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​Payment and Practice Management Articles

2018

Month/Year Title Reference Summary
April 2018 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Continued (April 2018) Timely Topic: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Continued (April 2018) We received multiple requests for more information from readers of a recent Timely Topic "Key Performance Indicators: How Do You Measure Up?" and are pleased to respond to them in this follow up piece.
April 2018 Reusable vs. Disposable Equipment: Procurement Considerations Warrier, S., Hopf, H.W. Reusable vs. Disposable equipment: Procurement Considerations. ASA Monitor, 2018 Volume 82, Number 4, pp 22-24. Here we review the evidence that suggests, in most cases, reusable equipment and supplies are a more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective choice.
April 2018 2018: A Busy Year Merrick, S.K. 2018: A Busy Year.  ASA Monitor, 2018 Volume 82, Number 4, pp 56-58. This article presents three specific issues that require your time and attention in the second quarter of 2018: 1. New Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers, 2. Extension of work GPCI floor and 3. Prepare to participate in the 2018 ASA Commercial Conversion Factor Survey.
March 2018 The Perioperative Surgical Home Learning Collaborative 2020: Helping Institutions Meet the Demands of a Rapidly Approaching Health Care Paradigm (March 2018) Timely Topic: The Perioperative Surgical Home Learning Collaborative 2020: Helping Institutions Meet the Demands of a Rapidly Approaching Health Care Paradigm (March 2018) The PSH is an innovative model of care that considers the entire patient experience—from the decision for surgery until patient recovery. Get the support you need to implement your PSH Pilot by joining the PSH Learning Collaborative 2020 - Applications are due April 15.
March 2018 Key Performance Indicators: How Do You Measure Up? (March 2018) Timely Topic: Key Performance Indicators: How Do You Measure Up? (March 2018) Tracking the financial health of your practice through relevant Key Performance Indicators can help you leverage areas of strength and identify areas for improvement.
March 2018 Getting Strategic About Resident Education in Practice Management: Adapting to the Pace of Change in Health Care Broussard, D.M., Sumrall III, W.D.  Getting Strategic About Resident Education in Practice Management: Adapting to the Pace of Change in Health Care. ASA Monitor, 2018 Volume 82, Number 3, pp 16-17. Read this article for more information about how and why residency programs are getting more strategic about education on practice management topics.
March 2018 Sponsored Content: Operating as a Listed Patient Safety Organization to Improve Care Quality, Population Health Maccioli, G. Sponsored Content: Operating as a Listed Patient Safety Organization to Improve Care Quality, Population Health.  ASA Monitor, 2018 Volume 82, Number 3, pp 26-27. Read this article to see how one organization’s commitment to improving care delivery led them to apply for classification as a Patient Safety Organization (PSO) with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
March 2018 Registry Reporting Beyond Federal Payment Programs Popovich, M.T., Schmitz, D.  Registry Reporting Beyond Federal Payment Programs. ASA Monitor, 2018 Volume 82, Number 3, pp 54-55. Local quality measurement and improvement activities can contribute to a better understanding of where measurement gaps exist while at the same time address the desires of local practices to benchmark their data against their peers nationally.
March 2018 Informed Consent for Anesthesiologists* Bettini, L.  Informed Consent for Anesthesiologists*.   ASA Monitor, 2018 Volume 82, Number 3, pp 56-57. Read this article for information that the physician anesthesiologist should understand about the legal requirements and real-world application of obtaining informed consent.
February 2018 New Medicare Cards Transition Begins April 1, 2018 – Will You Be You Ready? (February 2018) Timely Topic: New Medicare Cards Transition Begins April 1, 2018 – Will You Be You Ready? (February 2018) MACRA prohibits use of social security numbers as a Medicare beneficiary’s identification number. Make sure you are ready with the latest Timely Topics!
February 2018 Update to 2018 ASA CROSSWALK® Entries for Procedure Codes 45330 and 45378 (February 2018) Timely Topic: Update to 2018 ASA CROSSWALK® Entries for Procedure Codes 45330 and 45378 (February 2018) This Timely Topic announces an update to the ASA CROSSWALK® entries for anesthesia for colonoscopy procedures described with codes 45330 and 45378.
