Influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel is a professional and ethical responsibility and non-compliance with healthcare facility policies regarding vaccination should not be tolerated, according to a position paper released today by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA). The paper is published in this month’s Infection Control and Healthcare Epidemiology journal and endorsed by IDSA.

In a letter to the Director of FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, IDSA provided input on clinical trial networks and designs of clinical trials for new antimicrobial agents.  The letter  also gives input on Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections and the design of clinical trials for new antibiotics for these infections. 

Although immunity to mumps is high in the United States, mumps vaccine coverage must be maintained and improved to prevent future outbreaks, according to a new study, now available online, in the September 1, 2010 issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases. 

In a letter commenting on FDA’s new Draft Guidance 209, IDSA urged the agency to move beyond a voluntary guidance and to issue regulations to eliminate non-judicious uses of antibiotics in animal agriculture and to ensure that all remaining uses of antibiotics were under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.

In a letter to NIAID Director Fauci, IDSA provided its input on the future structure and objectives of NIAID’s clinical trials infrastructure. 

Data from IDSA's 2006 Cost and Reimbursement Survey and from the Medical Group Management Association.(Log-in Required)

Top Stories:

• From the President: Preparing for Influenza
• HHS Announces Final Rules on ‘Meaningful Use’ of Electronic Health Records
• IDSA Journal Club

CDC HAN Alert

IDSA cautions OSHA to first consider basic personnel and infection prevention and control policies before moving toward the creation of a regulatory standard focused solely on exposure. IDSA is concerned with patient and healthcare worker safety and implores OSHA to involve expert stakeholder groups, such as IDSA, in every phase of this potential rulemaking to ensure a transparent process and an evidence-based outcome.

Fellowship in IDSA honors individuals who have achieved professional excellence and provided significant service to the profession.

FDA Alert

FDA Alert

A new, drug-resistant strain of E. coli is causing serious disease, according to a new study, now available online, in the August 1, 2010 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases.

CDC Health Advisory

IDSA, along with several public health groups, wrote Senate leaders and urged that unspent pandemic influenza preparedness funds be maintained for their intended purposes rather than being used as an offset for additional proposed domestic spending in the FY10 Supplemental funding bill.

Medical Organizations Call on CMS to Review Consultation Code Policy

IDSA supports CDC’s draft guidance concerning infection prevention and control measures that should be implemented in response to seasonal and H1N1 influenza, but notes the guidance should also support mandatory influenza immunization of health care workers.

James Johnson, MD, FIDSA, presented IDSA’s statement at a hearing on “Antibiotic Resistance and the Use of Antibiotics in Animal Agriculture.”  FDA’s, CDC’s and other testimonies and a video of the hearing can be found here.

HIVMA and the Ryan White Medical Providers Coalition (RWMPC) welcome the release of an important HIV policy roadmap for the nation. The initiative’s success will depend on effective implementation and necessary resources.

HIVMA will be one of two local scientific partners that will help plan the 2012 International AIDS Conference in Washington, D.C. Four local community partners also were selected. See this press release (PDF) for more information.

FDA Alert

FDA Alert

IDSA and several other public health and research groups sent letters to the leaders of the House and Senate Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittees urging that the Administration’s proposed $26.7 million cut for vector-borne disease programs at CDC be reversed and the funding for them sustained for Fiscal Year 2011.

Summarizes results from a recent IDSA member survey on the impact of Medicare's decision to eliminate payments for consultation codes--the full survey report also is available through the IDSA website. Click here to view a recent letter to Medicare's Acting Administrator regarding the survey's findings. (Log-in Required)

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has published Third Quarter 2010 Average Sales Price (ASP) Payment Rates for Part B drugs and biologicals. Visit IDSA's Outpatient Infusion and Injection Coding/Payment Information webpage to download a pricing list for all Part B drugs and biologicals. (Log-in Required)

Inpatient pocket card and outpatient wall poster designed to assist ID practices in choosing the appropriate level E&M code and to provide guidance on billing prolonged services and critical care visit codes. Click here to order hard copies of the coding resources--updated May 2010. (Log-in Required) 

Test advances ability to detect HIV infection earlier

Following the analysis of survey results that were inconsistent with Medicare's assumptions on the impact of the decision to eliminate payments for consultation codes, a coalition of more than 30 physician groups urged a review of this policy in the 2011 Physician Fee Schedule Rule. 

Fraudulent product is dangerous to patients allergic to penicillin

The original Therapeutic Guidelines on Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Surgery was published in 1999. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Infectious Disease Society of America, Surgical Infection Society, and Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America have collaborated to revise this current draft of the therapeutic guideline to reflect the current knowledge on antimicrobial prophylaxis in surgery since 1999.

Brad Spellberg, MD, FIDSA, presented testimony on behalf of IDSA at a hearing of the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee on “Promoting the Development of Antibiotics and Ensuring Judicious Use in Humans.” The hearing was held on June 9, 2010.

MMWR Vol. 59 / Early Release

CDC Health Advisory

Despite growing evidence that the earlier people are diagnosed with HIV and get access to care, the better their clinical outcomes, many HIV-infected people in the United States and Canada are not receiving the care they need early enough. A study of nearly 45,000 patients in both countries highlighting this trend appears in the June 1, 2010, issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, now available online.

IDSA comments on a Medicare Rule that makes significant changes to the physician enrollment process. Please read a May 2010 IDSA News article on this issue for more information.

In reponse to the Drug Enforcument Administration's (DEA) Interim Final Rule on electronic prescribing for controlled substances, IDSA and other medical specialties acknowldeged changes that reponded to comments to the Proposed Rule (September 2008) but emphasized that more changes are necessary to minimize the administrative burden on providers.

IDSA has been alerted to a hoax in which an e-mail appears to have been sent by IDSA’s president on the topic of Lyme disease and mental health. If you receive an e-mail like this, please delete it immediately. The hoax is connected to a website that claims to have been endorsed by IDSA. This is a hoax, and IDSA is investigating the matter and will take appropriate steps.

CDC HAN Alert

The findings appear in a study, now available online, published in the June 1 issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases.

CDC Alert

FDA Alert

A coalition of physician and hospital groups argue that changes are needed to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) meaningful use proposed rule in order to accomplish the Administration's goal of promoting widespread adoption of health information technology (HIT).

Potential for Dengue Infection Among Relief Workers Returning from Haiti

After nearly two years, a special independent Review Panel has agreed that no changes need be made to IDSA’s 2006 Lyme disease guidelines at this time.

