www.ohiokepro.com
Vol. 2 No. 4
March/April 2005
What to Consider Before Installing an
Electronic System in Your Office
Electronic System in Your Office
By Sandy Gallagher, MPA, Quality Improvement Project Super visor
"L
ook before you leap." This maxim offers
sound advice to all contemplating a
major change in their businesses. Physicians
who plan to go "electronic" by installing a
sophisticated computer system in their medical
offices capable of generating electronic health
records (EHRs) should take heed.
sound advice to all contemplating a
major change in their businesses. Physicians
who plan to go "electronic" by installing a
sophisticated computer system in their medical
offices capable of generating electronic health
records (EHRs) should take heed.
This is not to say that you should not install such a system in your
medical office. But rather you should consider some of the following
before you make a major commitment to a par ticular system.
medical office. But rather you should consider some of the following
before you make a major commitment to a par ticular system.
Read the fine print
The contract you sign with a par ticular vendor is crucial to the
success of your system's installation and the benefits your practice
will obtain from its use. Let's review some of the key features that
should be clearly spelled out in the contract.
The contract you sign with a par ticular vendor is crucial to the
success of your system's installation and the benefits your practice
will obtain from its use. Let's review some of the key features that
should be clearly spelled out in the contract.
What will the system cost to buy and install?
Review the purchase and installation costs carefully with the vendor.
Know up front what the system includes and does not include. Does
the cost include customization? Many vendors offer "vanilla" packages
that physician offices can tailor to their own par ticular needs.
Customization can be costly, and it may be difficult for practices to
keep up with software enhancements rolled out by vendors.
Review the purchase and installation costs carefully with the vendor.
Know up front what the system includes and does not include. Does
the cost include customization? Many vendors offer "vanilla" packages
that physician offices can tailor to their own par ticular needs.
Customization can be costly, and it may be difficult for practices to
keep up with software enhancements rolled out by vendors.
The big bang approach has ever yone going "live" at once. It can be
chaotic, but once it's over, ever yone is using the system. A phased-in
approach eases the chaos, but unless the practice remains
committed to change, momentum can be lost with some staff never
using the system.
chaotic, but once it's over, ever yone is using the system. A phased-in
approach eases the chaos, but unless the practice remains
committed to change, momentum can be lost with some staff never
using the system.
No two installations are the same, and the vendor should modify the
installation process to best meet your practice's needs based on its
size, the number of staff and their commitment to change, and their
willingness and desire to use the system.
installation process to best meet your practice's needs based on its
size, the number of staff and their commitment to change, and their
willingness and desire to use the system.
The contract you sign with a particular vendor is crucial
to the success of your system's installation.
to the success of your system's installation.
Does the installation include staff training?
Many vendors will offer on-site training when a system is installed.
However, vendors differ in the length of time they offer training. Be
sure an on-site trainer will be in your office for a sufficient length of
time to train your staff and address any problems. Also, the contract
should include whether a vendor will return periodically to train new
staff or give current staff a refresher.
Many vendors will offer on-site training when a system is installed.
However, vendors differ in the length of time they offer training. Be
sure an on-site trainer will be in your office for a sufficient length of
time to train your staff and address any problems. Also, the contract
should include whether a vendor will return periodically to train new
staff or give current staff a refresher.
Phase-in or big bang?
As a general rule, practices either phase-in systems or do it all at
once--the "big bang." There are pros and cons to each approach,
so you need to understand your office's adaptability to change.
As a general rule, practices either phase-in systems or do it all at
once--the "big bang." There are pros and cons to each approach,
so you need to understand your office's adaptability to change.
Ohio KePRO can help
Ohio KePRO has added staff from healthcare software companies
who have years of experience in the installation of EHRs. The staff
is ready to offer consultative ser vices to physician offices at no
cost. Ohio KePRO will be able to assist in the selection of an EHR
and offer guidance in implementation to achieve office efficiency.
If you are interested in these free consultative ser vices, please
contact the Physician Office Team at 1-800-385-5080; e-mail:
droffice@ohqio.sdps.org. Or fill out the Information Technology
Assessment Form at http://www.ohiokepro.com/publications/
47878.pdf.
