Practice Resources Are Available On AAA Screening, PAD, And Carotid Disease

Referring Physicians Resource: AAA Screening Medicare Benefit Brochure Available

SVS has a brochure written for the general public that informs them about the AAA Screening Medicare Benefit that begins in January 2007. It explains that a one-time, free AAA ultrasound screening will be available to qualified seniors as part of their Welcome to Medicare physical. Men who have smoked at any time during their life, and men and women with a family history of AAA are eligible for the new Medicare benefit.

SVS members may use the brochures as a resource for their referring physicians who perform Welcome to Medicare physicals. The brochure explains the importance of good vascular health and details the Medicare benefit. It stresses the importance of consulting with a vascular surgeon.

SVS has offered the brochures to referring physicians through their affiliated societies. Additional materials regarding the Medicare benefit for referring physicians will be available shortly. A fact sheet for physicians on the practical aspects, such as coding, will be posted on VascularWeb. The Partnership for Prevention's Welcome to Medicare Visit Office Checklist will include the benefit and be available through VascularWeb. The fact sheet and checklist will serve as additional resources for SVS members to offer their referring physicians.

To order copies of the AAA Screening Medicare Benefit brochure visit VascularWeb.org for an order form.

Popular Patient Information Brochures May Be Individualized

There has been an overwhelming response to the introduction of the SVS patient information brochures on AAA, PAD, Carotid Artery Disease, and the Medicare Screening benefit. In the first six weeks, more than 64,000 brochures were distributed to SVS members, industry, and referring physicians.

Space is provided on each of the brochures under the "Learn more about your vascular health" section to affix a label with contact information in order to individualize the brochures.

There is space for four lines of text. Clear labels imprinted with contact information and the SVS member logo can be ordered at

communications@vascularsociety.org .

For pricing information, or to order additional brochures, visit http://www.VascularWeb.org.