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This page was last updated on 7/29/2011

OMIC Launches Social Network

To facilitate enhanced online interaction and feedback from policyholders and the broader ophthalmic community, OMIC has launched social networking pages on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn (see the link icons at upper right corner of each page in this website.) Followers of OMIC's social network will be alerted to news, updates, and announcements from OMIC, including notification when new patient consent documents or loss prevention resources are published. OMIC's Twitter feed @myOMIC will link OMIC's Facebook fans and LinkedIn network with associated content, including risk management tips, coverage announcements, practice administration advice, seminars and course materials, case studies, and relevant OMIC news. Those who do not use social networking sites can still follow the RSS feed for OMIC's Blog by visiting http://www.omic.com/blog/ and subscribing to the feed through their web browser favorites tab by choosing the RSS link at the bottom of the OMIC blog page and following the subscription instructions.

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Coverage Question of the Month

January 2012

Does my policy cover me for the administration of intravitreal drugs for the treatment of macular degeneration?

Yes, intravitreal injections for the treatment of retinal diseases such as macular degeneration are covered under Surgery Class 3.

Intravitreal injections have been used for many years in the treatment of macular degeneration. Macugen (Pegaptanib), which obtained FDA approval in 2004, was the first drug approved as an intravitreal injection for the treatment of neovascular (wet) AMD. In 2006, Lucentis (ranibizumab) was approved, and Eylea (aflibercept or VEGF Trap-Eye) obtained FDA approval in November 2011. OMIC has developed sample consent forms for each of these treatment options.

Although Avastin (Bevacizumab) is not specifically approved by the FDA for treatment of AMD, many ophthalmologists have administered it on an off-label basis instead of using FDA-approved counterparts because of its significantly reduced cost to patients. Comparison of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials (CATT) results published in 2011 confirm that Avastin is a safe, effective, and cost-effective treatment for neovascular AMD. However, as a result of compounding risks and reported cases of endophthalmitis following the injection of Avastin, questions have been raised whether it is appropriate to continue using this drug. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and specialty societies have convened to discuss this topic in further detail. In the meantime, physicians should use careful judgment to determine the best treatment option for each patient. OMIC's risk management recommendations, which accompany the sample consent form OMIC has developed for the off-label, intravitreal use of Avastin, may assist physicians in this process.

For more coverage questions, please refer to the Coverage Questions page

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Risk Management Forms and Documents Update

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Revised Informed Consent Documents
  • The ALT/SLT consent form has been amended to be a "stand-alone" document. The former version was inadvertently attached to the glaucoma filtering surgery consent form.
  • The Avastin™ consent form has been revised to better address the possible increased risk of stroke in Lucentis.
  • The Cataract Surgery consent form has been significantly revised and shortened at the request of OMIC policyholders. This version contains the information that OMIC recommends the ophthalmologist personally discuss with the patient. See the "Risk Management Recommendations" section below for a patient information sheet and loss prevention advice.
  • The Fluorescein Angiography consent form has been revised.
  • The LASIK and PRK consent forms have been revised to better address ectasia and pupil size. Click here for LASIK, here for IntraLASIK, here for retreatment, and here for PRK.
  • Lucentis was recently approved for an additional indication. Our consent form has been revised to address treatment of macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion. Click here to download it.
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New Online Risk Management Courses

  • Ophthalmic Anesthesia Liability helps ophthalmologists reduce the likelihood of anesthesia-related malpractice claims and includes a video on Sub-Tenon's anesthesia. Please contact Linda Nakamura at (800) 562-6642, ext. 651 or 652, or email lnakamura@omic.com to register for the course.
  • Responding to Unanticipated Outcomes is nearly complete. OMIC has always encouraged its policyholders to communicate honestly and compassionately with their patients about care outcomes. Using actual calls to our Risk Management Hotline, this course provides recommendations on disclosure discussions, documentation, event analysis, and refunding fees.
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