AARC Issues Comments on MIPS Measures
We are working to expand opportunities for respiratory therapists that include roles outside of acute care. The AARC has just issued formal comments to CMS on the new Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) included in the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015. Specifically, the Association is recommending that CMS include quality measures in […]
Read the post:AARC Issues Comments on MIPS MeasuresOutpatient Pulmonary Rehab Rates Set to Rise
Thanks in part to the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Toolkit developed by the AARC and her sister organizations, CMS has just proposed significant rate increases for outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programs in 2017. The toolkit helped many programs more accurately calculate charges for PR code G0424, providing a clearer picture of PR costs to CMS. An annual review […]
Read the post:Outpatient Pulmonary Rehab Rates Set to RiseNeo-Peds RTs: Are New RSV Immunoprophylaxis Recommendations Valid?
RSV Immunoprophylaxis: Who Should Get It And When? Respiratory therapists specializing in neonatal-pediatrics know preterm infants are considered at higher risk for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but which infants face the highest risk and thus may be candidates for treatment with RSV immunoprophylaxis (RSV IP) has been up for debate. According to the American […]
Read the post:Neo-Peds RTs: Are New RSV Immunoprophylaxis Recommendations Valid?Neo-Peds RTs: Are New RSV Immunoprpphylaxis Recommendations Valid?
RSV Immunoprophylaxis: Who Should Get It And When? Respiratory therapists specializing in neonatal-pediatrics know preterm infants are considered at higher risk for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but which infants face the highest risk and thus may be candidates for treatment with RSV immunoprophylaxis (RSV IP) has been up for debate. According to the American […]
Read the post:Neo-Peds RTs: Are New RSV Immunoprpphylaxis Recommendations Valid?Executive Office Update: Keeping Lifesaving Measures Close By
About the author: Thomas J. Kallstrom, MBA, RRT, FAARC, is executive director of the AARC. Recently my grandson came back from the community pool with what looked like a real shiner on his eyelid. It almost looked like a bee had stung him. When I looked closer it appeared that it could be a serious […]
Read the post:Executive Office Update: Keeping Lifesaving Measures Close ByRespiratory Therapist Saves Life at CPR Event
Cindy Keely, RRT Cindy Keely, RRT, was in her office at the American Heart Association (AHA) in Charleston, WV, on Monday of last week when suddenly the administrative assistant came in and told her she was needed in the conference room, stat. A woman who was there for the emergency cardiovascular care volunteer meeting had […]
Read the post:Respiratory Therapist Saves Life at CPR EventAARC Mourns the Loss of Bill Lamb
Bill Lamb, BS, RRT, FAARC The AARC lost a tireless volunteer earlier this week with the passing of Bill Lamb, BS, RRT, FAARC. “Bill’s dedication as a volunteer and advocate for our patients and profession has left an indelible mark on me,” says AARC President Frank Salvatore, MBA, RRT, FAARC. “I, as well as many […]
Read the post:AARC Mourns the Loss of Bill LambA Present for Dad Means a Present for ARCF Too
A Present for Dad Means a Present for the ARCF Too! Father’s Day is just around the corner — Sunday, June 19 — and now your gift to Dad can be a gift to your profession as well. Just do your shopping on Amazon Smile and make the American Respiratory Care Foundation (ARCF) your beneficiary. […]
Read the post:A Present for Dad Means a Present for ARCF TooOff Duty Respiratory Therapist Saves Life on Florida Highway
Derrick Layer, RRT — second from right — was off duty and on his way to the beach when he rushed to help save a man involved in a motorcycle crash. This photo was taken after paramedics had arrived. Photo credit: George Bortle, Florida News Service Derrick Layer, RRT, was on his way to the beach one […]
Read the post:Off Duty Respiratory Therapist Saves Life on Florida HighwayAARC Supports Legislation To Delay Medicare Competitive Bid Rollout
Respiratory therapists who provide home care services to Medicare beneficiaries have raised serious concerns about the impending rollout of the Medicare Competitive Bid Program in rural and other non-compete areas of the country. Under the current plan, RTs fear many patients would be left without access to the respiratory-related durable medical equipment (DME) they need […]
Read the post:AARC Supports Legislation To Delay Medicare Competitive Bid Rollout