News « CSMS

06.29.16

43 Medical, Consumer and Advocacy Organizations Express Grave Concerns to DOJ on Insurance Mega-Mergers

Growing National Outcry Over Insurance Mega-Mergers June 29, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Forty-three state and national organizations have signed a letter sent to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) expressing grave concerns about anti-competitive behavior seen in state reviews of the proposed mega-mergers of Anthem-Cigna and Aetna-Humana. The flawed review process in most states has […]

06.22.16

CSMS Applauds Senators’ Opposition to Health Insurance Mergers

Statement of Support by the Connecticut State Medical Society for US Senators’ Opposition to Health Insurance Plan Mergers The Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) applauds the efforts of Senator Richard Blumenthal and his Senate colleagues in opposing the Anthem-Cigna and Aetna-Humana health insurance plan mega-mergers. “These mega-mergers are job killers. They threaten jobs, hike prices, […]

06.02.16

CSMS Shocked by CID’s Mega-Merger Review Process, Files FOIA

June 2, 2016 (North Haven, CT) – The Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) expressed shock and deep concern with the complete lack of transparency and public involvement in the Connecticut Insurance Department’s review of the proposed Aetna-Humana merger. The CID review process raises serious questions about the veracity of the review, and the reliability and […]

05.20.16

LCMA 250th Anniversary Celebration

The Litchfield County Medical Association is now in its 250th year, making it among the oldest (if not the oldest) continuously operating medical association in the country. The LCMA celebrated this milestone at Weatherstone, an historic property in Sharon, CT built by Simeon Smith, MD in 1765. Historical records indicate that Dr. Smith hosted meetings […]

05.17.16

CT Pharmaceutical Forum: Access, Affordability & Better Health

Today at the Capitol, CSMS and Connecticut Comptroller Kevin Lembo co-hosted a forum on prescription drug pricing and its effects on access and affordability. CSMS President Henry Jacobs, MD, JD welcomed the audience, and spoke about the hardships he has seen among patients who struggle to afford needed medications. Dr. Jacobs then introduced Comptroller Lembo, […]

05.12.16

CSMS Reiterates Strong Support for Breast Tomosynthesis Coverage

During the 2016 legislative session, CSMS strongly supported HB 5233, which would require health insurance coverage for screening mammograms provided by breast tomosynthesis (also called 3D mammography). CSMS Immediate Past President Robert Russo, MD submitted testimony on behalf of the Medical Society to the Insurance Committee during the 2016 session. CSMS member Liane Philpotts, MD […]

05.04.16

Decoding MYQRUR: New Webinar Dates

CMS creates Mid-Year Quality and Resource Use Reports (MYQRUR) to provide physicians with cost and quality measure data for their Medicare patients. Join us for a free CSMS webinar and learn how to use MYQRUR data to help evaluate the quality of care you provide. Webinar topics will include: MYQRUR in Context Obtaining Your MYQRUR […]

04.22.16

2016 Biondino Golf Classic

Summer will be here before you know it, and that means getting ready for the 2016 Robert J. Biondino, Jr., MD Golf Classic on July 25 at the Wallingford Country Club. As always, 100% of the proceeds from the Biondino Classic go to support the CSMS Charitable Trust. It’s shaping up to be another great […]

04.18.16

2016 Award Nominations Now Open

Nominations are now open for the Maloney Distinguished Service Award and the Healthcare Leader and Innovator (HLI) Award. All CSMS members are welcome to nominate their colleagues for recognition of outstanding work. The Paul K. Maloney, Jr., MD Distinguished Service Award was established to honor the life and work of Dr. Maloney, an eminent physician […]

04.12.16

Insurance Mergers: Bigger Isn’t Better for Patients, Physicians

Last night, the Connecticut Campaign for Consumer Choice presented Insurance Mergers: What You Need to Know, a public forum on the proposed Anthem-Cigna mergers. CSMS is a founding member of the Connecticut Campaign for Consumer Choice, along with the Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut and the Connecticut Citizens’ Action Group. Hosted by State Rep. […]

04.06.16

Programs! Get Your Programs Here!

