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  • 12/06/2017 1:59 PM | Deleted user
    Heifetz to resign as Medicaid director
    December 6, Wisconsin Health News

    The Department of Health Services has accepted the resignation of Medicaid Director Michael Heifetz, who is leaving for the private sector, according to a Tuesday statement.

    Heifetz, who also serves as administrator of the Division of Medicaid Services, will leave the department Dec. 13. Deputy Administrator Casey Himebauch will serve as the division's interim leader.

    “Michael has been invaluable in his role as Medicaid director, representing Wisconsin’s vision for the future in the national spotlight,” DHS Secretary Linda Seemeyer said in a statement. “We will greatly miss his leadership and insight, as well as his candor and energy.”

    A DHS spokeswoman said that Heifetz is "pursuing career opportunities" in the private sector. She did not respond to a question asking for more specifics.

    Heifetz joined the department as Medicaid director in September of last year. He previously served as state budget director. Before that, he was vice president of governmental affairs at Dean Clinic and SSM Health of Wisconsin.

    Heifetz has also left his position on the Group Insurance Board and was replaced by State Budget Director Waylon Hurlburt in October.


  • 11/30/2017 4:45 AM | Deleted user

    State Legislative Update

    • For most states, the 2017 legislative session has concluded. 2018 sessions start in January/February.
    • The number of states that have adopted the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact stands at 22. 2 states currently have active legislation. The compact offers an expedited licensing process for physicians interested in practicing medicine across state lines.

    If you have any questions or would like to discuss how to improve your advocacy efforts, contact Grant Niver.

    Federal Legislative Update 

    • Congress has several issues to address before the end of the year including funding the government, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) reauthorization, and access to telestroke. The AAN sent an action alert to urge members of Congress to pass this legislation as soon as possible, please respond if you haven’t already.
    • AAN member and child neurologist Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, MD, was elected to be the next governor of Virginia. Northam has been an AAN member since 1990 and will soon serve in the highest elected office ever held by a neurologist.
    • The AAN participated in the American Medical Association’s 2017 Interim Meeting of the House of Delegates. Resolutions covered a number of topics important to neurology including the Quality Payment Program (QPP), drug pricing, physician burnout, reimbursement, medical marijuana, electronic health records, and opioids.

    Stay up-to-date on #AANAdvocacy by reading the Capitol Hill Report and following the AAN’s Senior Legislative Counsel Mike Amery on Twitter at @MikeAmeryDC.

    Medical Economics Update

    • The 2017 Neurology Compensation and Productivity report and interactive dashboard is now available! It is free to members who participated in the most recent survey and a small fee for those who did not participate. Find it in the AAN Store.
    • The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service (CMS) published the 2018 final Medicare physician fee schedule in early November. In the rule CMS reduced penalties and reporting requirements for several Medicare Programs. Learn more about the impact on Neurology and view final 2018 Medicare values.

    For more information on AAN practice resources, visit our webpage

    AAN Membership Update

    • A new regional conference is scheduled for January 13 through 15, 2018, concurrent with the Breakthroughs in Neurology Conference in Orlando, FL. Career Essentials Conference: Foundation for Your Future is geared toward early career neurologists who are three to five years’ post-residency.
    • Be sure to join the Consortium of Neurology Advanced Practice Providers on Synapse, and share with your APP colleagues. Ask questions of APPs, network, and share resources.
    • The AAN Advanced Practice Provider Scholarship is now open.  The AAN will be awarding two $2000 scholarships to help fund APP participation at the Annual Meeting.  If you are interested in nominating an APP or applying yourself, please click here for more information. 
    • The new Career Essentials Conference for early career members is now open for registration. The conference is designed for members no more than five years post-residency to learn the business, financial planning, and other skills that are not covered in residency. Spread the word about this family-friendly conference to be held in Orlando, FL, January 13–15, co-located with the Breakthroughs in Neurology conference.
    • Registration is also open for the 2018 AAN Breakthroughs in Neurology Conference, January 12-15, 2018, at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL. The conference provides an opportunity to gain a year-in-review of the best neurology science and education in one convenient weekend.

