May 17, 2007

Action Alert: Savings End on Summer Forum Registration May 23
Save money by registering now for any of the upcoming summer meetings -- The Summer Forum, the Asthma Educator Certification Preparation Course, the Respiratory Care journal conference (read more below).

Reimbursement College Offers FREE CRCEs
Don't know your HCPCS from your CPTs? Want help navigating the dark waters of health care reimbursement? Then the AARC's Reimbursement College is for you! This online course was designed especially to help RTs understand the medical reimbursement system – including Medicare, Medicaid, and private payors – and the best news is, it's FREE to AARC members and will earn everyone two CRCEs.

First Ever:   Journal Conference Open to Attendees
Because of the timely information to be presented at the 40th Respiratory Care Journal Conference on Mechanical Ventilation in Mass Casualty Scenarios, for the first time ever you can attend and observe a journal conference. The entire faculty will listen to and discuss each presentation, and audience members can submit written questions to be answered at the end of the conference. Topics include many of the timely mass casualty subjects: ventilation capacity, the National Stockpile, chemical and infectious scenarios, supplies and equipment. The Conference will take place immediately following the AARC Summer Forum in Reno/Lake Tahoe, NV, on July 16-17.

New Joint Commission Program Up for Review
AARC representative Brian Smith delivered the RT message to a Joint Commission panel set up to advise the organization on the development of a new COPD care management certification program, and now the results of that effort are up for review. The AARC urges everyone to view the online draft and then weigh in with comments before the June 5 deadline.

Sputum Bowl Applications Due
The 2007 AARC Sputum Bowl Rules Notebook has been sent to the State Sputum Bowl Coordinators and the State Society Presidents.  Have your State Coordinator act now and send in you State's application.  There are only 44 teams (National and Student combined) allowed to participate this year, and the application deadline is June 13, 2007.

Good Press: AARC Members in the News
AARC members have made headlines all over the country over the past couple of weeks. Our latest list features everyone from a therapist who's embarking on a long distance bike ride to benefit his hospital to two RT students who went to great lengths – literally – to earn their degrees.  

Comments or questions? Send them to info@aarc.org.