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The chapter’s Annual Meeting Luncheon will be held Thursday, May 26th, 2011 at 12:30 PM at the JW Marriott Hotel, 10 S. West Street, Indianapolis. This meeting is held in conjunction with the Riley Hospital for Children’s Pediatric Conference. The cost of the luncheon is $40.00 per person. Please use the link to register for the Annual Meeting Luncheon.
Please save the date for Grand Rounds at Riley Hospital for Children, Ruth Lilly Auditorium, Riley Outpatient Center on June 8, 2011 from 8:00-9:00am to highlight community efforts in addressing the Pediatric Obesity Epidemic.
The schedule is: “Community Pediatric Obesity Initiatives and POWER”
Welcome by Dr Sandeep Gupta
Brief presentation of POWER data examining obesity in ages 2-5 years – by Dr Carl Sather
Presentation on efforts through Major Hospital, Shelbyville – Dr Paula Gustafson
Presentation on efforts in Bloomington IN – Dr James Laughlin
Q&A
This is a fantastic opportunity for us to share ideas and learn from experiences in different practice settings and we look forward to seeing you there.
Please click here to read the letter Sarah Bosslet wrote to the editor of the Indianapolis Star regarding second hand smoke.
Attached you will find a letter requesting nominations for chapter awards to be presented Thursday, May 26th at the Chapter's Annual Meeting Luncheon to be held at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis. Also attached you will find a list of award descriptions and past recipients. Thanks! Mark your calendar to attend the Annual Meeting Luncheon. Deadline to respond is April 11, 2011.
The Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent 12th Annual Pediatric CME conference will be held on Wednesday October 5, 2011 at the Ritz Charles Banquet and Conference Center in Carmel.
The conference is geared for the primary care physician. The cost will be $115, however there will be a $20 "early-bird" discount for those registering before September 1, 2011
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The AAP Division of State Government Affairs announces the 2nd in a series of educational Webinars focused on state implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This 60-minute Webinar will focus on health insurance exchanges. While 2 states have exchanges up and running, and other states have enacted exchange authorization legislation, most states will use 2011 to lay the groundwork for exchange planning and implementation.
Speakers:
- Michael McRaith, JD, Director, Illinois Department of Insurance
Mr McRaith worked 15 years in private practice as an attorney in Chicago prior to his appointment at the Department of Insurance. Mr McRaith serves as Chairman of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Health Insurance Exchange Working Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan. He has actively participated in developing, drafting, and advocating for statewide health insurance modernization.
- Patrick Holland, Managing Director, Wakely Consulting Group
Mr Holland was one of the leading figures in the implementation of health care reform in Massachusetts. As its first CFO, he led the financial operations and health plan procurements for the Health Connector, the nation's 1st health insurance exchange, since its inception in 2006 through February 2010. Since leaving the Health Connector, Mr Holland has assisted federal and state governments in early planning for state-based exchanges.
Speakers will discuss:
- the history of health insurance exchanges through the example of the Massachusetts Health Connector;
- development of the NAIC “American Health Benefit Exchange Model Act”;
- the current status of state exchange implementation; and
- their own expert insights for the advocacy activities AAP chapters and members should undertake to ensure the exchange implementation process moves forward effectively for children and for the profession of pediatrics. |
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System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server |
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Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer |
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AAP Indiana Chapter
Presents
Annual Leadership Forum
Advocacy in the Community on current topics in child health
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
1:00 PM Start time
6:00 PM Dinner and Speaker (Dr. Sandra Hassink)
Downtown Indianapolis
Marriott Hotel
350 W. Maryland St.
Indianapolis, IN
(317) 822-3500
Join us for an afternoon to learn about current community issues in pediatrics and visit with legislators, and a chance to meet national leader in obesity advocacy, Dr. Sandra Hassink.
Other session topics include: sports medicine and concussions, vaccination reimbursement, and obesity advocacy
Dinner is included and the program is free to Indiana pediatricians. Reservations are first come, first serve. Do not delay!