Ohio KePRO has added staff from healthcare software companies
who have years of experience in the installation of EHRs. The staff
is ready to offer consultative ser vices to physician offices at no
cost. Ohio KePRO will be able to assist in the selection of an EHR
and offer guidance in implementation to achieve office efficiency.
If you are interested in these free consultative ser vices, please
contact the Physician Office Team at 1-800-385-5080; e-mail:
droffice@ohqio.sdps.org. Or fill out the Information Technology
Assessment Form at http://www.ohiokepro.com/publications/
47878.pdf.
New Medicare Preventive Ser vices: A Primer
T
he following char t provides information on the new Medicare preventive ser vices that became
effective as of Januar y 1, 2005. The char t lists the ser vices, who is covered, and the appropriate
codes to use for billing purposes.
effective as of Januar y 1, 2005. The char t lists the ser vices, who is covered, and the appropriate
codes to use for billing purposes.
Covered Service
Who is Covered
Facts and References
Welcome to Medicare Physical*
effective Januar y 1, 2005.
effective Januar y 1, 2005.
All newly enrolled
Medicare beneficiaries
Medicare beneficiaries
MMA
section 611
Initial
Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE)
HCPCS
G0344 IPPE; face-to-face visit,
ser vices limited to new beneficiar y during
the first six months of Medicare enrollment.
ser vices limited to new beneficiar y during
the first six months of Medicare enrollment.
HCPCS
G0366 Electrocardiogram, routine
ECG with 12 leads; performed as a component
of the initial preventive examination with
inter pretation and repor t.
ECG with 12 leads; performed as a component
of the initial preventive examination with
inter pretation and repor t.
HCPCS
G0367 tracing only, without inter-
pretation and repor t; performed as a compo-
nent of the initial preventive examination
when only tracing is performed.
pretation and repor t; performed as a compo-
nent of the initial preventive examination
when only tracing is performed.
HCPCS
G0368 interpretation and repor t
only, performed as a component of the
initial preventive examination when only the
interpretation and repor t are performed. The
above three codes reflect the global, technical
and professional components of the screening
EKG, respectively.
only, performed as a component of the
initial preventive examination when only the
interpretation and repor t are performed. The
above three codes reflect the global, technical
and professional components of the screening
EKG, respectively.
The
MMA did not make any provision for the
waiver of Medicare coinsurance and Par t B
deductible for the IPPE. Payment for this
ser vice would be applied to the required
deductible, which is $110 for calendar year
2005, if the deductible has not yet been met,
with the exception of Federally Qualified
Health Centers (FQHCs), and the usual
coinsurance provisions would apply.
waiver of Medicare coinsurance and Par t B
deductible for the IPPE. Payment for this
ser vice would be applied to the required
deductible, which is $110 for calendar year
2005, if the deductible has not yet been met,
with the exception of Federally Qualified
Health Centers (FQHCs), and the usual
coinsurance provisions would apply.
CR
3638
Cardiovascular Screening Tests
Total cholesterol; high-density
lipoprotein; triglycerides
Total cholesterol; high-density
lipoprotein; triglycerides
All Medicare beneficiaries
MMA
section 612
Deductible and coinsurance do not apply
HCPCS 80061 Lipid Panel
Will be covered once ever y 5 years,
beginning in 2005.
beginning in 2005.
HCPCS 82465 Cholesterol, ser um or
whole blood, total
whole blood, total
HCPCS 83718 Lipoprotein, direct
measurement; high density cholesterol
measurement; high density cholesterol
HCPCS 84478 Triglycerides
The tests should be performed as a panel;
however, they are also available as
individual tests.
however, they are also available as
individual tests.
The
following diagnosis codes must be
submitted on the claim form when billing for
cardiovascular screening blood test:
V81.0 Special Screening for ischemic
hear t disease
submitted on the claim form when billing for
cardiovascular screening blood test:
V81.0 Special Screening for ischemic
hear t disease
2
Continued on pg. 3
New Medicare Preventive Ser vices: A Primer (cont'd.)