    Quality and Guidelines Update


  • 11/17/2017 1:32 PM | Deleted user

    Neuro Summit 2018 respects all the scholastic and business specialists working in the field of Neurology and Neuroscience to World Summit on Neurology and Neuroscience which will be occurring in Montreal, Canada amid September 26-27, 2018.
    We welcome you to oblige us at the Neuro Summit 2018, where you will make a point to have a fundamental relationship with investigators from around the globe. All individuals from the Neuro Summit 2018 managing board imagine meeting you in Montreal, Canada.

    World summit on Neurology and Neuroscience is a unique social occasion to join general perceived scholastics and specialists working in the diverse fields of neurology and neuroscience sciences, scientist wearing down mind investigators, analysts, educational analysts, prosperity specialists, pharmaceutical association’s delegates, industry masters, specialists and various more to regularly exchange the investigation and headways.
    Purpose of this social affair is engage new musings for treatment that will be productive over the scope of Neurology.
    World summit on Neurology and Neuroscience, symposiums, workshops et cetera will give a conferred stage to the change, execution and exchange of information about Neuroscience and its related branches.        

    For more details please visit https://neurosummit.neurologyconference.com/                                                                                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Other Reason
    Get-together of world class experts and developing capacity from over the globe.
    Exhibit yours investigation and get world affirmation.
    Profit chances to associate with unimaginably well-known analysts.
    Flawlessly sketched out schedule: Workshop, Expo districts, gatherings to create new thoughts and some more.
    Stage to facilitate with related basic care clinicians.
    Instructive workshops on investigation and treatment of neurological diseases."

  • 11/13/2017 6:37 AM | Deleted user
    Deputy Insurance Commissioner J.P. Wieske will outline what a Wisconsin version of the Affordable Care Act could look like at a Dec. 13 Newsmaker Event.

    Wieske announced this fall the state is considering applying for a 1332 waiver from the law, which allows states to develop unique solutions for providing affordable healthcare coverage. Wieske will discuss the state’s next steps, as well as provide an update on open enrollment and the current insurance market.

    Wieske has served as the state's deputy insurance commissioner since 2016. Before that he was the department's legislative liaison and public information officer for five years. He previously served as the executive director of the Council of Affordable Health Insurance.

    Register now (link).


  • 11/06/2017 6:35 AM | Deleted user
    Society Selects New CEO
    November 3, WMS Medigram

    The Wisconsin Medical Society Board of Directors has named Clyde “Bud” Chumbley, MD, MBA, chief executive officer of the Wisconsin Medical Society.

    “I’m excited to have the opportunity to serve as the next CEO of the Wisconsin Medical Society; I consider it a tremendous honor,” said Dr. Chumbley, who will begin on November 27. “Having been a Society member for 37 years, I’m a firm believer in its mission to advance the health of the people of Wisconsin by ensuring access to high-quality, cost-efficient care. And I look forward to drawing on my experience to further strengthen the Society so we can continue to make a difference for our patients and our profession.”

    In addition to caring for patients as a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist throughout his 36-year medical career, Dr. Chumbley has held numerous leadership and management positions, including serving nearly 20 years as president and CEO of a large, independent multi-specialty medical group practice. He currently serves as chief medical adviser for Wisconsin Medical Society Holdings and as chief medical officer for the Wisconsin Medical Society Holdings Association Health Plan.

    Past leadership roles in Wisconsin include serving as chief medical officer/chief clinical integration officer for Aspirus Health and president of Aspirus Clinics, and as president and CEO of ProHealth Care Medical Associates. He also has served on the board of directors and as past chair and treasurer for the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality. In Texas, he served as chief medical officer for Scott & White Healthcare in the Austin region.  

    Doctor Chumbley is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Medicine and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and holds medical licenses in Wisconsin and Texas.

    “We were fortunate to have a number of highly qualified candidates interested in this position,” said Jerry Halverson, MD, chair of the Society’s Board of Directors and co-chair of the search committee. “Doctor Chumbley is an excellent advocate for physicians and the patients we serve, and with his extensive administrative experience and medical expertise, we believe he is an outstanding choice to lead the Society. We look forward to all we can accomplish under his leadership.”

    Doctor Chumbley is the eighth Society CEO in its 176-year history. Susan L. Turney, MD, MS, FACMPE, FACP, was the first physician to hold the position from 2004 to 2011.


  • 11/01/2017 8:32 PM | Deleted user
    Wisconsin Neurological Society Announces Francis M. Forster Research Awards

    The Wisconsin Neurological Society honors a long-standing tradition of recognizing resident research by holding an annual competition for the Francis M. Forster Research Award.

