October 2004 | Vol. 22, No. 10

CONTENTS

Feature

Comments to CMS on Proposed Rulemaking for 2005 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
SVU recently submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2005. SVU’s comments relate to the treatment of technical component ultrasound services under the fee schedule.

Vascular Profession News

Nominations Sought by Vascular Disease Foundation for New Physicians Award The Vascular Disease Foundation recently announced the establishment of the Julius J. Jacobson II, MD, Award for Physician Excellence. The award is named after the New York vascular surgeon known for his pioneering work in microsurgery.

ARDMS Increases Annual Fees ARDMS Board of Directors authorized the increase of annual Registry fees from $45 to $60.

Government Relations News

FDA Approves New Stent System to Help Prevent Stroke The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a stent for use in opening blocked arteries in the neck.

Medicare Announces Its Intention to Cover Carotid Artery Stenting in FDA Required Post-Approval Studies CMS recently announced its intention to expand coverage of Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) of the carotid artery with placement of an FDA-approved carotid stent.

CMS Strengthens Efforts to Reduce Fraud and Abuse in Medicare, Medicaid CMS recently proposed a regulation to protect the nation's largest federal health programs from fraud and abuse through the use of enhanced electronic tools.

SVU Board Profile

Melissa A. Vickery, LPN-B, RVT
Technical Director/Vascular Lab Manager
The Vascular Lab
Richmond, VA

SVU News

Dave Parlato Named New Membership Committee Chair

Check Out the SVU Online Student Directory

Need a JVU Reprint?

December 17 Deadline Approaching for 2005 SVU Annual Conference Call For Papers

Nominate Someone for a 2005 SVU Service Award

Call for Candidates for 2005 SVU Election

Advanced Interpretation Course Offered in Atlanta, GA

Chapter News

• New SVU Midwest Regional Advisor
• Regional Advisor Needed for Southeast Region
• Southwest Area Vascular Association
• North Jersey Vascular Association
• Chapters Presidents’ Request

Upcoming Events

Oct. 23-24 | Atlanta, GA
Vascular Ultrasound Advanced Interpretation Course: Beyond the Basics