Covered Service
Who is Covered
Facts and References
V81.1 Special screening for hyper tension
V81.2 Special screening for other and
unspecified cardiovascular conditions
V81.2 Special screening for other and
unspecified cardiovascular conditions
CR 3411
Diabetes Screening Tests
Fasting plasma glucose test and
post-glucose challenges
Fasting plasma glucose test and
post-glucose challenges
Medicare beneficiaries
who are at risk for
developing diabetes
who are at risk for
developing diabetes
MMA section 613
Deductible and coinsurance do not apply
Will be covered up to twice a year,
beginning in 2005.
beginning in 2005.
HCPCS 82947 Glucose, quantitative,
blood (except reagent strip)
blood (except reagent strip)
HCPCS 82950 Post-glucose dose
(includes glucose)
(includes glucose)
HCPCS 82951 Glucose tolerance test
(GTT), three specimens (includes glucose)
(GTT), three specimens (includes glucose)
Providers submitting pre-diabetes and
diabetes screening claims should note
that claims must contain the appropriate
HCPCS codes listed above along with a
diagnosis code of V77.1
diabetes screening claims should note
that claims must contain the appropriate
HCPCS codes listed above along with a
diagnosis code of V77.1
CR 3667. Effective date: April 1, 2005.
Any individual with one (1)
of the following individual
risk factors for diabetes is
eligible for this new benefit:
of the following individual
risk factors for diabetes is
eligible for this new benefit:
Hyper tension,
Dyslipidemia,
Obesity (with a body
mass index greater than
of equal to 30 kg/m 2) or
mass index greater than
of equal to 30 kg/m 2) or
Previous identification of
elevated impaired fasting
glucose or glucose
intolerance
elevated impaired fasting
glucose or glucose
intolerance
Or an individual with any
two (2) of the following
risk factors for diabetes
is also eligible for this
new benefit:
two (2) of the following
risk factors for diabetes
is also eligible for this
new benefit:
Overweight (a body mass
index >25, but < 30 kg/m 2),
index >25, but < 30 kg/m 2),
A family histor y of
diabetes,
diabetes,
Age 65 years or older, or
A histor y of gestational
diabetes mellitus or giving
bir th to a baby weighing
> 9 lbs.
diabetes mellitus or giving
bir th to a baby weighing
> 9 lbs.
* This physical examination is a once-a-lifetime benefit for a beneficiar y and it must be performed within six months after the effective date
of the beneficiar y's first Par t B coverage, but only if such Par t B coverage begins on or after Januar y 1, 2005. A physical examination given
on Januar y 10, 2005, for example, to a beneficiar y whose Medicare Par t B was effective initially on December 1, 2004 would not be covered
under this benefit. If a beneficiar y is first covered by Par t B on Januar y 1, 2005, then a physical provided on Januar y 10, 2005 would be
covered by this new benefit.
of the beneficiar y's first Par t B coverage, but only if such Par t B coverage begins on or after Januar y 1, 2005. A physical examination given
on Januar y 10, 2005, for example, to a beneficiar y whose Medicare Par t B was effective initially on December 1, 2004 would not be covered
under this benefit. If a beneficiar y is first covered by Par t B on Januar y 1, 2005, then a physical provided on Januar y 10, 2005 would be
covered by this new benefit.
Continued on back page
3
CDC and NIH Respond to Influenza Vaccination Study
A
study in the Archives of Internal Medicine
("Impact of Influenza Vaccination on Seasonal
Mor tality in the US Elderly Population" by
Simonsen et al., Februar y 14, 2005) repor ts
that vaccination of the elderly population against
influenza may be less effective in preventing
death among the elderly than previously assumed.
This study's findings have caused some confusion
about whether people 65 years old and older
should receive an influenza vaccination.
("Impact of Influenza Vaccination on Seasonal
Mor tality in the US Elderly Population" by
Simonsen et al., Februar y 14, 2005) repor ts
that vaccination of the elderly population against
influenza may be less effective in preventing
death among the elderly than previously assumed.
