The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM®) feels the need to impart this important information as it may affect former Diplomates' ability to return to full certification with the NCCAOM.
A major policy change for individuals in lapsed status will be implemented on January 1, 2013. Individuals that have been in lapsed status for more than 3 years will automatically terminate effective as of January 1, 2013. After this date all individuals in terminated status must reapply and take a reassessment exam.
In conjunction with the change in the timeline for individuals in lapsed status, Recertification Route 1 will also be eliminated on January 1, 2013. Diplomates in lapsed status should take advantage of this economical route to return to active status, which provides a viable solution to individuals lapsed for multiple years. Full details can be found in the NCCAOM® Recertification Handbook, available on the NCCAOM website by clicking on the "Forms" tab.
Visit the NCCAOM website frequently to keep abreast of changing policies and procedures which may occur. If you have any questions please contact NCCAOM customer service at info@thenccaom.org or call (904) 598-1005.
When we talk about fertility, the focus is often placed on the ovaries and the uterus. Yet sperm-related factors contribute to nearly half of all cases of infertility. Whether someone is navigating fertility care alone or with a partner, and whether building a family through intercourse, IVI, IUI or IVF, it’s vital to include sperm health in the picture.
With some plans – and it starts with Medicare (CMS) – there is a payment protocol that may be referred to as a multi-therapy discount, but its official name is the multiple-procedure payment reduction (MPPR). If a health care provider performs multiple procedures during a single patient encounter, Medicare (and many commercial insurers) typically will pay “full price” for only the highest-valued procedure.
Our team of authors offer this paper (and this descriptive AT series) as a support for you as a professional, practitioner and member of the acupuncture community at large. We hope that it will serve to further the needs of acupuncturists everywhere and also act as a guide for those wishing to learn about Acupuncture Medicine – patients, healthcare decision makers, policymakers, and other stakeholders.