Society News

Membership dues statements for 2018 were emailed to all members at the beginning of October. Members have until Dec. 31 to pay their dues, ensuring that they continue to receive all the benefits of SVS membership, including discounted registration fees for the Vascular Annual Meeting and the Vascular Research Initiatives Conference as well as educational opportunities; subscriptions to the Journal of Vascular Surgery publications; grant programs; practice resources and reporting standards. Members also get legislative access and advocacy –important as the health care field changes dramatically; branding and public relations to raise public awareness of the specialty; and more.

Visit vascular.org/invoices or call the Membership Department, 312-334-2313, to pay dues.  

Membership dues statements for 2018 were emailed to all members at the beginning of October. Members have until Dec. 31 to pay their dues, ensuring that they continue to receive all the benefits of SVS membership, including discounted registration fees for the Vascular Annual Meeting and the Vascular Research Initiatives Conference as well as educational opportunities; subscriptions to the Journal of Vascular Surgery publications; grant programs; practice resources and reporting standards. Members also get legislative access and advocacy –important as the health care field changes dramatically; branding and public relations to raise public awareness of the specialty; and more.

Visit vascular.org/invoices or call the Membership Department, 312-334-2313, to pay dues.  

Membership dues statements for 2018 were emailed to all members at the beginning of October. Members have until Dec. 31 to pay their dues, ensuring that they continue to receive all the benefits of SVS membership, including discounted registration fees for the Vascular Annual Meeting and the Vascular Research Initiatives Conference as well as educational opportunities; subscriptions to the Journal of Vascular Surgery publications; grant programs; practice resources and reporting standards. Members also get legislative access and advocacy –important as the health care field changes dramatically; branding and public relations to raise public awareness of the specialty; and more.

Visit vascular.org/invoices or call the Membership Department, 312-334-2313, to pay dues.  

Be sure to check out our ever-growing presence at CHEST 2017, showcasing the numerous ways we support CHEST members, patients, and the community. Have time for a break or interested in networking with leaders in CHEST medicine? Stop by one of our many open invitation activities listed below to learn more about how the CHEST Foundation can support you in your efforts to champion lung health through clinical research grants, community service, and patient education.
 

SATURDAY OCTOBER 28

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Open Invitation)

SUNDAY OCTOBER 29

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Donor Lounge
Convention Center, 803B



3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Foundation Session: Severe Asthma Care at Its Best: Shared Decision Making
Convention Center, 716A



4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Foundation Session: No Money, No Mission: Tips for Getting Your Grant Funded
Convention Center, 716B
 

MONDAY OCTOBER 30

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

TUESDAY OCTOBER 31

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Donor Lounge
Convention Center, 803B
 

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 1

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Donor Lounge
Convention Center, 803B
 

ADD YOUR VOICE

and champion lung health at the Actelion Booth #1322. For every addition to the graffiti wall, Actelion will donate $25 to the CHEST Foundation.
 

Thank you for your support of the CHEST Foundation and our mission of championing lung health!

Be sure to check out our ever-growing presence at CHEST 2017, showcasing the numerous ways we support CHEST members, patients, and the community. Have time for a break or interested in networking with leaders in CHEST medicine? Stop by one of our many open invitation activities listed below to learn more about how the CHEST Foundation can support you in your efforts to champion lung health through clinical research grants, community service, and patient education.
 

SATURDAY OCTOBER 28

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Open Invitation)

SUNDAY OCTOBER 29

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Donor Lounge
Convention Center, 803B



3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Foundation Session: Severe Asthma Care at Its Best: Shared Decision Making
Convention Center, 716A



4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Foundation Session: No Money, No Mission: Tips for Getting Your Grant Funded
Convention Center, 716B
 

MONDAY OCTOBER 30

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

TUESDAY OCTOBER 31

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Donor Lounge
Convention Center, 803B
 

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 1

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Donor Lounge
Convention Center, 803B
 

ADD YOUR VOICE

and champion lung health at the Actelion Booth #1322. For every addition to the graffiti wall, Actelion will donate $25 to the CHEST Foundation.
 

Thank you for your support of the CHEST Foundation and our mission of championing lung health!