This study's findings have caused some confusion
about whether people 65 years old and older
should receive an influenza vaccination.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) continue to suppor t the Advisor y
Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation that
people aged 65 and older get vaccinated against influenza each
year. People aged 65 and older are at highest risk for complications,
hospitalizations, and deaths from influenza. Vaccination remains the
best protection from influenza available for people 65 and older and
their loved ones.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) continue to suppor t the Advisor y
Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation that
people aged 65 and older get vaccinated against influenza each
year. People aged 65 and older are at highest risk for complications,
hospitalizations, and deaths from influenza. Vaccination remains the
best protection from influenza available for people 65 and older and
their loved ones.
Numerous studies have shown that influenza vaccination works--
including to help protect the elderly from serious illness and hospi-
talizations--but the degree to which it works varies from year to
year and can be difficult to measure. For example, influenza seasons
differ each year in length and severity, and the health status of
individuals also matters.
including to help protect the elderly from serious illness and hospi-
talizations--but the degree to which it works varies from year to
year and can be difficult to measure. For example, influenza seasons
differ each year in length and severity, and the health status of
individuals also matters.
Expansion of groups for whom influenza vaccination is recommended
is under discussion by the ACIP and CDC, and is par tly contingent
on adequate vaccine supply in the future.
is under discussion by the ACIP and CDC, and is par tly contingent
on adequate vaccine supply in the future.
The CDC and ACIP continually review their influenza vaccine recom-
mendations, as well as studies and published research, in order to
develop the best recommendations for protecting all Americans from
influenza. This study is a reminder that there is room for improvement
in how we protect the elderly from influenza, and the CDC and NIH
encourage research that strengthens the ability to do so.
mendations, as well as studies and published research, in order to
develop the best recommendations for protecting all Americans from
influenza. This study is a reminder that there is room for improvement
in how we protect the elderly from influenza, and the CDC and NIH
encourage research that strengthens the ability to do so.
The following are some key questions and answers regarding the study:
Q: How do you explain the apparent contradiction between the
results obtained by Simonsen et al. and the results obtained by
previously published studies?
results obtained by Simonsen et al. and the results obtained by
previously published studies?
A: Neither previous studies nor the Simonsen paper have all the
information needed to determine influenza vaccine effectiveness in
preventing death among people aged 65 and older. It is possible
that both types of studies (i.e., ecologic and obser vational) might
be par tly right but capture the picture incompletely. While studies
indicate the vaccine is not as effective in persons aged 65 and
older as we would like it to be, vaccination remains the best way to
protect this population against complications, hospitalization, and
death from influenza.
information needed to determine influenza vaccine effectiveness in
preventing death among people aged 65 and older. It is possible
that both types of studies (i.e., ecologic and obser vational) might
be par tly right but capture the picture incompletely. While studies
indicate the vaccine is not as effective in persons aged 65 and
older as we would like it to be, vaccination remains the best way to
protect this population against complications, hospitalization, and
death from influenza.
Q: Did previous studies overstate the effectiveness of influenza
immunization at preventing deaths in the elderly?
immunization at preventing deaths in the elderly?
Vaccine may prevent fewer deaths
In the current study by Simonsen et al., the authors in no way imply
that the elderly should not receive influenza vaccine. Rather, the
study concludes that the vaccine may prevent fewer deaths among
the elderly than previous studies would have suggested. Therefore,
the authors note there is room for improvement in influenza
prevention effor ts, including research into developing more effective
vaccines for the elderly and the increased use of medicines to treat
flu. In addition, recently published studies raise the possibility that
it may be beneficial to vaccinate larger numbers of healthy persons,
including children, to prevent transmission of influenza viruses to
high-risk persons such as the elderly.
In the current study by Simonsen et al., the authors in no way imply
that the elderly should not receive influenza vaccine. Rather, the
study concludes that the vaccine may prevent fewer deaths among
the elderly than previous studies would have suggested. Therefore,
the authors note there is room for improvement in influenza
prevention effor ts, including research into developing more effective
vaccines for the elderly and the increased use of medicines to treat
flu. In addition, recently published studies raise the possibility that
it may be beneficial to vaccinate larger numbers of healthy persons,
including children, to prevent transmission of influenza viruses to
high-risk persons such as the elderly.