    The award is named for Francis M. Forster, MD, one of the founders of the American Academy of Neurology. He was considered an internationally-recognized expert in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy and a prominent neurologist. Doctor Forster served as Chairman of the Departments of Neurology at Georgetown University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and proudly mentored and trained residents throughout his career.

    We'd like to congratulate Drs. Gregory Rozansky, Thanjuaa Subramaniam, and this year's winner Dr. Sadhana Murali for their outstanding work in the field of neurology.


  • 09/19/2017 2:14 PM | Deleted user
    Wisconsin Neurological Society - Francis M. Forster Research Award

    The Wisconsin Neurological Society honors a long-standing tradition of recognizing resident research by holding an annual competition for the Francis M. Forster Research Award.

    The award is named for Francis M. Forster, MD, one of the founders of the American Academy of Neurology. He was considered an internationally-recognized expert in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy and a prominent neurologist. Doctor Forster served as Chairman of the Departments of Neurology at Georgetown University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and proudly mentored and trained residents throughout his career.

    Program Directors from the Neurology Residency Programs at the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin-Madison each identify two residents with outstanding research abstracts to compete for the annual Award. In the selection process, priority is given to true research projects, although high quality and comprehensive case presentations may also be considered.

    Residents who have been selected for the competition each submit their abstracts and are invited to present their research at the WNS Annual Meeting. After all presentations are complete, one winner is selected by a vote of all non-resident conference attendees and presented with the annual Francis M. Forster Research Award. 


  • 09/19/2017 2:12 PM | Deleted user

    October 27-28, 2017 
    Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake, WI

    The 2017 conference will include presentations on:

    • DSPS Required Opioid Education
    • EMG Vignettes
    • Stroke/Neurocritical Care:  Overview and Special Topics
    • Epilepsy Monitoring:  Uses and Current Research
    • Summary of the ABPN MOC Program
    • A Collaborative Approach to Addressing Sleep and Cognition

    Click here to view the full flyer, or REGISTER TODAY

    Vendor Prospectus Available - Please share with organizations that may be interested!

    LOCATION & LODGING - Deadline Approaching!

    Rooms are available at the Osthoff Resort at the special group rate of $129 for one bedroom suites. To guarantee this rate, and to ensure a room will be available, reservations must be made by September 22, 2017.

    To make your reservation, please call 800-876-3399 and press prompt #1, state that you are with WI Neurological Society.

    For driving directions please visit: www.osthoff.com/directions

    Questions?
    If you have any questions regarding the WNS Annual Conference, please contact the WNS office at 920-560-5622 or email WNS@badgerbay.co.


  • 08/08/2017 1:43 PM | Deleted user

    Apply for the Bennett Hiner Research Award-Deadline EXTENDED to August 31

    The Wisconsin Neurological Society is still accepting applications for the Bennett Hiner Research Award with an EXTENDED deadline of August 31.  The Award is presenting to a medical student enrolled at one of the state’s medical schools in recognition for extra-ordinary service, leadership and research in the neurosciences. Please share with your colleagues this important award!

    This award is in memory of Bennett Hiner, son of long time Society member Dr. Bradley Hiner.  Bennett passed away unexpectedly in November 2011. He was an enthusiastic and accomplished young man who was a leader in his medical school class at the University of Southern California and actively involved in neuroscience research.

    Qualified applicants are medical students who must be enrolled at either the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, or the Medical College of Wisconsin; have completed neuroscience research within two (2) years of application for this award; have demonstrated leadership experience while enrolled in medical school; and have submitted the application and research abstract.  An application form is available by clicking here.


  • 08/07/2017 3:46 PM | Deleted user

    State Legislative Update

    • Ohio voters will have the opportunity to vote in November on the Ohio Drug Price Relief Act, a citizen-initiated ballot measure that would require state government agencies to purchase prescription drugs at prices no higher than those paid by the US Department of Veterans affairs.
    • The number of states that have adopted the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact stands at 22. 3 states currently have active legislation, which the AAN is active in supporting. The compact offers an expedited licensing process for physicians interested in practicing medicine in multiple states.

    If you have any questions or would like to discuss how to improve your advocacy efforts, contact Grant Niver.

