Ronald M. Davis, MD
Physicians pioneering quality improvement
Improving the quality of health care is a critically important challenge facing our nation's health care system. A number of health care quality issues (including serious gaps and disparities in care) and the steady increase in health care costs have led to an intensified demand for ways to measure and improve the quality of care provided by physicians.
Through the Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement® (PCPI), organized medicine is proactively responding to those demands. Convened by the AMA, PCPI takes the lead in the development, testing, and maintenance of evidence-based clinical performance measures and measurement resources for physicians.
PCPI brings together the expertise of physicians representing a vast range of specialties and several government agencies, (PDF, 27KB) including more than 100 national medical specialty and state medical societies; the Council of Medical Specialty Societies; the American Board of Medical Specialties and its member boards; experts in methodology and data collection; the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
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Please send comments, questions, and replies to amaprez@ama-assn.org.
eVoice®
Oct. 11, 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) First for-profit med school nears approval
2) AMA offers new CME newsletter online
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender physician issues
1) GLMA and HRC Foundation release Healthcare Equality Index report
2) Congratulations to members of the AMA Advisory Committee on GLBT Issues
3) AMA-GLBT Issues Advisory Committee Chair receives 2007 GLMA Achievement Award
Group practice physician issues
1) In AMNews: Protecting patient records from an information breach
2) "Hospitalists" —a new name for primary care physicians?
3) AMA practice tip: Stop losing revenue due to inappropriate health plan adjustments
International medical graduate issues
1) AMA Foundation seeks leaders in medicine
2) AMA seeks 2008 nominations to councils
3) Make your voice heard at the 2007 Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates
4) Network with colleagues from AMA sections and special groups
Medical school news
1) Last call for 2007 AMA Interim Meeting resolutions
2) In AMNews: Online open house may be a first in recruiting resident physicians
3) Register now for AMA webcast on college high-risk drinking
Medical student issues
1) Take part in the 2007 AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting
2) Check out the latest research opportunities for medical students, residents and fellows
3) AMA-MSS Chapter Project of the Week: Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University
4) October issue of Virtual Mentor now available
Minority health issues and professional concerns of minority physicians
1) AMA Doctors Back to School visits scheduled for this fall
2) 2008 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program accepting applications
3) Save the Date: National Latino AIDS Awareness Day Oct. 15
Organized medical staff issues
1) Register today for the 2007 AMA-OMSS Interim Assembly Meeting in Hawaii
2) Ian Morrison to keynote Gary F. Krieger, MD, Memorial Lecture at the 2007 AMA-OMSS Interim Assembly Meeting
3) Contact Congress to prevent future Medicare physician payment cuts
4) Joint Commission conducting two-part audio conference on new leadership standards and Standard MS.1.20
5) AMA Doctors Back to School visits scheduled for this fall
Resident and fellow issues
1) In AMNews: Bush CHIP veto shifts focus to override votes
2) AMA-RFS accepting nominations for AMA-RFS Recognition of Excellence Award
3) Learn to invest in yourself
Senior physicians issues
1) AMA Foundation spotlights senior physician volunteers helping improve access to care
2) Researchers find average Medicare prescription drug premiums to rise 21 percent
3) AMA offers new CME newsletter online
Women physician and women's health issues
1) In AMNews: Gender discrimination still an issue for women doctors
2) Mark your calendar: AMA welcome reception Nov. 9
Young physician issues
1) Young physicians: Mark your calendars for special events in Honolulu
2) AMA Doctors Back to School visits scheduled for this fall
3) Tell us what's really on your mind
4) New AMA resource highlights Medicare Advantage private fee-for-service plans
General AMA news:
1) AMA and AARP call on Senate to avert Medicare physician payment cuts, protect seniors from steep premium increases
2) Last chance to file for funds under BCBS settlement; deadline is Oct. 19
3) Contact Congress—new law could add to loan debt burden
4) Health savings accounts at a glance
5) Are you experiencing inaccurate health plan provider listings?
