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03/23/2023
OSMA Comments on Federal Prior Authorization Rules
March 23, 2023 – Prior Authorization reform is OSMA’s top advocacy issue in 2023 and 2024. In addition to advocating for major legislative reforms at the state level that will impact commercial and Medicaid plans, we have also been involved in initiatives at the federal level that will impact Medicare advantage plans.
03/21/2023
Women's History Month: What being a female physician means to Dr. Lisa Egbert
March 21, 2023 – March is Women’s History Month, and there are countless women trailblazers in medicine to celebrate. Women like Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first female doctor in the U.S.; Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black woman doctor; Dr. Virginia Apgar, the physician who developed the Apgar score; and Dr. Gerty Cori, the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in medicine. OSMA is proud of the strides made by women in medicine.
03/16/2023
MIPS Value Pathways – Newest Reporting Option for 2023
March 16, 2023 – Starting this year, your practice now has a third option for the Merit Based Incentive Payment System Reporting (MIPS).
03/15/2023
Key Factors in a Deposition: What Healthcare Professionals Can Expect
March 15, 2023 – Depositions are conducted under oath in a verbal question-and-answer format by counsel for all of the parties to the proceeding. Although the deponent (that is, the person being questioned) is often a participant to the legal action, more commonly the individual has specific—and possibly unique—knowledge relevant to the case.
03/07/2023
Member Q&A with Jay Williamson, MD
March 7, 2023 – OSMA member leaders work tirelessly on behalf of our members to ensure OSMA is meeting the needs of physicians and responding to the ever-changing healthcare landscape. We’d like to spotlight Dr. Jay Williamson.
03/06/2023
Medical Board Issues Clinical Guidance on East Palestine Train Derailment Clean Up
March 6, 2023 – Earlier this week the State Medical Board of Ohio issued guidance for all physicians and healthcare workers in the region around East Palestine. If you practice in the region or know someone that does, please be sure to review and share this.
03/06/2023
The OSMA Business Credit Card: Helping Members Achieve & Maintain Financial Success
March 6, 2023 – As part of its commitment to supporting the financial success of its members, OSMA has partnered with Mercantile Technologies to create the OSMA Business Credit Card, a credit card built specifically for OSMA members.
03/05/2023
Ohio Department of Medicaid Updates on Next Generation Program Transition
March 5, 2023 – As we have been informing members since late last year, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) transitioned significant parts of its programming on Feb. 1 – this included a new electronic data exchange and fiscal intermediary as well as some new managed care organizations. ODM has provided this update on some key elements of the program and some issues that are currently being resolved.
03/04/2023
Lessons in Preventing Button Battery Injuries
March 4, 2023 – According to a study published in Pediatrics, it is estimated that between 2010 and 2019, more than 70,000 emergency department (ED) visits in the United States were battery related among children under 18 years old.
03/02/2023
OSMA Needs Your Help—New Prior Authorization Legislation to Be Introduced
March 2, 2023 – The goal of this legislation, which will be sponsored by Rep. Kevin Miller (R-Newark), is to create a “gold card” system for prior authorization, giving physicians a way to “earn” their way out of prior authorization requirements by demonstrating a high prior authorization success rate. Similar legislation was recently passed and enacted in the state of Texas.
03/01/2023
Summary of New ODM Initiatives Launched February 1
March 1, 2023 – One month ago Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) launched the Next Generation managed care plans, new Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and Fiscal Intermediary (FI). These initiatives provide an enhanced and personalized healthcare experience for ODM members with more transparency and visibility of care and services for providers. Here are some reminders...
02/21/2023
Student Member Q&A with David Warner
February 21, 2023 – OSMA member leaders work tirelessly on behalf of our members to ensure OSMA is meeting the needs of physicians and responding to the ever-changing healthcare landscape. We’d like to spotlight a student member, David Warner.
02/20/2023
Public Health Emergency Expiration—Reminders
February 20, 2023 – It has been announced that the PHE will be extended through May 11, at which point it will permanently expire, marking the end of PHE extensions. Because the PHE has been in place for nearly three years, it can be difficult to remember which rules existed before then, and which have been temporary. Here are a few highlights of what is expected to change.
02/16/2023
OSMA Physicians & Staff Advocate for Medicare Funding & Prior Authorization Reform in D.C.
February 16, 2023 – Several OSMA physicians joined your OSMA Government Relations team in D.C. to participate in the American Medical Association’s National Advocacy Conference (NAC).
02/16/2023
Ohio’s New Telehealth Rules Effective Feb. 28—What to Know
February 16, 2023 – Physicians across Ohio have continued to embrace remote healthcare services. After a lengthy rule promulgation process, including our member feedback and input from OSMA, the Board has finalized new telehealth rules, which will become effective this month.
02/15/2023
OSMA Joins National Effort to Reform Prior Authorization in Medicare Advantage Plans
February 15, 2023 – While we focus on prior authorization reform in Ohio that will impact commercial and Medicaid plans, Medicare Advantage plans are regulated federally and therefore reforms must occur through congressional legislative action or rulemaking by CMS. In the letter, we urged CMS to focus on the following...
02/09/2023
Interstate Licensure for Telehealth Can Fuel Practice Growth
February 9, 2023 – When using telehealth to treat patients out of state, most healthcare professionals are mindful about licensure issues. But some are not aware that practicing without a license in a given state is not just malpractice, it is a criminal offense.
02/02/2023
Your Chance to Impact Future MIPS Quality & Cost Measure
February 2, 2023 – CMS Just announced the open period to submit new quality and cost measures to be used in future year MIPS measurement. The process allows clinicians, professional associations, medical societies that represent clinicians, researchers, consumer groups, and others to identify and submit measures by May 19, 2023.
02/02/2023
Healthcare Staffing Shortages: Decrease Practice Risks
February 2, 2023 – With increasing regularity, staffing shortages have adversely impacted the delivery of healthcare and the availability of diagnostic and therapeutic resources. The ongoing scarcity of employees negatively influences the quality and depth of many primary and support roles at every level throughout the healthcare workforce—including physicians, dentists, advanced practice clinicians, allied health professionals, practice assistants, and front- and back-office specialists.
02/01/2023
Don’t Forget Wellness Visits: Components & Documentation Requirements
February 1, 2023 – Medicare covers annual wellness visits (AWVs) that provide important opportunities for health care providers to assess health risks and help patients plan for Medicare preventive services (e.g., vaccinations and screenings for illnesses like cancer or diabetes), which can greatly reduce those risks.
02/01/2023
Free Health Information Training & Certification
February 1, 2023 – Through Professional Association of Health Care Office Management’s (PAHCOM) partnership with CommHIT, PAHCOM is able to provide FREE HIT training to current and aspiring practice managers through a U.S. Department of Labor grant dedicated to expanding the technology workforce nationally.
01/26/2023
OSMA's Top Advocacy Priorities for 2023
January 26, 2023 – We anticipate several familiar issues to remain major OSMA advocacy priorities this year, and are always monitoring the legislative and regulatory spaces for new and emerging topics that arise throughout the year. Here’s our current advocacy forecast...
01/25/2023
Reminder: Medicaid New Programming Launches Feb. 1
January 25, 2023 – Over the last several months, OSMA has provided information to members related to major program changes to the Ohio Medicaid program starting Feb. 1. Ohio Medicaid has provided a one-page overview document for practices to ensure you’re aware of the changes and what you need to do to prepare.
01/25/2023
FTC Releases Draft Rule Regarding Non-Compete Agreements
January 25, 2023 – The rule applies to all existing and future non-compete agreements between employers and employees. It also includes non-competes with independent contractors. It would nullify nearly every non-compete agreement for our physician owned practices and prohibit those going forward.
01/23/2023
Cervical Health Awareness Month—OSMA Experts Share Insights
January 23, 2023 – January is Cervical Health Awareness month, so we asked three OSMA member and experts on women’s health to share their insights on the importance of vaccination, regular screenings and other methods of prevention and care.
01/22/2023
Member Q&A with Christopher Brown, MD
January 22, 2023
01/11/2023
Familiarize with OSMA's Strategic Plan (2023-2025)
January 11, 2023 – The OSMA Council (Board of Directors) met in the summer and again in the fall to update the organization’s three-year strategic plan. Leadership approved five main issues areas to guide the organization’s work the next three years.
01/11/2023
Flu, RSV, or COVID-19? Convergence of Three Viruses Creates Risk of Diagnostic Errors
January 11, 2023 – Understanding the differences between the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 will help prevent misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis when patients present with respiratory symptoms. Learn more from TDC's latest article.
01/03/2023
Important ODM Resources for Feb. 1 Programming Launch
January 3, 2023 – ODM released the following announcement regarding resources for the February 1 launch—including FAQs, training schedule, and the top 8 things to know.
01/02/2023
HHS Proposes to Standardize Electronic Health Care Attachments Transactions & Electronic Signature Process
January 2, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the following information on Dec. 19 along with a fact sheet and full press release.
12/21/2022
OSMA Joins Public Health Advocates Urging the Governor to Veto H.B. 513
December 21, 2022 – H.B. 513 passed in the Ohio legislature last week, which would remove all local control over tobacco policies including implementing local tobacco retail licensure programs, conducting local compliance to ensure retailers are not selling to kids, and furthering policies to end the sale of flavored tobacco products.
12/20/2022
A Time to Give Thanks—OSMA CEO's Closing Point on 2022
December 20, 2022 – During this holiday season, hopefully you have been able or will be enjoying time with family and friends. As I reflect back on 2022, I am proud of the organization’s focus and dedication to the profession and all individual physicians in Ohio.
12/20/2022
Medicaid Announces Start Date for New Fiscal Intermediary—What to Know
December 20, 2022 – After announcing earlier this month the delay of the transition to new Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MCOs) until Feb. 1, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) has now announced the same start date for the new Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Fiscal intermediary (FI). ODM released the following information earlier this week.
12/19/2022
Future of Medicine—Care Management Technology
December 19, 2022 – OSMA continues to monitor new technology and regulations that assist with patient care management. We anticipate the new Ohio telemedicine regulations to be finalized early in 2023 and will update members when they are finalized. Additionally, we are working with vendors to highlight different technologies available to practices and patients. This month we are highlighting DrFirst...
12/18/2022
Reminder: 2022 MIPS Extreme & Uncontrollable Circumstances Exception Applications
December 18, 2022 – The American Medical Association (AMA) sent OSMA the following communication to remind members about an important MIPS deadline and advocacy efforts to extend opportunities for filing.
12/15/2022
Lame Duck Legislative Update
December 15, 2022 – OSMA is proud to represent you and advocate on your behalf. Your OSMA Advocacy team has experienced a whirlwind of activity at the Statehouse after the election, and has been carefully monitoring what has happened during the lame duck legislative session.
12/15/2022
OSMA Continues Advocacy Push to Avert 4.5% Cut to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
December 15, 2022 – Last week, OSMA joined the AMA—and every other state medical society in the country—signing a letter to Congress urging them to take action before the end of the year to avert the projected 4.5% cut to the 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
12/13/2022
Recent Legal Actions to Note
December 13, 2022 – OSMA joined the Ohio Hospital Association in filing an amicus brief in the Ohio Supreme Court to support the decision of Ohio’s 10th District Court of Appeals that when a medical malpractice claim is barred by Ohio’s statute of repose, that any loss of consortium claim arising out of that malpractice claim is also barred.
12/13/2022
Student Member/Leader Q&A with Jass Kaur
December 13, 2022
12/06/2022
2023 Annual Meeting Details
December 6, 2023 – Plan to attend from Friday, April 14 through Sunday, April 16 at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel.
12/06/2022
Members: Feature Your Practice on OSMA Social Media!
December 6, 2023 – If you or your practice would like to be featured on our Facebook and Twitter pages, simply provide OSMA with the following
11/29/2022
Mapping the Perioperative Claims Experience of General Surgeons
November 29, 2022 – Understanding the most common types of complications and the factors that contribute to errors may provide insights for general surgeons about their practice.
11/29/2022
Update from Our Summer Scholar, Megan Sharpe
November 29, 2022 - The Foundation is receiving updates from our 2022 Summer Scholars recipients regarding their progress, their internship experiences, and reflections on what is next in their medical career journey. See what Megan Sharpe is up to!
11/22/2022
Council Q&A with Drs. Bernadette Anderson & Anubhav Mital
November 22, 2022
11/15/2022
What Not to Do: Telehealth Lessons Learned
November 15, 2022 – The rising adoption of telehealth has highlighted the myriad challenges it presents to patients, providers, and healthcare systems. Learn more with TDC's video series.
11/14/2022
Ohio Medicaid Announces Delay in Launch of Fiscal Intermediary & New Managed Care Plans
November 14, 2022 – We have been updating members since early this year regarding major transitions in the administration of the Medicaid program in Ohio. While the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) has moved forward with implementation of OhioRISE, Single Pharmacy Benefit Manager (SPBM) and Centralized Credentialing, there are now delays in other transitions originally scheduled to take place on Dec. 1.
11/14/2022
Staff Spotlight: A Q&A with Sean McCullough, Director, Policy & Legal Counsel
November 14, 2022 – Our OSMA staff works tirelessly on behalf of our members to ensure OSMA is meeting the needs of physicians and responding to the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
11/13/2022
Update from Our Summer Scholar, Noelle Thompson
Nov 13, 2022 - The Foundation is receiving updates from our 2022 Summer Scholars recipients regarding their progress, their internship experiences, and reflections on what is next in their medical career journey. See what Noelle Thompson is up to!
11/10/2022
OSMA’s 2022 Midterm General Election Recap
November 10, 2022 – After a whirlwind midterm election day, millions of Ohio voters have made their voices heard. Overall, the candidates endorsed by the Ohio State Medical Association Political Action Committee (OSMAPAC) prevailed in the majority of races for various statewide offices. Ohio also set a record as far as early and absentee voting in a midterm election - a total of 1,392,767 votes were cast through either in-person early voting or returned absentee ballots as of the end of early voting on Monday.
11/10/2022
OSMA Joins AMA, Other Organizations in Opposition to Federal Allied Practitioner Scope of Practice Legislation
November 10, 2022 – OSMA was among dozens of national and state medical societies and associations that signed an opposition letter, expressing concerns that this bill would negatively impact the quality of care received by Medicare and Medicaid patients.
