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

April 2, 2012

BAYOU HEALTH Next Steps
Implementation in GSA B and GSA C Continue Despite Serious Concerns Raised by LSMS, Others
BAYOU HEALTH went live in GSA B (including most of south central Louisiana) on April 1st, with GSA C (including Lake Charles, north and central Louisiana) scheduled for June 1st. Already, physicians and patients are having trouble navigating the new Medicaid system, based on the calls LSMS has received from the first region to implement BAYOU HEALTH. In an effort to prepare providers in the regions going live, DHH has hired a consultant to conduct outreach, including a provider education campaign that includes BAYOU HEALTH recipient choice information and materials. SSA Consultants is coordinating this provider outreach campaign under contract with DHH. If your organization is interested in hosting a short (90 minute) provider presentation to review the BAYOU HEALTH recipient choice information and material, please contact Rudy Gomez of SSA Consultants at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The target audience for this presentation includes administrators, managers, and front line supervisors that oversee day-to-day contact with Medicaid/LaCHIP patients. If you would like to host a presentation, we encourage you to schedule as soon as possible.

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. They can connect you directly with DHH staff to answer your questions. Additionally, DHH is hosting teleconferences every weekday to answer questions and address issues that you are having. The toll-free number to call is 1-888-278-0296, and the access code is 729 9088#. It is not necessary to pre-register, and any interested provider can participate from noon to 1 p.m. on weekdays. Also, you may view their provider information links online.

LSMS Advocacy Team at the Capitol
Each week the LSMS sends an email update to all members on significant happenings during the legislative session. If you happen to miss an email update, please know that your update is just a click away. Weekly video updates by LSMS Council on Legislation Chairman Keith DeSonier will be posted to YouTube and on www.LSMS.org for your convenience. If you prefer to receive your updates through social media channels, we have that covered as well. Like LSMS on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news and information. Keep an eye on your mailbox because a special issue of the LSMS member newsletter Capsules will be mailed next week detailing the activities of the Council on Legislation and LSMS Advocacy Team efforts on your behalf. A brief summary of the LSMS legislative package, as well as a summary of the multitude of Workers' Compensation bills, are included. As always, member support and participation are key to our success. If you have any questions or need additional information, our staff is dedicated to keeping you informed. Please call or email LSMS Director of Governmental Affairs This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or LSMS Director of Legal Affairs This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  if you have any questions regarding legislation. 

LSMS Alliance Day-at-the-Capitol - May 2, 2012
The LSMS and Alliance invite members to attend the annual Day-at-the-Capitol on May 2, 2012. Please join members throughout the state as we converge on Baton Rouge to experience the legislative process firsthand and witness our legislators at work. Day-at-the-Capitol Chair Shari Ferrara, LSMSA President Alma Rozeman and LSMS Director of Governmental Affairs Jennifer Marusak have planned a program for Alliance and Society members to visit the State Capitol to observe committee meetings and to make courtesy visits with legislators. Attendees will learn about healthcare legislation that will impact patients and physicians. Residents, medical students and their spouses are also welcome to attend. Please contact Alma Rozeman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (318) 426-7402 for registration information.

Supreme Court Debates Constitutionality of Health Care Law
The US Supreme Court held three days of scheduled arguments earlier this week over the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), which President Barack Obama signed into law two years ago. The challenge is over whether the law's demand that most people maintain health insurance or pay a fee is unconstitutional. If you are interested in hearing the historic debate, the audio has been posted on the Supreme Court's website.

LSMS Signs on to Letter Urging CMS to Delay ICD-10, e-Rx Penalities
Read the letter  The LSMS joined other national health care organizations and specialty societies to express their concerns about the simultaneous implementation of multiple programs that will create extraordinary financial and administrative burden as well as mass confusion for physicians. These programs include the value-based modifier, penalties under the electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) program, physician quality reporting system (PQRS) and electronic health record (EHR) incentive program, along with the transition to ICD-10. CMS was urged to re-evaluate the penalty timelines associated with these programs and examine the administrative and financial burdens and intersection of these various federal regulatory programs. Additionally, the letters asks that CMS use its discretionary authority provided by Congress under these programs to develop solutions for synchronizing these programs to minimize burdens to physician practices, and propose these solutions in the physician fee schedule proposed rule for calendar year 2013. 

LSMS Asks Congressional Delegation to Monitor New Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC)
Read the letter from LSMS President Andy P. Blalock to the Hon. William Cassidy regarding monitoring the performance of Highmark Insurance as the new Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for Medicare Jurisdiction H, which includes Louisiana.

CMS Announces Another 5010 Delay   
The AMA has working hard to share problems with the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) stemming from conversion to the new Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) electronic standard, Version 5010. CMS had originally delayed enforcement of the new standard from January 1, 2012 to April 1.  Earlier this week the AMA urged CMS to extend the deadline an additional 90 days to after June 30th. CMS immediately responded by announcing another delay in enforcement of 5010. Physicians who continue to experience claims processing delays are encouraged to file a complaint form with the AMA for help resolving their payment problems. Complaint forms, the AMA's letter, and CMS' recent announcement can be found at www.ama-assn.org/go/5010.