February 2018 Customizing an Emergency Manual for an Office-Based Setting Young, S., Shapiro, F.E Urman, R.D., Hannenberg. A.A. Customizing an Emergency Manual for an Office-Based Setting. ASA Monitor, 2018 Volume 82, Number 2, pp 10-13. Developing a checklist for office-based surgical procedures can help both anesthesia and non-anesthesia practitioners be better equipped to provide the best possible care for the patient.
February 2018 Potentially Misvalued Codes Merrick, S.K. Potentially Misvalued Codes. ASA Monitor, 2018 Volume 82, Number 2, pp 64-67. This month’s Payment and Practice Management Column will discuss the concept of potential misvaluation: how codes are identified as such and what happens once they are.
January 2018 2018 MGMA Compensation and Production Survey Timely Topic: 2018 MGMA Compensation and Production Survey – January 2018 Do not miss the opportunity to participate in the 2018 Medical Group Management Association Compensation and Production survey. Read this Timely Topic to learn why this survey is important and how you can benefit from participating in it.
January 2018 Some Thoughts on Practice Management Giesecke, N.M. Some Thoughts on Practice Management. ASA Monitor, 2018 Volume 82, Number 1, pp 4-5. An important goal for each physician anesthesiologist should be some form of involvement in the actual management of their practice. Read this and other articles in this month’s ASA Monitor about ways to be involved
January 2018 The Transformation Continues Pomerantz, P. The Transformation Continues. ASA Monitor, 2018 Volume 82, Number 1, pp 8-9. For 2018 and beyond the ASA will continue to expand on enhancing the member experience and collaborating with you to support the needs of your practice.
January 2018 Developing Your Value Proposition: How Quality Creates Value Yaghmour, E., Deshur, M.A., Minhaj, M. Developing Your Value Proposition: How Quality Creates Value. ASA Monitor, 2018 Volume 82, Number 1, pp 10-11. PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 2018 will once again offer the “Developing your Value Proposition: How Quality Creates Value” preconference. This article provides an expansive summary on how and why this session will educate on how the physician anesthesiologist can demonstrate value to our stakeholders.
January 2018 Building Effective Leadership: A PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 2018 Pre-conference Wald, S.H., Mahajan, A. Building Effective Leadership: A PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 2018 Pre-conference. ASA Monitor, 2018 Volume 82, Number 1, pp 12-13. An integral component of modern health care is engagement of health care professionals in continuous improvement efforts toward patient care. The next phase of “high-reliability organizing” requires effective leaders.
January 2018 THRIVE, Don’t Just SURVIVE: Essential Skills for the Perioperative Physician Using Lean Methodology to Achieve Operational Excellence Kaur, S. THRIVE, Don’t Just SURVIVE: Essential Skills for the Perioperative Physician Using Lean Methodology to Achieve Operational Excellence. ASA Monitor, 2018 Volume 82, Number 1, pp 14-17. In health care, it is easier to identify waste than to eliminate it. Lea is one methodology that can be applied to reduce waste, decrease cost, improve outcomes and help deliver value while enhancing the patient experience.
January 2018 Perioperative Surgical Home Collaborative Update Ferrari, L., Pease, S., Stier, G.R. Perioperative Surgical Home Collaborative Update. ASA Monitor, 2018 Volume 82, Number 1, pp 46-48. Learning Collaborative members have already demonstrated significant outcomes in quality, patient experience and total cost of care reductions through the re-engineering of processes of care and introduction of new payment models.
January 2018 MACRA in the Year Ahead: Changes to the Quality Payment Program (QPP) in 2018 Kociemba, L., Popovich, M.T. MACRA in the Year Ahead: Changes to the Quality Payment Program (QPP) in 2018. ASA Monitor, 2018 Volume 82, Number 1, pp 52-53. Updates to the Quality Payment Program for 2018 will impact physician anesthesiologist participation in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System components as well as the Advanced Alternative Payment Models.

