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SB 16 is on the Governor’s desk awaiting signature. In reviewing hundreds of other bills that did not receive approval it is apparent that our strategy of moving the bill as rapidly as possible paid off.
Thanks to everyone!
SB 16: Beginning July 1, 2008, every child enrolling in kindergarten or first grade shall receive one comprehensive vision examination performed by a state licensed optometrist or physician.
The act requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Health and Senior Services to compile and maintain a list of sources to which children who may need vision examinations or children who have been found to need further examination or vision correction may be referred for treatment on a free or reduced cost basis. A child may be excused from taking a vision examination by submitting a written request to the appropriate school administrator.
Beginning July 1, 2008, all public school districts shall conduct an eye screening for each student once before the completion of first grade and again before the completion of third grade. The eye screening method shall be approved by the Children's Vision Commission, which is established in this act, and shall be performed by an appropriately trained school nurse or other trained and qualified employee of the school district. The screening results, with all identifying information removed, shall be sent, via electronic form, to the Department of Health and Senior Services.
The Children's Vision Commission shall be composed of seven members including two ophthalmologists, two optometrists, one school nurse, one representative from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and one from the Missouri State School Boards Association. The duties of the Commission shall be to adopt standardized eye screening and examination tests, reporting forms, and appropriate training programs for school district staff. The Commission shall also conduct a pilot project to track the results of the eye screening versus eye examinations conducted based on the reports submitted by school districts to the Department of Health and Senior Services. By December 31, 2011, the Commission shall submit a report to the General Assembly detailing the results of the study along with
MOA Sees Children's Vision Legislation Passed
data on the number of students who received a follow-up examination from an optometrist, ophthalmologist, physician, or doctor of osteopathy and the results of those examinations to determine the effectiveness of eye examinations versus eye screening. The Department of Health and Senior Services shall provide staff support to the Commission.
Further, the act alters the statutorily-allowed uses for the "Blindness Education, Screening and Treatment Program Fund." The fund shall cover additional costs for vision examinations under this act that are not covered by existing public health insurance. Subject to appropriations, moneys from the fund shall be used to pay for those additional costs, provided that the costs from the fund not exceed ninety-nine thousand dollars a year. Payment from the fund for vision examinations under this act shall not exceed the allowable state Medicaid reimbursement amount for vision examinations.
This act shall sunset in five years. This act is similar to SCS/SB 687 (2006).
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May/June 2007 President's MessageThomas Greene, O. D., President
The 2007 Missouri Legislative Session has adjourned! While we were optimistic going in, one never can predict the ultimate outcome until the end.
As you now, the Optometric Practice Act was opened up by the State Board of Optometry to cleanup outdated language and to increase the continuing education hours from eight per year to thirty-two (32) every two years. The MOA supported this bill (House Bill 780). The bill passed the legislature on Thursday, May 17, and is on the Governor’s desk for signature. A special thank you goes to Dr. H.L. Poynter for providing a significant portion of the rewrite language.
The Children's Vision Bill passed the legislature on April 19, one month before the adjournment of the legislative session. This bill provides that each child entering the public school system in either kindergarten or first grade is to receive a comprehensive vision examination, and is effective July 1, 2008. It also establishes the "Children’s Vision Commission" which is charged with analyzing and adopting a standardized eye screening and eye examination test to be used in all schools beginning with the 2008-2009 school year. The Commission is going to track the results of the eye screenings and eye examinations conducted based on reports submitted by school districts to the Department of Health and Senior Services.
We are embarking upon a new public relations campaign in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Social Services, Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Foundation Fighting Blindness. The MOA Public Relations Committee, Chaired by Dr. Kyle Brost, has put together a "vision awareness campaign" which begins with radio spots which will educate Missourians about optometric care as well as promoting the Blindness Education, Screening and Treatment Program Fund. The MOA will also receive a banner ad and link on the Missourinet website and on the KidsCast website. This site is focused on Missouri’s youth.
The MOA office building has been renovated, and we’ve leased a portion of the commercial space to the Jefferson City Convention & Visitor’s Bureau. They’re a good match for us, and we have a five year lease. We hired a realtor to help us lease the rest of the office space.
The remainder of my term as your President will be spent on membership development. The Membership Services Committee, chaired by Dr. Scott Ream, has put together some very impressive membership brochures for our doctors, paraoptometrics and students. The committee’s goal is to mail these in June and encourage non-members to sign up. The members of the committee have instituted a keyperson system for the membership drive. Non-members will receive a personal contact following the mailing of the brochures. The first brochure developed was for the students. The MOA received 51 student members after it was sent to UMSL.
