From the president
Ronald M. Davis, MD

Word oddities in medicine

The last two president's columns did not contain my usual addendum on "the lighter side." So this column will give you a double dose of distraction from weighty issues in medicine as we wrap up our summer.

I've had a long-standing interest in language, probably from having taken one-year courses in both English grammar and Latin in junior high school. I enjoy playing Scrabble. I read William Safire's weekly column on language in the New York Times Magazine. And writing and editing have been an important part of my career.

In one of my most enjoyable editorial roles, I served as North American editor for the BMJ in the late 1990s. As I mentioned in a previous column, the BMJ publishes a Christmas issue each year, which is full of humor, satire, and lighthearted science. One of my favorite articles from those issues was entitled "Alliteration in medicine: a puzzling profusion of p's."

That article was written by a professor of pediatrics, who reported on a particular prominence of the letter p in the medical literature. He mentioned familiar two-word sequences, such as pink puffer, pleuritic pain, poor prognosis, prone position, and prophylactic penicillin.

The author found several three-word sequences in the dermatologic literature, including pinpoint, pruritic pustules; persistent, painful plantar masses; and progressive, pigmentary purpura. He also cited sequences involving four or more words, as well as the mnemonics of seven p's to describe the complications of a Meckel's diverticulum and nine p's to describe features of the nephrotic syndrome.
>>Read more

Ronald M. Davis, MD signature

Please send comments, questions, and replies to amaprez@ama-assn.org.

>>Return to top

August 30, 2007

e-mail story | print story

eVoice^®

August 30, 2007

AMA eVoice is your regular update on the most important health care issues and recent AMA activities.

The AMA is committed to communication. We encourage you to help us spread the word by forwarding AMA eVoice to your colleagues.

Your news interests
Sign up to receive customized AMA eVoice messages.

Faculty practice physician issues
1) Minnesota passes law requiring disclosure for state advisory panels
2) AMA seeks its members' feedback about uninsured issue

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender physician issues
1) In JAMA: Rapid HIV-testing among racial/ethnic minority men at gay pride events
2) AMA Advisory Committee on GLBT Issues members to lead workshop at GLMA Annual Conference

Group practice physician issues
1) BCBS settling parties agree to pay out more than $131 million; Oct. 19 is key deadline
2) Two health insurers send combined $79 million to physicians
3) AMA practice tip: Application services providers

International medical graduate issues
1) Callout: AMA-IMG Section resolutions needed for 2007 AMA Interim Meeting
2) Reserve your spot at the AMA-IMG Section Interim Congress and Caucus
3) Mark your calendar for AMA section and special group events

Medical school news
1) Register for the 2007 AMA-SMS Interim Meeting
2) Outstanding medical students receive scholarships
3) September is Women in Medicine month

Medical student issues
1) Mark your calendar: 2007 AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting deadlines
2) AMA launches multi-million dollar campaign to cover the uninsured
3) AMA Foundation announces medical student scholarship winners
4) Special travel and hotel rates offered for 2007 AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting

Minority health issues and professional concerns of minority physicians
1) Resolutions sought for 2007 AMA-MAC Interim Assembly Meeting

Organized medical staff issues
1) Make your voice heard on key issues affecting medical staffs
2) Sign up for the AMA-OMSS announcement listserv today

Resident and fellow issues
1) AMA fellow in the forefront of AMA's uninsured campaign
2) Research wanted for Fourth Annual Poster Symposium
3) Be a representative on the National Board of Medical Examiners
4) Increase in complications may be due to 80-hour work week

Senior physicians issues
1) Tell us about your senior physicians group
2) AMA seeks its members' feedback about uninsured issue

Women physician and women's health issues
1) In AMNews: HPV vaccine not effective for treating pre-existing HPV infection
2) Honor your mentor today
3) Get informed—AMA-WPC chair reports on group's activities

Young physician issues
1) AMA launches "Voice For The Uninsured" campaign
2) Practice management tips posted
3) Make plans now to attend the 2007 AMA-YPS Interim Assembly Meeting
4) Two health insurers send combined $79 million to physicians
5) BCBS settling parties agree to pay out more than $131 million; Oct. 19 is key deadline

General AMA news:
1) Strengthen your voice on uninsured issue
2) Review your CIGNA contract before Sept. 4
3) Aetna, Health Net, Humana and WellPoint (Anthem) settlements remain in effect
4) What's on your mind? Let us know
5) On Sermo: Out of the mouths of babes, bans on tie-wearing, accidental euphoria, and career changes
6) In Archives: Study examines factors associated with death from heatstroke

Your news interests
Sign up to receive customized AMA eVoice messages.

