To The Point!

Scroll through our newsletter for information on:

• Accomplishments from this year!
• What's in store for 2016
• Call for volunteers - Marketing, PR and Social Media
• Monthly Membership Options
• Pain.Pill.Problem. Moving Forward Together - MN State & US Attorney Engagement
• Civic Involvement Opportunities
• Support GoFundMe campaign

1. Cracked MN Medical Assistance open! It’s not just about chronic pain anymore. Worked with DHS to expand acupuncture coverages to include eight additional diagnostic codes. Details are still being written—more to follow.
2. Actively lobbied bills: HF211, HF753, SF704, HF803, SF815, HF377, SF809, HF1264, SF1309, HF2706 together with our two hired lobbyists.
3. Presented to MN House committee to include acupuncturists in the Student Loan Forgiveness bill.
4. Designed and launched new website! We have modernized the look, the functions, and centralized our business processes into one system.
5. Obtained professional legal assessment of dry-needling, researched and formulated strategy, and assembled materials for action. Launched GoFundMe.com campaign to raise awareness and capital.
6. Partnered in agreement with NWHSU to enroll all students in AOMAM, fostering a commitment to our profession. Aiming to make similar agreement with AAAOM in 2016.
7. Hit the road with PR Events: Red Ribbon Ride, MS150, Twin Cities Marathon and Health Expo booth, Women Run the Cities, Spinal Muscular Atrophy Run Walk. Hosted 2 KFAI radio shows
8. Participated and supported a new national acupuncture organization, the ASA
9. Improved internal operations
   • Streamlined membership application process & renewals
   • Updated board record-keeping to secure Google drive
   • Migrated budget record-keeping to Quickbooks online
   • Reassigned Administrative Director tasks to committees
   • Pursued legal needs assessment and legal assistance on Conflict of Interest & Confidentiality Agreements
10. Provided four valuable CEU Events:
• Feb: Lunar New Year 3 speakers
• Jun: Insurance billing Panel Speakers.
• Sep: ICD-10
• Nov: Getting the Attention of the Media.

1. Increase insurance coverage
2. Formulate primary care provider business model options, analyze how this affects private & community style clinics
3. Increase number of licensed acupuncturists on key boards:
• Board of Medicine
• DHS Advisory Committee
• PT Board
• Other priority medical boards
4. Implement positive, powerful and visible Public Relations
• Press, media, events, research, networking, “lunch & learns”
• Marketing training for practitioners
• Coaching opportunities for students and practitioners
5. Obtain increased vendor discounts
6. Consider Association name change for greater brand recognition / marketing
7. Formulate and Implement Fundraising Strategy
8. Create and implement the acupuncture arm of The Mission Project – outreach for Veterans

Contact Aaron Schindler at aschindler@nwhealth.edu to volunteer today.

Minnesota Moving Forward Together

University of Minnesota

August 25, 2015

The State of Minnesota, the US Attorney's Office and
many others need your input to address this crisis.
Take action.

We are seeking individuals who are interested in playing a formal role in this state-wide initiative. The State Opioid Oversight Project (SOOP) seven targeted focus areas, please indicate your interest in on the UofM's website's survey.

From Jill Neukam

Are you a provider for BCBS that has been having troubles with reasonably qualifying acupuncture treatments being denied? Have you or your patients had trouble with the clarity of the "Medical Necessity" clause in BCBS acupuncture policy? BCBS would like to hear from you.

Please email them at chiropractic.network.inquiries@bluecrossmn.com with specific examples to review. Use Acupuncture Claims Troubles or Acupuncture Medical Necessity Concerns as a subject. They are looking for specific examples that they can review and problem solve with. Generic emails expressing dislike of the policy would not be helpful, we need case examples to back up what is not working.

Help us heal you. Acupuncture for all.
Donate Here: http://www.gofundme.com/aomam-org

Licensed acupuncturists in Minnesota are nationally board certified medical practitioners, licensed by the Board of Medical Practice.