Be sure to check out our ever-growing presence at CHEST 2017, showcasing the numerous ways we support CHEST members, patients, and the community. Have time for a break or interested in networking with leaders in CHEST medicine? Stop by one of our many open invitation activities listed below to learn more about how the CHEST Foundation can support you in your efforts to champion lung health through clinical research grants, community service, and patient education.
 

SATURDAY OCTOBER 28

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Open Invitation)

SUNDAY OCTOBER 29

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Donor Lounge
Convention Center, 803B



3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Foundation Session: Severe Asthma Care at Its Best: Shared Decision Making
Convention Center, 716A



4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Foundation Session: No Money, No Mission: Tips for Getting Your Grant Funded
Convention Center, 716B
 

MONDAY OCTOBER 30

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

TUESDAY OCTOBER 31

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Donor Lounge
Convention Center, 803B
 

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 1

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Donor Lounge
Convention Center, 803B
 

ADD YOUR VOICE

and champion lung health at the Actelion Booth #1322. For every addition to the graffiti wall, Actelion will donate $25 to the CHEST Foundation.
 

Thank you for your support of the CHEST Foundation and our mission of championing lung health!

A Multicenter, Randomized Trial of Ramped Position vs Sniffing Position During Endotracheal Intubation of Critically Ill Adults.

By Dr. M. W. Semler, et al.

Sleep Apnea and Hypertension: Are There Sex Differences? The Vitoria Sleep Cohort.

By Dr. I. Cano-Pumarega, et al.

A Multicenter, Randomized Trial of Ramped Position vs Sniffing Position During Endotracheal Intubation of Critically Ill Adults.

By Dr. M. W. Semler, et al.

Sleep Apnea and Hypertension: Are There Sex Differences? The Vitoria Sleep Cohort.

By Dr. I. Cano-Pumarega, et al.

A Multicenter, Randomized Trial of Ramped Position vs Sniffing Position During Endotracheal Intubation of Critically Ill Adults.

By Dr. M. W. Semler, et al.

Sleep Apnea and Hypertension: Are There Sex Differences? The Vitoria Sleep Cohort.

By Dr. I. Cano-Pumarega, et al.

There will be a number of changes to Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes of interest to pulmonary/critical care providers in January 2018. A thorough understanding of these changes is important for appropriate coding and reimbursement for the services described by these codes.

There are two changes in the CPT codes for bronchoscopy involving 31645 and 31646. CPT code 31645 describes a therapeutic bronchoscopy, eg, removal of viscous, copious or tenacious secretions from the airway. It had previously included wording that suggested it was used for abscess drainage, and this has been removed. If a therapeutic bronchoscopy procedure is repeated during the same hospital stay, then CPT code 31646 should be utilized. If a therapeutic bronchoscopy procedure is performed in the non-hospital setting and later repeated, then CPT code 31645 would be used for both procedures.

CPT code 94620 Pulmonary stress testing; simple (eg, 6-minute walk test, prolonged exercise test for bronchospasm with pre- and post-spirometry and oximetry) has been deleted and replaced by two new codes. CPT code 94617 Exercise test for bronchospasm, including pre- and postspirometry, electrocardiographic recording(s), and pulse oximetry describes the procedure used to assess for exercise-induced bronchospasm. CPT code 94618 Pulmonary stress testing (eg, 6-minute walk test), including measurement of heart rate, oximetry, and oxygen titration, when performed, describes the typical simple pulmonary stress test. After January 1, 2018, if CPT code 94620 is used, the claim will be denied. CPT code 94621 Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, including measurements of minute ventilation, CO₂ production, O₂ uptake, and electrocardiographic recordings has been reworded to better describe the procedure of cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Additionally, there are numerous parentheticals appended that list the CPT codes that may not be used in conjunction with 94617, 94618, and 94621. Please refer to the 2018 CPT manual for further information on these exclusions.

There will be a number of changes to Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes of interest to pulmonary/critical care providers in January 2018. A thorough understanding of these changes is important for appropriate coding and reimbursement for the services described by these codes.

