Ronald M. Davis, MD
From the mailbox
I've received many interesting—and candid—e-mails from readers in response to some of my columns so far. I'd like to share portions of a few.
The AMA is supporting the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). But an amendment in a version from the U.S. House of Representatives strongly prohibits physician investment in hospitals. This is wrong. Doctors should be able to invest in what they want like any citizen, and we can best take care of our patients in facilities we control. I urge the AMA to object strongly to this amendment.
The AMA opposes restrictions on physician-owned hospitals. We have serious concerns about that provision in the House legislation, as well as a few other provisions such as payment cuts and new requirements for imaging services, and authority for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to reduce payments for high-volume services. The AMA is aggressively lobbying for changes in the legislation to address those concerns.
Childhood obesity is at an all-time high, as are rates of diabetes and other obesity-related conditions. Part of the problem is that much of the food served in school lunch programs and other food assistance programs comes from commodity programs that are based on economic considerations, rather than health needs. The food that is purchased and sent to schools is often high in fat and cholesterol.
>>Read more
Please send comments, questions, and replies to amaprez@ama-assn.org.
eVoice®
September 20, 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) Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago receives $100 million
gift for new hospital
2) BCBS settling parties agree to pay out more than $131 million; Oct. 19 is key deadline
3) Surgeons, tell us what's on your mind
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender physician issues
1) AMA Advisory Committee on GLBT Issues to lead session at GLMA conference next week
2) September is Women in Medicine month
Group practice physician issues
1) Register now for AMA audio conference on hiring and retaining top-performing employees
2) AMA practice tip: Defining a medical billing service
3) Opening a fast lane to get data on patients
International medical graduate issues
1) AMA practice tip: Connect with your patients online
2) AMA-IMG Section resolutions due Sept. 28
3) Make your voice heard at the 2007 AMA-IMG Section Interim Congress
and Caucus
Medical school news
1) AMA-SMS seeks resolution and report reviewers
2) In JAMA: Medical education highlighted
3) In AMNews: More women choosing surgical residencies
Medical student issues
1) Mark your calendar: 2007 AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting deadlines
2) Research wanted for Fifth Annual Research Poster Symposium
3) Is your voice fully represented in the AMA House of Delegates?
4) AMA-MSS international health opportunities database
Minority health issues and professional concerns of minority physicians
1) Resolution idea deadline is fast approaching
2) AMA practice tip covers connecting with your patients online
Organized medical staff issues
1) Register for the 2007 AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting
in Hawaii today
2) Ian Morrison to keynote Gary F. Krieger, MD, Memorial Lecture at
the 2007 AMA-OMSS Interim Assembly Meeting
3) Joint Commission clarifies "good faith participation" accreditation
requirement
Resident and fellow issues
1) Don't miss 2007 AMA-RFS Interim Assembly Meeting education sessions
2) Mark your calendar: 2007 AMA-RFS Interim Assembly Meeting deadlines
3) Changing health care and medical education through the AMA
4) Does education on sleep hygiene help?
Senior physicians issues
1) Call for nominations for senior physician volunteerism award
2) 2008 senior physician trips now posted on AMA Web site
3) AMA widens representation options for medical staffs
Women physician and women's health issues
1) In AMNews: More women choosing surgical specialties
2) AMA-WPC physicians: Honor your mentor today
Young physician issues
1) Tell us what's really on your mind
2) Submit a resolution to the AMA-YPS Assembly
3) Check out the September issue of Virtual Mentor
4) Read the AMA GME e-Letter: Keeping patient handoffs safe
General AMA news:
1) Washington state, New Mexico patients warned about Medicare cuts
2) Joint AMA, AARP ad urges Congress not to delay action on Medicare payment
3) Survey: Consumer-driven health plans hold promise
4) AMA Foundation seeks everyday heroes in medicine
5) In Virtual Mentor: A glance at the parental-fetal disconnect
6) In JAMA: Preliminary research suggests
frequent hemodialysis at night may improve some outcomes for patients
with end-stage kidney disease
Your news interests
Sign up to receive customized AMA eVoice messages.
Faculty practice physician issues
1) Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago receives $100 million
gift for new hospital
Chicago-area philanthropist Ann Lurie pledged $100 million to
the Children's Memorial Hospital, the primary pediatric teaching hospital
of Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. Lurie, who
was once a critical care nurse at Children's Memorial, said that her
experiences as both an employee and a parent of six children—several
of whom were treated at Children's Memorial—influenced her to
make this gift. Plans are underway for the construction of a new hospital
and the Lurie donation will help fund the project.