11/08/2022
Staff Spotlight: A Q&A with Nancy Gillette, General Counsel
November 8, 2022 – Our OSMA staff works tirelessly on behalf of our members to ensure OSMA is meeting the needs of physicians and responding to the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
10/26/2022
Sean McCullough Joins OSMA Advocacy Team, Monica Hueckel Promoted
October 26, 2022 – Sean joins our team as our new Director of Policy and Legal Counsel. OSMA has also promoted Monica Hueckel, who has been with OSMA for more than eight years, to the role of Vice President of Advocacy.
10/20/2022
Ohio Medicaid Changes Coming: Important Updates & Training Reminders
October 20, 2022 – The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) is in the process of major administrative and program updates and changes. Many of these will directly impact physician practices. Earlier this week, ODM provided the following information and training opportunities to ensure you are up-to-date on what you need to do and know.
10/20/2022
Advocacy Update: Election Day is Approaching—and Know What’s in Store for the Rest of 2022
October 20, 2022 – Early voting began last week for the upcoming general election on Tuesday, November 8. Many important races will feature on your Ohio ballot this year, including decisions for U.S. Senate, Congress, state House and Senate and Ohio Supreme Court. Additionally, Ohioans will elect candidates for the offices of governor, attorney general, and secretary of state.
10/19/2022
October's Medical Board Meeting Recap
October 19, 2022 – At its regularly scheduled Board meeting on October 12, the Board adopted three additional offenses to its list of disqualifying offenses for application for licensure.
10/17/2022
Update from Our Summer Scholar, Anirudh Prabu
Oct 17, 2022 - The Foundation is receiving more updates from our 2022 Summer Scholars recipients regarding their progress and their internship experiences. See what Anirudh Prabu has been up to!
10/13/2022
Prescribing Reminders from the Pharmacy Board
Oct 13, 2022 – We've compiled updates regarding the go-live date for OARRS Provider Authorization, required OARRS reviews, and National Prescription Drug Take Back Day coming up on October 29, 2022.
10/11/2022
Foundation Update from Our Chair
Oct 11, 2022 - As we head into the last few months of 2022, I am incredibly proud to reflect upon the work we have done revitalizing the OSMA Foundation this year, making a significant impact in several of our key priority areas.
10/10/2022
Well-Being CARE is Making Headlines
Oct 10, 2022 - Earlier this fall, OSMA President Dr. Brian Santin and OSMA CEO Todd Baker were interviewed by Medical Economics News in an article about physician burnout...
10/09/2022
Checking in with Our Summer Scholars Students...
Oct 9, 2022 - We are so proud of the inaugural cohort of OSMA Foundation Summer Scholars. Here are the latest reflections from a couple of our Summer Scholars about what their experience has meant to them in their medical education.
10/04/2022
Information Blocking: New Requirements Taking Effect
Oct 4, 2022 – Starting October 6, 2022, the definition of electronic health information (EHI) in the Cures Act expands beyond the EHI data classes listed below to include electronic protected health information (ePHI) as defined by HIPAA.
10/04/2022
HIPAA and Cybersecurity: Five Basic Questions Every Healthcare Organization Should Ask Itself Today
Oct 4, 2022 – Every physician practice and healthcare organization is a target for cybercriminals. No business is too small. When these events occur, it is important to take prompt and meaningful action to help mitigate legal, financial and reputation risk.
10/04/2022
Dispensing Sample Medications: Patient Safety Strategies
October 4, 2022 – Dispensing free sample medications to patients is commonplace in medical and dental offices. With safeguards in place, it can contribute to improved clinical results and generate goodwill between the practitioner and the patient.
09/27/2022
Key Federal Legislation Update: Take Action
Sept 27, 2022 – OSMA wants to ensure Ohio physicians are aware of the following pending issues in Congress, which are highly impactful to the practice of medicine. Physicians are encouraged to reach out to their elected officials in D.C. to urge support for these federal legislative proposals using these provided links.
09/26/2022
Registration Open for Provider Network Management (PNM) Training
Sept 26, 2022 –The Ohio Department of Medicaid sent out the below information to ensure physician practices are aware of training opportunities related to major changes happening this fall.
09/22/2022
What Surgeons Should know About the Supervision of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists in Ohio
Sept 22, 2022 – On September 14, Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins ruled that the state Constitution might protect the right to an abortion in Ohio, meaning temporarily, that Ohio’s law returns to 22 weeks as it was prior to the implementation of Ohio’s Heart Beat bill earlier this summer. The judge has now indicated further plans...
09/21/2022
Update on Legal Action Related to Ohio’s Six-Week Abortion Ban
Sept 21, 2022 – On September 14, Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins ruled that the state Constitution might protect the right to an abortion in Ohio, meaning temporarily, that Ohio’s law returns to 22 weeks as it was prior to the implementation of Ohio’s Heartbeat Bill earlier this summer. The judge has now indicated further plans...
09/20/2022
AMA Report: Disturbing Trends on Overdose Deaths Requires Specific Actions, All-Hands Approach
Sept 20, 2022 – With a report issued on September 8 detailing the horrific toll of the nation’s overdose and death epidemic, the American Medical Association (AMA) calls for an all-hands approach—policymakers, public health experts, educators, faith leaders, and employers—to help save lives.
09/20/2022
Prepare for E/M Changes for 2023
Sept 19, 2022 – In 2021, the E/M office-visit and outpatient codes changed significantly. Effective Jan. 1, 2023 we will again see major changes to E/M, this time in the following areas.
09/13/2022
Register for our Advocacy Boot Camp for Physicians on Oct. 6!
Sept 13, 2022 – Plan to attend this virtual event to address what we hear from physicians every week...how to become more involved in the advocacy process.
09/07/2022
COVID-19 bivalent mRNA boosters Information and Shipment Information from ODH
September 7, 2022 – New bivalent mRNA COVID-19 boosters created to strengthen protection against the original COVID-19 strain and the currently circulating Omicron variant can be administered to Ohioans age 12 years and older as soon as practical after vaccine shipments arrive.
09/07/2022
Cultivating a Culture of Safety in Healthcare: Four Experts Tell Us Their Stories
September 7, 2022 – From our partners at TDC: Despite more than 20 years of focus on patient safety, many hospitals and healthcare professionals still struggle to create an environment that engenders patient safety and reduces harm. There are four elements to creating a culture of safety: mutual respect; optimizing how people, teams, and systems function; understanding how people think to keep them engaged during training; and being sure that all providers are viewed through a just-culture lens.
09/07/2022
Next Generation Ohio Medicaid Program – Webinar FAQ and Other Resources for Providers
September 7, 2022 – The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) hosted the Next Generation Ohio Medicaid Program Provider Overview Webinar, which covered the changes Ohio Medicaid providers can expect, including an overview of the transition to the Ohio Medicaid Enterprise System (OMES) modules, training plans and dates, and where providers can receive communications from ODM throughout the Next Generation transition and staggered implementation.
08/30/2022
Update from Our Summer Scholar, Matthew Yoder
August 30, 2022 - The Foundation is receiving updates from our 2022 Summer Scholars recipients regarding their progress, their internship experiences, and reflections on what is next in their medical career journey. See what Matthew Yoder is up to!
08/29/2022
Helpful Details for Ohio Medicaid Managed Care Patients
Aug 29, 2022 – With Ohio Medicaid’s managed care program set to change for the better come Dec. 1, 2022, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) is detailing and answering FAQs about its Next Generation managed care plans—which are meant to focus on the individual, honor members’ choice, and provide continuity in the provision of members’ care.
08/24/2022
CMS Releases Revised Surprise Billing Rules & Clarifies Processes
Aug 24, 2022 – On August 19, CMS announced several updates to the federal No Surprises Act implementation. These rules relate to those covered by insurance plans regulated by the federal government.
08/22/2022
New Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
Aug 23, 2022 – Effective July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline transitioned to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Ohioans who are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, and their family members, are now able to call, chat, or text the 988 number in order to reach a trained counselor who can offer help and support.
08/18/2022
Preparing for Ohio Department of Medicaid Next Generation of Managed Care
Aug 17, 2022 – The Provider Network Management (PNM) pre-registration tool is available from Aug. 15 until Sept. 23 and will ease the transition and prevent disruptions to system access for providers ahead of the go-live on Oct. 1.
08/18/2022
As Telemedicine Best Practices Emerge, Assess Your Practice
Aug 17, 2022 – Many specialties, facing the pandemic’s imperative to improvise, formed discussion groups, which are now disseminating their findings via peer-reviewed medical journals or formulating best practices with their medical professional societies.
08/15/2022
Update from Our Summer Scholar, Kamala Nelson
August 15, 2022 - The Foundation is receiving updates from our 2022 Summer Scholars recipients regarding their progress, their internship experiences, and reflections on what is next in their medical career journey. See what Kamala Nelson is up to!
08/04/2022
Advocacy Update: Responding to Legislative Initiatives Resulting from Supreme Court Decision on Abortion
Aug 4, 2022 – Our Government Relations team and OSMA leadership wanted to reaffirm for you that OSMA is focusing our efforts on legislative initiatives that are currently pending (or may be forthcoming in the future) as a result of the Dobbs decision.
08/02/2022
Reminder: Electronic Prescriptions
Aug 2, 2022 – Effective September 21, schedule II controlled substances must be dispensed upon an electronic prescription. Exceptions for oral or written prescriptions are permitted in the following circumstances.
08/01/2022
National Immunization Awareness: Hear from Ohio Pediatricians
August 1, 2022 – August is National Immunization Awareness Month, so we spoke with three Ohio pediatricians to get their thoughts on childhood vaccines and answers to some of the most common vaccine questions.
08/01/2022
Your Well-being Checkup And Referral Engagement Service
August 1, 2022 – The need for well-being support has never been higher, and the OSMA Foundation is supporting Ohio's healthcare workforce with a way to measure factors like personal anxiety, depression and burnout and connect with credible resources who can help.
07/26/2022
Ohio Medicaid Provider Enrollment & Maintenance Update
July 26, 2022 – Beginning Aug. 1, ODM will temporarily stop accepting provider enrollment applications as we transition to the new Provider Network Management (PNM) module. New providers should enroll by July 31 or plan to hold enrollment applications until Oct. 1.
07/21/2022
Webinar on Advocating for Reforms to Medicare Physician Payment
July 21, 2022 – Last month OSMA informed members about a coalition of more than 120 state medical and national specialty societies to define and develop goals to reform Medicare physician payment. Join AMA's upcoming webinar on Wednesday, July 27 to review what the coalition will be calling on Congress to do to improve the Medicare physician payment system.
07/20/2022
Reminder: CTR physician survey requirement
July 20, 2022 – To remain in compliance with Ohio law, physicians with a CTR must respond to the 2022 survey even if they have not made any recommendations. All responses must be received by July 31, 2022.
07/14/2022
Guidance on Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Implementation
July 14, 2022 – The State Medical Board of Ohio provided guidance this week regarding the rollout of Ohio’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Implementation date is scheduled for August 2.
07/14/2022
CMS Clarifies EMTALA Requirements Preempt State Laws
July 14, 2022 – Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Becerra sent a letter to all hospitals and health care providers reminding them of their obligation to comply with Emergency medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA).
07/13/2022
New Opportunities for Member Participation
July 13, 2022 – We are often asked by our OSMA members how they can individually become more involved in OSMA and impact health policy in Ohio. In response, we have recently revised and expanded ways to participate.
07/07/2022
What We Owe Long COVID Patients
July 7, 2022 – From our partners at TDC: Anywhere from 10 to 30 percent of those who contracted COVID-19 suffer chronic aftereffects—some lasting many months after the initial diagnosis—and now face increased risk of thromboembolic disease, cardiovascular complications, hepatic and renal impairment, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Peter Kolbert, Senior Vice President of Claim and Litigation Services for Healthcare Risk Advisors, part of TDC Group, and Dr. Zijian Chen, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Medical Director of Mount Sinai’s Center for Post-COVID Care, discuss the effects of long COVID.
06/28/2022
OSMA Major Insurance Reform Initiative
The OSMA advocacy team has spent more than a year preparing to embark on a major legislative initiative dealing with the continued issues Ohio physicians are facing related to prior authorization. The “prior authorization gold card” legislation will further streamline the prior authorization process and remove some of these “roadblocks” so physicians and medical staff can focus more on patient care. OSMA is excited about this endeavor and we will need continued physician input and participation as this process kicks off and gets underway.
06/27/2022
Update from Our Summer Scholar, Rebekah Russell
June 27, 2022 - The Foundation is receiving updates from our 2022 Summer Scholars recipients regarding their progress, their internship experiences, and reflections on what is next in their medical career journey. See what Rebekah Russell is up to!
06/23/2022
Well-Being CARE Service is Helping Healthcare Workers Across Ohio
June 23, 2022 – One month after its official launch, the Well-Being CARE Service is quickly becoming known and used by healthcare workers across Ohio—providing assessment and referrals to critical mental health services.
06/23/2022
AMA Celebrates 175 Years
June 22, 2022 – Our national partner contributing to OSMA's success, the American Medical Association (AMA), marked their 175th anniversary of its founding in May 2022.
06/14/2022
OSMA's Ohio Legislature Update
June 14, 2022 – The Ohio Legislature has recessed for the summer, but the last several weeks of hearings and session were quite busy for OSMA’s Advocacy team. OSMA has been actively advocating on behalf of Ohio physicians in ongoing deliberations regarding several issues, most recently including the following...
06/14/2022
June's Medical Board Meeting Recap
June 14, 2022 – Get the updates from the regularly scheduled Board meeting on June 8, including issues concerning proposed telehealth rules and the Medical Marijuana Expert Review's recent recommendation.
06/13/2022
Amicus Brief Filed on Federal PREP Act
June 13, 2022 – OSMA, along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Medical Association (AMA), is participating in an amicus brief in the federal Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals on the question of whether the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (the PREP Act) provides immunity from liability in a wrongful death claim against an assisted living facility for failing to take appropriate countermeasures during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
06/02/2022
COVID-19 Treatments & Testing: What to Know
June 2, 2022 – A variety of resources and education are available at the state and federal level to help assess the current science, understand the availability and access to testing and treatments, and learn how to better educate patients.