There are two changes in the CPT codes for bronchoscopy involving 31645 and 31646. CPT code 31645 describes a therapeutic bronchoscopy, eg, removal of viscous, copious or tenacious secretions from the airway. It had previously included wording that suggested it was used for abscess drainage, and this has been removed. If a therapeutic bronchoscopy procedure is repeated during the same hospital stay, then CPT code 31646 should be utilized. If a therapeutic bronchoscopy procedure is performed in the non-hospital setting and later repeated, then CPT code 31645 would be used for both procedures.

CPT code 94620 Pulmonary stress testing; simple (eg, 6-minute walk test, prolonged exercise test for bronchospasm with pre- and post-spirometry and oximetry) has been deleted and replaced by two new codes. CPT code 94617 Exercise test for bronchospasm, including pre- and postspirometry, electrocardiographic recording(s), and pulse oximetry describes the procedure used to assess for exercise-induced bronchospasm. CPT code 94618 Pulmonary stress testing (eg, 6-minute walk test), including measurement of heart rate, oximetry, and oxygen titration, when performed, describes the typical simple pulmonary stress test. After January 1, 2018, if CPT code 94620 is used, the claim will be denied. CPT code 94621 Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, including measurements of minute ventilation, CO₂ production, O₂ uptake, and electrocardiographic recordings has been reworded to better describe the procedure of cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Additionally, there are numerous parentheticals appended that list the CPT codes that may not be used in conjunction with 94617, 94618, and 94621. Please refer to the 2018 CPT manual for further information on these exclusions.

There will be a number of changes to Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) codes of interest to pulmonary/critical care providers in January 2018. A thorough understanding of these changes is important for appropriate coding and reimbursement for the services described by these codes.

There are two changes in the CPT codes for bronchoscopy involving 31645 and 31646. CPT code 31645 describes a therapeutic bronchoscopy, eg, removal of viscous, copious or tenacious secretions from the airway. It had previously included wording that suggested it was used for abscess drainage, and this has been removed. If a therapeutic bronchoscopy procedure is repeated during the same hospital stay, then CPT code 31646 should be utilized. If a therapeutic bronchoscopy procedure is performed in the non-hospital setting and later repeated, then CPT code 31645 would be used for both procedures.

CPT code 94620 Pulmonary stress testing; simple (eg, 6-minute walk test, prolonged exercise test for bronchospasm with pre- and post-spirometry and oximetry) has been deleted and replaced by two new codes. CPT code 94617 Exercise test for bronchospasm, including pre- and postspirometry, electrocardiographic recording(s), and pulse oximetry describes the procedure used to assess for exercise-induced bronchospasm. CPT code 94618 Pulmonary stress testing (eg, 6-minute walk test), including measurement of heart rate, oximetry, and oxygen titration, when performed, describes the typical simple pulmonary stress test. After January 1, 2018, if CPT code 94620 is used, the claim will be denied. CPT code 94621 Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, including measurements of minute ventilation, CO₂ production, O₂ uptake, and electrocardiographic recordings has been reworded to better describe the procedure of cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Additionally, there are numerous parentheticals appended that list the CPT codes that may not be used in conjunction with 94617, 94618, and 94621. Please refer to the 2018 CPT manual for further information on these exclusions.

Don't let the federal government keep money -- in the form of Medicare reimbursements -- to which you are entitled!

Learn all about coding and reimbursement, from the essentials to modifiers to future initiatives, at the SVS Coding and Reimbursement Workshop, Oct. 13-14, in Chicago. Cost is $880 for an SVS member or staff, $955 for a non-member and $250 for residents and trainees. Cost for an optional session is $100 for an SVS member or staff, $215 for a non-member and $50 for residents and trainees.

Learn more, register and access the full agenda here.

Don't let the federal government keep money -- in the form of Medicare reimbursements -- to which you are entitled!

Learn all about coding and reimbursement, from the essentials to modifiers to future initiatives, at the SVS Coding and Reimbursement Workshop, Oct. 13-14, in Chicago. Cost is $880 for an SVS member or staff, $955 for a non-member and $250 for residents and trainees. Cost for an optional session is $100 for an SVS member or staff, $215 for a non-member and $50 for residents and trainees.

Learn more, register and access the full agenda here.

Don't let the federal government keep money -- in the form of Medicare reimbursements -- to which you are entitled!

