Times of difficulty like this are one of the very reasons professional associations like RBMA exist. We give our members a voice to effect change on a larger scale. Please continue to support us so we can support you.

News

ACR Publishes Two New Imaging 3.0 Case Studies
Crisis Management and A Shock to the System feature leaders of practices both large and small discussing the operational steps they've taken to ensure quality patient care and the ongoing viability of their businesses during the pandemic. 

RBMA co-signs letter asking Congress to prevent $10B in cuts to imaging.
RBMA is one of 53 organizations now asking lawmakers for relief from changes to evaluation and management codes set to take effect Jan. 1, 2021. Experts advocate the payment policy change would cost the imaging field $10 billion over the next decade. 
The letter, dated June 18, notes, “We are deeply concerned that adhering to existing budget neutrality requirements for implementing the new policy will generate sizable cuts for various sections of the provider community. We urge Congress to recognize that now is not the time to implement any payment policy changes that will exacerbate the financial instability of healthcare providers’ practices.”
RBMA was joined by the American College of Radiology, Society of Interventional Radiology and other groups representing numerous other specialties. 

CDC Publishes Every Provider that Received Relief Funds with Amounts
View the list >>

Radiology Hot Topic Poll: Question of the Week
Practice considerations as you reopen post COVID-19 shutdown.
Take the Poll Now >>

...a Word With Bob LIVE! Poll Summary Report: A Journey of Data Through Crisis
Through the months of the COVID-19, and the subsequent shutdown, RBMA provided a six week long series of weekly live podcasts to help RBMA members understand the environment of uncharted territory the radiology industry has been operating under in the midst of the pandemic. Through this live podcast viewers were polled with questions pertaining to the topic being discussed. RBMA has compiled the results of these surveys in a report to further help members understand how data some looked through this process. 
View report please click here>> 

Previous Polls:
How has COVID-19 impacting your recruiting? How are you proceeding?  Results are now available here>>
Did you apply for PPP? What's Next?  Results are now available here>>

How has your practice adapted to the environment of COVID-19? How do you plan to proceed coming out of this time? Results are now available here >>
How will the stimulus package programs impact your organization? Results are now 
available here >>
How has COVID-19 impacted your practice volume? How will that impact your staffing levels?  Results are now available here >>
How has COVID-19 financially impacted your practice and how are you responding?  Results are now available here >>

HHS Extends Deadline for Attestation, Acceptance of Terms and Conditions for Provider Relief Fund Payments to 45 Days
New guidance from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Click here to read more >>

CARES Provider Relief Fund
View now >>

Gallagher Medical Professional Liability Market Update
Provided by Erik Burt, area president for Gallagher’s healthcare practice team, who spoke on the April 23 ...a Word with Bob Program
Click here to view the document >>     
Click here to view the April 23 ...a Word with Bob LIVE Podcast >>

2019-Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Medicare Provider Enrollment Relief Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 
Guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Click here to view >> 

Provider Relief Fund Issues $30 Billion in Grants to Medicare Providers
A report from Advocate Radiology Billing & Reimbursement Specialists, LLC on the $30B in provider relief funds distributed to health care providers - and the terms and conditions for use of those funds.
View the article >>

ICD-10-CM Official Coding and Reporting Guidelines
April 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020
View the guidelines >>

Comprehensive Review of the CARES Act
Provided by Reed Smith LLP
Click here to view >>

Radiology Hot Topic Poll: Question of the Week
How has COVID-19 impacted your practice volume? How will that impact your staffing levels?
Take the Poll Now >>

Last Weeks Poll: How has COVID-19 financially impacted your practice and how are you responding? Results are now available here >>

COVID-19 ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN APPLICATION
Federal Disaster Loans for Businesses, Private Non-profits, Homeowners and Renters from the US Small Business Administration
Click here for more information >>

US Department of the Treasury Provides More Information on the Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses.
Click here for more information >>