    Federal Legislative Update 

    • The AAN joined other medical groups in releasing a statement opposing the initial Senate health care bill, the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017. The proposed bill included provisions such as cuts to Medicaid funding that would increase the number of people without health insurance by 22 million by 2026. The Senate is currently voting on various versions of health care reform legislation, and the AAN continues to advocate for access to health insurance coverage for patients with neurologic conditions.
    • The Furthering Access to Stroke Telemedicine (FAST) Act (H.R. 1148) now has 130 cosponsors in the House, and was featured at an Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing on July 20 entitled “Examining Bipartisan Legislation to Improve the Medicare Program.” AAN Board member Brett Kissela, MD, FAAN, MS of the University of Cincinnati testified at the hearing on the benefits of telestroke.
    • The House Appropriations Committee approved the draft FY2018 Labor, HHS, and Education funding bill which includes a 3.2% increase in NIH funding for a total of $35.2 billion, including a $76 million increase in BRAIN Initiative funding.
    • In June, Immediate Past President Terrence L. Cascino, MD, FAAN, visited Capitol Hill after receiving an invitation from the House Doctors Caucus to discuss physician burnout. After an extended conversation, members of Congress asked Cascino for additional resources on burnout from the AAN, and indicated they are willing to bring these issues up in search of legislative and regulatory solutions.
    • The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved the FY2018 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies funding bill, which includes $10 million in funding to create at least five VA Headache Centers of Excellence. If enacted, these centers will join the VA Centers of Excellence for Parkinson’s, MS, and Epilepsy.

    Stay up-to-date on #AANAdvocacy by reading the Capitol Hill Report and following the AAN’s Senior Legislative Counsel Mike Amery on Twitter at @MikeAmeryDC.

    Medical Economics Update

    • The AAN is continuing its efforts to create awareness and educate members about MACRA and the Quality Payment Program (QPP). The AAN continues to lobby on behalf of neurology, and the MACRA proposed rule, released June 20, reflects AAN recommendations around Quality Metrics and Improvement Activities that may make reporting easier for members. The AAN will submit comments by the August 2017 deadline, and the final rule is expected in the fall.
    • AAN advocacy yielded reduced regulatory burdens in the proposed 2018 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule, released by CMS on July 13. The rule contains several proposals to reduce regulatory burdens that were specifically advocated for by the AAN in meetings with HHS this year. CMS is soliciting further ideas to reduce regulatory hassles on physicians and potential ways to update E/M documentation processes.
    • ·         Are you in a small or solo practice? Your views and experiences are important to us. The Academy would like to offer you the opportunity to have an AAN practice management specialist visit your office, at no cost to you, between August and October 2017. We believe it is important for the Academy to visit small and solo practices such as yours to gain a more comprehensive understanding of challenges facing our practicing members, connect these members to relevant AAN resources, and provide a feedback loop to the Academy on the value of our improvements to member resources. For more information, please contact Sochenda Nelson at stnelson@aan.com.
    • ·         Need an answer to your practice management questions? Whether you have questions concerning CPT or ICD-10 codes, payer issues, health information technology, or other practice management topics, AAN members can get answers within one business day by emailing questions to practice@aan.com.
    • ·         The 2017 Neurology Compensation and Productivity report and interactive dashboard is now available! It is free to members who participated in the most recent survey and $600 for those who did not participate. Find it in the AAN Store.

    For more information on AAN practice resources, visit our webpage

    AAN Membership Update

    • Seven out of 10 neurology residents and five of 10 neurology fellows have one or more symptoms of burnout, according to a large study by the AAN that was published online in Neurology® on July 5 and in print in the August 1, 2017, issue of the journal. Read the study.
    • A new regional conference is scheduled for January 13 through 15, 2018, concurrent with the Breakthroughs in Neurology Conference in Orlando, FL. Career Essentials Conference: Foundation for Your Future is geared toward early career neurologists who are three to five years’ post-residency.

    Quality Update

    • The AAN and American Psychiatric Association released the dementia management quality measurement set update on May 1. The measures and publication are available online. Select dementia management measures are available in 2017 for use in CMS’ Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS).
    • The Axon Registry® has been designated a Quality Clinical Data Registry (QCDR) for reporting year 2017 by CMS. This means the registry can report neurology specific quality measures under the MIPS program. Visit our website for information on how to join the Axon Registry and what it could do for your practice.


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