Learn all about coding and reimbursement, from the essentials to modifiers to future initiatives, at the SVS Coding and Reimbursement Workshop, Oct. 13-14, in Chicago. Cost is $880 for an SVS member or staff, $955 for a non-member and $250 for residents and trainees. Cost for an optional session is $100 for an SVS member or staff, $215 for a non-member and $50 for residents and trainees.

Learn more, register and access the full agenda here.

The SVS Foundation highlights innovation and the connection between research bench and patient bedside in its just-published 2017 Annual Report, now available online.

Read about the Foundation’s expanded mission, emphasizing disease prevent and patient education along with the core commitment to fund basic and clinical research. Read why Michael C. Dalsing, MD, gives and how Ulka Sachdev, MD, has utilized her Foundation awards to try to unlock the suffering caused by chronic venous insufficiency. Read about this year’s grant recipients, Foundation financial details, lists of donors to not only the Foundation but also the new Alexander Clowes Lecture Fund, award opportunities and how every gift helps. Read, and donate today.

The SVS Foundation highlights innovation and the connection between research bench and patient bedside in its just-published 2017 Annual Report, now available online.

Read about the Foundation’s expanded mission, emphasizing disease prevent and patient education along with the core commitment to fund basic and clinical research. Read why Michael C. Dalsing, MD, gives and how Ulka Sachdev, MD, has utilized her Foundation awards to try to unlock the suffering caused by chronic venous insufficiency. Read about this year’s grant recipients, Foundation financial details, lists of donors to not only the Foundation but also the new Alexander Clowes Lecture Fund, award opportunities and how every gift helps. Read, and donate today.

The SVS Foundation highlights innovation and the connection between research bench and patient bedside in its just-published 2017 Annual Report, now available online.

Read about the Foundation’s expanded mission, emphasizing disease prevent and patient education along with the core commitment to fund basic and clinical research. Read why Michael C. Dalsing, MD, gives and how Ulka Sachdev, MD, has utilized her Foundation awards to try to unlock the suffering caused by chronic venous insufficiency. Read about this year’s grant recipients, Foundation financial details, lists of donors to not only the Foundation but also the new Alexander Clowes Lecture Fund, award opportunities and how every gift helps. Read, and donate today.

Don’t forget how valuable the Vascular Educational and Self-Assessment Program can be in keeping with all things vascular-related.

The fourth edition – which will soon include a mobile app (Apple products only) for off-line – launched just two months ago. Besides the app, VESAP4 also offers syncing between the companion app and desktop version; expanded bookmarking and annotation, easier navigation and simplified tracking of CME/MOC certificates.

Costs is $450 for candidates, $550 for members and $650 for non-members. A total of 75 CME (7.5 for each of the 10 sections) will be available. For information, email [email protected] or call 800-258-7188. 

Don’t forget how valuable the Vascular Educational and Self-Assessment Program can be in keeping with all things vascular-related.

The fourth edition – which will soon include a mobile app (Apple products only) for off-line – launched just two months ago. Besides the app, VESAP4 also offers syncing between the companion app and desktop version; expanded bookmarking and annotation, easier navigation and simplified tracking of CME/MOC certificates.

Costs is $450 for candidates, $550 for members and $650 for non-members. A total of 75 CME (7.5 for each of the 10 sections) will be available. For information, email [email protected] or call 800-258-7188. 

Don’t forget how valuable the Vascular Educational and Self-Assessment Program can be in keeping with all things vascular-related.

The fourth edition – which will soon include a mobile app (Apple products only) for off-line – launched just two months ago. Besides the app, VESAP4 also offers syncing between the companion app and desktop version; expanded bookmarking and annotation, easier navigation and simplified tracking of CME/MOC certificates.

Costs is $450 for candidates, $550 for members and $650 for non-members. A total of 75 CME (7.5 for each of the 10 sections) will be available. For information, email [email protected] or call 800-258-7188. 

Despite affecting 25 million Americans, including two to six million with ulcer conditions, chronic venous insufficiency is relatively understudied compared to other vascular diseases. Yet for patients with venous leg ulcers, their condition is debilitating, painful and embarrassing.

