Read on for Important NSYPMA-Only CPR & Legal Tips!
Don't miss out on crucial insurance updates, curated practice management tips, upcoming billing code changes, or timely legal advice. Stay up to date with our weekly CPR Billing & Coding + Legal tips, located at the end of each president's message.
A Message From Your President...
I am sure everybody has some level of concern regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). So far there are 13 reported cases in NY as of this morning. It is inevitable that the number of cases will rise.
It has been reported that most people who contract this virus will have fairly mild self-limiting symptoms. The sick and infirmed are at greater risk of more serious symptoms and complications associated with this virus.
Our patients will be asking us about this illness. The best information can be found on the CDC website. I suggest visiting the CDC website for information on prevention and treatment. The web site is (cdc.gov).
Some of the preventive recommendations include:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- If possible, avoid close contact with sick or symptomatic people.
- Sick people should wear masks NOT healthy people.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
The concern is justified. I think we can help our patients by providing good common-sense advice on prevention.
I find it interesting that the common flu in the US in 2019-2020 is responsible for approximately 15,000 deaths and approximately 200,000 hospital admissions according to the CDC. These numbers reported are similar on a yearly basis over the last 10 years. Suggesting and following simple everyday preventive measures can help prevent the spread of these viruses.
I would like to thank Past President Altwerger for attending an event for Senator Kennedy this week in Albany on behalf of NYSPMA. Also, our Bylaws Committee met this week and our APMA HOD Delegation has a call later this week to prepare for the APMA House of Delegates which convenes March 14, 2020, in Washington DC.
Stay healthy and have a great week!
Dan Keating DPM
President NYSPMA
NYCPM CME & PICA Discount Opportunity
Missed the NY20 PICA lecture? Earn 8 CMEs and a 15% PICA Discount at NYCPM's "MEDICAL MALPRACTICE & RISK MANAGEMENT" lecture. 66% OFF for NYSPMA members.
Located at NYCPM on March 28th, 2020
REGISTRATION DOWNLOAD LINK.
Bronx Clinical Conference [15 CME Credits]- Symposium on Lower Extremity Amputation Reduction
April 25-26th, 2020 (Saturday & Sunday)
at St. Barnabas Hospital (4422 3rd Ave. Bronx, NY10457)
DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM AND PRELIMINARY PROGRAM HERE.
[FREE] NYS-Compliant Opioid Prescriber Training
DPMs who took this 3-year training in 2017, when this new training requirement was introduced, will need to re-train in 2020
Complete your minimum of three (3) hours of course work or training in pain management, palliative care and addiction for prescribers with online courses through the University of Buffalo or Boston University - free of charge. Use the links below for the course work.
[NEW!] APMA Health Insurance: Small & Large Group Options
APMA has just released it's small group health care plan. The new plan's innovative structure allows small groups (less than 14 people) to purchase insurance at large group rates. With low deductibles ($500) and savings on premiums, this plan could save you a lot of money on quality health coverage!
Not receiving helpful weekly tips from NYSPMA yet?
Your NYSPMA team sends out weekly texts including helpful content such as practice management tips, legal tips, CPR tips, association news, legislative updates, and more. You can always opt-in and opt-out at any time!
Text "NYSPMA" to 8449476386 to sign up!
Show your NYSPMA membership pride with our new merchandise section!
Check out our wide-array of NYSPMA-branded products HERE. Start your holiday shopping early! We have everything from whiskey glasses and cigar cutters to golf balls, t-shirts, and more!
Check out the NYSPMA Fall Prevention Program! Earn 1 CME, FREE to NYSPMA Members
Our fall prevention webinar is ready to be viewed. I am encouraging everyone to view this course for free CME, as we are doing this in cooperation with the Department of Health, as partners in the prevention agenda. Please take advantage of this member benefit, and help advance podiatry and add this important service to your practices. ACCESS THE WEBINAR HERE.
[NEW!] NYCPMConnect has launched!
Sign up now at https://nycpmconnect.com/ for access to an exclusive mentoring and networking community for NYCPM alumni and students!
Featured Member Partner Programs-
Updated Medical Insurance Plans for 2020-New Medicare Supplement!
NYSPMA through Creative Wealth Planning (CWP) offers a variety of medical, dental and eye care insurance with excellent customer service. CWP has just announced a new Medicare Supplement Plan, which can be viewed at www.creativewealthplanning.com/medicaresupplement . Other CWP plans for NYSPMA members can be viewed at www.creativewealthplanning.com/nyspma Creative Wealth Planning, LLC. CWP is an independent insurance brokerage firm with over 35 years of experience, specializing in group and individual medical insurance. CWP can design coverage for you, your dependents, and staff, as well as options for those covered by Medicare. CWP works directly with members to tailor plan options that are best suited to your needs.
