LSMS | President's Update Anthony "Andy" P. Blalock, MD

June 6, 2012

2012 Legislative Session Closes
LSMS Legislative Package Fares Well, State Budget Finally Passes
The LSMS legislative team scored big wins this session, with ALL of the bills put forth in the LSMS' 2012 Legislative Package winning approval. They now sit on the Governor's desk awaiting his signature. Additionally, the LSMS won some hard-fought battles against a few bills that threatened physician-led medicine.
Watch the wrap up video now!

In the final days of the legislative session, lawmakers came to terms and agreed to use one-time funds to cover the shortfalls in the state's budget. Physicians will still see a slight decrease in their reimbursements; however the use of these funds means that physicians will see approximately a 3.7 percent decrease, instead of nearly a 10 percent reduction. Primary care physicians are exempt from these cuts, since they are mandated by federal law to receive reimbursements at a rate of 100 percent of Medicare. Please visit www.lsms.org/advocacy for more information and keep an eye out for a detailed legislative update in the next issue of Capsules.

BAYOU HEALTH Informational Bulletins Posted
The La. Department of Health and Hospitals posted two new and one updated bulletins for BAYOU HEALTH Medicaid providers.

Additionally, Community Health Solutions of La., a Bayou Health Shared Savings Plan, will be hosting several training opportunities during the month of June 2012. Please contact Beverly Snell Thomas at 225-372-7163 to register or for more information.

LSMS stands ready to assist its members and will vigorously defend the ability of physicians to be compensated for their time and expertise in patient care. If you are experiencing any problems, please contact us immediately so that we may document the issues and advocate on your behalf. Since the implementation process began, Secretary Greenstein promised greater access to DHH staff and resources. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it via email or by phone at 800.375.9508.

HIT Webinar Series Coming in June
The Louisiana LAN presents a 3-part HIT webinar series, beginning with information on the basics of EHRs and Meaningful use and ending with what’s proposed for Phase 2 Meaningful Use. Register for one or all three of the following FREE lunchtime webinars. Webinars are presented by experts in their field and is hosted by the Louisiana LAN - a collaboration of leading Louisiana organizations, associations, and providers who are dedicated to improving our state’s population health.

Basics of Electronic Health Records and Meaningful Use Phase 1 - Fact vs. Fiction | June 12 at 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
With so much information out there about phase one meaningful use and electronic health records, it’s hard to know which information is accurate and trustworthy. Diete Dobroski, a project coordinator for the Louisiana Health IT (LHIT) Resource Center, will explain the basics of meaningful use and provide guidance to help you understand the objectives and state specific requirements. Register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/ register/946850128

LaHIE – Let’s get Connected! | June 19 at 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Colby LeMaire with Louisiana Health Information Exchange will discuss and demo LaHIE which enables health care providers and organizations to electronically access and share health-related information. Learn how LaHIE will give you the ability to set up notifications that alert you when your patient has been admitted or discharged from the hospital or emergency department, easily retrieve follow up information such as discharge summaries, lab data or radiology reports, and understand how we enable you to electronically refer your patient to a specialist without ever using the fax machine. Register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/ register/238103257

Looking Ahead – What’s Proposed for Phase 2 Meaningful Use | June 26 at 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
It’s only a proposed rule at this time, but already the next phase of meaningful use is affecting decision-making at the provider and practice level. Which new or modified sections of the rule will affect your practice, and what should you be doing now to prepare? Nadine Robin, Program Manager for the Louisiana Health IT Resource Center, will explain what is proposed for the next phase of meaningful use. Register:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/ register/945420112

MEDICARE
Physicians Will See Changes in Medicare Billing
In August 2012, Novitas Solutions (Novitas) will become the new Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) in the JH region, including Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Formerly operating under the name of Highmark Medicare Services, Novitas is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Diversified Service Options that in turn is owned by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida. In addition to the JH contract, the company is the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for Jurisdiction 12, which includes the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia Metropolitan Area.

Physicians' offices need to complete new agreements and test the electronic funds transfer sytems to ensure that they are linked properly. The LSMS has voiced its concerns with our Congressional delegation regarding the hurried timeline for the transition. We will keep members informed of major deadlines and notices through the President's Update, Capsules,www.LSMS.org and blast email notices as needed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Sadie Wilks at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 800.375.9508; or peruse the Novitas Transition website.

Spread the Word: MyMedicare-MyChoice! Petition
Seniors today who want to see a doctor who does NOT accept Medicare must pay entirely out of their own pocket. Fortunately, legislation has been introduced in Congress (HR.1700/S.1042) that would allow patients to use their current Medicare coverage to help cover the cost of seeing a non-Medicare doctor. For visits to these doctors, Medicare would pay the amount it typically covers today, with the patient paying the doctor directly for the difference between what Medicare pays and what the doctor charges. Seniors would be informed of any additional costs before seeking treatment. This issue is about allowing seniors to see any doctor they choose and still take advantage of their Medicare benefits. Help build momentum on Capitol Hill to pass HR.1700/S.1042 and sign MyMedicare-MyChoice's petition to Congress on this important issue.

One of the many ways the LSMS advocates for its members is by participating in sign on letters with national healthcare organizations and medical societies offering insight and commentary on a wide array of issues. This list below is a snapshot of recent issues the LSMS is working on your behalf: