Scam Alert from CMS: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has become aware of a scam where perpetrators are sending faxes to physician offices posing as the Medicare carrier or Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC). The fax instructs physician staff to respond to a questionnaire to provide an account information update within 48 hours in order to prevent a gap in Medicare payments. The fax may have the CMS logo and/or the contractor logo to enhance the appearance of authenticity.
Medicare FFS providers, including physicians, non-physician practitioners, should be wary of this type of request. If you receive a request for information in the manner described above, please check with your contractor before submitting any information. Medicare providers should only send information to a Medicare contractor using the address found in the download section of the CMS.gov website found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNGenInfo/ or http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll.
TMA's Learn @ Lunch Audio Seminars: TMA and OSMA present the Revenue Cycle Management audio series beginning June 10. Get all the details and registration information in this link. Seminar Information
North American Influenza Update: The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is currently working with local public health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate several cases of H1N1 in the United States. DSHS has established a toll-free H1N1 hotline for physicians and providers with questions about assessing, evaluating and treating swine flu, call (877) 623-6274.
TMA has posted on their Web site (www.texmed.org) information concerning the North American Influenza (Swine Flu) cases in Texas, plus general information on diagnosis and prevention. The local Health Department has also provided NCMS with new information concerning the prevention and treatment of North American Influenza (Swine Flu) in young children. TMA Guidelines CC-NCPHD Guidelines CDC Antiviral Guidelines 6/15/09
Mission of Mercy invites you to have "Coffee with MOM". The one hour Clinc tours are scheduled for June 31, July 6 and 13. Please call Patty Clark at 883-5500 or 446-0202 to register for the tour.
Metro Ministries is looking for volunteers to help at the Dr. James Gabbard Memorial Health Clinic. The primary care medicial clinic opens Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00 pm. Call David Tapscott at 882-7628, ext. 232 for more information.
The 44th Annual Health Fair will be held Saturday, August 1, 2009 at the American Bank Canter Exhibit Hall. Information packets for exhibitors have been mailed. Booths are reserved on a first come-first served basis. Call 884-5442 for more information. Exhibitor's Letter Health Fair Guidelines Health Fair Contract Indemnity Agreement
Las Brisas: The TCEQ hearing held February 17 turned into an all day affair, as hundreds of people lined up to make their feelings known. Unfortunately, the standing overflow crowd was asked to leave by the presiding judge, Tommy Broyles, after a visit from the Fire Marshall. Accommodations for the large crowd were made as the hearing reconvened in the afternoon at a Del Mar College facility on Staples Street.
Despite warnings from Judge Broyles on the potential costs and the amount of time involved, many individuals and groups filed the paperwork to become a party to the hearings. NCMS and Alliance members supported Dr. Wesley Stafford in his successful effort to be a participant. SPAR (San Patricio, Aransas and Refugio Counties) Medical Society also became a party. The next hearings are tentatively scheduled for Aug. 3-14 in Corpus Christi.
Many people that were turned away went to the City Council meeting that was going on at the same time and voiced their concerns. Councilman Michael McCutchon, M. D. asked the City Council to revisit their endorsement of the project, but was not able to persuade a five member majority to agree that the issue needed to be discussed again. Even though the Council’s recommendations are largely symbolic, they may have some influence in the permitting process.
Additional information relating to Las Brisas Energy Center can be found in the attached links.
Las Brisas brochure sponsored by SPAR and NCMS Caller-Times ad 2/15/09
The Corpus Christi-Nueces County County Health District has issued an alert for an increase in cases of Pertussis. Please contact the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health Communicable Disease Division @ 826-7251 for more information. See attached links for immunization schedules.
Adult Schedule Children's Schedule
Founded in 1904, NCMS represents more than 750 physicians in Nueces County,Texas. Our Executive Board, various committees, and our support staff are available here.
Request a membership application, update your membership information for our records, view our Spotlight on New Members.
Things to make operating your practice easier-Texas Common Credentialing Application and Hassle Factor form
Use our online Member Finder to locate a member physician. A hard copy of our Directory is also available.
Browse through major articles in the current edition of our bimonthly magazine, "Coastal Bend Medicine". Advertising and subscriptions are also available.
Monthly newsletter
Pictorial Directory
The 2008 - 2009 Pictorial Directories are still available at the Medical Society office, 1000 Morgan Ave, from 8am - 5pm. Please call 884.5442 for more information. The 2009-2010 Directories should be ready in June.
A listing of our upcoming events may be found here.
Sponsorship of Nueces County Medical Society events puts your business in front of 800 physicians of all specialties throughout Nueces County. CLICK HERE for details.
Looking for CME credits offered in the Coastal Bend? CLICK HERE
Founded in 1927, the more than 150 physician spouses comprising the Alliance are involved in a variety of current activities on behalf of the health and well being of the community.