renal physicians association (rpa): annual meeting

2013 Annual Meeting

March 14 –17, 2013 New Orleans Marriott

preliminary program & registration

renal physicians association

NewOrleansThis meeting is jointly sponsored by the Office of Continuing Medical Education of the University of Virginia School of Medicine and the Renal Physicians Association.

2 Renal Physicians Association 2013 Annual Meeting New

RPA plans to march into The Crescent City (AKA New Orleans, LA) and offer a program that positions nephrologists to capitalize on opportunities that will allow them to thrive in future years. The RPA Program Committee has designed plenary sessions and interactive workshops that build on the past but look ahead to assist you with improving high quality kidney patient care and increase business efficiencies, while complying with complex regulatory issues.

Please plan to join us March 14 -17, 2013 at the New Orleans Marriott to better understand the role of medical directors in the acute care setting, to hear real time experiences from nephrologists working in the ACO world, to learn how you and your staff can obtain performance incentive payments by enhancing your EHR systems and fulfilling requirements for maintenance of certification, and maximize the value of electronic media through responsible utilization. Clinicians will also benefit from cutting edge presentations on the impact and effect of salt on kidney disease as well as novel therapies to slow the loss of kidney function.

There will be workshops that will allow you to meet in smaller groups and discuss how ultrafiltration can be used more effectively for your patients, hear solutions from your peers about how they deal with the day to day problems when rounding in the dialysis unit, learn what is needed to own and operate an access center, find out the latest in home therapies, and how to perform a nutritional assessment.

At this meeting, we will also share the results of the latest nephrology business benchmarking survey and how you can use this information to benefit your practice. On the final day of the meeting, we will hold a town hall forum where you can ask questions and get answers from your peers about the most pressing issues you are dealing with in your practice.

Business management topics will include ICD-10, RAC Audits, Coordination of Care for CKD Patients, Benefits of a Highly Engaged Workforce, Ancillary Services for Nephrology Practices

and Best Practices for EHR Implementation, Optimization and Conversion. These sessions were planned with practice managers in mind but all meeting attendees are welcome to participate.

Equally important to the rich and unique content that the RPA Annual Meeting offers, you will have the opportunity to network with your colleagues from around the country and to share practical advice on clinical and business issues with which we all grapple in our daily practice lives. As always you will gain knowledge, tools and resources while you experience the camaraderie that far outweighs the cost of the registration fee.

RPA’s annual meeting program has been designed to address the issues and concerns facing the practice of nephrology today and position nephrology practitioners to be ready for the changes that will be effective in the not-too-distant future. Please review the preliminary agenda for the complete list of topics we intend to cover during the 2013 Annual Meeting. Then, register and take advantage of the early bird discount that is available until January 15. Don’t miss this chance to join us!

Not only will the Saints be Marchin In this spring, but so will nephrology practitioners who want to be armed with the tools, resources and knowledge to succeed in 2013 and beyond. I look forward to seeing you in New Orleans!

Chester A. Amedia, MD, FACP Program Chair

Dear Colleague:

PRELIMINARy PROgRAM 3

General InformatIon .............................................................4

Cme CertIfICatIon and BusIness manaGement traCk ...................................5

Pre-ConferenCe WorkshoPs ..................................6

PrelImInary aGenda .................................................................6

hotel & transPortatIon .................................................12

advanCe reGIstratIon form ....................................13

rPa memBershIP ..........................................................................14

rPa memBershIP aPPlICatIon .................................15

contentsHere, in this little corner of the American South, where European traditions blend with Caribbean influences, the history is as colorful as the local architecture; the food is the stuff of legend. Haitian and African Creoles developed an exotic, spicy cuisine and were instrumental in creating jazz and Cajun Zydeco.

The street names are French and Spanish, the Creole architecture comes in a carnival of tropical colors, and the voodoo is a Caribbean import. The magic is irresistible. Come and experience the most celebrated and historic core of the city – including the Faubourg Marigny, French Quarter, Central Business District, Warehouse and Arts District, Magazine Street corridor, Garden District, and the beautiful St. Charles Avenue, lined with shady oaks, stately homes and historic mansions … a place like no other … a sensory overload with an authentic spirit … a way of life that began three centuries ago and remains today.

