April 25, 2018 -- Volume 7, Number 17

ASRS Continues to Fight Against Modifier -25 Cuts   Last week, ASRS sent Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan a letter opposing a new policy, taking effect July 1, 2018, that will cut payment for office visits by 20% when billed with Modifier -25. This policy is inconsistent with CMS's valuation of Evaluation & Management codes when performed on the same day as procedures. The ASRS continues to work with the AMA and other state and specialty organization to oppose such policies nationally.

Benefits Management Company Magellan Promotes Avastin-First Policies – ASRS Fights for Physician Choice   Last week, the ASRS sent a letter to Magellan Rx opposing its policy to restrict the use of aflibercept, a policy recently adopted by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Tennessee. Avastin- first policies are increasingly being promoted to health plans by pharmaceutical management companies as a way to control costs. ASRS continues to fight for physician choice. If you are subject to step therapy or burdensome prior authorization directives, please contact Monica Horton at [email protected] with the plan name, policy language and any details about the impact to your practice.

Applications for MIPS Study Extended Through April 30 th Applications for Abt Associates' study of burdens clinicians experience with reporting MIPS quality measures in year 2 of the program will now be accepted through April 30, 2018. Clinicians and groups who are eligible for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and who participate successfully in the study will receive full credit for the 2018 MIPS Improvement Activities (IA) performance category. Click here to apply.

Reminder: 2018 ASRS Membership Satisfaction Survey On April 16th, you should have received an electronic survey through Survey Monkey entitled “2018 ASRS Membership Satisfaction Survey.” As a member of the American Society of Retina Specialists, we ask that you take a few minutes to complete this brief survey about the Society's resources and services so that we can strive to better meet your needs.  Please complete the survey by April 27, 2018.

Check out ASRS's Latest Webinar: Retinal Coding 101 (AKA the Source of Gray Hairs)         Click here  to view an archived recording of "Retinal Coding 101 (AKA the Source of Gray Hairs)," presented by Ankoor R. Shah, MD. Topics include coding basics in both the clinical and surgical arenas, health policy, and CPT and RUC processes where codes are created and valued.

See Enhancements to this Trusted Resource! Dynamic visual layout Redesigned landing pages More intuitive navigation Expanded content sections Handy homepage links for key resources Convenient drop menus Social media connectivity   Coming Soon! ASRS Retina Career Center ASRS Multimedia Library

April 30 Deadline for Retina Image of the Year Nominations There are two ways to nominate an image: Email your nomination to Chayal Patel. Log on to the Retina Image Bank and give your favorite image a 4- or 5-star rating. For complete details on the eligibility and nomination process visit the  ASRS website . The winner will be recognized at the 36th Annual Meeting Don't miss the chance to have your images considered for the top prize.  Upload your best images  by April 30 for the chance to be considered.

Image of the Week Congratulations to  Nichole Lewis , from Pennsylvania Retina Specialists P.C.   in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania , w hose image Macular Reticular Drusen has been selected as the Image of the Week.  View All Images of the Week

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American Society of Retina Specialists | (312) 578-8760 | [email protected] | www.asrs.org