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News A Monthly Communiqué for the Vascular Society of New Jersey - November 2003 |
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NOTE TO MEMBERS: Effective November 1, 2003, VSNJ has moved.
Please note new address: Same phone: 609-392-7553 Same fax: 609-392-2664 Same email: blynch@blynchassociates.com Same website: www.vascularsocietynj.org From the President….Rocco Ciocca, MD We, at the Vascular Society of NJ, have been working hard to define issues that are pertinent to the practice of vascular surgery. While there are obviously many issues with which to deal, we have worked to define and focus upon those that may have a tangible outcome. We have attempted to accomplish several things this year. They have included, in no particular order: 1. Refurbished the infrastructure of the Society 2. Established a Website 3. Increased Society Membership 4. Improved Society communication to members 5. Began dealing with the issue of carotid angioplasty, and 6. Began dealing with endovascular coding issues. We continue to need an infusion of ideas and issues. We have worked hard to be responsive to needs of our members. While the national and regional societies are also working in our behalf, they cannot be depended upon to deal with the local issues that may affect our daily practices. We, at the Vascular Society of NJ will, to the best of our ability, help deal with those issues. Coding Data Needed… A message from Cliff Sales, M.D. I am attempting to collect some data in an effort to assist the members of our society with reimbursement issues. Some members have noted that they have been having trouble with some of the component codes regarding endovascular procedures—notably, when performing angioplasty or insertion of IVC filters. Apparently, the private insurers are not paying on the 70000 code series! I have a few examples from a few practitioners. I would like many more! If I can achieve a critical mass of specific examples, I can put together a letter and the Society can speak for many persons. We can, in fact, invoke the assistance of the State. I am asking you to speak to your billing personnel about this. Please take a look at your 70000 codes that have accompanied the angioplasty or other endovascular procedures (such as IVC filter placement). If you have been denied, I would like to know about it. Simply e-mail me (cmsdad@comcast.net) the info AND fax (973-467-8652) to me (or send it via e-mail also) the EOB and/or the claim form. The more I have, the stronger our case. Any questions, e-mail me or call me at 973-759-9000 or at home 973-258-0015. Election Outcome - What does it mean to the physician community? Beverly Lynch, VSNJ Executive Director/Lobbyist The Democrats gained a majority in the Senate (going from a 20:20 split to 21:18 with one undecided race) and increased their majority in the Assembly (from 42:38 to 47:33) -- not the outcome hoped for by the Medical Society and the physician community if it is to achieve meaningful tort reform. MSNJ had targeted several districts, hoping to unseat Democratic incumbents with Republican freshmen. Only one of those candidates succeeded – Bill Baroni from District 14. So what can we expect? Physicians need to maintain their newfound political advocacy – and get motivated to work with this new Legislature in new ways. Physicians cannot throw their hands up and walk away. VSNJ must embrace the increased importance of grassroots one-on-one meetings with their Legislators and use those meetings to discuss the issues critical to health of medicine. We now move into the so-called “lame duck” session, which begins November 5 and ends on January 12, 2004, when the legislative session adjourns. The Assembly Speaker has issued a light schedule for the lame duck; the Senate schedule is expected to be minimal. On Tuesday, January 13, the new Legislature is sworn in and we begin a new two-year legislative session. Expect continued focus on tort reform/medical malpractice, scope of practice legislation, and significant budget shortfalls. The Democrats will have enormous pressure on them to solve the many problems facing New Jersey alone. It’s Not TOO LATE to sign up for tickets. CALL THE OFFICE NOW. Mark your Calendar! Wednesday, March 17, 2003 Spring Vascular Meeting RWJ Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ
To save important resources (time and money), we are building an email address list of members. The monthly report, and other important communications, can then be easily and efficiently emailed to the organization. Please provide your name and email address. |