6) On Sermo: How would you diagnose this patient?
7) In JAMA: Comparison of managed care programs suggests Medicaid patients receive lower-quality care than patients in commercial programs
Your news interests
Sign up to receive customized AMA eVoice messages.
Faculty practice physician issues
1) First for-profit med school nears approval
The concept of a for-profit medical school is coming to a realization with the opening of the Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Parker, Colo. The Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation has now awarded the school provisional accreditation. The school is expected to be fully accredited, joining 149 other public and private medical schools in the U.S., according to the Oct. 1 issue of American Medical News (AMNews). The school's educational outcomes are expected to be the same as any other nonprofit school. No guidelines were provided on profits the school is expected to generate.
View the AMNews article.
2) AMA offers new CME newsletter online
The AMA offers a free quarterly newsletter online, AMA Therapeutic Insights, focusing on one therapeutic topic per issue. Featured in the latest newsletter is dyslipidemia in adults, with recommendations offered for therapy for patients at high risk for cardiovascular diseases. Each issue will focus on a specific topic and offer state and national prescribing data that will include evidence-based guidelines for treatment. The goal of the publication is to offer physicians insight into various diseases and their treatments to improve physician knowledge and practice. In addition, AMA Therapeutic Insights has been certified for AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM.
Learn more and view the current issue.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender physician issues
1) GLMA and HRC Foundation release Healthcare Equality Index report
Last week, the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation released their initial report on the Healthcare Equality Index. These findings are based on a survey that went out to various U.S. hospitals and addresses the five areas of greatest concern to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender patients: patient non-discrimination, visitation, medical decision-making, cultural competency training for staff and employment policies.
View and download a copy of the report.
2) Congratulations to members of the AMA Advisory Committee on GLBT Issues
The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) conference took place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Sept. 26–29. While there, two members of the AMA Advisory Committee on GLBT Issues were inducted into positions of leadership within the GLMA. AMA-GLBT Advisory Committee Vice Chair Jason Schneider, MD, was inducted as the 2007–2008 president of the GLMA, and AMA-GLBT Advisory Committee Member at Large Rebecca Allison, MD, was inducted as president-elect. Congratulations to both Dr. Schneider and Dr. Allison.
3) AMA-GLBT Issues Advisory Committee Chair receives 2007 GLMA Achievement Award
The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) presented its annual Achievement Awards—its highest level of acknowledgement—honoring significant work in advancing the well-being of GLBT individuals. AMA-GLBT Advisory Committee Chair Paul Wertsch, MD, was honored with one of these awards due to what he has accomplished with the advisory committee. He and his wife were also acknowledged as strong allies to the GLBT community.
View the full story and learn more about other recipients.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Group practice physician issues
1) In AMNews: Protecting patient records from an information breach
As electronic records hold more personal information, there are now an increasing number of state laws that protect the patient in the event of disclosures. While most have probably heard stories about employees or others tapping patient information systems for identity theft, it seems the more frequent problem is snooping-curious staff or others with system access who look at information they're not authorized to see. According to the Oct. 1 issue of American Medical News (AMNews), the biggest security breach in patient information, surprisingly, is not identity theft, but simply office workers telling others what it was they saw in a file. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and an increasing number of state laws focus on information disclosures.
View the AMNews article.
2) "Hospitalists" —a new name for primary care physicians?
The trend for "hospitalists" is growing. In 1997, there were roughly 100 doctors classifying themselves as hospitalists. Today, there are roughly 20,000 in this category, according to a recent article in the Washington Post. A hospitalist, sometimes known as a "inpatient physicians" or "admitting officers," are physicians who spend 25 to 100 percent of their time in a hospital. The majority of hospitals in the U.S. have hospitalists, and most are internists, but 11 percent list themselves as pediatricians. In a recent study by the AMA, nearly three-quarters of primary care physicians said hospitalists provide them "a valuable service."