2017

Month/Year Title Reference Summary
December 2017 Making a List… for 2018 Timely Topic: Making a List… for 2018 (December 2017) Read this Timely Topic for payment and practice management related items to include in your end of year review and preparations for 2018.
December 2017 How U.S. Anesthesia Partners Utilizes ASA Group Practice Solutions: ASA’s services are essential to enhancing the organization Dutton, R.P. How U.S. Anesthesia Partners Utilizes ASA Group Practice Solutions: ASA’s services are essential to enhancing the organization. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 12, pp 26. Taking advantage of ASA’s Group Practice Solutions for educational offerings, quality improvement and marketing opportunities to enhance care delivery and practice operations.
December 2017 Changes, Challenges… and Opportunity – Revisited Merrick, S.K. Changes, Challenges… and Opportunity – Revisited. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 12, pp 46-47. Read this article for a two-year lookback as well as a look ahead on the changes, challenges and opportunities facing anesthesiology and pain practices.
November 2017 Practice Management Tips and Tools - Building a Strong Appeal Timely Topic: Practice Management Tips and Tools - Building a Strong Appeal (November 2017) Read this Timely Topic for tips and pointers on how to craft a strong appeal when seeking payment on a denied claim.
November 2017 Practice Management Tips and Tools - Denial Management 101 Timely Topic: Practice Management Tips and Tools - Denial Management 101 (November 2017) We continue our Practice Management Tips and Tools series with this Timely Topic on Denial Management.
November 2017 Make Coding Easier With Products From ASA Merrick, S.K. Make Coding Easier With Products From ASA. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 11, pp 34-35. The 2018 editions of the CROSSWALK® and Relative Value Guide® (RVG®) are now available and updated with this year’s Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code changes.
November 2017 Deciphering MACRA Requirements with Guidance from ASA Deciphering MACRA Requirements with Guidance from ASA. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 11, pp 36. Learn how ASA helps physician anesthesiologists close the knowledge gap about MACRA requirements.
November 2017 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT™ 2018: ‘Navigating for Success’ Szokol, J. PRACTICE MANAGEMENT™ 2018: ‘Navigating for Success’. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 11, pp 38-41. This is a pivotal time for anesthesia practices, whether academic or private, large or small, and we need new tools and ideas on how to navigate for success in turbulent times. Plan now to attend PM 2018.
November 2017 Professional Liability Trends in 2017: Things Are Stable for Now, But Hold on to Your Hats! Burkle, C.M. Professional Liability Trends in 2017: Things Are Stable for Now, But Hold on to Your Hats! ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 11, pp 48-49. Read this article for this year’s survey results on changing trends in malpractice insurance premiums and characteristics impacting physician anesthesiologists.
November 2017 Anesthesiology in the News Anesthesiology in the News. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 11, pp 66-67. Read the latest news items regarding anesthesiology and pain medicine.
October 2017 Practice Management Tips and Tools – Determining Medical Necessity Timely Topic: Practice Management Tips and Tools – Determining Medical Necessity (October 2017) Article #2 in our Practice Management Tips & Tools section explores the issues of Medical Necessity, including what it is, why it’s required, and how it is demonstrated.
October 2017 Practice Management Tips and Tools – “We Cannot Tell You How to Bill for That!” Timely Topic: Practice Management Tips and Tools – “We Cannot Tell You How to Bill for That!” (October 2017) Hearing “We cannot tell you how to bill for that” from a payer’s customer service representative is frustrating. Read where to find that information on your own in our latest Timely Topic!
October 2017 Measuring Performance Giesecke, N.M. Measuring Performance. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 10, pp 4-5 Each of us, as physician anesthesiologists, should be aware of the importance of measuring our practice.
October 2017 Does Amazon Really Need to Sell Quinoa? Elmassian, K. Does Amazon Really Need to Sell Quinoa? ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 10, pp 6-7. The ability to communicate across a diverse and growing member demographic will be critically linked to our digital presence and provide for our continued success as a member-driven organization as we embark on a major digital transformation program as described in this article.