WelCome to

NewOrleans

4 Renal Physicians Association 2013 Annual Meeting

generalContinental breakfasts, refreshment breaks and the

President’s Reception are included in your registration fee. Breakfasts and breaks will be served in the Exhibit Hall. You must present your name badge to enter the exhibit hall. Lunch will be on your own.

THURSDAY, MARCH 147:00 PM to 9:30 PM Registration Opens

Avoid long lines on Friday morning by obtaining your meeting badge and materials at registration.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15American Association of Kidney Patients Medal of Excellence Dinner6:00 PM

Each year, the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) awards its Medal of Excellence to a renal physician who has achieved outstanding success in caring for kidney patients. For 18 years, AAKP has hosted the Medal of Excellence Award Dinner

in conjunction with the RPA Annual Meeting. The Award Dinner will begin with a cocktail reception from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and dinner from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Proceeds from the dinner are utilized to fund AAKP’s numerous patient education and advocacy programs. AAKP’s mission is to improve the lives of fellow kidney patients and their families by helping them deal with the physical, emotional and social impact of

kidney disease. We encourage you to support AAKP’s efforts by joining your colleagues at this prestigious event. Dinner tickets may be purchased for $125 by calling the AAKP National Office at (800) 749-2257 or online by visiting www.aakp.org/events/Medal-of-Excellence.

information

Satellite symposia are approved by the RPA. They are NOT part of the official RPA Annual Meeting as planned by the RPA Program Committee.

ApplICATIon oF CenTRAl AoRTIC BlooD pReSSURe AnD ARTeRIAl STIFFneSS In ClInICAl pRACTICeSponsored by AtCor Medical

Friday, march 1512:30 pm to 2:30 pm

program Description:There is substantial scientific evidence supporting the

utilization and efficacy of noninvasive central aortic blood pressure in treating complex or resistant hypertension, assessing cardiovascular risk and assisting in appropriate treatment selection and medication titration. Hear leading experts discuss how this technology can benefit your clinical practice and aid in blood pressure management.

speakers:•Raymond Townsend, MD - University of Pennsylvania

Renal-Electrolyte & Hypertension Division• Matthew Budoff, MD – UCLA Medical Center,

Los Angeles, CA•Susan Steigerwalt, MD - Providence Hospital, Detroit, MI

register for the symposium at: atcormedicalrpasymposium.eventbrite.com

satellIteSymposia

M E DA L O F EXCELLENCEA W A R D

American Association of Kidney Patients


cmeThis activity has been designed to meet the

educational needs of nephrologists, nephrology practice managers and advanced practitioners involved in the care of kidney patients. At the conclusion of this activity participants should be better able to:

• Describe the roles of the medical director in the acute care setting.

• Assess how to effectively work with accountable care organizations.

• Utilize ultrafiltration as an adjunctive and definitive therapy for additional conditions of kidney disease.

• Update an EHR to comply with the clinical measures and quality reporting activities required by CMS.

• Distinguish appropriate behavior for the use of electronic media.

• Identify the scientific and economic impact of salt on kidney disease.

aCCredItatIon statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the University of Virginia School of Medicine and the Renal Physicians Association. The University of Virginia is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CredIt desIGnatIon

The University of Virginia School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 15 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. The credit designation for this activity is as follows:

• Day 1, March 15: 6.0 AMA PRA Category 1Credit(s)TM



dIsClosure of ConflICts of Interest

The University of Virginia (UVA) Office of Continuing Medical Education requires instructors, planners, managers and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by UVA for fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

CommerCIal suPPort

Educational grants are being solicited from multiple potential commercial supporters. Full disclosure of all commercial support will be provided on subsequent activity information.