Short-term Antibiotics Proven to be Best Treatment for Patients

Short-term Antibiotics Proven to be Best Treatment for Patients

IDSA submitted testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education regarding Fiscal Year 2011 funding for the Department of Health and Human Services.  The testimony covers the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.

Deadline for applications: May 21, 2010.

ID prevention experts raise concerns about recently-released data that presents an outdated and incomplete picture of health care-associated infections (HAIs) in our health care system.

2008 utilization rates for CPT codes used by ID specialists and other relevant medical specialists are now available. (Log-in Required)

2008 utilization rates for CPT codes used by ID specialists and other relevant medical specialists are now available. (Log-in Required) 

MMWR Weekly

The effectiveness of ordinary surgical masks as opposed to respirators in protecting health care workers against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus has been the subject of debate. An observational study published in the April 1, 2010 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, available online, suggests that surgical masks are just as effective as respirators in this regard.

CDC HAN Alert

FDA Recommends Clinicians Temporarily Suspend Use of Vaccine as Agency Learns More

A joint panel of experts from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology (SHEA) and IDSA today released online new clinical practice guidelines for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in adults.

As the deaths and suffering caused by antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections continue to rise around  the world, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) is urging a global commitment to develop 10 new antibiotics by 2020, known as the 10 x '20 initiative, to address this public health crisis and safeguard patients' health.

Due to ongoing uncertainty regarding the 2010 physician payment udpate, a coalition of physician groups has urged Medicare officials to extend the deadline by which physicians can change their participation or non-participation status in the program.

The Society offers a number of suggestions that would simplify the reporting requirements for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Payment Programs and expand the number of ID physicians eligible to participate.

IDSA and other physician organizations cautioned that, without significant changes, the Proposed Rule to implement the Medicare and Medicaid electronic health record (EHR) incentive programs would not lead to widespread use of health information technology among physician practices.

FDA Alert

 CDC Health Advisory

IDSA helps organize educational exchange in China. Three IDSA members traveled to three cities in China and participated in educational presentations on fungal infection diagnosis and strategies.

IDSA is now accepting nominations for its 2010 Society Awards. Deadline for nominations is April 1.

IDSA is now accepting applications for the IDSA ERF 2010 Medical Scholars Program. The program offers scholarships to medical students in U.S. medical schools with mentorship by an IDSA member or fellow. Application materials must be postmarked by March 1, 2010.

Physicians face steep payment cuts beginning in 2010 unless Congress finds a long-term and sustainable solution to the physician payment problem.

Successor to Prevnar is intended for infants, young children

A Chilean hospital's early use of antiviral treatment in influenza patients and other aggressive measures helped reduce the number of severe H1N1 cases and related deaths. Those are the findings of a new study, now available online, published in the March 15, 2010 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases.

A coalition of physician groups urge President Obama to seek agreement at the February 25 health reform summit on bipartisan reforms to effectively address the broken medical liability tort system.

Review of data indicating life-threatening heart abnormality underway

IDSA Statement on the Obama Administration’s Budget Proposal

CDC Health Update

FDA Alert

Links to the latest guidance and information.

CDC Health Update

Now is the Time to Immunize Adults: Results of an IDSA Survey of Members’ Immunization Practices By:  IDSA Immunization Work Group Bonnie Word, MD, FIDSA, lead author William Schaffner, MD, FIDSA, Chair Edward Belongia, MD Gail Bolan, MD Neal Halsey, MD, FIDSA Grace Lee, MD, MPH Walter Orenstein,

A mandatory influenza vaccination policy improves immunization rates among health care workers, according to a recent study of a large health care organization. The finding comes from a study, now available online, published in the February 15 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases.

MMWR Weekly Volume 59, No. 3

Oxford Journals, a division of Oxford University Press, and IDSA, have announced a new publishing partnership for IDSA’s highly cited and internationally prestigious journals: Clinical Infectious Diseases and The Journal of Infectious Diseases. Oxford Journals will assume publication of both journals from 1st of January, 2011.

IDSA welcomes you to submit original abstracts to be presented at the IDSA Annual Meeting, Oct. 21-24, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. IDSA is also proud to offer awards and grants acknowledging distinguished, quality scientific research and is accepting applications by the May 19 abstract submission deadline.

CDC Alert

Ordinary face masks and hand hygiene can effectively reduce the transmission of influenza-like illness during flu season. The finding comes from a new study, now available online, published in the Feb. 15 issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases.

Helpful links to global relief and response resources for the earthquake in Haiti.

A new study suggests that halting breastfeeding early causes more harm than good for children not infected with HIV who are born to HIV-positive mothers. Stopping breastfeeding before 18 months was associated with significant increases in mortality among these children, according to the study in the Feb. 1, 2010 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases.

IDSA and other physician group urge Congressional leaders to include a legislative amendment (SA 3163) that would delay for one-year Medicare's decision to eliminate payments for consultation codes in the final the final health system reform conference agreement.

These awards support needed research by promising young researchers who may not otherwise find funding.

IDSA and SHEA urge everyone, especially health care workers, to protect themselves and others by getting vaccinated during National Influenza Vaccination Week

National Influenza Vaccination Week highlights importance of ongoing vaccination
CDC HAN Alert

CDC Alert

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has published First Quarter 2010 Average Sales Price (ASP) Payment Rates for Part B drugs and biologicals. Visit IDSA's Outpatient Infusion and Injection Coding/Payment Information webpage to download a pricing list for all Part B drugs and biologicals. (Log-in Required) 

IDSA has developed several web-based payment resources designed to help our members and their staff better understand the impact of the 2010 payment changes. These resources include an interactive reimbursement calculator that estimates the financial impact of these changes on your practice. (Log-in Required)

Despite Congressional action that forestalls deep physician payment cuts during most of 2010, some ID practices may still see significant decreases in their reimbursements due to Medicare's decision to eliminate payments for consultation codes. Please go to a Frequently Asked Questions document for help in understanding the new Medicare coding rules. (Log-in Required) 

CDC HAN Alert

CDC Alert

Information designed to explain Medicare's quality improvement efforts to our clinician members and their staff.

IDSA joined with other public health groups to send a letter to House Appropriations Committee Chair Obey (D-WI) to thank him for his efforts to remove the ban on use of federal funds for needle exchange programs. Final compromise allows use of funds unless local officials determine a location to be inappropriate.

CDC HAN Alert

IDSA and other physician groups support a legislative amendment (SA 3163) that would delay for one-year Medicare's decision to eliminate payments for consultation codes. Please click here to view a press release in support of the amendment.