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May/June 2007 Feature StoriesMOA Annual ConferenceMark your calendars now to attend our MOAAnnual Conference, October 4-7, in St. Louis.
Missouri OD’s Attend AOA Congressional Advocacy ConferenceMissouri was well represented at the 2007 AOA Congressional Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC.
Midwest Vision Conference and Expo The fifth
held in Rosemont, IL on May 10-12 with over 2000 attendees.
Optometry and Senator Bond Call for Better Vision Care for ChildrenU.S. Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond (R-Mo.) and the American Optometric Association (AOA) today highlighted the national need for better eye health care, which will help prevent vision problems that can interfere with young children’s learning, during an event at the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired.
Physician Practice Information Survey Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Physician Practice Information survey.
Volunteers Needed for VFW EventThe Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will hold their annual meeting in Kansas City, MO in August.
Para Certification DeadlineParas planning to take the certification examination need to register
NPI: Get It. Share It. Use It.Over 2 million providers have their NPIs – do you have your NPI yet?
Welcome New Members
annual Midwest Vision Conference and Expo was
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May/June 2007 MOA Annual Convention Program & Information
Program Schedules
● 2007 Convention Speakers● Doctors' Program● Paraoptometrics' Program● Auxiliary Program
Exhibitors and Sponsors
● Sponsor Brochure● Exhibitor Information
Program schedules are subject to potential change.
Registration
● Register Online● Printable PDF Form
Print and Mail to Missouri Optometric Association100 E. High Street, Suite 301 Jefferson City, MO 65101
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May/June 2007 Missouri ODs Attend AOA Congressional Advocacy Conference
Missouri was will represented at the 2007 AOA Congressional Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC. Drs. LeeAnn Barrett, Tom Cullinane, Larry Davis, Tom Greene, Mike Nichols, Ryan Powell and Don Vanderfeltz had the opportunity to visit with Missouri’s senators and representatives regarding issues important to optometry.
During the conference, Drs. Tom Cullinane and Larry Davis had the opportunity to present Senator Bond with a picture of the mobile eye care van the Senator helped to procure for the optometry school (photo at right).
Additionally, there were several issues that were optometry specific as well as broader healthcare topics that were discussed.
Optometry specific legislation included:
● The National Health Service Corps Improvement Act (HR 1884) An AOA backed bill designed to expand access to eye and vision care by ending the exclusion of ODs from the National Health Service Corps student loan repayment and scholarship programs, key federal incentives for health care providers to serve in medically underserved communities.
● The Optometric Equity in Medicaid Act (HR 1983) An AOA backed bill to provide full recognition to ODs as physicians and providers of medical eye care through the Medicaid program and eliminate a loophole in federal law that can be used by some states and Medicaid third-party payers to restrict patient access.
● The Vision Care for Kids Act (S. 1117/HR 507) Introduced in the Senate by Missouri’s own Senator Kit Bond, this bill recognizes the link between healthy vision and learning and would establish a federal grant program to bolster children’s vision initiatives in the states.
● The Contact Lens Consumer Health Protection Act (HR 2012) Introduced during the conference, this is an AOA backed bill to provide for a federal crackdown on prescription verification abuses by unscrupulous internet and mail order contact lens sellers.
Missouri Congressman Sam Graves signed on as a co-sponsor of HR 507 after our visit! We appreciate our representatives supporting measures that will protect the vision of Missouri’s children.
Dr. Greg Goetzinger attended the Eye Care Benefits Center conference regarding the new CMS Physcian Quality Reporting Inititatives that will begin on July 1, 2007. Dr. Goetzinger will give a brief update during the leadership conference.
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May/June 2007 Missouri ODs Attend AOA Congressional Advocacy Conference
The fifth annual Midwest Vision Conference and Expo was held in Rosemont, IL on May 10-12 with over 2000 attendees. This meeting is the largest in the Midwest with educational opportunities and exhibitors that you will not find at other state or regional meetings.