BusIness manaGement traCk

To better meet the learning objectives of nephrology practice managers, the RPA program committee has planned workshops and a concurrent general session that will address issues related to business operations associated with managing a nephrology practice. These sessions were designed specifically for practice managers but are open to all attendees. Topics include:

• ICD-10: What You Need to Know to Transition from ICD-9

• RAC Audits: How to Prepare Your Practice• The Benefits of a Highly Engaged Workforce• Ancillary Services for Nephrology Practices• Best Practices for EHR Implementation, Optimization

and Conversion• Chronic Kidney Disease Coordination of Care

certification

Agendapreliminary


Friday, March 157:00 am Registration Continental Breakfast in exhibit Hall

8:00 am General Session I Welcome Chester Amedia, MD, RPA Annual Meeting Program Chair

RpA Year in Review Ruben Velez, MD, RPA President

pre-conFerence WorKshops

nepHRologY CoDIng AnD BIllIng SeMInARTHURSDAY, MARCH 148:00 AM – 5:00 pMNavigating nephrology coding and billing is complex and requires an in-depth understanding of federal guidelines and requirements, as well as variations in local carrier coverage determinations (LCDs). This unique seminar will equip you with a greater understanding of:• Why physicians must document services provided• How to apply E&M guidelines to a nephrology practice• How to properly code services rendered to kidney

disease patients and why• How to apply federal coordination of benefits guidelines

to kidney patient care services

During this seminar you will also learn how to comply with the requirements described in the 2013 Medicare Fee Schedule. Register online at www.renalmd.org/Nephrology-Coding-and-Billing-Seminars/

RenAl FelloWS WoRkSHopTHURSDAY, MARCH 14 8:00 AM – 4:30 pMThe Renal Physicians Association (RPA) is pleased to present the 2013 Renal Fellows Workshop, “Making the Transition from Training to Practice”. This workshop will offer valuable information from selected experts in their fields to aid renal fellows in making a smooth transition from training into practice. Fellows will gain knowledge and resources to help them prepare for employment, maintenance of certification, understand practice expenses and revenue, medical director responsibilities, and an introduction to nephrology coding and billing. There will also be a job fair where fellows can meet potential employers. This is a must attend for renal fellows and registration is free! Limited travel grants are available to eligible fellows. To register visit the RPA website at www.renalmd.org/fellows-workshop

NewOrleans8:00 am RpA Regulatory and legislative Update Robert Blaser, RPA Director of Public Policy

presentation of Awards: Distinguished nephrologist and exemplary practice RpA Benchmarking Survey Results Compare practice performance against national and regional benchmarks with regard to

configuration of providers, productivity of providers and the distribution of revenue and expenses in nephrology practices.

Jennifer Huneycutt

10:00 am Refreshment Break in exhibit Hall

10:45 am General Session II

presentation of Awards: patient Safety Improvement and Special Recognition

The Medical Director in the Acute Care Setting Acute dialysis programs are no longer viewed as isolated episodes of care, but rather as part of a

continuum that affects and extends into the outpatient world. RPA has developed a position paper to describe and set expectations for the Medical Director’s role in that process.

Robert Kenney, MD

Integrated kidney Care The hoof beats of integrated care have proven to be a thundering herd. Many of your peers now have

real-time experience working in the ACO world. Learn from what they are experiencing in various care delivery models and prepare for what may be coming to your community.

Michael Shapiro, MD; Robert Jansen, MD; and Dylan Steer, MD

12:30 pm lunch on your own RpA pAC Board Meeting

2:30 pm Concurrent Workshops

Ultrafiltration Nephrologists have always used ultrafiltration as part of dialysis treatments for acute and chronic

kidney failure. Today, ultrafiltration is being used as an adjunctive and definitive therapy for many additional conditions. Learn how you can provide and support this evolving extracorporeal intervention.

Emil Paganini, MD

Virtual Chronic Dialysis Unit patient Rounds Providers rounding in the chronic dialysis units are confronted with much more than simple dialysis

related questions. Learn from your peers as you participate in this session where you will address real problems from virtual patients.

Richard Hamburger, MD

The Business of Interventional nephrology Interventional nephrology is no longer a sideline business of a few select nephrology practices. A

significant portion of nephrology practices have dedicated or part time interventionalists, some of whom are vascular surgeons or radiologists. This unique session will focus on the business issues associated with owning and operating an access center.

Timothy Pflederer, MD


Agendapreliminary


2:30 pm Home Therapies There is a renewed interest in expanding the role of home therapies in the care of ESRD patients.

This workshop will revisit the old, introduce us to the new, and give us a glimpse of what may be ahead to optimize care to kidney failure patients.

John Burkart, MD Business Management Track: ICD-10 What You need to know to Transition from ICD-9 It’s just 18 months until ICD-10. This session will explain the basic differences between ICD-9 and

ICD-10 and demonstrate how your practice can create a work plan to get ready for the changeover. Learn strategies to educate your staff, physicians, advanced practitioners and billers.

