January 18, 2006
E-Update

Last Chance to Sign Up for the
AAA Audio Conferences on Condition Codes

As reported last week in an AAA Member Advisory, on December 23, 2005 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a Change Request (Transmittal 789) on the condition codes. The Change Request included a revised list of the condition codes and instructions on how to use the codes. Effective March 27, 2006, Medicare Carriers and Fiscal Intermediaries will now be required to accept the condition codes but the use of the codes is still voluntary on the part of the supplier or provider.

The AAA will be hosting the last teleconference on January 23 on the condition codes. To sign up for the teleconference, simply complete the attached flyer and e-mail it to Allison Urquieta at aurquieta@the-aaa.org or fax it to Allison at (703) 610-9005.

We also encourage AAA members to invite representatives of their Medicare Carrier of Fiscal Intermediary to participate on the audio conference at no charge. Simply forward the attached “Carrier Complimentary Reg Form” to your Carrier or Fiscal Intermediary and ask that he or she complete the form and return it to Allison Urquieta.

Sign Up for AAA Lobby Days and RTF Meeting

 

On February 7 to 9, the AAA will be holding Lobby Days and a Reimbursement Task Force Meeting in Washington, DC. The Lobby Days will provide you with an opportunity to meet with your Members of Congress and their staff on important policy issues including Medicare reimbursement. We have advocacy guru Christopher Kush providing attendees with an interactive advocacy training session to help prepare you for your meetings. There will also be an AAA Federal Reimbursement Task Force meeting on February 7. So don't miss this opportunity to meet with your Members of Congress and have a direct voice in the formation of AAA reimbursement policy.

A brochure with registration form is attached to this E-Update. The brochure contains a full schedule of events and information on the program. So complete and return the registration form and start scheduling your meetings!