06/02/2022
OSMA Joins National Coalition to Develop Characteristics of a Rational Medicare Physician Payment System
June 2, 2022 – More than 120 other medical organizations have also endorsed a framework for Medicare payment reform. This is an early step in the efforts to develop consensus on policy recommendations that will reshape the payment system to work better for patients and physicians—and hopefully end the annual advocacy exercise of stopping impending payment cuts.
06/02/2022
Reduce Clinician Burnout and Improve Well-Being with People-First Leadership
June 2, 2022 – From our partners at TDC: Solving burnout issues requires respectful, humble leaders who have the tenacity to change systems and can deliver the solutions that healthcare workers need to thrive.
05/24/2022
Member Q&A with Tyler J. Campbell, MD
March 24, 2022
05/23/2022
Ohio’s Practice Transformation Initiative: Impact Highlights!
May 23, 2022 – Physician well-being is a key priority for OSMA, and we have been proud to administer the AMA Practice Transformation Initiative since 2020 with two of our member practices. We recently connected with Dr. Maria Courser from Mount Carmel Medical Group, and Dr. Chloe Sidley from Emergency Services, Inc., who shared their experiences and how being part of this program is impacting their organization.
05/19/2022
Federal Advocacy Update
May 19, 2022 – OSMA continues to monitor and advocate at the federal level this month. Recent updates include details about Medicare Advantage Plans wrongly denying prior authorization requests, and momentum continuing for the federal Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.
05/19/2022
OSMA's State Legislative Update
May 19, 2022 – As the summer recess approaches, the Ohio Legislature is bustling with activity. OSMA’s advocacy team has been on-hand to work with elected officials regarding several major topics in the past few weeks, including the following items...
05/19/2022
May's Medical Board Meeting Recap
May 19, 2022 – Rules and issues to watch from the May 11th meeting include Interstate Medical License Compact, Telehealth Rules, and Medical Marijuana.
05/18/2022
Statewide CARE Service Announced to Support Mental & Emotional Well-Being of Ohio’s Healthcare Workforce
May 18, 2022 – PRESS RELEASE: Ohio State Medical Association announces free, anonymous tool available to all Ohio healthcare workers.
05/10/2022
OSMA Foundation Awards 6 Summer Scholars Stipends
May 10, 2022 - The Foundation's April reception was an opportunity to meet and celebrate our first cohort of Summer Scholars. Read on for more information about these bright medical students and how the OSMA Foundation Summer Scholars program is helping them pursue summer research and clinical opportunities to advance public health.
05/05/2022
Analysis of Cerebrovascular Accidents and Malpractice Claims
May 5, 2022 – From our partners at TDC: Because a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) can happen in any healthcare setting, it is imperative that all healthcare providers and staff have the ability to spot the signs and symptoms promptly. Timely diagnosis and treatment can minimize injury severity and improve patient outcomes.
04/28/2022
Ohio Medicaid Revises Schedule on Implementation of Major Program Changes
April 28, 2022 – Rather than launch several new programs and administrative changes on July 1, Ohio Medicaid will start OhioRISE as previously scheduled, but stagger the remaining updates to “to ensure smooth member and provider transitions.” Medicaid provided the following details regarding the timeline.
04/26/2022
Introducing OSMA’s New President: A Q&A with Brian Santin, MD
April 26, 2022 – We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Santin as our new President, and we thank Dr. Lisa B. Egbert who tactfully completed her term. Read on to learn more about Dr. Santin, his medical career, and his vision for leading OSMA.
04/21/2022
Federal Surprise Billing Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Portal Now Active
April 21, 2022 – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that the Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) portal, which allows providers to initiate the IDR process under the No Surprises Act, is now active. Read on to learn more here and get the Ohio specifics as well.
04/21/2022
OSMA Gives Annual Awards
April 21, 2022 – The following individuals were honored at this year’s OSMA Annual Meeting for being the OSMA Physician Advocate of the Year, OSMAPAC Donor of the Year, and Voice of Medicine.
04/21/2022
April's Medical Board Meeting Recap
April 21, 2022 – See summaries from the April 13th meeting, including an interstate medical license compact update, the weight loss prescribing rule, and other rules to watch.
04/13/2022
Last Chance to File Your Provider Relief Report
April 12, 2022 – The OSMA received the following communication from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. If you received provider relief payments from HHS during the pandemic and have yet to submit the required reports, please review and take action now. The final deadline is April 22.
04/05/2022
Physician Guide for Keeping Your Practice Open
April 5, 2022 – The American Medical Association (AMA) is excited to announce the release of one of our most valuable private practice resources, the revised Physician Guide for Keeping Your Practice Open, which includes updated information to help physicians implement policies around staff and patient vaccines, as well as advice to address staff burnout and workforce shortages.
04/05/2022
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster: Communications Toolkit Now Available from ODH
April 5, 2022 – The CDC announced that certain immunocompromised individuals and people over the age of 50 who received an initial booster dose at least 4 months ago are now eligible for another mRNA booster to increase their protection against severe disease from COVID-19. The Ohio Department of Health has created a COVID-19 vaccine booster communications tool kit for physician uses.
04/04/2022
Tackling Trial Delays, Social Inflation, and Skeptical Jurors in a Pandemic World
April 4, 2022 – From our partners at TDC: More than one in three U.S. physicians will face a medical malpractice lawsuit in their careers. Healthcare providers may benefit from staying versed in key shifts in medical malpractice litigation.
03/29/2022
National Doctors’ Day: A Letter of Thanks to our Leaders Dr. Armstrong and Dr. Egbert
March 29, 2022 – This year, as we celebrate National Doctors’ Day on March 30, we’d like to take a moment to say a special thank you to Dr. Anthony Armstrong and Dr. Lisa Egbert for their tireless and courageous leadership of OSMA over the past two years.
02/16/2022
Member Q&A with John A. Bastulli, MD
February 16, 2022
01/24/2022
Council Q&A with Shannon C. Trotter, DO
January 24, 2022
12/20/2021
Member Q&A with Jeffrey R. Leipzig, MD
December 20, 2021
11/22/2021
Council Q&A with John R. Corker, MD, FACEP
November 22, 2021
10/14/2021
Council Q&A with Gregory Surfield, MD, FACS
October 13, 2021
09/07/2021
Council Q&A with Michelle Knopp, MD
September 7, 2021
08/24/2021
Council Q&A with Mary LaPlante, MD, FACOG
August 24, 2021
07/28/2021
Council Q&A with Mary LaPlante, MD, FACOG
July 28, 2021
04/23/2021
Introducing OSMA’s New President: A Q&A with Lisa Egbert, MD
April 23, 2021 – We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Egbert as our new President, and we thank Dr. Anthony Armstrong who skillfully completed his term. Read on to learn more about Dr. Egbert, her medical career, and her vision for leading OSMA.
02/11/2021
Health Equity Q&A with OSMA President Anthony Armstrong, MD
February 11, 2021 - The COVID-19 pandemic and elevated conversations about racial justice have brought the issue of healthcare equity to the forefront for healthcare professionals everywhere. As we support members in 2021, we’re pleased to share thoughts from OSMA President Anthony Armstrong, MD on health equity and what this means for Ohio physicians.
03/31/2020
State Issues Order for Weekly Ventilator Equipment Inventory Reporting
March 31, 2020 - Ohio Department of Health Director, Amy Acton, MD, issued an order requiring all entities with ventilators to report their inventory by no later than 5:00 p.m. each Wednesday beginning April 1, 2020 until further notice.
08/01/2019
Ohio Physicians Give Feedback on Medicaid Managed Care Program
Many of our members provide daily patient care to Ohio’s Medicaid population and thus are uniquely qualified to provide meaningful information to assist the Ohio Department of Medicaid in its upcoming competitive Medicaid managed care procurement process. The comments we received from our members generally centered on areas where improvement is most desired, including plan accountability, grievances and appeals, provider support, benefits and delivery, and care coordination and management.
07/23/2019
Wrap Up: Ohio Delegation to the American Medical Association
Your OSMA Delegation to the AMA worked diligently on behalf of Ohio physicians during the recent 2019 Annual Meeting in Chicago. Ohio resolutions were carried forward and either adopted as new policy or committed the AMA to continue existing policy for another ten years.
07/18/2019
Ohio Budget Process Complete
The OSMA Government Relations team has been engaging with legislators on health care-related budget items since the governor’s initial proposal was released, and has been following and participating in the ongoing debates about a number of health policy decisions.
07/18/2019
Terminating Patient Relationships
Just as it is an acceptable and reasonable practice to screen incoming patients, it is acceptable and reasonable to know when to end patient relationships that are no longer therapeutic. It is critical, however, to end the patient relationship in a manner that will not lead to claims of discrimination or abandonment.
07/18/2019
Ohio Physician Wellness Coalition Offers Online CME Courses
The Ohio Physician Wellness Coalition (OPWC), which represents Ohio physicians and hospitals and focuses on addressing physician burnout, launched six videos in its continuing medical education (CME) wellness video series.
07/18/2019
Training Managers Who Walk the Walk
Identifying and training role models in your business or practice is key to creating a positive, productive work environment. Which managers should you cultivate as role models to lead your organization?
06/06/2019
New Pain Management Toolkit Available
A new state toolkit designed to assist primary care doctors who prescribe opioids will be released this month by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).
06/06/2019
The $4.6 Billion Price Tag of Physician Burnout
To put a price on burnout, the study authors culled data from recent research findings and reports — including direct or inferred findings on doctors cutting back on hours or quitting as a result of burnout.
05/16/2019
Ohio’s Health Value Needs to be Better Now
Ohio is ranked 46 out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia according to the 2019 Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) Health Value Dashboard—landing the Buckeye state in the bottom quartile.
04/25/2019
Concerns about U.S. Measles Outbreak
A recent poll by The Doctors Company received 9,459 responses to the question: How concerned are you as a healthcare provider about the recent U.S. measles outbreak?
04/25/2019
Hiring Friends and Family at the Office Is a Bad Idea
If your sister is pressuring you to hire your nephew for that much-coveted summer internship position so he can get his “foot in the door,” don’t give in to temptation.
03/28/2019
The 3-Minute Guide to Creating a Modern Website
How to Go Beyond an Online Business Card and Build an Effective Online Presence...
03/28/2019
Dollars & Sense: The State Budget
Earlier this week, the state budget became a bill on Capitol Hill—or at least on Capitol Square in Columbus, Ohio. The OSMA has completed an initial review of the bill language...
03/28/2019
On-Demand Care for YOU
As part of its commitment to the well-being of all physicians in the state of Ohio, the OSMA Physician Well-Being Committee recently launched an online hub...
03/14/2019
Oxycon"tained" Again in 2018
Pharmacy Board Releases Compelling OARRS Data... This week, the State of Ohio Pharmacy Board reported that the number of opioids dispensed to Ohioans dropped by 325 million from 2012 or 2018.
02/28/2019
OSMA Goes to Washington
Earlier this month, several OSMA members along with the OSMA Government Relations staff traveled to Washington DC to meet with members of Congress to discuss how existing laws are affecting patients and practices.
02/28/2019
Lions, and Tigers and Boards, Oh My!
Vision for the Future Commission released its final report to the American Board of Medical Specialties Board of Directors early this month.
02/28/2019
This Bud’s for You (or Your Patients)
Within the first month that the medical marijuana program was running in the state of Ohio, nearly $1M in sales were recorded, but questions remain.
02/27/2019
Take Control of Rising Healthcare Costs
The OSMA understands the struggles to maintain an independent practice. This is one reason why the OSMA decided to offer an OSMA managed, self-funded health care plan.
02/15/2019
2019 OSMA Annual Meeting—Resolutions Posted
All resolutions received by the Wednesday, February 6th deadline have been posted to the website so you can start to review them. We will post background information as we receive it.
02/14/2019
Despite 21% Decrease in Overdose Deaths, Ohio Still Has Work to Do
According to a recent CDC report, Ohio saw a significant decrease – 21.4% - in overdose fatalities in July 2017 through June 2018; second in the nation only to Washington DC, which saw a 24.2% decrease.
02/14/2019
What is the OSMA Doing for You?
With a new governor in office and Ohio legislators back at the Statehouse, the OSMA is putting our advocacy agenda—based on the priorities of our members—in motion.
01/10/2019
Make Sure to Do your Annual HR Check Up
Now that 2019 is underway, it is essential that you make sure your company is in compliance with state and federal regulatory updates.
01/10/2019
OSMA Insurance Agency Announces 2019 Average Rate Renewal of only 2.9 Percent
Physician practices participating in the OSMA’s Health Benefits Plan (HBP) will see another year of rate increases averaging single digits. Renewal increases for 2019 will average 2.9%. This increase, along with plan increases over the past three years, show a four-year average of 4.5%. Significantly below the national averages.
01/08/2019
Ohio’s Lame Duck Legislative Session 2018 – What Happened & What You Should Know
The final months of 2018 were a whirlwind beyond the usual frenzied legislative activity of “lame duck” – with Ohio’s legislators staying in session until just days before the Christmas holiday, and returning for more action just days after. This scenario is extremely rare and hasn’t happened in Ohio’s legislature to this extent in decades.
01/03/2019
Physician Well-Being: The Real 5th Vital Sign
"The reason we should care about burnout is because it has the potential for serious consequences on the quality of patient care and safety, patient satisfaction, professionalism, physicians’ own care and safety, and the viability of the health care system..."
12/06/2018
Ohio Medical Marijuana Patient Registry Opens: What it Means for Doctors
The amount of product will be extremely limited, as growers and dispensaries come online throughout 2019.
Education
03/16/2023
MIPS Value Pathways – Newest Reporting Option for 2023
March 16, 2023 – Starting this year, your practice now has a third option for the Merit Based Incentive Payment System Reporting (MIPS).
03/05/2023
Ohio Department of Medicaid Updates on Next Generation Program Transition
March 5, 2023 – As we have been informing members since late last year, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) transitioned significant parts of its programming on Feb. 1 – this included a new electronic data exchange and fiscal intermediary as well as some new managed care organizations. ODM has provided this update on some key elements of the program and some issues that are currently being resolved.
