January 2022

CT Ortho News-No Surprises Act,2022 Dues Renew, Save the Date COS Annual Meeting

‌ ‌ OrthoNews & Updates January 2022 In Memoriam Craig Tifford, MD Photo Credit: Yale School of Medicine The COS and members of the Board mourn the passing of COS Board Member, Craig Tifford, MD. Dr. Tifford is being remembered for his contributions as a Board member for nearly a decade. His jovial personality lightened many of our board meetings and his many interests kept us entertained when the topic of medicine became too dense. His ability to organize and lead, his passion for the profession and his patients, the time he spent training new surgeons and the genuine care he showed his colleagues made him an outstanding surgeon, mento and friend. He will be missed and remembered fondly. The COS Board extends their sincere sympathy to Craig's wife and family. Federal "No Surprises Act" Information & Resources This information is intended to provide resources and model templates regarding the federal “No Surprise Act” and the requirements physicians must comply with as of January 1, 2022, including patient's rights under the new law.    CMS published guidance and resources about provider obligations under the federal No Surprises Act can be found on their website: https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises and several of resources are listed below that can be found using the link above. The AMA NSA tool kit may also be helpful to you and your staff.   RESOURCES   · Overview of Rules and Fact Sheets     · Provider Requirements and Resources; Forms & Guidance (Please note: It is possible CMS will update/modify documents so please check the CMS website. ) Model CMS Disclosure Document Model Notice and Consent Document For uninsured/self-pay patients Model CMS Good Faith Estimate Template* Right to Receive a Good Faith Estimate Notice Appendix for Good Faith Estimates Data Elements**   · High Level Overview of Provider Requirements   · Information and documentation about Good Faith Estimate calculations for uninsured/self-pay patients   *The Model CMS “Good Faith Estimate Template” meets the No Surprises Act requirement with respect to providing a Good Faith Estimate of Expected Charges to uninsured/self-pay patients.   It is important to note that information regarding the availability of a Good Faith Estimate must be prominently displayed on your website and in the office and on-site where scheduling or cost of healthcare questions may be asked. The Model CMS “Right to Receive a Good Faith Estimate Notice” is not required but may be helpful to provide to patients to inform them of the availability of a Good Faith Estimate of Expected Charges.   **The Appendix notes that the good faith estimate information must be submitted by both the convening provider or convening facility (i.e. the provider or facility that initially received the request and scheduled services) as well as any other additional provider(s) or facility(ies) that may provide healthcare services or items to the uninsured/self-pay patient. However, until December 31, 2022, HHS will exercise its enforcement discretion in situations where a good faith estimate only includes estimates from the convening provider and does not include expected charges for items or services from any additional provider(s) or facility(ies).   The COS will continue to provide membership with any relevant updates and news. As a COS member, you are invited to register for the complimentary webinar below.  COMPLIMENTARY WEBINAR Federal No Surprises Act Tuesday, February 1, 2022 FEDERAL NO SURPRISES ACT – ONE MONTH IN. WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED? WHAT QUESTIONS REMAIN?   Garfunkel Wild - COMPLIMENTARY WEBINAR TUESDAY - FEBRUARY 1, 2022 Noon - 1:00 PM   Garfunkel Wild’s Debra Silverman, John Martin and Carmen Jule will present the webinar “Federal No Surprises Act – One month in. What have we learned? What questions remain?″   There are many unanswered questions surrounding the Federal No Surprises Act. Fortunately the Garfunkel Wild Working Group will be both advising clients in the trenches and studying all guidance and developments released regarding the Act’s implementation during the Act’s first 30 days. In this Webinar, we will report back and update everyone on what the first month of living with the Federal No Surprises Act has taught us.    The Webinar will provide answers where questions have been resolved and will address continuing areas of uncertainty, all with the same expert insight and analysis that Garfunkel Wild has always furnished to our Health Care clients.   Click Here To Register.  2022 COS Annual Meeting Friday, May 6, 2022 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Aqua Turf Club, Plantsville, CT The COS Board is pleased to announce the 2022 COS Annual Meeting will be held on May 6th. Program Director, Michael Kaplan, MD, is working to bring a relevant and engaging educational program to Connecticut's orthopaedic community, Physician Assistants and Physical Therapists. All 2022 dues paying members (RENEW) attend at no additional fee. Look for program details and registration in your inbox. Please save the date and plan to join your colleagues! 2022 Membership Have You Renewed? Working on behalf of Connecticut’s Orthopaedic Community and Patients. Membership in the Society provides orthopaedic surgeons and their staff with: Representation  Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee Representation Government Agencies including the Attorney General and Commissioner of Public Health Ambulatory Surgery Tax Relief Coalition Connecticut Worker's Compensation Representation  Advocacy & Lobbying COS lobbyists dedicated to orthopaedic and health care issues Public Hearing testimony at the Capitol Lobbying in DC for Federal healthcare issues 100% AAOS PAC Participation – Members & Non-Members       Continuing Medical Education and Training CME accredited Annual Meeting – May 6, 2022 (details to follow). CPT Coding & Revenue Enhancement Workshops for members & staff Resident Engagement including Annual Forum, Paper Presentations, and funding support       Communication, Programs and Services Monthly Enews Alerts to keep you up to date and informed. Orthopaedic Surgeon Directory – All Active Members Discounted Credit Card Processing Fees for your practice Legal Review of Employment Contracts – Special Legal Package & Rate RENEW ONLINE   Select MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL to pay securely using your credit card and be sure to check your new “SURGEON PROFILE” to make changes or updates. (Note: Only 2021 paid members have an existing profile.) RENEW ONLINE www.ctortho.org The COS is your strongest ally and the only statewide association committed to effecting positive change for the orthopaedic community and patients while delivering value to members with the low annual membership fee of $295.00.   In 2021, COS representatives held virtual meetings, with CT House of Representatives and U.S. Senators on key federal issues impacting medicine and patient care.   Throughout the year, COS and its leadership worked to secure 100% Connecticut orthopaedic surgeon participation in the AAOS OrthoPAC, a vital voice of orthopaedic surgeons in Washington, DC and have committed to 100% participation in 2022 too.   COS members lobbied on a state level on important issues impacting the profession and patients included prohibiting drug formulary changes, securing Telehealth provision and protecting patients from scope expansions.   Your Society represented the orthopaedic community and patients during discussions with Anthem on prior authorization difficulties and delays; Worker’s Compensation matters impacting peer review and treatment protocols and initiating discussions with key legislators on Medicaid reform for orthopaedic surgeon reimbursement and access to surgical care for Medicaid patients at ASCs.   We have much more work ahead to be done this year as we advocate for fair Medicaid reimbursements, ensuring scope expansions equate to training and education, prior authorization reform and collection of high deductibles by insurers, not practices.   Your ongoing participation and 2022 membership in the Society is instrumental to the work of the COS and its Board. Simply go online to pay by credit card or complete the form and mail with your check payment.   Call or email COS with any questions at 860-690-1146; email: ctorthoexec@gmail.com Have you Updated Your Member Profile Online? Visit www.ctortho.org today for timely updates, membership renewal and directory of surgeons* and be sure to update your profile. Any questions, comments, concerns, please contact Susan Schaffman. *Please note that this area of the website is for current members (2022 dues paid) of the Connecticut Orthopaedic Society. Once logged in, members will have the ability to request a password and manage their directory listing on our “Find a Surgeon” page and to renew your membership. If you wish to join/renew, you can do so online and create your profile.