MSDC Newsline

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

MSDC NEWSLINE, APRIL 2008

   Mark your calendars - November 1 Gala

   DC Council takes up Health Care Reform

   Stop Medicare Physician Cuts

   Increased assistance to combat rising STD rates

   Analyze medical practice integration

   Online career center

   Highmark Medicare Services

   DC Medicaid guidance for tamper resistant rx pads

   No-cost practice management consultation services

   Tekcollect

MSDC NEWSLINE, MARCH 2008

     Mayor appoints new DC Health Director

     Plans proceeding for cabinet-level Medicaid Dept

     Physician Profiling - How to prepare your practice

     Amicus Brief - Consumers Checkbook v US Dept of HHS

     AMA educates physicians on establishing practice fee schedules

MSDC NEWSLINE, FEBRUARY 2008

     Letter from the President - Together we are Stronger

     Clinical trials insurance coverage act

      Tamper Resistant Prescription Pads effective April 1

       Safe RX Act of 2007

MSDC NEWSLINE, JANUARY 2008

     2008 Medicare Physician Payment Rates: 

     What to expect in your practice

MSDC Newsline, October, 2007

     Legislation to Regulate Off-label Prescribing by Physicians

     Registration - 2007 MSDC Annual Meeting

     Medicare Reject Claims with NPI Discrepancies

     Aetna announces facility cost tool to help compare medical procedures

     Sibley  Memorial Hospital Gala

     BCBS Settlement Deadeline Approaching

     Practice Management Benefit Available

     Enhance Practice Efficiency and Patient Satisfaction - Secure Mail

     Online Career Center for Job seekers and recruiters

MSDC Newsline, September 2007

    MSDC Awards

    MSDC Annual Meeting registration

    MSDC & AMA urge delay of Medicaid tamper-resistant prescription pads

    BCBS settlement deadline approaching; physicians encouraged to submit claims before October 19

    AMA gears up for final passage of SCHIP & Medicare legislation

    Register for AMA's audio conference on Hiring and Retaining Top Employees

    Two health insurers send combined $79 million to physicians

    NPI website available to the public on September 4th

    MSDC headquarters to move later this fall

    CareFirst transitioning to the use of NPI

    AMPAC announces 2008 political education programs

    MSDC dues statements have been mailed

    Practice managemetn benefit available NOW

MSDC Newsline, August 2007

     New Federal Requirement for Tamper-Resistant Rx Pads

     DC Board of Medicine finalizes physician profile on the internet

     Potential Issues Related to Clearinghouse Practices for Medicare Claims Extended

     Practice Management Benefit available now to MSDC members

     AED Program available to MSDC members at discount rate

     Medical Equipment available for DC residents

     AMA and Coalition Partners push for better disaster response training

     2007 Geeral Elections - Call for Nomination

     July 1, CMS began the voluntary Physician Quality Reporting Initiative

     Enhance Practice Efficiency and Patient Satisfaction with Secure Mail

MSDC Newsline, July 2007

     DC Board of Medicine Unveils Interim Guidance on Three New Reporting Requirements

    MSDC Partners with Snyder Cohn for Practice Management Services for MSDC Members

     The DC Council Begins the Debate on the Future of the Medicaid Program

     2007 General Elections - Call for Nominations

     E-Mail - Think before you hit SEND

     10 New Physician Quality Measures approved by AMA-Convened Physician Conrsortium

     New AMA Survey finds Medicare Cuts will Hurt Seniors

     July 1, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services began the Voluntary Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI)

     American U niversity to Offer Executive Development Program

MSDC Newsline, June 2007

     Your Prescribing Data Need Not Fall into the Wrong Hands

     DC Council Begins Work on Improving the City's EMS System

     Council Chairman Proposes to Separate Medicaid from .....

     AMA Launches Online Tool to Help Physicians Improve Quality

     Some Good News on Capitol Hill.....

     The Medicare Payment Formula Looms Large as 2008 Approaches

     The National Capital Poison Center.....