October 2017 Deciphering the Alphabet Soup of MACRA, MIPS and APMs: Essentials for Anesthesiologists Domino, K.B., Moore, J.M. Deciphering the Alphabet Soup of MACRA, MIPS and APMs: Essentials for Anesthesiologists. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 2017, Number 10, pp 8-11. This article describes some of the essential elements for anesthesiologists to understand how reporting requirements will impact future Medicare payments.
October 2017 Which Performance Measures Perform Best for Anesthesiologists? Dutton, R.P., Martin, D.P. Which Performance Measures Perform Best for Anesthesiologists? ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 2017, Number 10, pp 12-15. Performance measures can help us learn from patterns and promote patient safety and positive outcomes.
October 2017 Improving the Quality of Shared Decision-making - How Anesthesiologists Can Add Value Urman, R.D., Bader, A.M. Improving the Quality of Shared Decision-making - How Anesthesiologists Can Add Value. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 2017, Number 10, pp 16-17. Medicare payments for end-of-life counseling may encourage Physician Anesthesiologists to help improve patient engagement in surgical shared decision making.
October 2017 Without a Map: Combating the Opioid Crisis Will Take Collaboration and Education Rosenquist, R.W., Walton, A. Without a Map: Combating the Opioid Crisis Will Take Collaboration and Education. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 2017, Number 10, pp 26-28. This article explores the needs for education and includes a review of a recent survey showing inconsistencies in surgeon’s prescribing as well as legislative attempts to regulate prescribing practices.
October 2017 ASA Survey Results for Commercial Fees Paid for Anesthesia Services – 2017 Stead, S.W., Merrick, S.K. ASA Survey Results for Commercial Fees Paid for Anesthesia Services – 2017. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 2017, Number 10, pp 64-71. ASA posts the results of its annual commercial conversion factor survey for 2017.
October 2017 Committee News: Electronic Health Records – Pros and Cons Mudumbai, S., Chan, L.Y., Banoub, M., Committee News: Electronic Health Records – Pros and Cons. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 2017, Number 10, pp 74-78. This article presents a review of pro’s and con’s to Electronic Health Records in the context of changes needed to meet requirements for the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA).
September 2017 Who Will be a Target for Probe and Educate? Timely Topic: Who Will be a Target for Probe and Educate? (September 2017) Should you prepare for additional Medicare scrutiny of your claims under CMS’s newest auditing strategy – Targeted Probe and Educate
September 2017 Medicare ID Numbers: Out with the Old and In with the New! Timely Topic: Medicare ID Numbers: Out with the Old and In with the New! (September 2017) As we all gear up for the first year of MACRA’s Quality Payment Program (MIPS/APMs), it is important to make sure that you and your practices are prepared for another upcoming change fundamental to Medicare claims processing and payment. Read about CMS’s New Medicare Card project and learn how to plan for it.
September 2017 The Opioid Crisis Giesecke, N.M. The Opioid Crisis. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 2017, Number 09, pp 4-5. The Opioid Crisis is another example of the swinging pendulum of
September 2017 Paying Our Dues Peterson, M.D. Paying Our Dues. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 2017, Number 09, pp 6-7. Read this article for a review from ASA’s Assistant Treasurer outlining significant successes and resources developed by ASA for its members.
September 2017 A United Approach: How ASA is Working With Others to Address the Opioid Epidemic Buvanendran, A., Walton, A. A United Approach: How ASA is Working With Others to Address the Opioid Epidemic. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 2017, Number 09, pp 8-10. ASA participates with the AMA Opioid Task Force in creating resources and developing recommendations for practices to help fight the prescription drug abuse epidemic.
September 2017 American Society of Addiction Medicine’s Drug Testing Guidelines: Clinical Congratulations, Questions and Concerns Staats, P., Gharibo, C., Thakur, A. American Society of Addiction Medicine’s Drug Testing Guidelines: Clinical Congratulations, Questions and Concerns. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 2017, Number 09, pp 16-19. ASAM publishes document providing guidance on identification, diagnosis, treatment, and promotion of recovery which includes information on drug testing and confidentiality issues.
