News from the SVS

There are two positive changes for vascular surgeons regarding AAA screening and the proposed non-facility cap in the 2014 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule.

After SVS met with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on barriers to AAA screening for Medicare beneficiaries, CMS has decided to unlink this screening with the Welcome to Medicare Physician Exam, meaning that male-ever smokers ages 65-75 and men and women with a family history of AAA can be screened without a referral.

Although this remains a one-time screening, Medicare beneficiaries no longer have a one-year limit to receive this benefit. This allows vascular surgeons to order AAA screening for at-risk beneficiaries using G code 0389 even if patients have not had the physical exam.

CMS is deferring the proposed non-facility cap for future consideration. This proposal capped 15 codes for services performed in angiography suites at either hospital outpatient or ambulatory surgical center rates even though these services are rarely or never performed in either of these two settings.

SVS will keep members informed on how this Final Rule will affect vascular surgeons.

There are two positive changes for vascular surgeons regarding AAA screening and the proposed non-facility cap in the 2014 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule.

After SVS met with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on barriers to AAA screening for Medicare beneficiaries, CMS has decided to unlink this screening with the Welcome to Medicare Physician Exam, meaning that male-ever smokers ages 65-75 and men and women with a family history of AAA can be screened without a referral.

Although this remains a one-time screening, Medicare beneficiaries no longer have a one-year limit to receive this benefit. This allows vascular surgeons to order AAA screening for at-risk beneficiaries using G code 0389 even if patients have not had the physical exam.

CMS is deferring the proposed non-facility cap for future consideration. This proposal capped 15 codes for services performed in angiography suites at either hospital outpatient or ambulatory surgical center rates even though these services are rarely or never performed in either of these two settings.

SVS will keep members informed on how this Final Rule will affect vascular surgeons.

There are two positive changes for vascular surgeons regarding AAA screening and the proposed non-facility cap in the 2014 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule.

After SVS met with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on barriers to AAA screening for Medicare beneficiaries, CMS has decided to unlink this screening with the Welcome to Medicare Physician Exam, meaning that male-ever smokers ages 65-75 and men and women with a family history of AAA can be screened without a referral.

Although this remains a one-time screening, Medicare beneficiaries no longer have a one-year limit to receive this benefit. This allows vascular surgeons to order AAA screening for at-risk beneficiaries using G code 0389 even if patients have not had the physical exam.

CMS is deferring the proposed non-facility cap for future consideration. This proposal capped 15 codes for services performed in angiography suites at either hospital outpatient or ambulatory surgical center rates even though these services are rarely or never performed in either of these two settings.

SVS will keep members informed on how this Final Rule will affect vascular surgeons.

Act soon as the January 2 deadline to share your research at the Vascular Annual Meeting, the premier educational event for vascular surgeons, is quickly approaching.

Go online to submit abstracts and videos until January 2. For questions, call 312-334-2300 or email [email protected].

Act soon as the January 2 deadline to share your research at the Vascular Annual Meeting, the premier educational event for vascular surgeons, is quickly approaching.

Go online to submit abstracts and videos until January 2. For questions, call 312-334-2300 or email [email protected].

Act soon as the January 2 deadline to share your research at the Vascular Annual Meeting, the premier educational event for vascular surgeons, is quickly approaching.

Go online to submit abstracts and videos until January 2. For questions, call 312-334-2300 or email [email protected].

Hundreds of new CPT codes for vascular surgery will go into effect in January. Coding Guide 2014 is designed to provide vascular surgeons and their coding and billing staff with the latest information necessary to achieve accurate coding for vascular procedures. Pre-purchase the latest Coding Guide, which will provide access through Dec. 31, 2014.

Pre-Purchase Price

Coding Guide 2014 can be pre-purchased for $80 members/ $110 non-members. If you have purchased Coding Guide 2013, upgrades for the 2014 version are available for $50.

Act now, if you currently use Coding Guide 2013, your access will expire at midnight Central Time on December 31, 2013.

For questions or comments about Coding Guide 2014, please email [email protected] or call 800-258-7188.

Hundreds of new CPT codes for vascular surgery will go into effect in January. Coding Guide 2014 is designed to provide vascular surgeons and their coding and billing staff with the latest information necessary to achieve accurate coding for vascular procedures. Pre-purchase the latest Coding Guide, which will provide access through Dec. 31, 2014.

Pre-Purchase Price

Coding Guide 2014 can be pre-purchased for $80 members/ $110 non-members. If you have purchased Coding Guide 2013, upgrades for the 2014 version are available for $50.

Act now, if you currently use Coding Guide 2013, your access will expire at midnight Central Time on December 31, 2013.

For questions or comments about Coding Guide 2014, please email [email protected] or call 800-258-7188.

Hundreds of new CPT codes for vascular surgery will go into effect in January. Coding Guide 2014 is designed to provide vascular surgeons and their coding and billing staff with the latest information necessary to achieve accurate coding for vascular procedures. Pre-purchase the latest Coding Guide, which will provide access through Dec. 31, 2014.

Pre-Purchase Price

Coding Guide 2014 can be pre-purchased for $80 members/ $110 non-members. If you have purchased Coding Guide 2013, upgrades for the 2014 version are available for $50.

Act now, if you currently use Coding Guide 2013, your access will expire at midnight Central Time on December 31, 2013.

For questions or comments about Coding Guide 2014, please email [email protected] or call 800-258-7188.

Vascular health professionals can share scientific research with colleagues by  submitting an abstract for presentation at the 28th Annual Vascular Research Initiatives Conference (VRIC), presented by the Society for Vascular Surgery, to be held April 30, 2014 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

This intense, basic science session allows those who investigate peripheral vascular disease and its treatments to meet in a small group setting prior to the American Heart Association's ATVB Meeting.

VRIC also strives to encourage an interest in research among trainees who are aspiring academic vascular surgeons, showcasing young surgeon investigators. The SVS Foundation VRIC Travel Scholarship is awarded to selected trainee presenters.

The VRIC call for abstracts deadline is January 17, 2014.

Registration is now open.

Vascular health professionals can share scientific research with colleagues by  submitting an abstract for presentation at the 28th Annual Vascular Research Initiatives Conference (VRIC), presented by the Society for Vascular Surgery, to be held April 30, 2014 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

This intense, basic science session allows those who investigate peripheral vascular disease and its treatments to meet in a small group setting prior to the American Heart Association's ATVB Meeting.

VRIC also strives to encourage an interest in research among trainees who are aspiring academic vascular surgeons, showcasing young surgeon investigators. The SVS Foundation VRIC Travel Scholarship is awarded to selected trainee presenters.

The VRIC call for abstracts deadline is January 17, 2014.

Registration is now open.

Vascular health professionals can share scientific research with colleagues by  submitting an abstract for presentation at the 28th Annual Vascular Research Initiatives Conference (VRIC), presented by the Society for Vascular Surgery, to be held April 30, 2014 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

This intense, basic science session allows those who investigate peripheral vascular disease and its treatments to meet in a small group setting prior to the American Heart Association's ATVB Meeting.

VRIC also strives to encourage an interest in research among trainees who are aspiring academic vascular surgeons, showcasing young surgeon investigators. The SVS Foundation VRIC Travel Scholarship is awarded to selected trainee presenters.

The VRIC call for abstracts deadline is January 17, 2014.

Registration is now open.

Two new practice memos are now available on VascularWeb.org for SVS members. Electronic Medical Records/Health Information Technology: Background Information and Resources, provides a directory of useful online resources and key definitions. For new vascular surgeons, Vascular Access Management for the Recently Trained Vascular Surgeon includes information on the importance of treating end stage renal disease patients in private practice.

Two new practice memos are now available on VascularWeb.org for SVS members. Electronic Medical Records/Health Information Technology: Background Information and Resources, provides a directory of useful online resources and key definitions. For new vascular surgeons, Vascular Access Management for the Recently Trained Vascular Surgeon includes information on the importance of treating end stage renal disease patients in private practice.

Two new practice memos are now available on VascularWeb.org for SVS members. Electronic Medical Records/Health Information Technology: Background Information and Resources, provides a directory of useful online resources and key definitions. For new vascular surgeons, Vascular Access Management for the Recently Trained Vascular Surgeon includes information on the importance of treating end stage renal disease patients in private practice.

The SVS Foundation leadership announced that the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery (SCVS) has pledged $50,000 to the Foundation. This generous contribution funds clinical and basic vascular surgery research awards that benefit not only the people who receive them, but the entire vascular health community. The research conducted by the recipients is invaluable and allows the specialty to develop talented vascular scientists for now and in the future. SCVS joins the following societies in demonstrating the specialty’s commitment to quality patient care: Midwestern Vascular Surgical Society, New England Vascular Surgical Society, Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society, Southern Association for Vascular Surgery Eastern Vascular Society, and Western Vascular Society.

The SVS Foundation thanks the members and leadership of SCVS and the societies who have united in this important mission. SCVS is now included in the SVS Foundation Legacy Program, President’s Circle.

The SVS Foundation leadership announced that the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery (SCVS) has pledged $50,000 to the Foundation. This generous contribution funds clinical and basic vascular surgery research awards that benefit not only the people who receive them, but the entire vascular health community. The research conducted by the recipients is invaluable and allows the specialty to develop talented vascular scientists for now and in the future. SCVS joins the following societies in demonstrating the specialty’s commitment to quality patient care: Midwestern Vascular Surgical Society, New England Vascular Surgical Society, Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society, Southern Association for Vascular Surgery Eastern Vascular Society, and Western Vascular Society.

The SVS Foundation thanks the members and leadership of SCVS and the societies who have united in this important mission. SCVS is now included in the SVS Foundation Legacy Program, President’s Circle.

The SVS Foundation leadership announced that the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery (SCVS) has pledged $50,000 to the Foundation. This generous contribution funds clinical and basic vascular surgery research awards that benefit not only the people who receive them, but the entire vascular health community. The research conducted by the recipients is invaluable and allows the specialty to develop talented vascular scientists for now and in the future. SCVS joins the following societies in demonstrating the specialty’s commitment to quality patient care: Midwestern Vascular Surgical Society, New England Vascular Surgical Society, Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society, Southern Association for Vascular Surgery Eastern Vascular Society, and Western Vascular Society.

The SVS Foundation thanks the members and leadership of SCVS and the societies who have united in this important mission. SCVS is now included in the SVS Foundation Legacy Program, President’s Circle.

The SVS Foundation thanks all members who have contributed to this year’s Annual Appeal. Not only is this the time of year when people focus on giving, it is also time to plan for tax returns. Your donation to the SVS Foundation, a 501c(3) organization, may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution. If you have not yet donated, please do so now.

The SVS Foundation thanks all members who have contributed to this year’s Annual Appeal. Not only is this the time of year when people focus on giving, it is also time to plan for tax returns. Your donation to the SVS Foundation, a 501c(3) organization, may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution. If you have not yet donated, please do so now.

The SVS Foundation thanks all members who have contributed to this year’s Annual Appeal. Not only is this the time of year when people focus on giving, it is also time to plan for tax returns. Your donation to the SVS Foundation, a 501c(3) organization, may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution. If you have not yet donated, please do so now.

The deadlines are rapidly approaching for several SVS Foundation awards. Learn more about these exciting opportunities and apply for the following:

Deadlines

Resident Research Prize (deadline January 2, 2014)

Clinical Research Seed Grant (deadline January 17, 2014)

Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) (deadline February 12, 2014)

Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) (deadline February 12, 2014)

EJ Wylie Traveling Fellowship (deadline February 15, 2014)

Student Research Fellowship (deadline March 17, 2014)

The deadlines are rapidly approaching for several SVS Foundation awards. Learn more about these exciting opportunities and apply for the following:

Deadlines

Resident Research Prize (deadline January 2, 2014)

Clinical Research Seed Grant (deadline January 17, 2014)

Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) (deadline February 12, 2014)

Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) (deadline February 12, 2014)

EJ Wylie Traveling Fellowship (deadline February 15, 2014)

Student Research Fellowship (deadline March 17, 2014)

The deadlines are rapidly approaching for several SVS Foundation awards. Learn more about these exciting opportunities and apply for the following:

Deadlines

Resident Research Prize (deadline January 2, 2014)

Clinical Research Seed Grant (deadline January 17, 2014)

Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) (deadline February 12, 2014)

Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) (deadline February 12, 2014)

EJ Wylie Traveling Fellowship (deadline February 15, 2014)

Student Research Fellowship (deadline March 17, 2014)

In recent years, data show that half of all medical students are female, yet in 2007, women accounted for only 12 percent of those enrolled in vascular surgery training programs.

To increase female representation, over the past few years, SVS and several regional vascular societies made a concerted effort (sponsoring networking events, providing mentorship, offering leader- ship opportunities and scholarships) to attract more women to the field of vascular surgery.