Please RSVP to the Indiana Chapter via Carolyn Downing, cdowning@ismanet.org, (317) 261-2060 or toll free 1-800-257-4762. Include whether you will be able to attend all or part of the event, as well as your street address so that we may match you to your legislator!
Saturday January 22, 2011
7:30am -12 noon
at the Riley ROC Conference A & B
Click here for the brochure
Please click here to register. Registration is required.
Diversity Week
January 18-19, 2011
Guest: Elena Fuentes-Afflick, MD
Please join the activities!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Noon – 1:00 PM Location: St. Vincent Hospital, Cooling Auditorium
2001 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis
Presentation to faculty, staff and residents – residents to bring cases for discussion.
3:00 – 5:00 PM Location: Riley Hospital , Where????
702 Barnhill Dr., Indianapolis
Open discussion hours with students, faculty and residents.
5:30 PM Location: University Place Hotel – Sports Bar
850 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis
Dinner with students and residents.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
8:00 – 9:00 AM Location: Riley Hospital, ROC Auditorium
702 Barnhill Dr., Indianapolis
Grand Rounds
Noon – 1:00 PM Location: Wishard Memorial Hospital
Myers Auditorium
1001 W. 10th Street, Indianapolis
Diversity Week Presentation
American Academy of Pediatrics, Indiana Chapter
322 Canal Walk, Indianapolis, IN 46202 317-261-2060
The department of Pediatrics at IUSM in collaboration with the IUPUI office of Human Resources is conducting a workshop series on “Navigating Difficult Conversations in the Medical Setting.” This workshops will help participants develop the confidence, courage and skills to handle difficult conversations while maintaining good relationships.
They will learn the theory behind good communication, practice the skills, and discuss how to apply these approaches in the work life.
These sessions will include a series of role plays/ simulations on scenarios submitted by the participants and contributors.
Please click here for more information
The four sessions are:
Essential Communication, Listening and Non-Verbal Communication
Achieving Effectiveness through Negotiation
Raising Difficult Issues
Managing Personality and Cultural Differences
LOCATION: Methodist Hospital, Candlelight Room, A3050
DATES: February 2 and 16 and March 2 and 16, 2011
DAYS: All Wednesdays
TIME: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
COST: $80 (before Jan 15, 2011), $100 (after Jan 15,2011)
Deadline to register: Jan 30, 2011
To register: http://faculty.medicine.iu.edu/special/dcm.html
The Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY) has launched an Early Intervention and Prevention Initiative to address the issue of youth in the juvenile justice or child protective system. They will have a steering committee meeting on Monday Nov 22 from 9am-noon at the United Way building (3901 Meridien) in the RCI room and have invited pediatric providers to attend. They would like us to have more information about the initiative and to recruit a pediatrician to be on the steering committee. To find out more information, please go to www.mccoyouth.org and click on Our Impact on the home page then click on Early Intervention and Prevention along the left side then download the Strategic plan on the right side. Page 2-3 has a summary of the initiative. Contact Shanna Malott at shanna.malott@mccoyouth.org if you are interested in participating.
On October 21, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) finalized its recommendations to the Obama administration on how to implement a key provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), largely favoring consumer interests over those advanced by the insurance industry. The NAIC approved its recommendations for rules governing the “Medical Loss Ratio” (MLR), the proportion of premium dollars health insurers spend on health care services and quality improvement activities, as compared to administrative costs, overhead, marketing, and profit.
Pursuant to the MLR requirement of the ACA, beginning in 2011 large group health insurers must spend at least 85% of premium revenues on health care services and quality improvement activities. Small and individual health insurers must meet an 80% threshold. Insurers who fail to meet these targets must pay rebates to policyholders for the amount in excess of the ratio percentage. Insurers will have to issue rebates in 2012 in the amount they fall short of the standards in 2011.