2) 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, download the notice 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 on its site or by telephone at (877) 893-2643. Obtain information regarding this and other settlements.
3) Surgeons, tell us what's on your mind
The AMA invites you to participate in an AMA Meet and Greet luncheon event
for all physicians attending the American College of Surgeons 93rd Annual
Clinical Congress from noon to 2 p.m. on Oct. 10 at the Hilton New Orleans
Riverside Hotel in New Orleans. This event allows AMA leadership the opportunity
to connect with AMA members in a small, interactive conversation by exchanging
ideas and views, and introducing nonmembers to the work the AMA does to
help doctors help patients. Lunch will be served. To attend, please R.S.V.P
by sending an e-mail or by calling
(800) 262-3211.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender physician issues
1) AMA Advisory Committee on GLBT Issues to lead session at GLMA conference
next week
Members of the AMA Advisory Committee on GLBT Issues, along with AMA staff,
will be leading a session at the 2007 Gay and Lesbian Medical Association
(GLMA) conference. During this session, attendees will have the opportunity
to:
- Understand the structure of the AMA House of Delegates and how new policy is introduced to the organization
- Identify ways in which GLBT physicians can have their voices heard within the AMA
- Become familiar with some of the AMA's recent highlights surrounding GLBT issues
This session will be presented at 9:15 a.m. on Sept. 28. Learn more about the conference and register.
2) September is Women in Medicine month
There is still time to honor your mentor—that special colleague or
teacher who has unknowingly steered you down the right path, been your
longtime inspiration or played a prominent role throughout your medical
career. In September—Women in Medicine Month—take the time to
thank that person who has been an inspiration to you on your path to success.
With the Women in Medicine Month theme, "Sharing a passion for medicine," the AMA-WPC is carrying out its first annual AMA 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.
Learn more and obtain a nomination form. Entries are due Sept. 30.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Group practice physician issues
1) Register now for AMA audio conference on hiring and retaining top-performing
employees
The AMA will host the 90-minute audio conference, "Hiring and retaining top-performing employees for better customer service and patient care" at 1 p.m. CST on Oct. 4. The session covers assessing the impact of having the right staff, interviewing to hire the best talent, keeping good people after they are hired and maintaining harmony. The registration fee for AMA members is $35 ($75 for nonmembers).
Learn more and register. This program is geared toward practice managers in small-to medium-sized group practices. Featured faculty are from the Coker Group, a nationally recognized consulting firm that specializes in practice management. Continuing medical education credit is available for this session.
2) AMA practice tip: Defining a medical billing service
Before you consider working with a medical billing service, it is important to know what the service is and what they can do for your practice. A medical billing service may help physician practices save time and increase profitability by reducing billing expenses and increasing revenues. A good medical billing service also allows physician practices to concentrate on their patients while increasing the bottom line.
Members can access (PDF, 23.6KB) to access the educational resource, "What is a medical billing service?"
3) Opening a fast lane to get data on patients
Minnesota health organizations are collaborating with state officials to create an "electronic superhighway" that will give physicians quicker access to patients' medical information, according to a report in the Sept. 10 issue of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The Minnesota Health Information Exchange will launch in 2008 and will allow medical organizations across the entire state to share information about patients who provide consent. Officials assert that the program will reduce paperwork, duplicate test and dangerous drug interactions and describe the resource as a "mini-Internet to link hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and health plans across the state."
- AMA-IMG Section Congress—Time to be determined, 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, "Communicating effectively," led by Mike Lynch, vice president of external communications at the AMA,—9:30–11:30 a.m., Nov. 12
>>Return to your news interest contents
International medical graduate issues
1) AMA practice tip: Connect with your patients online
Online medical consultations, also known as e-visits, present opportunities for growth and increased efficiency in the physician practice.
Learn more (PDF, 678KB) about this new patient convenience and whether it is right for your practice, and access the educational resource, "Online medical consultations: Connecting physicians with patients." AMA members can download this informative practice management resource free of charge.
2) AMA-IMG Section resolutions due Sept. 28
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.
