Home > News and Alert Archives
 
News and Alert Archives
 
 
12-28-06
Dr. Ian Black, Chief of Anesthesia at the 28th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad provides commentary for National Public Radio on his experiences treating the wounded in Baghdad.
   
12-19-06
ASA fights outrageous Medicare payment cuts.
   
12-15-06
Update! FDA - MedWatch - Trasylol (aprotinin) - Important revisions to the WARNINGS section of Prescribing Information
   
12-11-06
Congress passes short-sighted SGR-fix legislation: Bill includes complex P4P provision, Denies full funding to anesthesiology teaching programs.
   
12-11-06
Congress passes short-sighted SGR-fix legislation: Bill includes complex P4P provision, Denies full funding to anesthesiology teaching programs.
   
12-11-06
Statement on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
   
12-05-06
Call Congress TODAY—last chance this year to halt Medicare payment cuts.
   
11-27-06
ASA success:  New CMS regulation allows unlocked anesthesia carts in secure areas.
   
11-27-06
FDA - MedWatch - Dolophine (Methadone Hydrochloride) - Reports of Death, Narcotic Overdose, and Serious Cardiac Arrhythmias
   
11-21-06
Dr. Beverly Philip discusses sedation and the importance of a qualified anesthesia provider on Fox News in Boston.
   
11-07-06
UPDATE: ASA working to correct technical error in CMS final rule for 2007 Physician Fee Schedule
   
11-07-06
UPDATE: ASA working to correct technical error in CMS final rule for 2007 Physician Fee Schedule.
   
11-06-06
ASA President Mark Lema, M.D., Ph.D. responded to the sensationalistic article, “Junkie in the O.R.,” in the November issue of Men’s Health magazine.
   
11-03-06
CMS final rule for 2007 Physician Fee Schedule includes devastating cuts for anesthesiology—ASA members MUST take action urging Congress to fix the SGR.
   
11-03-06

The October 31 edition of The New York Times features an article by Kate Murphy, “What Pilots Can Teach Hospitals About Patient Safety,” including remarks on implementation by ASA members David M. Gaba, M.D., Peter J Pronovost, M.D. and Timothy J. Dowd, M.D.

   
11-03-06
CMS final rule for 2007 Physician Fee Schedule includes devastating cuts for anesthesiology—
ASA members MUST take action urging Congress to fix the SGR
.
   
10-23-06
ASA opposes cuts to physician payments in comment letter to CMS.
   
10-23-06
ASA President Mark Lema, M.D., SCIP technical expert Lee Fleisher, M.D., and Baltimore anesthesiologist John Vincent, M.D., appeared at a press conference today along with HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt to announce the Surgical Care Improvement Project to the public.
   
10-20-06

FDA - MedWatch - CoaguChek PT Test Strips Nationwide Recall

   
10-4-06
Ask your Representative and Senators to help advance Teaching Rule legislation during Lame Duck session.
   
10-4-06
Urge Congress to avert a 5.1% Medicare cut to physician payments, and to ensure future positive updates.
   
10-02-06
Update! FDA MedWatch - Trasylol (aprotinin): risk of serious renal and cardiovascular toxicity.
   
9-28-06
CMS issues NPI claims processing informationclick here.
   
9-25-06
2007 ICD-9-CM includes new diagnosis codes for acute and chronic pain
   
9-19-06
UPDATE! Background information on participation in lethal injection.
   
9-15-06
The Universal Condition: Enduring and Alleviating Pain - ASA is helping to sponsor this exhibit, which includes mention of anesthesia history highlights and the role of the modern anesthesiologist, at the International Museum of Surgical Science beginning this month. For more information go to http://www.imss.org/newexhibits.htm
   
9-7-06
ASA applauds the DEA for its proposed rule, “Issuance of Multiple Prescriptions for Schedule II Controlled Substances.”
   
9-7-06
New study verifies need for patients to inform physicians of herbal supplement use prior to surgery.
   
9-7-06
Use Caution When Taking Herbal Remedies Prior to Surgery
   
9-5-06
Take action today to avert a 5.1% cut: CMS proposed rule for 2007 Physician Fee Schedule slashes payments to physicians”
   
9-5-06
ASA vigorously opposes proposed cuts to anesthesiologists in letter to CMS—each ASA member should take action against payment reductions!
   
9-5-06
Time is running short!  Ask your Representative and Senator to help advance Teaching Rule legislation.
   
8-30-06
FDA MedWatch - Alaris SE Infusion Pumps recalled due to risk of overinfusion at ten times intended infusion rate.
   
8-18-06
Revised Anesthesia Quality Incentives available.
   
8-8-06
CMS to place hold on payment for claims during Sept. 22-30.
   
8-7-06
ASA involvement in SGR reform garners media attention in Washington.
   