3) AMA practice tip: Stop losing revenue due to inappropriate health plan adjustments
The AMA developed an educational resource entitled, "Is your practice losing revenue through inappropriate health plan adjustments?" to alert physician practices of the need to carefully review health plan explanations of benefits in order to pinpoint and address underpayments based on inappropriate adjustments by the health plan.
Members can access (PDF, 176 KB) this resource.
>>Return to your news interest contents
International medical graduate issues
1) AMA Foundation seeks leaders in medicine
Have you or someone you know exhibited outstanding leadership in organized medicine, advocacy, community service, public health or education? Medical students, resident/fellow physicians, early career physicians and established physicians are encouraged to apply for the 2008 AMA Foundation Leadership Awards. As a program of the AMA Foundation Excellence in Medicine Awards, the AMA Foundation Leadership Awards are presented in collaboration with the AMA sections and special groups and in association with the Pfizer Medical Humanities Initiative.
The AMA Foundation Leadership Awards program aims to:
- Reward outstanding nonclinical leadership skills in community service, education, public health and/or advocacy
- Encourage involvement in organized medicine
- Provide leadership development for the country's brightest and most energetic leaders in the medical field
Award recipients receive paid travel expenses to the AMA Foundation's Leadership Awards program and the AMA's National Advocacy Conference from March 30 to April 2, 2008, in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about the awards and apply. Applications are due Dec. 7.
In addition to the leadership awards, the AMA Foundation Excellence in Medicine Awards include the Pride in the Profession, Dr. Nathan Davis International and the Jack B. McConnell, MD, Awards.
2) AMA seeks 2008 nominations to councils
The AMA is currently soliciting nominations to its councils for 2008. The AMA's elected councils are: the AMA Council on Constitution and Bylaws, the AMA Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs, the AMA Council on Medical Education, the AMA Council on Medical Service, and the AMA Council on Science and Public Health. The AMA's appointed councils are: the American Medical Political Action Committee, the AMA Council on Legislation, and the AMA Council on Long Range Planning and Development.
Learn more and obtain instructions for the nomination process.
3) Make your voice heard at the 2007 Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates
Attend the following AMA-IMG Section events at the 2007 Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates at the Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu, and make sure your voice is heard on important AMA-IMG Section issues.
- AMA-IMG Section Congress—4:30–6 p.m., Nov. 9,
- AMA-IMG Section Caucus—5:30–7 p.m., Nov. 10
- AMA-IMG Delegate Caucus—8–9:30 a.m., Nov. 12
- AMA-IMG Leadership Session, “"Communication effectively"—9:30–11:30 a.m., Nov. 12
Register for these events. The deadline for registration is Nov. 1.
4) Network with colleagues from AMA sections and special groups
All AMA-IMG Section physicians are invited to attend the following joint AMA sections and special groups events held at the 2007 Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates in Honolulu. Don't miss out on the following events:
- AMA sections and special groups luau—9–11 p.m., Nov. 8
- Continuing medical education session, "The future of medicine," and lunch—12–1:30 p.m., Nov. 9
- AMA welcoming reception, honoring the AMA Women Physicians Congress—6–7 p.m., Nov. 9
- Educational session, "Washington update"—8–8:30 a.m., Nov. 10
>>Return to your news interest contents
Medical school news
(Brought to you by the AMA Section on Medical Schools)
1) Last call for 2007 AMA Interim Meeting resolutions
The AMA-SMS Governing Council seeks ideas and/or language for resolutions that address areas of importance to academic physicians. As a reminder, the focus of the 2007 Interim Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates is on advocacy and legislation.
Send an e-mail to Jackie Drake with questions or your proposed resolution.
2) In AMNews: Online open house may be a first in recruiting resident physicians
California's Kaiser Permanente recently held an online residency open house in conjunction with its on-campus event. The aim was to attract a national audience and appeal to technologically savvy medical students, according to an article in the Oct. 8 issue of American Medical News (AMNews).