The ACA charged the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with developing the uniform definition of medical loss ratio and standard methodologies for determining the loss ratio calculations. HHS turned to the NAIC for its expertise in developing recommendations for the definition and methodologies. The recommendations NAIC developed describe whether various types of spending by insurers should be counted as “medical” or “administrative” under the MLR rule. Insurance companies pressed for a broad definition of medical spending, while consumer groups advocated for a more narrow definition.
AAP comments to HHS advocated for certain patient-centered expenses, such as those related to care coordination and interpretation or translation services used to communicate with limited English proficient enrollees, to be counted as costs that improve health. In addition, the Academy expressed to HHS its belief that marketing and advertising expenses should be explicitly excluded from the definition of costs that improve health.
At its national meeting, the full body of the NAIC considered and unanimously approved the MLR recommendations proposed by a NAIC working group. The final version of the recommendation largely remained unchanged from the working group's proposal. Commissioners offered ultimately unsuccessful amendments to remove brokers’ fees from the calculation, to aggregate spending calculations nationally rather than at the state level, and to give insurers credits to help them reach required spending levels.
The NAIC recommendation considers the following as costs that improve health:
- Spending to increase patient safety
- Spending to invest in health information technology
- Spending to prevent medical errors and hospital readmissions
The recommendations exclude the following from costs that improve health:
- Nurse hotlines that do not deal directly with patient care
- Efforts to reduce fraud
- Insurance brokers’ commissions
The last item provoked particular dismay from representatives of insurers and brokers. It was just 1 of many aspects of the NAIC's final recommendation to which the industry objected. Insurers and insurance brokers contend that the MLR recommendations as written may destabilize the marketplace or significantly limit consumer choice. NAIC had urged HHS to allow insurers to phase in the MLR rule through a transitional period, in effect delaying implementation until as late as 2014, when ACA provisions take effect that may cut insurer costs. According to the NAIC correspondence to HHS, enforcement of the MLR rule sooner than 2014 could threaten the solvency of insurers or significantly reduce competition in some insurance markets, thus limiting consumer choice. However, in a separate letter, consumer representatives to the NAIC urged HHS Secretary Sebelius to adopt the regulations as passed by the NAIC. NAIC has formed a working group to consult with HHS on the outstanding issues.
NAIC has delivered its recommendations to the HHS, which will issue a final regulation. While HHS officials are not obligated to adopt the commissioners' advice, Secretary Sebelius indicated in a press statement that HHS intends to follow the NAIC recommendations closely when developing MLR regulations. Secretary Sebelius called the recommendations “reasonable, achievable for insurers,” and likely to help “ensure insurance premiums are, for the most part, supporting health benefits for consumers.”
HHS will issue its final MLR regulation in the coming weeks. The Academy will continue to participate in NAIC activities as it addresses several components of the ACA. The Division of State Government Affairs will continue to apprise AAP chapters of MLR and other ACA related developments as they occur.
The Division of State Government Affairs sends this update to the Academy's Executive Committee, Board of Directors, District Vice Chairs, Chapter Presidents, Chapter Vice Presidents, Chapter Legislative Contacts, Committee on State Government Affairs, Committee on Federal Government Affairs, Chapter Executive Directors, and other interested AAP members and staff.
For additional state legislative information, strategy suggestions, in-depth resources on issues of pediatric interest, and past editions of this update, log onto the AAP Member Center and see the State Government Affairs area at www.aap.org/moc/stgovaffairs.
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For more information on the issues contained in this e-mail update, please contact Kristin Schleiter at 800/433-9016, ext 7797 or at kschleiter@aap.org or Dan Walter at 800/433-9016, ext 4086 or at dwalter@aap.org.
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Ensure that you and your office staff are prepared to properly implement the new IA codes on January 1, 2011 by attending the next AAP Pediatric Coding Webinar to be broadcast live on November 18, 2010 at 12:00 PM CT. Teri Salus, MPA, CPC, CPEDC will be presenting New/Revised CPT and ICD-9-CM Codes for 2011. This one-hour webinar will focus on all CPT and ICD-9-CM changes for the upcoming year, but will focus primarily on the new IA codes.
