Dear Colorado acupuncture community:
This newsletter is jam packed with important and useful information. Please take the time to read all of it. Keep your eyes on your inbox for follow up calls for action.
Dr. Liz Lovefury, DAOM, LAc.
President, Acupuncture Association of Colorado
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Triwest News from ASA
The ASA confirmed Triwest are STOPPING recoupment efforts. We were told to allow 45 days for all recoupment issues to be straightened out. At this time they are using an April start date for Medicare rates. More to follow as we are addressing other issues with Triwest.
From The ASA Insurance Committee
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In addition to the information sent out in the last newsletter regarding signing up with Tivity to be a VA provider, Elizabeth McBride from Tivity sent the following info. TriWest will be responsible for training webinars for credentialed providers and acupuncturists will need to register for an account with Availity.
REGISTER HERE
To access the CCN Provider Handbook and quick reference guides, go to Availity at www.availity.com. You will need to log in to your account If you do not have one, you can register for free. Navigate to the TriWest Payer Space and either take the CCN training by clicking on the “TriWest Learning Center” or access the CCN Provider Handbook and quick reference guides.
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The CDC put out a request for comments regarding the management of acute and chronic pain.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/04/17/2020-08127/management-of-acute-and-chronic-pain-request-for-comment
From the CDC:
Public comment will help CDC's understanding of stakeholders' values and preferences regarding pain management and will complement CDC's ongoing work assessing the need for updating or expanding the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain
Tuesday Wasserman, the AAC Board member who is the ASA representative for the AAC has created a research based extensive response. You can read it here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dEwtXIhA8J1Lq-esQDrSxeRn0Ov8DWKoCaKbwCJtw2Y/edit
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Donations
Water Mama Acupuncture is offering auriculo-acupressure kits for those supporting protests or otherwise supporting actively dismantling systemic racism, prosecution for police murders and brutality, and making sure that ALL Americans receive justice and fair treatment - #blacklivesmatter. If this describes you, send a message via watermama.org (@watermamaacupuncture on Facebook ) with your email address (for access to video instructions) and your mailing address to send the ear seeds kit.
If anyone wants to add to the number of kits available, Water Mama is accepting donations of ear pellets, envelopes, and money to purchase stamps and more ear pellets. Please contact Dr. Rhonda Coleman, DAOM, Owner, Water Mama Acupuncture directly through the above links.
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Did you Know?
AAC members are entitled to various discounts such as 5% off Lhasa OMS products.
For more info and to see more AAC discounts, please visit: https://acucol.com/Member-Benefits
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URGENT ACTION NEEDED! Protect Patient Access in Colorado!
HB20-1085 Action Alert Email
As a reminder to the email that went out last week, urgent action is needed regarding upcoming House Bill 20-1085. Current policies create barriers for patients seeking alternative treatment. In most cases, it's easier and less expensive for physicians to prescribe opioids and for patients to receive opioids. House Bill 20-1085 remedies this by ensuring that all health benefit plans provide coverage for at least six alternative therapy visits at a co-pay amount not to exceed the regular amount charged for a primary care visit.
ACTION NEEDED!
Please contact the Governor’s office (and ask your patients to as well!) to let him know you want him to sign the bill into law!
Email Governor Polis: governorpolis@state.co.us
Call Governor Polis: 303-866-2885
Please note: We recommend all members also look up their legislators and send to them, as pressure from grassroots + legislators = PRICELESS.
https://leg.colorado.gov/find-my-legislator
Here is a sample letter and script for you to use:
Governor Polis,
As a Colorado constituent, I am contacting you to request your support in signing HB 20-1085 into law, which provides access for Coloradans to skilled rehabilitative services as an alternative to opioid use.
Over 500 (drugabuse.gov) Coloradans are losing their lives annually to opioids, with a frequent starting point for opioid use being musculoskeletal pain. When a physician visit to obtain an opioid is cheaper than addressing the underlying pain, we have a significant problem. This bill works to address this issue by mirroring copays with primary care to expand access to those in need.
Complimentary care providers, including Acupuncturists, are able to provide a skilled alternative to opioids. Further data shows increasing access to these providers prevents opioid use.
HB 20-1085, with bipartisan support from the Colorado House and Senate, increases patient access to these skilled rehabilitative services by ensuring all health plans provide a minimum of six visits of unrestricted coverage.
Your support of this very important legislation is greatly appreciated,
Respectfully,
(your name)
(your county)
(your zip code)
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