Substance Abuse Council Grows
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has appointed three new members to the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) National Advisory Council. The council advises the secretary of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA's administrator, and CSAT's director on public health matters related to prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. The new council members are Arthur C. Evans Jr., Ph.D., of the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Mental Retardation Services; Carrick Anne Forbes, a recovering survivor of heroin addiction and a student and speaker from Hastings on Hudson, N.Y.; and Peter C. Formaz, NCAC-II, LAC, of Helena, Mont.
Rx Label Magnifiers
The Dignity Prescription Label Magnifier is a circular magnifying lens that is strapped on to prescription pill bottles for easy reading. The cost is $19.95 for four clip-on magnifiers. They are manufactured by Dignified Products LLC. For more information, visit the company's Web site at
AMA Claim Advice
The American Medical Association offers educational materials to help clinicians process claims more efficiently. Tools include template appeal letters and claim management checklists. For more information, contact the AMA by visiting ama-assn.org/go/pmc.
SAMHSA Tribal Grants
The Substance and Mental Health Services Administration announces fiscal year 2008 grants that will likely provide more than $74 million to fund a range of programs run by federally recognized tribes or groups that provide mental health and substance abuse treatment to American Indian and Alaskan native populations. For more information, contact SAMHSA by visiting
samhsa.gov/tribal/08grantees.aspx
E-Prescribing Incentive Guide
A new guide from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services explains the e-prescribing incentive program, how eligible professionals can participate, and how to choose a qualified e-prescribing system. By adopting e-prescribing, professionals can save time, enhance office and pharmacy productivity, improve patient safety and quality of care, and earn a 2% incentive from Medicare. To read or print the guide, visit
www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/11399.pdf
Substance Use Trends in Youths
A report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration examines trends in substance use, dependence, or abuse, and treatment in youths aged 12–17. The report shows that rates of past-month use generally declined between 2002 and 2007 (cigarettes from 13.0% to 9.8%, alcohol from 17.6% to 15.9%, and illicit drugs from 11.6% to 9.5%). To read the full report, visit
www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k8/youthTrends/youthTrends.pdf
CMS Initiative to Assist Caregivers
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has launched a Web site, called “Ask Medicare,” to help family caregivers access and use valuable health care information, services, and resources. The site will provide links to key partner organizations, present personal stories from caregivers in the community, and offer tools for addressing common problems. For more information, visit
Changes in Medicare Enrollment
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has posted three fact sheets on the kinds of changes that need to be reported to Medicare by enrolled physicians, nonphysician practitioners, and group practices. Reportable changes include legal business name, tax identification number, and practice location. To access the fact sheets–which are downloadable–go to
www.cms.hhs.gov/medicareprovidersupenroll
Polysomnogram System
The Alice LE Sleep System is available for performing routine polysomnogram studies at an affordable price. The device has 31 channels and runs on the Sleepware software program, which monitors, displays, processes, and downloads polysomnographic data. For more information, contact Respironics Inc. by visiting
http://alicele.respironics.com
Yoga for Fibromyalgia
A new book is available on managing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. “Yoga for Fibromyalgia” includes illustrated yoga poses, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques that can be practiced regardless of age or experience. The poses are combined into sequences for relieving pain, reducing fatigue, and maintaining flexibility. Lifestyle concerns of fibromyalgia patients also are discussed. Cost is $14.95. To order, call the Rodmell Press at 800–841–3123, or visit