Speaker to be determined

3:45 pm Refreshment Break


Ultrafiltration Repeated

The Business of Interventional nephrology Repeated

Virtual Chronic Dialysis Unit patient Rounds Repeated

Home Therapies Repeated

Business Management Track: RAC Audits: How to prepare Your practice Hear from a local practice that successfully challenged findings from their RAC Audit and gain tips

and strategies from their personal experience that can help your practice during an audit. Speaker to be determined

6:00 pm practice Managers’ Reception RpA pAC Reception (invitation only) AAkp Medal of excellence Dinner (ticket required)

Saturday, March 167:00 am Registration Continental Breakfast in exhibit Hall

Health Care Payment Open Committee Meeting Clinical Practice Open Committee Meeting

8:00 am General Session III

opening Remarks Chester Amedia, MD

NewOrleans


8:00 am Recognition of outgoing Board Members Ruben Velez, MD

Attention practicing nephrologists! Accountability, Certification and payment for performance in the Digital Age

CMS is requiring achievement of ever-more difficult objectives to satisfy the meaningful use of EHRs. 2015 marks the beginning of payment penalties for failure to accomplish expanded mandatory core objectives. Learn how you and your staff can prepare for these changes by enhancing your EHR use to comply with clinical measures and quarterly reporting activities as well as to satisfy ABIM’s Maintenance of Certification Program Incentive requirements.

Terry Ketchersid, MD and Mitchell Rosner, MD Responsible Use of electronic Media Professionals must access, use and share patient information electronically in an ever-expanding and

challenging world. Learn how to do this well while staying out of trouble from a nationally recognized expert on the legal and ethical environment of electronic medical information.

Anita Cava, JD

10:00 am Refreshment Break in exhibit Hall

10:45 am General Session IV

nephrology Through the looking glass As the practice of medicine in the US undergoes fundamental change, what degrees of freedom

will practicing nephrologists have? As the government tightens the dial on our oxygen supply, how do nephrologists adapt to the probable future when our specialty depends on Federal payment for reimbursement for patient care and dialysis facility medical directorships for life support? Our former president will give us a perspective for the future by glimpsing into the rear view mirror at the past, looking through the window of the present, and gazing into his crystal ball.

Alan Kliger, MD

louis Diamond lecture: Beyond 2020 – Creating our preferred Future A nationally acclaimed futurist will explore the demographic and financial challenges that are driving

us toward change. The big three technologies—bio, nano, and information—continue to develop and to revolutionize medical treatments and care delivery options. Super longevity may be on the horizon—but, lacking decisive action, millions will be left out. What is coming, what must be done to prepare? By imagining the preferred future of healthcare, can we achieve greater success in the present?

Glen Hiemstra

12:30 pm lunch on your own nCAp Meeting (members only) practice Managers’ Roundtable Session


nutrition Nutritional assessment and support for people with kidney disease is a complicated process. This

workshop will review our current understanding of how to perform a nutritional assessment and present strategies to improve individual patient nutritional conditions.

Alp Ikizler, MD

preliminaryAgenda2:30 pm legal and Technical Challenges with electronic Media Delve deeper into this topic from the morning plenary session by reviewing and

discussing case studies. Anita Cava, JD and Adam Weinstein, MD

Medical Director Vignettes The role of the chronic dialysis facility Medical Director was redefined and expanded with the publication

of the Conditions for Coverage in the Federal Register a few years ago. Since then, the responsibilities have been clarified and augmented further. Facility operators have high expectations for nephrologists who are directing their units. This workshop will highlight the areas most frequently addressed during state inspections and provide an interactive forum for attendees to share concerns, problems and solutions.

Edward Jones, MD

Business Management Track: Beyond Satisfaction-The Benefits of a Highly engaged Workforce This workshop will focus on the benefits of having a highly engaged workforce. Participants will learn

the difference between engagement and satisfaction, recognize the role of the leader in employee engagement, how to develop and implement an employee engagement plan, and to explore evolving trends in employee engagement.