03/01/2023
Summary of New ODM Initiatives Launched February 1
March 1, 2023 – One month ago Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) launched the Next Generation managed care plans, new Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and Fiscal Intermediary (FI). These initiatives provide an enhanced and personalized healthcare experience for ODM members with more transparency and visibility of care and services for providers. Here are some reminders...
02/01/2023
Free Health Information Training & Certification
February 1, 2023 – Through Professional Association of Health Care Office Management’s (PAHCOM) partnership with CommHIT, PAHCOM is able to provide FREE HIT training to current and aspiring practice managers through a U.S. Department of Labor grant dedicated to expanding the technology workforce nationally.
12/18/2022
Reminder: 2022 MIPS Extreme & Uncontrollable Circumstances Exception Applications
December 18, 2022 – The American Medical Association (AMA) sent OSMA the following communication to remind members about an important MIPS deadline and advocacy efforts to extend opportunities for filing.
10/13/2022
Prescribing Reminders from the Pharmacy Board
Oct 13, 2022 – We've compiled updates regarding the go-live date for OARRS Provider Authorization, required OARRS reviews, and National Prescription Drug Take Back Day coming up on October 29, 2022.
10/04/2022
Information Blocking: New Requirements Taking Effect
Oct 4, 2022 – Starting October 6, 2022, the definition of electronic health information (EHI) in the Cures Act expands beyond the EHI data classes listed below to include electronic protected health information (ePHI) as defined by HIPAA.
10/04/2022
HIPAA and Cybersecurity: Five Basic Questions Every Healthcare Organization Should Ask Itself Today
Oct 4, 2022 – Every physician practice and healthcare organization is a target for cybercriminals. No business is too small. When these events occur, it is important to take prompt and meaningful action to help mitigate legal, financial and reputation risk.
09/26/2022
Registration Open for Provider Network Management (PNM) Training
Sept 26, 2022 –The Ohio Department of Medicaid sent out the below information to ensure physician practices are aware of training opportunities related to major changes happening this fall.
09/22/2022
What Surgeons Should know About the Supervision of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists in Ohio
Sept 22, 2022 – On September 14, Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins ruled that the state Constitution might protect the right to an abortion in Ohio, meaning temporarily, that Ohio’s law returns to 22 weeks as it was prior to the implementation of Ohio’s Heart Beat bill earlier this summer. The judge has now indicated further plans...
09/21/2022
Update on Legal Action Related to Ohio’s Six-Week Abortion Ban
Sept 21, 2022 – On September 14, Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins ruled that the state Constitution might protect the right to an abortion in Ohio, meaning temporarily, that Ohio’s law returns to 22 weeks as it was prior to the implementation of Ohio’s Heartbeat Bill earlier this summer. The judge has now indicated further plans...
09/20/2022
AMA Report: Disturbing Trends on Overdose Deaths Requires Specific Actions, All-Hands Approach
Sept 20, 2022 – With a report issued on September 8 detailing the horrific toll of the nation’s overdose and death epidemic, the American Medical Association (AMA) calls for an all-hands approach—policymakers, public health experts, educators, faith leaders, and employers—to help save lives.
09/20/2022
Prepare for E/M Changes for 2023
Sept 19, 2022 – In 2021, the E/M office-visit and outpatient codes changed significantly. Effective Jan. 1, 2023 we will again see major changes to E/M, this time in the following areas.
09/13/2022
Register for our Advocacy Boot Camp for Physicians on Oct. 6!
Sept 13, 2022 – Plan to attend this virtual event to address what we hear from physicians every week...how to become more involved in the advocacy process.
08/18/2022
Preparing for Ohio Department of Medicaid Next Generation of Managed Care
Aug 17, 2022 – The Provider Network Management (PNM) pre-registration tool is available from Aug. 15 until Sept. 23 and will ease the transition and prevent disruptions to system access for providers ahead of the go-live on Oct. 1.
07/14/2022
Guidance on Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Implementation
July 14, 2022 – The State Medical Board of Ohio provided guidance this week regarding the rollout of Ohio’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Implementation date is scheduled for August 2.
07/14/2022
CMS Clarifies EMTALA Requirements Preempt State Laws
July 14, 2022 – Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Becerra sent a letter to all hospitals and health care providers reminding them of their obligation to comply with Emergency medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA).
06/02/2022
COVID-19 Treatments & Testing: What to Know
June 2, 2022 – A variety of resources and education are available at the state and federal level to help assess the current science, understand the availability and access to testing and treatments, and learn how to better educate patients.
05/23/2022
Ohio’s Practice Transformation Initiative: Impact Highlights!
May 23, 2022 – Physician well-being is a key priority for OSMA, and we have been proud to administer the AMA Practice Transformation Initiative since 2020 with two of our member practices. We recently connected with Dr. Maria Courser from Mount Carmel Medical Group, and Dr. Chloe Sidley from Emergency Services, Inc., who shared their experiences and how being part of this program is impacting their organization.
04/28/2022
Ohio Medicaid Revises Schedule on Implementation of Major Program Changes
April 28, 2022 – Rather than launch several new programs and administrative changes on July 1, Ohio Medicaid will start OhioRISE as previously scheduled, but stagger the remaining updates to “to ensure smooth member and provider transitions.” Medicaid provided the following details regarding the timeline.
04/26/2022
Introducing OSMA’s New President: A Q&A with Brian Santin, MD
April 26, 2022 – We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Santin as our new President, and we thank Dr. Lisa B. Egbert who tactfully completed her term. Read on to learn more about Dr. Santin, his medical career, and his vision for leading OSMA.
04/23/2021
Introducing OSMA’s New President: A Q&A with Lisa Egbert, MD
April 23, 2021 – We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Egbert as our new President, and we thank Dr. Anthony Armstrong who skillfully completed his term. Read on to learn more about Dr. Egbert, her medical career, and her vision for leading OSMA.
07/18/2019
Ohio Physician Wellness Coalition Offers Online CME Courses
The Ohio Physician Wellness Coalition (OPWC), which represents Ohio physicians and hospitals and focuses on addressing physician burnout, launched six videos in its continuing medical education (CME) wellness video series.
06/06/2019
New Pain Management Toolkit Available
A new state toolkit designed to assist primary care doctors who prescribe opioids will be released this month by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).
03/28/2019
The 3-Minute Guide to Creating a Modern Website
How to Go Beyond an Online Business Card and Build an Effective Online Presence...
03/28/2019
On-Demand Care for YOU
As part of its commitment to the well-being of all physicians in the state of Ohio, the OSMA Physician Well-Being Committee recently launched an online hub...
03/14/2019
Oxycon"tained" Again in 2018
Pharmacy Board Releases Compelling OARRS Data... This week, the State of Ohio Pharmacy Board reported that the number of opioids dispensed to Ohioans dropped by 325 million from 2012 or 2018.
02/28/2019
Lions, and Tigers and Boards, Oh My!
Vision for the Future Commission released its final report to the American Board of Medical Specialties Board of Directors early this month.
02/28/2019
This Bud’s for You (or Your Patients)
Within the first month that the medical marijuana program was running in the state of Ohio, nearly $1M in sales were recorded, but questions remain.
Legislative & Regulatory
03/23/2023
OSMA Comments on Federal Prior Authorization Rules
March 23, 2023 – Prior Authorization reform is OSMA’s top advocacy issue in 2023 and 2024. In addition to advocating for major legislative reforms at the state level that will impact commercial and Medicaid plans, we have also been involved in initiatives at the federal level that will impact Medicare advantage plans.
03/02/2023
OSMA Needs Your Help—New Prior Authorization Legislation to Be Introduced
March 2, 2023 – The goal of this legislation, which will be sponsored by Rep. Kevin Miller (R-Newark), is to create a “gold card” system for prior authorization, giving physicians a way to “earn” their way out of prior authorization requirements by demonstrating a high prior authorization success rate. Similar legislation was recently passed and enacted in the state of Texas.
02/20/2023
Public Health Emergency Expiration—Reminders
February 20, 2023 – It has been announced that the PHE will be extended through May 11, at which point it will permanently expire, marking the end of PHE extensions. Because the PHE has been in place for nearly three years, it can be difficult to remember which rules existed before then, and which have been temporary. Here are a few highlights of what is expected to change.
02/16/2023
OSMA Physicians & Staff Advocate for Medicare Funding & Prior Authorization Reform in D.C.
February 16, 2023 – Several OSMA physicians joined your OSMA Government Relations team in D.C. to participate in the American Medical Association’s National Advocacy Conference (NAC).
02/16/2023
Ohio’s New Telehealth Rules Effective Feb. 28—What to Know
February 16, 2023 – Physicians across Ohio have continued to embrace remote healthcare services. After a lengthy rule promulgation process, including our member feedback and input from OSMA, the Board has finalized new telehealth rules, which will become effective this month.
02/15/2023
OSMA Joins National Effort to Reform Prior Authorization in Medicare Advantage Plans
February 15, 2023 – While we focus on prior authorization reform in Ohio that will impact commercial and Medicaid plans, Medicare Advantage plans are regulated federally and therefore reforms must occur through congressional legislative action or rulemaking by CMS. In the letter, we urged CMS to focus on the following...
01/26/2023
OSMA's Top Advocacy Priorities for 2023
January 26, 2023 – We anticipate several familiar issues to remain major OSMA advocacy priorities this year, and are always monitoring the legislative and regulatory spaces for new and emerging topics that arise throughout the year. Here’s our current advocacy forecast...
01/25/2023
FTC Releases Draft Rule Regarding Non-Compete Agreements
January 25, 2023 – The rule applies to all existing and future non-compete agreements between employers and employees. It also includes non-competes with independent contractors. It would nullify nearly every non-compete agreement for our physician owned practices and prohibit those going forward.
01/02/2023
HHS Proposes to Standardize Electronic Health Care Attachments Transactions & Electronic Signature Process
January 2, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the following information on Dec. 19 along with a fact sheet and full press release.
12/21/2022
OSMA Joins Public Health Advocates Urging the Governor to Veto H.B. 513
December 21, 2022 – H.B. 513 passed in the Ohio legislature last week, which would remove all local control over tobacco policies including implementing local tobacco retail licensure programs, conducting local compliance to ensure retailers are not selling to kids, and furthering policies to end the sale of flavored tobacco products.
12/15/2022
Lame Duck Legislative Update
December 15, 2022 – OSMA is proud to represent you and advocate on your behalf. Your OSMA Advocacy team has experienced a whirlwind of activity at the Statehouse after the election, and has been carefully monitoring what has happened during the lame duck legislative session.
12/15/2022
OSMA Continues Advocacy Push to Avert 4.5% Cut to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
December 15, 2022 – Last week, OSMA joined the AMA—and every other state medical society in the country—signing a letter to Congress urging them to take action before the end of the year to avert the projected 4.5% cut to the 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
12/13/2022
Recent Legal Actions to Note
December 13, 2022 – OSMA joined the Ohio Hospital Association in filing an amicus brief in the Ohio Supreme Court to support the decision of Ohio’s 10th District Court of Appeals that when a medical malpractice claim is barred by Ohio’s statute of repose, that any loss of consortium claim arising out of that malpractice claim is also barred.
11/10/2022
OSMA’s 2022 Midterm General Election Recap
November 10, 2022 – After a whirlwind midterm election day, millions of Ohio voters have made their voices heard. Overall, the candidates endorsed by the Ohio State Medical Association Political Action Committee (OSMAPAC) prevailed in the majority of races for various statewide offices. Ohio also set a record as far as early and absentee voting in a midterm election - a total of 1,392,767 votes were cast through either in-person early voting or returned absentee ballots as of the end of early voting on Monday.
11/10/2022
OSMA Joins AMA, Other Organizations in Opposition to Federal Allied Practitioner Scope of Practice Legislation
November 10, 2022 – OSMA was among dozens of national and state medical societies and associations that signed an opposition letter, expressing concerns that this bill would negatively impact the quality of care received by Medicare and Medicaid patients.
10/26/2022
Sean McCullough Joins OSMA Advocacy Team, Monica Hueckel Promoted
October 26, 2022 – Sean joins our team as our new Director of Policy and Legal Counsel. OSMA has also promoted Monica Hueckel, who has been with OSMA for more than eight years, to the role of Vice President of Advocacy.
10/20/2022
Ohio Medicaid Changes Coming: Important Updates & Training Reminders
October 20, 2022 – The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) is in the process of major administrative and program updates and changes. Many of these will directly impact physician practices. Earlier this week, ODM provided the following information and training opportunities to ensure you are up-to-date on what you need to do and know.
10/20/2022
Advocacy Update: Election Day is Approaching—and Know What’s in Store for the Rest of 2022
October 20, 2022 – Early voting began last week for the upcoming general election on Tuesday, November 8. Many important races will feature on your Ohio ballot this year, including decisions for U.S. Senate, Congress, state House and Senate and Ohio Supreme Court. Additionally, Ohioans will elect candidates for the offices of governor, attorney general, and secretary of state.
10/19/2022
October's Medical Board Meeting Recap
October 19, 2022 – At its regularly scheduled Board meeting on October 12, the Board adopted three additional offenses to its list of disqualifying offenses for application for licensure.
09/27/2022
Key Federal Legislation Update: Take Action
Sept 27, 2022 – OSMA wants to ensure Ohio physicians are aware of the following pending issues in Congress, which are highly impactful to the practice of medicine. Physicians are encouraged to reach out to their elected officials in D.C. to urge support for these federal legislative proposals using these provided links.
09/21/2022
Update on Legal Action Related to Ohio’s Six-Week Abortion Ban
Sept 21, 2022 – On September 14, Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins ruled that the state Constitution might protect the right to an abortion in Ohio, meaning temporarily, that Ohio’s law returns to 22 weeks as it was prior to the implementation of Ohio’s Heartbeat Bill earlier this summer. The judge has now indicated further plans...
09/13/2022
Register for our Advocacy Boot Camp for Physicians on Oct. 6!
Sept 13, 2022 – Plan to attend this virtual event to address what we hear from physicians every week...how to become more involved in the advocacy process.
