Below is the text of a letter signed by CSMS, the American Medical Association, and other state and national specialty societies. Click to view the PDF of the letter.March 21, 2017Seema VermaAdministratorCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesDepartment of Health and Human ServicesHubert H. Humphrey Building, Room 445-G200 Independence Avenue, SWWashington, DC 20201Dear Administrator Verma:The undersigned physician organizations welcome the Trump Administration’s emphasis on reducing regulatory burdens. Congress recognized when it passed the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) in an overwhelming bipartisan vote that the existing Medicare value-based purchasing programs affecting physicians—Meaningful Use (MU), Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS), …

Statement attributable to:Andrew W. Gurman, M.D.President, American Medical Association“Today’s estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office underscore the AMA’s concerns about the AHCA as it is written: If this bill were to become law, CBO projects 14 million Americans who have gained coverage in recent years could lose it in 2018. For the AMA, that outcome is unacceptable. While the Affordable Care Act was an imperfect law, it was a significant improvement on the status quo at the time, and the AMA believes we need continued progress to expand coverage for the uninsured. Unfortunately, the current proposal – as the …

CSMS Affinity Partner Webster Bank presented an informative program on cybersecurity for CSMS member physicians and practice administrators on February 22.Attendees were welcomed by Matthew Katz, CSMS EVP/CEO, and Jordan Arovas, Webster Bank SVP and Manager of Webster's Specialty Banking Group.The presentation featured Laurance Selnick, Webster Bank SVP, Director, Treasury & Payment Solutions Sales; Matt Kozloski, VP of Professional Services at Kelser Corporation; and Larry Racioppo, SVP of Management and Professional Services at USI Insurance Services.The presentation team walked the audience through the basics of cybersecurity, types of fraud and cyber risks ("It's not a case of if, but when... …

A Clear Victory for Physicians and PatientsFor immediate release February 9, 2017(North Haven, CT) – Connecticut State Medical Society President Jeffrey Gordon, MD and CSMS EVP/CEO Matthew Katz have issued the following statement in response to last night’s US District Court ruling:The Connecticut State Medical Society applauds the ruling made by US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson against the proposed $54B merger between insurance giants Anthem and Cigna. This is a clear victory for physicians and patients, protecting accessibility, affordability and quality of medical care. In Connecticut, the merger would have further consolidated our state’s already highly-concentrated insurance market. Judge …

CSMS Affinity Partner FAIR Health has released a new report, Improving Health Insurance Literacy in the State of Connecticut.Although Connecticut has been a leader in enrolling residents in health insurance, the FAIR Health paper finds there is still work to be done in improving low levels of health insurance literacy (HIL) among the newly insured, minorities and others. "Ironically, barriers to understanding and using coverage may reinforce the racial/ethnic disparities that the ACA sought to eliminate, undermining the law's potential to advance health equity." View the full white paper here.FAIR Health has also developed the free FH® Cost Lookup CT …

For immediate release January 23, 2017(North Haven, CT) – Connecticut State Medical Society President Jeffrey Gordon, MD and CSMS EVP/CEO Matthew Katz have issued the following statement in response to today’s US District Court ruling:The Connecticut State Medical Society strongly supports the ruling made by US District Judge John D. Bates against the proposed $37B merger between Aetna and Humana.Since late 2015, CSMS has expressed serious concerns about the proposed Aetna-Humana and Anthem-Cigna “mega-mergers,” and the potential negative effects of those mergers on physicians, patients, and insurance markets.CSMS has been working here in Connecticut with the Universal Healthcare Foundation of …

CSMS President Jeffrey Gordon, MD was invited to speak at a press conference hosted by US Representatives Joe Courtney (CT-02) and Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) on the effects of ACA repeal on Connecticut. Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman also participated in the press conference.In his remarks, Dr. Gordon acknowledged that physicians in Connecticut (and across the country) have not agreed on every aspect of the ACA. However, he noted "[A] majority will agree that we must fight to maintain certain provisions of the Act... and continue to to ensure that patients have access to the services needed in an affordable manner, without …

CSMS executives provided a deep dive into Medicare's new Quality Payment Programs (QPP) at today's Demystifying MACRA program, presented by Qualidigm and the New England Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (New England QIN-QIO).The CME program provided physicians and practice administrators from across New England with an in-depth look at MACRA and its two Quality Payment Programs: the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Alternative Payment Models (APM).After a warm welcome from Qualidigm Principal and Vice President of Community Relations Anne Elwell, the CSMS team went to work.CSMS EVP/CEO Matthew Katz, MS offered an overview of Medicare quality programs and how …

PQRS is over (except for the 2016 data reporting), and MACRA's Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) is here.To help you maximize your MIPS potential, CSMS members who have renewed their 2017 membership can receive The MIPS Navigator™ free of charge.The MIPS Navigator™ is an on-line tool that makes it possible for individual clinicians or practice administrators to quickly and easily sort through the various MIPS alternatives and produce a “2017 MIPS Itinerary/Plan” designed to maximize their potential 2019 MIPS bonus.By answering a few questions specific to your practice, the MIPS Navigator™ will let you determine: Whether you or your practice …

It's time to report your 2016 PQRS data! The deadlines vary by reporting method, so be sure to review the chart below and don't miss out on the reporting window.Download chart hereRemember: if you don't successfully report 2016 PQRS data, you'll be subject to a -2.0% PQRS payment adjustment in 2018. In addition, unsuccessful 2016 PQRS reporting will trigger an additional payment adjustment of -2.0% (-4.0% for groups of 10 or more) from the Value-Based Payment Modifier.

