Life Rugby at the 2015 CRC in Philly!

The New York State Pain Society will be hosting their 2015 Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel in NYC June 5-7.  We are pleased to inform you that NYSCA members Dr. Bruce Silber, Dr. David BenEliyahu, and Dr. William Venditelli will be presenting at this event during the Saturday afternoon session "Complementary Options to Manage Pain."

On May 4, in a report issued by the New York State Assembly Labor and Insurance Committees regarding the proposed Workers Compensation fee schedule changes, the Assembly Majority clearly recommended that the new fee schedule not be adopted, as requested by both NYSCA and the Council. In support of their decision to oppose the new fee schedule, the report included specific references to testimony jointly offered by the NYSCA and the Council, who testified at a hearing in the fall, along with other specialty groups. The summary of our joint testimony is on pages 16-17 of the report.  Both Jason Brown, DC, of the NYSCA and Bryan Ludwig, DC, of the Council and testified and raised numerous concerns about the new fee schedule, in particular its proposed linkage to the Medicare fee schedule. The report also specifically cited the testimony of Dr. Brown, detailing many of his concerns and objections. Here is a link to the full report: http://assembly.state.ny.us/comm/Labor/20150504/index.pdf. This is very good news for the profession!

Chiropractic documentation education, new quality-reporting incentives included in measure

On April 1, 2015, the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) was updated using the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) methodology as required by current law. The SGR methodology required a 21% decrease in all MPFS payments beginning April 1, 2015. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) took steps to limit the impact on Medicare providers and beneficiaries by holding claims paid under the MPFS with dates of service on and after April 1, 2015. In the absence of additional legislation to avert the negative update, CMS must update payment systems to comply with the law, and implement the negative update.

Thirty-eight Doctor of Chiropractic candidates will receive degrees at the New York Chiropractic College April 4 commencement ceremony.

Clinical Compass, powered by the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP), has posted an update to the "Clinical Practice Guideline: Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain." This document is online and available for public review and comment. 

The negative 21% payment rate adjustment under current law for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2015.  CMS is taking steps to limit the impact on Medicare providers and beneficiaries by holding claims for a short period of time beginning on April 1st.  Holding claims for a short period of time allows CMS to implement any subsequent Congressional action while minimizing claims reprocessing and disruption of physician cash flow in the event of legislation addressing the 21% payment reduction.  Under current law, electronic claims are not paid sooner than 14 calendar days (29 days for paper claims) after the date of receipt. As we stated in our recent email to physicians, CMS will provide more information about next steps by April 11, 2015.

CMS to hold claims until April to avert reimbursement cuts