08/24/2022
CMS Releases Revised Surprise Billing Rules & Clarifies Processes
Aug 24, 2022 – On August 19, CMS announced several updates to the federal No Surprises Act implementation. These rules relate to those covered by insurance plans regulated by the federal government.
08/04/2022
Advocacy Update: Responding to Legislative Initiatives Resulting from Supreme Court Decision on Abortion
Aug 4, 2022 – Our Government Relations team and OSMA leadership wanted to reaffirm for you that OSMA is focusing our efforts on legislative initiatives that are currently pending (or may be forthcoming in the future) as a result of the Dobbs decision.
08/02/2022
Reminder: Electronic Prescriptions
Aug 2, 2022 – Effective September 21, schedule II controlled substances must be dispensed upon an electronic prescription. Exceptions for oral or written prescriptions are permitted in the following circumstances.
07/21/2022
Webinar on Advocating for Reforms to Medicare Physician Payment
July 21, 2022 – Last month OSMA informed members about a coalition of more than 120 state medical and national specialty societies to define and develop goals to reform Medicare physician payment. Join AMA's upcoming webinar on Wednesday, July 27 to review what the coalition will be calling on Congress to do to improve the Medicare physician payment system.
07/20/2022
Reminder: CTR physician survey requirement
July 20, 2022 – To remain in compliance with Ohio law, physicians with a CTR must respond to the 2022 survey even if they have not made any recommendations. All responses must be received by July 31, 2022.
07/14/2022
Guidance on Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Implementation
July 14, 2022 – The State Medical Board of Ohio provided guidance this week regarding the rollout of Ohio’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Implementation date is scheduled for August 2.
07/14/2022
CMS Clarifies EMTALA Requirements Preempt State Laws
July 14, 2022 – Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Becerra sent a letter to all hospitals and health care providers reminding them of their obligation to comply with Emergency medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA).
07/13/2022
New Opportunities for Member Participation
July 13, 2022 – We are often asked by our OSMA members how they can individually become more involved in OSMA and impact health policy in Ohio. In response, we have recently revised and expanded ways to participate.
06/28/2022
OSMA Major Insurance Reform Initiative
The OSMA advocacy team has spent more than a year preparing to embark on a major legislative initiative dealing with the continued issues Ohio physicians are facing related to prior authorization. The “prior authorization gold card” legislation will further streamline the prior authorization process and remove some of these “roadblocks” so physicians and medical staff can focus more on patient care. OSMA is excited about this endeavor and we will need continued physician input and participation as this process kicks off and gets underway.
06/23/2022
AMA Celebrates 175 Years
June 22, 2022 – Our national partner contributing to OSMA's success, the American Medical Association (AMA), marked their 175th anniversary of its founding in May 2022.
06/14/2022
OSMA's Ohio Legislature Update
June 14, 2022 – The Ohio Legislature has recessed for the summer, but the last several weeks of hearings and session were quite busy for OSMA’s Advocacy team. OSMA has been actively advocating on behalf of Ohio physicians in ongoing deliberations regarding several issues, most recently including the following...
06/14/2022
June's Medical Board Meeting Recap
June 14, 2022 – Get the updates from the regularly scheduled Board meeting on June 8, including issues concerning proposed telehealth rules and the Medical Marijuana Expert Review's recent recommendation.
06/13/2022
Amicus Brief Filed on Federal PREP Act
June 13, 2022 – OSMA, along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Medical Association (AMA), is participating in an amicus brief in the federal Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals on the question of whether the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (the PREP Act) provides immunity from liability in a wrongful death claim against an assisted living facility for failing to take appropriate countermeasures during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
06/02/2022
OSMA Joins National Coalition to Develop Characteristics of a Rational Medicare Physician Payment System
June 2, 2022 – More than 120 other medical organizations have also endorsed a framework for Medicare payment reform. This is an early step in the efforts to develop consensus on policy recommendations that will reshape the payment system to work better for patients and physicians—and hopefully end the annual advocacy exercise of stopping impending payment cuts.
05/19/2022
Federal Advocacy Update
May 19, 2022 – OSMA continues to monitor and advocate at the federal level this month. Recent updates include details about Medicare Advantage Plans wrongly denying prior authorization requests, and momentum continuing for the federal Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.
05/19/2022
OSMA's State Legislative Update
May 19, 2022 – As the summer recess approaches, the Ohio Legislature is bustling with activity. OSMA’s advocacy team has been on-hand to work with elected officials regarding several major topics in the past few weeks, including the following items...
05/19/2022
May's Medical Board Meeting Recap
May 19, 2022 – Rules and issues to watch from the May 11th meeting include Interstate Medical License Compact, Telehealth Rules, and Medical Marijuana.
04/28/2022
Ohio Medicaid Revises Schedule on Implementation of Major Program Changes
April 28, 2022 – Rather than launch several new programs and administrative changes on July 1, Ohio Medicaid will start OhioRISE as previously scheduled, but stagger the remaining updates to “to ensure smooth member and provider transitions.” Medicaid provided the following details regarding the timeline.
04/26/2022
Introducing OSMA’s New President: A Q&A with Brian Santin, MD
April 26, 2022 – We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Santin as our new President, and we thank Dr. Lisa B. Egbert who tactfully completed her term. Read on to learn more about Dr. Santin, his medical career, and his vision for leading OSMA.
04/21/2022
Federal Surprise Billing Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Portal Now Active
April 21, 2022 – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that the Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) portal, which allows providers to initiate the IDR process under the No Surprises Act, is now active. Read on to learn more here and get the Ohio specifics as well.
04/21/2022
OSMA Gives Annual Awards
April 21, 2022 – The following individuals were honored at this year’s OSMA Annual Meeting for being the OSMA Physician Advocate of the Year, OSMAPAC Donor of the Year, and Voice of Medicine.
04/21/2022
April's Medical Board Meeting Recap
April 21, 2022 – See summaries from the April 13th meeting, including an interstate medical license compact update, the weight loss prescribing rule, and other rules to watch.
04/23/2021
Introducing OSMA’s New President: A Q&A with Lisa Egbert, MD
April 23, 2021 – We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Egbert as our new President, and we thank Dr. Anthony Armstrong who skillfully completed his term. Read on to learn more about Dr. Egbert, her medical career, and her vision for leading OSMA.
02/11/2021
Health Equity Q&A with OSMA President Anthony Armstrong, MD
February 11, 2021 - The COVID-19 pandemic and elevated conversations about racial justice have brought the issue of healthcare equity to the forefront for healthcare professionals everywhere. As we support members in 2021, we’re pleased to share thoughts from OSMA President Anthony Armstrong, MD on health equity and what this means for Ohio physicians.
08/01/2019
Ohio Physicians Give Feedback on Medicaid Managed Care Program
Many of our members provide daily patient care to Ohio’s Medicaid population and thus are uniquely qualified to provide meaningful information to assist the Ohio Department of Medicaid in its upcoming competitive Medicaid managed care procurement process. The comments we received from our members generally centered on areas where improvement is most desired, including plan accountability, grievances and appeals, provider support, benefits and delivery, and care coordination and management.
07/23/2019
Wrap Up: Ohio Delegation to the American Medical Association
Your OSMA Delegation to the AMA worked diligently on behalf of Ohio physicians during the recent 2019 Annual Meeting in Chicago. Ohio resolutions were carried forward and either adopted as new policy or committed the AMA to continue existing policy for another ten years.
07/18/2019
Ohio Budget Process Complete
The OSMA Government Relations team has been engaging with legislators on health care-related budget items since the governor’s initial proposal was released, and has been following and participating in the ongoing debates about a number of health policy decisions.
03/28/2019
Dollars & Sense: The State Budget
Earlier this week, the state budget became a bill on Capitol Hill—or at least on Capitol Square in Columbus, Ohio. The OSMA has completed an initial review of the bill language...
02/28/2019
OSMA Goes to Washington
Earlier this month, several OSMA members along with the OSMA Government Relations staff traveled to Washington DC to meet with members of Congress to discuss how existing laws are affecting patients and practices.
02/14/2019
What is the OSMA Doing for You?
With a new governor in office and Ohio legislators back at the Statehouse, the OSMA is putting our advocacy agenda—based on the priorities of our members—in motion.
01/08/2019
Ohio’s Lame Duck Legislative Session 2018 – What Happened & What You Should Know
The final months of 2018 were a whirlwind beyond the usual frenzied legislative activity of “lame duck” – with Ohio’s legislators staying in session until just days before the Christmas holiday, and returning for more action just days after. This scenario is extremely rare and hasn’t happened in Ohio’s legislature to this extent in decades.
Member News
03/23/2023
OSMA Comments on Federal Prior Authorization Rules
March 23, 2023 – Prior Authorization reform is OSMA’s top advocacy issue in 2023 and 2024. In addition to advocating for major legislative reforms at the state level that will impact commercial and Medicaid plans, we have also been involved in initiatives at the federal level that will impact Medicare advantage plans.
03/21/2023
Women's History Month: What being a female physician means to Dr. Lisa Egbert
March 21, 2023 – March is Women’s History Month, and there are countless women trailblazers in medicine to celebrate. Women like Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first female doctor in the U.S.; Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black woman doctor; Dr. Virginia Apgar, the physician who developed the Apgar score; and Dr. Gerty Cori, the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in medicine. OSMA is proud of the strides made by women in medicine.
03/16/2023
MIPS Value Pathways – Newest Reporting Option for 2023
March 16, 2023 – Starting this year, your practice now has a third option for the Merit Based Incentive Payment System Reporting (MIPS).
03/15/2023
Key Factors in a Deposition: What Healthcare Professionals Can Expect
March 15, 2023 – Depositions are conducted under oath in a verbal question-and-answer format by counsel for all of the parties to the proceeding. Although the deponent (that is, the person being questioned) is often a participant to the legal action, more commonly the individual has specific—and possibly unique—knowledge relevant to the case.
03/07/2023
Member Q&A with Jay Williamson, MD
March 7, 2023 – OSMA member leaders work tirelessly on behalf of our members to ensure OSMA is meeting the needs of physicians and responding to the ever-changing healthcare landscape. We’d like to spotlight Dr. Jay Williamson.
03/06/2023
Medical Board Issues Clinical Guidance on East Palestine Train Derailment Clean Up
March 6, 2023 – Earlier this week the State Medical Board of Ohio issued guidance for all physicians and healthcare workers in the region around East Palestine. If you practice in the region or know someone that does, please be sure to review and share this.
03/06/2023
The OSMA Business Credit Card: Helping Members Achieve & Maintain Financial Success
March 6, 2023 – As part of its commitment to supporting the financial success of its members, OSMA has partnered with Mercantile Technologies to create the OSMA Business Credit Card, a credit card built specifically for OSMA members.
03/05/2023
Ohio Department of Medicaid Updates on Next Generation Program Transition
March 5, 2023 – As we have been informing members since late last year, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) transitioned significant parts of its programming on Feb. 1 – this included a new electronic data exchange and fiscal intermediary as well as some new managed care organizations. ODM has provided this update on some key elements of the program and some issues that are currently being resolved.
03/04/2023
Lessons in Preventing Button Battery Injuries
March 4, 2023 – According to a study published in Pediatrics, it is estimated that between 2010 and 2019, more than 70,000 emergency department (ED) visits in the United States were battery related among children under 18 years old.
03/02/2023
OSMA Needs Your Help—New Prior Authorization Legislation to Be Introduced
March 2, 2023 – The goal of this legislation, which will be sponsored by Rep. Kevin Miller (R-Newark), is to create a “gold card” system for prior authorization, giving physicians a way to “earn” their way out of prior authorization requirements by demonstrating a high prior authorization success rate. Similar legislation was recently passed and enacted in the state of Texas.
03/01/2023
Summary of New ODM Initiatives Launched February 1
March 1, 2023 – One month ago Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) launched the Next Generation managed care plans, new Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and Fiscal Intermediary (FI). These initiatives provide an enhanced and personalized healthcare experience for ODM members with more transparency and visibility of care and services for providers. Here are some reminders...
02/21/2023
Student Member Q&A with David Warner
February 21, 2023 – OSMA member leaders work tirelessly on behalf of our members to ensure OSMA is meeting the needs of physicians and responding to the ever-changing healthcare landscape. We’d like to spotlight a student member, David Warner.
02/20/2023
Public Health Emergency Expiration—Reminders
February 20, 2023 – It has been announced that the PHE will be extended through May 11, at which point it will permanently expire, marking the end of PHE extensions. Because the PHE has been in place for nearly three years, it can be difficult to remember which rules existed before then, and which have been temporary. Here are a few highlights of what is expected to change.
02/16/2023
OSMA Physicians & Staff Advocate for Medicare Funding & Prior Authorization Reform in D.C.
February 16, 2023 – Several OSMA physicians joined your OSMA Government Relations team in D.C. to participate in the American Medical Association’s National Advocacy Conference (NAC).
02/15/2023
OSMA Joins National Effort to Reform Prior Authorization in Medicare Advantage Plans
February 15, 2023 – While we focus on prior authorization reform in Ohio that will impact commercial and Medicaid plans, Medicare Advantage plans are regulated federally and therefore reforms must occur through congressional legislative action or rulemaking by CMS. In the letter, we urged CMS to focus on the following...
02/09/2023
Interstate Licensure for Telehealth Can Fuel Practice Growth
February 9, 2023 – When using telehealth to treat patients out of state, most healthcare professionals are mindful about licensure issues. But some are not aware that practicing without a license in a given state is not just malpractice, it is a criminal offense.
02/02/2023
Your Chance to Impact Future MIPS Quality & Cost Measure
February 2, 2023 – CMS Just announced the open period to submit new quality and cost measures to be used in future year MIPS measurement. The process allows clinicians, professional associations, medical societies that represent clinicians, researchers, consumer groups, and others to identify and submit measures by May 19, 2023.
02/02/2023
Healthcare Staffing Shortages: Decrease Practice Risks
February 2, 2023 – With increasing regularity, staffing shortages have adversely impacted the delivery of healthcare and the availability of diagnostic and therapeutic resources. The ongoing scarcity of employees negatively influences the quality and depth of many primary and support roles at every level throughout the healthcare workforce—including physicians, dentists, advanced practice clinicians, allied health professionals, practice assistants, and front- and back-office specialists.
