eProgress Notes / February 2019
Annual Convention Hotel Deadline Approaching!
Pre-Registration
There is no fee to participate in MSMA’s Annual Convention, but attendees MUST register, because many Convention events, including access to the Exhibit Hall, require badges. Preregistration is encouraged. Register online or call 800-869-6762.
Hotel Accommodations
The MSMA strongly encourages you to book overnight accommodations at Convention headquarters, the Westin Crown Center in Kansas City at 888-625-4988 or online. Be sure to mention “2019 Missouri State Medical Association Annual Convention.” Group rates available until March 4, 2019. Rates start at $151 per night plus charges and taxes.
Schedule of Events
MSMA White Coat Rally Day
When: Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Where: Missouri Capitol, Jefferson City, Missouri
MO HealthNet Opioid Prescription Denials
Recent calls from member physicians expressing concerns over recent opioid prescription denials has prompted additional discussions between MSMA and the MO HealthNet Division (MHD). Upon further investigation it was learned MHD has modified its system for allowing opioid prescriptions by requiring a chronic pain diagnosis to be documented every six months. The former requirement was two years.
MSMA physicians have been very helpful in providing specific instances of Medicaid patients being denied pain medications. During a February 21 conference call with MO HealthNet, Stephen Halpin, M.D. (Hannibal), and Don James, D.O. (Rolla), expressed concerns about inappropriate denials and lack of an alternative plan for patients who are denied pain medications.
Drs. Halpin and James also expressed concern about mandatory opioid tapering plans. MO HealthNet staff indicated those no longer make sense. Instead physicians may be asked if tapering has been considered, but it will not be mandated.
The above issues and others will be discussed when the Opioid Provider Advisory Council meets in Jefferson City on March 20. Until then, MSMA and MHD staff will have continued discussion of policy changes.
Association Health Plan Developing in Missouri
MSMA has joined other state medical associations in forming a nationwide Association Health Plan (AHP) to benefit members. The AHP coverage options provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield (BC/BS), will:
Medical Marijuana Resources
The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services is the state agency tasked with developing the administrative rules and regulations regarding implementation of the medical marijuana amendment passed by voters last November. MSMA anticipates publication of the proposed regulations late in the spring. MSMA will review and comment on the proposed regulations, which are likely to not become official until this summer. Until this occurs, no patient certifications will be issued by the state, and hence, no patient recommendations may be made by physicians. MSMA will continue to follow this issue closely and separate fact from fiction as we move closer to implementation. You can find a number of medical marijuana resources on the MSMA website.
Pre-Registration
There is no fee to participate in MSMA’s Annual Convention, but attendees MUST register, because many Convention events, including access to the Exhibit Hall, require badges. Preregistration is encouraged. Register online or call 800-869-6762.
Hotel Accommodations
The MSMA strongly encourages you to book overnight accommodations at Convention headquarters, the Westin Crown Center in Kansas City at 888-625-4988 or online. Be sure to mention “2019 Missouri State Medical Association Annual Convention.” Group rates available until March 4, 2019. Rates start at $151 per night plus charges and taxes.
Schedule of Events
- View General Sessions and Speakers
- View Schedule of Events and Preliminary Program
- Product Theater by SHINE of Missouri - MIPS 2019: Are You Ready?
- Alliance Foundation Fundraiser Registration
- Alliance Annual Meeting Registration and Schedule
MSMA White Coat Rally Day
When: Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Where: Missouri Capitol, Jefferson City, Missouri
- This event is an opportunity to visit the Missouri State Capitol to network and advocate on behalf of physicians and patients in the state.
- Legislators will deliver brief remarks on health care issues to the group from 9:00-10:00 AM in the first floor rotunda.
- Lunch will be provided to the group in the Capitol.
- Throughout the rest of the day, we encourage attendees to meet with their local legislators, explore the building, and get to know fellow MSMA members. Some state medical specialty societies are planning to join the rally that day, so there may be additional meetings and presentations participants want to attend.
- All physicians and medical students are welcome to take part, even if you can only visit the Capitol for an hour or two!
- RSVP or call 800-869-6762
MO HealthNet Opioid Prescription Denials
Recent calls from member physicians expressing concerns over recent opioid prescription denials has prompted additional discussions between MSMA and the MO HealthNet Division (MHD). Upon further investigation it was learned MHD has modified its system for allowing opioid prescriptions by requiring a chronic pain diagnosis to be documented every six months. The former requirement was two years.
MSMA physicians have been very helpful in providing specific instances of Medicaid patients being denied pain medications. During a February 21 conference call with MO HealthNet, Stephen Halpin, M.D. (Hannibal), and Don James, D.O. (Rolla), expressed concerns about inappropriate denials and lack of an alternative plan for patients who are denied pain medications.
Drs. Halpin and James also expressed concern about mandatory opioid tapering plans. MO HealthNet staff indicated those no longer make sense. Instead physicians may be asked if tapering has been considered, but it will not be mandated.
The above issues and others will be discussed when the Opioid Provider Advisory Council meets in Jefferson City on March 20. Until then, MSMA and MHD staff will have continued discussion of policy changes.
Association Health Plan Developing in Missouri
MSMA has joined other state medical associations in forming a nationwide Association Health Plan (AHP) to benefit members. The AHP coverage options provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield (BC/BS), will:
- Include both traditional and HSA offerings.
- Offer fully insured, ACA compliant plans.
- Allow independent practices to band together under the new AHP rules to provide health insurance coverage that is comprehensive, affordable and stable.
- This is a group plan, so at this time we cannot write individuals.
- Learn More! Download AHP Summary
- Download the census form.
- Return form to Ronnie Staggs of MSMA Insurance Agency via email or fax it to 573-634-4062 by March 1, 2019.
Medical Marijuana Resources
The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services is the state agency tasked with developing the administrative rules and regulations regarding implementation of the medical marijuana amendment passed by voters last November. MSMA anticipates publication of the proposed regulations late in the spring. MSMA will review and comment on the proposed regulations, which are likely to not become official until this summer. Until this occurs, no patient certifications will be issued by the state, and hence, no patient recommendations may be made by physicians. MSMA will continue to follow this issue closely and separate fact from fiction as we move closer to implementation. You can find a number of medical marijuana resources on the MSMA website.