In honor of Opening Day, here’s a rundown of upcoming CSMS programs. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Opioid Prescribing April 27 @4:30 – 8:30 pm Middlesex Hospital Online registration Download form Featuring keynote speaker Seddon Savage, MD, MS 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ $40.00 (includes dinner) Presented by CSMS, CT Pain Society, CT Chapter ASAM, […]

03.31.16

Add Your Voice: National Physician Surveys

As a practicing physician, you have a unique perspective on the many challenges facing healthcare today. Share your experiences and concerns with a national audience by taking a few minutes to complete these surveys: The Physicians Foundation has launched its 4th national Survey of America’s Physicians, one of the largest physician surveys ever undertaken in […]

03.25.16

Merger Concerns: CT Campaign for Consumer Choice

Amid growing concern over the effects of a proposed Anthem/Cigna merger, CSMS has joined the Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut and the Connecticut Citizen Action Group to form the Connecticut Campaign for Consumer Choice. The coalition delivered a letter to CT Insurance Commissioner Katherine Wade, requesting the following actions to ensure that consumer voices […]

03.07.16

Physicians’ Day at the Capitol 2016

This year’s day of physician advocacy was a busy – and successful – one for CSMS physicians and their CT ACS colleagues: The day kicked off with breakfast and networking. State Sen. Kevin Witkos and State Rep. J.P. Sredzinski stopped by to say hello, and stayed to talk with physicians about a range of healthcare […]

03.04.16

PQRS Reporting Deadlines: Down to the Wire

Don’t get hit with negative payment adjustments in 2017 – report your 2015 PQRS data before the deadlines: EHR Direct or Data Submission Vendor (QRDA I or III) – 3/11/16 Qualified Clinical Data Registries (QRDA III) – 3/11/16 Group Practice Reporting Option (GPRO) Web Interface – 3/11/16 Qualified Registries (Registry XML) – 3/31/16 QCDRs (QCDR XML) – 3/31/16 The […]

03.02.16

Changing Times, Changing Work, Changing Culture

The first of a new AMA educational series on physician burnout and resiliency made its debut today, with a webinar led by led by nationally-known speaker Bruce Bagley, MD. Dr. Bagley provided a overview of the rapidly-changing practice environment, and the ways these changes can stress physicians and practice staff. He then introduced the STEPS […]

02.16.16

National Attention for CT Opioid Efforts

Earlier today, CSMS was honored to host a special meeting on opioid prescribing and addiction issues with Michael Botticelli, Director of the White House White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and a multidisciplinary group of practicing Connecticut physicians. Director Botticelli was joined by US Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) for an opportunity to hear directly […]

02.05.16

Back by Popular Demand: Live PQRS Webinars

The deadlines to submit your 2015 PQRS data are coming up fast, so CSMS is offering two encore presentations of PQRS: What You Need to Know in 2016. Wednesday, 2/17 at 4 pm & Thursday, 2/18 at 12:15 pm Get the information you need, and take advantage of the opportunity for live Q&A.

01.26.16

Zika Virus Resources

This page content has been transferred to csms.org/zika (click to view updates) With Zika virus in the news, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) have the information that you — and your patients — need: For Physicians Practice Advisory: Updated Interim Guidance for Care […]

01.22.16

Physician Resiliency Series

CSMS and HCMA are pleased to introduce a new educational series from the American Medical Association, focusing on the growing issues of physician burnout and resiliency. The three-part series begins with Improving Physician Resiliency on March 2, a webinar led by nationally-known speaker Bruce Bagley, MD. Dr. Bagley will also lead Provider Work Life and […]

01.20.16

CSMS Supports Breast Tomosynthesis Coverage for Medicaid Patients

The Connecticut State Medical Society recently sent a letter to the Connecticut Department of Social Services in support of SPA 16-003: HIPAA Billing Code and Reimbursement Update – Physician Fee Schedule. The SPA would add breast tomosynthesis codes to the Medicaid program. CSMS supports that decision, and has been very vocal regarding the benefits of […]

01.15.16

2016 Adult Pneumococcal Vaccine Timing

Following up on earlier guidance regarding pneumococcal vaccination in adults, the Connecticut Immunization Coalition has developed a new handout with the algorithm for the two pneumococcal vaccines in circulation (13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine and 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine). Click to download The Connecticut Immunization Coalition has also provided these additional resources: September 4, 2015 MMWR […]

01.11.16

New CT Department of Public Health Hereditary Cancer Genomics Resource

From the Connecticut Department of Public Health Genomics Office: With the rise of personalized medicine, and rapid advances in genomic sequencing technology and diagnostic testing, healthcare providers and consumers have an increased need for accurate information about genetic testing, genomics, and heritable conditions. In response to these information needs, the Connecticut Department of Public Health […]

01.07.16

Share Your Thoughts: CMS Quality Measures Reporting RFI

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is seeking public comment/feedback on several items, including: Certification of health information technology (IT), including EHR products used for reporting to PQRS How often to require recertification The number of clinical quality measures (CQMs) a certified Health IT Module should be required to certify Testing of certified […]

12.31.15

2015: The Year in Review

CSMS had another great year in 2015, with legislative successes, nationally-published research on readmission disparities, strong physician advocacy on a range of public health issues, programs for residents and fellows, and more. Here’s a video review of these and other highlights from 2015: You can view this and other CSMS videos on our YouTube channel