2016 was a busy and successful year for CSMS. Our member physicians were active in state and national advocacy, research projects, philanthropy, education and other efforts. Click on the video below for a summary of the year.Thank you for being a member of CSMS. Your commitment made this year possible. With your continued support, 2017 can be a great year for physicians and patients across Connecticut.

Dear Colleague,On behalf of the Connecticut State Medical Society, best wishes for a very happy and healthy holiday season.I want to thank you for your membership in CSMS. With your support, CSMS was able to serve as a strong advocate for Connecticut physicians and patients in 2016. Among this year’s important achievements, CSMS successfully: Strengthened network adequacy protections for physicians and patients Established reasonable non-compete agreements that don’t impede physician practice Hosted a public forum on prescription drug pricing with the State Comptroller Blocked bills from the trial lawyers which would have worsened our state’s already-bad liability climate Worked with …

After last week's announcement (DEA Eliminates Informal Grace Period for Registration Renewals), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has largely reversed this decision with one minor change.From the American Medical Association:We recently alerted the Federation to a notice from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that effective January 1, 2017, the DEA was changing its long-standing policy of allowing a grace period for registrants who failed to file a timely renewal application. Late yesterday afternoon, the DEA reversed its decision and posted a notice that it is retaining its current policy and procedures, with one minor change, regarding registration renewals. The revised …

New medical research projects are placing Connecticut at the forefront of national medical marijuana research.Earlier today, the Connecticut Hospice hosted a press conference to highlight its newly-approved medical marijuana research project. CSMS member and AMA Delegate Ted Zanker, MD is the principal investigator for the research project, which is designed to reduce opioid use in palliative care.CSMS Legislative Chair David Emmel, MD joined Governor Dannel Malloy, Senator Richard Blumenthal and Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Jonathan Harris in speaking at today's press conference. In his remarks, Dr. Emmel noted that the project is an important first step in …

Earlier this year, Governor Dannel Malloy issued an Executive Order establishing a Certificate of Need (CON)Task Force. The Task Force was directed to undertake a review and analysis of the state’s CON process and programs, and determine if changes are necessary to ensure quality of care and access for all state residents and the preservation of an open and competitive health care market. CSMS Past President Gary Price, MD is a member of the CON Task Force, and has been a strong advocate for physicians.CSMS, with the support or several surgical specialty organizations, recently submitted comments in response to recommendations …

(Via the American Medical Association)Through a notice on its website, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently announced significant changes to its registration renewal process. Effective January 1, 2017, the DEA is eliminating the informal grace period which the agency has previously allowed for registrants to renew their registrations. Only one renewal notice will be sent to each registrant’s “mail to” address approximately 65 days prior to the expiration date; no other reminders to renew the DEA registration will be provided. The notice also advises that online capability to renew a DEA registration after the expiration date will no longer be …

As we approach the end of 2016, please consider making tax-deductible donations to the CSMS Charitable Trust and the CSMS Physician Health and Education Fund (PHEF). Your support helps make a positive difference in the health of Connecticut.Since its founding, the CSMS Charitable Trust has awarded more than $500,000 to fighting hunger and homelessness. The CSMS Trust is funded exclusively by voluntary contributions from Connecticut physicians, and through the annual Biondino Memorial Golf Classic. 100% of all funds raised go directly to the Charitable Trust. In 2016, the Charitable Trust donated to 15 organizations that provide food, shelter and services …

The Quality Payment Program (QPP) final rule with comment period incorporates input received to date. To continue building on a user-centric approach, CMS is seeking feedback for future rulemaking. We welcome feedback from patients, caregivers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, Congress and others on how to better achieve the goals of the program. CMS is currently seeking feedback on the topics below through 5 p.m. on December 19, 2016.Under the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS):1. Virtual Groups [81 FR 77074-81 FR 77076]:We intend to implement virtual groups for the 2018 calendar year performance period and we intend to address all of the …

As HealthyCT moves into liquidation, providers should know:– You should continue to provide healthcare services without interruption to HealthyCT members.– You will be paid for covered services delivered to HealthyCT members per your contract. Claims will be processed as usual.– You should continue to submit claims for services as usual.The complete news release is available here: healthyct-provider-alert

(North Haven, CT) – The Connecticut State Medical Society Charitable Trust is pleased to announce its 2016 donations to the following organizations: AIDS Project New Haven American Liver Foundation, Connecticut Chapter, North Haven The American Red Cross of Connecticut, New Haven Channel 3 Kids’ Camp, Coventry CRIS Radio, Windsor The Diaper Bank, North Haven HAVEN, Southington Interval House, Hartford Malta House of Care, Waterbury Natchaug River Young Marines, Dayville New Reach, New Haven The Open Hearth, Hartford Project Access-New Haven Prudence Crandall Center, New Britain Safe Futures, New LondonCSMS President Jeffrey A. Gordon, MD presented the donations at the CSMS …