Weekly Update for New York State Physicians
Volume 8, Number 17
Christina Cronin Southard, Editor
mssnye-news@mssny.org
Colleagues:
This week, I spoke at a healthcare business conference in Westchester that was attended by Assemblyman Adam Bradley, Bill Mooney of the Westchester Business Association, the Insurance Department’s Assistant Deputy Superintendent for Health John Powell and many hospital and corporate leaders. The thrust of the day was about managed care problems--- how difficult it is to run a practice, or any small business in New York and how MCOs, after they finish with us, continue to rake employers over the coals with exorbitant premiums to cover their employees. Some businesses are considering whether or not they should even continue to offer insurance.
I like to think of myself as a scientist, which I am by background and training. Scientists often think they are either “above the fray” or they are apolitical. However, I had to “get real”-- I am also a businessman. Every practice is a business, with responsibilities to many employees as well as patients, and every business should have political ties in the community. So, I made it my business to become acquainted with my local legislators. The truth be known, legislators are actually interested in what physicians have to say, not because we are great political theorists, but because we are the caretakers of the people in our communities (their voters). As a critical healthcare provider in your town, what you say has weight. Getting to know our legislators is important. MSSNY does depend on lawmakers in Albany for recognition and solutions to many of our practice problems. Physicians should be involved even if we are a little uncomfortable at first. I know I was. I am now more comfortable because I am also a pragmatist and I realize that, even as individuals, physicians can be a direct link to policymakers.To inflict my final blow of reality, we should all make contributions to MSSNYPAC. Our Division of Governmental Affairs is well aware of each legislator and where they stand on each single MSSNY issue. Even though our knowledge and perspective carry great weight with our legislators, as apolitical force, we are only as strong as our PAC. Our PAC is only as strong as the dollars that support it. I am outright asking you to go to the “Grassroots” section at www.mssny.org and make a meaningful contribution. We must support our PAC. I know our opponents never hesitate to support their PACS.This year, I am not only going to speak to physicians from Niagara Falls to Plattsburgh to Montauk. While I am on the road, I will be speaking to the legislators there as well. After all, I have learned never to miss a roadside opportunity to talk about physician and patient issues. Along the way, I have even met several legislators who I have actually liked and who truly care about doing the right thing for their constitutents. You may, too. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.Michael Rosenberg, MDMSSNY President
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Capital UpdateDISCUSSIONS ON MEDICAL LIABILITY REFORM PROPOSALS PICK UP; PHYSICIAN ADVOCACY ESSENTIAL
MSSNY representatives had extensive discussions this week with the Governor’s office and representatives of the Departments of Insurance and Health to discuss some of the recommended proposals that may be included in the Medical Malpractice Advisory Liability Task Force report.
Full Story
CMS PROPOSES ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES OF MEDICARE NON-PAYMENT FOR “NEVER EVENTS”
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a proposed regulation that would expand the list of Hospital Acquired Conditions for which Medicare will no longer make payment.
Full Story
MEASURE TO BAN USE OF LINDANE FOR LICE IN PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF SIXTEEN BEFORE ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE
A bill which would limit the use of gamma benzene hexachloride or hexachlorcyclohexane (Lindane) will be considered this week by the Assembly Health Committee.
Full Story
MSSNY TO PARTICIPATE IN PRESS CONFERENCE ON HIV TESTING BILL
The Medical Society of the State of New York will participate in a press conference slated for May 6, 2008 with Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn on her proposed legislation to eliminate the written informed consent procedures under Article 27F.
Full Story
20/220 LOAN DEFERMENT PROGRAM TO BE REPLACED IN 2009
The Department of Education has restated its position that it does not intend to maintain the 20/220 pathway on economic hardship deferment past July 1, 2009.
Full Story
EMTALA TAG REPORT PUBLISHED
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted the final report of the EMTALA Technical Advisory Group (TAG), submitted to the Secretary of HHS, on its website.
Full Story
For more information relating to any of the above articles, please contact the appropriate contributing staff member at the following email addresses:
rabrams@mssny.org gconway@mssny.org ldears@mssny.org mauster@mssny.org pclancy@mssny.org bellman@mssny.org eclinton@mssny.org
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eNews
BCBS Agrees to Changes in Business Practices
On April 19, 2008, Judge Moreno of the US District Court of the Southern District of Florida, gave final approval of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement in the action Love et al. v. Blue Cross Blue Shield Ass’n et al.
Full Story
Have You Used Your Library Lately?
MSSNY’s library has access to more than 19,000 topics from 5,000 publications.
Doctors have access to four major online research database resources — three of which are currently available only to hospitals and medical schools. DynaMed is a point-of-service reference tool which can be accessed during patient examinations. It instantly provides current clinical information for diagnosis, treatment and billing codes.
MEDLINE accesses abstract summaries from 4,800 biomedical journals.
Health Business FullTEXT offers practice management information from130 journals.
Health Library is a plain-language encyclopedia that can be downloaded and given to patients to help them better understand their diagnoses and treatments.
You must be a MSSNY member to access the library through the medical society’s website at www.mssny.org. Doctors who contract with Excellus BCBS can access the library through the Excellus BCBS website at www.excellusbcbs.com.
The MSSNY library was made possible through an Excellus grant.
Last Minute Sign-Ups for LI Info Tech Program on May 9
You know you have to switch to electronic health records (EHR), but don’t know what to buy or what company to buy from? We have done all the work for you—we have vetted the vendors down to six so there are still choices to be made. Each vendor will give a pressure-free breakout session, and physician speakers will tell candid versions of their transition from paper to EHR. Come and bring your staff, too. Free breakfast and lunch.
The final MSSNY Tech Fair is scheduled at the following location:
Long Island Area: Friday, May 9th at the Huntington Hilton on Route 110.
Click Here to Register for Long Island
May 7 Is “Legacy Free” Day: An Opportunity to Check NPI Readiness!
CMS has requested clearinghouses that submit claims to FFS Medicare to participate in a one-day NPI preparation exercise.
Full Story
Medical Schools Group Recommends Ban on Rx Industry Gifts
All 129 U.S. medical schools should not allow pharmaceutical and medical device companies to provide food, gifts and travel to physicians, faculty members and students, according to a report released on April 27 by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
Full Story
Physicians Urged To Contact Congress to Prevent 10.6% Medicare Cut
As has been previously reported, physicians face a 10.6% cut in Medicare reimbursement on July 1 unless Congress acts to prevent the cut.
Full Story
CMS Sets Alternate Reporting Criteria for Physicians to Participate in PQRI
CMS announced on April 16 the establishment of alternate reporting periods and criteria for satisfactorily reporting quality measures under the Medicare Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI).
Full Story
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Hassle Factor Form
If you have any complaints regarding insurance carriers, you can go to the Hassle Factor Form found on our website.
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