3) Make your voice heard at the 2007 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—Time to be determined, 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, "Communicating effectively," led by Mike Lynch, vice president of external communications at the AMA,—9:30–11:30 a.m., Nov. 12
Download a registration form. Registration is open through Nov. 1.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Medical school news
(Brought to you by the AMA Section on Medical Schools)
1) AMA-SMS seeks resolution and report reviewers
If you are attending the AMA-SMS Interim Meeting this November, consider participating in the review of resolutions and reports. Reviewers develop a consent calendar of recommended actions and present the recommendations to the section assembly for a consensus vote. These actions guide the AMA-SMS delegate, alternate delegate and other representatives who testify in reference committee hearings. A review meeting will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Nov. 9.
Send an e-mail to Jackie Drake if you are interested.
2) In JAMA: Medical education highlighted
The Sept. 5 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
is a themed issue on medical education. Patient mortality after resident
duty-hour reform, clinical skills scores and patient complaints, funding
and quality of medical education research, teaching quality improvement,
and study methods in undergraduate medical education are a few of the
topics discussed. This issue also contains the latest data on U.S. medical
schools and residency-training programs.
3) In AMNews: More women choosing surgical residencies
Not long ago there was concern that as the number of women in medicine increased it would be difficult to recruit students to surgical specialties. Almost 40 percent of residents entering general surgery residencies in 2007 were women—double the number a decade ago. In the overall surgical work force, the number of women has risen to about 14 percent in 2005, up from about 9 percent in 1995, according to an article in the Sept. 17 issue of American Medical News (AMNews).
>>Return to your general news 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.
Please keep the following deadlines in mind:
- Sept. 21—Resolution submissions due
- 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) Research wanted for Fifth Annual Research Poster Symposium
Join the AMA-MSS for its Fifth Annual Research Poster Symposium, held in conjunction with the AMA Resident and Fellow Section in November at its 2007 Interim Assembly Meeting in Honolulu. Abstracts may be submitted in eight categories, including biochemistry/cell biology, cancer biology, cardiology/vascular biology, clinical/epidemiological/health care, immunology/microbiology, neurobiology/neuroscience, radiology/imaging and surgery. The poster symposium is made possible with an educational grant from the Pfizer Medical Humanities Initiative. Prizes will be awarded for the best posters.
Visit the Web site for submission information. Abstracts are due Sept. 21.
3) Is your voice fully represented in the AMA House of Delegates?
There are 109 national medical specialty societies included in the policymaking body of the AMA—the AMA House of Delegates. Which specialty society best represents your voice? If you are in your fourth year of medical school, you are strongly encouraged to select the national medical specialty society you feel best represents you in the AMA House of Delegates. This is your opportunity to help shape health care policy and the positions of medicine's most influential organization. Making your selection takes just a few moments.
Please visit the Web site to make your selection.
4) AMA-MSS international health opportunities database
The AMA-MSS International Health and Policy Committee is compiling an International Health Opportunities Database as a tool to aid medical students and residents searching for clinical, public health, educational and research opportunities in international medicine. If you have traveled abroad and completed work in international medicine, please take a few minutes to tell us about your international medicine experience.
Visit the Web site to obtain an international medicine personal experience submission form.
>>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) Resolution idea deadline is fast approaching
The AMA-MAC Governing Council would like to hear from you. Resolutions for the 2007 AMA-MAC Interim Meeting are due Sept. 24. If you have a suggestion for a resolution you would like the AMA-MAC Governing Council to consider, send an e-mail with your ideas.
Visit the Web site for resolution-writing guidelines.
2) AMA practice tip covers connecting with your patients online
Online medical consultations, also known as e-visits, present opportunities for growth and increased efficiency in the physician practice.
Learn more (PDF, 678KB) about this new patient convenience and whether it is right for your practice, and to access the educational resource, "Online medical consultations: Connecting physicians with patients." AMA members can download this informative practice management resource free of charge.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Organized medical staff issues
1) Register for the 2007 AMA-OMSS Interim Assembly Meeting in Hawaii
today
Registration is open for the 2007 AMA-OMSS Interim Assembly Meeting in Honolulu, Nov. 8–11. Register online. The process is quick and easy.
Book your airline and hotel reservations online.
Learn more (PDF, 58.8KB) about the development and submission of resolutions. Resolutions should be submitted via e-mail to Courtney Perlino by Sept. 28.