Faculty practice physician issues

1) Minnesota passes law requiring disclosure for state advisory panels
A recent law passed in Minnesota requires doctors and health care professionals who serve on state advisory boards selecting drugs used in Medicaid programs for the poor and disabled to disclose all ties with drug companies. Currently, only Vermont and Maine require drug companies to report payments to doctors for lectures, consulting, research and other services. The Minnesota law raises questions about the financial ties between the pharmaceutical industry and advisers in other states. Per the Associated Press article, there's no way to know whether physicians in general may have grant funding from pharmaceutical companies or speaking engagements without requiring full disclosure.

2) AMA seeks its members' feedback about uninsured issue
The AMA announced the launch of a multi-phase campaign last week to build public awareness about the issue of the uninsured. The ultimate goal of the campaign is passage of legislation in 2009 to expand coverage for the uninsured and increase access to care. All AMA members are encouraged to complete a brief AMA Member Connect^® Survey about this issue and how their experience with uninsured patients affects their practice. The results will be used to strengthen the voice of AMA members in influencing national and local policy initiatives to enable more people to secure health coverage.

>>Return to your news interest contents

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender physician issues

1) In JAMA: Rapid HIV-testing among racial/ethnic minority men at gay pride events
As part of an initiative to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provided funding to community-based organizations and health departments to conduct behavioral assessments at gay pride events attended primarily by men who have sex with men (MSM) from racial/ethnic minority groups. An article in the Aug. 8 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) highlights their methods, findings and the need to reach out to MSM in a variety of settings.

Preview the article.

2) AMA Advisory Committee on GLBT Issues members to lead workshop at GLMA Annual Conference
Members of the AMA Advisory Committee on GLBT Issues will be conducting a workshop for attendees of the 2007 Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) Annual Conference at 9:15 a.m. on Sept. 28. The workshop will focus on how policy is introduced to the AMA as well as accomplishments the AMA has made regarding GLBT physician and patient issues.

>>Return to your news interest contents

Group practice physician issues

1) BCBS settling parties agree to pay out more than $131 million; Oct. 19 is key deadline
Physicians who provided covered services to any patient enrolled in or covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plans at any time between May 22, 1999, and May 31, 2007, may be entitled to a payout as part of a class action lawsuit settlement agreement.

The group of BCBS settling parties has agreed to distribute $131,209,507 (with accrued interest since June 30) among eligible physicians who file a claim form by Oct. 19. If you think you may be eligible and have not yet received a notice in the mail, visit the Web site to download the mailed notice, claim form and claim form instructions that were mailed to physicians on July 27. Be sure to submit a completed claim form by Oct. 19. One form can be prepared for an entire practice. However, a list of every physician as well as the number of shares to which each physician is entitled should be attached.

If you have questions about the settlement you can pose them to the settlement administrator via the e-mail address listed online or by telephone at (877) 893-2643. You may also obtain information regarding this and other settlements on the AMA Web site.

2) Two health insurers send combined $79 million to physicians
This month, physicians who filed timely claim forms as part of the Health Net and Humana settlements of the class action multi-district litigation case received funds from the settlements. Health Net settlement funds totaling $39 million were disbursed on Aug. 6 among physicians who received between $59.30 and $593, depending on the number of shares of the settlement to which they were entitled.

Humana distributed about $40 million in settlement disbursement checks on Aug. 10. Physicians received between $78.91 and $789.10 depending on the number of shares to which they were entitled.