View the AMNews article.
3) Register now for AMA webcast on college high-risk drinking
The AMA is concluding a highly successful decade-long Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant that addressed college high-risk drinking. A 60-minute webcast with an expert panel from the AMA, Louisiana State University, University of Iowa, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Brown University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be held on Oct. 23 from noon to 1 p.m. CST. The panel will discuss the incidence of and problems related to college high-risk and underage drinking on student well-being, effects on the campus and community, and evidence-based policy strategies to reduce problems.
Register for the webcast.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Medical student issues
1) Take part in the 2007 AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting
Please join us for the 2007 AMA-MSS Interim Assembly Meeting Nov. 8–10 at the Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu. Join us for an exciting meeting, including policymaking sessions, educational sessions, a research poster symposium and more.
Although the deadline to register electronically has passed, you can still register on-site at the Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu.
Access more information about the meeting, including a draft agenda.
2) Check out the latest research opportunities for medical students, residents and fellows
The AMA Foundation announced a call for proposals for the Seed Grant Research Program for medical students, physician residents and fellows. Grants of $2,500 will help young scientists conduct basic science, applied or clinical research projects.
Grants will be awarded in five research categories: cardiovascular/pulmonary diseases, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS, leukemia, neoplastic diseases and secondhand smoke. Applications are due by Dec. 3, and recipients will be announced in March 2008.
The AMA Foundation also sponsors the National and Regional Student Research Forums. Students and residents convene at these forums to present their research, receive meaningful feedback and participate in scholarly discussions with their peers and established scientists. Awards are presented to the top-rated oral and poster presentations. The 2008 forums will be held in California, Nebraska, Florida and Texas.
Learn more and apply for these opportunities.
3) AMA-MSS Chapter Project of the Week: Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University
Medical students at Brown University will hold their first annual health fair in Providence, R.I. The health fair will consist of educational talks from health care workers throughout the day, demonstrations on healthy cooking, distribution of first-aid kits and disaster readiness kits, and performance of health screenings along with much more.
This project was funded by an AMA-MSS chapter involvement grant (CIG). CIGs are available to AMA-MSS chapters to help put student projects and recruitment events into action. Chapters are eligible for $1,000 per academic year with a maximum of $500 per event.
If your chapter has a project that it would like to get started, apply for a CIG.
4) October issue of VirtualMentor now available
The October issue of VirtualMentor explores the themes of medicine, ethics and war. The article, "Maintaining medical neutrality in conflict zones," opens with a hypothetical situation in which a medical student who works in a clinic in Uganda and is in charge for the evening is told that a group of wounded fighters is coming for help. The fighters' faction is an enemy of the village, and the clinic personnel are worried that helping the fighters will violate trust they have within the village, and may result in violence. They urge the student to close the clinic so the wounded fighters will go elsewhere. What should the student do?
Two authors tackle the question and come to the conclusion that the primary duty of doctors is to provide help to all those who come to them for aid. The neutrality of healers is recognized by almost every society on earth, and unless this neutrality is violated by the doctors, they are rarely, if ever, attacked for giving aid, even to enemies.
View this article and others in the October issue of Virtual Mentor.
>>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) AMA Doctors Back to School visits scheduled for this fall
The AMA Doctors Back to School (DBTS) program is calling on physicians to take part in two DBTS visits this fall:
- Oct. 23—Pershing West Magnet School in Chicago
- Nov. 8—Mililani Middle School in Mililani, Hawaii (just outside of Waikiki, Hawaii)
DBTS is a program that aims to raise awareness of the need for more minority physicians and to encourage children from underrepresented minority groups to look at medicine as a career option.
Learn more about the program. Send an e-mail to Wilda Knox if you would like to take part in one of the visits listed above.
2) 2008 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program accepting applications
The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation is accepting applications for its 2008 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program. This program is open to college seniors and recent college graduates who have a strong interest in addressing racial and ethnic health disparities, or who are themselves a member of a population that is adversely affected by racial and ethnic health disparities.