For more details on this upcoming webinar or to register, visit http://aap.org/webinars/coding
 
Nonprofit Engages Children’s Doctors to Improve Little Ones’ Literacy
INDIANAPOLIS – Hoosier doctors providing young, low-income patients with books has not only boosted the children’s literacy skills but it also has earned the Indianapolis nonprofit behind the initiative a 2010 Youth Investment Award from the Indiana Youth Institute (IYI).
Reach Out and Read Indiana has recruited nearly 800 pediatricians, family practice doctors and nurse practitioners through 145 offices in 47 Indiana counties to distribute books to low-income parents and their children. The medical professionals emphasize the importance of reading while providing parents with literacy activities and strategies based on their child’s age.
The program is one of ten recipients of a 2010 Youth Investment Award and was selected from nearly 150 applicants statewide, said IYI President and CEO Bill Stanczykiewicz.
“You could call it Curious George Takes up the Hippocratic Oath,” Stanczykiewicz said. “As educators, employers and civic leaders emphasize the importance of reading ability by the end of the 3rd grade, the prescription for improving literacy skills is being written and fulfilled by these local doctors.”
Reach Out and Read serves more than half of the Hoosier children who live in poverty, said Lisa Robertson, the program’s Indiana director. According to national research, low-income children start school two years in ability behind their peers, and children who lack basic literacy skills in kindergarten are four times more likely to eventually drop out of school.
Evaluation of Reach Out and Read Indiana reveals children who participate in the program have larger vocabularies, higher comprehension levels and parents who are four times more likely to read to their children. On average, two-year olds in the program enjoy a six-month improvement in literacy skills.
The results come from Reach Out and Read’s unprecedented access to children before they start school, Robertson said.
“As the doctor is guiding the parent on nutrition and car seats and other health and safety matters, they’re also giving advice about reading, and parents are receiving that advice – along with books – from a trusted source,” she said.
In addition to the resources and information provided by doctors and nurse practitioners, children are read to in the waiting room by volunteers from organizations such as Kiwanis, Girl Scouts and the Indiana State Teachers Association.
Robertson said the program also helps children receive proper medical care by building a bond between parents and doctors, increasing the likelihood that the child will receive continuity of care from the physician.
“This especially is important in low-income, transient communities. The people might be moving from one home to another, but they stay with the same doctor which is important for providing the child with consistent medical care.”
Each agency receiving a Youth Investment Award receives a $5,000 check and free admission for two to the Indiana Youth Institute’s 2010 Kids Count in Indiana Conference, December 7 and 8 in Indianapolis.
The Indiana Youth Institute promotes the healthy development of Indiana’s children and youth by serving the people, institutions and communities of Indiana who impact their well-being.
(Note to editors: IYI provides members of the media free data research and information on sources for stories on youth issues. To access this service or to arrange an interview with IYI President and CEO Bill Stanczykiewicz, please contact Glenn Augustine, vice president—communications at 800-343-7060, 317-396-2734 or gaugustine@iyi.org.)
IAFP Fall Conference
November 5 & 6, 2010
Sheraton Keystone at the Crossing, Indianapolis
Join the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians this November 5 & 6 for our new Fall Conference in Indianapolis! We're offering a whole morning of activities based around the Patient Centered Medical Home, offering practical guidance on how to transform your practice into a working PCMH, or improve your existing PCMH.
Up to 17.75 AMA Category 1 credits are available during our Hot Topic CME sessions, including pediatric obesity and Skin Manifestations of Collagen Vascular Disorders in Children activities. A Physician Leadership workshop is also available.
More information can be found at http://www.in-afp.org or by calling 317.237.4237.