3) AMA practice tip: Application services providers
Did you know that the physician practice can submit claims through an application service provider (ASP), a company that connects the health plan with the physician practice by supplying software application services over the Internet? Learn more about ASPs by reading "What is an application service provider?" Developed by the AMA Private Sector Advocacy unit and the Kentucky Medical Association, the resource is designed to educate physicians and practice staff about commonly provided ASP services and their possible benefits to the physician practice.

Members can access (PDF, 38KB) the educational resource "What is an application service provider?"

>>Return to your news interest contents

International medical graduate issues

1) Callout: AMA-IMG Section resolutions needed for 2007 AMA Interim Meeting
Resolutions for the 2007 AMA-IMG Section Interim Meeting are due Sept. 28. The section's events will be held in conjunction with the 2007 Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates in Honolulu, Nov. 10–13.

Learn more about resolution-writing guidelines.

2) Reserve your spot at the AMA-IMG Section Interim Congress and Caucus
Register now to attend the following AMA-IMG Section events at the 2007 Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates in November. All events will take place at the Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu.

AMA-IMG Section Congress—5:45–7:45 p.m., Nov. 9
AMA-IMG Section Caucus—5:30–7 p.m., Nov. 10
AMA-IMG delegate-sponsored reference committee reports caucus—7:30–9 a.m., Nov. 12
AMA-IMG Leadership Development Workshop—9:30–11:30 a.m., Nov. 12

Visit the Web site to download a registration form. Registration is open through Nov. 1.

3) Mark your calendar for AMA section and special group events
You're invited to attend the following AMA section and special group events held at the 2007 Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates in Honolulu. Don't miss out on these events:

Sections and special groups luau from 9 to 11 p.m. on Nov. 8
Educational session, "The future of medicine," from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 9
AMA-WPC Mentor Recognition Program reception from 5 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 9
Educational sessions, "Washington update" and "M 1.20," from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 10

>>Return to your news interest content

Medical school news
(Brought to you by the AMA Section on Medical Schools)

1) Register for the 2007 AMA-SMS Interim Meeting
The AMA-SMS will hold its 31st Interim Meeting Nov. 10–11 at the Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu. The meeting gives representatives an opportunity to become involved in the AMA, develop AMA policy and network with colleagues. The educational program focus will be on innovative approaches in medical education—a continuation of the dialogue from the June AMA-SMS educational session. The AMA Council on Medical Education has invited section representatives to its educational program on the implications of the medical home model for medical education from 1–4:30 p.m., Nov. 9.

Meeting registration and hotel reservation information were mailed mid-August to all section representatives. If you have yet to receive the materials, send an e-mail or call the section office at (312) 464-4655.

Learn more about the meeting.

2) Outstanding medical students receive scholarships
The AMA Foundation recently awarded the 2007 Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarships to 12 rising fourth-year medical students. Recipients were chosen based on academic excellence and financial need. Each student will receive a $10,000 scholarship to help defray medical school expenses. The recipients are:

Otema Adade, Duke University School of Medicine
LaPrincess Brewer, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
D. Matthew Fentress, University of California, Davis, Medical Center
Lindsey Hicks, University of Texas Health Science Center Medical School, Houston
Ervin Lowther, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine
Michael Martinez, Yale University School of Medicine
Joseph Simonetti, The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Colin Walsh, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine
Danielle Webster, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
Robert Bour, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine
Lara Knudsen, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Moya Chin, Florida State University College of Medicine

Learn more about the Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarships and other AMA Foundation programs.

3) September is Women in Medicine month
Each September the AMA commemorates Women in Medicine Month to recognize and celebrate the growing number and influence of women physicians in the profession and their communities. As part of the celebration, the AMA Women Physicians Congress (AMA-WPC) is asking all section members to take part in its first annual AMA-WPC Physician Mentor Recognition Program designed to help acknowledge those physicians who contribute in small, often unsung ways to the success of women physicians. Let the AMA-WPC know about the individuals who helped steer you into your specialty or find your work/life balance, guided you through your professional society or unknowingly served as a role model for you or others. >>Learn more

>>Return to your news interest contents

Medical student issues

1) Mark your calendar: 2007 AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting deadlines
Please join us for the 2007 AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting Nov. 8–10 at the Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu. The meeting includes policymaking sessions, educational sessions, a research poster session and more. The AMA-MSS is planning programs for this meeting and would like your ideas.