8-4-06
FDA MedWatch Hydralazine HCl Injection, USP 20 mg/mL (Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc.): Single lot recalled due to the potential that some vials may contain particulates.
   
7-28-06
Urge your Representative to cosponsor H.R. 5955—legislation would extend “rural pass-through” to anesthesiologists
   
7-25-06
ASA President Orin F. Guidry submits statement regarding Medicare physician payments to the Health Subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
   
7-24-06
ASA accepting applications for the 2007-08 Lansdale Public Policy Fellowship.
   
7-24-06
UPDATE - ACTION REQUESTED! - CMS proposed changes to Physician Fee Schedule include substantial cuts to anesthesiology.
   
7-13-06
Data Repository for the Anesthesia Workforce (DRAW)
   
7-7-06
FDA MedWatch Welch Allyn PIC 50 Automated External Defibrillators 07-07-06
   
7-7-06
FDA MedWatch Colleague Volumetric Infusion Pump and Syndeo Patient Controlled Analgesic Syringe Pump
   
7-06-06
WFSA Newsletter
   
7-06-06
Background information on physician participation in lethal injection.
   
7-06-06
The ASA delegation to the AMA successfully sponsored two resolutions that were approved at the recently concluded AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago.
   
6-30-06
Message From the President: Observations Regarding Lethal Injection.
   
6-30-06
Product shortage and discontinuation: Mivacurium
   
6-29-06
ASA supports “Health Care Truth and Transparency Act of 2006” Legislation would protect patients by preventing non-physician providers from misrepresenting their qualifications.
   
6-28-06
ASA Announces Initiative to Form a Pain Care Coding Partnership.
   
6-27-06
FDA MedWatch Guidant implantable pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators: reports of malfunction 06-27-06
   
6-27-06
Anesthesiologist appointed to Health Net Physicians Advisory Board.
   
6-20-06
FDA MedWatch [Update]: Oxygen Regulator Fires Resulting from Incorrect Use of CGA 870 Seals 06-20-06
   
6-16-06
FDA MedWatch - Welch Allyn AED20 Automatic External Defibrillators: class 1 recall due to failure to deliver appropriate therapy 06-16-06
   
6-15-06
2nd Anesthesiologist elected to AMA Board of Trustees plus others win council and section seats.
   
6-14-06
A June 10 New York Times article by Daniel Wakin explored the role of music in the operating room.
   
6-13-06
FDA MedWatch - Hamilton Medical RAPHAEL Ventilators: recall due to risk of failure of alarms 06-13-06
   
6-13-06
ASA Member Ronald A. Gabel, M.D. Elected to AMA Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement
   
6-13-06
The June 13 edition of the Wall Street Journal features an article by Robert McGough, “Pain Pump Tested in Battle,” featuring ASA members Lt. Col. Chester Buckenmaier, M.D. and Kevin Sanborn, M.D.
   
6-12-06
ASA Member, Dr. Karl E. Becker, Appointed to Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee (MCAC)
   
6-04-06
ASA Administrative Council approves a position statement on “The Medical Necessity of Anesthesiology Services."
   
6-02-06
UPDATE: Aetna and MAC for GI Endoscopies -- Dr. Guidry's Letter to ASA Membership
   
5-11-06
Participate in the MGMA 2006 Cost Survey for Anesthesia and Pain Management Practices.
   
5-11-06
UPDATE: Senate fails to end filibuster of Medical Liability Legislation.
   
5-09-06
New ASA practice guidelines aid anesthesiologists and other physicians involved in the care of patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
   
5-05-06
Respironics PLV Continuum Ventilator: Class 1 recall due to air flow valve breakage and failure to ventilate 05-05-06
   
5-04-06
Wake-Up to Potential Dangers of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
   
4-28-06
FDA MedWatch - Baxter's Colleague Infusion Pumps: Important Safety Recommendations included in FDA Preliminary Public Health Notification
   
4-27-06
ASA’s PROPOSED QUALITY INCENTIVES FOR ANESTHESIOLOGISTS  Download the proposed Incentives.   Read more….
   
4-27-06
WEIGH IN ON PERIOPERATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES    ASA is working with the AMA-sponsored Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement to develop performance measures for anesthesiology and encourages you to submit your comments on 5 perioperative care measures. Read more….
   
4-25-06
FDA MedWatch - Oxygen Regulator Fires Resulting from Incorrect Use of CGA 870 Seals
   
4-19-06
Aetna revises certain payment policies as a result of the dispute resolution process established by the 2003 lawsuit settlement agreement.
   
4-19-06
ASA Responds to News Article on Use of Brain Function Monitor in North Carolina Lethal Injection Case.
   
4-05-06
House votes to eliminate "single-holder rule" for student loan borrowers.
   
4-03-06
Words of thanks for assistance provided to Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita victims through Anesthesia Foundation-ASA Disaster Relief Fund.
   