Learn more and apply. Applications are due Dec. 14.
3) Save the Date: National Latino AIDS Awareness Day Oct. 15
National Latino AIDS Awareness Day raises awareness of issues concerning the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS with the Hispanic/Latino population living in the United States and abroad. Hispanics account for approximately 14 percent of the U.S. population, but comprise almost 19 percent of the U.S. AIDS diagnoses in 2005. This observance was initiated in 2003 by the Latino Commission on AIDS and the Hispanic Federation in partnership with faith and community organizations.
Access the AMA's PolicyFinder, and enter the search terms, "HIV" and "AIDS," to learn more about AMA policy related to HIV/AIDS issues.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Organized medical staff issues
1) Register today for the 2007 AMA-OMSS Interim Assembly Meeting in Hawaii
There is still time to register 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 about programming details and the meeting schedule.
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 noon 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 on-site at the conference registration.
Learn more and register.
3) Contact Congress to prevent future Medicare physician payment cuts
The AMA has provided the tools and information to help you learn more about the Medicare physician payment issue so you can talk to your colleagues and members of Congress about the urgent need to prevent future cuts. Access the 2007 AMA Medicare Physician Payment Action Kit.
Contact your U.S. senators and representative today. Find out how, or call the AMA Grassroots hot line at (800) 833-6354 to contact them by phone.
4) Joint Commission conducting two-part audio conference on new leadership standards and Standard MS.1.20
The Joint Commission is conducting a free, two-part audio conference on the new leadership standards and Standard MS.1.20 at 1 p.m. CST Oct. 25 and Nov. 1. By participating in both calls, listeners will understand the revisions to the leadership chapter and the rationale for those changes, recognize the connection between Standard MS.1.20 and the revised leadership standards, and learn the details of the application of MS.1.20.
Learn more about the two-part audio conference.
5) AMA Doctors Back to School visits scheduled for this fall
The AMA Doctors Back to School (DBTS) program is calling on physicians to take part in two DBTS visits this fall:
- Oct. 23—Pershing West Magnet School in Chicago
- Nov. 8—Mililani Middle School in Mililani, Hawaii (just outside of Waikiki, Hawaii)
DBTS is a program that aims to raise awareness of the need for more minority physicians and to encourage children from underrepresented minority groups to look at medicine as a career option.
Send an e-mail to Wilda Knox if you would like to take part in one of the visits listed above.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Resident and fellow issues
1) In AMNews: Bush CHIP veto shifts focus to override votes
Supporters are working to override a presidential veto of the $35 billion State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) expansion that Congress adopted in September, according to an article in the Oct. 15 issue of American Medical News (AMNews). The bill was passed with majority by the Senate on Sept. 27. Bush vetoed the bill on Oct. 3 because of concerns that it would raise taxes and cover too many children from wealthier families who already are enrolled in private plans. The AMA is a strong supporter of the bill and is lobbying for an override. "The AMA strongly urges members of Congress from both political parties to stand on the side of America's parents and children by voting to override the veto," said AMA Board Chair Edward L. Langston, MD.
Read the AMNews article.
2) AMA-RFS accepting nominations for AMA-RFS Recognition of Excellence Award
The AMA-RFS Recognition of Excellence Award is given to an individual, group or organization that has made a significant impact on residents and fellows through his or her commitment to improve health care for all patients and who has made significant contributions to the lives of our nation's future physicians and other health care providers. Established in 1999, the award also provides an incentive to encourage physicians to continue to participate in community service activities. The AMA-RFS Governing Council reviews all nominations and selects the recipient. Nominations are due Oct. 26.
Learn more and obtain an application.
3) Learn to invest in yourself
You are involved in several years of training to be a good physician, but are you prepared to be financially savvy? The June 2006 issue of Resident & Staff Physician offers a financial primer of opportunities available during residency and discusses several financial tools.
