http://www.doctorslawyer.com Expertise for the specialized medical practice Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:02:35 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) is requesting your written comments on the NC Medical Board’s proposed rule to post online each licensee’s total number of medical malpractice judgments and settlements occurring with the past seven (7) years, without the dollar amount or other information which could identify the patient. ... http://www.doctorslawyer.com/2008/04/17/ncms-seeking-comments-on-ncmbs-physician-profiling-proposal/ The 2008 Election season is here and health care-related issues are hot, both nationally and at the state level. This year new state Senators and House members will be chosen, and they will make decisions that affect your practice and your patients. Do you know who your candidates are for the ... http://www.doctorslawyer.com/2008/04/17/ncms-opens-election-center-help-members-determine-their-vote/ Aetna has sent out a letter to its participating physicians "informing" them of their selection in the Aetna Workers' Comp Access Network at reduced rates of reimbursement. The letter requires practices to "opt out" of participation by responding with a letter declining participation by April 15, 2008; otherwise you will ... http://www.doctorslawyer.com/2008/04/17/opt-out-workers-compensation-addendum-sent-out-by-aetna/ A new network to deliver drug safety alerts online to US physicians was launched March 25, 2008. The Health Care Notification Network (HCNN) replaces a decades-old system that relied on paper and US mail delivery. The HCNN will also be available for rapid communication with physicians in the event of ... http://www.doctorslawyer.com/2008/04/17/newly-launched-network-provides-rapid-communication-with-physicians/ Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC (BCBSNC) has sent certified letters to approximately 100 North Carolina "medical providers" who have not obtained an NPI. In accordance with the NPI compliance date, electronic claims will be denied for physicians who have not obtained NPIs starting May 23, 2008. It is important to ... http://www.doctorslawyer.com/2008/04/17/bcbs-of-nc-to-deny-claims-without-npi/ Aetna and the Physician Advocacy Institute (PAI) have commenced discussions regarding the new 125% of Medicare Aetna methodology utilized to determine the payments made to non-participating providers when the benefits are considered to be "in-network" under a patient's benefit plan. In a March 5 meeting at Aetna headquarters in Hartford, Connecticut, ... http://www.doctorslawyer.com/2008/04/17/the-pai-group-and-aetna-discuss-payment-policies-for-non-participating-providers/ Federally mandated tamper resistant prescription pad requirements for all Medicaid prescriptions took effect April 1, 2008. A January 2008 DMA memo addressed the requirements. (Click here to download the pdf.) As of April 1, 2008, all Medicaid recipients’ paper prescriptions must be on pads that include specific features, as defined in ... http://www.doctorslawyer.com/2008/04/17/reminder-tamper-resistant-prescription-pad-requirements-begin-april-1/ Distribution of Payments Awaiting Final Order: North Carolina practices are advised that the monetary settlement for the Blue Cross settlement will not be distributed until a final order is issued by the District Court. This order is expected in the near future. The actual amount per physician is yet unknown ... http://www.doctorslawyer.com/2008/03/02/blue-cross-settlement-news/ In response to numerous complaints by the North Carolina Medical Society and others, United Healthcare (HCS) has developed a simplified physician flyer providing contacts for advance notification, online administration and other issues. To access the first draft of this flyer, go to www.ncmedsoc.org (PDF file). http://www.doctorslawyer.com/2008/03/02/uhc-develops-simplified-information-sheet/ Important National Plan & Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) Information for Organization Providers: When organization health care providers apply for NPIs, it is important that they enter their correct legal business name and Employer Identification Number (EIN). NPPES will be establishing a verification process with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ... http://www.doctorslawyer.com/2008/03/02/npi-updates-%e2%80%93-info-you-need-to-know/