CDC Alert

IDSA convened a group of influenza experts to address a number of important questions about the clinical management and antiviral treatment of patients with 2009 H1N1 influenza.

A new study shows that people who have been infected with West Nile virus may have persistent virus in their kidneys for years after initial infection, potentially leading to kidney problems. The research, which appears in the January 1 issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases, is now available online.

Robert Guidos, JD, IDSA VP, Public Policy & Government Relations, outlines IDSA’s position in an invited guest column of the Center for Global Development’s newsletter.

CDC HAN Alert

Without intervention from the Secretary (or Congress), these codes will no longer be covered by Medicare beginning January 1, 2010.

Several medical specialty societies have urged the American Medical Association (AMA) to oppose efforts to eliminate payments for inpatient and outpatient consultation service codes. Please click here to view a recent AMA letter to CMS.

FDA Alert

FDA Alert

These convenient quick-reference tools feature essential diagnostic and treatment recommendations in a format that is preferred by most health care providers for instantly referencing guideline information.

IDSA urges development of new antibiotics to address global drug resistance crisis.

IDSA and other physician specialty societies urge physicians who are members of the U.S. House of Representatives to support passage of the H.R. 3961, "the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act."

In its letter, the Society stated that FDA is not “outsourcing” its essential function to update antibacterial breakpoints and also supported FDA’s proposal to review and sanction, if scientifically and clinically sound, the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute’s (CLSI) breakpoint recommendations.

CDC HAN Alert

FDA Alert

FDA Alert

A coalition of medical specialty societies urge the U.S. House of Representatives to follow-up its passage of health care reform legislation with a vote on H.R. 3961, "the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act," which would repeal and replace the dysfunctional formula that sets annual physician payment updates under the Medicare program.

IDSA to offer resources for ABIM Maintenance of Certification.

CDC update on influenza activity and the effectiveness of 2008-2009 trivalent influenza vaccine against 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1).

Edited by Kenneth H. Mayer, MD and Daniel R. Kuritzkes, MD, the 8th annual compendium is a compilation of articles published in Clinical Infectious Diseases and the Journal of Infectious Diseases representing a wide array of clinical topics in HIV medicine and HIV-related clinical research, is now available online.

CDC HAN Alert

ID prevention experts say current guidelines are not supported by science; could have dangerous consequences for patients and healthcare workers.

Working with State Epidemiologists, IDSA has summarized information of the antibacterial drug resistance problem in all 50 U.S. states.

Organizations tell President Obama CDC’s guidance is not clear, practical, or evidence-based. Also seek immediate moratorium on OSHA’s enforcement of requirement on healthcare facilities. 

IDSA, the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), and the Pew Health Group applaud President Barack Obama and Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, representing the European Union (EU) Presidency, for establishing a transatlantic task force to address antibiotic resistance, an urgent and growing problem that threatens patient safety and public health worldwide.

At a recent FDA Anti-Infective Advisory Committee meeting, IDSA testified about its position on updating the Microbiology subsection of product labeling for systemic bacterial drug product labeling and provided recommendations on how FDA could accomplish this task.

FDA Alert

MMWR Weekly Volume 58, No. 41

Although syphilis is one of the oldest known diseases, most health professionals do not have access to the tests necessary to reliably diagnose it in its earliest and most infectious stage. A recent survey of infectious diseases specialists regarding the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis appears in the November 15, 2009 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases and is now available online.

NIAID officials are examining the possibility of expanding the Institute’s clinical trials networks to cover tuberculosis, hepatitis C, influenza research.   IDSA supports this proposal and has requested that resistant bacterial infections also be considered.

CDC HAN Alert

The Society responds to a request from Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) officials regarding novel payment mechanisms, including Accountable Care Organizations (ACO), that would offer financial incentives to infection control medical directors for meeting pre-established infection control targets.

FDA Alert

IDSA supports universal immunization of health care workers (HCWs) against seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza by health care institutions (inpatient and outpatient) through mandatory vaccination programs as these programs are likely to be the most effective means to protect patients against the transmission of seasonal and H1N1 influenza by HCWs.

CDC Alert

IDSA is seeking your insight on what up and coming topics will be in high demand for IDSA 2010. The deadline to submit suggestions is Friday, November 6, 2009.

FDA Alert

As the influenza season begins, infectious diseases experts are helping educate consumers and health care providers about reducing unnecessary antibiotic use by supporting “Get Smart About Antibiotics Week,” Oct. 5-11, organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Information on the webcast held July 30, includes the list of presenters, links to the presentations and information regarding the archived webcast.

The devastation of the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic is well known, but a new article suggests a surprising factor in the high death toll: the misuse of aspirin. Appearing in the November 1 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases and available online now, the article sounds a cautionary note as present day concerns about the novel H1N1 virus run high.

Do you have Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding questions? Contact a certified professional coder through IDSA's "Ask the Coder" e-mail portal to help find answers.

The following web-based resources are designed to provide infectious diseases physicians and their staff with practical information on how to select and integrate health information technology into their practice environment.  Many of these resources are provided in partnership with the American College of Physicians. (Log-in Required)

IDSA and HIVMA sent a joint letter to all members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees as deliberations continue on the final Fiscal Year 2010 spending bill for the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Society sends all members of Congress a letter and Public Policy Statement (CID, October 2009) that outlines its concerns with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposal to eliminate payments for the consultation service codes.

FDA Alert

CDC HAN Alert

Washington, D.C. —Two of the U.S. government’s top infectious disease specialists will join with renowned South African physician Robin Wood for a live interactive webcast on the threat of TB in the developing world and the U.S. response to it, including the status of a Congressionally mandated five-year global TB strategy.

IDSA joined SHEA and APIC in writing to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Baucus on provisions to apply a new payment adjustment to hospitals ranked in the top quartile of rates for hospital-acquired conditions.  The groups also reaffirmed their support for public reporting of healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) by hospitals.

IDSA joined with other medical and public health organizations to ask the Senate Finance Committee to increase coverage of adult immunizations as it debates its version of health care reform legislation.

IDSA joined over 100 physician specialty and state medical societies in urging Congress to overhaul the physician payment formula, the Sustainable Growth Rate, as part of its larger effort to pass health care reform legislation.

In a letter to President Obama, IDSA and several other medical groups supported his call for medical liablity reform.