View the article.
Obtain a wealth of resources to help you manage your finances.
>>Return to your news interest contents
Senior Physicians issues
1) AMA Foundation spotlights senior physician volunteers helping improve access to care
In an effort to recognize medical leaders who provide treatment to U.S. patients lacking access to health care, the AMA Foundation honors senior physicians with the Jack B. McConnell, MD, Award for Excellence in Volunteerism. The award is part of the AMA Foundation's Excellence in Medicine program, in association with the Pfizer Medical Humanities Initiative, and will be presented at the AMA Foundation Excellence in Medicine Awards banquet on March 31, 2008, in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about the Jack B. McConnell, MD, Award and the Excellence in Medicine Awards program, and to apply. Applications are due Dec. 7. Contact Alice Reed by calling (312) 464-5523 or sending an e-mail to Alice Reed if you have additional questions.
The 2007 award recipient was William J. Little, MD, from Racine, Wis. Learn more (PDF, 21KB) about Dr. Little and his commitment to patient care.
2) Researchers find average Medicare prescription drug premiums to rise 21 percent
If consumers stay put in their current Medicare prescription drug plans, the average beneficiary will see a 21 percent increase in their monthly premiums for 2008, according to a new analysis released by Avalere Health. Researchers concluded that popular health plans are raising prices because they understand that seniors are most likely not going to switch carriers, but consumers who shop around may be able to find lower cost alternatives. The top ten prescription drug plan sponsors in Medicare have more than 80 percent of the people enrolled in stand-alone plans. Among those top ten plan sponsors, all have raised their premiums, with the exception of two. The largest increase—89 percent—is in United's Medicare Rx AARP Plan-Saver Prescription Drug Plan, which as of July 2007 had over 900,000 enrollees.
3) AMA offers new CME newsletter online
In recent AMA focus group studies, senior physicians reported that they want to remain current on clinical information. The AMA offers a free online quarterly newsletter, AMA Therapeutic Insights, focusing on one particular therapeutic topic per issue. Featured in the latest newsletter is dyslipidemia in adults, with recommendations offered for therapy for patients at high risk for cardiovascular diseases. Each issue will focus on one specific topic and offer state and national prescribing data that will include evidence-based guidelines for treatment. The goal of the publication is to offer physicians insight into various diseases and their treatments to improve physician knowledge and practice. In addition, AMA Therapeutic Insights has been certified for AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM.
Learn more and view the current issue
>>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: Gender discrimination still an issue for women doctors
An article in the Oct. 8 issue of American Medical News (AMNews) examines a gender discrimination case and ruling by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Issues surrounding gender discrimination in the workplace for women physicians and why it is often hard to quantify gender discrimination in physicians' practices are further explored in the article.
View the AMNews article.
2) Mark your calendar: AMA welcome reception Nov. 9
All AMA-WPC members and attendees of the 2007 AMA Interim meeting are invited to attend the welcome reception sponsored by the AMA-WPC from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 9 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu. Festivities include a special display recognizing those mentors nominated in our first AMA-WPC Physician Mentor Recognition Program.
Learn more about the physician recognition program and to view a list of physicians being honored.
Other AMA section and special groups joint events include:
- Luau—9–11 p.m., Nov. 8
- Continuing medical educational session, "The future of medicine"—12–1:30 p.m., Nov. 9
- Educational session, "Washington update"—8–8:30 a.m., Nov. 10
- AMA-WPC Caucus—6–7:30 p.m., Nov. 10
>>Return to your news interest contents
Young physician issues
1) Young physicians: Mark your calendars for special events in Honolulu
If you haven't already done so, now is the time to make your travel plans for the 2007 AMA-YPS Interim Assembly Meeting, scheduled Nov. 8–10 in Honolulu.
