LSMS delegates
attending the upcoming FMA Annual Meeting are:
Ernesto Zavaleta, MD
Jason Boardman, MD
Shelley Glover, MD
Stacy Berckes, MD
Pete Marzek, MD
The meeting should be quite interesting since one of the hottest topics will be FMA secession from the AMA. Your own delegates offered a resolution suggesting the FMA pass legislature banning issuance of medical licenses pending acceptance of government insurance plans.
…...stay tuned!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Conference Calls on Medicaid Electronic Health Record Incentive Program
To further explain the Medicaid Electronic Health Record Incentive Program, CMS is hosting a series of conference calls to give details to providers next week, Aug.10 – 12. These calls will answer providers' questions, such as: Who is eligible? How much are the incentives and how are they calculated? What providers will need to do to get started? Call the LSMS office at 742-9902 for information on how to register and review training materials.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
MOVING DAY for Lake-Sumter Medical Society
We are thrilled to report that Lake-Sumter Medical Society and We Care of Lake County will now be sharing an office suite effective July 1. Drop by for a visit at our new location at 401 E. Alfred Street (old Hwy 441) in Tavares. Effective that date, the new phone number for LSMS will be 352-742-9902, and our new fax number will be 352-742-9910. Email address stays the same!
The President signs the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010 -- 2.2 % Medicare physician fee
On June 25, 2010, President Obama signed into law the “Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010.” This law establishes a 2.2 percent update to the Medicare physician fee schedule (MPFS) payment rates retroactive from June 1 through November 30, 2010. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has directed Medicare claims administration contractors to discontinue processing claims at the negative update rates and to temporarily hold all claims for services rendered June 1, 2010, and later, until the new 2.2 percent update rates are tested and loaded into the Medicare contractors’ claims processing systems. Effective testing of the new 2.2 percent update will ensure that claims are correctly paid at the new rates. CMS expects contractors to begin processing claims at the new rates no later than July 1, 2010. Claims for services rendered prior to June 1, 2010, will continue to be processed and paid as usual.

Claims containing June 2010 dates of service that have been paid at the negative update rates will be reprocessed as soon as possible. Under current law, Medicare payments to physicians and other providers paid under the MPFS are based upon the lesser of the submitted charge on the claim or the MPFS amount. Claims containing June dates of service that were submitted with charges greater than or equal to the new 2.2 percent update rates will be automatically reprocessed. Affected physicians/providers who submitted claims containing June dates of service with charges less than the 2.2 percent update amount will need to contact their Medicare contractor to request an adjustment. Submitted charges on claims cannot be altered without a request from the physician/provider. Physicians/providers should not resubmit claims already submitted to their Medicare contractor
.http://medicare.fcso.com/Fee_news/172182.asp

Claims containing June 2010 dates of service that have been paid at the negative update rates will be reprocessed as soon as possible. Under current law, Medicare payments to physicians and other providers paid under the MPFS are based upon the lesser of the submitted charge on the claim or the MPFS amount. Claims containing June dates of service that were submitted with charges greater than or equal to the new 2.2 percent update rates will be automatically reprocessed. Affected physicians/providers who submitted claims containing June dates of service with charges less than the 2.2 percent update amount will need to contact their Medicare contractor to request an adjustment. Submitted charges on claims cannot be altered without a request from the physician/provider. Physicians/providers should not resubmit claims already submitted to their Medicare contractor
.http://medicare.fcso.com/Fee_news/172182.asp
Friday, May 28, 2010
MEMBERSHIP MEETING June 24, 2010
Join us on Thursday, June 24, at MISSION INN for our summer membership meeting, featuring a free CME provided by FPIC (First Professional Insurance Company). M & I Bank is our meeting sponsor.
Reservations required for this meeting that starts at 6:30 with cocktails and is followed by a short business meeting and the CME. Cost of dinner is just $25 for members!
SPOUSES always welcome!
Reservations required…please call 483-4748 or email us at frontdesk@lakesumter.org.
Reservations required for this meeting that starts at 6:30 with cocktails and is followed by a short business meeting and the CME. Cost of dinner is just $25 for members!
SPOUSES always welcome!
Reservations required…please call 483-4748 or email us at frontdesk@lakesumter.org.
SGR - Here We Go Again!