Approval Provides Important Tool to Fight Pandemic

In a letter to FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg, IDSA stated its concerns about the current adverse event (AE) reporting system for clinical research. IDSA supports the Office of Human Research Protection’s guidance on AE reporting and urges FDA to align its guidance with OHRP. PDF

CDC Alert

The latest compensation data from the Medical Group Management Association and from IDSA's 2008 Cost and Reimbursement Survey.

 MMWR Vol. 58, No. 34

MMWR Vol. 58, No. 33

In their comment letter, IDSA and HIVMA 1) urged Medicare to reconsider the proposal to eliminate payments for consultation services; 2) thanked the Agency for the decision to remove Part B drugs from the physician payment calculation; 3) supported a shift in coverage of all appropriate preventive vaccines to Medicare Part B; 4) and commented on several value-based purchasing related proposals.

Update to the label regarding Severe Skin and Hypersensitivity Reactions

This CME-certified monograph summarizes the proceedings of the Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza 2009 conference held  in Washington, DC.

MMWR Dispatch, Vol. 58 - This report provides recommendations by CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding the use of vaccine against infection with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. Licensed vaccine is expected to be available by mid-October 2009.

FDA Alert

Clinical Infectious Disease Press Release

MMWR Dispatch, Vol. 58

News Release

IDSA and SHEA conclude that the current strain of novel H1N1 has the same transmission dynamics as seasonal influenza and should be managed as such based on the currently available scientific evidence.

IDSA wrote to all House and Senate members outlining priority items it would like to see included in any final version of health care reform legislation.

CDC HAN Alert

MMWR Weekly, Volume 58, No. 30

In letters to the heads of agencies on the Interagency Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance, IDSA urges quick issuance of a revised plan, the inclusion of meaningful benchmarks for action items, and funding for the Action Plan to be made a priority for the Administration.

Top Stories:

• From the President: IDSA’s Role in Health Care Reform
• ACIP Recommends Groups for H1N1 Vaccination
• IDSA Urges Changes to Address Regulatory Burdens Slowing Needed Research
• Journal Club, July 2009

News Release

IDSA and other organizations applaud the Obama administration and Food and Drug Administration for adopting an approach that demonstrates a clear commitment to sound and science-based policy development. 

FDA Alert

MMWR Weekly, Volume 58, No. 28

IDSA joins with SHEA and APIC to urge Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to ensure that CDC guidance on infection prevention and control regarding novel H1N1 influenza infection is revised shortly in accordance with evolving science and experience with the virus.

IDSA and Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) applaud the Obama administration and FDA for adopting a new approach for the use of antimicrobial drugs in animal agriculture. These actions demonstrate a clear commitment to sound and science-based policies that will protect the health of every American.

Washington, July 20, 2009 – Five organizations representing the nation’s experts in infectious diseases medicine, infection prevention in healthcare settings, and public health and disease prevention announced their support for a provision requiring national reporting of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) rates...

IDSA, HIVMA and the Center for Global Health Policy strongly urge the House of Representatives to fully repeal the ban on federal funding for needle exchange programs.

On July 13th, FDA testified in support of phasing out the use of antimicrobials in animals for growth promotion/feed efficiency and requiring that all other uses of antimicrobials in animals be carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian and within the boundaries of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

The Society joined more than fifty other medical organizations in urging key members of Congress to include medical liability reform in health care reform legislation.

IDSA supports requiring hospitals/ambulatory surgical centers to report HAI rates to CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network as a condition of participation in the Medicare/Medicaid programs.  IDSA views a national standard, where valid, comparable, and reliable data are captured, as far superior to a fractured state-by-state approach.   

CDC HAN Alert

FDA Alert

The Society submits comments in response to a draft health care reform bill under consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives.  The comment letter was sent to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the House Ways and Means Committee, and the House Education and Labor Committee.

Letter from HIVMA and IDSA expressing strong support for retaining the 2010 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill's historic repeal of the 20 year-old ban on federal funding for needle exchange programs.

The Society endorses legislation that would phase out non-therapeutic use of antibiotics in U.S. food animals and also automatically restrict the non-therapeutic use of antimicrobials currently approved in animals but which may become important for human therapeutic use. 

CDC HAN Alert

The Infectious Diseases Society of America, the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA), and the Center for Global Health Policy strongly support the Obama administration’s move to lift the two-decades-old ban on travel and immigration to the U.S. by HIV-positive individuals.

In a letter to NIAID Director Anthony Fauci, IDSA shared its concerns about the regulatory burdens that clinical researchers face in the U.S. IDSA suggests that a centralized IRB for multicenter infectious disease studies housed within NIAID would reduce redundancies in research oversight.

The Society joins SHEA in urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to review its Hospital-Acquired Conditions payment policy before identifying additional conditions for non-payment. The comments also respond to CMS' proposal to add eight HAI quality measures to its Reporting Hospital Quality Data for Annual Payment Update (RHQDAPU).

Due to a provision in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, commonly referred to as the Stimulus Package (H.R. 1), physician practices that are meaninful users of health information technology (HIT) will be eligible to receive financial incentives beginning in 2011. The IDSA and other medical groups have developed a series of recommendations for Defining and Demonstrating Meaningful Use of Certified Electronic Health Records.

In a letter to Commissioner Peggy Hamburg, IDSA requests a meeting with top agency officials to discuss issues and strategies related to novel H1N1 influenza, impediments to antibacterial drug development, strategies to better address antimicrobial resistance and the use of antimicrobials in animals.  

The Society joined a coalition of medical groups in urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to use statutory authority granted by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 to cover all adult vaccines under Medicare Part B. Currently, while influenza, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccines are coverd under Part B, all other vaccines are covered under Medicare's Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D). IDSA has supported previous attempts to shift all Medicare-covered vaccines to Part B due to access issues and quality concerns that have resulted from treating vaccines as prescription drugs under Part D.

A coalition of medical societies sent a letter to U.S. Senators supporting its investment in Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER). The coalition urges the Senate to maintain its investment in CER so that physicians can continue to rely on evidence-based medicine to provide quality care to its patients.

Leading disease experts today called on President Obama and Congress to mount a concerted and comprehensive response to the deadly alliance between HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. The call to action from America’s top HIV/TB scientists and physicians comes in the wake of a new report, “Deadly Duo: The Synergy Between HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis,”(PDF) from the Center for Global Health Policy, released at a Capitol Hill briefing today. 