AAP Private Payer Advocacy Update
September 2010
1. AAP submits comments to HHS on preventive services cost sharing
2. Carriers respond to AAP updated Business Case for Pricing Vaccines and Immunization Administration
3. UHC revises vaccine cost source
4. Pediatric Council Forum at the 2010 NCE
5. AAP News articles related to private payer advocacy issues
Make your case • Pediatricians cannot continue to subsidize immunizations
http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/31/9/50
Power of a pediatrician • Member taps AAP leadership to help solve vaccine
payment problem
http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/31/9/51
Several health reform provisions set to take effect Sept.23
http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/31/9/1
AAP comments on health reform regulations
http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/31/9/5-a
Changes in ICD-9-CM coding take effect Oct. 1
http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/31/9/44
1. AAP submits comments to HHS on preventive services cost sharing
Since the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the AAP has been submitting public commentary to federal agencies offering the pediatric perspective on many of the law's provisions that pertain to child health. Most recently, the AAP commented on the provision of waiving copayments for preventive care services. The letter urges that all pediatric well-child visits-including physical exams, immunizations, hearing and vision screenings, developmental and behavioral screenings, and anticipatory guidance-in accordance with the Bright Futures periodicity schedule, must be covered without cost-sharing for children enrolled in non-grandfathered health insurance, or a plan that was not already in existence when the law was signed in March 2010. The letter also calls for appropriate payment for preventive services. As part of private payer advocacy, the AAP is monitoring carrier policies on coverage and payment for preventive care services.
Attached is a copy of the letter from the AAP. Information on this letter and other comments filed by the AAP pertaining to PPACA can be accessed at federaladvocacy.aap.org
2. Carriers respond to AAP updated Business Case for Pricing Vaccines and Immunization Administration
AAP members may access the AAP Member Center, private payer advocacy page to link to carrier responses to recent AAP letters advocating for appropriate payment for vaccines. Among the responses received to date, Highmark announced that it is enhancing its vaccine payment methodology as well as increasing vaccine administration payments to approximate the Medicare fee schedule. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania adjusted its fees for the PVC 13 vaccine in a timely manner. Copies of these letters can also be accessed from the AAP Member Center at: www.aap.org/moc and click on private payer advocacy, and go to the link AAP Letters and Carrier Responses.
3. UHC revises vaccine cost source
Beginning Fall 2010, UHC will use the CDC private sector vaccine price list as the source for vaccine product cost for new and renegotiated physician contracts. Existing fee schedules will be used until new provider agreements are negotiated. UHC is updating its fee schedule tools and contracting materials to reflect this change.
UHC acknowledges the input from the AAP in making this change. The AAP supports use of the CDC private sector vaccine price list as the source of vaccine cost as stated in the AAP Endorsed Principles on Benefits Coverage and Payment at http://practice.aap.org/content.aspx?aid=2441 and the AAP Business Case for Pricing Vaccines at: http://practice.aap.org/content.aspx?aid=2441 AAP members and chapters are encouraged to use these documents in discussions with payers.
The AAP is in ongoing contact with UHC for additional information regarding implementation of the new pricing methodology. UHC has stated in discussions with the AAP that the intent is to enhance the transparency of the source data of vaccine costs and that it is not intended that the change in methodology would result in a decrease or increase in payments for vaccines.
4. Pediatric Council Forum at the 2010 NCE
The Pediatric Council Forum is an opportunity to exchange of ideas, resources and strategies by pediatric councils in addressing private payer issues within their chapter. Members of AAP Chapter pediatric councils as well as those interested in starting or joining a pediatric council are encouraged to attend the session during the NCE on:
Saturday, October 2nd
4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Pacific I
Attend the contract negotiations session at the 2010 NCE
Rick Oken, MD, FAAP and Kathy Cain, MD, FAAP will present on Creating Leverage in Contract Negotiations With Payers from 8:30-10 am on Sunday, October 3rd in Room 301 in the Moscone Center (Event number S2035).
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5. AAP News articles related to private payer advocacy issues
The following articles related to private payment issues is in the September 2010 AAP News:
Make your case • Pediatricians cannot continue to subsidize immunizations
http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/31/9/50
Power of a pediatrician • Member taps AAP leadership to help solve vaccine
payment problem
http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/31/9/51
Several health reform provisions set to take effect Sept.23
http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/31/9/1
AAP comments on health reform regulations
http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/31/9/5-a
Changes in ICD-9-CM coding take effect Oct. 1
http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/31/9/44
New from the AAP
Cost effective coding education – one low fee admits your entire staff!