A: Many previously published "obser vational studies" suggest a
higher level of influenza vaccine effectiveness against death in the
elderly than indicated in the Simonsen paper. The main strength of
these studies is that they include information about individuals
(e.g., whether they were vaccinated or not, and if they have chronic
medical conditions). However, all obser vational studies can be
affected by cer tain "biases," so it is possible that they overestimated
the vaccine's effectiveness at preventing death in the elderly (just as
it is possible that the Simonsen study underestimates the vaccine's
effectiveness). For example, if ver y vulnerable people are less likely
to get vaccinated than the relatively healthy elderly, then this bias
can affect calculated vaccine effectiveness estimates. In this instance,
one would guess this bias would lead to overestimates of vaccine
effectiveness for preventing deaths. Although the Simonsen ar ticle
suggests the previously published obser vational studies overesti-
mate the vaccine's effectiveness, it is possible that both types of
studies might be par tly right but capture the picture incompletely.
higher level of influenza vaccine effectiveness against death in the
elderly than indicated in the Simonsen paper. The main strength of
these studies is that they include information about individuals
(e.g., whether they were vaccinated or not, and if they have chronic
medical conditions). However, all obser vational studies can be
affected by cer tain "biases," so it is possible that they overestimated
the vaccine's effectiveness at preventing death in the elderly (just as
it is possible that the Simonsen study underestimates the vaccine's
effectiveness). For example, if ver y vulnerable people are less likely
to get vaccinated than the relatively healthy elderly, then this bias
can affect calculated vaccine effectiveness estimates. In this instance,
one would guess this bias would lead to overestimates of vaccine
effectiveness for preventing deaths. Although the Simonsen ar ticle
suggests the previously published obser vational studies overesti-
mate the vaccine's effectiveness, it is possible that both types of
studies might be par tly right but capture the picture incompletely.
Q: Do these findings mean that the vaccine does not work for
people aged 65 and over?
people aged 65 and over?
A: No, the findings do not mean that the vaccine is not effective in
protecting people age 65 and over from influenza complications,
hospitalization, and death.
Most impor tantly, since there is no information on which of the
individuals who died were vaccinated or their underlying conditions,
the death and vaccination patterns identified in this study cannot
be directly linked. Apparent associations can be inferred, but may
be misleading or hard to interpret.
The authors looked only at mor tality (i.e., death), not hospitalizations
or other severe outcomes associated with influenza.
The study also lacked the statistical power to rule out a modest
reduction in influenza-related mor tality during 1980-2001 that
would correspond to the vaccine being up to half as effective in
the elderly as it is in younger people.
protecting people age 65 and over from influenza complications,
hospitalization, and death.
Most impor tantly, since there is no information on which of the
individuals who died were vaccinated or their underlying conditions,
the death and vaccination patterns identified in this study cannot
be directly linked. Apparent associations can be inferred, but may
be misleading or hard to interpret.
The authors looked only at mor tality (i.e., death), not hospitalizations
or other severe outcomes associated with influenza.
The study also lacked the statistical power to rule out a modest
reduction in influenza-related mor tality during 1980-2001 that
would correspond to the vaccine being up to half as effective in
the elderly as it is in younger people.
Continued on pg. 5
4
CDC and NIH Respond ... (cont'd. from pg. 4)
Q: What is being done to better protect people aged 65 and older
from influenza?
from influenza?
A: The authors suggest that because influenza vaccine coverage
is increasing in the elderly over a period during which age-specific
mor tality rates have not decreased that the vaccine must be
ineffective. Yet because the authors have no information regarding
health status, it is equally as likely that the prevalence of high-risk
conditions increased in the elderly during the years the study was
conducted. These are among the reasons why the CDC has never
made assessments of vaccine effectiveness or safety using ecologic
study designs.
is increasing in the elderly over a period during which age-specific
mor tality rates have not decreased that the vaccine must be
ineffective. Yet because the authors have no information regarding
health status, it is equally as likely that the prevalence of high-risk
conditions increased in the elderly during the years the study was
conducted. These are among the reasons why the CDC has never
made assessments of vaccine effectiveness or safety using ecologic
study designs.