Mary Alice Stanford, CMPE

3:45 pm Refreshment Break in exhibit Hall


nutrition Repeated

legal and Technical Challenges with electronic Media Repeated

Medical Director Vignettes Repeated

Business Management Track: Ancillary Services for nephrology practices Find out what unique services are being incorporated into nephrology practices to increase revenue

and how you can implement similar services for your practice. David Doane, Linda Miller, Lori LeBlanc, MBA, CPC, CMPE

6:00 pm RpA president’s Reception

Sunday, March 177:00 am Registration Continental Breakfast government Affairs Open Committee Meeting Quality, Safety and Accountability Open Committee Meeting


NewOrleans


8:30 am Concurrent General Session: Business Management Track

Best practices for eHR Implementation, optimization and Conversion Learn how to successfully implement an EHR system, get the most out of your system, use clinical

decision support tools and efficiently convert from one EHR system to another. Mark Kaplan, MD, Adam Weinstein, MD and Terry Ketchersid, MD

Chronic kidney Disease Coordination of Care Identification and tracking of patients with CKD within a practice increases the opportunity for

optimal management of CKD related co-morbidities and complications. Learn the key components for coordination and how it can improve outcomes.

Monet Carnahan, BSN, RN, CDN

8:30 am General Session V

opening Remarks Chester Amedia, MD

Salt: The Scientific and economic Impact on kidney Disease Man has craved salt ever since his ancestors crawled from the primordial seas. We have used it to

treat disease, season our food and as a form of currency. Today, we recognize that it may cause or contribute significantly to our overall cardiovascular disease burden. Our speaker will reacquaint us with the science and help us to better understand the overall financial cost of this tasty crystal.

Paul Sanders, MD

Hypertension: new tools and Interventions to Improve Care Hypertension remains a bread and butter treatment focus for nephrologists and internists in general,

but not a whole lot has changed over the past decade…. Until now! Our discussants will first review the use of central blood pressure monitoring to manage hypertension in patients with CKD, and then explain and explore an exciting and promising new intervention for difficult to manage hypertension – renal denervation. How will nephrologists incorporate these procedures into their regular practices?

George Aronoff, MD

Hot Topics/practical pearls and Takeaways Join this rapid fire presentation to learn the latest news about clinical advances in nephrology. Be

sure to stay for this final session so you can head home with essential clinical knowledge you can implement in your practice.

Mitch Rosner, MD

11:00 am Meeting Adjourns


hotel & travelExperience a majestic hotel in New Orleans ideally

situated in the French Quarter and just steps away from Bourbon Street, the Convention Center and other iconic attractions. The New Orleans Marriott Hotel offers guests a hospitable atmosphere, ideal for business and leisure travelers alike. Unwind in one of 1,300 spacious New Orleans hotel rooms or suites, or stay on the tastefully decorated Concierge level, combining modern decor with pleasing amenities. Explore a variety of conveniences at this hotel including a fully equipped fitness center and the award-winning 5 Fifty 5 restaurant, serving savory regional cuisine in an exceptional dining environment. New Orleans Marriott, a superior hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana that combines contemporary amenities with classic Southern hospitality.

neW oRleAnS MARRIoTT 555 CAnAl STReeT neW oRleAnS, lA 70130

hotel and aIrlIne reservatIonsRoom reservations will be available only to those

who register for the meeting. After you register for the meeting, you will receive an online hotel reservations link to access the discounted room rate. The discounted room rate is $209 single, $219 double occupancy plus applicable taxes. You must make your reservations by February 25, 2013 to qualify for the special rate. After this date, the special convention rate may not be available. Register and reserve your room NOW!

To make your travel arrangements, you can call Travel-On, RPA’s official travel agent. Book early so that you can take advantage of promotional fares, which give you the greatest discount. You can reach Travel-On by calling their toll free number 888-495-7770, Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 5:30pm.

TRAnSpoRTATIonLouis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

(MSY) is located approximately 13 miles from the hotel. Estimated taxis fare is $33 one way for one or two persons and $14.00 per passenger for three or more passengers. Pick-up is on the lower level, outside the baggage claim area. The airport shuttle is available for a fee of $20 one way and a reservation is required. Call 866-596-2699 for more details or visit www.airportshuttleneworleans.com.