Some of the course highlights were two general sessions with Drs. Joe Sowka, Alan Kabat and Andrew Gurwood. The first was "Who Wants to be an Ocular Disease Specialist?," a takeoff of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" The second was a presentation of the Review of Optometry’s Handbook of Ocular Disease Management: Focus on Retinal Disorders. Both provided a fun and interactive learning experience. There was also over 125 hours of education on subjects as diverse as pain management, glaucoma, visual therapy, pediatrics, contact lenses, neuro-ocular grand rounds, retina, coding and practice management – something for everyone. The paras also have an outstanding educational program with courses on dispensing, sales and management and clinical issues.
The exhibit hall had more than 100 leading companies that showcased the latest products, services and technologies. This conference and expo is your most efficient, cost-effective way to get an overview of what’s happening in the optical industry and see how you can apply the latest technology to make a positive difference in sales and productivity, enhance patient care and increase patient satisfaction.
At this meeting the ten states that comprise the North Central States Optometric Council hold a cabinet meeting. This council represents over 7000 doctors and is a good opportunity to exchange information between the member state associations on legislative issues, third party developments, and trends impacting our profession. Missouri is well represented on the executive board (photo at right) with Kyle Brost, O.D. serving as immediate past president and Scott Ream, O.D. serving as president-elect. Other officers are John Warren, O.D. from Wisconsin who was installed as president and Marshall Dorsett, O.D. from South Dakota who currently serves as secretary/treasurer.
Next year’s event, titled Midwest EyeCare Conference, will be held May 8-10 at the Park Hyatt in Rosemont. Please mark your calendars now for this exciting event.
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May/June 2007 Optometry & Senator Bond Call for Better Vision Care for Children
KANSAS CITY, MO. – May 29, 2007 – U.S. Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-Mo.) and the American Optometric Association (AOA) today highlighted the national need for better eye health care, which will help prevent vision problems that can interfere with young children’s learning, during an event at the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired.
Sen. Bond recently introduced the "Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007," S. 1117, with the support of the AOA and other leading eye care groups.
"Good vision is critical to learning. This important legislation will improve vision care for children to better equip them to succeed in school and in life," Sen. Bond said. "With the support of the American Optometric Association, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Vision Council of America, together we will make a difference in the lives of children across the country."
S. 1117 would establish a federal grant program focusing on treatment to bolster children’s vision initiatives in the states and encourage children’s vision partnerships with non-profit entities, including groups as committed to the cause of safeguarding the sight of America’s children as state optometric associations. Nearly 25 percent of school-age children today have vision problems, according to a federal study.
"As senator, and previously as our governor, Kit Bond has always put the health and education needs of our children first," said LeeAnn Barrett, O.D., co-chair of the Missouri Optometric Association’s governmental affairs committee. "Today, with his leadership on S. 1117 and his frank discussion about the lifelong challenges he has faced from undiagnosed amblyopia, doctors of optometry across Missouri are particularly proud of him."
In 2006, Senator Bond was presented with the AOA’s Health Care Leadership award for his longtime advocacy for eye and vision care for children.
(continued)
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"The Bond Vision Care for Kids Act is an important assignment for Congress and a timely reminder for America of what needs to be done to help concerned parents and teachers ensure that no child is left behind in the classroom due to an undiagnosed or untreated vision problem," said C. Thomas Crooks, III, O.D., president of the AOA. "Optometry is proud to support true leaders like Senator Bond in the effort to provide states with the resources – the federal dollars – they need to make children’s vision and classroom learning a top priority."
Eye and vision specialists, such as optometrists, are best able to diagnose and treat amblyopia and other vision problems, including strabismus, retinoblastoma, and other serious and potentially blinding problems that can lead to poor school performance and other issues that can ultimately affect quality of life. Amblyopia is treatable and preventable if caught within the early years of a child’s life, but it remains the leading cause of vision loss in Americans under age 45.
Ten million children suffer from vision disorders, according to the National Parent Teacher Association. Vision disorders are considered the fourth most common disability in the United States, and they are one of the most prevalent handicapping conditions in childhood.
According to data from the Making the Grade: An analysis of state and federal children's vision care policy research study, 32 states require vision screenings for students, but 29 of them do not require children who fail the screening to have a comprehensive eye examination. Because up to two-thirds of children who fail vision screenings do not comply with recommended eye exams, many children enter school with uncorrected vision problems.
Undetected and untreated vision deficiencies, particularly in children, can take a large toll. Studies have shown that the costs associated with adult vision problems in the U.S. are at $51.4 billion.