2) Ian Morrison to keynote Gary F. Krieger, MD, Memorial Lecture at the
2007 AMA-OMSS Interim Assembly Meeting
Plan now to attend the Gary F. Krieger, MD, Memorial Lecture from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 9 in Honolulu. Ian Morrison, keynote speaker of the luncheon, will deliver remarks addressing the future of health care. Specifically, his presentation will focus on the political, economic and strategic context of change in health care and examine how the various actors are preparing for the future. In discussing the quest for value in health care, he will also identify leadership opportunities and provide strategic insights on how organizations and individuals can flourish in the new millennium in health care. Advanced registration for the lecture and lunch is required by checking the appropriate box on the online registration form for the meeting. There is no cost for attending the lecture. However, attendees may purchase lunch for $20. Payment for lunch will be collected onsite at the conference registration.
3) Joint Commission clarifies "good faith participation" accreditation
requirement
The Joint Commission has clarified that physicians and medical staff are included as part of "good faith participation" in accreditation. Therefore, retaliatory disciplinary action is prohibited against those physicians and medical staff members who report their concerns about the safety and quality of care at their hospital. This revised rule will become effective Jan. 1, 2008.
Read the press release to learn more.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Resident and fellow issues
1) Don't miss 2007 AMA-RFS Interim Assembly Meeting education sessions
Preparing you to transition into practice is an AMA-RFS mission. Take this opportunity to hear from authorities on the following topics at the 2007 AMA-RFS Interim Assembly Meeting in Hawaii November 8-10:
- Ever thought about moonlighting? How to get a job after residency? Hear from an expert on what you need to know when negotiating an employment agreement.
- Ever wonder about your options after training? Listen to practicing physicians discuss practice settings, what drew them to their respective setting and some of the advantages/challenges inherit in their chosen setting.
- How does complimentary and alternative medicine affect the way you practice? Find out some of the answers.
View the dates and times (PDF, 117KB) of these sessions.
2) Mark your calendar: 2007 AMA-RFS Interim Assembly Meeting deadlines
In preparation for the 2007 AMA-RFS Interim Assembly Meeting, please consider the following, quickly approaching deadlines:
- Sept. 20—Convention committee applications due
- Sept. 26—Resolutions due
- Sept. 27—Applications for chair-elect, sectional delegate and alternate delegate and Council on Medical Education endorsements due
- Oct. 1—Pre-registration due
Obtain applications, learn more about the AMA-RFS Interim Assembly Meeting and register.
3) Changing health care and medical education through the AMA
Do you know who pays for your medical training? Where are your patients going when they can't get to you? What will happen if the State Children's Health Insurance Program funding goes away? In the latest "code blue" article of the September issue of Resident and Staff Physician, AMA-RFS Delegate Kimberly Ruscher, MD, shows that the AMA cares about the answers to these questions. The AMA-RFS provides the needed voice for residents and fellows. By addressing these issues, the AMA is making a difference.
4) Does education on sleep hygiene help?
A study of University of Chicago interns in the Archives of Internal Medicine, looks at the effects of sleep education on sleep deprivation and assesses whether medical interns receive adequate preventative or recovery sleep. The study found that sleep education may not be effective in changing the sleep hygiene of the interns due to other obligations taking priority or their belief that they can perform well under sleep-deprived conditions.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Senior Physicians issues
1) Call for nominations for senior physician volunteerism award
The Jack B. McConnell, MD, Award for Excellence in Volunteerism honors
one senior physician who has demonstrated a commitment to volunteer
medical care for those lacking access to health care. The award is part
of the AMA Foundation's Excellence in Medicine program, presented
in association with the Pfizer Medical Humanities Initiative.
All awards will be presented at the AMA Foundation's Excellence in Medicine Awards banquet on March 31, 2008, in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about the AMA Foundation's Excellence in Medicine Awards and obtain a nomination form. Submissions are due Dec. 7.
2) 2008 senior physician trips now posted on AMA Web site
AHI Travel, a travel company selected by the AMA, offers group travel to more than a dozen travel destinations. More and more senior physicians are traveling with their fellow physicians to international destinations. Tours are available for educational programs in support of learning, recreation and fellowship. This year's destinations are as diverse as the Panama Canal to the waterways and canals of Holland and Belgium—and even to South Africa.
Learn more and view a schedule of 2008 trips.
3) AMA widens representation options for medical staffs
Did you know that the AMA Organized Medical Staff Section (OMSS) has changed its requirements concerning those eligible to represent your medical staff or physician organization at its meetings? Now, any selected physician—including senior physicians affiliated with your hospital or delivery system—may serve as an AMA-OMSS representative. In this role, AMA-OMSS representatives testify at reference committee hearings and vote at business meetings. Other medical staff members, health care organization leaders and medical staff professionals are invited to attend as guests but do not testify or vote. The AMA-OMSS section and AMA Board of Trustees voted to change eligibility requirements to foster greater participation and give organizations more flexibility in deciding whom to send as a representative to AMA-OMSS meetings.