January 16• Finaldayforearlybirdmeetingregistration

February 16• Finaldaytocancelannualmeeting

registration and receive a refund

February 25• DeadlinetomakeHotelReservations

March 5• Deadlinetoregisteronline.Afterthisdate,only

on-site registrations will be accepted.

information

ImportantDates

reGIstratIon InformatIon – Please PrInt Clearly

First name ________________________________ last name _______________________________________ Suffix ___________

nickname ______________________________________________ Birth Date ____________________________________________ (for badge) (Birth date is required for unique CME identifier)

practice/Facility ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Street __________________________________________ City __________________________ State ______ Zip Code _________

phone _________________________ Fax ___________________ email ___________________________________________________

reGIstratIon feesFee includes meeting materials, continental breakfasts, breaks, 1 ticket to the President’s Reception and administrative costs for CME certification; fee does NOT include the 18th Annual AAKP Dinner. Lunch is on your own.

Non-Member Registration FeesApply to become a member today and attend the meeting at the member rate!

total feesRegistration Fee $__________ + President’s Reception guest Fee $__________ = Total Due $ ___________________________

Payment Check Enclosed (Please only mail check payments with the registration form; Check must be made payable to RPA)

Visa Master Card AMEX Discover

Number: ____________________ Exp. Date: ________ Name on Card: ______________________ Signature: ____________________

Reduced Fees for RPA Members 2013 dues must be paid in full

Early-Bird Register by January 16

Regular Registration Fee Due

Physician Members $450 $535

Physician Assistant Members $365 $450

Practice Manager Members $365 $450

Advanced Practice Nurse Members $365 $450

RPA Corporate Patron $450 $550

RPA Past President $225 $300

Renal Fellow Members $0 $0

Registration Fee Subtotal: $

Fees for Non-RPA Members Early-Bird Register by January 16

Regular Registration Fee Due

Physician Non-Members $675 $725

Physician Assistant Non-Members $510 $590

Practice Manager Non-Members $510 $590

Advanced Practice Nurse Non-Members $510 $590

Federal Employee/ESRD Network Staff $280 $365

Industry Representatives $615 $700

Exhibiting Company Representatives $450 $550

Renal Fellow Non-Members $0 $0

Registration Fee Subtotal: $

Send your completed form: By Fax: 301-468-3511 By Mail: 1700 Rockville Pike, Suite 220 • Rockville, MD 20852

NewOrleansRpA 2013 AnnUAl MeeTIngRegISTRATIon FoRM

President’s ReceptionBy registering for the meeting you are also registered for the President’s Reception. If you plan to bring a guest, please complete the line below. Each additional guest ticket is $60.

# of guests: _______ Fee Due: ________

informationRegister online at: www.renalmd.org


rPa memBershIP

The Renal Physicians Association is a national organization with the expertise and successful track record of proactively defending the discipline of the nephrology practice. RPA is the voice of the nephrology practice to the renal community, payors and federal policy makers. It has a history of dedication to business issues for practicing nephrologists and advocating for improvements in quality of care for patients with kidney disease. RPA provides innovative, consistent and relevant programs and services to improve the nephrology practice and help nephrology practitioners attain the highest level of professional satisfaction.

BUSIneSS eDUCATIon & ReSoURCeSTo Improve your Practice• Gain access to tools, advice, meetings and workshops

to improve your practice, including:• Discounts on RPA Books, Publications and Tools, including:

• Renal Physicians Guide to Nephrology Practice• Nephrology Business Benchmarking Survey• Nephrology Practice Management eBulletin• CME & Networking Opportunities at

RPA Annual Meeting• Practice Management Software User Assessment-

developed to help nephrology practitioners determine which software products are most suitable to better manage their practice.

• American EHR Partners RPA has joined with the American College of

Physicians and seven other specialty societies to create American EHR Partners, a web-based resource to assist nephrologists with EHR system selection and implementation. It includes an EHR Readiness Assessment Tool, and EHR Comparison Engine & Rating System and automated RFI to send vendors, among other tools and resources. Nephrology practices can use these tools to assess their practice needs and identify potential vendors to assist them with complying with meaningful use.

• PQRIwizardTM

A web-based resource that guides you through a few easy steps to collect, validate, and report on nephrology-related PQRS measures.

