What's New

This page contains the latest information available from the OMA of interest to physicians. News, upcoming events, and recent association developments can all be found here. We will also inform you of new sections, features, and links to this website as they are added.

Updated August 30, 2000

• Ambulatory Records Certification (ARC) now has its own web page. Visit this site to see the new Medical Record Review Guidelines.

Updated July 21, 2000

• To help avoid the use of "dummy" provider numbers by OMAP for the adjudication of prescriptions, physicians are asked to include their OMAP provider numbers on all prescriptions. By including the number, they will save their office staffs from inbound calls asking for the number.
• Beginning in September, First Health will require the provider number for psychotropics prescribed to children under the age of 6. The pharmacy will be unable to process the prescription without the number. This is in response to a JAMA article published earlier this year. The categories and example brand names are:

Amphetamines and amphetamine derivatives (e.g. Desoxyn, Adderall)

Buproprion (Wellbutrin)

Citalopram (Celexa)

Clonidine (Catapres)

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Fluvaxamine (Luvox)

Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

Paroxetine (Paxil)

Sertraline (Zoloft)

• Template for analysis of managed care contracts, approved by OMA's Contract Task Force
• Results of negotiations with ODS regarding its Managed Health Care Physicians Agreement
• A new resource from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, part of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services -- Now You Have a Diagnosis: What's Next? -- explains to patients how and where to find reliable health care information and how to use that information in evaluating treatment risks and benefits. The resource guide encourages patients to work with their clinicians in developing a treatment plan and to seek support from others sharing the same health concerns. Feel free to refer patients to this resource online at .

• This week HCFA is unveiling new, draft documentation guidelines for evaluation and management (E&M) services. After pilot testing, these simplified guidelines will replace the current ones.

• Fact sheet regarding the new fee for service Medicare + Choice option being offered in Oregon through Sterling Life Insurance Company now available. Physicians who choose to participate will be paid on a fee for service basis and will not be subject to utilization review.

• The draft Medicare Compliance Guidelines are now available for review on the Office of Inspector General Web site.

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