A redesigned AMA online resource center at http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/physician-resources/practice-management-center.page? offers tools and guidance that help physicians enhance the operation of their medical practices. It has three sections: practice operations, claims revenue cycle management and health insurer relations.

In November 2011, the Department of Legislative Services (DLS) issued its evaluation of the Maryland Board of Physicians (MBP) in connection with the board’s scheduled termination on July 1, 2013. The General Assembly will consider recommendations from the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee and the House Health and Government Operations Committee in deciding the conditions for reauthorizing the MBP. The DLS noted many deficiencies which are detailed in the report (visit

Kroll Fraud Solution's Top Cyber Security Trends for 2012 reported that small practices are more susceptible to security vulnerabilities because they are "the path of least resistance." Many rely on outdated technology. Basic security protections, such as proper use of encryption, often are overlooked or not implemented or monitored correctly.   Small practices also are being targeted through email.

Mobile devices create a security risk in two ways. Health care related data can reside on the device, and the device can be a way of gaining access to data that reside on electronic medical record systems at health care organizations.

HHS has adopted a new cost-saving, industry-wide standard for electronic funds transfer (EFT) transactions. The new standard, which health plans must comply with no later than January 1, 2014, creates a tracking system that will simplify the current manual process of reconciling payments.

APA's Clinical eFOCUS survey on alcohol dependence is available to members at http://apa.paramountcommunication.com/survey.php?sid=70EC89&submit=Back+to+Survey. Clinical eFOCUS is a continuation of the FOCUS program of lifelong approved by the ABPN as a self-assessment activity for 2 AMA PRA Category 1 credits.

“In Session,” published quarterly by the American Professional Agency, Inc. addresses legal and risk related issues that are important to psychiatrists. The Winter edition includes the use of social media such as Skype, as well as texting. Visit www.americanprofessional.com/APA_Psychiatry/newsletter.htm.    

The APA recently produced a 4-part video series (2-4 minutes each) illustrating some career paths in psychiatry by profiling four doctors.  The featured member in each video discusses how psychiatry provides unique options and fulfilling opportunities; whether it is balancing time in the ER while working in private practice, treating military members and their families, researching the science of addiction, or mentoring the next generation of psychiatrists.  One of the featured psychiatrists is MPS member Rahsaan Lindsey, M.D. The videos can be accessed at

The Maryland Parity Project’s Parity Perspectives blog at www.MarylandParity.org/stay-informed is the place to go for the latest information about parity developments in our state.

American Psychiatric Publishing has redesigned psychiatryonline.org to provide a cohesive experience across APA's key titles and tools including The American Journal of Psychiatry, Psychiatric News, the DSM library, textbooks, practice guidelines, CME, and other key resources.

Every Maryland resident is eligible to participate in the Maryland Rx Card program, which has no membership restrictions and no applications to fill out. It can be used by individuals with high deductible plans, or who do not qualify for public funded programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, or who receive medicines through charity care providers and require a drug that is not available to them. The card is accepted at over 56,000 regional and national pharmacies.

CMS announced that it would wait until as late as March 31, 2012 to initiate enforcement action with respect to HIPAA covered entities that are not in compliance with Version 5010 standards for electronic transmission of healthcare claims and other administrative communications. However, the compliance date for use of the new standards remains January 1. For more information, visit https://www.highmarkmedicareservices.c

Responding to pressure from physician organizations, CMS will extend by two years the deadline to re-enroll 1.4 million health care professionals that it had previously set at March 2013.  However, the extension will not affect practices that have already received a revalidation notice.

 This year, CMS will send postcard reminders instead of CDs for its annual participation mailing in mid November. The postcard will contain Medicare Participating Provider Program 2012 Enrollment and Fee Disclosure Information along with Highmark’stoll-free telephone number and website. Medicare Physician Fee Schedule fees for services rendered in calendar year 2012 as well as instructions for submitting the participa

 What does this mean for your office?

The Maryland Mental Health Coalition has been working on a 2012 budget strategy with regard to new revenues from the alcohol tax. In response to Governor O’Malley’s letter to the Lorraine Sheehan Alcohol Tax Coalition indicating his support for the health and community service needs identified in the original Lorraine Sheehan Act, the Alcohol Tax Coalition will be sharing its expectations for the new revenue with the Department of Budget and Management. Representatives from the four issue areas in the original

In 1990, the U.S. Congress established the first week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in recognition of NAMI's efforts to raise mental illness awareness. Since 1990, mental health advocates across the country have joined together during the first full week of October in sponsoring many kinds of activities, including outreach, education and advocacy. The National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding is Tuesday, October 4.

The new federal parity law may give insured Marylanders easier and more affordable access to mental health and addiction treatment. To learn more about these rights and how to access them, call the Maryland Parity Project at 410-235-1178 ext.