the ASIPP home page: www.asipp.org (to send on personalized letterhead), or you may send your congressional letters through Capwiz by the links below.

Physicians can also follow the link provided to the Capwiz Web site: http://capwiz.com/asipp/i ssues/alert/?alertid=9037126&type=CO Staff members and patients should follow this link for their letters: http://capwiz.com/asipp/i ssues/alert/?alertid=9037126&type=CO

It is imperative that we not give up hope and abandon this fight - immediate action is needed. Without support of each and every physician in the country we won’t be able to survive. Please get your colleagues, staff, patients and friends to support these issues. Your letters and calls are not being ignored.

An illustration of the influence of ASIPP's persistent correspondence is a recent letter from Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-1st NV) to Speaker of the House, J. Dennis Hastert, urging him to schedule floor activity to address the SGR issue and to avert the pending cuts. Let Congress hear from you today.

Medical liability insurers reported that nearly 70% of their premium rates have leveled off or decreased in some areas, almost double the 35% reported in 2005, according to results from the annual Medical Liability Monitor survey that details how much insurers charge doctors.

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The American Medical Association has released the 2007 edition of the following publications:

• CPT® 2007 Professional
• AMA Physician ICD-9-CM 2007, Volumes 1 & 2 spiral

The AMA HCPCS 2007 Level II and CPT® Changes 2007 have not yet been released but may be preordered to reserve your copy.

Stay in compliance - order your copies today from the ASIPP Bookstore!

The Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeals declared the $500,000 cap on damages in a medical malpractice action to be unconstitutional because it fails to provide severally injured plaintiffs with an adequate remedy guaranteed under Louisiana State Constitution.