News You Can Use

FMA's Priority Legislation Passes Unanimously and Balances the Playing Field Between Physicians & Managed Care Companies
Tuesday, SB 1012, the FMA's managed care bill, passed the Florida House on a 119-0 vote. It passed the Senate last Friday, on a 38-0 vote. SB 1012 is the most substantial piece of legislation that the FMA has passed in the Legislature in the last five years. Click here to read how this legislation will affect your day-to-day practice and balance the playing field between physicians and managed care companies.

Federal Action Needed: The "Save Medicare Act" Needs Your Help
Senator Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., has submitted S.2785, the Save Medicare Act of 2008, which has received bipartisan support and acclaim, but we need your help encouraging our senators to get involved with this issue. Click here to read more about the Save Medicare Act and find out how you can help.

Important NPI Number Deadline Looming
Beginning May 23, 2008, all Medicare claims must only have your NPI number in the Primary Provider fields. Legacy numbers will no longer be acceptable. It is of utmost importance that you test your claims now. For additional information, please go to the FCSO Web site.

Medicaid to Require Prior Authorization for Anti-Psychotics for Children
Last week, Medicaid began requiring a prior authorization for atypical anti-psychotics for children under the age of six years. Click here for more information. If you have questions or require assistance in submitting a prior authorization request, please contact the fiscal agent at 800.603.1714 or Medicaid Pharmacy Services at 850.487.4441.

New 2008-2009 School Immunization Requirements Flyers Available
The Bureau of Immunization is pleased to announce a flyer highlighting the changes to the compulsory vaccinations for the 2008-2009 school year. Click here to download the 2008-2009 School Entry Requirements flyers. Feel free to print and distribute the flyers to all with an interest in the immunization of children.

Click here to visit and explore the publications page. For access to high resolution images for use in local mass production, please contact Marlo Peck at 850.245.4342.

CDC Release Fact Sheet on Recent Outbreak of Measles
From January 1 through April 25, 2008 the CDC has received a total of 64 reports of confirmed measles cases in the U.S. This is the highest number reported for the same time period since 2001. Yesterday, the CDC released a fact sheet regarding these outbreaks. Click here to access this document.

Tobacco Use and Dependence Study Seeks Qualified Primary Care Clinics for Participation
The Research and Development Office of Continuing Medical Education at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is conducting a series of case studies to investigate successful implementation of the 2000 PHS guideline for treating tobacco use and dependence (the 5 A's: Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange). The purpose of this study is to better understand of how guideline implementation has occurred in clinical settings to inform future implementations. Click here to learn more about the program and to view the qualifications for participation. If you are working in or know of a primary care clinic that may qualify, please contact Heide K. Moore, PhD at 608.262.7292.

FMA Member Receives Educational Award
Michael O'Brien, MD was recently named the recipient of the 2008 Golden Apple Award for his committment to volunteerism in developing countries as an ambassador of Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO), a private non-profit organization founded in 1986 whose main mission is to improve global health through the education of health care professionals. Click here to read more.

FMA Summer Board of Governors Meeting and Council & Committee Days
May 16–18, 2008
Hyatt Regency Coral Gables
For more information visit the Web site at www.fmaonline.org.
or contact Pati Jackson 850-224-6496 x 247

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