>>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: More women choosing surgical specialties
According to statistics cited in the Sept. 17 issue of American Medical News (AMNews), almost 40 percent of residents entering general surgery residencies in 2007 were women, double the number a decade ago.
Read more about women residents in the surgical pipeline.
2) AMA-WPC physicians: Honor your mentor today
There is still time to honor your mentor—that 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.
With the Women in Medicine Month 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.
Learn more and obtain a nomination form. Entries are due Sept. 30.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Young physician issues
1) Tell us what's really on your mind
The AMA invites you to participate in an AMA Meet and Greet event for
all physicians attending the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
Scientific Assembly in Chicago.
This event allows AMA leadership the opportunity to connect with AMA members in a small, interactive conversation by exchanging ideas and views, and introducing nonmembers to the work the AMA does to help doctors help patients. Through this event, we can better understand the issues you face and how we can work together to address them. Don't miss this opportunity to make your voice heard!
We hope to see you there—please encourage your colleagues to attend this exciting event.
Details are as follows:
5–6:30 p.m., Oct. 3
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
2233 S. Martin Luther King Drive
Room: CC 11 (located on the first floor of the Hyatt's conference center)
Chicago, IL 60616
Hors d'oeurves and cocktails will be served.
To attend, please R.S.V.P. by sending an e-mail or by calling (800) 262-3211.
You are also invited to visit the AMA exhibit booth—No. 1089—at the AAFP Scientific Assembly.
2) Submit a resolution to the AMA-YPS Assembly
Are you interested in putting forth a resolution for debate by the AMA-YPS
Assembly? Resolutions are currently being accepted from AMA-YPS members
for consideration by the AMA-YPS Assembly at its Nov. 8–10 meeting
in Honolulu. Submit your resolution by
e-mailing or faxing it to (312) 464-5845. The deadline for
submission of "on time" mailing resolutions is Oct. 5.
Learn more about the 2007 AMA-YPS Interim Assembly Meeting in Honolulu and register.
3) Check out the September issue of Virtual Mentor
Check out Virtual
Mentor's all-new look and improved navigation and search
functions. In addressing the September 2007 theme—the parental-fetal
disconnect—contributors explore the physician's role in managing
conflicts between the behavior and wishes of parents and the best interest
of the fetus. Using assisted reproductive technology (ART), it is now
possible to select embryos with specific traits for implantation, donate
sperm and eggs posthumously, and bear children after menopause. Virtual
Mentor's September authors sort out whether these and other ART-related
possibilities serve the best interest of the offspring.
4)Read the AMA GME e-Letter: Keeping patient handoffs safe
Highlights from the September issue of the AMA Graduate Medical Education (GME) e-Letter—a leading source of news and information on graduate medical education—include the following subjects:
- More handoffs equal more complications.
- Mnemonic teaches safe patient handoffs.
- Reader feedback: Satisfaction eludes today's physicians.
- Medical schools seeking applicants with liberal arts backgrounds.
- Data book charts who matches successfully, and why.
View the September issue.
>>Return to your news interest contents
General AMA news
1) Washington state, New Mexico patients warned about Medicare cuts
"Boomers should speak out on Medicare cuts, surgeon says," was a Sept. 19 headline in The Seattle Times after this week's AMA National House Call in Washington state.
The headline—referring to remarks made by AMA Immediate Past President William G. Plested III, MD—is just one result of the joint effort by the AMA and the Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) to urge the public to contact Congress to stop impending reductions in Medicare physician payments. Dr. Plested, along with WSMA Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Tom Curry, held a news conference and conducted several media interviews during the visit.
Unless Congress intervenes, Medicare will cut physician payments 10 percent on Jan. 1, 2008, and 40 percent over the next nine years—causing Washington state to lose almost $4 billion in medical care for Medicare patients. These cuts ignore the fact that practice costs will continue to rise by 20 percent through 2016.
In partnership with the New Mexico Medical Society (NMMS), the AMA National House Call made its first-ever visit to New Mexico on Sept. 20, with Dr. Plested and NMMS Secretary/Treasurer Peter Beaudette, MD, briefing the news media on the looming Medicare cuts.