Visit the Web site to obtain an online form and submit your ideas.

Please keep the following deadlines in mind:

Aug. 31—Meeting ideas submission form due
Sept. 7—Convention committee applications due
Sept. 21—Resolution submissions due (A draft of your resolution must be posted to the AMA-MSS health policy and news listserv no later than Sept. 7).
Sept. 21—AMA-MSS Research Poster Symposium abstracts due
Oct. 1—Meeting registration due
Oct. 1—AMA Board of Trustees/chair-elect applications due
Oct. 1—Regional delegate applications due

Learn more about the meeting and obtain applications.

2) AMA launches multi-million dollar campaign to cover the uninsured
The AMA recently launched a three-year, multi-million dollar campaign, called "Voice for the Uninsured," to spur action to cover the uninsured.

This year, the AMA is reaching out to voters and candidates to talk about the problem of the uninsured and the AMA's solution. The second year of the campaign will focus on influencing Americans to vote for president with the issue of the uninsured in mind. In the campaign's third year—post-election—the AMA will urge members of Congress to pass legislation to cover all Americans.

Visit the Web site to learn more about the AMA's solution to cover the uninsured, share personal stories and sign an online petition supporting the AMA's plan.

3) AMA Foundation announces medical student scholarship winners
The AMA Foundation awarded the 2007 Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarships to 12 rising fourth-year medical students. Recipients were chosen based on academic excellence and financial need. Each student will receive a $10,000 scholarship to help defray medical school expenses. The AMA-MSS congratulates the following recipients who are AMA members:

LaPrincess Brewer, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
D. Matthew Fentress, University of California, Davis, Medical Center
Lindsey Hicks, University of Texas Health Science Center Medical School, Houston
Ervin Lowther, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine
Michael Martinez, Yale University School of Medicine
Danielle Webster, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine
Robert Bour, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine
Moya Chin, Florida State University College of Medicine

View (PDF, 23KB) a complete list of award recipients and learn more about the award.

Learn more about the AMA Foundation's medical education, research and public health grants.

4) Special travel and hotel rates offered for 2007 AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting
The 2007 AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting will be held Nov. 8–10 in Honolulu. The AMA has reserved a block of rooms at a discounted rate for attendees at the Doubletree Alana Hotel-Waikiki. A special room rate will be available until Oct. 7 or until the group block is sold out.

Visit the Web site to learn more and reserve your room.

The AMA also has teamed up with United Airlines to offer attendees a 10 percent discount (and an extra 5 percent discount if you make your reservation at least 30 days in advance).

Visit the Web site to learn more and make your reservation.

>>Return to your news interest contents

Minority health issues and professional concerns of minority physicians
(brought to you by the AMA Minority Affairs Consortium)

1) Resolutions sought for 2007 AMA-MAC Interim Assembly Meeting
The AMA-MAC Governing Council would like to hear from you. Resolutions for the 2007 AMA-MAC Interim Assembly Meeting are due Sept. 24. If you have a suggestion for a resolution you would like the AMA-MAC to consider, send an e-mail with your ideas.

>>Return to your news interest contents

Organized medical staff issues

1) Make your voice heard on key issues affecting medical staffs
Now is the time to make your voice heard and share your experience concerning key issues affecting medical staffs across the country.

Members can visit the Web site to access the AMA-OMSS online message board—launched last week—and give us your feedback and thoughts on the following issues:

Implementation of revisions made to Joint Commission Standard MS.1.20
Credentialing, re-credentialing and privileging physicians and allied health professionals with limited or no hospital activity
Principles for strengthening the physician-hospital relationship

All AMA-OMSS representatives were sent an invitation via e-mail last Wednesday to participate in the newly launched AMA-OMSS online message board. The subject of the e-mail was either "Invitation to join the American Medical Association discussion facility's collaboration workspace" or "You have been added to the Organized Medical Staff Section workspace." If you did not receive the invitation, please send an e-mail and your invitation will be resent to you.