CoDIng & BIllIng ReSoURCeSTo Solve your Problems

RPA has the resources to resolve your coding and reimbursement problems with:• Books, Publications and Tools:

» ICD Coding Pamphlet » Nephrology CPT Reference Codes

• Documentation Guidelines• Documentation Principles & Tools

» Monthly Capitation Payment (MCP)

» Medical Director Documentation Template » Coding of Procedures in Interventional Nephrology

• Regional Seminars• Rapid response to member inquiries through our

Website FAQs

pUBlIC polICY ADVoCACYThe Voice of the Nephrology Practice

RPA is recognized as the organization that represents nephrologists as we:• Work closely with the Centers for Medicare &

Medicaid Services (CMS) staff on regulatory policies affecting nephrology practices

• Represent the discipline of nephrology in the AMA House of Delegates and on AMA committees to obtain appropriate work values and CPT codes for nephrology services

• Develop relevant Position/White Papers spanning Clinical Practice, Health Care Payment, Physician Accountability, Quality Patient Care and Scope of Practice

• Provide regular updates on nephrology practice regulatory and legislative issues, including, but not limited to reimbursement, coverage, coding and practice management

• Influence local coverage policies through the Nephrology Coverage Advocacy Program (NCAP)

• Organize visits among RPA leaders and key legislators on Capitol Hill

• Provide an Online Legislative Grassroots Program• Advocate for nephrology legislative priorities through

RPA’s Political Action Committee (RPA PAC)

QUAlITY pATIenT CAReAn On-going Commitment

RPA is committed to ensuring quality care for patients with kidney disease, through:• Keeping Kidney Patients Safe, www.kidneypatientsafety.org• Quality Improvement Tools• Clinical Practice Guidelines• Clinical Performance Measures• Guideline Implementation Tools

FReQUenT MeMBeR CoMMUnICATIonSStay Current on All Issues Affecting your Practice

As a member of RPA, you will receive:• RPA News – our quarterly print newsletter• Monthly electronic eNews• List Serves• Monthly Public Policy in a Minute electronic updates• Nephrology Practice Management eBulletin• Our comprehensive website, www.renalmd.org And more benefits

Career Center and employment opportunities on the RPA website: www.renalmd.org

sPeCIal annual meetInG memBershIP rate!physicians: $275 ($100 Savings)

practice Manager, Advanced practice nurse, physician Assistant: $225 ($50 Savings)

Yes, I will Join RpA!

Name _________________________________________________ gender Male Female Date of Birth _____________________ First Middle Last (MM/DD/yR)

E-mail _____________________________________ Phone_________________________ Fax (office) _______________________________ (Required)

Mailing Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street City State Zip

By checking this box, I am requesting that information NOT be mailed or faxed to me.Membership dues must be submitted with the membership application. RPA will process payment after the application is approved

AMA Member yes No

pAYMenT Check Enclosed (make payable to RPA) VISA MasterCard AMEX Discover

Number: ____________________________________ Exp. Date _______________

Name on Card (Print) __________________________________ Signature __________________________________________

nepHRologIST/FelloW - eDUCATIon

Medical School: ____________________________________________________ year of graduation: ______________________________

Fellowship_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Academic Institution

City _______________________________________________ State __________ Zip ________________ year Attended ________________

CeRTIFICATIonSpecialty Board Certification (ABIM) yes – year ________ Nephrology Board Certification yes – year ________ No

lICenSURe InFoRMATIon

License # _____________________________________________________________________ State ______________________________

pRACTICe MAnAgeR/ADVAnCeD pRACTICe nURSe/pHYSICIAn ASSISTAnT onlYProfessional Reference (must be RPA nephrologist member employed by the same practice group as the applicant.)

Name _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ First Middle Last

Mailing Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Street City State Zip

Telephone _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I hereby declare that the information presented in this application is complete and true to the best of my knowledge

Signature ______________________________________________ Date ___________________

rPa memBershIP aPPlICatIon

For RpA USe onlY; CoDe AM

Date Received ___________________________

Approved Denied

Office Signature __________________________

Date ___________________________________Send your completed form:By Fax: 301-468-3511By Mail: 1700 Rockville Pike, Suite 220 • Rockville, MD 20852



1700 Rockville PikeSuite 220Rockville, MD 20852www.renalmd.org

SAVE THE DATE

RPA 2014March 13 -17

BALTIMORE

40thAnniversArycelebrAtion

renal physicians association (rpa): annual meeting

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