02/01/2023
Don’t Forget Wellness Visits: Components & Documentation Requirements
February 1, 2023 – Medicare covers annual wellness visits (AWVs) that provide important opportunities for health care providers to assess health risks and help patients plan for Medicare preventive services (e.g., vaccinations and screenings for illnesses like cancer or diabetes), which can greatly reduce those risks.
02/01/2023
Free Health Information Training & Certification
February 1, 2023 – Through Professional Association of Health Care Office Management’s (PAHCOM) partnership with CommHIT, PAHCOM is able to provide FREE HIT training to current and aspiring practice managers through a U.S. Department of Labor grant dedicated to expanding the technology workforce nationally.
01/26/2023
OSMA's Top Advocacy Priorities for 2023
January 26, 2023 – We anticipate several familiar issues to remain major OSMA advocacy priorities this year, and are always monitoring the legislative and regulatory spaces for new and emerging topics that arise throughout the year. Here’s our current advocacy forecast...
01/25/2023
Reminder: Medicaid New Programming Launches Feb. 1
January 25, 2023 – Over the last several months, OSMA has provided information to members related to major program changes to the Ohio Medicaid program starting Feb. 1. Ohio Medicaid has provided a one-page overview document for practices to ensure you’re aware of the changes and what you need to do to prepare.
01/25/2023
FTC Releases Draft Rule Regarding Non-Compete Agreements
January 25, 2023 – The rule applies to all existing and future non-compete agreements between employers and employees. It also includes non-competes with independent contractors. It would nullify nearly every non-compete agreement for our physician owned practices and prohibit those going forward.
01/23/2023
Cervical Health Awareness Month—OSMA Experts Share Insights
January 23, 2023 – January is Cervical Health Awareness month, so we asked three OSMA member and experts on women’s health to share their insights on the importance of vaccination, regular screenings and other methods of prevention and care.
01/22/2023
Member Q&A with Christopher Brown, MD
January 22, 2023
01/11/2023
Familiarize with OSMA's Strategic Plan (2023-2025)
January 11, 2023 – The OSMA Council (Board of Directors) met in the summer and again in the fall to update the organization’s three-year strategic plan. Leadership approved five main issues areas to guide the organization’s work the next three years.
01/11/2023
Flu, RSV, or COVID-19? Convergence of Three Viruses Creates Risk of Diagnostic Errors
January 11, 2023 – Understanding the differences between the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 will help prevent misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis when patients present with respiratory symptoms. Learn more from TDC's latest article.
01/03/2023
Important ODM Resources for Feb. 1 Programming Launch
January 3, 2023 – ODM released the following announcement regarding resources for the February 1 launch—including FAQs, training schedule, and the top 8 things to know.
01/02/2023
HHS Proposes to Standardize Electronic Health Care Attachments Transactions & Electronic Signature Process
January 2, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the following information on Dec. 19 along with a fact sheet and full press release.
12/21/2022
OSMA Joins Public Health Advocates Urging the Governor to Veto H.B. 513
December 21, 2022 – H.B. 513 passed in the Ohio legislature last week, which would remove all local control over tobacco policies including implementing local tobacco retail licensure programs, conducting local compliance to ensure retailers are not selling to kids, and furthering policies to end the sale of flavored tobacco products.
12/20/2022
A Time to Give Thanks—OSMA CEO's Closing Point on 2022
December 20, 2022 – During this holiday season, hopefully you have been able or will be enjoying time with family and friends. As I reflect back on 2022, I am proud of the organization’s focus and dedication to the profession and all individual physicians in Ohio.
12/20/2022
Medicaid Announces Start Date for New Fiscal Intermediary—What to Know
December 20, 2022 – After announcing earlier this month the delay of the transition to new Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MCOs) until Feb. 1, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) has now announced the same start date for the new Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Fiscal intermediary (FI). ODM released the following information earlier this week.
12/19/2022
Future of Medicine—Care Management Technology
December 19, 2022 – OSMA continues to monitor new technology and regulations that assist with patient care management. We anticipate the new Ohio telemedicine regulations to be finalized early in 2023 and will update members when they are finalized. Additionally, we are working with vendors to highlight different technologies available to practices and patients. This month we are highlighting DrFirst...
12/18/2022
Reminder: 2022 MIPS Extreme & Uncontrollable Circumstances Exception Applications
December 18, 2022 – The American Medical Association (AMA) sent OSMA the following communication to remind members about an important MIPS deadline and advocacy efforts to extend opportunities for filing.
12/15/2022
Lame Duck Legislative Update
December 15, 2022 – OSMA is proud to represent you and advocate on your behalf. Your OSMA Advocacy team has experienced a whirlwind of activity at the Statehouse after the election, and has been carefully monitoring what has happened during the lame duck legislative session.
12/15/2022
OSMA Continues Advocacy Push to Avert 4.5% Cut to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
December 15, 2022 – Last week, OSMA joined the AMA—and every other state medical society in the country—signing a letter to Congress urging them to take action before the end of the year to avert the projected 4.5% cut to the 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
12/13/2022
Student Member/Leader Q&A with Jass Kaur
December 13, 2022
12/06/2022
2023 Annual Meeting Details
December 6, 2023 – Plan to attend from Friday, April 14 through Sunday, April 16 at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel.
12/06/2022
Members: Feature Your Practice on OSMA Social Media!
December 6, 2023 – If you or your practice would like to be featured on our Facebook and Twitter pages, simply provide OSMA with the following
11/29/2022
Mapping the Perioperative Claims Experience of General Surgeons
November 29, 2022 – Understanding the most common types of complications and the factors that contribute to errors may provide insights for general surgeons about their practice.
11/29/2022
Update from Our Summer Scholar, Megan Sharpe
November 29, 2022 - The Foundation is receiving updates from our 2022 Summer Scholars recipients regarding their progress, their internship experiences, and reflections on what is next in their medical career journey. See what Megan Sharpe is up to!
11/22/2022
Council Q&A with Drs. Bernadette Anderson & Anubhav Mital
November 22, 2022
11/15/2022
What Not to Do: Telehealth Lessons Learned
November 15, 2022 – The rising adoption of telehealth has highlighted the myriad challenges it presents to patients, providers, and healthcare systems. Learn more with TDC's video series.
11/14/2022
Ohio Medicaid Announces Delay in Launch of Fiscal Intermediary & New Managed Care Plans
November 14, 2022 – We have been updating members since early this year regarding major transitions in the administration of the Medicaid program in Ohio. While the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) has moved forward with implementation of OhioRISE, Single Pharmacy Benefit Manager (SPBM) and Centralized Credentialing, there are now delays in other transitions originally scheduled to take place on Dec. 1.
11/14/2022
Staff Spotlight: A Q&A with Sean McCullough, Director, Policy & Legal Counsel
November 14, 2022 – Our OSMA staff works tirelessly on behalf of our members to ensure OSMA is meeting the needs of physicians and responding to the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
11/13/2022
Update from Our Summer Scholar, Noelle Thompson
Nov 13, 2022 - The Foundation is receiving updates from our 2022 Summer Scholars recipients regarding their progress, their internship experiences, and reflections on what is next in their medical career journey. See what Noelle Thompson is up to!
11/10/2022
OSMA’s 2022 Midterm General Election Recap
November 10, 2022 – After a whirlwind midterm election day, millions of Ohio voters have made their voices heard. Overall, the candidates endorsed by the Ohio State Medical Association Political Action Committee (OSMAPAC) prevailed in the majority of races for various statewide offices. Ohio also set a record as far as early and absentee voting in a midterm election - a total of 1,392,767 votes were cast through either in-person early voting or returned absentee ballots as of the end of early voting on Monday.
11/10/2022
OSMA Joins AMA, Other Organizations in Opposition to Federal Allied Practitioner Scope of Practice Legislation
November 10, 2022 – OSMA was among dozens of national and state medical societies and associations that signed an opposition letter, expressing concerns that this bill would negatively impact the quality of care received by Medicare and Medicaid patients.
11/08/2022
Staff Spotlight: A Q&A with Nancy Gillette, General Counsel
November 8, 2022 – Our OSMA staff works tirelessly on behalf of our members to ensure OSMA is meeting the needs of physicians and responding to the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
10/26/2022
Sean McCullough Joins OSMA Advocacy Team, Monica Hueckel Promoted
October 26, 2022 – Sean joins our team as our new Director of Policy and Legal Counsel. OSMA has also promoted Monica Hueckel, who has been with OSMA for more than eight years, to the role of Vice President of Advocacy.
10/20/2022
Ohio Medicaid Changes Coming: Important Updates & Training Reminders
October 20, 2022 – The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) is in the process of major administrative and program updates and changes. Many of these will directly impact physician practices. Earlier this week, ODM provided the following information and training opportunities to ensure you are up-to-date on what you need to do and know.
10/20/2022
Advocacy Update: Election Day is Approaching—and Know What’s in Store for the Rest of 2022
October 20, 2022 – Early voting began last week for the upcoming general election on Tuesday, November 8. Many important races will feature on your Ohio ballot this year, including decisions for U.S. Senate, Congress, state House and Senate and Ohio Supreme Court. Additionally, Ohioans will elect candidates for the offices of governor, attorney general, and secretary of state.
10/19/2022
October's Medical Board Meeting Recap
October 19, 2022 – At its regularly scheduled Board meeting on October 12, the Board adopted three additional offenses to its list of disqualifying offenses for application for licensure.
10/17/2022
Update from Our Summer Scholar, Anirudh Prabu
Oct 17, 2022 - The Foundation is receiving more updates from our 2022 Summer Scholars recipients regarding their progress and their internship experiences. See what Anirudh Prabu has been up to!
10/13/2022
Prescribing Reminders from the Pharmacy Board
Oct 13, 2022 – We've compiled updates regarding the go-live date for OARRS Provider Authorization, required OARRS reviews, and National Prescription Drug Take Back Day coming up on October 29, 2022.
10/11/2022
Foundation Update from Our Chair
Oct 11, 2022 - As we head into the last few months of 2022, I am incredibly proud to reflect upon the work we have done revitalizing the OSMA Foundation this year, making a significant impact in several of our key priority areas.
10/10/2022
Well-Being CARE is Making Headlines
Oct 10, 2022 - Earlier this fall, OSMA President Dr. Brian Santin and OSMA CEO Todd Baker were interviewed by Medical Economics News in an article about physician burnout...
10/09/2022
Checking in with Our Summer Scholars Students...
Oct 9, 2022 - We are so proud of the inaugural cohort of OSMA Foundation Summer Scholars. Here are the latest reflections from a couple of our Summer Scholars about what their experience has meant to them in their medical education.
10/04/2022
Information Blocking: New Requirements Taking Effect
Oct 4, 2022 – Starting October 6, 2022, the definition of electronic health information (EHI) in the Cures Act expands beyond the EHI data classes listed below to include electronic protected health information (ePHI) as defined by HIPAA.
10/04/2022
HIPAA and Cybersecurity: Five Basic Questions Every Healthcare Organization Should Ask Itself Today
Oct 4, 2022 – Every physician practice and healthcare organization is a target for cybercriminals. No business is too small. When these events occur, it is important to take prompt and meaningful action to help mitigate legal, financial and reputation risk.
10/04/2022
Dispensing Sample Medications: Patient Safety Strategies
October 4, 2022 – Dispensing free sample medications to patients is commonplace in medical and dental offices. With safeguards in place, it can contribute to improved clinical results and generate goodwill between the practitioner and the patient.
09/27/2022
Key Federal Legislation Update: Take Action
Sept 27, 2022 – OSMA wants to ensure Ohio physicians are aware of the following pending issues in Congress, which are highly impactful to the practice of medicine. Physicians are encouraged to reach out to their elected officials in D.C. to urge support for these federal legislative proposals using these provided links.
09/26/2022
Registration Open for Provider Network Management (PNM) Training
Sept 26, 2022 –The Ohio Department of Medicaid sent out the below information to ensure physician practices are aware of training opportunities related to major changes happening this fall.
09/22/2022
What Surgeons Should know About the Supervision of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists in Ohio
Sept 22, 2022 – On September 14, Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins ruled that the state Constitution might protect the right to an abortion in Ohio, meaning temporarily, that Ohio’s law returns to 22 weeks as it was prior to the implementation of Ohio’s Heart Beat bill earlier this summer. The judge has now indicated further plans...
09/21/2022
Update on Legal Action Related to Ohio’s Six-Week Abortion Ban
Sept 21, 2022 – On September 14, Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins ruled that the state Constitution might protect the right to an abortion in Ohio, meaning temporarily, that Ohio’s law returns to 22 weeks as it was prior to the implementation of Ohio’s Heartbeat Bill earlier this summer. The judge has now indicated further plans...
09/20/2022
AMA Report: Disturbing Trends on Overdose Deaths Requires Specific Actions, All-Hands Approach
Sept 20, 2022 – With a report issued on September 8 detailing the horrific toll of the nation’s overdose and death epidemic, the American Medical Association (AMA) calls for an all-hands approach—policymakers, public health experts, educators, faith leaders, and employers—to help save lives.
09/20/2022
Prepare for E/M Changes for 2023
Sept 19, 2022 – In 2021, the E/M office-visit and outpatient codes changed significantly. Effective Jan. 1, 2023 we will again see major changes to E/M, this time in the following areas.
09/13/2022
Register for our Advocacy Boot Camp for Physicians on Oct. 6!
Sept 13, 2022 – Plan to attend this virtual event to address what we hear from physicians every week...how to become more involved in the advocacy process.
09/07/2022
COVID-19 bivalent mRNA boosters Information and Shipment Information from ODH
September 7, 2022 – New bivalent mRNA COVID-19 boosters created to strengthen protection against the original COVID-19 strain and the currently circulating Omicron variant can be administered to Ohioans age 12 years and older as soon as practical after vaccine shipments arrive.
09/07/2022
Cultivating a Culture of Safety in Healthcare: Four Experts Tell Us Their Stories
September 7, 2022 – From our partners at TDC: Despite more than 20 years of focus on patient safety, many hospitals and healthcare professionals still struggle to create an environment that engenders patient safety and reduces harm. There are four elements to creating a culture of safety: mutual respect; optimizing how people, teams, and systems function; understanding how people think to keep them engaged during training; and being sure that all providers are viewed through a just-culture lens.