2) Sign up for the AMA-OMSS announcement listserv today
The AMA-OMSS announcement listserv will serve as a vehicle through which the section's leadership and staff will communicate with section members and other interested parties on important issues, as well as ones that require member action and feedback. Please note that this is an announcement listserv, so you will not be able to reply or send messages to the group. In order to receive messages regarding AMA-OMSS activities and issues, you must subscribe to the announcement listserv.

Send an e-mail to subscribe to the AMA-OMSS announcement listserv. No subject line or text is necessary. Shortly thereafter, you will receive a "welcome" message. Send an e-mail or call (312) 464-5193 if you experience any technical problems.

>>Return to your news interest contents

Resident and fellow issues

1) AMA fellow in the forefront of AMA's uninsured campaign
Fellow and AMA Trustee Samantha L. Rosman, MD, helped launch the AMA's campaign for the uninsured on Aug. 23 in Washington, D.C. This is a three-year, multi-million dollar campaign to raise awareness of the problem and obtain coverage for the uninsured. Dr. Rosman spoke firsthand about the problem, having opened a free health care center in New York for the uninsured.

View a transcript of Dr. Rosman's remarks and learn more about the campaign.

2) Research wanted for Fourth Annual Poster Symposium
Join the AMA-RFS for its Fourth Annual Research Poster Symposium in November at its 2007 Interim Assembly Meeting in Honolulu. Abstracts may be submitted in four categories: basic science research, clinical medical research, public health/health policy/medical education and clinical vignettes. Prizes will be awarded for the best posters.

Visit the Web site for submission information. Abstract submissions are due Sept. 5.

3) Be a representative on the National Board of Medical Examiners
The AMA-RFS is now accepting applications for a resident representative to the National Board of Medical Examiners. Board members represent the academic, practice and licensing communities, and share the responsibility of preparing and administering qualifying examinations. This position is for a vacancy whose term will end in March 2009.

Visit the Web site to learn more and obtain an application.

4) Increase in complications may be due to 80-hour work week
A study in the August issue of the Archives of Surgery examined the correlation between residency work-hour limitations and the complication and mortality rate at a level I trauma unit that relies heavily on resident physicians. Although the study found no increase in deaths, there was a significant increase in the number of preventable and non-preventable complications.

>>Return to your news interest contents

Senior Physicians issues

1) Tell us about your senior physicians group
AMA-SPG Governing Council Chair William E. Jacott, MD, recently sent a letter to executives of state, county and specialty societies, noting "The Senior Physicians Group has been a part of the AMA for 30 years. However, in the last two years, the governing council has led the group in a new direction ... and has worked to engage senior physicians in the AMA policymaking process to give them a more significant voice in the AMA."

As part of that effort, the AMA-SPG Governing Council spearheaded a project to develop a national network of senior physicians groups. More than 30 groups representing approximately 2,200 senior physicians can be found on the AMA's Web site.

View a current list of AMA Senior Physicians Groups throughout the United States.

If you are involved in a senior physicians group not listed on the Web site, send an e-mail with your contact information, or call (312) 464-5523 for more information.

>>Return to your news interest contents

Women physician and women's health issues
(brought to you by the AMA Women Physicians Congress)

1) In AMNews: HPV vaccine not effective for treating pre-existing HPV infection
According to a study in the Aug. 15 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), use of the human papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 vaccine will not accelerate reduction of the virus and should not be used to treat women with HPV infection.

Preview the study.

2) Honor your mentor today
Do you have a special colleague or teacher who has unknowingly steered you down the right path, been your longtime inspiration or a prominent role model throughout your medical career? In September—Women in Medicine Month—take the time to thank that person who has really been an inspiration to you on your path to success.

In reflection of next month's theme, "Sharing a passion for medicine," the AMA-WPC is carrying out its first annual Physicians Mentor Recognition Program. The program—recognizing motivating physicians who have contributed to the achievements of women in the medical profession—will honor nominated mentors through a special certificate and display at the AMA Women Physicians Congress gala reception at the 2007 Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates in November in Honolulu.

Visit the Web site to learn more and obtain a nomination form. Entries are due Sept. 30.