12.30.15

Cost Transparency: Physician Impact in 2016

On January 1, 2016, an important section of this year’s healthcare reform legislation takes effect. While most physicians currently do so for their patients, Public Act 15-146 will require physicians to provide certain information to patients for non-emergency care prior to services being provided. If you have questions or concerns about the implementation of this […]

12.16.15

PQRS: What You Need to Know in 2016

Start 2016 off on the right foot and join CSMS for this new Medicare quality webinar. Avoid negative payment adjustments in 2017 by successfully reporting your 2015 PQRS data Learn about changes in the PQRS and VM programs Preview the transition from PQRS to the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) The webinar will be offered […]

12.09.15

CSMS Charitable Trust & PHEF: Your Donation Makes a Difference

As we approach the end of 2015, please consider making tax-deductible donations to the CSMS Charitable Trust and the CSMS Physician Health and Education Fund (PHEF). Your support helps make a positive difference in the health of Connecticut. Founded in 1989, the CSMS Charitable Trust has awarded more than $500,000 to fighting hunger and homelessness. […]

12.07.15

How to Request an Informal PQRS Review (Deadline Extended to 12/16)

Do you have questions about your 2014 PQRS reporting status, or concerns about potentially receiving the -2.0% PQRS negative payment adjustment in 2016? It’s not too late to submit an informal review request. CMS will be in contact with every individual eligible professional (EP) or PQRS group practice that submits a request for an informal […]

12.02.15

CSMS Members Honored as HBJ Health Care Heroes

CSMS was well-represented at today’s Hartford Business Journal Health Care Heroes Awards ceremony: award finalists Pauline Olsen, MD, William Petit, Jr., MD, Jack Ross, MD, Hank Schwartz, MD, and Prasad Srinivasan, MD are all accomplished professionals who have demonstrated tireless commitment to the communities they serve. Dr. Olsen, winner of the 2016 Health Care Heroes […]

11.23.15

CMS Extends Informal Review Deadline

CMS has announced an extension of the deadline to request an informal review of 2014 Annual Quality and Resource Use Reports (AQRUR) – it is now December 16, 2015 at 11:59 pm (previously 12/11/15). Your 2014 AQRUR (Annual Quality and Resource Use Report) shows whether you successfully participated in PQRS in 2014. If you didn’t […]

11.19.15

Veterans Health Resources: “A Nationwide Community of Care”

CSMS was honored to host Lucile Burgo-Black, MD for a program on healthcare for veterans and their families. Dr. Burgo-Black is the National Co-director, Post Deployment Integrated Care Initiative, Associate Primary Care at the Veterans’ Administration (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven, CT. The program opened with remarks by State Rep. David Yaccarino (R-North […]

11.18.15

CSMS Joins National Call for MACRA Information, Design Input

The Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) joined more than 100 state and national medical specialty societies in letters submitted to the CMS Administrator and to the CMS regulatory comments site. The first letter lays out principles CMS should follow in designing regulations to implement the Medicare Access and Chip Reauthorization Act (MACRA). Full text of […]

11.10.15

Original CSMS Research Presented in ACOG Journal: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Hospital Readmissions After Delivery

For immediate release November 10, 2015 (North Haven, CT) – The Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) believes that the identification of health disparities among and within Connecticut’s increasingly diverse population is central to providing quality patient medical care. Original research data from a multi-year CSMS readmission disparities study was used in an article published in […]

11.06.15

Adult Pneumococcal Vaccines

The Connecticut Immunization Coalition recognizes that there is some confusion surrounding pneumococcal vaccination in adults with the two vaccines in circulation (13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine and 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine). In response, they have provided these pneumococcal vaccine resources: September 4, 2015 MMWR highlighting the intervals between the two vaccines: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6434a4.htm?s_cid=mm6434a4_w The CA Dept. of Public […]

11.03.15

CSMS Signs on to Congressional MU Letter

The Connecticut State Medical Society joined with 49 other state medical societies and 63 national medical associations in signing a letter to House and Senate leadership. The letter expressed strong concerns with the Administration’s decision to move ahead with implementation of Stage 3 of the Meaningful Use program, despite the widespread failure of Stage 2. […]

10.30.15

CMS Informal Review Deadline Extended to 11/23

CMS has extended the deadline for informal review of 2016 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) and Value-Based Payment Modifier (VM) to 11:59 pm on November 23, 2015. If you have reviewed your 2014 AQRUR and think that: you have been incorrectly assessed the 2016 PQRS negative payment adjustment (-2.0% of 2016 Medicare FFS payments) OR […]