The Center for Global Health Policy’s Christine Lubinski was a featured guest on the NewsHour Insider Forum, in which reporter Ray Suarez moderated a discussion about President Barack Obama’s $63 billion global health initiative. Lubinski and Michele Moloney-Kitts, assistant U.S. global AIDS coordinator, talked about the future of PEPFAR, the threat of drug-resistant TB, and other pressing global health issues. View the full transcript and download the audio.

CDC Alert

This 3-day course, being held July 7-9, is a comprehensive program specifically designed to introduce practitioners to principles and concepts of healthcare epidemiology.

IDSA has endorsed the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America’s (SHEA) Position Statement: Interim Guidance on Infection Control Precautions for Novel Swine-Origin Influenza A H1N1 in Healthcare Facilities. This science-based statement supports updating CDC guidance, advocating the same practices recommended for seasonal influenza virus at this time.

Prompted by reports of serious adverse events, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced that safety label changes, including a boxed warning, and a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS), are necessary for all botulinum toxin products.

IDSA joins other organizations in supporting revocation of the federal ban on federal funding for needle exchange programs.  Revoking this twenty-year old ban would allow adequate funding to states and localities interested in implementing this evidence-based HIV prevention intervention for injecting drug users. 

IDSA and other public health organizations sent a letter to Senator Richard Durbin and Representative Doris Matsui supporting new legislation to create incentives for recruitment and retention of public health professionals. 

IDSA joined other public health groups in urging House and Senate conferees on the emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill to accept the House-approved level of $2.05 billion.

CDC HAN Alert

CDC Alert

In its comments, IDSA raised concerns about FDA's proposal to approve new antivirals for influenza based on superiority or dose-ranging trials vs. non-inferiority trials.  IDSA also is concerned about FDA's adherence to Pediatric Research Equity Act requirements, which may act as an impediment to drug development in this critical area.

IDSA joins other medical specialties in supporting a set of principles that should guide health care reform efforts. These principles include: 1) repeal the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) physician payment formula; 2) test new and innovative payment models before implementation; 3) promote healthy lifestyles and appropriate use of medical services; 4) improve quality reporting initiatives and incentives for participation; 5) promote appropriate and effective care; 6) increase the allocation of resources to the Medicare program. 

Medical, healthcare, education, pharmacy and public health organizations urge members of Congress to cosponsor IDSA-supported STAAR Act legislation.  

Medical, healthcare, education, pharmacy and public health organizations urge members of Congress to cosponsor IDSA-supported STAAR Act legislation.  

CDC Alert

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA), and the IDSA/HIVMA Center for Global Health Policy applaud President Barack Obama for his appointment of Thomas Frieden, MD, as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Risk factors for human infection with avian influenza virus, also known as H5N1, have been identified in three new studies from Asia, published in the June 15th issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases, now available online.

IDSA joined other organizations in support of new legislation to support public health capacity to identify and monitor the occurrence of infectious diseases and other conditions of public health importance, including laboratory capacity to detect antimicrobial resistant infections; and to improve electronic disease surveillance and reporting.

CDC HAN Alert

CDC HAN Alert

In a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Acting Administrator regarding the EHR incentive payment provision included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, Dr. Anne Gershon urges the Agency to adopt an inclusive definition of "eligible professionals" who will qualify for the incentive payments.   

Re-evaluation is Right on Target, Given Current Assessment of Novel Virus

CDC HAN Alert

IDSA supports emergency funding for pandemic influenza preparedness in light of the 2009 H1N1 Influenza outbreak.  Funds would be used for vaccine development, antivirals purchase, state and local efforts, global disease detection, purchases of personal protective equipment and antivirals for prophylaxis of healthcare workers, etc.

Submitted to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Heatlh and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies

Top Stories:

• Swine Flu Resources
• Lyme Disease CME Course Focuses on Diagnosis, Treatment
• IDSA Journal Club
• From the President: IDSA Responds to H1N1 Influenza

FDA Alert

As health care reform gains momentum, a coalition of physician groups write Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to outline their common goals and strategies for improving health care delivery and making affordable, high-quality care available to all Americans.

HAN Alert

HAN Alert

IDSA supports Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) funding for bioemergency threats, including biological countermeasure and diagnostics R&D programs, in addition to BARDA's Pandemic and Emerging Disease Program.

In a letter to Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) and other members of the Senate Finance Committee, Dr. Anne Gershon expresses the Society's support for health care reform but urges the Congress to carefully consider the potential for unintended consequences in enacting delivery system reform, including new payment methodologies. This letter also was sent to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

FDA Alert

The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) are releasing the findings of a joint policy paper on the need to re-examine federal policies relating to HIV infection.

FDA Alert

FDA Alert

This resource is designed to help infectious diseases practices understand and navigate Medicare's Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC) claims review process. (Log-in required)

This resource is designed to help infectious diseases practices understand and navigate Medicare's Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC) claims review process.

The IDSA Lyme Disease Review Panel has set the date for the open public hearing for July 30, 2009 in Washington, DC. 

FDA Alert

Top Stories:

• New Influenza Guidelines Released
• CDC Calls for Stepped-up Efforts against Carbapenem-resistant Bugs 
• Long-awaited FDA Guidance on CAP Drugs Released
• IDSA Journal Club
  

The Lyme Disease Review Panel is now accepting applications for individuals who want to present at the open public hearing. Applications are due April 17th.

A coalition of physician groups urge Congress to support President Obama's proposal to include $329.6 billion in the 2010 budget to fix physician payments over the next ten years. Previous Administrations’ budgets included an unrealistic assumption that Congress would allow steep physician payment cuts to go into effect.

An outbreak of shiga toxin-producing E. coli in Danish children was traced back to beef sausages using an unusual epidemiological tool: credit card receipts.  The case is described in the April 15, 2009 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, now available online.

A new study suggests that previously noted low rates of successful hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy in African Americans are in large part due to very early differences in the antiviral activity induced by interferon. The study is published in the April 15 issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases, now available online.

WASHINGTON—The World Health Organization released staggering new data about the threat of tuberculosis and the toll it takes on people with HIV/AIDS today, in recognition of World TB Day.

CDC HAN Alert

Washington, DC — On World Tuberculosis Day, March 24, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) will release new data showing a dramatic increase in people living with HIV/AIDS who are also co-infected with tuberculosis (TB).

A coalition of medical societies continue to express concerns to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that the Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC) program is not the appropriate vehicle to reduce billing mistakes and increase payment accuracy. The coalition urges that CMS replace the RAC's with an education and outreach campaign focused on correct coding.