Next week, the campaign will visit Kansas to spread the message on Medicare physician payment.
>>Return to your general news contents
2) Joint AMA, AARP ad urges Congress not to delay action on Medicare payment
A joint full-page ad from the AMA and AARP began running this week in Capitol Hill publications after congressional leaders decided to defer action to stop Medicare payment cuts to physicians. "Medicare improvements shouldn't be deferred until the 11th hour of this Congressional session," the ad states.
"Congress has two important access to health care priorities that must be address this year—renewing health care coverage for kids and preserving seniors' access to care," said AMA President-elect Nancy H. Nielsen, MD. "Doctors want to continue caring for Medicare patients, but many are between a rock and a hard place as they work to keep their practice doors open to all patients while the government plans to cut payments."
Over the next two years, the government will slash payments to physicians caring for seniors 15 percent. With next year's steep payment cut of 10 percent, 60 percent of physicians say they will be forced to limit the number of new Medicare patients they can treat, according to a recent AMA Member Connect® Survey.
"To avert this access crisis for seniors, the Senate must act to stop the next two years of Medicare cuts to doctors and provide fully funded payment increases that help cover the increasing costs of caring for seniors, and set the stage for a long-term solution to the problem," said Dr. Nielsen.
View (PDF, 192KB) the full ad.
>>Return to your general news contents
3) Survey: Consumer-driven health plans hold promise
Although many physicians have high hopes for consumer-driven health plans, less than half have patients currently enrolled in such plans, according to results of a recent AMA Member Connect® survey. The survey about health savings accounts and health reimbursement arrangements revealed a variety of physician views about these plans. Fully 83 percent of physicians indicated they think consumer-driven health plans would increase patients' financial responsibility, and 67 percent believed these plans would generate greater patient involvement in health care decisions. At the same time, many physicians felt that the plans would increase their efforts to collect payments (65 percent), verify benefits (61 percent), and train office staff (61 percent). Today, 41 percent of physicians have patients enrolled in consumer-driven health care plans.
Thanks to all who participated in the survey. AMA members can read (PDF, 31.2KB) a more detailed summary of the results.
>>Return to your general news contents
4) AMA Foundation seeks everyday heroes in medicine
Recognizing the extraordinary efforts of leaders in the medical community, the AMA Foundation honors those who go beyond the call of duty to improve the health of our nation. With that, the AMA Foundation, in association with the Pfizer Medical Humanities Initiative, honors a select group of physicians and medical students who represent the highest standards of volunteerism, public service and leadership each year.
The Excellence in Medicine Awards include:
- The Pride in the Profession Awards—four domestic physicians aiding underserved U.S. patients
- The Dr. Nathan Davis International Award—one domestic physician aiding the international population
- The Jack B. McConnell, MD, Award—one domestic senior physician improving access to care in the U.S.
- The Leadership Awards—medical students, residents and fellows, early career physicians, and established physicians who demonstrate outstanding nonclinical leadership skills in community service, education, public health and/or advocacy.
All awards will be presented at the AMA Foundation Excellence in Medicine Awards banquet March 31, 2008, in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about these awards and nominate someone. Nominations are due Dec. 7.
>>Return to your general news contents
5) In Virtual Mentor: A glance at the parental-fetal disconnect
If a right to parenthood exists, what obligation, if any, does it impose on physicians to provide assisted reproductive technology (ART) services, given the uncertain promise of benefit and the potential expense and risk? And when, if ever, can physicians infringe that right? These questions are just a few of the many explored in the September issue of the AMA online ethics journal, Virtual Mentor. This months issue focusing on the "parental-fetal disconnect," examines the physician's role in protecting the fetus and in managing conflicts between the wishes of the parents and the best interests of the offspring they seek to have, often with the aid of ART.
Articles cover such topics as balancing the best interest of a pregnant mother with cervical cancer and her fetus, discouraging women who have transplanted organs from becoming pregnant, and holding pregnant women who smoke accountable for health-related issues with the fetus.
Read the September issue.>>Return to your general news contents
6) In JAMA: Preliminary research suggests frequent hemodialysis at night may improve some outcomes for patients with end-stage kidney disease
Patients who received hemodialysis at night six times a week for treatment of end-stage kidney disease had improvements on certain outcomes, including reduced need for blood pressure medications and improvement in selected quality of life measures, compared to patients who received conventional hemodialysis three times weekly, according to an article in the Sept. 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
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