     DC Department of Health STD Alert

     Members in the News

MSDC Newsline, May 2007

          CMS releases additional details on quality report

          NPI Deadline

          Across the Border - licensing in multiple jurisdictions

          Recently at the DC Board of Medicine

          Welcome to Medicare Patient Benefit physical exam

          Delmarva Medical Director departs

          From your Board of Directors

          Popular CPR Classes for Health Professionals resumes

          HPV vaccination legislation passes DC Council

          DOCPAC elects new leader

          Medical Society, CareFIrst meet to resolve problems

MSDC Newsline, April 2007

         Important Notice regarding the revised form CMS-1500

         Joseph E. Gutierrez, MD chosen as MSDC President-Elect

         Mark your Calendar - MSDC Annual  Meeting October 30

         Medical Society & Department of Health partner on EP 

         HPV Vaccination Legislation clears several hurdles

         NPI May 23 deadeline

         Medical equipment available for DC residents

         DC Tobacco Free Families Campaign

         Medical Socierty and CareFirst meet with Insurance Commissioner

         Enhance practice efficiency & patient satisfaction with secure mail

         New online career center is ideal resource

         AED program available to MSDC members at discount rate

MSDC Newsline, March 2007

NPI Compliance Deadline May Change

• MSDC Presents Testimony at HPV Hearing
• Legislation MSDC is Monitoring
• Physicians Invited to Bridges to Excellence Summit
• Enhance Practice Efficiency and Patient Satisfaction with Secure Mail
• Pre-Book Your 2007-2008 Flu Vaccine Now
• AMA Advocacy Conference Brings Physicians to DC
• CMS Introduces Physician Quality Reporting Initiative Website
• New Online Career Center is Ideal Resource for Job Seekers and Recruiters
• DC Health Care Community Supports 2007 Physician Health Program
• It’s Not Too Late to Join an MSDC Committee
• Fact Sheet Available on Revised Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
• AED Program Available to MSDC Members at Discount Rate
• Cash Flow Management is Topic of DC MGMA March Meeting
• EMTALA TAG Issues Recommendation on Interpretive Guidelines
• FDA Releases Drug Safety Report
• AMA Program Offers Physicians Choice on Access to Prescription Data
• CMS Launches Provider Satisfaction Survey
• Legislation Would Give FDA authority Over Tobacco
• Public Supports “R” Rating for Films Depicting Smoking
• MSDC Marketplace

MSDC Newsline, February 2007

                Secure Email Now Available to MSDC Members at                        Discounted Price

• MSDC Launches Online Career Center: Find Jobs and Candidates Now
• DC Department of Health Undergoes Reorganization
• Newly Installed DC Council Introduces Healthcare-Related Legislation
• Share Your Passion and Experience: Join an MSDC Committee
• Family Violence Task Force Seeks Your Involvement
• FTC Announces Complaint/Settlement Related to Price Fixing
• National Patient Safety Initiative to Provide Free Electronic Prescribing
• Aetna Plans to Launch Bridges to Excellence in DC
• Special Olympics Needs Volunteers for Healthy Athletes MedFest Program
• Seminar Will Address How to Establish Medical Office Buildings
• District Will Get an Increase in Terrorism Funds
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines Updated
• CMS Waives Medicare Part D Late Fee for Low-Income Enrollees
• AMA Medical Communications Conference Set for April
• MSDC Marketplace
  

MSDC Newsline, January 2007

A Letter from the President:
Making DC a More Attractive Place to Practice Medicine
by Christopher Spevak, MD, MPH, JD, 142nd MSDC President

• Medical Liability Reform Bill Passes – Now What?
  by Peter E. Lavine, MD, MSDC Board Chair
• Congressional Action Stops Medicare Physician Payment Cut
• New Deadline Set for Changing Medicare Participation Status
• Determining the Status of a Medicare Claim
• Learn “How to Work Smarter, Not Harder” at January Practice Management Workshop
• Council Approves $245 Million Health Care Omnibus Act
• Spread the Word about DC Rx
• Revised CareFirst Procedure Determinations
• HIV Testing Campaign Falls Short of Goal
• Getting an NPI is Free; Not Having One May Be Costly
• LabCorp is In, Quest Diagnostics is Out as UnitedHealthcare Network National Provider
• MSDC Marketplace