Top Stories:

• Candidiasis Guidelines Updated
• IDSA Journal Club
• From the President: Vaccine Science Prevails

CDC Drug Recall

As influenza season shifts into high gear, with 24 states now reporting widespread activity, the nation’s infectious diseases experts are urging supermarket pharmacies with free-antibiotics promotions to educate their customers on when antibiotics are the right prescription—and when they can do more harm than good.

Three rulings related to autism and vaccine injury compensation cases were issued today by the Special Masters of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.  The rulings were part of the Omnibus Autism Proceeding created by the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program to handle the large volume of claims that vaccines induce autism.

FDA Alert

A statement from IDSA President Anne Gershon, MD, FIDSA regarding the removal of one of the most cost-effective provisions—the Prevention and Wellness Fund—from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The Society requests that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) create an exception to the physician self-referral ("Stark") law that would allow hospitals to incentivize ID physician who successfully implement and maintain infection control and prevention procedures.

Includes important information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the recall of certain peanut butter and peanut-containing products that are associated with the recent Salmonella Typhimurium outbreaks.

Funding for screening and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has come under attack from some members of Congress. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the HIV Medicine Association of IDSA (HIVMA) believe this funding is a critical reinvestment in our public health infrastructure.

Vol. 19 No. 1

Top Stories:

• CDC Updates TB Diagnosis Guidelines to Include NAA Testing
• Bills Would Extend Medicare Coverage to Home Infusion Therapy Services
• IDSA Journal Club

An extensive new review summarizes the many studies refuting the claim of a link between vaccines and autism.  The review, in the February 15, 2009 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases and now available online, looks at the three main hypotheses and shows how epidemiological and biological studies refute these claims.

Provides information about the Medicare Home Infusion Therapy Coverage Act including instructions on how you can advocate to Congress.

IDSA announces the selection of a special review panel to examine whether the Society’s Lyme disease guidelines, published in 2006, should be revised or updated based on a rigorous review of the medical and scientific evidence.

A new study finds swimming, having a private well or septic system, and other factors not involving food consumption were major risk factors for bacterial intestinal infections not occurring in outbreaks.

IDSA is now accepting applications for the IDSA ERF 2009 Medical Scholars Program. The program offers scholarships to medical students in U.S. medical schools with mentorship by an IDSA member or fellow. Application materials are due March 2, 2009.

The bipartisan group of senators and representatives who reintroduced home infusion legislation in the new Congress have taken an important step toward delivering on a key promise that President Obama made on his inauguration—to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost.

IDSA submitted proposals to Senate leaders urging the stimulus plan include investments in public health infrastructure for infectious diseases.  Two proposals emphasize the crises of antimicrobial resistance and emerging infections, and HIV / AIDS and tuberculosis.

CDC HAN Alert

Workers age 50-64 who received influenza vaccine lost substantially fewer days of work and worked fewer days while ill, according to a new study in the Feb. 1 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, now available online.

Are you interested in global HIV, TB, and HIV/TB co-infection? If you are and haven't already, can you take a few minutes to help us in the worldwide fight against HIV and TB by completing the survey by clicking the link above? Thank you in advance for helping us successfully launch the Center—and for helping in the worldwide fight against HIV and TB. (Log-in Required)

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has published First Quarter 2009 Average Sales Price (ASP) Payment Rates for Part B drugs and biologicals. A pricing list for all drugs and biologicals is available online. Additional information on drug administration is available on the IDSA's website. (Log-in Required)

A coalition of medical specialty societies urges the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) to support a physician payment update in 2010 that reflects the full increase in medical practice costs without a productivity adjustment.

IDSA's and HIVMA's comments addressed 1) efforts to apply the Hospital-Acquired Conditions (HAC) Payment Policy to other settings, 2) the Agency's decision not to finalize the claims- and group-based reporting options for the four HIV/AIDS measures included in the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI), 3) the Agency's cost and time estimates for providers who choose to participate in the PQRI and E-Prescribing Incentive Program, and 4) plans to publicly release physicians' quality and efficiency scores.

Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 2009; 66:82-98

Top Stories

• Guideline on Fever/Infection in Long-Term Care Facilities Updated
• IDSA Journal Club, December 2008

CDC HAN Alert

IDSA, HIVMA and the Infectious Diseases Center for Global Health Policy and Advocacy sent a letter to President-elect Obama introducing themselves and outlining the policy priorities of the organizations.

A new U.S. study has found that being circumcised significantly reduced the risk of HIV infection in heterosexual African American men known to have been exposed to the virus. The findings of the new study, along with similar results from other studies, suggest that circumcision may protect other heterosexual males in the U.S. The promising new findings are reported in the January 1 issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases, now available online.

With disease outbreaks linked to unpasteurized milk rising in the United States, a review published in the January 1, 2009 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases examines the dangers of drinking raw milk.

Congressional action replaces steep physician payment cuts with positive payment updates in 2009. Due to continuing uncertainties surrounding future physician payment updates, IDSA has collaborated with the AMA to develop a summary of Medicare’s participation options. (Log-in Required)

CDC has announced the week of December 8-14, 2008, as National Influenza Vaccination Week. This year, for the first time, one day (December 12) has been designated as Health Care Worker Vaccination Day. IDSA encourages all health care workers to get an influenza vaccination this flu season.

Infectious disease experts warn that new drugs are urgently needed to treat six drug-resistant bacteria, the ESKAPE pathogens, that cause most hospital infections and increasingly escape the effects of antibiotics.

Top Stories

• ICAAC/IDSA Symposium Highlights Alternatives to Vancomycin
• New ARVs Offer Virologic Suppression in Most Patients
• ID Physicians Can Increase Medicare Payments in 2009

 Provides up-to-date information on the way infectious diseases physicians code and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reimburses for office-based infusions and injections. Please visit www.opat.com for additional infusion-related information. (Log-in Required)

Provides up-to-date information on the way infectious diseases physicians code and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reimburses for office-based infusions and injections. Please click here to learn what IDSA is doing to ensure Medicare beneficiaries' access to home infusion therapies--go to www.opat.com for additional infusion-related information. (Log-in Required)

In this CME-certified monograph the conference co-chairs, Arnold S. Monto, MD, FIDSA, Richard J. Whitley, MD, FIDSA, and Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH, present the highlights of the Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza 2008 conference.

FDA Alert

At a meeting of FDA advisory committee regarding development of an influenza antiviral home MedKit, IDSA provided public comments about the challenges to safe and effective use posed by the unknowns regarding use of current antivirals in a pandemic, combined with the absence of medical supervision in the proposed scenario of home based use.