In addition, the authors do not use virological data--by far the most
reliable measure--to define the length of influenza seasons during
the study period. They suggest flu seasons grew shor ter but in fact,
reliable national viral sur veillance data indicate the opposite. This
fact could influence the trends of influenza-attributable deaths over
time and affect results obtained in this paper.
reliable measure--to define the length of influenza seasons during
the study period. They suggest flu seasons grew shor ter but in fact,
reliable national viral sur veillance data indicate the opposite. This
fact could influence the trends of influenza-attributable deaths over
time and affect results obtained in this paper.
A: The Depar tment of Health and Human Ser vices has recognized
that more needs to be done to protect people aged 65 and over
from influenza, and effor ts are under way to do so. Such steps
include improving vaccination coverage, moving toward "universal"
immunization as the supply allows, developing influenza vaccines
that are more effective in people aged 65 and over, and effectively
using influenza antiviral drugs.
that more needs to be done to protect people aged 65 and over
from influenza, and effor ts are under way to do so. Such steps
include improving vaccination coverage, moving toward "universal"
immunization as the supply allows, developing influenza vaccines
that are more effective in people aged 65 and over, and effectively
using influenza antiviral drugs.
There is room for improvement
in influenza prevention efforts.
in influenza prevention efforts.
Q: Will CDC change influenza immunization recommendations for
people aged 65 and over based on the findings in this study?
people aged 65 and over based on the findings in this study?
Q: What are the strengths of the Simonsen study?
A: In general, the elderly have immune systems that are less able to
fight new infections; because of declining immunity, they also may
not respond as well to the influenza vaccine. The study by Simonsen
and colleagues emphasizes the par ticular vulnerability of this group
and the need to develop other approaches in addition to direct
vaccination for protecting them against influenza.
fight new infections; because of declining immunity, they also may
not respond as well to the influenza vaccine. The study by Simonsen
and colleagues emphasizes the par ticular vulnerability of this group
and the need to develop other approaches in addition to direct
vaccination for protecting them against influenza.
Q: What are the limitations of the Simonsen study?
A: The primar y limitation of the Simonsen analysis is that, as an
"ecologic study," it analyzes patterns of death and vaccination
among the elderly and suggests a relationship between the two.
Since there is no information on which of the individuals who died
were vaccinated or their underlying conditions, the death and
vaccination patterns identified in this study cannot be directly linked.
Apparent associations can be inferred, but may be misleading.
"ecologic study," it analyzes patterns of death and vaccination
among the elderly and suggests a relationship between the two.
Since there is no information on which of the individuals who died
were vaccinated or their underlying conditions, the death and
vaccination patterns identified in this study cannot be directly linked.
Apparent associations can be inferred, but may be misleading.
A: No. CDC will continue to recommend vaccination of people aged
65 and over to protect them from influenza. In setting immunization
recommendations, CDC (in coordination with the Advisor y Committee
on Immunization Practices) considers the body of scientific evidence
regarding a vaccine's efficacy and safety, as well as the public
health impact of the disease the vaccine prevents. Many previously
published "obser vational studies" suggest a higher level of influenza
vaccine effectiveness against death in the elderly than indicated in
the Simonsen paper. In light of the
larger body of evidence, and in light
of the risks posed to the elderly by
influenza, CDC will not change
influenza immunization
recommendations for people
aged 65 and over.
65 and over to protect them from influenza. In setting immunization
recommendations, CDC (in coordination with the Advisor y Committee
on Immunization Practices) considers the body of scientific evidence
regarding a vaccine's efficacy and safety, as well as the public
health impact of the disease the vaccine prevents. Many previously
published "obser vational studies" suggest a higher level of influenza
vaccine effectiveness against death in the elderly than indicated in
the Simonsen paper. In light of the
larger body of evidence, and in light
of the risks posed to the elderly by
influenza, CDC will not change
influenza immunization
recommendations for people
aged 65 and over.
Q: The authors suggest that the vaccine would have prevented few
deaths among people 65-74 years of age because they already
had immunity from previous exposure to flu viruses in their youth?
If this is the case, why bother vaccinating them?
deaths among people 65-74 years of age because they already
had immunity from previous exposure to flu viruses in their youth?