3-31-06
ASA Practice Advisory addresses intraoperative awareness, sometimes called “anesthesia awareness.”
   
3-31-06
Medicare offers bilateral payment adjustments for transforaminal epidural add-on codes
   
3-31-06
Pre-surgery communication comforts and empowers patients
   
3-30-06
ASA submits Practice Expense comment letters to CMS
   
3-30-06
ASA Salutes Physicians - On this Doctors Day, the American Society of Anesthesiologists salutes its 40,000 members, as well as all of our physician colleagues around the nation, for the admirable care they provide to patients every day.
   
3-29-06
Doctors Day is March 30; ASA helps public prepare for emergencies, offers new checklist.
   
3-29-06
Washington Update: Congress continues work on the FY 2007 Budget Resolution
   
3-28-06
ASA and AMA submit joint comment letter to DEA addressing post-dating prescriptions for pain treatment.
   
3-14-06
Revised 2006 Anesthesia Conversion Factors
   
3-13-06
ASA members' Grey's Anatomy letters get space in local papers.
   
3-01-06
FDA MedWatch - Cefazolin for Injection recalled due to microbial contamination of active ingredient.
   
3-02-06
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has approved the new residency program requirements for anesthesiology.
   
2-24-06
Order Cost Survey for Anesthesia Practices
   
2-17-06
ASA Announces Initiative to Form a Pain Care Coding Partnership.
   
2-14-06
President Submits FY07 Budget with Medicare Reductions. Proposal includes $35.9 billion in cuts over five years.
   
2-13-06
FDA MedWatch - Public Health Advisory re: benzocaine spray and methemoglobinemia
   
2-08-06
FDA MedWatch - Trasylol (aprotinin):serious renal and cardiovascular toxicity following administration to patients undergoing CABG
   
2-03-06
FDA MedWatch - Recall notices for infusion pumps
   
2-06-06
ASA President Orin Guidry, M.D., responds to unrealistic depiction of anesthesiologist on “Grey’s Anatomy.”
   
2-06-06
Quitting Smoking Before Surgery Can Benefit You Now--and for the Rest of Your Life.
   
2-02-06
ASA MEMBER Appointed to Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (PPAC). Nominated by ASA, Karen S. Williams, M.D. has been appointed to PPAC, the body of actively practicing physicians that advises CMS in frequent formal meetings on Medicare policies and regulations.
   
2-01-06
HOUSE PASSES BUDGET PACKAGE CONTAINING ONE-YEAR MEDICARE PHYSICIAN FEE FIX – 4.4% fee reduction averted for 2006.
   
1-30-06
FDA MedWatch - UPDATED information: Vapotherm 2000i Respiratory Gas Administration Device 01-30-06
   
1-26-06
Having Surgery in 2006? - A Checklist to help Patients  to Communicate with their Anesthesiologist.
   
1-24-06
CALL TO ACTION - House of Representatives to vote Wednesday, February 1st on S.1932, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, a bill containing the 2006 Medicare physician fee fix. Contact your Representative and urge a “YES” vote.
   
1-09-06
Simulation Saturday, March 11, 2006.  View ASA’s nation-wide roster of Simulation Saturday sites including access information on each site’s Simulation Saturday program, as well as registration procedures.
   
1-09-06
CALL TO ACTION - House of Representatives to vote during the week of January 30th on budget package containing 2006 Medicare physician fee fix. Opponents of the package have been activated and are working to defeat the measure. Contact your Representative and urge a “YES” vote on the budget package -- S.1932, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.
   
1-06-06
Letters on colonoscopies and propofol published in Wall Street Journal in response to December 27 article
   
1-13-06
ASA member Martha A. Wilkins, M.D., part of Baby Noor’s surgical team, is quoted in AP story.
   
1-03-06
CMS issues “Fact Sheet” on pending budget package and 2006 Medicare physician fee outlook.
   
1-02-06
UPDATE: House to Vote on Budget (Again) Upon Return from End-of-Year Recess. House passage necessary to protect 2006 physician fees. The U.S. Senate passed a REVISED budget package on December 21 containing immediate funding of $1.5 billion, $7.3 billion total, for 2006 Medicare physician fees. The revisions to the previously House-passed budget require that the package now be sent back to the House for a second vote.
   
1-02-06
Due to your kindness and generosity, the Anesthesia Foundation-ASA Katrina Disaster Relief Fund has raised OVER one-quarter million dollars!
   

 

President's Updates 2005
 
September 28, 2005
September 8, 2005
July 12, 2005
 
President's Updates 2003
   
February 24, 2003
June 27, 2003

January 10, 2003

 

January 3, 2003

   

President's Updates 2002

President's Updates 2001
   

November 27, 2002

June 21, 2002

April 3, 2002