10.06.15

Webinars, We’ve Got Webinars

CSMS is hosting a series of convenient webinars on Medicare quality programs: PQRS: An Overview Decoding MYQRUR Understanding the AQRUR Understanding the Value-Based Payment Modifier (VM) Each webinar is less than an hour long, and includes links to CMS resources and information. Each webinar topic is offered live at two different times, and presentations are […]

10.01.15

Henry Jacobs, MD, JD Sworn in as 177th CSMS President

At the 223rd Annual Meeting of the Connecticut State Medical Society, Henry E. Jacobs, MD, JD was sworn in as the Society’s 177th President. Dr. Jacobs is a West Hartford Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Senior Attending at Hartford Hospital. Long active in organized medicine, Dr. Jacobs has served in a number of leadership roles at the Connecticut […]

09.25.15

CSMS Opposes Announced Medicaid Cuts

(NORTH HAVEN) – The Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) is deeply concerned by Governor Malloy’s recent announcement of significant rescissions to Medicaid and mental health services, on top of cuts made in April and June of this year. CSMS President Robert Russo, MD has released this statement in response: These unexpected and unprecedented rescissions to […]

09.21.15

CSMS Supports CDC Recommendations for Childhood Immunization

September 18, 2015 For Immediate Release (North Haven, CT) – At its founding in 1792, the Connecticut State Medical Society stated its dedication to the “diffusion of science and knowledge of the healing arts.” More than two centuries later, as the wealth of medical knowledge has expanded far beyond anything the CSMS founding physicians could […]

09.18.15

Million Hearts Model Deadline Extension

CMS has extended the deadline for the Million Hearts Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Model letter of intent and application to October 8, 2015. The extension will ensure that all interested practices have an opportunity to become part of this important initiative. The Million Hearts Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Model (MH Model) supports both the Million […]

09.15.15

PQRS 2016 Informal Review Process

Individual eligible professionals (EPs), Comprehensive Primary Care (CPC) practice sites, and group practices participating in GPRO (including ACOs) that did not satisfactorily report PQRS in 2014 will receive a negative payment adjustment in 2016. In addition, those individuals and groups will not receive a 2014 PQRS incentive payment. If you believe that you have been […]

09.08.15

AMA Releases Analyses of Potential Anthem-Cigna and Aetna-Humana Mergers

This morning, the AMA released the following press statement that summarizes the key findings of new special analyses of the impact of the proposed Anthem-Cigna and Aetna-Humana health insurance mergers. These analyses coincide with the release of the 2015 Update to the AMA’s Competition in Health Insurance: A Comprehensive Study of U.S. Markets. Notably, the […]

08.31.15

Congratulations to Smilow/YNHH Team on $11M Oncology Research Grant

CSMS member Roy Herbst, MD recently received some excellent news. Dr. Herbst, chief of medical oncology at YNHH/Smilow, and his team were awarded an $11M grant for their Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) focusing on non-small cell lung cancers. “What this grant is designed to do is to take new therapies and discoveries from […]

08.25.15

PECOS Reminder

Please ensure all information is correctly reflected within your Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) account. Information such as National Provider Identifier (NPI), Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), organization name and address may be used by CMS for upcoming communication. You can review and make changes to your Medicare enrollment information by accessing https://pecos.cms.hhs.gov/pecos/login.do#headingLv1. Need […]

08.14.15

With Apologies to Mark Twain, Reports of the Death of Organized Medicine Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

CSMS President Robert Russo, MD and CSMS EVP/CEO Matthew Katz recently wrote this op-ed for the Hartford Business Journal on the importance of organized medicine: With apologies to Mark Twain, reports of the death of organized medicine have been greatly exaggerated. In a recent HBJ article (“Healthcare consolidation means waning influence for medical societies”) two […]

08.13.15

ICD-10: Coming Soon to a Claim Near You

With the October 1 implementation date for ICD-10 just weeks away, physicians recently got some good news: the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) released additional guidance that allows some flexibility in the claims auditing and quality reporting process during the ICD-10 transition. The Connecticut State Medical Society had […]

07.29.15

Biondino Classic Raises $30K for CSMS Charitable Trust

A few am sprinkles didn’t dampen the fun at the 2015 Biondino Golf Classic, and by the 12:15 shotgun start 24 eager foursomes were ready to roll through the course at Wallingford Country Club. There was plenty of competition (scroll down to view the list of winners), but the real winner was the CSMS Charitable […]

07.21.15

Reporting as a Group Practice: 2015 EHR-Based Reporting for PQRS

Join CMS experts for an eHealth webinar on participating in the 2015 PQRS program via the group practice reporting option (GPRO) using an EHR-based reporting mechanism. The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, July 23, 2015 from 11 am – noon. Click here to register. The following items will be discussed during this webinar: Background of […]

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