CMS Flexibilities to Fight COVID-19 for Physicians and Other Clinicians

Guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Click here to download >>

Cash Reserves Modeling Template Updated
Provided by RBMA Past-President, Michael A. Bohl, FRBMA
The template allows users to estimate the impact of anticipated revenue losses may have on group practices' and imaging centers' cash reserves.  Instructions are included. For additional comments and details, please refer to the Practice Management Community on Connect RBMA.
Download the template now >>

CARES Act Signed Into Law: Includes an Estimated $2 Trillion or More in Stimulus
Key insights from accounting firm Clifton Larson Allen
Click here to view >>

Expansion of the Accelerated & Advance Payments Program for Providers & Suppliers During COVID-19 Emergency
A fact sheet from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Click here to view >>

COVID-19 Relief and the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund

A preliminary summary from RBMA's lobbyist Thorn Run Partners
Click here to view >>

RBMA Payor Relations Committee Drafting Timely Filing Letters
Last Thursday the Payor Relations Committee met and discussed the issue of timely filing during this unprecedented time.  The committee agreed to draft a letter to be sent to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and state insurance commissioners asking for relief from timely filing issues.

Any data the members can add to this letter would be welcome and can be sent to bob.still@rbma.org
 
RBMA co-signs a letter to Congressional leadership to delay cuts to radiology for five years
As Congress moves forward provide relief for the immediate and escalating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, RBMA joins other healthcare organizations is signing a letter (downloadable here) urging Congress to include provisions to fortify the long-term financial stability of physician and non-physician practices across the health care delivery system by submitting a comment letter. 

Stay connected with RBMA members while you work from home
Don’t feel isolated! Reach out to other RBMA members through Connect RBMA, our online list serve, and keep a safe distance. Your peers are at your fingertips. Four communities are available: Coding, Marketing, Practice Management and State Legislation. 

Jump on a forum and have your burning questions answered by experts and colleagues or just share your thoughts. Connect via Connect RBMA >>

Or download our member app, Member Link, to your mobile devise and connect instantly with colleagues. Search for “RBMA Programs” in the Apple or Google Play stores.

Member Link Features Include:

Register to attend RBMA national and chapter events, anytime, anywhere!
Access the Connect RBMA (Forums) platform and participate in daily exchanges with colleagues
Browse the RBMA Bulletin directly on your mobile device with convenient page flip technology
Link up with fellow RBMA members and conveniently send messages back and forth through the application
Watch FREE webinars
Weekly RadCast and Washington Insider articles at your fingertips
Search our Buyers Guide featuring RBMA Corporate Partners
And much more!

Once downloaded, log in using the email attached to your RBMA account and the password RAD_1968 . (If you've downloaded our app before for an RBMA event, use your original password.)

 


 
 

Upcoming Programming

PaRADigm Shift
Our PaRADigm is truly shifting. The Radiology Business Management Association is excited to announce the 2020 PaRADigm SHIFT – a virtual conference experience.

Organizational capabilities must be strengthened to rebound and adapt to the challenges this historic time requires. Now more than ever connection with peers matters. With this and the safety and health of our members in mind, PaRADigm SHIFT has been reimagined to deliver the same exceptional content you have come to expect, enable networking with colleagues, and facilitate the opportunity to interact with industry vendors – all from the comfort of your home or office without the burden of travel costs!

What can you expect from PaRADigm SHIFT?

Educational sessions geared to help your radiology practice to rebound and recover
Fun and creative networking opportunities to connect with fellow attendees
The ability to meaningfully engage with solution providers in our virtual exhibit hall
Chances to win enticing prizes throughout the conference - including a grand prize of $1,000
Earn continuing education units
A convenient and affordable way to access quality and timely education
All the content intended for onsite presentation plus bonus roundtables discussing hot topic as well as access to ALL of RBMA webinars*
An expanded education schedule; the conference has been split into two programs - a Summer Program, Aug 3-6, and a Fall Program Nov. 10-11, all for the same low price!
Six months of access to educational content and virtual vendor booths (3 months for each program)