09/07/2022
Next Generation Ohio Medicaid Program – Webinar FAQ and Other Resources for Providers
September 7, 2022 – The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) hosted the Next Generation Ohio Medicaid Program Provider Overview Webinar, which covered the changes Ohio Medicaid providers can expect, including an overview of the transition to the Ohio Medicaid Enterprise System (OMES) modules, training plans and dates, and where providers can receive communications from ODM throughout the Next Generation transition and staggered implementation.
08/30/2022
Update from Our Summer Scholar, Matthew Yoder
August 30, 2022 - The Foundation is receiving updates from our 2022 Summer Scholars recipients regarding their progress, their internship experiences, and reflections on what is next in their medical career journey. See what Matthew Yoder is up to!
08/29/2022
Helpful Details for Ohio Medicaid Managed Care Patients
Aug 29, 2022 – With Ohio Medicaid’s managed care program set to change for the better come Dec. 1, 2022, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) is detailing and answering FAQs about its Next Generation managed care plans—which are meant to focus on the individual, honor members’ choice, and provide continuity in the provision of members’ care.
08/24/2022
CMS Releases Revised Surprise Billing Rules & Clarifies Processes
Aug 24, 2022 – On August 19, CMS announced several updates to the federal No Surprises Act implementation. These rules relate to those covered by insurance plans regulated by the federal government.
08/22/2022
New Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
Aug 23, 2022 – Effective July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline transitioned to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Ohioans who are experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, and their family members, are now able to call, chat, or text the 988 number in order to reach a trained counselor who can offer help and support.
08/18/2022
Preparing for Ohio Department of Medicaid Next Generation of Managed Care
Aug 17, 2022 – The Provider Network Management (PNM) pre-registration tool is available from Aug. 15 until Sept. 23 and will ease the transition and prevent disruptions to system access for providers ahead of the go-live on Oct. 1.
08/18/2022
As Telemedicine Best Practices Emerge, Assess Your Practice
Aug 17, 2022 – Many specialties, facing the pandemic’s imperative to improvise, formed discussion groups, which are now disseminating their findings via peer-reviewed medical journals or formulating best practices with their medical professional societies.
08/15/2022
Update from Our Summer Scholar, Kamala Nelson
August 15, 2022 - The Foundation is receiving updates from our 2022 Summer Scholars recipients regarding their progress, their internship experiences, and reflections on what is next in their medical career journey. See what Kamala Nelson is up to!
08/04/2022
Advocacy Update: Responding to Legislative Initiatives Resulting from Supreme Court Decision on Abortion
Aug 4, 2022 – Our Government Relations team and OSMA leadership wanted to reaffirm for you that OSMA is focusing our efforts on legislative initiatives that are currently pending (or may be forthcoming in the future) as a result of the Dobbs decision.
08/02/2022
Reminder: Electronic Prescriptions
Aug 2, 2022 – Effective September 21, schedule II controlled substances must be dispensed upon an electronic prescription. Exceptions for oral or written prescriptions are permitted in the following circumstances.
08/01/2022
National Immunization Awareness: Hear from Ohio Pediatricians
August 1, 2022 – August is National Immunization Awareness Month, so we spoke with three Ohio pediatricians to get their thoughts on childhood vaccines and answers to some of the most common vaccine questions.
08/01/2022
Your Well-being Checkup And Referral Engagement Service
August 1, 2022 – The need for well-being support has never been higher, and the OSMA Foundation is supporting Ohio's healthcare workforce with a way to measure factors like personal anxiety, depression and burnout and connect with credible resources who can help.
07/26/2022
Ohio Medicaid Provider Enrollment & Maintenance Update
July 26, 2022 – Beginning Aug. 1, ODM will temporarily stop accepting provider enrollment applications as we transition to the new Provider Network Management (PNM) module. New providers should enroll by July 31 or plan to hold enrollment applications until Oct. 1.
07/21/2022
Webinar on Advocating for Reforms to Medicare Physician Payment
July 21, 2022 – Last month OSMA informed members about a coalition of more than 120 state medical and national specialty societies to define and develop goals to reform Medicare physician payment. Join AMA's upcoming webinar on Wednesday, July 27 to review what the coalition will be calling on Congress to do to improve the Medicare physician payment system.
07/20/2022
Reminder: CTR physician survey requirement
July 20, 2022 – To remain in compliance with Ohio law, physicians with a CTR must respond to the 2022 survey even if they have not made any recommendations. All responses must be received by July 31, 2022.
07/14/2022
Guidance on Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Implementation
July 14, 2022 – The State Medical Board of Ohio provided guidance this week regarding the rollout of Ohio’s participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Implementation date is scheduled for August 2.
07/14/2022
CMS Clarifies EMTALA Requirements Preempt State Laws
July 14, 2022 – Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Becerra sent a letter to all hospitals and health care providers reminding them of their obligation to comply with Emergency medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA).
07/13/2022
New Opportunities for Member Participation
July 13, 2022 – We are often asked by our OSMA members how they can individually become more involved in OSMA and impact health policy in Ohio. In response, we have recently revised and expanded ways to participate.
07/07/2022
What We Owe Long COVID Patients
July 7, 2022 – From our partners at TDC: Anywhere from 10 to 30 percent of those who contracted COVID-19 suffer chronic aftereffects—some lasting many months after the initial diagnosis—and now face increased risk of thromboembolic disease, cardiovascular complications, hepatic and renal impairment, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Peter Kolbert, Senior Vice President of Claim and Litigation Services for Healthcare Risk Advisors, part of TDC Group, and Dr. Zijian Chen, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Medical Director of Mount Sinai’s Center for Post-COVID Care, discuss the effects of long COVID.
06/27/2022
Update from Our Summer Scholar, Rebekah Russell
June 27, 2022 - The Foundation is receiving updates from our 2022 Summer Scholars recipients regarding their progress, their internship experiences, and reflections on what is next in their medical career journey. See what Rebekah Russell is up to!
06/23/2022
Well-Being CARE Service is Helping Healthcare Workers Across Ohio
June 23, 2022 – One month after its official launch, the Well-Being CARE Service is quickly becoming known and used by healthcare workers across Ohio—providing assessment and referrals to critical mental health services.
06/23/2022
AMA Celebrates 175 Years
June 22, 2022 – Our national partner contributing to OSMA's success, the American Medical Association (AMA), marked their 175th anniversary of its founding in May 2022.
06/14/2022
OSMA's Ohio Legislature Update
June 14, 2022 – The Ohio Legislature has recessed for the summer, but the last several weeks of hearings and session were quite busy for OSMA’s Advocacy team. OSMA has been actively advocating on behalf of Ohio physicians in ongoing deliberations regarding several issues, most recently including the following...
06/14/2022
June's Medical Board Meeting Recap
June 14, 2022 – Get the updates from the regularly scheduled Board meeting on June 8, including issues concerning proposed telehealth rules and the Medical Marijuana Expert Review's recent recommendation.
06/02/2022
COVID-19 Treatments & Testing: What to Know
June 2, 2022 – A variety of resources and education are available at the state and federal level to help assess the current science, understand the availability and access to testing and treatments, and learn how to better educate patients.
06/02/2022
OSMA Joins National Coalition to Develop Characteristics of a Rational Medicare Physician Payment System
June 2, 2022 – More than 120 other medical organizations have also endorsed a framework for Medicare payment reform. This is an early step in the efforts to develop consensus on policy recommendations that will reshape the payment system to work better for patients and physicians—and hopefully end the annual advocacy exercise of stopping impending payment cuts.
06/02/2022
Reduce Clinician Burnout and Improve Well-Being with People-First Leadership
June 2, 2022 – From our partners at TDC: Solving burnout issues requires respectful, humble leaders who have the tenacity to change systems and can deliver the solutions that healthcare workers need to thrive.
05/24/2022
Member Q&A with Tyler J. Campbell, MD
March 24, 2022
05/23/2022
Ohio’s Practice Transformation Initiative: Impact Highlights!
May 23, 2022 – Physician well-being is a key priority for OSMA, and we have been proud to administer the AMA Practice Transformation Initiative since 2020 with two of our member practices. We recently connected with Dr. Maria Courser from Mount Carmel Medical Group, and Dr. Chloe Sidley from Emergency Services, Inc., who shared their experiences and how being part of this program is impacting their organization.
05/19/2022
Federal Advocacy Update
May 19, 2022 – OSMA continues to monitor and advocate at the federal level this month. Recent updates include details about Medicare Advantage Plans wrongly denying prior authorization requests, and momentum continuing for the federal Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.
05/19/2022
OSMA's State Legislative Update
May 19, 2022 – As the summer recess approaches, the Ohio Legislature is bustling with activity. OSMA’s advocacy team has been on-hand to work with elected officials regarding several major topics in the past few weeks, including the following items...
05/19/2022
May's Medical Board Meeting Recap
May 19, 2022 – Rules and issues to watch from the May 11th meeting include Interstate Medical License Compact, Telehealth Rules, and Medical Marijuana.
05/18/2022
Statewide CARE Service Announced to Support Mental & Emotional Well-Being of Ohio’s Healthcare Workforce
May 18, 2022 – PRESS RELEASE: Ohio State Medical Association announces free, anonymous tool available to all Ohio healthcare workers.
05/10/2022
OSMA Foundation Awards 6 Summer Scholars Stipends
May 10, 2022 - The Foundation's April reception was an opportunity to meet and celebrate our first cohort of Summer Scholars. Read on for more information about these bright medical students and how the OSMA Foundation Summer Scholars program is helping them pursue summer research and clinical opportunities to advance public health.
05/05/2022
Analysis of Cerebrovascular Accidents and Malpractice Claims
May 5, 2022 – From our partners at TDC: Because a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) can happen in any healthcare setting, it is imperative that all healthcare providers and staff have the ability to spot the signs and symptoms promptly. Timely diagnosis and treatment can minimize injury severity and improve patient outcomes.
04/28/2022
Ohio Medicaid Revises Schedule on Implementation of Major Program Changes
April 28, 2022 – Rather than launch several new programs and administrative changes on July 1, Ohio Medicaid will start OhioRISE as previously scheduled, but stagger the remaining updates to “to ensure smooth member and provider transitions.” Medicaid provided the following details regarding the timeline.
04/26/2022
Introducing OSMA’s New President: A Q&A with Brian Santin, MD
April 26, 2022 – We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Santin as our new President, and we thank Dr. Lisa B. Egbert who tactfully completed her term. Read on to learn more about Dr. Santin, his medical career, and his vision for leading OSMA.
04/21/2022
Federal Surprise Billing Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Portal Now Active
April 21, 2022 – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that the Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) portal, which allows providers to initiate the IDR process under the No Surprises Act, is now active. Read on to learn more here and get the Ohio specifics as well.
04/21/2022
OSMA Gives Annual Awards
April 21, 2022 – The following individuals were honored at this year’s OSMA Annual Meeting for being the OSMA Physician Advocate of the Year, OSMAPAC Donor of the Year, and Voice of Medicine.
04/21/2022
April's Medical Board Meeting Recap
April 21, 2022 – See summaries from the April 13th meeting, including an interstate medical license compact update, the weight loss prescribing rule, and other rules to watch.
04/13/2022
Last Chance to File Your Provider Relief Report
April 12, 2022 – The OSMA received the following communication from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. If you received provider relief payments from HHS during the pandemic and have yet to submit the required reports, please review and take action now. The final deadline is April 22.
04/05/2022
Physician Guide for Keeping Your Practice Open
April 5, 2022 – The American Medical Association (AMA) is excited to announce the release of one of our most valuable private practice resources, the revised Physician Guide for Keeping Your Practice Open, which includes updated information to help physicians implement policies around staff and patient vaccines, as well as advice to address staff burnout and workforce shortages.
04/05/2022
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster: Communications Toolkit Now Available from ODH
April 5, 2022 – The CDC announced that certain immunocompromised individuals and people over the age of 50 who received an initial booster dose at least 4 months ago are now eligible for another mRNA booster to increase their protection against severe disease from COVID-19. The Ohio Department of Health has created a COVID-19 vaccine booster communications tool kit for physician uses.
04/04/2022
Tackling Trial Delays, Social Inflation, and Skeptical Jurors in a Pandemic World
April 4, 2022 – From our partners at TDC: More than one in three U.S. physicians will face a medical malpractice lawsuit in their careers. Healthcare providers may benefit from staying versed in key shifts in medical malpractice litigation.
03/29/2022
National Doctors’ Day: A Letter of Thanks to our Leaders Dr. Armstrong and Dr. Egbert
March 29, 2022 – This year, as we celebrate National Doctors’ Day on March 30, we’d like to take a moment to say a special thank you to Dr. Anthony Armstrong and Dr. Lisa Egbert for their tireless and courageous leadership of OSMA over the past two years.
02/16/2022
Member Q&A with John A. Bastulli, MD
February 16, 2022
01/24/2022
Council Q&A with Shannon C. Trotter, DO
January 24, 2022
12/20/2021
Member Q&A with Jeffrey R. Leipzig, MD
December 20, 2021
11/22/2021
Council Q&A with John R. Corker, MD, FACEP
November 22, 2021
10/14/2021
Council Q&A with Gregory Surfield, MD, FACS
October 13, 2021
09/07/2021
Council Q&A with Michelle Knopp, MD
September 7, 2021
08/24/2021
Council Q&A with Mary LaPlante, MD, FACOG
August 24, 2021
07/28/2021
Council Q&A with Mary LaPlante, MD, FACOG
July 28, 2021
04/23/2021
Introducing OSMA’s New President: A Q&A with Lisa Egbert, MD
April 23, 2021 – We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Egbert as our new President, and we thank Dr. Anthony Armstrong who skillfully completed his term. Read on to learn more about Dr. Egbert, her medical career, and her vision for leading OSMA.
02/11/2021
Health Equity Q&A with OSMA President Anthony Armstrong, MD
February 11, 2021 - The COVID-19 pandemic and elevated conversations about racial justice have brought the issue of healthcare equity to the forefront for healthcare professionals everywhere. As we support members in 2021, we’re pleased to share thoughts from OSMA President Anthony Armstrong, MD on health equity and what this means for Ohio physicians.