September 2017 Seeking Regulatory Relief With a New Administration Arnold, D.E., Popovich, M.T. Seeking Regulatory Relief With a New Administration. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 09, pp 48-49. ASA continues to engage lawmakers and rulemakers on a number of legislative and regulatory issues affecting anesthesiologists’ work, quality and patient safety. This article provides examples of ASA’s work to help bring administration’s attention to regulations that are not the most effective for our members.
September 2017 Transitioning From Training to Practice Hong, J. Transitioning From Training to Practice. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 09, pp 54-55. While written from the physician perspective on the transition from training to practice, this article also provides established physicians and administrations key insights and questions to ask to determine if the new physician is the right fit for your practice.
August 2017 Today’s Anesthesia Administrator - Today’s Challenges Timely Topic: Today’s Anesthesia Administrator - Today’s Challenges (August 2017) The challenges facing an anesthesia administrator have become more complex. This Timely Topic outlines some of skills a successful administrator needs – and where to find help developing and enhancing them.
August 2017 What You Need to Know about “Incident To” Timely Topic: What You Need to Know about “Incident To” (August 2017) Of interest to pain medicine, this Timely Topic examines “Incident To” reporting when a service is performed by a non-physician practitioner. Using this option correctly requires knowing when this option is –and is not – applicable.
August 2017 Resources to Bookmark and Use Merrick, S.K. Resources to Bookmark and Use. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 08, pp 54-55. The ASA website provides links to both CMS and ASA resources to assist physicians and their practices manage a smooth transition to the Quality Payment Program and MACRA. This article highlights several of the key resources available.
July 2017 New Medicare Cards (formerly known as SSNRI) Practice Management: New Medicare Cards (formerly known as SSNRI) CMS is changing all Medicare cards. A new section on the Practice Management page on the ASA website has been created to keep you up to date on the timing and specifics of the new cards.
July 2017 00530, 00534, or 00537: Which Code Should I Report? (July 2017) Timely Topic: 00530, 00534, or 00537: Which Code Should I Report? (July 2017) Do you have questions on when to report anesthesia code 00530, 00534 or 00537? This Timely Topic will provide clarification on proper use of these codes.
July 2017 Medicare Updates the Advance Beneficiary Notice Timely Topic: Medicare Updates the Advance Beneficiary Notice (July 2017) Medicare recently issued an updated version of its Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) – effective 6/21/2017. This latest Timely Topic will update you on what has changed since the last version and review basics on when/how to use an ABN.
July 2017 I Practice Anesthesiology – What Could Population Health Possibly Have to Do With Me? Silbert, K.S., Schweitzer, M.P. I Practice Anesthesiology – What Could Population Health Possibly Have to Do With Me? ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 07, pp 40-42. Anesthesiologists have an opportunity to be leaders in the domain of acute procedural care. This article discusses how that can happen by becoming experts in population health and participating in local efforts to develop an accountable care organization or a clinically integrated network.
July 2017 Anesthesia and the States: A Mid-Year Roundup of Legislative and Regulatory Activity in the States Hansen, J., Philp, E.B. Anesthesia and the States: A Mid-Year Roundup of Legislative and Regulatory Activity in the States. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 07, pp 52-55. The Department of State Affairs serves as a state-level advocacy resource to ASA’s state component societies, providing strategic guidance, message development, and research assistance for their state legislative and regulatory initiatives. This report highlights several of the major legislative and regulatory initiatives affecting physician anesthesiologists and patient safety to this point in 2017.
July 2017 From Questions to Solutions: Applying Regulation in an Era of Complexity Popovich, M.T. From Questions to Solutions: Applying Regulation in an Era of Complexity. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 07, pp 50-51. The ASA Department of Quality and Regulatory Affairs provides educational and explanatory materials, and refers physicians to additional relevant websites and other online resources to help members understand new and changing requirements. This article reviews some of the top concerns and questions asked in 2016.
June 2017 Participate in the 2017 ASA Conversion Factor Survey Timely Topic: Participate in the 2017 ASA Conversion Factor Survey (June 2017) ASA invites you to participate in the annual survey of commercial payment rates - the Statements of Antitrust Enforcement Policy in Health Care issued jointly by the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Administration make it possible for us to gather this information as long as certain conditions are met. Read more about the survey and how to participate in this Timely Topic.
