LET'S...Help the US Goverment understand the problems adhesions cause!!! Deadline is January 8th!!
From: Helen Dynda (olddad66@runestone.net)
Thu Dec 27 21:39:46 2001
December 22, 2001 7:22 PM
Dear Adhesion Sufferers and Health Professionals,
* How many times has a health professional told you that adhesions don't
cause problems?
* How many times have you come across health professionals that have never
heard of adhesion barriers?
* How many times have you come across health professionals that are
unwilling to use adhesion barriers?
~ ~ ~ ~
Well, now you have a chance to help change all of that.
HOW?
By petitioning the US Government to collect data on the significant surgical
procedure known as
"APPLICATION OF AN ADHESION BARRIER for PREVENTION of ADHESIONS"
This will be done by the creation of an ICD-9-CM code. These codes, used by
physicians, are the government's means of tracking important procedures.
This data is used for many things including decisions about funding
research.
The existence of a code for: "APPLICATION OF AN ADHESION BARRIER for
PREVENTION of ADHESIONS" will enable the government as well as researchers
to understand the magnitude of the problem and the need for the expanded use
of adhesion barriers and increased funding for research in the prevention
and treatment of Adhesion Related Disorder (ARD).
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are considering a
proposal to add an ICD-9-CM code for the application of adhesion barriers.
They want to hear from patients and health professionals about the necessity
for this code.
NOW is the time for YOU to send your comments to the Federal government.
Your comments will provide evidence that procedures for preventing adhesions
should be considered significant procedures that require an ICD-9-CM code.
The government has set up a dedicated email address just for this project.
If you have a story to tell that highlights the need for more understanding
about the use of adhesion barriers please:
* Email your comments to: IPPSNEWTECH@CMS.HHS.GOV
* Please send a copy to the IAS at: david.wiseman@adhesions.org
* Place "Adhesion Barrier Comments" in the subject line.
* Send your comments by January 8, 2002
~ ~ ~ ~
[] As a patient, have you:
...been affected by adhesions due to previous surgeries and told they are
not a problem?
...experienced a disease or illness requiring multiple surgeries?
...experienced a significant reduction in quality of life due to adhesions?
...experienced a lack of willingness by your physician to use adhesion
barriers?
~ ~ ~ ~
[] As a Physician or Health Professional, have you,
...had experience coding surgical procedures and understand the importance
of accurate and easy-to-use codes for significant procedures?
...experienced frustrations by your patients for continued adhesions or
adhesions related complications?
You Can Help!
If you have a story to tell that describes any of these issues, PLEASE:
* Email your comments to: IPPSNEWTECH@CMS.HHS.GOV
* Please send a copy to the IAS at: david.wiseman@adhesions.org
* Place "Adhesion Barrier Comments" in the subject line.
* Send your comments by January 8, 2002
It is important that your comments are received by this date, as comments
received after this date will not be considered. Unfortunately, the CMS
will not be able to acknowledge receipt of the comments. Representatives of
the CMS admittedly regret this, but due to the configuration of the email
system, they are unable to generate an external automated response.
Thank you for your input and your efforts on this important issue.
Sincerely,
David Wiseman Ph.D., M.R.Pharm.S.
Founder, International Adhesions Society (IAS)
david.wiseman@adhesions.org
If you would like more information on adhesions or have additional
questions,
please visit the International Adhesions Society at http://www.adhesions.org
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