Dr. Ulka Sachdev is studying the condition, hoping her “bench-side research” will develop “bedside” solutions. She received a five-year, National Institutes of Health K08 and SVS Foundation grants in 2012 and an SVS Foundation Clinical Research Seed Grant in 2017. “Their ulcers are very difficult to manage,” she said. “They are large, open, painful and wet. Patients’ daily routines are negatively affected by their wounds. It’s really sad.”

Since she regularly treats CVI patients, Dr. Sachdev wondered why some patients have benign venous insufficiency that ulcerates and why some ulcers recur. “If we could determine at an earlier stage how to mitigate the risk of new ulceration or recurrence, I think it would be worth it,” she said.

In her previous, K08-supported research she hypothesized that wound healing during ischemia is promoted by inflammatory proteins released by damaged tissue. She found that certain proteins known as danger signals can be released by damaged tissue and promote regenerative effects. 

“My hypothesis is that specific danger signals can be manipulated, ideally with an oral drug,” Dr. Sachdev said. “If it works, this could be a mechanism that allows a dying muscle cell to say, ‘Hey, I need help.’  This might mean that someone who cannot get a bypass or a stent might not have to face amputation.’”

Her recent grant is for studying study patterns of inflammation in chronic venous insufficiency. 

The goal of her studies is to determine whether patients with benign varicose veins and those with ulcerations express inflammatory mediators that predict their response to treatment. Later, perhaps, effective treatments will be found that change these patients’ lives.  

Despite affecting 25 million Americans, including two to six million with ulcer conditions, chronic venous insufficiency is relatively understudied compared to other vascular diseases. Yet for patients with venous leg ulcers, their condition is debilitating, painful and embarrassing.

Dr. Ulka Sachdev is studying the condition, hoping her “bench-side research” will develop “bedside” solutions. She received a five-year, National Institutes of Health K08 and SVS Foundation grants in 2012 and an SVS Foundation Clinical Research Seed Grant in 2017. “Their ulcers are very difficult to manage,” she said. “They are large, open, painful and wet. Patients’ daily routines are negatively affected by their wounds. It’s really sad.”

Since she regularly treats CVI patients, Dr. Sachdev wondered why some patients have benign venous insufficiency that ulcerates and why some ulcers recur. “If we could determine at an earlier stage how to mitigate the risk of new ulceration or recurrence, I think it would be worth it,” she said.

In her previous, K08-supported research she hypothesized that wound healing during ischemia is promoted by inflammatory proteins released by damaged tissue. She found that certain proteins known as danger signals can be released by damaged tissue and promote regenerative effects. 

“My hypothesis is that specific danger signals can be manipulated, ideally with an oral drug,” Dr. Sachdev said. “If it works, this could be a mechanism that allows a dying muscle cell to say, ‘Hey, I need help.’  This might mean that someone who cannot get a bypass or a stent might not have to face amputation.’”

Her recent grant is for studying study patterns of inflammation in chronic venous insufficiency. 

The goal of her studies is to determine whether patients with benign varicose veins and those with ulcerations express inflammatory mediators that predict their response to treatment. Later, perhaps, effective treatments will be found that change these patients’ lives.  

Despite affecting 25 million Americans, including two to six million with ulcer conditions, chronic venous insufficiency is relatively understudied compared to other vascular diseases. Yet for patients with venous leg ulcers, their condition is debilitating, painful and embarrassing.

Dr. Ulka Sachdev is studying the condition, hoping her “bench-side research” will develop “bedside” solutions. She received a five-year, National Institutes of Health K08 and SVS Foundation grants in 2012 and an SVS Foundation Clinical Research Seed Grant in 2017. “Their ulcers are very difficult to manage,” she said. “They are large, open, painful and wet. Patients’ daily routines are negatively affected by their wounds. It’s really sad.”

Since she regularly treats CVI patients, Dr. Sachdev wondered why some patients have benign venous insufficiency that ulcerates and why some ulcers recur. “If we could determine at an earlier stage how to mitigate the risk of new ulceration or recurrence, I think it would be worth it,” she said.

In her previous, K08-supported research she hypothesized that wound healing during ischemia is promoted by inflammatory proteins released by damaged tissue. She found that certain proteins known as danger signals can be released by damaged tissue and promote regenerative effects. 