03/31/2020
State Issues Order for Weekly Ventilator Equipment Inventory Reporting
March 31, 2020 - Ohio Department of Health Director, Amy Acton, MD, issued an order requiring all entities with ventilators to report their inventory by no later than 5:00 p.m. each Wednesday beginning April 1, 2020 until further notice.
08/01/2019
Ohio Physicians Give Feedback on Medicaid Managed Care Program
Many of our members provide daily patient care to Ohio’s Medicaid population and thus are uniquely qualified to provide meaningful information to assist the Ohio Department of Medicaid in its upcoming competitive Medicaid managed care procurement process. The comments we received from our members generally centered on areas where improvement is most desired, including plan accountability, grievances and appeals, provider support, benefits and delivery, and care coordination and management.
07/18/2019
Ohio Budget Process Complete
The OSMA Government Relations team has been engaging with legislators on health care-related budget items since the governor’s initial proposal was released, and has been following and participating in the ongoing debates about a number of health policy decisions.
07/18/2019
Terminating Patient Relationships
Just as it is an acceptable and reasonable practice to screen incoming patients, it is acceptable and reasonable to know when to end patient relationships that are no longer therapeutic. It is critical, however, to end the patient relationship in a manner that will not lead to claims of discrimination or abandonment.
07/18/2019
Ohio Physician Wellness Coalition Offers Online CME Courses
The Ohio Physician Wellness Coalition (OPWC), which represents Ohio physicians and hospitals and focuses on addressing physician burnout, launched six videos in its continuing medical education (CME) wellness video series.
07/18/2019
Training Managers Who Walk the Walk
Identifying and training role models in your business or practice is key to creating a positive, productive work environment. Which managers should you cultivate as role models to lead your organization?
06/06/2019
New Pain Management Toolkit Available
A new state toolkit designed to assist primary care doctors who prescribe opioids will be released this month by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).
06/06/2019
The $4.6 Billion Price Tag of Physician Burnout
To put a price on burnout, the study authors culled data from recent research findings and reports — including direct or inferred findings on doctors cutting back on hours or quitting as a result of burnout.
05/16/2019
Ohio’s Health Value Needs to be Better Now
Ohio is ranked 46 out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia according to the 2019 Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO) Health Value Dashboard—landing the Buckeye state in the bottom quartile.
04/25/2019
Concerns about U.S. Measles Outbreak
A recent poll by The Doctors Company received 9,459 responses to the question: How concerned are you as a healthcare provider about the recent U.S. measles outbreak?
04/25/2019
Hiring Friends and Family at the Office Is a Bad Idea
If your sister is pressuring you to hire your nephew for that much-coveted summer internship position so he can get his “foot in the door,” don’t give in to temptation.
03/28/2019
The 3-Minute Guide to Creating a Modern Website
How to Go Beyond an Online Business Card and Build an Effective Online Presence...
03/28/2019
Dollars & Sense: The State Budget
Earlier this week, the state budget became a bill on Capitol Hill—or at least on Capitol Square in Columbus, Ohio. The OSMA has completed an initial review of the bill language...
03/28/2019
On-Demand Care for YOU
As part of its commitment to the well-being of all physicians in the state of Ohio, the OSMA Physician Well-Being Committee recently launched an online hub...
03/14/2019
Oxycon"tained" Again in 2018
Pharmacy Board Releases Compelling OARRS Data... This week, the State of Ohio Pharmacy Board reported that the number of opioids dispensed to Ohioans dropped by 325 million from 2012 or 2018.
02/28/2019
OSMA Goes to Washington
Earlier this month, several OSMA members along with the OSMA Government Relations staff traveled to Washington DC to meet with members of Congress to discuss how existing laws are affecting patients and practices.
02/28/2019
Lions, and Tigers and Boards, Oh My!
Vision for the Future Commission released its final report to the American Board of Medical Specialties Board of Directors early this month.
02/28/2019
This Bud’s for You (or Your Patients)
Within the first month that the medical marijuana program was running in the state of Ohio, nearly $1M in sales were recorded, but questions remain.
02/27/2019
Take Control of Rising Healthcare Costs
The OSMA understands the struggles to maintain an independent practice. This is one reason why the OSMA decided to offer an OSMA managed, self-funded health care plan.
02/15/2019
2019 OSMA Annual Meeting—Resolutions Posted
All resolutions received by the Wednesday, February 6th deadline have been posted to the website so you can start to review them. We will post background information as we receive it.
02/14/2019
Despite 21% Decrease in Overdose Deaths, Ohio Still Has Work to Do
According to a recent CDC report, Ohio saw a significant decrease – 21.4% - in overdose fatalities in July 2017 through June 2018; second in the nation only to Washington DC, which saw a 24.2% decrease.
01/10/2019
Make Sure to Do your Annual HR Check Up
Now that 2019 is underway, it is essential that you make sure your company is in compliance with state and federal regulatory updates.
01/10/2019
OSMA Insurance Agency Announces 2019 Average Rate Renewal of only 2.9 Percent
Physician practices participating in the OSMA’s Health Benefits Plan (HBP) will see another year of rate increases averaging single digits. Renewal increases for 2019 will average 2.9%. This increase, along with plan increases over the past three years, show a four-year average of 4.5%. Significantly below the national averages.
01/03/2019
Physician Well-Being: The Real 5th Vital Sign
"The reason we should care about burnout is because it has the potential for serious consequences on the quality of patient care and safety, patient satisfaction, professionalism, physicians’ own care and safety, and the viability of the health care system..."
12/06/2018
Ohio Medical Marijuana Patient Registry Opens: What it Means for Doctors
The amount of product will be extremely limited, as growers and dispensaries come online throughout 2019.
COVID News
03/06/2023
The OSMA Business Credit Card: Helping Members Achieve & Maintain Financial Success
March 6, 2023 – As part of its commitment to supporting the financial success of its members, OSMA has partnered with Mercantile Technologies to create the OSMA Business Credit Card, a credit card built specifically for OSMA members.
03/04/2023
Lessons in Preventing Button Battery Injuries
March 4, 2023 – According to a study published in Pediatrics, it is estimated that between 2010 and 2019, more than 70,000 emergency department (ED) visits in the United States were battery related among children under 18 years old.
03/01/2023
Summary of New ODM Initiatives Launched February 1
March 1, 2023 – One month ago Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) launched the Next Generation managed care plans, new Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and Fiscal Intermediary (FI). These initiatives provide an enhanced and personalized healthcare experience for ODM members with more transparency and visibility of care and services for providers. Here are some reminders...
02/20/2023
Public Health Emergency Expiration—Reminders
February 20, 2023 – It has been announced that the PHE will be extended through May 11, at which point it will permanently expire, marking the end of PHE extensions. Because the PHE has been in place for nearly three years, it can be difficult to remember which rules existed before then, and which have been temporary. Here are a few highlights of what is expected to change.
02/16/2023
Ohio’s New Telehealth Rules Effective Feb. 28—What to Know
February 16, 2023 – Physicians across Ohio have continued to embrace remote healthcare services. After a lengthy rule promulgation process, including our member feedback and input from OSMA, the Board has finalized new telehealth rules, which will become effective this month.
02/09/2023
Interstate Licensure for Telehealth Can Fuel Practice Growth
February 9, 2023 – When using telehealth to treat patients out of state, most healthcare professionals are mindful about licensure issues. But some are not aware that practicing without a license in a given state is not just malpractice, it is a criminal offense.
02/02/2023
Healthcare Staffing Shortages: Decrease Practice Risks
February 2, 2023 – With increasing regularity, staffing shortages have adversely impacted the delivery of healthcare and the availability of diagnostic and therapeutic resources. The ongoing scarcity of employees negatively influences the quality and depth of many primary and support roles at every level throughout the healthcare workforce—including physicians, dentists, advanced practice clinicians, allied health professionals, practice assistants, and front- and back-office specialists.
01/11/2023
Familiarize with OSMA's Strategic Plan (2023-2025)
January 11, 2023 – The OSMA Council (Board of Directors) met in the summer and again in the fall to update the organization’s three-year strategic plan. Leadership approved five main issues areas to guide the organization’s work the next three years.
01/11/2023
Flu, RSV, or COVID-19? Convergence of Three Viruses Creates Risk of Diagnostic Errors
January 11, 2023 – Understanding the differences between the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 will help prevent misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis when patients present with respiratory symptoms. Learn more from TDC's latest article.
12/18/2022
Reminder: 2022 MIPS Extreme & Uncontrollable Circumstances Exception Applications
December 18, 2022 – The American Medical Association (AMA) sent OSMA the following communication to remind members about an important MIPS deadline and advocacy efforts to extend opportunities for filing.
09/07/2022
COVID-19 bivalent mRNA boosters Information and Shipment Information from ODH
September 7, 2022 – New bivalent mRNA COVID-19 boosters created to strengthen protection against the original COVID-19 strain and the currently circulating Omicron variant can be administered to Ohioans age 12 years and older as soon as practical after vaccine shipments arrive.
08/18/2022
As Telemedicine Best Practices Emerge, Assess Your Practice
Aug 17, 2022 – Many specialties, facing the pandemic’s imperative to improvise, formed discussion groups, which are now disseminating their findings via peer-reviewed medical journals or formulating best practices with their medical professional societies.
08/01/2022
National Immunization Awareness: Hear from Ohio Pediatricians
August 1, 2022 – August is National Immunization Awareness Month, so we spoke with three Ohio pediatricians to get their thoughts on childhood vaccines and answers to some of the most common vaccine questions.
08/01/2022
Your Well-being Checkup And Referral Engagement Service
August 1, 2022 – The need for well-being support has never been higher, and the OSMA Foundation is supporting Ohio's healthcare workforce with a way to measure factors like personal anxiety, depression and burnout and connect with credible resources who can help.
06/23/2022
Well-Being CARE Service is Helping Healthcare Workers Across Ohio
June 23, 2022 – One month after its official launch, the Well-Being CARE Service is quickly becoming known and used by healthcare workers across Ohio—providing assessment and referrals to critical mental health services.
06/23/2022
AMA Celebrates 175 Years
June 22, 2022 – Our national partner contributing to OSMA's success, the American Medical Association (AMA), marked their 175th anniversary of its founding in May 2022.
06/13/2022
Amicus Brief Filed on Federal PREP Act
June 13, 2022 – OSMA, along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Medical Association (AMA), is participating in an amicus brief in the federal Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals on the question of whether the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (the PREP Act) provides immunity from liability in a wrongful death claim against an assisted living facility for failing to take appropriate countermeasures during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
06/02/2022
COVID-19 Treatments & Testing: What to Know
June 2, 2022 – A variety of resources and education are available at the state and federal level to help assess the current science, understand the availability and access to testing and treatments, and learn how to better educate patients.
06/02/2022
OSMA Joins National Coalition to Develop Characteristics of a Rational Medicare Physician Payment System
June 2, 2022 – More than 120 other medical organizations have also endorsed a framework for Medicare payment reform. This is an early step in the efforts to develop consensus on policy recommendations that will reshape the payment system to work better for patients and physicians—and hopefully end the annual advocacy exercise of stopping impending payment cuts.
05/23/2022
Ohio’s Practice Transformation Initiative: Impact Highlights!
May 23, 2022 – Physician well-being is a key priority for OSMA, and we have been proud to administer the AMA Practice Transformation Initiative since 2020 with two of our member practices. We recently connected with Dr. Maria Courser from Mount Carmel Medical Group, and Dr. Chloe Sidley from Emergency Services, Inc., who shared their experiences and how being part of this program is impacting their organization.
05/18/2022
Statewide CARE Service Announced to Support Mental & Emotional Well-Being of Ohio’s Healthcare Workforce
May 18, 2022 – PRESS RELEASE: Ohio State Medical Association announces free, anonymous tool available to all Ohio healthcare workers.
04/21/2022
OSMA Gives Annual Awards
April 21, 2022 – The following individuals were honored at this year’s OSMA Annual Meeting for being the OSMA Physician Advocate of the Year, OSMAPAC Donor of the Year, and Voice of Medicine.
04/13/2022
Last Chance to File Your Provider Relief Report
April 12, 2022 – The OSMA received the following communication from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. If you received provider relief payments from HHS during the pandemic and have yet to submit the required reports, please review and take action now. The final deadline is April 22.
04/05/2022
Physician Guide for Keeping Your Practice Open
April 5, 2022 – The American Medical Association (AMA) is excited to announce the release of one of our most valuable private practice resources, the revised Physician Guide for Keeping Your Practice Open, which includes updated information to help physicians implement policies around staff and patient vaccines, as well as advice to address staff burnout and workforce shortages.
04/05/2022
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster: Communications Toolkit Now Available from ODH
April 5, 2022 – The CDC announced that certain immunocompromised individuals and people over the age of 50 who received an initial booster dose at least 4 months ago are now eligible for another mRNA booster to increase their protection against severe disease from COVID-19. The Ohio Department of Health has created a COVID-19 vaccine booster communications tool kit for physician uses.
03/29/2022
National Doctors’ Day: A Letter of Thanks to our Leaders Dr. Armstrong and Dr. Egbert
March 29, 2022 – This year, as we celebrate National Doctors’ Day on March 30, we’d like to take a moment to say a special thank you to Dr. Anthony Armstrong and Dr. Lisa Egbert for their tireless and courageous leadership of OSMA over the past two years.
02/16/2022
Member Q&A with John A. Bastulli, MD
February 16, 2022
01/24/2022
Council Q&A with Shannon C. Trotter, DO
January 24, 2022
12/20/2021
Member Q&A with Jeffrey R. Leipzig, MD
December 20, 2021
11/22/2021
Council Q&A with John R. Corker, MD, FACEP
November 22, 2021
10/14/2021
Council Q&A with Gregory Surfield, MD, FACS
October 13, 2021
09/07/2021
Council Q&A with Michelle Knopp, MD
September 7, 2021
08/24/2021
Council Q&A with Mary LaPlante, MD, FACOG
August 24, 2021
“Having a diverse collection of mentors has allowed me to explore all my career options and is helping me figure out how to build the career I want.”
- Michelle I. Knopp, MD
