Make plans to attend ASIPP's newest course - a comprehensive review course and hands-on cadaver workshop dedicated solely to vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty on February 16-18, 2007 in Memphis TN. This CME educational program will consist of didactics covering various aspects of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, followed by a comprehensive hands- on cadaver workshop.

The course is designed to prepare physicians seeking credentialing or as an in-depth review of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Participants will experience a comprehensive learning opportunity focused on all aspects of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.

Register before Jan. 30, 2007 to obtain the early registration discount! Visit the ASIPP Web site for the brochure and more information.

The most recent turn of events in the ongoing battle between Spine Diagnostics (assisted and supported by ASIPP) and the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) holds a favorable determination for interventional pain physicians.

On Dec. 28, 2006, the State of Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal rendered a judgement which finds the LSBN lacked authority to authorize certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) practice of chronic interventional pain management. The Court also ordered the trail court to grant the preliminary injunctions prohibiting CRNAs from performing such procedures.

We will provide more details as they are forthcoming.

DEC, 22, 2006- Cincinnati Post There's some very good news in the battle against illicit drugs: Use by America's teens has dropped more than 23 percent during the last five years. But their abuse of medicines, both over-the-counter and prescription, is rising.

These opposing trends - detailed in a survey of teens released Thursday - reflect the complexity of the U.S. drug scene. They also present a new set of challenges. The most important: How to apply the prevention tools that have apparently succeeded in combating illegal drug use to fight the abuse of legal medicines.

Applications are now being accepted for the FIPP (ABIPP Part II) examination to be held on March 11, 2007 in Memphis, TN. Successful completion of FIPP is a required component for the American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians (ABIPP) certification.

The deadline for applications is Feb. 1. Space is limited so early registration is advised. Upon acceptance of your application, you will be sent review material for examination preparation. For more details on the FIPP exam or to access the application click on the following link FIPP or contact Paula Brashear at (806) 743-3112 or paula.brashear@ttuhsc.edu

Along with the FIPP examination, ASIPP is offering the Interventional Techniques Review Course (March 9) and a Comprehensive Cadaver Workshop (March 10). ASIPP has secured a group rate of $154 per night with host hotel Doubletree Downtown if booked by Feb 20th, 2007. Inform the agent you are booking for ASIPP. Online registration is now available. For information on the review course, cadaver workshop and exam, visit our Web site. Register Online today!

President Bush has signed into law an amendment to the Controlled Substances Act that will increase the availability of buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid dependence/addiction. The new law raises from 30 to 100 the number of patients a physician may treat with buprenorphine, the only FDA-approved, controlled medication indicated for treatment of opioid dependence that doctors may prescribe in private medical offices, as permitted under special legislation. The new law will ease restrictions on Suboxone(R) (buprenorphine HCl/naloxone HCl dihydrate) C-III Sublingual Tablets and Subutex(R) (buprenorphine HCl) C-III Sublingual Tablets.

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Florida's medical liability insurance market is looking up as a result of 2003 tort reform measures, according to a 2006 Florida Office of Insurance Regulation report. Since legislators passed a $500,000 cap on noneconomic damages in medical liability cases, rate hikes have subsided, the November 2006 analysis indicated. The average rate increase in 2005 was 8%, down significantly from 28.6% in 2004, the report said. Competition also has improved, with 15 insurance companies comprising 80% of the medical liability market in 2005. That's up from 12 in 2004.

Dec. 14, 2006 (Reuters-UK) Advances in genetics coupled with better ways to capture images of the brain may pave the way to a new generation of more effective pain medicines.

The discovery by British researchers of a gene mutation that prevents carriers from sensing pain, announced on Wednesday, is the latest example of a fresh avenue in the hunt for better painkillers.

Within days of convening, the new Congress will return to some of the biggest battles of the last decade as House Democrats try to rush through legislation requiring the government to negotiate lower drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries and overturning President Bush’s restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. (Jan. 1 The New York Times)

No amount of incentive will entice physicians to participate in a quality data submission program if they are hesitant about pay for performance (P4P), according to Chris Weiss, president and CEO of Hanover, N.H. -based Dynamic Clinical Systems.