To find a nearby optometrist, or to schedule an eye examination for your child, please visit www.moeyecare.org
Optometry & Senator Bond Call for Better Vision Care for Children (continued)
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May/June 2007 Physican Practice Information (PPI) Survey - Letter from AOA
The American Optometric Association (AOA) is currently co-sponsoring a national study of physicians in our specialty with the American Medical Association. My purpose in writing you is to provide some background information on the study and encourage your participation in the event that you are selected to participate.
The objective of this study is to collect up-to-date information on physician practice characteristics in order to positively influence national decision makers while further developing and refining AMA and AOA policy. As a society representing the specific interests of our medical specialty, AOA fully endorses this project. Its aim is to provide your practice, and many others like it, a clear, collective voice to educate decision makers and payors about the clinical, operational, and financial challenges that are faced in medicine today.
This study represents our specialty’s opportunity to communicate accurate financial and operational information to policymakers including members of Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Strong participation in this study will ensure that the voice and priorities of our medical specialty (both member and non-member) are clearly heard so they can accurately shape the on-going debate.
The Physician Practice Information (PPI) survey began in April 2007 and is being administered by the Gallup Organization. Throughout calendar year 2007, Gallup will contact randomly selected physicians and practice managers/administrators in order to collect their confidential responses. If you and your practice are selected to participate, a packet outlining the specifics will be mailed to you from the Gallup Organization and the AMA between now and September 2007. Please consider making your staff aware of the importance of this study to our specialty so they may appropriately forward this information to you.
Thank you in advance for your time and I hope that you will have the opportunity to participate in the PPI survey so that your voice can be one of many to accurately represent our specialty.
Sincerely,C. Thomas Crooks, III, OD
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May/June 2007 Physican Practice Information (PPI) Survey - FAQ What is the Physician Practice Information (PPI) survey?The PPI survey is a national effort aimed at collecting up-to-date information on physician practice characteristics in order to positively influence national decision makers while further developing and refining AMA and the American Optometric Association (AOA) policy. Practice data being utilized by Congress, as well as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, are nearly a decade old for most specialties and must be updated to reflect current experience. The PPI survey will provide policy makers with current, accurate data across specialty and practice types so that they can make more informed, evidence based decisions.
Why should I participate in this study?This study represents your practice’s opportunity to communicate accurate financial and operational information to policy makers including members of Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Your participation in this study will ensure that the voice and priorities of your medical specialty are clearly heard.
What type of information is being collected?The PPI survey is focused on collecting information on practice characteristics, provider hours worked, number of patient visits, and number of procedures performed. The survey also seeks to quantify common professional expenses associated with medical practice (during 2006), participation in Medicare, and common characteristics of managed care plans. Finally, current topics of national interest such as medical malpractice coverage and the use of electronic medical records are explored.
What organizations endorse the study?The AMA and AOA, along with 70 other medical specialty organizations have provided financial support and endorsement for the 2007 Physician Practice Information survey.
Who is conducting the study?The organizations endorsing the PPI study have contracted with The Gallup Organization to collect this data on their behalf. Gallup is an independent, nationally-recognized research and consulting firm with extensive background in collecting information regarding provider issues.
Why was I chosen?You were randomly selected as part of a statistically-controlled sample to represent thousands of other providers in your specialty and region of the country. Your participation is critical to ensure that the information collected is representative of providers in all types of practice situations.
How long will this survey take?There are two components associated with the PPI survey; one to be completed by the provider and the other by the practice’s manager/administrator. Advance study materials include worksheets to help efficiently organize the information. Once these worksheets are filled in, each component of the survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete by phone or web.
Are my responses confidential?The Gallup Organization adheres to strict confidentiality guidelines. All information that would permit identification of any participant will be regarded as strictly confidential. Such information will be used only for purposes of the study and will not be disclosed or released for any other purposes without prior consent, except as required by law.
Where can I see results of the study?Results of the final study may be published in AMNews, JAMA, the Journal of Health Economics, and a wide variety of other professional journals. In addition, practices participating in the 2007 PPI survey will receive a special data summary document containing highlights of study results. This summary document will only be available to PPI participants.
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May/June 2007 Volunteers Needed for VFW Event
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) will hold their annual meeting in Kansas City, MO in August. For the last three years, optometrists have provided vision screenings during the VFW health fair. The American Optometric Association (AOA) will coordinate this with doctors from the Missouri and Kansas Optometric associations. The VFW convention represents the largest gathering of veterans in the nation each year.