MY PLAN IT Travel and Tickets at Work
Time to plan for your spring and summer trips! Spring break is right around the corner. NYSPMA can travel and entertainment partners can help you plan and save money in the process.
Rewarding customers today is such an important part of enhancing loyalty for any business. Through a partnership between Focus Right Marketing, a customer appreciation program is now available for our divisions to offer your patients a FREE $350 travel savings card to MyPlanItTravelerRewards.com.
Your patients can use their $350 travel savings credits to partially “buy down” the cost of hotel stays, resort weeks, car rentals and travel activities – where the final rate is below the lowest available public web price. These well-designed cards and cardholders come at no cost. Customers can simply take a card and appreciate the free gift you're providing.
To learn more about My Plan-It Traveler Rewards please visit myplanittravelerrewards.com.
To take advantage of this special customer appreciation offer, contact Carl Francese, President/FRM, at 914-740-4994.
Tickets at Work offers numerous travel and entertainment discounts and programs so be sure to check this benefit program out as well at http://www.ticketsatwork.com/.
If you haven’t signed up yet, click become a member and enter our company code: NYSPMA0617
Don’t forget to visit our Member Partner Program section on our website to take advantage of the numerous savings opportunities for members. Our benefit partners include medical insurance, travel, entertainment and dining packages, car rentals, business supplies, risk management, coding, and reimbursement insurance and practice billing solutions. We also have our benefits listed in a brochure developed by our Membership Committee which has just been updated for 2019.
NYSPMA Legal Tip: Translation and Interpretation Requirements for your Practice
By: Matthew S. Feldman, Esq., General Counsel
New York State Podiatric Medical Association
New York recently enacted the Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security (SHIELD) Act in response to growing concerns about data security. The SHIELD Act amends the New York General Business Law to provide broader safeguards for consumer data by (1) expanding territorial application of data security protections; (2) encompassing more types of data; (3) expanding the definition of "breach"; and (4) effective March 21, 2020, imposing new data security requirements on businesses and employers.
The SHIELD Act broadens the scope of the previous protections in several ways. First, the Act applies not only to personally identifiable information but also to "private information", which is personal information in combination with any one or more of the following data elements: (1) social security number; (2) driver's license/non-driver ID; (3) account number; (4) credit/debit card number with security code/access code/password or other information that would permit access to the account; a username or email address in combination with a password or security question and answer that would permit access to an online account; and/or any unsecured health information held by a covered entity as defined by HIPAA. Second, while the previous protections applied only to businesses located in New York, the SHIELD Act applies to any person or business that owns or licenses computerized data that includes the private information of New York residents, regardless of the physical location of the person or business. In addition, the Act significantly expands the definition of what constitutes a breach requiring notice to affected persons. While previously a breach required "acquisition" of data, the Act requires only "unauthorized access."
Beginning on March 21, 2020, all persons and businesses covered by the SHIELD Act are required to develop, implement, and maintain "reasonable safeguards" to protect the integrity of private information..... READ ON: CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL VERSION OF THIS LEGAL TIP
Mr. Feldman is available for legal consultation if needed and can be reached by phone at (716) 852-5875 or by email at MFeldman@feldmankieffer.com
Weekly CPR Billing and Coding Tip of the Week: UnitedHealthcare-Electronic Payment Solutions Rolling Out in 2020
CPR Tip by: Hoda Henein
UnitedHealthcare is launching initiatives to replace paper checks with electronic payments throughout 2020 and will no longer be sending paper checks for provider payment.
You will have the option of signing up for Automated Clearing House (ACH)/direct deposit, their preferred method of Virtual Card payment, or to receive a payment (Virtual Card). The only alternative to a Virtual Card is direct deposit. Both of these options allow you to get paid quickly and securely. The electronic payment solutions will roll out in phases throughout the year, with the first phase beginning mid-2020.
NYSPMA: Connect on Facebook & Twitter
NYSPMA has a Facebook page and is now on Twitter. These pages provide Association announcements and updates. We are always looking for great news stories to share on our pages. If you’ve recently been quoted in the media, received an award, launched a new project or have relevant news to share, please email info@nyspma.org.
Poster for Your Office: We have developed an 8 1/2 x 11 Full-Color Poster/Flyer that can be displayed in your office to encourage your patients to visit our consumer site, www.nyfoothealth.com, to stay up to date on the latest foot health news and get updates on diabetes, bunions, heel pain...and more.