IDSA and other organizations wrote to all Representatives and Senators to request that additional funding for BARDA and pandemic influenza preparedness be included in any stimulus package considered by the Congress during the remainder of 2008.

Vol. 18 No. 10

Top Stories

• SHEA, IDSA, and Partners Publish Strategies to Prevent Health Care-associated Infections
• ID Specialists Have New Negotiating Tool
• IDSA Journal Club, September 2008
  

FDA Alert

The Society signs on to a letter urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to delay transitioning from the ICD-9 to the ICD-10 diagnosis code set for five years following publication of the 5010 HIPAA electronic transactions standard final rule. This transitional period will allow adequate time to implement HIPPA 5010, to fully study the cost of implementing ICD-10, and to train physicians and other health care professionals on ICD-10.

The Society collaborated with the American Medical Association and the Association of American Medical Colleges to draft a sign-on letter that urges the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and its intermediaries to refrain from auditing consultations services until the Agency's policy for billing these services is clarified and appropriate provider education has been completed.

CDC HAN Alert

“Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work” Week, Oct. 6-10, is sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

FDA Alert

Vol. 18 No. 9

• CDC Campaigns Target MRSA, Inappropriate Antibiotic Use
• 2009 Clinical Practice Meeting in San Diego
• IDSA Journal Club, August 2008

The Society joins other medical societies in urging the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to make changes to the e-Prescribing for Controlled Substances Proposed Proposed Rule that would minimize the burden to providers who prescribe controlled substances. Please click here for a list of controlled substances covered by this rule.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has published Fourth Quarter 2008 Average Sales Price (ASP) Payment Rates for Part B drugs and biologicals. A pricing list for all drugs and biologicals is available online. Additional information on drug administration is available on the IDSA's website. (Log-in Required)

IDSA joined with other health-related organizations to endorse House and Senate resolutions calling for an increased Federal commitment to prioritizing prevention and public health for all Americans.
 

IDSA and other members of the Working Group on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness sent a letter to Congressional leaders endorsing an Administration proposal to add $363 million for pandemic influenza activities at the Department of Health and Human Services and $542 million to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).
 

IDSA joined an alliance of the nation's leading medical and advocacy groups to raise the public's confidence in vaccines.

IDSA, HIVMA, and other groups asked Speaker Nancy Pelosi to support increased funding for the National Institutes of Health before the new fiscal year begins on October 1.   Similar letters went to other House and Senate leaders.
 

IDSA endorsed the "National Integrated Public Health Surveillance Systems and Reportable Conditions Act” which would increase and assure funding for epidemiological and laboratory capacity in state and local health departments, establish standards for electronic disease reporting, and strengthen the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s capacity to detect antimicrobial resistant infections and other emerging infectious disease threats.

IDSA and HIVMA call on the presidential candidates to promote a science-based approach to public health policy, including immunization safety, sexuality education programs, access to clean syringes and needles for injecting drug users, and diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease.

The latest compensation data from the Medical Group Management Association and from IDSA's 2006 Cost and Reimbursement Survey. (Login-In Required)

FDA Alert

In their comments, IDSA and HIVMA responded to 1) efforts to promote gainsharing arrangements, 2) proposed changes to the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative, 3) efforts to identify mis-valued services under the Physician Fee Schedule, and 4) the Agency request for comment on the feasibility of applying the Hospital-Acquired Conditions Non-Payment provision to the physician office setting.

Continuing its dialogue with FDA on the relevance of the Orphan Drug Act to serious infections caused by resistant organisms, IDSA met with FDA officials on August 25th.  This letter summarizes key points raised during that meeting and seeks FDA's confirmation of these points.

FDA Alert

Vol. 18 No. 8

• Flu Vaccine Begins Shipping
• IDSA Journal Club, August 2008
• Medicare Adds Only One New HAC to the List for Nonpayment in 2009

FDA Alert

CDC HAN Alert

The Society joins other medical specialty societies in urging the Department of Education to permanently reinstate the 20/220 medical student loan deferment pathway or to provide an equivalent funding mechanism for loan deferments.

In the first statewide study of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) in the United States, California officials have identified 18 cases of the dangerous and difficult-to-treat disease between 1993 and 2006, and 77 cases that were one step away from XDR TB. The study appears in the August 15 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, now available online.

Adverse events from antibiotics cause an estimated 142,000 emergency department visits per year in the United States, according to a study published in the September 15, 2008 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases.

Arlington, VA—A federal decision to permit the State of Michigan to spray the state’s apple orchards with gentamicin risks undermining the value of this important antibiotic to treat blood infections in newborns and other serious human infections, according to the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).

Medical, healthcare, and public health organizations urge Congress to enact IDSA-endorsed STAAR legislation (S. 2314 / H.R. 3697).

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently submitted a draft ICD-10 implementation plan to the Office of Managment and Budget (OMB) to conduct a regulatory impact analysis. The attached sign-on letter urges the OMB to recommend that HHS: 1) fully document the impact that the ICD-10 conversion will have on all public and private stakeholders; 2) precede the national roll-out of ICD-10 with a pilot test; 3) incorporate adequate training time for ICD-10.

IDSA, others, endorse the Public Health Emergency Response Act to provide medical coverage to uninsured persons and reimburse healthcare providers for services rendered during a public health emergency.

The Society's letter seeks clarification on inconsistent statements made by agency officials about the relevance of the Orphan Drug Act to resistant infections and asks whether a parallel regulatory framework with incentives similar to, but not the same as, the Orphan Drug program could stimulate antibacterial drug, and related diagnostic and vaccine, research and development.

FDA Alert

New evidence suggests that a booster vaccination against H5N1 avian influenza given years after initial vaccination with a different strain may prove useful in controlling a potential future pandemic.  The study is published in the September 1 issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases, now available online.

Coding Resources for Handhelds

FDA Alert

Clinical Infectious Diseases 2008;47:303–327

IDSA and SHEA urge the federal government to expand the federal antiviral stockpile rather than relying upon employer purchase to ensure antiviral prophylaxis of at-risk workers in an influenza pandemic.

Patients harboring methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) for long periods of time continue to be at increased risk of MRSA infection and death, according to a new study in the July 15 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, currently available online. 

IDSA and SHEA urge the federal government to emphasize the use of facemasks rather than N95 respirators by the general public as part of pandemic influenza preparedness efforts.

