Changes to CPT-2009 for IPM Physicians

CPT-2009 has some relevant information for interventionalists. Changes are as follows:

Click Here to see CPT changes

CPT code changes

Noridian Removes Non-Coverage Policy of Lumbar Facet Joint Interventions

The NAS Medical Directors proposed non-coverage of the lumbar facet blocks for the treatment of low back pain (LBP). The decision followed complex medical review of patient records, the issuance of three specialty society guidelines that did not recommend lumbar facet blocks for the treatment of low back pain (LBP), and an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) analysis that failed to find evidence of efficacy for the blocks in the treatment of LBP. Our own extensive literature review, including several systematic reviews, corroborated the findings noted above.

Many individuals and several medical specialty societies requested NAS to remove the facet block codes from the final LCD. A number of our practitioners supported their requests with outcomes data on their patients. After careful review of the outcomes submitted to us, we requested and analyzed the block-related practices of those providers. We extended the comment period for the Non-Covered Services LCD draft for two months. Assisted by the specialty societies, we identified additional studies and attempted to link specific techniques and practices to outcomes.

While the current literature (30,000 studies in 30 years) is inadequate to establish the efficacy of lumbar blockade in the treatment of LBP, the literature does appear to support our providers' positive patient outcomes for some techniques and related practices in carefully selected patient populations - but to a limited extent. Hence, based on the specialty societies' commitment to providing an analysis of outcomes with data collection to begin within the next 12 to 18 months, NAS removed the codes from the draft Non-Coverage LCD. As there is no unanimity among the specialty societies on some critical aspects of the blockade, frequency of injections, and other parameters, and as complex Medical Review of patient charts has resulted in a high denial rate for lack of medical necessity and billing errors; it is NAS' intent to present a draft LCD on lumbar facet blockade for the treatment of LBP in 2010.

Last Chance for Your '09 Tax Deduction - Become a Corporate Sponsor Today

As a not-for-profit organization, ASIPP depends on corporate sponsors. Becoming an ASIPP sponsor is not only an investment in the preservation and growth of patient access to quality, cost-effective interventional pain management services, but also a marketing opportunity to expand your corporate growth. ASIPP sponsorship puts you in direct contact with those at the forefront of this rapidly-growing specialty.

Your company can become a Sponsor today! For more information call: 270.554.9412

or Click HERE for more information.

Controlled Substance, Cadaver Workshop Set for February

Make your plans to attend the Comprehensive Review Course and Cadaver Workshop (Basic, Intermediate, and Comprehensive Interventional Pain Management Examination Preparation Course) Or the Controlled Substance Management Review Course to be held concurrently February 26-28, 2010 Memphis, Tennessee

Book your room at the Peabody by February 3, 2010 to receive the discounted group room rate of $175.

Register Today

Abstract and Poster Session Deadline Set

Mark your calendars now to participate in the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians abstract and poster presentation at the 12th Annual Meeting, June invites you to submit an abstract for possible presentation at its 11th Annual Meeting, June 26 - June 30, 2010 in Arlington, Virginia.

This year we are offering an early bird deadline of March 31, 2010. This early deadline will ensure that your abstract gets first preference and an opportunity to grab one of our limited spots for presentation.

A final abstract submission deadline will be April 31, 2010. Those selected will be notified and will receive free registration to the annual meeting.

Survey: Health Costs, Reform a Source of Stress for Americans

A new survey conducted by Misericordia University and Braun Research found that two in five Americans plan to spend less this holiday season as a result of rising health costs, and three in 10 said healthcare costs have led to arguments and tension with friends and family members.

The Health Care in America survey also concluded that the healthcare reform debate is a cause of stress and annoyance among the majority of Americans. Those surveyed reported that their top concerns with healthcare reform include the cost to future generations and its impact on the federal deficit, the cost of out-of-pocket expenses, and the accessibility of quality coverage

Health Leaders Media

NCCI Adjusts Ruling

Thanks to the letters from ASIPP on behalf of Interventional Pain Physicians, the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) has modified it's standings on codings regarding intrathecal implantables.

Click HERE to see the letter.

FDA Issues Interim Recommendations on CT Scans

In response to highly publicized mishaps and ongoing concerns that patients are being subjected to excess radiation during CT scans, the FDA this week issued interim recommendations to help prevent additional problems.

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"While we do not know yet the full scope of the concern, facilities should take reasonable steps to double-check their approach to CT perfusion studies and take special care with these imaging tests," Jeffrey Shuren, MD, acting director of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in a media release.

FDA

St. Jude Gets FDA Approval for New Device

St. Jude Medical Inc. said Friday it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for its Penta surgical lead for neurostimulation surgery.

Little Canada-based St. Jude (NYSE: STJ) said the device is the first neurostimulation lead with electrodes arranged into five columns, giving it "the broadest lateral electrode span of any neurostimulation lead on the market."

Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal

Report Finds Significant Geographic Quality Differences in Medicare Advantage Plans

Though nearly one-quarter of Medicare Advantage enrollees are in health plans with four or more stars, beneficiaries in many states don't have that luxury.