If this is the case, why bother vaccinating them?
A: There are little data to suppor t the contention that few deaths
from influenza could have been prevented among those aged 65-74
years, due to previous exposure to A(H3N2) viruses in their youth.
from influenza could have been prevented among those aged 65-74
years, due to previous exposure to A(H3N2) viruses in their youth.
April is National Minority Health Month
H
ealth statisticians have documented disparities experienced
by racial and ethnic minorities in access to care and out-
comes in six areas: infant mor tality, cancer, cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, immunodeficiency problems and immunizations.
National Minority Health Month seeks to draw national attention to
those disparities and to improve health status among minority
populations. The program was created in April 2001 in response to
"Healthy People 2010," a national health promotion and disease
prevention initiative launched by the U.S. Surgeon General.
by racial and ethnic minorities in access to care and out-
comes in six areas: infant mor tality, cancer, cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, immunodeficiency problems and immunizations.
National Minority Health Month seeks to draw national attention to
those disparities and to improve health status among minority
populations. The program was created in April 2001 in response to
"Healthy People 2010," a national health promotion and disease
prevention initiative launched by the U.S. Surgeon General.
In May 2002, National Minority Health Month was recognized in a
Congressional joint resolution that calls on the president to proclaim
the month of April as National Minority Health Month.
Congressional joint resolution that calls on the president to proclaim
the month of April as National Minority Health Month.
The Congressional resolution cited "continuing health disparities in
the burden of illness and death experienced by African Americans,
Hispanics, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Asians and Pacific
Islanders, compared to the United States population as a whole."
Specifically, Minority Health Month was designed to:
Promote healthy lifestyles;
Provide crucial information to allow individuals to practice
disease prevention;
Showcase the resources for, and providers of, grassroots health
care and infor mation;
Highlight the resolution of the disparate health conditions
between minority and nonminority populations; and
Gain additional suppor t for the ongoing effor ts to improve
minority health year round.
the burden of illness and death experienced by African Americans,
Hispanics, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Asians and Pacific
Islanders, compared to the United States population as a whole."
Specifically, Minority Health Month was designed to:
Promote healthy lifestyles;
Provide crucial information to allow individuals to practice
disease prevention;
Showcase the resources for, and providers of, grassroots health
care and infor mation;
Highlight the resolution of the disparate health conditions
between minority and nonminority populations; and
Gain additional suppor t for the ongoing effor ts to improve
minority health year round.
5
Help With HIPAA
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Get ready for the April 21 deadline! All medical
practices covered under HIPAA must comply
with the HIPAA Security Rule by that date. To
help physicians meet the fast-approaching
deadline, the Ohio Osteopathic Association
(OOA) is hosting HIPAA Security for Medical
Offices in three locations across the state.
practices covered under HIPAA must comply
with the HIPAA Security Rule by that date. To
help physicians meet the fast-approaching
deadline, the Ohio Osteopathic Association
(OOA) is hosting HIPAA Security for Medical
Offices in three locations across the state.
The seminar will be held at: Victorian Village
Health Center in Columbus on April 5; South
Pointe Hospital on April 7; and Grandview
Hospital on April 12. All sessions will begin at
9:30 a.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m. The
sessions are co-sponsored by the Cleveland
Academy of Osteopathic Medicine, Columbus
Osteopathic Association, and Dayton District
Academy of Osteopathic Medicine. OOA member
offices receive a discounted registration fee
and get an additional discount when they sign-
up at least 14 days in advance of the seminar
date. To register or for more information, call the
OOA Central Office at 800-234-4848.
Health Center in Columbus on April 5; South
Pointe Hospital on April 7; and Grandview
Hospital on April 12. All sessions will begin at
9:30 a.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m. The
sessions are co-sponsored by the Cleveland
Academy of Osteopathic Medicine, Columbus
Osteopathic Association, and Dayton District
Academy of Osteopathic Medicine. OOA member
offices receive a discounted registration fee
and get an additional discount when they sign-
up at least 14 days in advance of the seminar
date. To register or for more information, call the
OOA Central Office at 800-234-4848.