3) Get informed—AMA-WPC chair reports on group's activities
Visit the Web site to read the latest message from the AMA-WPC Governing Council Chair Erin E. Tracy, MD, to find out more about AMA-WPC membership, its first annual Physician Mentor Recognition Program and Interim Assembly Meeting activities.

>>Return to your news interest contents

Young physician issues

1) AMA launches "Voice For The Uninsured" campaign
Last week, the AMA launched a three-year, multi-million dollar campaign to spur action to cover America's uninsured. As part of the campaign, the AMA will unveil new television and print ads. Initial phases of the campaign will be timed to coincide with the 2008 election cycle, and will bring a human face to this problem that affects millions of patients.

Visit the Web site for more information on the launch of the campaign.

Read more about the AMA proposal for coverage for all Americans.

2) Practice management tips posted
The AMA has compiled a set of useful tips to provide physicians and their staff with educational resources and tools to address private payer and practice management issues. The tips cover numerous topics, including mastering the claims management cycle, negotiating contracts and connecting with your patients.

Access these and other helpful tips.

3) Make plans now to attend the 2007 AMA-YPS Interim Assembly Meeting
Now is the time to make your travel plans for this year's AMA-YPS Interim Assembly Meeting, scheduled Nov. 8–10 in Honolulu. The meeting provides an excellent opportunity to network with young physician colleagues from across the country, attend educational sessions and influence AMA-YPS positions on House of Delegates reports and resolutions.

Register for the meeting online. Learn more about the special 10 percent discount available on United Airlines for travel to Honolulu.

4) Two health insurers send combined $79 million to physicians
This month, physicians who filed timely claim forms as part of the Health Net and Humana settlements of the class action multi-district litigation case received funds from the settlements. Health Net settlement funds totaling $39 million were disbursed on August 6 among physicians who received between $59.30 and $593, depending on the number of shares of the settlement to which they were entitled.

About $40 million in Humana settlement disbursement checks were distributed on August 10. Physicians received between $78.91 and $789.10 depending on the number of shares to which they were entitled.

5) BCBS settling parties agree to pay out more than $131 million; Oct. 19 is key deadline
Physicians who provided covered services to any patient enrolled in or covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plans at any time between May 22, 1999, and May 31, 2007, may be entitled to a payout as part of a class action lawsuit settlement agreement.

The group of BCBS settling parties has agreed to distribute $131,209,507 (with accrued interest since June 30) among eligible physicians who file a claim form by Oct. 19. If you think you may be eligible and have not yet received a notice in the mail, visit the Web site to download the mailed notice, claim form and claim form instructions that were mailed to physicians on July 27. Be sure to submit a completed claim form by October 19. One form can be prepared for an entire practice. However, a list of every physician as well as the number of shares to which each physician is entitled should be attached.

>>Return to your news interest contents

General AMA news

1) Strengthen your voice on uninsured issue
The U.S. Census Bureau announced this week that the number of people in the United States without health insurance coverage has risen to 47 million, including 9 million children.

There has never been a more crucial time to take action. The AMA encourages all to get involved in its new "Voice for the Uninsured" campaign and lend their voice to help those who desperately need one. Take part by visiting the campaign's Web site to learn more about the AMA's plan to cover the uninsured, share personal stories and sign an online petition supporting the plan.

All members of the AMA are also invited to complete a brief AMA Member Connect^® Survey on the uninsured. The results will be used to strengthen the voice of AMA members in influencing national and local policy initiatives to enable more people to secure health coverage.

>>Return to your general news contents

2) Review your CIGNA contract before Sept. 4
With the CIGNA Multi-district Litigation class action lawsuit agreement protections set to expire Sept. 4, all physicians under contract with CIGNA should review their contracts and contact their provider representatives to determine how they may be affected.

In addition, CIGNA has indicated that it might no longer recognize a patient's assignment of benefits to a non-contracted physician. The AMA encourages all non-contracted physicians to discuss and collect, when appropriate, the patient's financial responsibility before the delivery of patient care.

