What’s New

The ACR maintains a "ACR News" Section for nation-wide issues in its ACR home page

 

 

New Committee Report Presented at the NYSRS Executive Committee Meetings OF APRIL 5, 2008

Medical Insurance and Compensation Committee Report

 

New Committee Reports Presented at the NYSRS Executive Committee Meetings OF October 19, 2007

(Posted October 19, 2007)

The following  committee reports from the NYSRS Executive Committee Meeting on October 19, 2007 are now available online. Click on the highlight link to see the report2:

Residents and Fellows Section Committee Report

Medical Insurance and Compensation Committee Report

 

New Committee Reports Presented at the NYSRS Executive Committee Meetings OF April 14 & August 10, 2007 (Posted Aug. 16, 2007)

 

The following 2 committee reports from the NYSRS Executive Committee Meeting on August 10, 2007 are now available online. Click on the highlight link to see the reports:

Medical Insurance and Compensation Committee Report - August 10, 2007

Residents and Fellows Section Committee Report

Additionally, the following report from an earlier NYSRS Executive Committee Meeting of April 14, 2007 is now also available. Click on the highlighted link to the the report:

Medical Insurance and Compensation Committee Report - April 14, 2007

ANNUAL RESIDENT CAREER WORKSHOPS (Updated August 10,  2007)

 

The New York State Radiological Society Resident Career Section proudly presents the Annual Upstate Radiology Resident Career Workshop for Diagnostic Radiology  on Saturday, October 13,  2007 at the University of Rochester Medical Center (The Natapow Room, 1-9545) 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642.  Please RSVP samel_madoff@urmc.rochester.edu

The New York State Radiological Society Resident Career Section proudly presents the 14th Annual Downstate Radiology Resident Career Workshop for Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Oncology Residents on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.  For more information contact: Greg Gremaldi at gregorygrimaldi@yahoo.com   Telephone: (516) 562-4082

ACR GUIDELINES: RENAL DISEASE, GADOLINIUM-BASED MR CONTRAST AGENTS, AND NEPHROGENIC SYSTEMIC FIBROSIS (NSF) (Updated May 5, 2007)

    The ACR guidelines can be found at:  http://www.acr.org/s_acr/bin.asp?CID=3260&DID=25813&DOC=FILE.PDF

Additional information about MR safety can be found on the ACR website at: http://www.acr.org/s_acr/sec.asp?CID=3260&DID=19517

 NEW CMS edits to prevent billing for technical component charges that have already been included in the Prospective Payment System (PPS) to the hospital  (Updated May 5, 2007)

Medicare billing practices allows either the hospital or the supplier performing the technical component (TC) of physician pathology laboratory services to bill the carrier for these services. This policy has contributed to the Medicare program paying twice for the TC service, first through the Prospective Payment System (PPS) to the hospital and again to the supplier that bills the carrier, instead of the hospital, for the TC service.


Effective for claims received on or after April 1, 2007 for services on or after January 1, 2007, CMS has installed systems edits to prevent additional improper payments to radiology suppliers, physicians and non-physician practitioners billing Medicare carriers for the TC of radiology laboratory services during an inpatient stay. The edits will also apply to independent laboratories for the TC of pathology services provided to beneficiaries during an inpatient stay or for the same date of service as an outpatient service.
CMS has articles about this at:


http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM5347.pdf


http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ContractorLearningResources/downloads/JA5347.pdf


For complete details regarding this, please see the official instruction issued to your Medicare FI, Carrier or A/B MAC. That instruction may be viewed by going to the CMS web site:

 

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Transmittals/downloads/R1221CP.pdf

 

New York State Radiological Society Resident and Fellow Summer Social (Updated May 5, 2007)

Thursday, July 19, 2007 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Murphy's Law

417 E 70th Street

                New York, NY 10021

               (212) 628-3720

For more information contact: Greg Gremaldi at gregorygrimaldi@yahoo.com   Telephone: (516) 562-4082

 

 

14TH ANNUAL RESIDENT CAREER WORKSHOP (Updated May 5, 2007)

The New York State Radiological Society Resident Career Section proudly presents the 14th Annual Radiology Resident Career Workshop for Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Oncology Residents on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

For more information contact: Greg Gremaldi at gregorygrimaldi@yahoo.com   Telephone: (516) 562-4082

 

 

Links to sites with educational material regarding contrast injections (Updated February 2, 2007)

 

ACR Manual on Contrast Media   http://www.acr.org/s_acr/sec.asp?CID=2131&DID=16687

 

"ACR Practice Guideline for the Use of Intravascular Contrast Media"   http://www.acr.org/s_acr/bin.asp?TrackID=&SID=1&DID=12241&CID=541&VID=2&DOC=File.PDF

 

"Iodinated Contrast Agents Safety and Adverse Reaction Management" - A one-hour lecture for radiologists, radiologic technologists, registered nurses, and other professionals who are involved in contrast agent administration from the International Center for Postgraduate Education.  Order online at www.icpmed.com/cohan2006

 

New York State Department of Health Radiologic Technologist Registration Application for Contrast Injection

 

Radiology Technologists: "How to" books on phlebotomy can be found on online book stores.

 

 

New Committee Reports Presented at the NYSRS Executive Committee Meeting on October 20, 2006 (Posted November 6, 2006)

 

The following 3 committee reports from the NYSRS Executive Committee Meeting on October 20, 2006 are now available online. Click on the highlight link to see the reports:

Medical Insurance and Compensation Committee Report

Residents and Fellows Section Committee Report

Interventional Radiology Committee Report

 

 

 

 

NSF/NFD Association Seen in Advanced Renal Patients Receiving Gadolinium

 

The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging physicians to exercise caution in the use of gadolinium-containing contrast agents, especially at high doses, in patients with advanced renal failure. After being alerted to an association between Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis/Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NSF/NFD) and a gadolinium-containing contrast agent, FDA has noted a similar association in the U.S. involving multiple manufacturers.

 

ACR members are encouraged to talk with nephrologists, referring physicians, and others at your institution that may be treating these advanced-stage renal patients to assess any such associations within their institutions.

 

Any such cases (without identifying patient information) can be reported by clicking on the following link -

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?A=158018659E65761

  

Additional information on the gadolinium-NSF/NFD association can be found on the FDA's Web site at -

http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/gcca/default.htm.

 

Patients with poor renal function should be told of the potential risks; physicians referring at-risk patients should also be advised of the potential risk.

 

See the entire ACR Gadolinium Alert online.

 

 

New Committee Reports Presented at the NYSRS Executive Committee Meeting on aUGUST 25, 2006 (Posted Sept.17, 2006)

 

The following 2 committee reports from the NYSRS Executive Committee Meeting on August 26, 2006 are now available online. Click on the highlight link to see the reports:

Medical Insurance and Compensation Committee Report

Residents and Fellows Section Committee Report

THIRTEENTH ANNUAL RESIDENT CAREER WORKSHOP

The New York State Radiological Society Resident Career Section proudly presents the Thirteenth Annual Radiology Resident Career Workshop for Diagnostic Radiology and Radiation Oncology Residents on Saturday, October 28, 2006 from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Einhorn Auditorium, Lenox Hill Hospital, 131 East 76th Street, New York City. Free registration, Free Gifts, Free Continental Breakfast, Free Parking and Free Lunch. See the entire Program Online.

 

New York State Radiological Society Resident and Fellow Summer Social

Thursday, July 27, 2006, 6:30-8:30 PM

 at Murphy's Law 417 E. 70th St., New York City.

Come, relax, have a beer and meet other Radiology Residents and Fellows from New York State.  For more information, contact your Resident Program Representative or Trishna Patel @ (212) 600-0845 or patelt@wcmc.com   

 

                                

New York State Radiological Society wins ACR Chapter Recognition Award (Posted April 27, 2006)

For the second year, the NYSRS won the prestigious ACR award for Government Relations for Division D, which consists of Chapters with over 501 dues-paying members.  Congratulations to the officers and staff and volunteering members who have worked so hard and earned this great distinction.

Join MSSNY Committees (Posted April 27, 2006)

The Executive Committee of the NYSRS believes that it is important for radiologists to be engaged in the activities of the greater medical community. Therefore we are suggesting that those members of the NYSRS who are members of the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) consider becoming members of MSSNY committees or become active in their county medical societies. For your convenience we placed a list with descriptions of MSSNY committees on our web site. To see that listing, please click HERE.
If you would like to have your name submitted to MSSNY for possible membership on one of their committees, please email Sara Abramson, the President of the NYSRS at:  abramsos@mskcc.org

 

 

New Committee Reports Presented at the NYSRS Board of Directors Meeting on April 22, 2006 (Posted April 27, 2006)

 

The following committee reports from the NYSRS Board of Directors Meeting on April 22, 2006 are now available online. Click on the highlight link to see the reports:

Medical Insurance and Compensation Committee Report

Mammography Committee Report

Residents and Fellows Section Committee Report

 

ACR Effort Results in CMS Delay of HOPPS Multiple Diagnostic Imaging Procedures Discount Rule  

(Copied from the ACR website on 11-13-2005)

As a result of vigorous ACR education efforts, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that, pending further study, it has excluded from the 2006 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (HOPPS) Final Rule, an update that would have significantly cut technical reimbursement paid to hospitals for medical imaging procedures performed on contiguous body parts in the outpatient setting. Although the amount paid to radiologists for the professional component would not have been reduced, a cut in technical reimbursement for hospitals could significantly impact hospitals' ability to provide high quality imaging services.

CMS had proposed reducing reimbursement for additional CT and MRI examinations performed on contiguous body parts in the same session. The proposal would have reimbursed the highest paid procedure in full, but would have reduced reimbursement for the second and additional examinations performed on contiguous body parts by 50%.

Last August, John A. Patti, MD, chair of the ACR's Commission on Economics, expressed the ACR's concerns that CMS had used external rather than internal data and methodologies to formulate their proposed rule change and urged elimination of the proposal or at least a 1-year delay to allow for further study of the issue. Today, Patti praised the CMS decision and promised continued work with CMS regarding this issue.

"We're encouraged by the willingness of CMS to allow further study of this complex issue and look forward to participating in the refinement of its methodology in order that reimbursement policy reflect the true nature of any cost efficiencies that may or may not exist," Patti said.

In releasing the 2006 HOPPS Final Rule, CMS indicated that it considered public comments and a recommendation from the Advisory Panel on Ambulatory Payment Classification Groups in deciding not to implement the multiple procedures discount rule at this time.

Without announcing a specific timeline, CMS officials indicated they would perform additional analyses of relevant data during the coming year to determine what, if any, changes would be appropriate to allow for more accurate payments for diagnostic imaging services. Agency officials said they would look to organizations such as the ACR for additional information and input on future editions of the rule.

ACR’s Efforts Result in Minimal Reductions in Technical Component in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

Meanwhile, Medicare has decided to implement multiple procedural discounting to the technical component of MR, CT, and ultrasound of contiguous body areas done in the same session for the office setting. Medicare is not going to cut the technical component by 50% as originally proposed, but instead will cut the subsequent procedures by 25%. The ACR will continue to oppose the 25% reduction and the planned phase-in of 50% by 2007. The ACR had requested a 1-year delay for further analysis.

CMS will further review the multiple imaging payment reduction policy to determine ultimately what the correct level of cuts should take place. The ACR will continue to comment and work with CMS on the issue on both payment systems to insure that the review and outcome is fair for radiology.

 

 

 

 

ALERT!!   NOTICE TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NYSRS IN RESPECT TO ARRANGEMENTS PROPOSED BY SCHEDULING SERVICES  (Posted October 17, 2005)

In the last year or so, groups of radiologists in New York State have been contacted by one or more diagnostic imaging scheduling services. These entities seek to establish, by contract, networks of radiologists to provide diagnostic imaging for persons who have suffered work-related injuries or illnesses, compensable under the Workers' Compensation law. Some scheduling services also serve persons covered by no-fault auto insurance.

Since a number of members of the NYSRS have requested advice as to whether the subcontracts between the scheduling service and the radiologists would be "legal" in this state, the counsel to the NYSRS was requested to investigate the matter and to offer any appropriate advice to the NYSRS. The NYSRS received that advice and has decided to make it available to its members. That advice and a more complete discussion is available on this website by clicking your mouse  HERE

 

 

IMPORTANT REMINDER:   Your New York Physician Profile (Posted October 17, 2005)

 

Nearly one million visits are now being made to the New York Physician Profile (NYPP) each year.  Accordingly, to accurately inform patients about your practice, it is very important to periodically review and update your information as necessary.  Additionally, please be aware that Section 1000.5 Title 10 (Health) of the Official Compilation of the Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York requires that physicians notify the Department of any change in mandatory Physician Profile information within 30 days of such change.  Please log on to www.nydoctorprofile.com to review your current profile information.  If you have no change to your profile, please call the Physician Help Desk at 1-888-338-6998 and let them know.  If you have change(s), and have already established an HPN account, you can log on to the HPN site at  https://commerce.health.state.ny.us to update your Profile.  If you have not established an HPN account and wish to do so, please call the HPN Support Unit at 1-866-811-7957 and select option 3.  Otherwise, you can print out your Profile from www.nydoctorprofile.com website, make the necessary changes on the printout and send them to: NY Physician Profile, PO Box 5007, New York, NY 10274-5007. Please call the Physician Help Desk at 1-888-338-6998 for further assistance or questions.

 

 The report of the  Medical Insurance and Compensation Committee Report to the New York State Radiological Society Executive Committee on  August 5, 2005 is now online. (Posted August 21, 2005)

NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF THE NEW YORK STATE RADIOLOGICAL SOCIETY, INC. Regarding Medicare  Reimbursement to Radiologists for Studies for Chiropractor (Posted April 4. 2005)

Court Rules that Insurer Cannot Use "Lack of Medical Necessity" to Deny a Diagnostic Center's No-Fault Claim (Posted April 4. 2005)

In a recent court ruling against GEICO and for the radiologist, it was ruled that GEICO pay the radiology group No-Fault medical reimbursement for diagnostic tests performed and for which GEICO initially denied payment. The ruling indicated that an Insurer may not use a "Lack of Medical Necessity" to deny a diagnostic center's claim for payment. For more information about this case click you mouse HERE

The report of the  Medical Insurance Compensation Committee Report to the New York State Radiological Society Board of Directors Meeting on October 16, 2004 is now online. (Posted October 16, 2004)

William J. Hendrick, Jr., M.D. was elected the new President of the New York State Radiological Society. The complete list of new officers and their contact information can be found of the "Officers" page of this website.

New York State Radiological Society wins the 2004 ACR's first Annual Chapter Recognition Award for Government Relations for Division D, which consists of Chapters with over 501 dues-paying members.  Congratulations to the officers and staff and volunteering members who have worked so hard and earned this great distinction.

The Reports of the Residents' Section Report and the Medical Insurance Compensation Committee Report to the New York State Radiological Society Board of Directors Meeting on April 17, 2004 are now online.

The newly published and recently updated ACR Manual on Contrast Media (5th Edition) can now be found on the ACR's website at  http://www.acr.org/dyna/?doc=frames/main-publications.html or as a hardcopy edition that can be purchased from the ACR for $15/each (members) or $37.50 (non-members)

The 2004 revised Medicare Fee Schedule is available Online (Posted Feburuary 7, 2004)

The following information was obtained from the MSSNY website:

The Revised Medicare Fee Schedules Are Available
Finally, the 2004 revised Medicare fee schedules are available at Medicare Carrier websites.

If a physician is a non-participating Medicare doctor and chooses not to accept assignment for a specific claim (meaning he/she will be billing the patient directly), the physician will then need to calculate the NYS Limiting Charge of 105% for all Medicare covered services billed to patients. The only exceptions to the 105% NYS charge limit are the home (99341 - 99350) and office medical care visit (99201 - 99215) codes, which can be billed at the listed federal limiting charge of 115% of the non-par fee schedule.

Certification of Radiologic Technologists to Inject Contrast Media  (Posted October 11, 2003)

WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW TO PASS A LAW THAT WOULD ALLOW THIS CHANGE!!

 We are the only state in which radiology technologists can not inject contrast media and we have been working to have a law introduced that would allow this change. 

The Governor’s office submitted a bill from the State Department of Health containing all of the language that was negotiated between the NYSRS and DOH during 2002.  The chair of the Senate Health Committee, Kemp Hannon, introduced the bill as S.4016-A.  The Senate passed that bill in June with almost unanimous support from both the Republican and Democratic senators.   The bill has not been able to pass the Assembly but there is a possibility that it might pass when the Assembly is next called into session. A grassroots campaign is needed in which radiologists and others contact their members of the state assembly.  We need to indicate to the opponents why the new law is needed and we need to thank those who support us. 

 

A page with the list of opponents and advocates and their contact information is included on this website. To access that page click you mouse on the following words: Opponent and Advocate Contact Information.

 

The bill was opposed by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) and, at their request, by the New York State AFL-CIO.  The bill was supported, with written memoranda, by the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY), the Health Care Association of New York State (HANYS), Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the New York State Society of Radiologic Sciences, the Association of Educators in Radiologic Technology of the State of New York, Inc., the Greater New York Chapter of the Society of Nuclear Medicine, Inc., the Eastern Great Lakes Chapter of the Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologists, the New York State Podiatric Medical Association and the New York State Dental Association, as well as the NYSRS.

Some of the points that you might include in your communication with representatives in the Assembly are:

The following reports were submitted to the New York State Radiological Society's Board of Directors Meeting on October 11, 2003:

Health Insurance and Compensation Committee Report
Mammography Committee Report
Residents' Section Committee Report

You can now enroll in the Empire Medicaid Services Electronic Lists to receive updated information by e-mail.

If you want to be added to the Empire Medicare ListServe, follow these instructions:

Patient Safety  - New Online Site (Posted July 5, 2003)

Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality - Morbidity and Mortality Rounds on the Web - online journal and forum for patient safety and health care quality.

 Important Medicare Part B New York News:  Services Ordered by Chiropractors Are Noncovered  (Posted June 6, 2003)

Providers of diagnostic tests and other services are reminded that Medicare Part B does not pay for x-rays or other diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished or directly ordered by chiropractors (42 CFR 410.22). Such services will be denied as not covered. More information is available on this site.

Medicare Repeat Services on the Same Day (modifier 76 & 77) (Posted 5/21/2003)

Bills for repeat x-rays (same body part/area) be coded with a modifier 76 (by same provider) or 77 (different provider). This will help in the prompt processing of their claims when performed in a hospital setting. These instructions were published in the 2003-01 Medicare News Brief.

3 New Local Medicare Review Policies

3 New Local Medicare Review Policies are now available: Noninvasive Vascular Diagnostic Studies (VS001E06) Revision #6, Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization CV013E01 Revision #3, and LMRP Title:  Ibritumomab Tiuxetan Therapy (Zevalin(R)) are now available on this site.

ACR E-News is available to ACR members 

If you want to rapidly receive e-mail with information of interest to radiologists and if the ACR doesn't not have your e-mail address, contact them by e-mail or use the ACR's online change of address form. 

The following report were submitted to the New York State Radiological Society's Board of Directors Meeting on April 26, 2003:

Health Insurance and Compensation Committee Report
Radiation Oncology Committee Report
Mammography Committee Report
Resident's Section Committee Report

The ACR is sponsoring its Saturday/Sunday course "PET Imaging for the Radiologist" on March 1-2, 2003 in Coronado, California and on  June 14-15, 2003 in Hilton Head, South Carolina.  This extremely popular course provides up to 13.25 Category 1 credit towards the AMA's Physician's Recognition Award. For further information contact Connie Potter of the ACR Education Department; Telephone (800) 227-5463 ext 4245 ; Fax (703) 716-1283; E-mail conniep@acr.org.

The Department of Health of the State of New York announces Prohibition on the Use of CT for Screening Programs (Posted 10/20/02)

The New York State Department of Health announced on October 10, 2002 a prohibition on the use of computed tomography for full-body, lung, virtual colonoscopy and coronary artery calcification screening programs. "A screening program is defined as one that accepts asymptomatic individuals for a-ray imaging examinations without individual orders from an authorized licensed practitioner. Authorized licensed practitioners include physicians, and physicians assistants and nurse practitioners working in collaborative agreements with physicians or in a hospital setting."  It is unlawful in New York State to violate this prohibition. A copy of the announcement letter is available on the NYSRS website.

NYSRS's New Officers Elected (Posted 10/20/02)

On October 19, 2002 the new officers of the NYSRS were elected. They are:
Mark Adams, MD, MBA, President
Mitchell Goldman, MD President-Elect
William Hendrick, MD Vice-President
Sara Abramson, MD, Secretary-Treasurer

-----
Lance Hellman, MD of Glens Falls, NY was named Chair of the Radiation Oncology Committee and a member of the Executive Committee of the NYSRS.

E. Stephen Amis, Jr. MD, is the new Chairman of the ACR Board of Chancellors (Posted 10/20/02)

CONGRATULATIONS to Dr. Amis, a previous President of the New York Radiological Society, who recently became the new Chairman of the Board of Chancellors of the American College of Radiology!!

The Radiation Oncology Committee Report and Health Insurance and Compensation Committee Reports of October 19, 2002 are Available (Posted 10/20/02)

The Radiation Oncology Committee Report from Karen Fountain, MD can be found at: and the Health Insurance Compensation Committee Report from Arthur J. Segal, MD can be found on this website by clicking your computer curser on the underlined words.

The New York State Increases Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for Mammography (Posted 10/4/02)

Governor George E. Pataki announced that the NY State Health Department will increase Medicaid reimbursements to providers from $51 to $90. The Governor also signed a law allowing State employees to take up to four hours of excused leave time each year to receive breast screenings. The New York State Radiological Society and Medical Society of the State of New York continue to work with the legislative and executive branches regarding women's health and other health care issues.

Enroll in the FREE NYSRS's Resident Career Workshop on Saturday, November 16, 2002 in New York City. (Posted 9/24/02)

 

The brochure is available online.  The workshop is held at the Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City

The NYSRS Residents' Section Reports Are Now Available Online (Posted 9/2/02) To reach the reports click on the words: "Index of Residents' Section Reports"

Deadline To Apply for One-Year Extension to Comply With Certain Provisions Of HIPAA Is October 15, 2002 (Posted 8/25/02)

 

William Wolff, MD, Chair of the Legislative Ad Hoc Committee and Philip Pinsky, NYSRS Legal Counsel, have alerted us to this important deadline. Click your mouse of the following words: "HIPAA Information and Hypertext Links" to learn more regarding this deadline and the application process.

NYSRS Interventional Radiology Ad Hoc Committee Established (Posted 8/25/02)

The Executive Committee of the NYSRS established an Interventional Radiology Ad Hoc Committee after presentations by Terence Matalon, M.D., a past president of Society of Interventional Radiology (formerly SCIVR), to the NYSRS Executive Committee and Board of Directors.  The Chair of the new NYSRS Interventional Radiology Ad Hoc Committee is Curtis Bakal, MD, MPH, immediate past president of the Society of Interventional Radiology.  The NYSRS is working to enhance the subspecialty of Interventional Radiology within the House of Radiology and within the general medical community. Educational material is being prepared for distribution to the entire NYSRS membership about the special challenges facing Interventional Radiologists.  A section of the NYSRS website is being established for Interventional Radiology.

Radiation Oncology Committee Report of August 16, 2002 (Posted 8/25/02)

Karen Fountain, M.D., F.A.C.R. Chair of the Radiation Oncology Committee, reports the considerable ongoing accomplishments of the committee. The ACR national model policy on IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy) has been submitted as the state policy (LMRP) for CMS. Louis Potters, M.D., and Lance Hellman, M.D., the radiation oncology CAC representatives, are working with CMS to educate their staff about how brachytherapy procedures are performed, with special emphasis upon technical components and isotope reimbursement issues. Other items are  also discussed.

MSSNY Offers Required Infection Control Course For Home Study - (Posted June 11, 2002)

Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) Infection Control Home Study Program complies with the NYS-DOH's recommendations as well as section 239 of the Public Health Law requiring that licensed health care professionals complete an infection control program every four years. The updated program contains a 45-minute video and a workbook containing standard and transmission-based precautions established by the CDC, as well as guidelines for post-exposure management. A certificate of completion will be mailed to the applicant. This program qualifies for four hours of CME (Category 1).For information, call Karen Mauceri at 516-488-6100 ext 424. The cost is $59 for members; $89 for non-members.

NY Trial Bar's Attempt To Repeal The Cap On Contingency Fees Is Blocked – (Posted May 17, 2002)

Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) reports that "thanks to the actions of thousands of physicians who responded to the contingency repeal crisis yesterday afternoon, the trial bar's attempt to repeal the cap on contingency fees was blocked. The Governor's office, the Senate and the Assembly were flooded with phone calls on this critical issue."  The NYSRS supported MSSNY's action with a broadcast mass e-mailing to over six hundred of our members to make such calls.

In a last minute move at 12:15 p.m. yesterday before the State Budget was to be agreed on, the trial bar had the 11-word repeal language buried in the thousands of pages of State Budget bills. MSSNY was alerted and immediately notified specialty societies (including the NYSRS), county medical societies and the business community. MSSNY Communications issues tens of thousands of faxes and e-mail alerts within an hour of the notification. As a group MSSNY and its allies generated thousands of phone calls and a mass deployment of Albany lobbyists into the legislature.

This action by the trial bar would have enabled lawyers to take an increased percentage of a settlement from an accident victim and would have quickly translated into an estimated 10% increase in medical liability premiums. In addition, removal of the current limit on attorney's fees could mean significant increases in local taxes in some municipalities

Mammography Committee Report of May 4, 2002 (Michael Cohen, M.D., Chair) - (Posted May 6, 2002)

For those practices who interpret screening mammograms at the time of service: Effective January 1, 2002, Medicare will reimburse for both a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram performed on the same day. These additional diagnostic films can be done without an additional order from the referring physician. Providers submitting a claim for a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram for the same patient on the same day, must attach Modifier GG to the diagnostic mammography (76090, 76091, G0204, or G0206). Submit both the screening and the diagnostic tests on the same claim. This applies both to film-screen and digital techniques. Check with your billing office or business manager to insure implementation of the above.

Health Insurance and Compensation Report of May 4, 2002 (Arthur J. Segal, M.D., F.A.C.R., Chair) is now available online - (Posted 5/5/02)

This report gives information provides information and links about Intravascular brachytherapy, noninvasive vascular diagnostic studies, Part B News about what constitutes a COMPLETE abdominal ultrasound examination, swallowing vs. speech studies, and a review of modifiers.

Medical Physics Committee (Lawrence Rothenberg, Ph.D. F.A.C.R., Chair) reports that the FDA has released the following important documents - (Posted 5/5/02):

Whole Body CT Scanning

Reducing Radiation Risk from Computed
Tomography for Pediatric and Small Adult Patients

FDA Approves Lorad Digital Breast Imager Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM) System

Document addresses the question of equipment that may not meet new equipment requirements that go into effect on Oct. 28, 2002. [PDF version of document]

Radiologic Technologist Recruitment and Retention Tool Kit - (Posted 5/5/02)

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) has developed an online Recruitment and Retention Tool Kit designed to help the radiology community combat the critical nationwide shortage of radiologic technologists. 

MSSNY’s Liability Action Plan - (Posted 4/11/02)

 The Medical Society of New York has prepared a campaign to control liability costs and obtain tort reform.  Portions of this plan include a statewide Rally and Press Events at local hospitals on April 22, 2002 at 12 noon, which coincides with the New York State Trial Bar’s lobby day in Albany.  The trail bar wishes to defeat tort reform measures that have been introduced into the State Legislature. If you wish to send an e-mail to you legislators visit the MSSNY website at www.mssny.org.  For information about the Tort Reform campaign call your County Medical Society or the State Medical Society at 516 465-8085 or e-mail MSSNY at albany@mssny.org. MSSNY also supports the New Yorkers for Civil Justice Reform coalition Lobby Day and Rally on May 7, 2002 in Albany.

AMA's Newspaper is Available Online -  (Posted 3/23/02)

The AMA's Newspaper American Medical News is available online. At that site you can sign up for e-mail alerts as well. 

Radiation Disasters: Preparedness and Response from Radiology (Posted 3/13/02)

The ACR website has information on Radiation Disasters: Preparedness and Response for Radiology that will be continuously updated. Currently you can link to this section of the ACR website http://www.acr.org by clicking your computer mouse on an icon that says “Disaster Preparedness.”  The ACR is preparing a primer that for radiologists, radiation oncologists and medical physicists called “Disaster Preparedness for Radiology: Response to Radiological, Biological, and Chemical Terrorism.”

 NYSRS Leaders Meet with Congressional Staff (Posted 3/13/02)

During the March, 2002 ACR’s State Chapters’ Leaders Meeting in Washington, four members of the New York State Radiological Society met with the health care legislative assistants from the offices of Senators Schumer and Clinton and from the offices of Representatives Peter King, Carolyn McCarthy and Steve Israel. A variety of issues were discussed. The delegation also thanked them for introducing bills currently in congress that would raise Medicare’s reimbursement for screening mammography and increase the number of radiology residency positions and for separate legislation that would address errors in the calculation of the conversion factor that results in a 5.4% decrease in Medicare reimbursement for all physicians.  Representative King is the sponsor of the legislation regarding mammography reimbursement in the House of Representatives and his office has been working closely with the ACR.  He is a cosponsor of the legislation regarding the Medicare conversion factor. Senators Schumer and Clinton and Representatives McCarthy and Israel have all cosponsored legislation regarding both issues.

 NYSRS meets with MSSNY Leadership in Albany (Posted 3/13/02)

The leadership of MSSNY invited the Presidents of the specialty societies to the MSSNY Council Meeting in Albany in March, 2002. The NYSRS president, Steven Perlmutter, discussed cooperation on a number of issues including response to Radiation Disaster, medical liability tort reform and the second layer of liability insurance, the support of MSSNY for the recently passed legislation that licenses Medical Physicists in New York State, and No Fault and Workers Compensation policies and reimbursement.  NYSRS members were among those attending MSSNY's Legislative Day meetings with legislators and their assistants in Albany following the MSSNY Council meeting.

NYSRS Nominees Approved for ACR Fellowship (Posted 2/16/02)

ACR Fellowship is one of the greatest distinctions that can be bestowed on a radiologist, radiation oncologist or medical physicist.  It requires significant contributions to the profession. Less than ten percent of ACR members attain this distinction.  The ACR Board of Chancellors recently approved the Fellowship of fifteen nominees from the NYSRS. This unusually large number of new Fellowships resulted in great measure from the recruitment activities Ellen Wolf.  The ACR website has more information in the ACR Fellowship Guide

Interventional Radiology (Posted 2/16/02)

The NYSRS has started an initiative to assist our Interventional Radiologists. As one part of that initiative, Dr. Terence Matalon will discuss ways in which the practice model required by Interventional Radiology differs from that of Diagnostic Radiology and what we can do to facilitate that patient care.  He will be will be addressing the May, Board of Directors Meeting on May 4, 2002 and all members are invited to attend.

Excess $1M/$3M Medical Malpractice Liability Insurance Coverage (Posted 2/3/02) 

The program providing the excess $1M/$3M of medical malpractice liability insurance above your primary coverage was recently modified by legislation. The excess layer of insurance will be paid for through the Health Care Reform Act.  In order to remain eligible for the excess, a physician will now have to maintain primary liability coverage at $1.3M/$3.9M rather than at the $1M/$3M.  The first layer amount must be in place as of April 1, 2002.  There is a mandated cap of 9% that can be placed on the cost of the additional $300,000 primary coverage. We have not yet heard from the State Insurance Department what the actual cost of the additional primary coverage will be. 

To qualify for the excess, physicians will be required to complete at no charge to the physician a risk management program on an annual basis. This requirement will not go into effect until July 1, 2003. Currently, most primary insurers offer such courses and they are generally associated with premium discounts for the primary coverage (Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Company's course results in a five percent premium reduction).

Health Insurance and Compensation Report of January 11, 2002 (Arthur J. Segal, M.D., F.A.C.R., Chair) is now available online (Posted 1/21/02)

This report gives links to information about changes in the correct way to code Medicare (CMS) services, changes in rules for PET, and changes in rules for screening vs. diagnostic mammography.

Radiation Oncology Committee Report of January 11, 2002  (Posted 1/13/02)

Karen Fountain, M.D., F.A.C.R. Chair of the Radiation Oncology Committee, reports the considerable ongoing accomplishments of the committee. She also reports that her second three-year term will be ending in October, 2002. Those who are interested in being candidates for the position of Radiation Oncology Chair should communicate directly with the President or the Executive Committee of the Society.  The Executive Committee wishes to express its deep appreciation to Karen Fountain for the extraordinary work that she has done and continues to do on behalf of patients both in New York State and nationally and also for so ably representing  all New York State radiation oncologists at the New York State Radiological Society. 

Medical Physics Practice law passed in New York State (Posted 12/4/01)

Governor Pataki signed the Medical Physics Practice law on November 21, 2001.  The act, which the New York State Radiological Society long supported through our lobbying activities in Albany, creates a licensure to practice medical physics.  It stipulates that only a person licensed or exempt under Article 166 of the Education Law shall practice the profession of medical physics.  This bill provides the recognition that our physicist members deserve and will help ensure that our patients receive appropriate and safe care. A copy the new Article 166 can be found on this web site.

Anthrax Information for Radiologists (Posted 11/1/01)

Dr Jeff Galvin, at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, has developed education materials (radiologic examples) to help radiologists recognize anthrax. The examples encompass two current cases of  inhalational anthrax. This anthrax information is available at: http://anthrax.radpath.org

The American Medical Association has provided updated  information on the status of anthrax in the article of 11/5/01 in the AMANews. The AMANews article on anthrax can be found at: http://www.ama-assn.org/sci-pubs/amnews/pick_01/hll11105.htm

Clarification of Ordering of Diagnostic Tests Rule and ICD-9 Coding Guidelines Issued by CMS (posted 10-17-01)

The ACR has posted information and links about this important clarification that may significantly impact your billing positively. 

Bioterrorism Medical Information (Posted 10-14-01)

Ann Cea, M.D., F.A.C.R, President-Elect of the Medical Society of the State of New York, provided medical information about bioterrorism to the New York State Radiological Society that included online bioterrorism medical information links.

NYSRS Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee (CAC) Report of October 13, 2001 Arthur J. Segal, M.D., F.A.C.R., Chair) is now available online -  (Posted 10-14-01) 

THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT REPORT. See CMS transmittal regarding obtaining appropriate primary ICD-9-CM diagnosis code for diagnostic tests. Other information also provided.  

NYSRS Medial Insurance Compensation Committee Report of October 13, 2001 (Arthur J. Segal, M.D., F.A.C.R., Chair) is now available online -  (Posted 10-14-01) 

This report provides important information about Medicare policy, new billing codes, etc. Topics included in this report are: Expansion of Indications for CT Scans, Noninvasive Vascular Diagnostic Studies, Percutaneous Vertebroplasty, Updated Allowances for LOCM and The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (previously HCFA.)

Radiation Oncology Committee Report of October 13, 2001 (Karen Fountain, M.D., F.A.C.R. Chair) is now available online (Posted 10-14-01)

This report lists the resolutions that were approved at the September, 2001 ACR Council Meeting, a partial list of standards that are being circulated for review by the ACR Council in 2002 and other information.

Bounced E-mail addresses dropped from NYSRS e-mail messaging service. (Posted 10-14-01)

Our e-mail messaging service automatically drops the e-mail addresses that can not be reached for a period of time. Several members had their e-mail addresses dropped 2 weeks ago, which may have been due in some cases to disrupted communications resulting from the World Trade Center disaster.  If your e-mail was dropped you can try reentering your e-mail address from the home page of this site in the box under the words "For NYSRS Members Only". You may find it necessary to enter another e-mail address if you have one. If that doesn't work contact Steven Perlmutter, M.D.

Congratulations to this year's new FACR's from New York State (Posted 10-14-01)

Congratulations to Itzhak D. Goldberg, MD, FACR from New Hyde Park, to Henry D. Sostman, MD, FACR from New York City and to Jeffrey C. Weinreb MD, FACR from Scarsdale!  The degree of Fellowship was bestowed upon them at the Convocation during the Meeting of the American College of Radiology in San Francisco last month. Only 10% of radiologists achieve this distinction. You can find out more about Fellowship on this website from Membership and Fellowship page.

Emergency Message from CMS Concerning Payment of Services (Posted 9-19-01)

For your information, please see the statement below from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the payment for services provided in light of the recent terrorist attacks. If you have further questions related to this emergency, you may contact CMS at (410) 786-2000 or via e-mail at emergency@cms.hhs.gov.

Emergency Message from CMS Concerning Payment of Services

Audience: Plans/Providers/Physicians

Because of the recent terrorist attack in the greater New York City, Washington D.C., and Pittsburgh metropolitan areas, we anticipate both an increased demand for emergency and other health care services, and a corresponding disruption to normal health care service delivery systems and networks.

To facilitate necessary care and treatment caused by this disaster, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is here to do whatever it can to assure that all Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP beneficiaries have access to the emergency or urgent care they need.

If your place of permanent or temporary health care business is in the vicinity affected by the September 11 terrorist attack/emergency and a Medicare, Medicaid, or SCHIP beneficiary presents themselves to you for service or treatment, regardless of their enrollment status: Make it your first responsibility, as in any emergency, to care for the patient, and provide the emergency or urgent service or treatment first. We will work with you to ensure that you receive payment for these covered services.

Here is a phone number for you to call CMS to get any payment question related to this emergency answered:
410-786-2000 or email Emergency@cms.hhs.gov
Check http://www.cms.hhs.gov  for further information

Change in GHI Medicare address and telephone number (Posted 9-19-01)

A representative from GHI Medicare notified us of the following change of address and telephone number effective Monday, 9/17/01:

GHI Medicare
441 9th Avenue
Tel # 877-868-7965
No change in address for paper claims

NYSRS Medical Insurance and Compensation Committee Report of August 17, 2001 (Arthur J. Segal, M.D., F.A.C.R., Chairman) are now available Online -  (Posted 9-5-2001)

This report provides important information about Medicare policy, new billing codes, etc. Topics included in this report are: expansion of indications for P.E.T. scan, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty concurrent with carotid stenting: category B IDE clinical trials, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and percutaneous transluminal atherectomy other than coronary,  ultrasound procedures, abdominal ultrasound procedures, cardiovascular nuclear medicine, and magnetic resonance angiography.

RADPAC reception honored U.S. House of Representatives Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy of Long Island -  ( Posted 7-29-01)

Dr. E. Stephen Amis Jr., Chair, RADPAC, Dr. Orlando Ortiz, and Dr. Steven Perlmutter sponsored a RADPAC reception for Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, who represents the 4th Congressional district on Long Island at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Orlando Ortiz in Garden City, New York. Congresswoman McCarthy, a nurse, has co-sponsored numerous bills regarding health care and education as well as other important issues. She sits on the U.S. House of Representatives' Budget Committee and the Education and Workforce Committee.

Click on camera for a picture from the event.  

Good News Regarding Medicare's "Ordering Physician Rule" - (Posted 7-3-01)

Dr. Arthur Segal reports success in his efforts to ensure that radiologists will be permitted by Medicare to obtain the history from patients that is used to determine the ICD code on Medicare claims.  His report follows:

HCFA & NEW YORK STATE MEDICARE OFFER RELIEF TO PHYSICIANS AND PATIENTS WITH NEW INTERPRETATION OF 'THE ORDERING PHYSICIAN RULE'

The Carrier Medical Directors (CMD's) of New York State support the position of HCFA's Dr. Paul Rudolf when he stated that, "Radiologists are physicians and there is no reason why they can't get a patient history and record that in their dictation and use the information in determining what ICD code to use on the claim."

The NYS CMD's emphasize the following caveats:
1. This does not provide for an E/M service.
2. It does require that the additional history be obtained by the Radiologist and not "staff" or a "technologist."
3. Dr. Rudolf advised that HCFA is continuing "to work on this issue...and will hopefully provide national guidance soon."
4. The Carrier Medical Directors will adhere to national policy and, if it differs from the opinion stated above and after new HCFA guidance is released, the CMD's will be required by HCFA to follow that new national policy and its interpretation.

Arthur J. Segal, M.D., F.A.C.R.
Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee Representative
for the New York State Radiological Society, Inc.

Save your Medical Excess Liability Insurance - (Posted 6-16-01)

Save your Medical Excess Liability Insurance, which is scheduled to expire June 30, 2001. If you have not already done so, call Governor Pataki's office and urge him to extend and fully fund the Excess Medical Liability Program. The toll-free hotline is 1-866-SAVE-EXS (1-866-728-3397).  You can also contact the Governor at 
518-474-8390  the NYS Assembly at 518-455-4100 and the NYS Senate at 518-455-2800.  The Medical Society of the State of New York has taken a leading role in addressing this crisis and it has additional information about the problem.

NYSRS Victories section is added to NYSRS website to inform members and potential members about what the NYSRS has done to help them serve their patients.

NYSRS Medical Insurance and Compensation Committee Reports (Arthur J. Segal, M.D., F.A.C.R., Chairman) are now available Online -  (Posted 5-28-2001)

These reports provide important information about Medicare policy, new billing codes, etc. 

HCFA expands PET coverage effective July 1, 2000  - (Posted 5/6/2001)

The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) has announced that expanded coverage for PET will be effective July 1, 2001 for all dedicated PET systems.

A HCFA December 2000 Coverage Decision included the additional diagnoses for the expanded PET procedures, i.e., non-small cell lung cancer, esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, and head and neck cancers (excluding brain and thyroid). Several new G-codes will be instituted in connection with the implementation of this new payment policy.

In addition, HCFA also will cover myocardial viability following an inconclusive SPECT study, and pre-surgical refractory seizures for evaluation. Previously covered uses of PET remain covered. Gamma cameras for PET procedures are not approved for expanded coverage at this time. HCFA will make a decision on gamma cameras prior to July 1, 2001.

ACR will continue to work with HCFA regarding PET coverage. If you have any questions or would like a copy of the PET expanded coverage information, please contact the Economics and Health Policy Department at (800) 227-5463, ext. 4923.

Bills introduced to House of Representatives to Improve Access to Mammography after ACR leaders visit Capitol Hill.  New York legislators play key role. - (Posted 5/6/2001)

Two bipartisan bills have been introduced in the House of Representatives that address the ACR's concerns about increasing waiting times for screening mammograms. The measures have been proposed less than three weeks after the ACR Chapter Leaders Meeting participants visited their members on Capitol Hill to press for legislation to solve a growing national mammography screening problem.

Most recently, on April 3, Reps. Peter King (R-N.Y.) and Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) and 22 other cosponsors, introduced H.R. 1354, the "Assure Access to Mammography Act of 2001." Late last month Rep. David Hobson (R-Ohio) and three cosponsors introduced H.R. 1328, the "Medicare Mammogram Access Protection Act of 2001."

Both House bills are based on the Senate's ACR-supported S. 548, a bipartisan bill introduced by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and eight other cosponsors.

"The ACR thanks the sponsors and cosponsors of both House bills and looks forward to working with you towards an effective and timely solution to this potential public health crisis," according to Josh Cooper, the College's Director of Congressional Relations.

ACR Obtains 11% Average Increase in 24 MRI Reimbursement Fees - (Posted 2/22/2001)

ACR reports that it has been successful in obtaining  an average 11% increase in reimbursement for 24 MRI procedures for the 2001 Medicare Fee Schedule.

This increase is effective for MRI services performed on or after January 1, 2001. Radiology practices should resubmit their claims to their Medicare Carriers on or after April 1 to be paid for the additional reimbursement for these MRI procedures paid under the 2001 Medicare fee schedule.

In meetings between the ACR and HCFA, it was discovered that HCFA made an error in its calculations of physician work relative value units for MRI of the abdomen, chest, pelvis, extremities and orbit/face/neck.  Any ACR member who has questions or would like a copy of the HCFA change request form to the Carrier Medical Directors may call the economics and health policy department at (800) 227-5463 ext. 4780 or visit http://www.hcfa.gov/pubforms/transmit/AB0119.pdf.

President Clinton Signs the New NIH Institute Bill - (Posted 1/2/2001)

The ACR E-News of  January 2, 2001 reports that on 12/29/00 President Clinton signed legislation H.R. 1795 that authorizes the establishment of the new National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering at the National Institutes of Health. The New York State Radiological Society has been assisting the ACR in its long term effort to create this Institute that will better focus imaging research. 

The National Cancer Institute increases funding of prostate cancer research

"The Hype about HIPPA"  from the Medicare intermediary GHI

The ACR website has online audio and photo highlights of the 2000 ACR Fellowship Convocation Ceremony  in New York City.

HHS Office of Inspector General Compliance Program Guidance for Individual and Small Group Physician Practices (posted 10/6/00)  A portion of this document discusses Professional Courtesy, which is one of the sections of interest to radiologists. The NYSRS counsel, Philip Pinsky, has provided a copy of that OIG guidance:

Professional Courtesy

The term "professional courtesy" is used to describe a number of analytically different practices. The traditional definition is the practice by a physician of waiving all or a part of the fee for services provided to the physician's office staff, other physicians. and/or their families. In recent times, "professional courtesy" has also come to mean the waiver of coinsurance obligations or other our-of-pocket expenses for physicians or their families (i.e., "insurance only" billing), and similar payment arrangements by hospitals or other institutions for services provided to their medical staffs or employees.  While only the first of these practices is truly "professional courtesy", in the interest of clarity and completeness, we will address all three.

In general, whether a professional courtesy arrangement runs afoul of the fraud and abuse laws is determined by two factors: (i) how the recipients of the professional courtesy are selected; and (ii) how the professional courtesy is extended.

If recipients are selected in a manner that directly or indirectly takes into account their ability to affect past or future referrals, the anti-kickback statute -- which prohibits giving anything of value to generate Federal health care program business -- may be implicated.

In the professional courtesy is extended through a waver of co-payment obligations (i.e., "insurance only" billing), other statutes may be implicated, including the prohibition of inducements to beneficiaries, section 1128A(a)(5) of the Act (codified at 42 U.S.C. 1320a-7a (a) (5)). Claims submitted as a result of either practice may also implicate the civil False Claims Act.

The following are general observations about professional courtesy arrangements for physician practices to consider:

- A physician's regular and consistent practice of extending professional courtesy by waiving the entire fee for services rendered to a group of persons (including employees, physicians, and/or their family members) may not implicate any of the OIG's fraud and abuse authorities so long as membership in the group receiving the courtesy is determined in a manner that does not take into account directly or indirectly any group member's ability to refer to, or otherwise generate Federal health care program business for, the physician.

- A physician's regular and consistent practice of extending professional courtesy by waiving otherwise applicable copayments for services rendered to a group of persons (including employees, physicians, and/or their family members) may not implicate the anti-kickback stature so long as membership in the group determined in a manner that does not take into account directly or indirectly any group member's ability to refer to, or otherwise generate Federal health care program business for, the physician.

- Any waiver of copayment practice, including that described in the preceding bullet, does implicate section 1128A (a) (5) of the Act if the patient for whom the copayment is waived is a Federal health care program beneficiary who is not financially needy.

The legality of particular professional courtesy arrangements will turn on the specific facts presented, and, with respect to the anti-kickback statute, on the specific intent of the parties. A physician practice may wish to consult with an attorney if it is uncertain about its professional courtesy arrangements.

New York State Medicare Carrier Policies

Arthur Segal, M.D., Chair of the NYSRS Health Insurance and Compensation Committee, notifies us about new and interesting policies, which are jointly adopted by the 3 New York State Medicare carriers.  These Medicare Part B local medical review policies for providers can be accesses from the Providers' section of the three Medicare Intermediaries' Web sites. 

Empire Medicare
GHI Medicare
Upstate Medical Division

Chiropractic Services (Policy YMED#o6r4) - discusses Chiropractor referrals

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (Policy RD006G01)

Non-Vascular Extremity Ultrasound (Policy RD002E00)

Radiologic Examination of the Chest (Policy RD005E01)

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