In addition to assessing hundreds of veterans for eye health care and vision problems, this is an important outreach effort, demonstrating the importance of regular comprehensive eye care to generations of aging veterans.
Dr. John Gelvin, Trustee of the Kansas City Optometric Society, is in charge of getting volunteers to sign up for this important event. Assistants and spouses may also volunteer to assist with this process. Please contact Dr. John Gelvin at [email protected] to volunteer.
Volunteers are needed for Saturday, August 18 through Tuesday, August 21 from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, August 22 from 8:30 a.m. until noon.
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May/June 2007 Para Certification Deadline
August 27, 2007, is the registration deadline for Para Certification Testing for CPO, CPOA, & CPOT.
If you want to register, contact Darlene Byrd at the AOA office 800-365-2219 ext. 4222 or email PS@aoa. org
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May/June 2007 NPI: Get It. Share It. Use It.
Over 2 million providers have their NPIs – do you have your NPI yet? Covered entities (including health plans, covered health care providers and clearinghouses) across the country are making decisions regarding their need for contingency plans for NPI implementation. It is more important than ever to obtain an NPI as soon as possible and begin testing it on claims, as directed by your health plan.
Medicare providers should pay special attention to the Medicare information section below for important news on the Medicare FFS Contingency Plan.
New Compliance Contingency Guidance FAQsCMS has posted new FAQs related to the previously posted NPI Compliance Contingency Guidance. Questions include:
● What are the exact dates for the National Provider Identifier (NPI) contingency plan?● If a complaint is filed against me for not being in compliance with the National Provider Identifier
(NPI) after May 23, 2007, what will happen?● What happens if a complaint for not being in compliance with the National Provider Identifier
(NPI) is filed against me after May 23, 2008?● Is it acceptable for a health plan to announce their National Provider Identifier (NPI) contingency
now?● Is the National Provider Identifier (NPI) contingency plan voluntary?● Am I allowed to give my National Provider Identifier (NPI) to other providers as well as to the
health plans with whom I exchange transactions?
To view these FAQs, you should:
1. Go to the CMS dedicated NPI web page at www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand2. Scroll down to the section that says "Related Links Inside CMS"3. Click on NPI Frequently Asked Questions. To find the latest FAQs, click on the arrows next to
"Date Updated." Look for the word "NEW" in red font to appear beside the most recent FAQs.
Obtain Information on Contingency PlansCMS strongly urges providers to pay attention to information from the health plans they bill so that they are aware if, and when, a specific health plan announces its own contingency plan.
Reminder – Sharing NPIsOnce providers have received their NPIs, they should share their NPIs with other providers with whom they do business, and with health plans that request their NPIs. In fact, as outlined in current regulation, providers who are covered entities under HIPAA must share their NPIs with any entities that need them for billing purposes -- including those who need them for designation of ordering or referring physician.
(continued)
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Providers should also consider letting health plans, or institutions for whom they work, share their NPIs for them.
Reminder – Enumerating a Group PracticeA group practice that conducts any of the HIPAA standard transactions is a covered healthcare provider (a covered entity under HIPAA) and, as such, must obtain an NPI. The physicians employed by the group practice, on the other hand, are furnishing services at the group office(s) but they are not conducting any of the HIPAA standard transactions (such as submitting claims, checking eligibility and claim status). As such, the physicians would not be covered health care providers and are not required by the NPI Final Rule to obtain NPIs. However, as the employer, the group could require these physicians to obtain NPIs and use the NPIs to identify them as the rendering providers in the claims that the group submits. If these physicians prescribe medication, the pharmacies may require their NPIs in the claims that the pharmacies submit to health plans. Additionally, health plans can require enrolled physicians to obtain NPIs in order to participate in that plan. Medicare is an example of a health plan with this requirement.
Reminder – Applying for an NPI Does Not Enroll a Health Care Provider in a Health PlanApplying for an NPI and enrolling in a health plan are two completely separate activities. Having an NPI does not guarantee payment by any health plan.
When to Contact the NPI Enumerator for AssistanceProviders should remember that the NPI Enumerator can only answer/address the following types of questions/issues:
● Status of an application ● Forgotten/lost NPI ● Lost NPI notification letter (i.e., for those providers enumerated via paper or web-based
applications)● Trouble accessing NPPES ● Forgotten password/User ID ● Need to request a paper application ● Need clarification on information that is to be supplied in the NPI application
Providers needing this type of assistance may contact the enumerator at 1-800-465-3203, TTY 1-800-692-2326, or email the request to the NPI Enumerator at [email protected] .