Learn more and download a complete schedule of AMA-YPS Assembly sessions. Young physicians are also encouraged to attend the following events:
- AMA sections and special groups joint reception—The AMA sections and special groups are hosting a joint reception from 9 to 11 p.m., Nov. 8 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu. This event is a great opportunity to meet with fellow AMA-YPS members and also network with colleagues from other AMA sections and special groups.
- AMA welcome reception—A welcome reception, hosted by the AMA Women Physicians Congress, is scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Nov. 9 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu.
- C. Clayton Griffin, MD, memorial luncheon/educational session—Scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m., Nov. 9 at the Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu, this session will focus on administrative simplification and automation of the physician practice.
- "Washington update"—Young physicians are invited to join the AMA Organized Medical Staff Section for a "Washington update," followed by a presentation on the keys to successful implementation of the new Joint Commission Medical Staff Standard, at 8 a.m., Nov. 10 at the Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu.
Send an e-mail if you have questions about the 2007 AMA-YPS Interim Assembly Meeting or any of these events.
2) AMA Doctors Back to School visits scheduled for this fall
The AMA Doctors Back to School (DBTS) program is calling on physicians to take part in two DBTS visits this fall:
- Oct. 23—Pershing West Magnet School in Chicago
- Nov. 8—Mililani Middle School in Mililani, Hawaii (just outside of Waikiki, Hawaii)
DBTS is a program that aims to raise awareness of the need for more minority physicians and to encourage children from underrepresented minority groups to look at medicine as a career option.
Learn more. Send an e-mail to Wilda Knox if you would like to take part in one of the visits listed above.
3) 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 Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Annual Meeting in Baltimore.
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:
8–10 a.m., Oct. 29
Baltimore Marriott Waterfront
700 Aliceanna St.
Room: Grand Ballroom III
Baltimore, MD 21202
Breakfast will be served.
To attend, please R.S.V.P. by sending an e-mail or call (800) 262-3211. If sending an e-mail, enter "ASPS Meet and Greet" as the subject line.
4) New AMA resource highlights Medicare Advantage private fee-for-service plans
Private fee-for-service plans are perhaps the most confusing and least understood of the various kinds of Medicare Advantage plans in operation. They also are the fastest growing type of Medicare Advantage plan. The AMA has created a new one-page flier, "10 things you need to know about Medicare Advantage private fee-for-service plans," to be used in physicians' offices for quick reference on the basic operation of these plans.
View and download a copy of this resource.
>>Return to your news interest contents
General AMA news
1) AMA and AARP call on Senate to avert Medicare physician payment cuts, protect seniors from steep premium increases
A joint television ad from the AMA and AARP began airing this week in select areas of the country and Washington, D.C., to spur congressional action to preserve Medicare patients' access to health care.
Over the next two years, Medicare will cut payments to physicians 15 percent, while practice costs increase 20 percent. And since 2000, Medicare patients have seen their premiums double. In the joint TV ad, the AMA and AARP ask, "If doctors are forced to downsize their practices and Medicare premiums rise even higher, how will you get the care you need?"
AMA and AARP are calling on the Senate to take action similar to the House of Representatives, which passed legislation to eliminate $54 billion in excess payments to private insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans. Only one in five seniors is enrolled in Medicare Advantage, but these excess payments to insurers are coming out of everybody's pockets.
"By eliminating excess payments to Medicare Advantage plans, Congress can put the savings to good use to stop the next two years of Medicare cuts to doctors and instead update payments to help cover increasing costs, while limiting premium increases for seniors," said AMA Board Chair Edward L. Langston, MD.
Other elements of the joint effort include advocacy at the national level and a series of print ads and opinion pieces in newspapers around the country.
In related news, the AMA, AARP and National Rural Health Association held a briefing on Oct. 10 on Capitol Hill to highlight concerns about the implementation of private Medicare insurance plans in rural America, and ways to improve access to care for rural Medicare beneficiaries. AMA Board Member Ardis D. Hoven, MD, made the case for restoring balance between payment to Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare.