Learn the pediatric coding success secrets of today’s top pros. Register today for BIG SAVINGS!
See how to simplify coding and billing—and expedite payment—with pediatric-specific insights, tips, and strategies from leading pediatric coding experts. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Pediatric Coding Webinars series includes six 1-hour live events filled with up-to-the-minute information and exclusive insights you can’t afford to miss. Here’s the help you need to meet your most complex coding and billing challenges. For more information, visit http://aap.org/webinars/coding.
November 18, 2010 12:00 pm CT
Don't Risk Denials! Keep Up to Date! New/Revised CPT and ICD-9 Codes for 2011
Faculty: Teri Salus, MPA, CPA
February 17, 2011 12:00 pm CT
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About RVRBS and RVUs But Were Too Busy to Ask
Faculty: Chip Harbaugh, MD, FAAP
The archived event titled Success Starts with Proper Documentation: E/M
Documentation and EMR Coding Issues with Joel Bradley, MD, FAAP is
available at http://aap.org/webinars/coding.
These events are open to physicians, care providers, coders, and practice
management staff for a fee. For more information, visit
http://aap.org/webinars/coding.
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For additional information on AAP private payer advocacy, contact Lou Terranova, Senior Health Policy Analyst at lterranova@aap.org or 800/433-9016 ext 7633
Free CME!
posted: Friday, July 23, 2010
Primary Care for Teens and Adults with
Intellectual Disabilities:
One day seminar featuring sessions by experts from IU School of
Medicine, MDwise, and community agencies.
To view more information on this CME please click here
HHS Launches New Consumer-Friendly Website on Health Reform
On Thursday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a new website designed to help consumers understand the new health reform law, learn more about insurance options, learn about prevention, and compare health care quality. It is the first website to collect both public and private health insurance options across the nation in a single place. In addition to providing coverage scenarios based on individual circumstances, it also highlights the issues and benefits of the new law for providers. To see more, visit www.healthcare.gov.
2010 Regional Faculty & Educator Development Symposium in Cincinatti, OH
September 24-25 2010
The overall goal of this symposium is to provide healthcare educators with an ongoing series of workshops and plenary sessions designed to allow the audience to further develop professionally using a group of nationally recognized experts presenting cutting-edge topics in an interactive environment
Please click here for more information on this Conference
School Immunization Requirement Change: In the 2010-2011 school year, all 6 through 12th grade students will be required to have 1 Meningococcal, 1 Tdap booster vaccine and a 2nd dose of varicella vaccine. All three vaccines are available at no cost through the Vaccines for Children program, with additional doses available for underinsured children through state funds from tobacco tax and ARRA funding. ISDH Immunization Program is offering resources to assist local health departments in conducting school based immunization clinics. For more information, contact the Immunization program at (800) 701-0704.
Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity (DNPA): In July 2010, the Indiana Healthy Weight Initiative Task Force, with support from the DNPA, will launch Indiana’s ten-year state plan for obesity prevention. In an effort to make the healthy choice the easy choice, the plan will focus on policy and environmental changes that increase physical activity, increase fruit and vegetable consumption, increase breastfeeding initiation and duration, decrease television screen time, decrease the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, and decrease the consumption of high-energy dense foods. The plan includes objectives that set the benchmarks for Indiana’s progress in supporting a healthy weight, as well as strategies for achieving each objective. Three of the settings covered in the plan—Early Childhood/Child Care, Schools, and Breastfeeding—address issues specific to children. The Health Care section includes objectives and strategies that apply to the role of health care providers in obesity prevention among both children and adults. Dr. Sandeep Gupta (Associate Professor, Indiana University/Riley Hospital) chairs the Initiative’s Health Care workgroup. For more information on the Indiana Healthy Weight Initiative or Indiana’s state plan for obesity prevention, please visit www.inhealthyweight.org or contact Marcie Memmer at mmemmer@isdh.in.gov.
