Practice Update
APA Practice Organization
April 2009
| Vol.6, No.4
In the Spotlight
Congress combines Medicare and health care reform
APA advocacy focused on amending the Medicare definition of physician, restoring rates and psychologist reimbursement, ensuring wellness includes mental health, and including mental health parity.
Practitioner Resources
- FTC delays Red Flags Rule enforcement until August 1
The Federal Trade Commission will delay enforcement in order to give creditors and practitioners additional time to develop written identity theft programs. - Managing anxiety about the flu outbreak
Psychologists and their clients should stay informed, use proper hygiene and remember treatments are available for the swine flu. - Identity theft: Take steps to minimize your risk
Although there is no sure-fire way to prevent someone from stealing your identity, you can reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim by protecting and monitoring your personal information - Medicare administrative contractors require additional data to verify identity
Providers and staff who call Medicare will have to provide their National Provider Identification number, the last five digits of the provider's tax identification number and the Provider Transaction Access Number.
From the Field
- APA-YMCA partnership helps families focus on healthy lifestyles
The APA and YMCA are teaming up to impart to families the importance of lifestyle and behaviors to physical and mental health.