“My hypothesis is that specific danger signals can be manipulated, ideally with an oral drug,” Dr. Sachdev said. “If it works, this could be a mechanism that allows a dying muscle cell to say, ‘Hey, I need help.’  This might mean that someone who cannot get a bypass or a stent might not have to face amputation.’”

Her recent grant is for studying study patterns of inflammation in chronic venous insufficiency. 

The goal of her studies is to determine whether patients with benign varicose veins and those with ulcerations express inflammatory mediators that predict their response to treatment. Later, perhaps, effective treatments will be found that change these patients’ lives.  

Don't let the federal government keep money -- in the form of Medicare reimbursements -- to which you are entitled!

Learn all about coding and reimbursement, from the essentials to modifiers to future initiatives, at the SVS Coding and Reimbursement Workshop, Oct. 13-14, in Chicago. Instructors are Teri Romano, RN, MBA, CPC, CMDP; Sean P. Roddy, MD; Robert M. Zwolak, MD, PhD; and Sunita D. Srivastava, MD.

Friday topics are: coding and reimbursement essentials, global surgical packages, getting paid the first time when applying surgical modifiers and the Medicare rule on non-physician practitioner billing.

Saturday topics include an overview of Current Procedural Terminology, coding for a number of procedures and information on MACRA, MIPS and APMs. Future SVS CPT coding initiatives also will be discussed.

An optional half-day workshop, from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 13, will focus on codes for evaluation and management (E&M), which physicians continue to misunderstand and misuse.  

Cost is $880 for an SVS member or staff, $955 for a non-member and $250 for residents and trainees. Cost for the optional session is $100 for an SVS member or staff, $215 for a non-member and $50 for residents and trainees.

Learn more, register and access the full agenda here.

Don't let the federal government keep money -- in the form of Medicare reimbursements -- to which you are entitled!

Learn all about coding and reimbursement, from the essentials to modifiers to future initiatives, at the SVS Coding and Reimbursement Workshop, Oct. 13-14, in Chicago. Instructors are Teri Romano, RN, MBA, CPC, CMDP; Sean P. Roddy, MD; Robert M. Zwolak, MD, PhD; and Sunita D. Srivastava, MD.

Friday topics are: coding and reimbursement essentials, global surgical packages, getting paid the first time when applying surgical modifiers and the Medicare rule on non-physician practitioner billing.

Saturday topics include an overview of Current Procedural Terminology, coding for a number of procedures and information on MACRA, MIPS and APMs. Future SVS CPT coding initiatives also will be discussed.

An optional half-day workshop, from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 13, will focus on codes for evaluation and management (E&M), which physicians continue to misunderstand and misuse.  

Cost is $880 for an SVS member or staff, $955 for a non-member and $250 for residents and trainees. Cost for the optional session is $100 for an SVS member or staff, $215 for a non-member and $50 for residents and trainees.

Learn more, register and access the full agenda here.

Don't let the federal government keep money -- in the form of Medicare reimbursements -- to which you are entitled!

Learn all about coding and reimbursement, from the essentials to modifiers to future initiatives, at the SVS Coding and Reimbursement Workshop, Oct. 13-14, in Chicago. Instructors are Teri Romano, RN, MBA, CPC, CMDP; Sean P. Roddy, MD; Robert M. Zwolak, MD, PhD; and Sunita D. Srivastava, MD.

Friday topics are: coding and reimbursement essentials, global surgical packages, getting paid the first time when applying surgical modifiers and the Medicare rule on non-physician practitioner billing.

Saturday topics include an overview of Current Procedural Terminology, coding for a number of procedures and information on MACRA, MIPS and APMs. Future SVS CPT coding initiatives also will be discussed.

An optional half-day workshop, from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 13, will focus on codes for evaluation and management (E&M), which physicians continue to misunderstand and misuse.  

Cost is $880 for an SVS member or staff, $955 for a non-member and $250 for residents and trainees. Cost for the optional session is $100 for an SVS member or staff, $215 for a non-member and $50 for residents and trainees.

Learn more, register and access the full agenda here.

It seemed appropriate this month for me to step aside for the Editor’s commentary and provide a forum for one of our associate editors to talk about his experience during Hurricane Harvey.