Division of HIV/STD/Viral Hepatitis:
In response to the increased numbers of HIV infected babies in the last few years, the One Test Two Lives Campaign began on December 1, 2009. The campaign is supported by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana Perinatal Network, Midwest AIDS Training & Education Center (MATEC), Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease, and IU National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health. This campaign emphasizes opt‐out prenatal testing of pregnant women in accordance with Indiana Law. Identifying infected mothers allows for interventions to change the course of the lives of women and their children. Since perinatal acquisition accounts for more than 90% of all U.S. pediatric HIV cases, prevention of mother‐to‐baby transmission remains the most important weapon against pediatric HIV. Early identification of maternal disease allows for early intervention, decreased transmission, and better prospects for long‐term health. For more information please go to: www.1test2lives.in.gov
Dear Friend of Children,
Thanks to all the AAP Members and non-members who have donated to Friends of Children Fund for Disaster Relief, we have raised more $95,000 in response to the disaster in Haiti.
As you may have seen from a recent message from Dr. Alden, AAP is working in partnership with the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) to be ready in the event that specific assistance regarding pediatric care is requested. A leadership team has held calls with AAP leaders and children's hospital representatives. In addition, AAP representatives are in contact with HHS officials who oversee the National Disaster Medical System and are participating in calls convened by the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to receive updates on medical and other human services efforts.
In response to AAP's recent member survey 600 AAP member pediatricians are willing to go to Haiti and/or help with US-based medical services for evacuated Haitian children. A Rapid Response Team is in touch with the Haitian, Dominican Republic and other nearby Pediatric Societies to determine the best course of action. In addition, an AAP-sponsored truck with $10,000 worth of medical supplies has been sent to the St. Damian Children's Hospital to support the efforts of our colleagues in the Haitian Pediatric Society.
The Academy remains ready to help identify available pediatric resources, offer guidance on the medical and mental health needs of children, and contribute funds for needs in Haiti as identified by AAP in consultation with our colleagues in Haiti. AAP plans to share information with its members about volunteer medical response opportunities as this information becomes available.
Recently, the US Congress passed legislation that allows donors who make a gift for disaster relief to benefit Haiti before March 1, 2010 to deduct such contributions on their 2009 federal taxes.
Thank you for all of your efforts.
Judith S. Palfrey
Judith S. Palfrey, MD, FAAP
President
The American Board of Pediatrics has recently announced new requirements for potential maintenance of certification for pediatricians who are permanent certificate holders. Dr. Marilyn Bull in collaboration with the ABP and the AAP has developed the attached explanation that we hope will be helpful. More assistance is available from the AAP at https://www.aap.org/mocinfo.
New Requirements for Permanent Certificante Holders
Oral Health Goals
posted: Monday, September 21, 2009
The Statewide Planning Council for the Indiana State Strategic Oral Health Initiative has put out the state Oral Health Goals. Information related to the project is available at the Center for Health Policy’s website, at http://www.policyinstitute.iu.edu/health/SOHI. Please contact Marion Greene for more information.
Marion Greene, MPH
Program Analyst
Center for Health Policy
Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs
334 North Senate Avenue, Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Office: (317) 261-3029
Fax: (317) 261-3050
msgreene@iupui.edu
http://www.healthpolicy.iupui.edu/
Final Oral Health Goal
QuIIN is the AAP’s network of practicing pediatricians and their staff working to improve care and outcomes for children and families by testing practical tools, measures and strategies for use in everyday pediatric practice, the child’ medical home. Examples of their participation include care improvement around Asthma, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, Newborn Care, and Otitis Media. The following Indiana pediatricians participated in QuIIN activities:
Michael Hunter, MD, West Lafayette
Nancy Swigonski, MD, Indianapolis
Jeb Teichman, MD, Jeffersonville
The Indiana Perinatal Network (IPN) has produced a unique training DVD to educate health care providers on proper screening and treatment for pregnant women using tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Integrating Screening and Treatment of Substance Use into Routine Prenatal Care” incorporates practical role-play scenarios with clinical and research-based materials and interventions. It also emphasizes the importance of taking a supportive / empathetic approach with pregnant women as opposed to a shame based approach. Recent research indicates that only 5% to 10% of pregnant women are identified and receive appropriate treatment for their substance use disorder.