Please Note: The NPI Enumerator’s operation is closed on federal holidays. The federal holidays observed are: New Year's Day, Independence Day, Veteran’s Day, Christmas Day, Martin Luther King's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Thanksgiving.
Important Information for Medicare Providers
Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS) Contingency Plan Announced!FFS Medicare has announced its contingency plan. View the associated Change Request at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/transmittals/downloads/R1227CP.pdf, as well as the related MLN Matters article at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM5595.pdf on the CMS website. Please note that these materials were recently revised; please be sure to visit the links above for the latest information. This information will also be available shortly on CMS’s dedicated NPI web page.
NPI: Get It. Share It. Use It. (continued)
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A national NPI Roundtable on the Medicare FFS Contingency Plan is scheduled for May 10, 2007 from 2-3:30PM EDT. Registration details to follow.
Reporting a Group Practice NPI on ClaimsMedicare has identified instances where the Multi-Carrier System (MCS) is correcting billing or pay-to provider data on Part B claims submitted by group practices. As of May 18, 2007, the MCS Part B claims processing systems will no longer correct claims submitted by group practices that are reporting the individual rendering Provider Identification Number (PIN) or individual rendering NPI in either the billing or pay-to provider identifier fields. Groups should enter either their group NPI or group NPI and legacy PIN number pair in either of these fields.
Reminder – Medicare Extending Date for Accepting Form CMS-1500 (12-90)While Medicare began to accept the revised Form CMS-1500 (08-05) on January 1, 2007 and was positioned to completely cutover to the new form on April 1, 2007, it has recently come to our attention that there are incorrectly formatted versions of the revised form being sold by the Government Printing Office (GPO). After reviewing the situation, the GPO has determined that the source files they received from the NUCC’s authorized forms designer were improperly formatted. The error resulted in the sale of both printed forms and negatives which do not comply with the form specifications. However, not all of the new forms are in error.
Given the circumstances, CMS is extending the acceptance period of the Form CMS-1500 (12-90) version beyond the original April 1, 2007 deadline while this situation is resolved. Medicare contractors will be directed to continue to accept the Form CMS-1500 (12-90) until notified by CMS to cease. At present, we are targeting June 1, 2007 as that date. During the interim, contractors will be directed to return, not manually key, any Form CMS-1500 (08-05) forms received which are not printed to specification. By returning the incorrectly formatted claim forms back to providers, we are able to make them aware of the situation so they can begin communications with their form suppliers.
For more details, and to learn how to identify the proper version of the new form, visit a recent MLN Matters article at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM5568.pdf on the CMS website.
Still Confused?
Not sure what an NPI is and how you can get it, share it and use it? As always, more information and education on the NPI can be found at the CMS NPI page www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand on the CMS website. Providers can apply for an NPI online at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov or can call the NPI enumerator to request a paper application at 1-800-465-3203.
Getting an NPI is free - not having one can be costly.
NPI: Get It. Share It. Use It. (continued)
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May/June 2007 Welcome New Members
The Missouri Optometric Association is pleased to welcome the following individuals into membership.
Optometrists
● Sarah D. Frye, O.D. ● Diane M. Galbrecht, O.D. ● Mark W.Gifford, O.D. ● Allison J. Griffith, O.D. ● Lianne L. Innes, O.D. ● Amber L. Koester, O.D. ● Michael J. Lane, O.D.
● Grace W. Lim, O.D. ● Sara T.S. Mach, O.D.
● Linda R. Marks, O.D. ● Chad E. Moore, O.D. ● Katherine L. Osborn, O.D.
● Brent P. Pikkula, O.D. ● Matthew Scullawl, O.D.
● Stephanie C. Voyles, O.D.