The House Rules Committee reported a rule for the consideration of the extenders bill (H.R. 4213) that includes a $22.9 billion patch for the SGR formula. The proposal would provide a 2.2 percent Medicare physician payment update for the remainder of 2010, a 1 percent update for 2011, and revert back to current law in 2012—when an estimated cut of 30-32 percent would be called for under the SGR formula. By scaling back the originally proposed physician payment patch and other provisions, negotiators reduced the cost of the overall extenders package by about $50 billion, with plans to bring it to the House floor today.
Because the week-long Memorial Day recess is about to begin, it does not appear that legislation to stop the 21 percent Medicare physician pay cut can be passed by the House and Senate prior June 1, when the most recent payment extension expires. There has been some discussion of passing another very short-term 30-day or 60-day extension bill, so that negotiations on the larger bill can be completed after the recess. However, physicians should prepare for the possibility that Congress will once again pass a one or two-month extension after the deadline has expired, with a retroactive effective date of June 1.
Unfortunately, members of the Congressional Blue Dog Coalition and others remain concerned that the bill would still add $84 billion to the federal deficit. They are also concerned about the bill’s uncertain future in the Senate. As a result, it is becoming clear that the House leadership cannot secure enough votes to pass the current version of the bill today.
Because the week-long Memorial Day recess is about to begin, it does not appear that legislation to stop the 21 percent Medicare physician pay cut can be passed by the House and Senate prior June 1, when the most recent payment extension expires. There has been some discussion of passing another very short-term 30-day or 60-day extension bill, so that negotiations on the larger bill can be completed after the recess. However, physicians should prepare for the possibility that Congress will once again pass a one or two-month extension after the deadline has expired, with a retroactive effective date of June 1.
Unfortunately, members of the Congressional Blue Dog Coalition and others remain concerned that the bill would still add $84 billion to the federal deficit. They are also concerned about the bill’s uncertain future in the Senate. As a result, it is becoming clear that the House leadership cannot secure enough votes to pass the current version of the bill today.
Advanced OB/GYN Welcomes Shawn Lundberg, ARNP
Advanced Ob/Gyn is pleased to announce the addition of Shawn Lundberg, ARNP to the practice. Shawn is an experienced ARNP in women’s health and obstetrics with over 20years in caring for women of all ages. She is seeing patients at their office located at 1414 E. Main Street, Leesburg beginning June 7, 2010.
Friday, April 16, 2010
FINAL COUNTDOWN! JUST ONE WEEK AWAY! GOLFERS MUST REGISTER NOW!
Presented by Lake County Medical Reserve Corps
Friday, April 23, 2010, 1:00pm
Mission Inn, Las Calinas Course
We are grateful to our wonderful sponsors!
South Lake Hospitalists,Clermont Surgical Assoc., Bosshardt & Marzek Plastic Surgery, FPIC, Keystone Insurance,Physicians Planning Group,
Florida Hospital Waterman,South Lake Hospital,Central Florid Health Alliance,Barrett, Liner & Co., Lake Medical Imaging, and to our Hole Sponsors,Montverde Academy, Women’s Care of Clermont, M & I Bank, Lake Port Square & Harris Health Systems, and South Lake IPA
Visit www.lakesumter.org to register for an afternoon of golf or Spa Marbella!
DOCS CARE BEST BALL SCRAMBLE
Presented by Lake County Medical Reserve Corps
Friday, April 23, 2010, 1:00pm
Mission Inn, Las Calinas Course
We are grateful to our wonderful sponsors!
South Lake Hospitalists,Clermont Surgical Assoc., Bosshardt & Marzek Plastic Surgery, FPIC, Keystone Insurance,Physicians Planning Group,
Florida Hospital Waterman,South Lake Hospital,Central Florid Health Alliance,Barrett, Liner & Co., Lake Medical Imaging, and to our Hole Sponsors,Montverde Academy, Women’s Care of Clermont, M & I Bank, Lake Port Square & Harris Health Systems, and South Lake IPA
Visit www.lakesumter.org to register for an afternoon of golf or Spa Marbella!
CMS Statement Regarding Claims Processing
Both the Senate and the House passed the bills late yesterday that will maintain a freeze on Medicare payments thru 5/31/10. As soon as the president signs the bill, which is a given, the freeze will be in effect.