The introduction of the vascular surgeryintegrated (0+5) training paradigm in 2007 tremendously helped these efforts by proving to be an attractive pathway for female medical students.

From the onset, 0+5 programs have averaged 23 percent female residents, with the highest number of female residents reaching 40 percent in the 2011-2012 academic year.

In addition to the continued success of the 0+5 training paradigm, recent data from the 2012-2013 ACGME Data Resource Book further highlights major accomplishments from these recruitment efforts.

Between 2007-2013, 395 female trainees chose vascular surgery training programs.

For the 2012-2013 academic year, vascular surgery integrated programs had the 14th largest percentage of female residents.

See data on other specialties in the graphic below.

In recent years, data show that half of all medical students are female, yet in 2007, women accounted for only 12 percent of those enrolled in vascular surgery training programs.

To increase female representation, over the past few years, SVS and several regional vascular societies made a concerted effort (sponsoring networking events, providing mentorship, offering leader- ship opportunities and scholarships) to attract more women to the field of vascular surgery.

The introduction of the vascular surgeryintegrated (0+5) training paradigm in 2007 tremendously helped these efforts by proving to be an attractive pathway for female medical students.

From the onset, 0+5 programs have averaged 23 percent female residents, with the highest number of female residents reaching 40 percent in the 2011-2012 academic year.

In addition to the continued success of the 0+5 training paradigm, recent data from the 2012-2013 ACGME Data Resource Book further highlights major accomplishments from these recruitment efforts.

Between 2007-2013, 395 female trainees chose vascular surgery training programs.

For the 2012-2013 academic year, vascular surgery integrated programs had the 14th largest percentage of female residents.

See data on other specialties in the graphic below.

In recent years, data show that half of all medical students are female, yet in 2007, women accounted for only 12 percent of those enrolled in vascular surgery training programs.

To increase female representation, over the past few years, SVS and several regional vascular societies made a concerted effort (sponsoring networking events, providing mentorship, offering leader- ship opportunities and scholarships) to attract more women to the field of vascular surgery.

The introduction of the vascular surgeryintegrated (0+5) training paradigm in 2007 tremendously helped these efforts by proving to be an attractive pathway for female medical students.

From the onset, 0+5 programs have averaged 23 percent female residents, with the highest number of female residents reaching 40 percent in the 2011-2012 academic year.

In addition to the continued success of the 0+5 training paradigm, recent data from the 2012-2013 ACGME Data Resource Book further highlights major accomplishments from these recruitment efforts.

Between 2007-2013, 395 female trainees chose vascular surgery training programs.

For the 2012-2013 academic year, vascular surgery integrated programs had the 14th largest percentage of female residents.

See data on other specialties in the graphic below.

Vascular surgeons interested in presenting their research at the premier educational event for vascular health professionals can submit abstracts online through January 2. Abstracts and surgical videos will be accepted for presentation at the 2014 Vascular Annual Meeting, to be held June 5-7 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Residents submitting an abstract under the basic research topic category may be considered for the $5,000 Resident Research Prize from the SVS Foundation.

Share your knowledge with the leaders in vascular surgery and submit an abstract today. Visit VascularWeb.org for additional information.

For questions, call 312-334-2300, or email [email protected].

Vascular surgeons interested in presenting their research at the premier educational event for vascular health professionals can submit abstracts online through January 2. Abstracts and surgical videos will be accepted for presentation at the 2014 Vascular Annual Meeting, to be held June 5-7 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Residents submitting an abstract under the basic research topic category may be considered for the $5,000 Resident Research Prize from the SVS Foundation.

Share your knowledge with the leaders in vascular surgery and submit an abstract today. Visit VascularWeb.org for additional information.

For questions, call 312-334-2300, or email [email protected].

Vascular surgeons interested in presenting their research at the premier educational event for vascular health professionals can submit abstracts online through January 2. Abstracts and surgical videos will be accepted for presentation at the 2014 Vascular Annual Meeting, to be held June 5-7 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Residents submitting an abstract under the basic research topic category may be considered for the $5,000 Resident Research Prize from the SVS Foundation.

Share your knowledge with the leaders in vascular surgery and submit an abstract today. Visit VascularWeb.org for additional information.

For questions, call 312-334-2300, or email [email protected].