MSDC Newsline, December 2006

• MSDC Tackles P4P on Behalf of Its Membership
• D-Day for Medicare Reimbursement Action Fast-Approaching
• DC Medical Licenses Expire December 31, 2006; Renew Online
• MSDC Supports $245 Million Health Care Omnibus Amendment
• DC Council Urged to Avert Impending Health Insurance Crisis
• NPI: Get it. Share it. Use it.
• 2006 Community Service Award Presented to John J. Lynch
• John L. Lawson Receives 2006 Distinguished Service Award
• MSDC Installs New Leadership at Annual Meeting
• MSDC Applauds Amendment’s Patient Protection Changes; Cautions Scope of Practice Expansions
• Briefly Noted
• Final Rules on Reporting of HIV/AIDS Cases Now in Effect
• MSDC Urges Congress to Go Slow on ICD-10
• DC Health Care Community Supports Physician Health Program
• UnitedHealth Changes Referral Policies
• AED Program Available to MSDC Members at Discount Rate
• GEICO Announces New Discounts for MSDC Members
• Do You Still Need Vaccine for High-Risk Adult Patients?
• DOH to Launch Electronic Death Registration System
• TB Clinic Announces New Hours
• Notice on Protection on Medicare Health Information

MSDC Newsline, September 2006
Click here to access the entire September 2006 edition

MSDC Newsline, August 2006

DOCPAC Endorses Linda Cropp, Vincent Gray and non-incumbents

A. Scott Bolden, Erik Gaull, Kathy Henderson and Curtis Etherly, Jr.

CME Projects deeper cuts in Medicare physician payments for 2007

     To send a message to all Members of Congress that this pay cut is unacceptable, go to www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/6583.html

Free Seminar - "Great customer service" an important component of successful medical practices

Mayor, Task Force recommend ambulatory care centers in lieu of National Capital Medical Center

MSDC - DOH partnership brings you rapidi clinical info in event of pandemic, public health emergency

Medicare urges physicians to register intent for physician voluntary reporting program

How infomration technology can multiply your income

MSDC Newsline, July 2006

• Do You Know Someone Who Deserves a 2006 MSDC Award?
• 2006 General Elections—Call for Nominations

• MSDC Emphasizes Patient Safety and Quality in Scope of Practice Hearings

• MSDC Continues to be the Voice of Medical Liability Reform for Physicians in the District

• An Honor for MSDC

• MSDC Congratulates Kim Bullock, MD

• MSDC Task Force Member is off on a Special Mission
• MSDC Thanks Georgetown University Hospital for Making a Significant Contribution to Physicians’ Health in DC

• Feature Article from Peter J. Cohen, MD, JD,

  Chairman of MSDC’s Physician Health Committee:

  The Society’s Role in Physician Health

• Delmarva Foundation Feature: You Ask HIT, We Answer HIT

MSDC Newsline, June 2006

• Medical Society Backs 12-Point Plan to Curb Medical Liability Crises

• MSDC Letter to the Editor:The Verdict: The DC Medical Liability System Needs Immediate Reform
• MSDC & Mansour Wealth Management Present:Asset Protection for Physicians
• MSDC Member Announcements

• MSDC Welcomes a New Corporate Member: Greenway Medical Technologies

• MSDC Offers CPR Workshop

• MSDC & Merrill Lynch Present:

  “Retirement Planning & Investment Strategies for Physicians” 
• NPI Physician Reminder

• MSDC Calls for an Investigation into CareFirst's Unilateral

  Reimbursement Cuts

•  Important Message Regarding Payment of Aetna Add-On Code Claims

• Meeting Space Available at MSDC

• Delmarva Foundation Feature: You Ask HIT, We Answer HIT

MSDC Newsline, May 2006

• Medical Liability Reform Proposals Gain Momentum

• Mayor Appoints Emergency Panel on Health Care in DC

• New member benefit will enhance your bottom line and make you a hero to your staff

• Dr. E. Anthony Rankin Elected AAOS Second Vice President

• MSDC & Mansour Wealth Management Present:

  Asset Protection for Physicians

• MSDC Offers CPR Workshop

• MSDC & Merrill Lynch Present:

  “Retirement Planning & Investment Strategies for Physicians” 

• MSDC Joins Pay for Performance Task Force

• MSDC Welcomes New Board Members

• “A City Prepared” - The District of Columbia Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Summit

• Meeting Space Available at MSDC

• NCRIC Feature: Recommendations for Safe Referrals

• Delmarva Foundation Feature: You Ask HIT, We Answer HIT

MSDC Newsline, April 2006

• MSDC Testifies Before the DC Council

• Eleventh hour efforts pay off as DC provider agreements exempt from minimum-pay requirements
• MSDC Partners with the Ritz-Carlton, DC

• The Sports Club/LA Offers Special Rates to MSDC Members

• MSDC and Merrill Lynch Present:

  “Retirement Planning & Investment Strategies for Physicians”

• In Memory of John L. Lawson, MD

• Dr. Carolyn Robinowitz Elected APA President Elect

• In Memory of Kenneth L. Allen

• Medicare Part D: Transitional Toolkit

• Meeting Space Available at MSDC

• CMS: Physician Voluntary Reporting Program

• Syphilis on the Rise in DC

• MSDC Welcomes a New Corporate Partner: Mansour Wealth Management

• Leadership opportunity: 2006-2008 AMA-OMSS Governing Council

• Delmarva Foundation Feature: You Ask HIT, We Answer HIT

MSDC Newsline, February 2006

• MSDC Advocates on Behalf of DC Medicaid Patients

• MSDC Urges the DC Council to Pick Up the Pace on MLR

• National Medicare News: President Bush’s 2007 Proposed Budget

• Van Susteren Announces Run for United States Senate

• MSDC Commends Members Working Together for Charity

• MSDC Past President Named a “Washingtonian of the Year”

• Students and Physicians Attend Domestic Abuse Seminar

• Have You Reviewed the DC Pandemic Influenza Plan Lately?

• MSDC Offers CPR Workshop

• Delmarva Assists District Physicians in Implementing EHR Systems

• An important clarification regarding how long you should keep medical records

• NCRIC Feature: Mitigating the Stress of Malpractice Litigation

MSDC Newsline, January 2006

• Letter from MSDC President

• AMA Lobbies Medicare Payment Reform

• Plan for 2006 Flu Season; Order Your Vaccine Now
• Has Your Relationship With CareFirst Improved?

• President Bush Signs Violence Against Women Act

• Delmarva Foundation: The Culture in Healthcare Initiative

• Take Care of Your Health in 2006

• NCRIC Feature: Bariatric Surgery Outcomes Worse Than Previously Thought

MSDC Newsline, December 2005

• Mayor Williams and Medical Society Leaders Urge DC Council to Enact Meaningful Liability Reform

• Medical Society of DC Welcomes New President

• Distinguished Awardees Honored at 2005 Annual Meeting

• MSDC Advocates on Physicians’ Behalf

• MSDC Congratulates Sibley Memorial Hospital on Awards

• Online Physician Compensation Survey Launched

• Aetna Sends Contract Addendum to Physicians

• New Strain of Avian Influenza: Detection and Treatment

• Educate Your Patients on Medicare Part D

• Citizen Summit IV - "Lifting All Communities"

• Welcome Jane Moncrief!

• NCRIC Feature: Back to the Basics: Good Communication Skills Prevent Liability Risk

MSDC Newsline, September 2005

• Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts: How to Volunteer and/or Donate Money

• MSDC Survey Confirms Escalating Medical Liability Crisis 

• Public Citizen Omits Important Fact: Many OB/GYNs No Longer Deliver Babies in DC 

• Hurricane Katrina Evacuees Arrive in DC; MSDC President Recounts the Event 

• Emergency Preparedness Starts at Home

• Seminar Spotlight: September 20—2006 Medicare Prescription Drug Benefits: Getting Your Practice and Your Patients Ready

• Medem’s Suite of Services: Use Them or Lose Them

• Update on VistA Office: Beta-Test to Begin in November

• October 1: Deadline for HIPAA-Compliant Claims

• October 3: Deadline for MSDC Award Nominations

• Delmarva Announces Cultural Competency Initiative

• Task Force Petitions House and Senate to Reauthorize Violence Against Women Act

