Medicare Update => Autumn 2007

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Medicare Update => Autumn

Alfred H. Moffett, Jr., MD
Medicare Representative

The ABCs of Medicare Benefits

The Medicare Carrier Advisory committee met in Orlando on October 13, 2007, for its quarterly meeting. At this time, we reviewed 19 proposed policies, with 14 of them of little relevance to Ob/Gyn. However, with those of you who do DEXA (osteoporosis) evaluation, there is a new policy for the use of the bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (Reclast) in the treatment of osteoporosis. This drug has been approved for a single, once a year, 5 mg intravenous infusion given over no less than 15 minutes.

Also, there was a discussion over the use of anorectal manometry in the evaluation and treatment of urinary incontinence. It seems to be over-utilized by some and this policy is written to curtail the problem. The use of biofeedback was discussed in urinary incontinence and felt to be appropriate in the right settings.

The Florida carrier for Medicare First Coast Service Options (FCSO) reminded us of the ABCs of Medicare benefits:

1. Part A = Hospital Insurance–41% of benefits.

2. Part B = Supplementary Medical Insurance—(you and me)–35% of benefits.

3. Part C = Medicare Advantage—Medicare HMOs are paying poorly and using strong-arm tactics with reimbursement and I personally would recommend against–14% of benefits.

4. Part D = Prescription drug–8% of benefits

One of the major benefits of the computer age is increased access to more information, and Medicare is using this to provide outreach and education events. Online: Simply log on to your account on our provider training Website at www.fcsomedicaretraining.com and select the course you wish to register for. Class materials will be available under "My Courses" no later than one day before the event. If you are a first-time user, please set up an account using the instructions located at www.floridamedicare.com/Education/108651.asp to register for a class and obtain materials.

Tips for using the FCSO Provider Training Website: The best way to search and register for Florida events on www.fcsomedicaretraining.com is by clicking on the following links in this order:

1. "Course Catalog"from the top navigation bar,

2. "Catalog" in the middle of the page,

3. "Browse Catalog" on the right of the search box,

4. "FL – Part B or FL —Part A" from the list in the middle of the page.

Select the specific session you are interested in, and then click the "Preview Schedule" button at the bottom of the page. On the Instructor-Led Training (ILT) Schedule page, locate the line that has the course you are interested in and click the "Register" link in the Options column.

If you need assistance, please contact the FCSO Medicare training help desk by calling 866-756-9160 or sending an email to fcsohelp@geolearning.com.

I hope this information is helpful and if I can be of any assistance, please call my office at 352-787-1535 in beautiful downtown Leesburg, Florida.