June 2017 Introducing the INSIGHTS + INNOVATIONS (i2) Conference (June 2017) Timely Topic: Introducing the INSIGHTS + INNOVATIONS (i2) Conference (June 2017) It It takes a fully integrated and functional team to succeed in today’s changing healthcare landscape. Attend the INSIGHTS + INNOVATIONS Conference and learn how to navigate the complex world of health care reform.
June 2017 MACRA Reporting: How to Succeed Domino, K, Simon, M, Schmitz, D. MACRA Reporting: How to Succeed. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 06, pp 8-10. The time is now to understand how MACRA will affect your practice. This article reviews ASA and the Anesthesia Quality Institute resources to help you navigate the change to measure and report quality metrics required by MACRA.
June 2017 Improvement Activities Under the Merit-based Incentive Payment System Dutton, R, Nicolescu, T. Improvement Activities Under the Merit-based Incentive Payment System. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 06, pp 12-15. ASA invites you to participate in the annual survey of commercial payment rates - the Statements of Antitrust Enforcement Policy in Health Care issued jointly by the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Administration make it possible for us to gather this information as long as certain conditions are met. Read more about the survey and how to participate in this Timely Topic.
June 2017 MACRA’s Second Birthday: The Terrible Twos? Hannenberg, A. MACRA’s Second Birthday: The Terrible Twos? ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 06, pp 16-17. ASA has a long history of meaningful engagement in the process of shaping Medicare payment policy. This article reviews ASA’s work in representing and supporting anesthesiologists in the developing MACRA and MIPS world.
June 2017 Quality Management and APMs Fischoff, R, Hochstetler, Z. Quality Management and APMs. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 06, pp 22-23. The purpose of this article is to provide more information about the Advanced Alternative Payment Models, as well as what we here at ASA are doing to ensure reporting opportunities are expanded under this pathway.
June 2017 Registry Reporting: Managing the Reporting Process in Your Practice Antos, A, Westlake, B, Popovich, M. Registry Reporting: Managing the Reporting Process in Your Practice. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 06, pp 24-25. Practices preparing to meet the criteria establish by MACRA may wish to consider a range of techniques to operationalize workflows within their practice. Read this article to find out more about several key characteristics that aid in successfully reporting.
June 2017 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TM 2017 Critical Changes, Critical Strategies Szokol, J. PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TM 2017 Critical Changes, Critical Strategies. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 06, pp 26-29. This article is a review of the PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TM 2017 conference which focused on the theme of change, why it is occurring, how to prepare for it and how to manage for the future.
June 2017 Some Things Don’t Change with MACRA Merrick, S. Some Things Don’t Change with MACRA. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 06, pp 56-57. This article reviews two significant aspects of the current payment system that will remain in the midst of all the MACRA related changes.
May 2017 New Requirement – Reporting Services in Global Period Timely Topic: New Requirement – Reporting Services in Global Period Read this new Timely Topic from ASA’s Payment and Practice Management department to learn if you will be included in a requirement to report to CMS on services performed within the global period of selected procedures – and what you will need to know on how to report them if you are.
May 2017 Keeping the ASA CROSSWALK Up To Date Timely Topic: Keeping the ASA CROSSWALK Up To Date Feedback from anesthesiologists and coding professionals is one reason why the ASA CROSSWALK® stays up to date. Suggestions to be considered for potential inclusion in the 2018 edition are due by June 1, 2017.
May 2017 Ethics Resources Jericho, B. Ethics Resources. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 05, pp 50-51. The ASA provides ethics resources to aid physician anesthesiologists I the care of their patients, their practice of medicine, and their participation in research and publication.
May 2017 Quality Reporting: The Science of Constructing a Performance Measure Kaye, T, Kociemba, L. Quality Reporting: The Science of Constructing a Performance Measure. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 05, pp 60-61. A well-designed quality measure has the dual potential to drive real improvements in patient care in addition to satisfying regulatory reporting requirements. This article describes the ASA process that employs several methods to ensure that resulting quality measures are both useful to physician anesthesiologists and scientifically sound.