• Acupuncture is the insertion of any solid core needle into the body that is intended to elicit a therapeutic response.
• No other professional is as highly trained in all strategies for using acupuncture than a Licensed Acupuncturist.
• Acupuncture has been proven to effectively treat acute and chronic health conditions and diseases. It is less expensive and less invasive than many other standards of care.
• Acupuncturists are one of the only medical professionals trained in true preventive care including nutrition and lifestyle practices.
• The expertise of acupuncturists is highly recognized and they are being integrated by the top medical facilities in the country including serving our troops in our military hospitals.
• The Joint Commission recognizes acupuncture as a more effective resource for pain management than drug therapy.

The Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Association of Minnesota (AOMAM) is a non-profit, professional organization of Licensed Acupuncturists who are dedicated to promoting the benefits of Acupuncture to all Minnesotans. We are educating our representatives and advocating for safe and affordable holistic healthcare via acupuncture.

HERE’S WHERE YOU COME IN! Your donation will help AOMAM do the following:

• Educate the public on the distinct benefits that only acupuncturists are trained to provide
• Ensure that patients are treated safely and effectively by Licensed Acupuncturists.
• Ensure acupuncture is covered by insurance companies to make it affordable for all acute and chronic conditions.
• Enable state representatives and professional colleagues to better understand that qualified integrative medical resources are available for better patient care today!

Make healthcare more accessible for you and your family! Make a donation today to help us reach our goal! Thank you.

Donate Here: http://www.gofundme.com/aomam-org

**Donations to this campaign are not eligible for tax deductions.

Email: admin@aomam.org
Website: www.aomam.org
Location: 12527 Central Ave. NE Suite 137, Blaine, MN 55434
Phone: 651-641-0467
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mnacuforum/events/

Add yourself to the list of acupuncturists that offer free/complimentary treatment to Veterans and caregivers. The association is looking for acupuncturists who provide free or complimentary treatments to Veterans an their families/caregivers.

• This list will be given to Veteran and military health advocates to offer referral options for those seeking care
  
• We will also use this list at educational events specifically for Veterans
  

You can determine your own limits or number of treatments. The association will provide the means for members to jointly promote and inform the public about these services.

Email aschindler@nwhealth.edu to be added to the list.

Also, if you would like to collect items for the active military, you can check out the Mission Project website for donations or if you would also like to work with the Mission Project directly.

The following committees and advisory councils are looking for licensed acupuncturists to get involved, please see below for additional information and next steps for those interested in getting involved!

ACUPUNCTURE ADVISORY COUNCIL

BOARD OF MEDICAL PRACTICE

2829 UNIVERSITY AVENUE SOUTHEAST, SUITE 500

MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55414‐3246

612‐617‐2130

Appointing: Board of Medical Practice

Compensation: $75 per diem

January 2016 Vacancies: One Acupuncture Practitioner and One Licensed Chiropractor

The council advises the Board of Medical Practice regarding acupuncture standards and the complaint/discipline process, and provides for distribution of information regarding the standards. Membership includes four acupuncture practitioners who meet licensure requirements and have practiced acupuncture at least three years, one licensed physician who also practices acupuncture, one licensed chiropractor who is NCCAOM‐certified, one public member who has received acupuncture treatmentas primary therapy from NCCAOM‐certified acupuncturist. Bimonthly meetings are held at the Board of Medical Practice Office.

BOARD OF MEDICAL PRACTICE

2829 UNIVERSITY AVENUE SOUTHEAST, SUITE 500

MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55414‐3246

612‐617‐2130

Appointing: Governor

Compensation: $75 per diem plus expenses

January 2016 Vacancies: Four seats including:

• One Public Member
  
• Three Physician Members
  

The board licenses and registers medical doctors and doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, traditional midwives, respiratory therapists, acupuncturists, athletic trainers and naturopaths; and enforces the relevant practice acts. Membership includes: 10 licensed M.D. physicians; one licensed doctor of Osteopathy; and five public members. Members shall not serve more than eight years consecutively. Monthly meetings, some committee meetings. Time commitment expected is one business day and one Saturday per month, plus preparation time. Conference Room A, 2829 University Ave SE, Minneapolis.