Register now>>

Recordings


...a Word with Bob LIVE! Thursday, June 25 at 1pm ET
In this episode, special guest Ike Singh Kehal CEO of Social27, will be presenting a demo of the platform selected to host RBMA’s virtual conference – PaRADigm SHIFT. Participants will get a preview of the innovative virtual events platform which features interactive session livestreaming, video networking, engaging virtual exhibits, and a built-in recommendation engine that enables a personalized attendee and exhibitor experience.
Watch the June 25th program now>>

CARES Act Grant: Next Chapter 
The focus of this presentation is on the Provider Relief Fund (also known as HHS Stimulus payments) of the CARES Act where HHS has distributed monies to providers that have been impacted by COVID 19.  During the webinar, Linda Wilgus with Northwest Radiology Network and James Segrovess, JD, Reed Smith LLP review how monies were distributed, the formula HHS used to calculate payments, and what the term and conditions are for accepting these monies. The session covers information known currently and as HHS provides additional guidance related to the reporting requirements mandated in the terms and conditions for payment, more will be shared during the session.
Order Here>>

Managing the Plan to Re-Open an Imaging Center Post-COVID-19
The impact of COVID-19 took everyone by surprise. The closure of schools, offices, businesses not just in the United States, its tentacles had a global reach as well. The effect in the radiology community was swift with having to cancel patients, delaying imaging procedures, and waiting anxiously for permission to re-open. Preparing to return to a new normal brings its own operational challenges and stringent requirements as we address the safety of our patients and staff. Hear from these speakers, Adam Nielsen, Chief Development Officer with Center for Diagnostic Imaging, and Todd Jackson, Center Administrator with Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center how they manage in this environment. Here are a couple of questions that kept them on their toes during the pre-planning phase: How do we handle social distancing in our practices? How will these changes impact our operations, and our patients? These speakers will share from their experiences as the process unfolds.
Order Here>>


...a Word with Bob LIVE! Thursday, May 28 at 1pm ET
In this episode, special guest Jeff Maze CEO of Quinsite, will discuss the impact of COVID-19 Radiology Modality Trending and POS Trending. Christopher "Kit" Crancer Director of State Legislative Policy Center for Diagnostic Imaging (CDI) will discuss further implications of COVID-19 on Medicare/Medicaid and state budget cycles. 
Watch May 28th program now>>

COVID-19: Managing Coding Changes During this Crisis
Original presentation date: May 5, 2020 | COVID-19 Just in Time Microlearning Series
Presented by: Stuart Newsome and Stacey LaCotti
This webinar recording is free to download. The recording link will be provided in your order confirmation.
Order now >>

...a Word with Bob LIVE! Recording from Thursday, April 30 at 1 pm ET
In our last COVID-19 weekly episode, RBMA executive director Bob Still spends a few minutes speaking with Danny Hughes, executive director of the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute, about a joint ACR-RBMA survey on COVID-19 that is scheduled to the first week in May. Later, Bob talks with Tischa Roberts, chief operating officer of MBMS, LLC and Pat Kroken, FACMPE, FRBMA, CRA with MSN Healthcare Solutions, on returning to "normal" or perhaps what the new normal will look like.
Watch the April 30th program now >>

... a Word with Bob LIVE! Recording from Thursday, April 23 at 1 pm ET

In this episode Bob has a frontline chat with Stacy Sanso, Clinic Manager at Austin Radiological Association regarding their response to COVID-19. Bob also speaks with Erik Burt, area president for Gallagher’s healthcare practice team. Erik shares strategies for reducing your malpractice and other insurance premiums during the COVID-19 crisis.
Watch the April 23rd program now >>
View the Gallagher Medical Professional Liability Market Update handout >>

Revenue Cycle - What Can We Do Now?
Original presentation date: April 22, 2020 | COVID-19 Just in Time Microlearning Series
Presented by Kassie Remo, FACMPE, and Tony Werner, MBA
This webinar recording is free to download. The recording link will be provided in your order confirmation.
Order now >>


Tax Matters: CARES - Let's Talk About It!
Original presentation date: April 21, 2020 | COVID-19 Just in Time Microlearning Series
Presented by Emily Lambert, CPA, and Claire Pearson, CPA
This webinar recording is free to download. The recording link will be provided in your order confirmation.
Order now >>