Kaiser Family Foundation reported Monday that less than 2% of beneficiaries in 25 states are in highly-rated plans, while more than half of Medicare Advantage enrollees in other states-Massachusetts, Oregon, and Hawaii-are in highly rated plans.

HC Pro

Drugmakers, FDA Move to Curb Painkiller Abuse

WASHINGTON -- Pharmaceutical executives laid out plans Friday to prevent the misuse of prescription painkillers, under pressure from regulators trying to stop hundreds of fatal overdoses each year.But Food and Drug Administration officials said industry's proposals were short on specifics and that more work is needed before any measures are put in place.

Washington Post

Health Care Reform: A System that Works for Patients and Providers

By Congressman Joe Sestak The health care reform measures that I helped passed in the House - the landmark Affordable Health Care for America Act (HR 3962), along with the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act (HR 3961) - will dramatically improve our health care system for patients and providers.

The primary concern of all doctors is treating the sick and healing the wounded. Health care reform will expand access to lifesaving care for millions of Americans who lack insurance. It will also improve care for everyone by ending denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions and eliminating caps on coverage. Doctors understand that an existing health condition is all the more reason to help a patient, not deny them treatment. No longer will insurance industry bureaucrats make life-and-death decisions and interfere in the sacred bond between doctors and their patients.

Physicians News

The National Review: The Perils Of Bad Medicine

As a full-time practicing surgeon, I unequivocally can say that the American health-care system is among the world's finest. For elective and emergency care, American hospitals boast the most modern equipment, the best training facilities for physicians, and the most fertile ground for the development of new products and technologies.

However, this system has several flaws that harm physicians' ability to treat patients effectively. The bills currently before Congress do nothing to address these issues - and in fact place additional burdens on doctors.

NPR

Don't Lose Out on a Minute of ASIPP Membership

Make plans today to bring your ASIPP membership up-to-date.

The New Year is right around the corner and you don't want to miss being a part of our organization. We are actively contacting Congress on your behalf, negotiating with insurance companies for continued coverages, offering training sessions, cadaver workshops, and new in 2010 --the ABIPP Part II exam.

Three ways to pay: Click HERE to renew dues. or you can send in a check to ASIPP, 81 Lakeview Drive, Paducah, KY 42001. Or call 1-270-554-9412 or fax 1-270-554-5394 in credit card

or Join Us today!

If you are not sure of your current dues status, please contact Cindy Rogers at 1-270-554-9412 ext. 208 with your questions.

Renew Dues Today

Upcoming State Society Meetings

WVASIPP Plans Annual Meeting June 11-13, 2010

Mark your calendars now and make plans to attend West Virginia Society of Interventional Pain Physician annual meeting at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, June 11-13, 2010.

Featured topics include SCS for Angina, Facial Pain, Peripheral Nerve Pain, Epigastric and Abdominal Pain, Pelvic Pain, Pulsed Radiofrequency, Minimally invasive techniques for spinal disease and much more.

Featured faculty includes: Timothy Deer, MD, course director; Ken Alo, MD, Giancarlo Barolat, MD, Ricard Bowman, MD, Christopher Kim, MD, Matthew Ranson, MD, Lou Raso, MD, Harold Cordner, MD, Nagy Mekhail, MD, Sudhir Diwan, MD, Raj Patel, MD, John Schmidt, MD, Stan Golovac, MD, Lora Brown, MD, Richard Weiner, MD, Salim Hayek, MD, Leo Kapural, MD and cochairs Richard Rauck, MD, Robert Levy, MD, PhD, and David Caraway, MD, PhD.

Session fees discounted for WVSIPP and ASIPP members. For more information call Michelle Byers, Director of Education: michellebyers@roadrunner.com

To Register

Save the Date: CASIPP Annual Meeting in May

Mark your calendar for the California Society of Interventional Pain Physicians Annual Meeting May 14-16, 2010 in Santa Barbara.

Join Your CASIPP Colleagues On The American Riviera:

• Earn CME hours with distinguished faculty
• Stay at the storied Biltmore Four Seasons
• Book Now! Special Room Rate for early
• For more information or to register contact sbcme2010@aol.com or by phone at 661-435-3473

FSIPP Annual Meeting Dates Set for May

The Florida Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (FSIPP) has scheduled it's annual meeting for May 22 and 23, 2010 at Gaylord Palms on Orlando.

Keynote speakers and topics include:

·  Mary Lee Jensen, MD - Vertebroplasty, the History, Evolution of Evidence, and Present Day Position

·  Gabor Racz, MD Epidural Lysis

·  Gabor Racz, MD - Facet Radiofrequency Ablation

·  Rick Derby, MD - Discography

·  Rick Derby, MD - Intradiscal Therapies

·  Chris Centeno, MD - The Development of Stem Cells for Pain Management Procedures

·  Stan Golovac, MD - Internal Disc Disruption

·  Rafael Miguel, MD - New Rules and Regulations from the Florida Board of Medicine Regarding Pain Clinics

·  Lora Brown, MD - Spinal Stenosis, Recent Research Advances

·  Deborah H. Tracy, MD, MBA - Legislative Update, Healthcare Reform

·  Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Fusion vs. Non-fusion

Physicians Wanted

Visit the ASIPP Web site to find available positions for IPM physicians.

Physicians Wanted