March
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
National Save Your V ision Month
American Diabetes Aler t Day 22nd
National Doctors Day 28th
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
National Save Your V ision Month
American Diabetes Aler t Day 22nd
National Doctors Day 28th
April
Cancer Control Month
National Minority Health Month
World Health Day 7th
National Patient Advocacy Week 10th 16th
Cancer Control Month
National Minority Health Month
World Health Day 7th
National Patient Advocacy Week 10th 16th
May
Healthy V ision Month
National American Stroke Month
National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
Older Americans Month
National Nurses Day 6th
National Nurses Week 6th 12th
National Women's Health Week 8th 14th
National Women's Check-up Day 9th
Healthy V ision Month
National American Stroke Month
National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
Older Americans Month
National Nurses Day 6th
National Nurses Week 6th 12th
National Women's Health Week 8th 14th
National Women's Check-up Day 9th
...A Primer
(cont'd. from pg. 3)
Disclaimer
Sources: The information in the char t is from the
Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 18--
Preventing and Screening Ser vices and Medlearn
Matters, both publications of the Centers for Medicare
& Medicaid Ser vices. Medlearn Matters ar ticles are
prepared as a ser vice to the public and are not
intended to grant rights or impose obligations.
Medlearn Matters ar ticles may contain references or
links to statutes, regulations, or other policy materials.
The information is only intended to be a general
summary. It is not intended to take the place of either
the written law or regulations. We encourage readers
to review the specific statutes, regulations, and other
inter pretive materials for a full and accurate state-
ment of their contents. Please refer to the Medicare
Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 18, Preventive
and Screening Ser vices, for complete details.
Sources: The information in the char t is from the
Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 18--
Preventing and Screening Ser vices and Medlearn
Matters, both publications of the Centers for Medicare
& Medicaid Ser vices. Medlearn Matters ar ticles are
prepared as a ser vice to the public and are not
intended to grant rights or impose obligations.
Medlearn Matters ar ticles may contain references or
links to statutes, regulations, or other policy materials.
The information is only intended to be a general
summary. It is not intended to take the place of either
the written law or regulations. We encourage readers
to review the specific statutes, regulations, and other
inter pretive materials for a full and accurate state-
ment of their contents. Please refer to the Medicare
Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 18, Preventive
and Screening Ser vices, for complete details.
Publication No. 4031-OH-002-3/2005. This material was prepared by Ohio KePRO, the
Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Ohio, under contract with the Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Ser vices (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Depar tment of Health and
Human Ser vices. The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy.
Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Ohio, under contract with the Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Ser vices (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Depar tment of Health and
Human Ser vices. The contents presented do not necessarily reflect CMS policy.
Ohio KePRO Physician Office Team
Alice Stollenwerk Petrulis, MD, FACP
Meghan Harris, MS
Bonnie Hollopeter, LPN, CPHQ
Sandy Gallagher, MPA
Steve Cramer, BS
Leslie Crowe, LPN, BS
Meghan Harris, MS
Bonnie Hollopeter, LPN, CPHQ
Sandy Gallagher, MPA
Steve Cramer, BS
Leslie Crowe, LPN, BS
Kerri Gilligan, RN
Marsha Hopper, RN
Kathleen Korosi, MPA
Svetlana Marchuk, BS
Marilyn Daniels Monteiro
Patricia Moynihan, AAB
Marsha Hopper, RN
Kathleen Korosi, MPA
Svetlana Marchuk, BS
Marilyn Daniels Monteiro
Patricia Moynihan, AAB
Lori Myers, LPN
Julie Ondercin, RHIA, CPHQ
Linda Wozniak, LPN
Dan Ziemnik, BA
Julie Ondercin, RHIA, CPHQ
Linda Wozniak, LPN
Dan Ziemnik, BA
Executive Editor : Suzana C. Iveljic, MBA
Editor : Robert A. Feigenbaum, MS
THE MARCH/APRIL 2005 ISSUE OF QUALITY CONNECTION HAS ARRIVED!
The Newsletter of the Physician Office Quality Improvement Initiative
The Newsletter of the Physician Office Quality Improvement Initiative
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Tel: 216.447.9604
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