Paraoptometrics
● Adam Arterbridge● Karrie Ann Collins ● Cassandra Bruns● Kristy Dains● Donna Davis● Elesha Eisenlohr● Susanne Eoff
● Angelina Gutierrez● Monica Hamm● Janice K Hudson ● Tracy Leith
● Melissa Mangels● Lora H. Pressly
● Keri Thoroughman
● Joan F. White● Dawn Wilkinson
● Janie D. Wilson
Optometry Students
● Andrea J. Andrud
● Mavis J. Armbruster ● Mike J. Atteberry ● Amanda L. Bahr ● Erin C. Barr● Angela F. Basham ● Laura A. Bequette ● Kevin M. Biermann
● Whitney T. Bolz
● Bradley E. Borello ● Jennifer R. Brave ● Ryan J. Broyles
● Justin M. Crowe ● Kylie M. Divine
● Jessica M. Downs ● Catherine M. Earl
● John D. Friederich
Optometry Students, continued
● Wesley D. Lewis ● Jessica N. Mai● Alexa S. Martin ● Bradley D. Martinson ● Eliot G. Masek● Melissa S. Massey ● Teresa E. Mathew ● Rachel E. Merriman ● Amanda A. Mesner ● Megan N. Moll● Suman D. Navalgund ● Susan D. Nixon
● Erin M. O'Neal● Marcy L. O'Neil ● Rachelle R. Penka ● Dane M. Peterson ● Jeffrey T. Pikul ● Sara M. Pyatt● Ryan D. Read● Jennifer A. Redfern
● Karen S. Wilkinson, O.D. ● Jing Ye, O.D.
● Amy L. Garbo
● Erin E. Genua ● Joanna M. Gervais ● Jamie L. Gold● Amber M. Hanschu ● Jefffrey A.Harter ● Jessica R. Hary ● Ryan C. Hill● Brianne N. Hobbs
● Kurt J. Hofeldt ● James H. Hsiav
● Angela B. Jackson ● Tina M. Jones
● Alana L. Keller
● Holly R. Klein● Anne M. LaKamp
● Jennifer K. Lawson
● Richard C. Schlievert ● Matthew J. Schroeder ● Kristen A. Schumer ● Amy E. Seavers
● Kristin M. Skredenske ● Brett A. Sobieralski ● Emily S. Thomas ● Krista K. Tonniges ● Vito Vricella● Andrew D. Warren ● Deanne M. Wehner ● Kasey K. Wilson ● Shawn M. Woemmel ● Clint M. Wolk● Kaclyn K. Zaporski
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May/June 2007 2007 - 2009 Calendar
April 23-25, 2007AOA Congressional Congress JW Marriott, Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D. C.
June 8-10, 2007MOA Leadership Retreat Country Club Hotel Lake Ozark, MO
June 27-July 1, 2007Optometry's Meeting™ Boston, Massachusetts
October 4-7, 2007 MOA Annual Convention Ritz Carlton Hotel St. Louis
January 27-28, 2008MOA Legislative Conference Jefferson City, MO
February 14-16, 2008Heart of America Kansas City, MO
May 8-10, 2008Midwest EyeCare Conference Chicago, Illinois
June 25-29, 2008Optometry's Meeting™ Seattle, Washington
October 2-5, 2008MOA Annual Convention Chateau on the Lake Branson, MO
October 1-4, 2009MOA Annual Convention Lodge of the Four Seasons Lake Ozark, MO
Hannibal800-325-4676
Lenexa800-397-2020
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May/June 2007 Society ReportsCentral Optometric SocietyDebbie Hettler-Arbeitman, O.D., MPH, FAAO
March, April and May were busy with company sponsored dinner and discussions for CMOS. AcuVue sponsored the March meeting at Chevy's restaurant. Jared Diamond and MedPOint/Optivar sponsored the April meeting at D. Rowes' restaurant.
Mary Koboldt and Bausch & Lomb Pharmaceuticals sponsored a 2 hour CE COPE approved presentation by Derek N. Cunningham, O.D. FAAO from the Division of Ophthalmology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso School of Medicine on "Chronic Ocular Inflammation". This was the May CMOS meeting and was held at The Pasta Factory.
There is still time to donate to the fund to help elect Lee Ann Barrett for AOA trustee. Contact her directly or the MOA office fordetails.
Meetings for the next several months are planned for the fourth Tuesday of the month with the exception of some traditional vacation months. All CMOS members are invited to attend. If any CMOS members do not receive the e mail reminders, please contact Dr. Robert Bernskoetter at [email protected].
(continued)
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May/June 2007
Southeast Optometric SocietyJim Hunt, O.D.
The Southeast Optometric Society Held their 8th Annual Legislator Dinner. This event is held to honor the legislators of southeast Missouri and allow continued dialog between optometrist and our representatives.
Dr. Kayce Strohmeyer & member Ken Detring Dr. Dan Obermark, SEOS Secretary/Treasurer
The Southeast Society enjoys a quality relationship with our legislators and is proud to have two members of the House of Representatives from our society. Dr. Terry Swinger and Dr. Steve Tilley are both members of the Missouri House.