The DVD features the work of Dr. James Nocon, Clinical Associate Professor, IU School of Medicine and Director of the Prenatal Recovery Clinic at Wishard Memorial Hospital. This first of its kind educational product was produced in cooperation with the IU School of Medicine, the Indiana Chapter of AAP, the Indiana Section of ACOG, the IN State Department of Health and the Indiana March of Dimes. The DVD has been approved for CME’s, nursing contact hours and social work CEU’s.
For more information and to order copies, go www.indianaperinatal.org or contact IPN at 866-338-0825.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young infants. Based on additional data regarding the seasonality of RSV disease and the risk factors for disease severity in 32 through 35 weeks gestation preterm infants, AAP guidelines for immunoprophylaxis have been modified to ensure optimal balance of benefit and cost. The updated recommendations are in the 2009 Red Book (published in June 2009)
The updated recommendations and major policy changes include:
- Modification of recommendations for initiation and termination of RSV prophylaxis based on current CDC descriptions of seasonality in different areas of the United States.
- Emphasis on need for no more than a maximum of 5 doses in all geographic areas.
- Modification of risk factors for severe disease in infants born between 32 and 35 weeks of gestation.
For infants 32 through 35 weeks of gestation who qualify for prophylaxis based on presence of risk factors, prophylaxis is recommended until 90 days of age (maximum of 3 doses).
For further details please see the article in AAP News Online that summarizes the recommendations and major changes present in the 2009 Red Book (pages 562-568) and in the AAP Policy Statement soon to be published in Pediatrics.
The AAP is making available a television PSA on the importance of the flu vaccine. Flu season runs from early fall through early spring. View the PSA, or for more information contact AAP Communications.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has produced a print Public Service Announcement on obesity prevention. Available in English and Spanish, the PSA has already appeared in Parents and Ser Padres magazines and appeared in the January 2005 issue of Prevention magazine. The PSA may be used in magazines, newspapers, newsletters and Web sites. For further information, call AAP Communications at 847-434-7877.
http://www.aap.org/pressroom/aappr-features.htm
The Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect (COCAN) has revised their statement on shaken baby syndrome and the new statement, Abusive Head Trauma in Infants and Children is being published in the May issue of Pediatrics. News of publication of this new statement has already sparked national attention so in order to prepare chapters for local press calls, we are providing the press release as provided by the AAP Department of Communications and a copy of the statement attached. Please note that the statement is embargoed until Monday, April 27, at 12:01 a.m. ET; this is only being provided so members are prepared to answer reporters' questions. Reporters may do interviews before April 27 but nothing should be published until April 27th. Any pediatrician who has questions about handling media on this, can contact the AAP Department of Communications staff: Debbie Linchesky, 847-434-7084, dlinchesky@aap.org or Susan Stevens Martin, 847-434-7131, ssmartin@aap.org. If you should have any questions about the policy or need to find a child abuse pediatrician contact in your chapter, please feel free to contact me at 800-433, 9016, ext. 7880 or thurley@aap.org. Thank you very much.
ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA: A NEW NAME FOR SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME
Shaken baby syndrome is a term often used by doctors and the public to describe abusive head trauma inflicted on infants and young children. While shaking an infant can cause neurologic injury, blunt impact or a combination of shaking and blunt impact can also cause injury. In recognition of the need for broad medical terminology that includes all mechanisms of injury, the new AAP policy statement, "Abusive Head Trauma In Infants and Children," recommends pediatricians embrace the term "abusive head trauma" to describe an inflicted injury to the head and its contents. Pediatricians should learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of abusive head trauma, including those caused by both shaking and blunt impact, and consult with pediatric subspecialists when necessary.
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