COVID-19 PHE Changes in Documentation, Coding and Billing Update 
An on-demand webinar provided by PANACEA. Recorded April 17
Watch the webinar now >>
View the follow-up Q&A document here >>

... a Word with Bob LIVE! Recording from Thursday, April 16 at 1 pm ET
In this episode Bob speaks with Gregory N. Nicola MD, FACR about his frontline observations as a practicing radiologist and executive leader in the Hackensack Radiology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey. Bob also talks with RBMA frequent contributor and presenter W. Kenneth Davis, Jr., JD, Partner, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, on the implications of the COVID-19 crisis for radiology groups as they think about how radiology organizations will grow, shrink or change in the aftermath.
Watch the April 16th program now >>

Lessen the Stress with Careful Financial Management
Original presentation date: April 15, 2020 | COVID-19 Just in Time Microlearning Series
Presented by Craig Arends, CPA
This webinar recording is free to download. The recording link will be provided in your order confirmation.
Order now >>

... a Word with Bob LIVE! Recording from Thursday, April 9 at 1 pm ET

In this episode Bob speaks with Patrick Hope, Executive Director of MITA (Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance) to discuss the equipment manufacturers COVID-19 approach and a panel of experts (David Campbell, Esq., Mark Hipple, Esq., and Aimee Harvey) discuss COVID-19 legislation regarding practice legal and employment law issues and managing in remote work environments.
Watch the April 9th program now >>

COVID-19 and Your Radiology Practice
A free JACR-sponsored webinar brings together leaders from throughout the specialty - academic, private, urban, rural - to discuss how to respond to practice management challenges associated with the current pandemic.
Watch Now >>

Strategies for Long-Term Success in a Period of Economic Uncertainty
Webinar recording provided by Ziegler
Access Recording >>

... a Word with Bob LIVE! Recording from Thursday, April 2 at 1 pm ET
In this episode Bob speaks with Jeff Maze, Quinsite, on his tracking of radiology volume data throughout the country and an RBMA panel discusses the recently passed CARES Act and how radiology practices can use the CARES Act to assist their practices during the Covid-19 crisis.  From cash flow to unemployment compensation and tax issues these RBMA members help guide your practice and be available to answer your questions. 
Watch the April 2nd program now >>

Free On-Demand Webinar on CMS Waiver Expansion for Radiology Telehealth Services
Provided by Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies
View Now >>

... a Word with Bob LIVE! Recording from Thursday, March 26 at 1 pm ET
In this episode, Bob speaks with Michael Bohl, FRBMA, on his Cash Reserves Modeling Template and has an open forum Q&A with members.
Watch the March 26th program now >>


Webinar recording available: COVID-19 – Real-time Experiences in the Trenches
On March 17, 2020, RBMA partnered with AHRA to present a free webinar to members. The webinar covered how panelists Amanda Lynn Garlock, R.T. (R)(MR) (Providence Regional Medical Center, Everett, WA), Gina Greenwood, CRA, FAHRA, (UW Health in Madison, WI); and Linda Massaro, RN, BSN, CHSP (Center for Diagnostic Imaging/Insight Imaging) are handling the COVID-19 crises at their facilities. 

Their different experiences range from caring for the first and largest outbreak in the US to pandemic preparedness planning and cover the spectrum of patient care settings.

This webinar recording is free to download. The recording link will be provided in your order confirmation. You can also download the webinar Q&A here >> 
 

Links


COVID-19 Radiology-Specific Resources
American College of Radiology
Visit the ACR Website >>

Navigating US Federal and State Rules and Regulations During A Public Health Emergency
Published by ReedSmith >>

Sec. 1135 Waivers Granted
President Trump declared a national emergency on March 13.
Full List of Waivers >> 

Centers for Disease Control:
General information and situation updates >>
Information for health care professionals >>

World Health Organization:
COVID-19 Situation Reports >>
COVID-19 Information Page >>

US Food & Drug Administration:

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) >>