May 2017 Lessons in Waiting: Customer Service in Anesthesia House, L.M. Lessons in Waiting: Customer Service in Anesthesia. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 05, pp 64-65. The healthcare industry requires professionalism of its anesthesiologists, including the components of trust, collegiality and shared commitment for all those working together to provide high quality patient care.
April 2017 Got Credentialing? Timely Topic: Got Credentialing? The credentialing process requires exactness, consistency and timeliness if it is to run smoothly. Read about it in our latest Timely Topic from ASA’s Payment and Practice Management department.
April 2017 Part-Time, Job-Sharing Arrangements Timely Topic: Part-Time, Job-Sharing Arrangements Does your group include anesthesiologists nearing retirement looking to lighten their call load? Does it include younger members interested in working part-time? This Timely Topic offers information on how some groups have addressed this issue.
April 2017 Patient Data Under Siege – The Greatest Weakness of EHRs Chan, L, Wong, B, Howell, S. Patient Data Under Siege – The Greatest Weakness of EHRs. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 04, pp 26-29. A dramatic series of data breaches over the last few years have exposed the cybersecurity shortcomings in electronic medical records. Read more about the risks involved in this article.
April 2017 Paper Charting Anesthetics: Forgotten But Not Gone… Especially During an EHR Downtime Poterack, K, Gottlieb, O, Rothman, B. Paper Charting Anesthetics: Forgotten But Not Gone… Especially During an EHR Downtime. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 04, pp 30-32. Are you familiar with how to chart an anesthetic or write an order on paper? This knowledge could be critical in the event of EHR downtime.
April 2017 When You Can’t Hear Me Now Paganelli, W, Berg, K, Poler, S, Rothman, B. When You Can’t Hear Me Now. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 04, pp 34-37. After reviewing the difficulties of communications at play during times of emergencies, what can be done during routine operations to help alleviate these issues and ensure patient safety?
April 2017 The 2016 Job Market for Graduating Anesthesiology Residents Stein, E, Mesrobian, J, Szokol, J, Abouleish, A. The 2016 Job Market for Graduating Anesthesiology Residents. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 04, pp 58-62. A review of the fifth annual survey of graduating anesthesiology residents reveals interesting trends in the anesthesiology job market.
March 2017 CMS Changes Direction on Non-Face-to-Face Services Timely Topic: CMS Changes Direction on Non-Face-to-Face Services As value-based payment systems evolve, CMS has changed is stance on payment for some non face-to-face services. Staying informed on such policy changes will be helpful as you prepare for MACRA.
March 2017 NGS and TEE: Your CAC reps at Work! Timely Topic: NGS and TEE: Your CAC Reps at Work Knowing how to access Medicare’s national and local coverage policies will help you understand coverage requirements for procedures/services you provide. Read more in this ASA Timely Topic.
March 2017 Pain for Physicians: Reporting MIPS Quality Measures for Pain Medicine Popovich, M. Pain for Physicians: Reporting MIPS Quality Measures for Pain Medicine. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 03, pp 40-41. The quality component of MIPS replaced PQRS in 2017, but choosing the best quality measures for Pain Medicine practices can be difficult to define.
March 2017 Evolution of Obstetric Anesthesia in the Value-Based Care Landscape Sullivan, J. Evolution of Obstetric Anesthesia in the Value-Based Care Landscape. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 03, pp 36-37. The future landscape of value-based care requires understanding of both the quality and cost components to know how our discipline will fare with models of alternative reimbursement such as bundled payments.
February 2017 New Players in the Payment Process Timely Topic: New Players in the Payment Process As we move from Fee for Service to Value Based Purchasing, the payment process includes new players. Our latest Timely Topic discusses three of them: CMMI, PTAC and HCP-LAN.
February 2017 Resident Focused: Anesthesia Practice Types - Academic Anesthesiology Timely Topic: Resident Focused: Anesthesia Practice Types - Academic Anesthesiology This Timely Topic in Payment and Practice Management focuses on residents’ need to learn more about anesthesia practice types. In this article, the authors provide key information about Academic Anesthesiology.