• October 20: CareFirst’s eSystems Open House

• Sister Carol Keehan Returns to DC as CHA President

• NCRIC Feature: Announces October Risk Management Seminars

MSDC Newsline, August 2005

• MLR Activities Escalate in Dog Days; MSDC Joins AHIP and Mayor Williams to Encourage DC Council to Pass Meaningful MLR Legislation
• MLR Activities in a Nutshell
• National MLR News: House Passes Reform Bill
• Make Way for Medicare Part D; MSDC Can Help!
• MSDC Supports Bill to Repeal SGR, Phase in P4P Program
• Bush Signs Patient Safety Legislation
• Mayor Seeks Physician to Serve on Board of Respiratory Care
• Cost and Value of "Free" Electronic Health Record Software Debated
• 2005 Physician Compensation Survey Launched on Heels of Member Assessment Survey
• Do You Know Someone Who Deserves a 2005 MSDC Award?
• NCRIC Feature: NCRIC is Now a ProAssurance Company

MSDC Newsline, July 2005

• Broad Distribution of MLR Physician Action and Patient Information Kits Completed
• National Capital Medical Center Would Improve Patient Access, but Potential Adverse Effects Remain Unclear
• DISB Approves Proposed Acquisition of NCRIC Inc. by ProAssurance
• 2005 General Election: Call for Nominations; Process Revised to Better Position MSDC for Future Success
• MSDC Urges Congress to Fix Flawed Medicare Payment Formula
• Insurance Commissioner Lauded by MSDC for Innovative Healthcare Coverage Proposals
• CMS to Implement Medicare Health Support Program in August
• High-Profile Endeavors Increase Positive Exposure for Family Violence Task Force
• WellPoint Settlement: Larget of Its Kind
• CMS Releases Timeline for Transition to National Provider Identifier
• NCRIC Feature: The Importance of First Impressions

MSDC Newsline, June 2005

• Join the Fight to Achieve Medical Liability Reform in DC
• Meeting Set with Council Chair Linda Cropp to Discuss MLR
• Peter Lavine, MD Selected to Serve on Councilmember Catania’s MLR Task Force
• 30-Minute Conference Call Will Provide Update on MLR Efforts
• JAMA Studies Support MLR Work
• Two Bills Address Flawed Medicare Physician Payment Structure

• Are Your Board of Medicine Profiles Correct?

• NCRIC Feature: Making Provisions for Language Differences

MSDC Newsline, May 2005

• MSDC Testifies in Support of NCRIC/ProAssurance Merger
• MSDC Presents Testimony at Hearing on Board of Medicine; Highlights Work of Professional Standards Committee and Physician Health Program
• Call to Action: House Bill Would Replace Flawed Medicare Formula

• Members Will Soon Receive MLR Physician Action and Patient Education Kits
• Mayor Introduces Health Care Reform Act of 2005; Calls Current Liability Situation "Unacceptable"
• MLR MythBusters! #1
• AMA Responds to Public Citizen's Medical Liability Payout Trends Report
• "Absent a Fix...Problems Will Only Continue to Worsen": MSDC Letter to Editor Encourages Cooperation on Solution to Liability Crisis
• MSDC Warns Council of "Unintended Consequences" of Stadium Fee on Health Care
• Online Member Assessment Survey Launched
• eHealth Spotlight: Medem Launches iHealth Record
• April Forum Brings Together Young Physicians; Highlights Importance of Organized Medicine
• Member News
• TB Task Force Reviews DC Program
• Medical Reserve Corps Receives Visit from Region 3 Coordinator
• NCRIC Feature: The Problem of Providing Pain Management

MORE News:

• MSDC Responds to “Disciplining Doctors” Editorial
• MSDC Creates Leadership Development Committee
• Member Assessment Survey Planned for May
• Interns "Shadow" Physicians as Part of Mini-Internship Program
• Reintroduce Yourself to Medem's Suite of eHealth Products
• NCRIC Feature:  Discussing End-of-Life Issues with Patients