FDA Alert

FDA Alert

Vol. 18 No. 6

• Updated Blastomycosis Guidelines Feature New Treatments
• New Pre-pandemic Vaccine Highlights Progress, Raises Questions
• IDSA Journal Club, June 2008

IDSA signed a coalition letter to House Appropriations Committee Chair, David Obey, urging that the committee not adopt any amendment which would restrict the use, or limit the availability, of recommended vaccines.

FDA Alert

CDC HAN Alert

CDC HAN Alert

At a meeting of the National Biodefense Science Board, IDSA delivered public comments raising concerns about an HHS initiative to inform the public about home stockpiling of doxycycline for use in a potential anthrax attack.   

IDSA joined other global health groups in calling on Congress to significantly increase funding for global health research programs at CDC and NIH, especially at NIAID and the Fogarty International Center.

The Society joins SHEA in expressing concern over Medicare's decision to propose five additional infectious conditions for which hospitals will no longer receive additional payments if the selected conditions are not present on admission. 

The National Network for Immunization Information has a new book to help parents, health professionals, and the media weigh the evidence on vaccine safety.

www.dovaccinescausethat.com

Vol. 18 No. 5

Top Stories:

• FDA Lowers Vancomycin Breakpoints for Staph Infections
• WHO Reports Progress on Dracunculiasis Eradication
• IDSA Literature Review - April 2008

FDA Alert

In early May 2008, Medicare released new incident-to billing guidelines which were set to take effect on June 2. Due to serious concerns that these new and administratively burdensome guidelines could negatively impact ID clinicians' ability to provide outpatient infusions and other ancillary services through their practice, IDSA signed onto a letter urging Medicare to delay implementation of the new guidelines until their potential impact could be analyzed in greater detail. Medicare subsequently decided not to implement the new guidelines.

A new survey cautions physicians that drugs commonly prescribed for patients suffering from immunological disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease may carry risks of serious infections other than the known risk of tuberculosis. The survey published is in the June 1 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, currently available online.

FDA Alert

FDA Alert

This world-wide Internet-based project started on May 1, 2008, and it will be possible to register cases online for just six months. The study is designed to compare the treatments and effectiveness of management of osteomyelitis of the foot in diabetes throughout the world.

Letter of IDSA's endorsement for H.R. 4990, the Vaccines for Children Access Act of 2008, and H.R. 4993, the Vaccines for the Uninsured Adult Act of 2008, two critical pieces of legislation will provide access to vaccines for millions of children, adolescents and adults and help reduce the number of vaccine-preventable deaths in this country.

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.

Letter to Secretary Leavitt urging an extension to allow physician practices and others to continue to submit transactions that contain both legacy and NPI numbers for a minimum of six additional months after May 23.

Vol. 18 No. 4

Top Stories:

• Penicillin’s Back: FDA Raises Breakpoints for S. pneumoniae Pneumonia
• New Guidelines Help Physicians Evaluate Fever in Critically Ill Patients
• Medicare Changes Policy to End Reuse of Intermittent Catheters
• ID Literature Review: March 2008 

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.

Letter to the Chairman of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission regarding some concerns with MedPAC's recommendations to bundle payments around a hospitalization.

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

FDA Alert

Doxycycline alone is more effective against the most common form of filariasis in Southeast Asia than the standard treatment, with significantly fewer side effects, according to a new study published in the May 1 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases and currently available online.

IDSA highlighted key policy initiatives and invited members of the NBSB to call upon the expertise of our leaders in the areas of pandemic influenza, bioemergencies, and antimicrobial resistance.  Three of IDSA's leaders currently serve as members of the NBSB.

Crit Care Med 2008 Vol. 36, No. 4

FDA Alert

IDSA this week called on Congress to reject the proposed cuts to federal ID programs in the President’s budget request and to instead increase spending on these vital programs at HHS, CDC, NIH and FDA.  The written testimony was submitted to the House Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations.

Letter to Michael O. Leavitt, Secretary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommending development of a consensus-driven implementation process and timeline for the implementation of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD-10).

FDA Alert

A coalition of physician specialty and state medical societies urge Senators to co-sponsor the Save Medicare Act of 2008 (S. 2785). This legislation, which was introduced by Senator Debbie Stabenow, would ensure physicians receive fully funded payment increases for the next 18 months.

Volume 18 Issue Number 3

Top Stories:

• CID Supplement Provides New Insight on Clostridium difficile Infection
• Fluoroquinolone-resistant Meningococcus Reported
• NIAID Resistance Research Agenda, Shortcomings Highlighted in JID

IDSA urges Congress to strongly support higher funding levels for ID programs at HHS, CDC, NIH, HRSA and FDA.

FDA Alert

IDSA objects to repeated references to "chronic Lyme disease" and the establishment of an advisory board skewed toward support for long-term antimicrobial therapy.  The Society instead suggests the Institute of Medicine review Lyme diseases diagnosis, treatment and prevention methods.

IDSA and TFAH urge Congress to significantly increase BARDA's FY 2009 budget in order to adequately fund biomedical countermeasure research and development, including pandemic influenza countermeasures.

In honor of World TB Day 2008 (March 24), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the HIVMA Medicine Association (HIVMA) are urging U.S. policymakers to step up the fight against tuberculosis by committing substantial resources against the disease both at home and abroad.

From January 17-18, 2008 Workshop on CAP Clinical Trial Designs 

IDSA signed on to a letter developed by the Working Group on Pandemic Influenza urging Congress to adequately fund pandemic influenza activities in FY 2009.

A new analysis of a 2005 U.K. outbreak, finds that person-to-person transmission was responsible for 5-8 percent of infections and that half of these cases could have been prevented by isolating the primary patient. The study is published in the April 15 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases.

The April 15 issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases highlights the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)’s investment in antimicrobial research. The journal also features a commentary highlighting resistance research areas where greater emphasis and funding could be helpful.

FDA Alert

FDA Alert

CDC HAN Alert

FDA Alert

CDC HAN Alert

The Society urges enactment of the U.S. Global Leadership on HIV / AIDS, TB and Malaria Act including strengthening TB vaccine research and development.

CDC HAN Alert

CDC HAN Alert

Download the new CAP pocketcard

IDSA and a coalition of 442 organizations urge Congress to strengthen public health funding, biomedical research, etc. in fiscal year 2009.

Beginning March 1, 2008, physicians and their practices must include their National Provider Identifier (NPI) as the primary identifier on all electronic and paper Medicare Fee-for-Service claims. This web page includes important information about the process for obtainining your NPI as well as the Data Dissemination Notice, which requires Medicare to make certain NPI data available to the public.

2007 PDA Version now available.