Hopefully, none of your Medicare claims for dates of service 4/1/10 and after will be processed at the 21.2% lower rate as Medicare contractors were in the process of transitioning to the new lower fee schedule; but as CMS stated below, any claims paid at the lower rate would be re-processed to pay correctly once the legislation was fully passed and became law
CMS Statement Regarding Claims Processing
CMS continues to work with Congress towards possible legislative action to extend the zero percent update for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The zero percent update expired on March 31, 2010.
We are hopeful that Congress will take action in the next few days.
Until now, CMS has been holding April 2010 date-of-service claims, anticipating congressional action. But that has not occurred.
Therefore, under current law, Medicare contractors will begin processing claims with dates of service April 1 and later at the negative update rates. This will begin as soon as systems are fully tested to ensure proper claims payment. And, Medicare contractors will pay these claims on a first in - first out basis.
If subsequent congressional action extends the zero percent update retroactive to April 1, 2010, Medicare will reprocess those claims at the higher rates. Claims with submitted charges at or above the higher rates will be able to be automatically reprocessed without further action.
Providers have the option of holding their affected claims until the legislative landscape becomes clearer.
Claims with dates of service prior to April 1, 2010, are not affected and will continue to be processed under normal procedures at the rates in effect on the date of service.
Hopefully, none of your Medicare claims for dates of service 4/1/10 and after will be processed at the 21.2% lower rate as Medicare contractors were in the process of transitioning to the new lower fee schedule; but as CMS stated below, any claims paid at the lower rate would be re-processed to pay correctly once the legislation was fully passed and became law
CMS Statement Regarding Claims Processing
CMS continues to work with Congress towards possible legislative action to extend the zero percent update for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. The zero percent update expired on March 31, 2010.
We are hopeful that Congress will take action in the next few days.
Until now, CMS has been holding April 2010 date-of-service claims, anticipating congressional action. But that has not occurred.
Therefore, under current law, Medicare contractors will begin processing claims with dates of service April 1 and later at the negative update rates. This will begin as soon as systems are fully tested to ensure proper claims payment. And, Medicare contractors will pay these claims on a first in - first out basis.
If subsequent congressional action extends the zero percent update retroactive to April 1, 2010, Medicare will reprocess those claims at the higher rates. Claims with submitted charges at or above the higher rates will be able to be automatically reprocessed without further action.
Providers have the option of holding their affected claims until the legislative landscape becomes clearer.
Claims with dates of service prior to April 1, 2010, are not affected and will continue to be processed under normal procedures at the rates in effect on the date of service.
Friday, March 26, 2010
In Memory
Dr. Charles Cartwright passed away earlier this week after a brief illness. His Urologic Surgical Services practice was in Tavares and he was affiliated with Florida Hospital Waterman, where his presence will be greatly missed. He was a generous volunteer with We Care of Lake County, and a member of the Lake-Sumter Medical Society. Charlie leaves one son, Kirby, who attends the University of Florida.
His service will be at 4:30pm, Saturday, March 27, at the First Baptist Church in Eustis. His desire was to donate his body to science, so there will be no viewing or burial. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Eustis.
His service will be at 4:30pm, Saturday, March 27, at the First Baptist Church in Eustis. His desire was to donate his body to science, so there will be no viewing or burial. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Eustis.
Please take EHR SURVEY
We are pleased that Dr. Robert Hoyt, physician, educator, and proponent of Electronic Health Records, will be our guest speaker at our June Membership Meeting. Dr. Hoyt lectured at the Lake Sumter Community College last month, and following his realistic approach and amazing insight, we were quick to ask him to come back so everyone could hear his intelligent opinions.
In preparation, Dr. Hoyt is asking members to visit the following site for a quick survey. Please go to: Click here to take survey for this brief assessment to identify your needs and expectations.
In preparation, Dr. Hoyt is asking members to visit the following site for a quick survey. Please go to: Click here to take survey for this brief assessment to identify your needs and expectations.
Friday, March 12, 2010
From the Executive Director...
Last night’s incredibly interesting Membership Meeting featured a presentation from Leslie Witkin, consultant and owner of Physician’s First. Though she did not bring much “good news”, she gave information on PECOS and important Medicare regulations. Docs who attended felt a sense of solidarity and empowerment in understanding what is required of them, and what curveballs to expect.
Did you miss the meeting? We’ll be posting Leslie’s presentation on the website soon.
One especially important message...START NOW in making sure you (and your referring physicians) are in PECOS or after January 3 you won’t get paid! Act now!