John I. Allen, MD, MBA, AGAF
Editor in Chief

We knew that a powerful storm was coming, but very few anticipated the widespread destruction Hurricane Harvey would bring. Houston is no stranger to floods, but the amount of water that Harvey unleashed was record-breaking. Areas that had never flooded were underwater, evacuations were commonplace; the devastation was heart-breaking. In the midst of significant personal tragedy, Houston came together. Neighbors took in flooded colleagues, personal boats were used for rescues, and many braved impassable roads to donate clothes, food, labor and medical aid. Shelters across the city were assisted by volunteers; community groups collected and coordinated distribution of supplies. Medical teams were mobilized to treat chronically ill patients who evacuated without their medications or those injured while escaping the floods.

At one of the largest medical centers in the world, floodgates constructed after Tropical Storm Allison kept the waters at bay. And physicians, nurses, janitors, and other employees slept in hospitals for days to provide care to our patients during the worst of the floods. Those who relieved them worked long hours to see the many patients rescheduled in the aftermath of the storm. After-work crews of neighbors continue to go from house to house removing flooded floor boards and ripping out drywall. Houston came together.

Dr. Ketwaroo is an assistant professor in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, and an advanced endoscopist at the Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center in Houston. He is an associate editor for GI & Hepatology News.

It seemed appropriate this month for me to step aside for the Editor’s commentary and provide a forum for one of our associate editors to talk about his experience during Hurricane Harvey.

John I. Allen, MD, MBA, AGAF
Editor in Chief

We knew that a powerful storm was coming, but very few anticipated the widespread destruction Hurricane Harvey would bring. Houston is no stranger to floods, but the amount of water that Harvey unleashed was record-breaking. Areas that had never flooded were underwater, evacuations were commonplace; the devastation was heart-breaking. In the midst of significant personal tragedy, Houston came together. Neighbors took in flooded colleagues, personal boats were used for rescues, and many braved impassable roads to donate clothes, food, labor and medical aid. Shelters across the city were assisted by volunteers; community groups collected and coordinated distribution of supplies. Medical teams were mobilized to treat chronically ill patients who evacuated without their medications or those injured while escaping the floods.

At one of the largest medical centers in the world, floodgates constructed after Tropical Storm Allison kept the waters at bay. And physicians, nurses, janitors, and other employees slept in hospitals for days to provide care to our patients during the worst of the floods. Those who relieved them worked long hours to see the many patients rescheduled in the aftermath of the storm. After-work crews of neighbors continue to go from house to house removing flooded floor boards and ripping out drywall. Houston came together.

Dr. Ketwaroo is an assistant professor in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, and an advanced endoscopist at the Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center in Houston. He is an associate editor for GI & Hepatology News.

It seemed appropriate this month for me to step aside for the Editor’s commentary and provide a forum for one of our associate editors to talk about his experience during Hurricane Harvey.

John I. Allen, MD, MBA, AGAF
Editor in Chief

We knew that a powerful storm was coming, but very few anticipated the widespread destruction Hurricane Harvey would bring. Houston is no stranger to floods, but the amount of water that Harvey unleashed was record-breaking. Areas that had never flooded were underwater, evacuations were commonplace; the devastation was heart-breaking. In the midst of significant personal tragedy, Houston came together. Neighbors took in flooded colleagues, personal boats were used for rescues, and many braved impassable roads to donate clothes, food, labor and medical aid. Shelters across the city were assisted by volunteers; community groups collected and coordinated distribution of supplies. Medical teams were mobilized to treat chronically ill patients who evacuated without their medications or those injured while escaping the floods.

At one of the largest medical centers in the world, floodgates constructed after Tropical Storm Allison kept the waters at bay. And physicians, nurses, janitors, and other employees slept in hospitals for days to provide care to our patients during the worst of the floods. Those who relieved them worked long hours to see the many patients rescheduled in the aftermath of the storm. After-work crews of neighbors continue to go from house to house removing flooded floor boards and ripping out drywall. Houston came together.

Dr. Ketwaroo is an assistant professor in the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, and an advanced endoscopist at the Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center in Houston. He is an associate editor for GI & Hepatology News.