Managed Care Advisory Group LLC (MCAG) continues to pursue CIGNA for payment of claims filed under the settlement in 2005. MCAG has sued CIGNA for recovery of the claims and has agreed to binding arbitration to resolve outstanding disputes on those claims. As of June, MCAG re-filed all 700,000 previously submitted claims under an order issued by the judge arbitrator, and CIGNA is processing those claims for payment. MCAG expects resolution of all outstanding claims by the end of the year.

Access a checklist of some key settlement terms. Visit the Web site to download the complete settlement.

Members of the AMA can visit the Web site to download the AMA Model Managed Care contract at no cost.

>>Return to your general news contents

3) Aetna, Health Net, Humana and WellPoint (Anthem) settlements remain in effect
The AMA encourages all physicians to learn about the protections the Multi-district Litigation class action settlements offer physicians. Physicians may consider filing a compliance dispute—a free, simple enforcement process—if prohibited clauses are contained in a contract submitted by the settling health insurer, or if the settling health insurer fails to adhere to the terms of its settlement. Physicians are encouraged to hold the settling health plans accountable to their respective settlements.

Access additional information on these settlements, including the compliance dispute process.

>>Return to your general news contents

4) What's on your mind? Let us know
To better understand and address issues affecting physicians, the AMA will hold a series of Meet and Greet events this fall at various specialty society annual meetings to listen to physicians regarding the AMA's agenda, priorities and plans.

Upcoming AMA Meet and Greet events include:

Sept. 17—American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C.
Oct. 10—American College of Surgeons 93rd Annual Clinical Congress, New Orleans
Oct. 16—American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting, San Francisco
Oct. 29—American Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting, Baltimore

These events present the opportunity to connect with AMA leaders and other colleagues in an interactive setting to exchange ideas on such topics as the uninsured, Medicare payment reform, medical liability reform and patient safety, and introduce nonmembers to the work the AMA does to help doctors help patients. Don't miss out on these opportunities to make your voice heard—and please encourage your colleagues to attend.

Learn more about these and other events as they are confirmed in order to stay connected with AMA leaders and issues.

R.S.V.P. for any of these events by sending an e-mail with the name of the event in the subject line, or simply call (800) 262-3211.

>>Return to your general news contents

5) On Sermo: Out of the mouths of babes, bans on tie-wearing, accidental euphoria, and career changes
As his mother buries her face in her hands, the fresh-faced 5-year-old boy tells his doctor: "The man on TV said to ask my doctor about Levitra, so I'm asking you. I did the right thing, right?" Join Sermo's discussion about the questions young patients ask their doctors after seeing TV commercials.

With the vast potential for the transmission of infections in doctors' offices, there are various recommended precautions: frequently washing hands, cleaning stethoscopes between patient visits, regularly washing toys in the waiting room and rules against tie-wearing. Do you take these precautions? Join the conversation about doctors as vectors of infections.

Another discussion on Sermo begins with a physician's account of accidentally disturbing a nest of yellow jackets and being stung five times. "... But the thing that got me is I really felt euphoric and energized shortly thereafter and for almost 3 hours," said the doctor. Add your stinging commentary.

The shifting economic environment of medicine has prompted many doctors to rethink the future of their medical practices, and consider larger practice formations, early retirement or other career changes. Join the discussion on how some doctors are approaching these issues.

>>Return to your general news contents

6) In Archives: Study examines factors associated with death from heatstroke
Individuals who live in a nursing home or take medication to lower blood pressure appear more likely to die during or following hospitalization for heatstroke, according to study published online by the Archives of Internal Medicine that was also highlighted in the Aug. 22–29 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

Preview the Archives study.

Preview the commentary in JAMA.

>>Return to your general news contents

Feedback
If you have specific comments on this edition of AMA eVoice, simply reply to this message. For more general feedback on AMA eVoice, send an e-mail to evoice@ama-assn.org and alert the editor of your comments and concerns. Do you have general questions about the AMA? Call the AMA Unified Service Center at (800) 262-3211.

Subscribe to AMA eVoice

Read the AMA Privacy Statement

Thank you for your AMA membership! The AMA's strength comes from its numbers. That strength grows when our membership increases — please urge your fellow physicians and medical students to join our cause by calling (800) 262–3211 or visiting the AMA Web site.

Last updated:Aug 30, 2007
Content provided by: Member Publications