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By Jan D. Zieren, DO, MPH, FACOFP
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May 27, 2009
Republicans Release Health Care Reform Package
Last week, several Republicans released a health reform bill, the Patient's Choice Act. Senators Tom Coburn, MD (R-OK) and Richard Burr (R-NC) are the lead sponsors of the Senate legislation. In the House, efforts are being led by Representatives Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Devin Nunes (R-CA). This legislation proposes elimination of tax subsidies for employment-based health insurance, and provides tax credits to individuals and families to purchase health insurance. Additionally, this bill places an emphasis on prevention and wellness efforts and encourages States to set up health insurance exchanges. Finally, this legislation would establish competitive bidding for Medicare Advantage plans, implement pay-for-performance measure for Medicare providers, and would permit and promote the formation of accountable care organizations. In its current form, this legislation is not likely to pass Congress, but certain provisions of the bill could be included in any future health care reform package.
Balance Billing Legislation Introduced in the House
Earlier this spring, Representative Tom Price, MD (R-GA) introduced H.R. 1384, a bill to remove limiting charges under the Medicare program for non-participating physicians who provide beneficiaries with a specified notice on non-participation and non-acceptance of Medicare payment on an assignment-related basis. Specifically, H.R. 1384 would remove the 115 percent limiting charge cap currently in place. Further, this legislation would preempt state laws limiting charges for physicians' services. The bill only affects non-participating physicians who have opted out of "Medicare Participating" status. It does not mandate that non-participating doctors balance bill at a certain level.
2009 ACOFP Intensive Update & Board Review Course
Held September 10-12, 2009 at the Chicago Marriott O'Hare Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, this course is designed for practicing osteopathic family physicians who want to update their skills, as well as for those preparing to take the recertification examination given by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians (AOBFP).
This course presents an overview of the most important topics in contemporary osteopathic family medicine, and features focused, patient-care oriented review presented by family physician faculty with expertise in specific topic areas. Register Today!
New! COMBANK Discount for ACOFP Student Members
COMBANK Medical Incorporated has emerged as the premier testing system specifically designed for students preparing for COMLEX. COMBANK offers three unique Qbanks for all three levels of the COMLEX that are presented in a simulated testing environment.
ACOFP and COMBANK have joined forces to offer an opportunity for students to maximize their testing potential. ACOFP members are eligible to receive a 15 percent discount on all Qbank subscription purchases. To activate this discount, type in the promotional code 15360 during the subscription process at combankmed.com. Kudos to the ACOFP Student Leadership for initiating this new member benefit!
Back to Campus
Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine ACOFP Student Chapter President Chelsey Field reported that her chapter cosponsored Rape Awareness Week with the woman's medical alliance, and the OB/GYN clubs on campus. Events included a lecture on ED rape kit collection by a local ED physician; a self defense presentation by several male students well versed in martial arts; a panel of rape victims who spoke about their personal experiences, and a lecture on counseling victims of sexual assault.
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