Speaker of the House, Rep. Rod JettonDr. Everett Tilley, Representative Steve Tilley's father
Doctors of optometry and their spouses were invited as well as every southeast Missouri legislator. The event was well attended and held at the Hickory Log Restaurant in Dexter, Missouri. The BBQ Dinner was casual in dress and those who attended thoroughly enjoyed the good food and great conversation. This dinner allowed everyone to relax; visit and share information about their respective professions. Dr. Terry Swinger, optometrist & member of
the Missouri House of RepresentativesDr. Steve Tilley, optometrist & member of the Missouri House of Representatives
Society Reports (continued)
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May/June 2007 StaffExecutive Director:
Joyce M. Baker 573/635-6151F: 573/[email protected]
Administrative Assistant:
Jessica R. [email protected]
Finance Manager:Linda K. [email protected]
Governmental Relations Consultant:
J. Scott Marrs 573/636-5873F: 573/[email protected]
Jerry W. Burch 573/636-4599F: 573/[email protected]
Legal Counsel:Marc H. Ellinger 573/634-2500F: 573/[email protected]
OfficersPresidentThomas F. Greene, O.D. 573/659-5560F: 573/[email protected]
President-ElectGregory J. Goetzinger, O.D. 417/359-0600F: 417/[email protected]
TreasurerWesley D. Kemp, O.D 417/777-9000F: 417/[email protected]
SecretaryG. Ryan Powell, O.D. 816/476-4017F: 816/[email protected]
Immediate Past-PresidentThomas W. Hobbs, O.D. 660/747-7300F: 660/[email protected]
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May/June 2007 Trustees
Central SocietyDebbie Hettler-Arbeitman, O.D. 573/814-6575F: 573/[email protected]
Greater Ozark SocietyMichael C. Frier, O.D 417/876-6052F: 417/[email protected]
Kansas City SocietyJohn B. Gelvin, O.D 816/[email protected]
Northeast SocietyDuane A. Thompson, O.D.660/258-7409F: 660/[email protected]
Northwest SocietyMatthew Honson, O.D. 816/390-8644F: 816/[email protected]
Southeast SocietyJames M. Hunt, O.D. 573/996-3937F: 573/[email protected]
Southwest SocietyLorry W. Lazenby, O.D. 417/782-9151F: 417/[email protected]
St. Louis SocietyJeffrey L. Weaver, O.D. 314/991-4100F: 314/[email protected]
St. Louis Society Associate TrusteeThomas J. Cullinane, O.D. 314/579-0909F: 314/[email protected]
West Central SocietyMark D. Curtis, O.D. 660/747-8196F: 660/[email protected]
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May/June 2007 CommitteesAdministrative ServicesRob Bernskoetter, O.D. 573/874-2030F: 573/[email protected]
Affiliated OrganizationsLori Ehlers Swopes, O.D. 816/884-5212F: 816/[email protected]
Clinical/EducationalErica Burton, O.D. 417/682-3301F: 417/[email protected]
Coordinating CommitteeThomas W. Hobbs, O.D. 660/747-7300F: 660/[email protected]
Governmental AffairsMark D. Curtis, O.D. 660/747-8196F: 660/[email protected]
Membership ServicesScott Ream, O.D. 417/264-7418F: 417/[email protected]
Public RelationsKyle Brost, O.D. 573/334-8595F: 573/[email protected]
Affiliated OrganizationsParaoptometric ChairTina Heafner 816/524-8900F: 816/[email protected]
MOAA PresidentAmy Powell 816/476-4017F: 816/[email protected]
MOF PresidentRex Newcomb, O.D. 417/468-6682F: 417/[email protected]
State Board PresidentChristy Fowler, O.D. 573/335-3937Web site: [email protected]
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May/June 2007 MOA Vision
Missouri Optometric AssociationEditor of Publications: Lee Ann Barrett, O.D.201 W. Broadway Columbia, MO 65203 Phone: 573/445-8636 Fax: 573/446-9122 E-mail: [email protected]
The VISION newsletter is published bimonthly at 100 E. High Street, Ste. 301, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Phone: 573/635-6151.
Send all unsolicited articles, news, and advertising to the MOA Central Office. All opinions and statements of supposed fact in signed articles do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Missouri Optometric Association.
Deadlines are the first of January, March, May, July, September, and November.