February 2017 Professional Liability Trends in 2016: Things Are Stable, But Changes May Be Lurking Burkle, C. Professional Liability Trends in 2016: Things Are Stable, But Changes May Be Lurking. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 02, pp 12-14. The ASA Committee on Professional Liability provides a report on changing trends in malpractice insurance premiums and characteristics impacting physician anesthesiologists.
February 2017 Employed Physicians and Professional Liability Insurance Leib M, Joseph V. Employed Physicians and Professional Liability Insurance. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 02, pp 18-19. It is very important for physicians contemplating employment to understand the details of their future professional liability coverage as employees.
February 2017 New Reporting Requirement: Visits Within a Global Period Merrick S. New Reporting Requirement: Visits Within a Global Period. ASA Monitor, 2017 Volume 81, Number 02, pp 60-61. This article will provide a bit of background on the new CMS reporting requirement for visits within a global period and describe what some ASA members will be required to do as part of the new data collection requirement.
January 2017 NCDs, LCDs and the MCD: How to Learn What CMS Does or Does Not Cover Timely Topic: NCDs, LCDs and the MCD: Howe to Learn What CMS Does or Does Not Cover Knowing how to access Medicare’s national and local coverage policies will help you understand coverage requirements for procedures/services you provide. Read more in this ASA Timely Topic.
January 2017 For Your 2017 “To Do” List Timely Topic: For Your 2017 “To Do” List (January 2017) Read our first Timely Topic for 2017 to see what should be near the top of your “to do” list: collect patient deductibles, prepare for MIPS reporting, and report on visits with a global period.
January 2017 Practice Management 2017 Giesecke N. Practice Management 2017. ASA Monitor, 2017, Volume 81, Number 01, pp 4-5. The 2017 Practice Management meeting will be held in Grapevine, Texas January 27-29 at the Gaylord Texan Resort.
January 2017 Practice Management 2017: Critical Changes, Critical Strategies Blough G. Practice Management 2017: Critical Changes, Critical Strategies. ASA Monitor, 2017, Volume 81, Number 01, pp 14-15. Now introducing a new preconference developed by and for the other anesthesiology professional: the practice administrator.
January 2017 Healing is an Art, Medicine is a Science, and Healthcare is a Business Vitale S. Healing is an Art, Medicine is a Science, and Healthcare is a Business. ASA Monitor, 2017, Volume 81, Number 01, pp 16-17. Art, Science and Business are intertwined. Join our panel of experts for a preconference discussion on “Billing, Coding and Compliance.”
January 2017 Remembering Vigilance in the Age of Technology Deshur M, Levine W. Remembering Vigilance in the Age of Technology. ASA Monitor, 2017, Volume 81, Number 01, pp 18-20. Over the past 50 years technology has flourished within the periprocedural world, significantly improving patient safety with real, measurable reductions in morbidity and mortality.
January 2017 Anesthesiology Practices Can Align with the New World of Integrated Practice Units Regev A, Cole D, Mahajan A. Anesthesiology Practices Can Align with the New World of Integrated Practice Units. ASA Monitor, 2017, Volume 81, Number 01, pp 22-49. Healthcare is being redefined based on value and anesthesiologists must embrace the coming changes and be at the forefront of the transition from volume-based payment toward creating value for the patient.
January 2017 Positioning Your Practice to Succeed in a Value-based Era Cartegena, R, Galinanes F. Positioning Your Practice to Succeed in a Value-based Era. ASA Monitor, 2017, Volume 81, Number 01, pp 26-27. To meet the needs of their patients, anesthesiologists can proactively act as catalyst for change by capturing, analyzing and utilizing data that measures the patient experience, satisfaction and overall value.
January 2017 Insurance Gaps Root Cause of Out-of-Network Payment Issues Hansen J. Insurance Gaps Root Cause of Out-of-Network Payment Issues. ASA Monitor, 2017, Volume 81, Number 01, pp 54-55. Dr. Plagenhoef explains that balance billing is a symptom of a much larger problem and “gaps in insurance coverage” are the root cause.

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