What's New

Academy Releases Updated Clinical Indicators (5/3/2012)
The Academy has released updated clinical indicators after an extensive review by the clinical committees and staff. The following indicators have been updated: Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Adult, Nasal Endoscopy, Canalith Repositioning, Tonsillectomy, Adenoidectomy, and Adentonsillectomy, Septoplasty, Adenoidectomy, Laryngoscope/ Nasopharyngoscopy, and Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Pediatric.

Academy Expresses Concern Regarding CMS' Proposed Rule for Recovering Overpayments in Medicare (4/19/2012)

Academy Signs onto Limited Population Antibacterial (LPAD) Letter (4/18/2012)

Academy Joins Single Dose Vial Policy Joint Consensus Statement (4/18/2012)

FDA Recalls Balloon Catheter (3/16/2012)
The Food and Drug Administration issues a Class 1 recall on March 16th, 2012 for the Acclarent Inspira AIR Balloon Dilation Catheter (used in the airway), size 18 x 40 mm, due to malfunctions. According to the statement from the FDA, in a few cases, balloon have not deflated or have deflated slowly, which could result in airway obstruction until the balloon is deflated or removed. A Class 1 recall is the Agency's most serious recall for products with a resonable risk of serious adverse events, or death, with use.

Here is Acclarent's Press Release
Click here for information from the FDA or report problems with the catheter

5010 Enforcement Deadline Moved Back (3/15/12)
In an announcement on March 15th, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Office of E-Health Standards and Services (OESS) announced that it will not initiate enforcement action against any non-compliant entities for an additional three (3) months, through June 30, 2012,for updated HIPAA transaction standards (ASC X12 Version 5010, NCPDP Versions D.0 and 3.0).  For more, click here.

Meaningful Use Stage 2 Proposed Rule Released (3/8/2012)

CMS Issues Comparative Billing Reports on Advanced Diagnostic Imaging (3/1/2012)

New Audiology and OTO-Tech FAQs (2/16/2012)

Summary: 2012 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (12/15/2011)

Top Five Socioeconomic and Regulatory Accomplishments
for 2011 (10/20/2011)

Update: Academy Representatives Communicate with Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) Regarding Balloon Sinus Ostial Dilation Reference Medical Policy (10/13/2011)

Academy Comments on the Proposed Rule for CY 2012 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Rule (9/1/2011)

CMS Restores Previous Supervision Requirements for Videostroboscopy & Nasopharyngoscopy  (8/2/2011)

Potential 1% Increase for Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery in the CY 2012 Proposed Rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (7/28/2011)

Academy Urges Congress to Reject MedPAC Recommendations on Imaging Services (7/20/2011)

New Patient Notification Template Letter (7/20/2011)

HP Update Newsletter (6/29/2011)

Check Out these Health Policy Sessions during the 2011 Annual Meeting and OTO EXPO (6/22/2011)

Academy Offers Feedback on the Proposed Rule for Accountable Care Organizations - (6/9/2011)

CMS Proposes New Exemption Categories under the Medicare E-Rx Program - (6/2/2011)

New Template letter to Appeal Denials for Septoplasty (30520) - (6/2/2011)

Academy Advocates for Expanded National Coverage of Cochlear Implants for Sensorineural Hearing Loss - (5/24/2011)

Academy Sends Comment Letter on ACR Appropriateness Criteria - (4/21/2011)

Major Win Regarding UHC policy on Rhinoplasty  – (4/7/2011)

Attestation For the Medicare EHR Incentives Program Has Began - (3/31/2011)

New Template letter Available to Appeal Denials for Image Guidance (+61782)  -  (03/09/2011)

The Academy Comments on the Proposed Meaningful Use Stage 2 Criteria   - (02/25/2011)

Avoid Penalties in the 2011 Electronic Prescribing (eRx) Incentive Program - (02/24/2011)

2011 MPFS Conversion Factor Update - (01/13/2011)

Registration is Open for the EHR Incentive Programs - (01/06/2011) 

New CPT Code to Report Stereotactic computer assisted navigation - (01/06/2011)

New Consensus Opinion on How to Code Balloon Sinus Dilation - (11/01/2010)

Electronic Health Records and Meaningful Use - (01/06/2011)

 
 
Page Last Updated on April 19, 2012