Archives for May 2015

Purchase the new Multimodality Imaging of Pericardial Disease poster for a special member price -$10

downloadAdd the latest poster, Multimodality Imaging of Pericardial Disease, to your collection. This poster is based on the ASE guidelinereleased in September 2013 and is available at a special member price of only $10 until June 19 and $15 for nonmembers. It is also available for purchase in both the flip chart poster size and as an insert. Many new products have recently been released, so take advantage of your member discount by visiting ASE MarketPlace and purchasing products today.

Comparative billing reports issued to U.S. cardiologists

Through its contractor, eGlobalTech, CMS has begun issuing national provider Comparative Billing Reports (CBRs) on Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE).  These reports are being sent to approximately 2,500 cardiologists and internists “who were identified as having different billing patterns when compared to their peers.” The reports contain data-driven tables and graphs with an explanation of findings that compare providers’ billing and payment patterns to those of their peers in their state and across the nation. You can view a sample report here.

The stated goal of these reports is to be educational— to inform the providers who receive them about correct Medicare billing practices.  Based on this information, ASE is currently monitoring the effect of these notices.  Based on our conversations with other medical organizations who have experienced similar CBR reports, it is our understanding that these reports are not related to any audit program.  ASE’s advocacy team is in the process of contacting eGlobalTech/Palmetto GBA regarding recent changes in echo utilization and to inquire into the methodology used to identify aberrant billing practices.

Those ASE members who receive a report may wish to find out more by reviewing the FAQs and other information posted by eGlobalTech at http://www.cbrinfo.net/cbr201505.html. For those who want more information, a provider webinar is scheduled for May 27 at 3 p.m. ET. Register online here.

American Society of Echocardiography and Ke Labs Announce Collaboration

Read release here.

Echocardiography Experts Receive Special Distinction (April FASE designees)

Read release here.

26th Annual Scientific Sessions Offer Opportunity to Interact with Global Experts in Cardiovascular Imaging Research and Clinical Care

Read release here.