Did you miss the meeting? We’ll be posting Leslie’s presentation on the website soon.
One especially important message...START NOW in making sure you (and your referring physicians) are in PECOS or after January 3 you won’t get paid! Act now!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Member Benefit from Hometown Health TV
HHTV and Lake-Sumter Medical Society are partnering to offer a member-only opportunity for you to market your practice in a specialty-exclusive multimedia network of area medical professionals.
As a LSMS member, you will receive a 5% discount off your subscription agreement and HHTV will donate $250 to "We Care" on behalf of each LSMS
member practice that joins the network by February 26, 2010. Less than 10 specialty opportunities remain and are signed specialty-exclusive, on a first-come basis.
For a sample of Hometown Health TV, visit their web site at www.HometownHealthTV.com or watch this month's episode every Saturday at 11am on Lake Front TV (Comcast 22, Bright House 199, Florida Cable 4). For more information or to schedule a brief presentation, call HHTV President, Marc Robertz-Schwartz at 352-267-7247. Please be sure to indicate you are a LSMS Member so you can receive your special savings and "We Care" can benefit from your investment into your practice's future.
As a LSMS member, you will receive a 5% discount off your subscription agreement and HHTV will donate $250 to "We Care" on behalf of each LSMS
member practice that joins the network by February 26, 2010. Less than 10 specialty opportunities remain and are signed specialty-exclusive, on a first-come basis.
For a sample of Hometown Health TV, visit their web site at www.HometownHealthTV.com or watch this month's episode every Saturday at 11am on Lake Front TV (Comcast 22, Bright House 199, Florida Cable 4). For more information or to schedule a brief presentation, call HHTV President, Marc Robertz-Schwartz at 352-267-7247. Please be sure to indicate you are a LSMS Member so you can receive your special savings and "We Care" can benefit from your investment into your practice's future.
Lake County offers Free Tobacco Cessation Classes
Quit Smoking Now Cessation Class - 6 week class includes Free Nicotine Patch, Gum or Lozenges
Lake Cares Food Pantry - February 16 - March 23, 2010
2001 W. Old Hwy 441, Suite 1
Mt. Dora, FL 32757
To register please call 1-888-323-2432 ext 106
City of Eustis - March 2 - April 6, 2010
Commission Chambers
10 North Grove Street
Eustis, FL 32726
To register please call 1-888-323-2432 ext 106
Leesburg Community Health Center - March 2 - March 30, 2010
225 N. First Street
Leesburg, FL 34748
To register please call 1-877-252-6094
Lake Cares Food Pantry - February 16 - March 23, 2010
2001 W. Old Hwy 441, Suite 1
Mt. Dora, FL 32757
To register please call 1-888-323-2432 ext 106
City of Eustis - March 2 - April 6, 2010
Commission Chambers
10 North Grove Street
Eustis, FL 32726
To register please call 1-888-323-2432 ext 106
Leesburg Community Health Center - March 2 - March 30, 2010
225 N. First Street
Leesburg, FL 34748
To register please call 1-877-252-6094
FMA Legislative Update
In the February 8th legislative update by Miguel Machado, Chair of the FMA Council on Legislation, he reports the following…
OPTOMETRISTS Can Now Prescribe…
The most notable event of last week’s Florida Legislature occurred in the Senate Health Regulation Committee. Despite ardent lobbying efforts by the Florida Medical Association (FMA) and the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO), SB 330, which would allow optometrists to prescribe oral medications, passed by a 4-3 vote. The FMA and the FSO presented compelling testimony on why the bill presents a danger to public safety. FSO President Bradley Fouraker, MD, and Joshua Lenchus, DO, argued that optometrists do not have the education and training to safely prescribe oral medications, and they clearly articulated the dangers these medications present. Testifying for the optometrists was Alberto Aran, MD, an ophthalmologist from Miami, and William Soscia, MD, an ophthalmologist from Bradenton. Voting against the bill were Sens. Andy Gardiner, Don Gaetz and Eleanor Sobel. Please thank them for their support. Voting for the bill were Sens. Thad Altman, Mike Bennett, Dennis Jones and Al Lawson, Jr.
