The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has entered into an agreement with the Attorney General of Connecticut ending his investigation of the Society’s Lyme disease guidelines. Under the agreement, the guidelines remain in effect; but in an effort to clear the air, IDSA is voluntarily agreeing to an extra step: a one-time special review of the Lyme disease guidelines.
Physicians will be required to submit National Provider Identifier (NPI) only claims beginning May 23rd unless the Contingency Plan is extended by Medicare. The Contingency Plan ensures a smooth transition to NPI and minimizes reimbursement delays by allowing physicians to submit claims that contain both legacy and NPI numbers.
Vol. 18 No. 4
Top Stories:
IDSA testifies at FDA hearing on antimicrobial resistance and makes twelve recommendations on appropriate FDA actions to help lead federal efforts to combat this growing problem.
New findings show a link between micronutrient supplementation and reduced risk of recurrence during tuberculosis chemotherapy, according to a study published in the June 1 issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases, now available online.
The Society expressed its concern in a letter to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) regarding the Commission's recommendations to bundle providers’ payments around a hospitalization and follow-up outpatient care.
The State and Regional Societies (S&RS) online map tool was developed to track state legislation that would restrict thimerosal in vaccines and mandate insurance coverage for controversial Lyme disease treatments. IDSA's position on these topics and sample legislative letters are provided as advocacy tools for local infectious diseases physicians.
CDC HAN Alert
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has amended the breakpoints for penicillin in the treatment of pneumococcal pneumonia, according to a recently updated package insert for Baxter Healthcare Corporation’s penicillin G.
FDA Alert