A better outcome occurred in the House Health Care Regulation Policy Committee, where HB 225, by Rep. John Legg, was temporarily postponed. Rep. Legg’s bill would prohibit a physician from dispensing more than a 72-hour supply of Schedule II, III or IV controlled substances. The FMA has been working to delete this provision and find more targeted ways of controlling South Florida pill mill abuses. The committee members appeared to agree that this bill would negatively affect honest physicians, and they asked Rep. Legg to bring the bill back to the committee after meeting with the FMA and other interested groups.
OPTOMETRISTS Can Now Prescribe…
The most notable event of last week’s Florida Legislature occurred in the Senate Health Regulation Committee. Despite ardent lobbying efforts by the Florida Medical Association (FMA) and the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO), SB 330, which would allow optometrists to prescribe oral medications, passed by a 4-3 vote. The FMA and the FSO presented compelling testimony on why the bill presents a danger to public safety. FSO President Bradley Fouraker, MD, and Joshua Lenchus, DO, argued that optometrists do not have the education and training to safely prescribe oral medications, and they clearly articulated the dangers these medications present. Testifying for the optometrists was Alberto Aran, MD, an ophthalmologist from Miami, and William Soscia, MD, an ophthalmologist from Bradenton. Voting against the bill were Sens. Andy Gardiner, Don Gaetz and Eleanor Sobel. Please thank them for their support. Voting for the bill were Sens. Thad Altman, Mike Bennett, Dennis Jones and Al Lawson, Jr.
A better outcome occurred in the House Health Care Regulation Policy Committee, where HB 225, by Rep. John Legg, was temporarily postponed. Rep. Legg’s bill would prohibit a physician from dispensing more than a 72-hour supply of Schedule II, III or IV controlled substances. The FMA has been working to delete this provision and find more targeted ways of controlling South Florida pill mill abuses. The committee members appeared to agree that this bill would negatively affect honest physicians, and they asked Rep. Legg to bring the bill back to the committee after meeting with the FMA and other interested groups.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
SAVE THE DATE!
Lake-Sumter Medical Society and We Care of Lake County announce the 2nd annual Doc's CARE Golf Tournament, set for Friday, April 23 at Mission Inn at Howie-in-the-Hills.
Mark your calendar and plan to spend a great afternoon of golf or pampering at the fabulous Mission Inn Day Spa!
Mark your calendar and plan to spend a great afternoon of golf or pampering at the fabulous Mission Inn Day Spa!
FMA Applauds Senator Goetz for Championing Cancer Patients' Treatment
Tallahassee—Timothy J. Stapleton, Executive Vice President of the Florida Medical Association, issued the following statement today applauding Senator Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) for his work to negotiate a compact with Florida’s insurance companies. The compact, which the FMA helped to craft, will protect patients who enroll in cancer-related clinical trials.
“This compact will ensure that no patient is unfairly denied care because of his or her decision to enroll in a cancer-related clinical trial. The compact not only prevents patients from being denied coverage; it also ensures that clinical trials maintain the participation they need to research new, potentially life-saving treatments.
“We have all been affected by devastation that cancer can cause, whether it is a family member, neighbor, colleague, or friend who is diagnosed. Thanks to the determination and leadership of Senator Gaetz, those cancer patients who make a decision to participate in cancer-related clinical trials—and possibly save the lives of future patients—can do so without fearing that they might be denied coverage. We are grateful for Senator Gaetz’s efforts.”
“This compact will ensure that no patient is unfairly denied care because of his or her decision to enroll in a cancer-related clinical trial. The compact not only prevents patients from being denied coverage; it also ensures that clinical trials maintain the participation they need to research new, potentially life-saving treatments.
“This compact will ensure that no patient is unfairly denied care because of his or her decision to enroll in a cancer-related clinical trial. The compact not only prevents patients from being denied coverage; it also ensures that clinical trials maintain the participation they need to research new, potentially life-saving treatments.
“We have all been affected by devastation that cancer can cause, whether it is a family member, neighbor, colleague, or friend who is diagnosed. Thanks to the determination and leadership of Senator Gaetz, those cancer patients who make a decision to participate in cancer-related clinical trials—and possibly save the lives of future patients—can do so without fearing that they might be denied coverage. We are grateful for Senator Gaetz’s efforts.”
“This compact will ensure that no patient is unfairly denied care because of his or her decision to enroll in a cancer-related clinical trial. The compact not only prevents patients from being denied coverage; it also ensures that clinical trials maintain the participation they need to research new, potentially life-saving treatments.
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