View the new TV ad.
>>Return to your general news contents
2) Last chance to file for funds under BCBS settlement; deadline is Oct. 19
**Editor's note: The Oct. 10 AMA eVoice alert mistakenly reported the Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement payment to total $131 billion instead of $131 million. We apologize for the error.
You may be entitled to a share of the recent $131 million Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) settlement of class action multi-district litigation brought by the nation's physicians.
To get your fair share you must file a complete claim form by Oct. 19. The AMA makes it easy—visit the Web site for full details and the claim form.
Please remember:
- Those eligible for funds include physicians, physician groups or physician organizations who provided covered services to any individual enrolled in or covered by BCBS plans at any time between May 22, 1999, and May 31, 2007.
- View an interactive map that shows a list of settling and non-settling BCBS plans and subsidiaries.
- Questions regarding the settlement may be directed to the settlement administrator at (877) 893-2643 or answered by visiting the Web site.
This and other settlements, which took years to reach, are prime examples of physicians standing together to achieve a common goal. The AMA is proud of the individual physicians and state and county medical associations involved in the case, and has supported their efforts by providing technical assistance, particularly with respect to improper application of CPT codes, guidelines and conventions.
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3) Contact Congress—new law could add to loan debt burden
A key provision in a new education financing law could adversely affect loan repayments for up to 67 percent of resident physicians. The AMA urges all medical students and early-career physicians to call on members of Congress to fix this problem.
At issue is the recent elimination of the "20/220" rule—a regulation that had enabled many resident physicians to qualify for economic hardship deferment, and defer payment for three years without accruing interest on subsidized loans. Residents qualified if their debt burden was greater than 20 percent of their income, and if their income minus their debt burden was not greater than 220 percent of the federal poverty level.
As part of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (H.R. 2669), which was signed into law Sept. 27 and took effect Oct. 1, the 20/220 rule no longer exists. Instead, under a new program, loan repayments would be capped at 15 percent of the borrower's income that is above 150 percent of the federal poverty level. But the new program does not begin until July 1, 2009.
The AMA feels strongly that elimination of the 20/220 rule in the middle of the year is disruptive and unfairly hits resident physicians at a time when they will be least able to make monthly payments on their education loans. The average resident earns just over $43,000 a year and carries a debt burden of more than $130,000.
The AMA urges its members to contact the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and physician members of Congress. Please urge them to do the following:
- Restore the 20/220 rule that was eliminated in the College Cost Reduction and Access Act.
- Delay the elimination of the 20/220 rule until July 1, 2009, to coincide with the start of the new loan repayment program.
Medical students: Learn more about the new student loan deferment provisions, and obtain contact information for the House Education and Labor Committee, the Senate HELP Committee and physician members of Congress. You can also view a letter sent to House and Senate leadership from the AMA and an analysis of how these changes will affect you and your student loan burden.
Residents: Learn more about the new student loan deferment provisions, obtain contact information for the House Education and Labor Committee, the Senate HELP Committee and physician members of Congress, and view a letter from the AMA to House and Senate leadership.
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4) Health savings accounts at a glance
The AMA has published the second edition of "Health savings accounts at a glance," an advocacy brochure first published in 2004, following the authorization of health savings accounts (HSAs). This resource uses question-and-answer format to explain how HSAs work, why HSAs should be considered, and where additional information about HSAs can be found. The new edition updates HSA dollar limits, reflects legislative changes and features two new sections offering practical guidance to patients and physicians. It is anticipated that "Health savings accounts at a glance" will continue to serve as a valuable, concise primer on HSAs.
Download a copy of the brochure. Contact the AMA Division of Socioeconomic Policy Development by calling (312) 464-4985 to obtain hard copies of the brochure.
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5) Are you experiencing inaccurate health plan provider listings?
The AMA Practice Management Center seeks examples of inaccuracies contained in health plan's physician provider listings. These inaccurate listings cause confusion among patients, interfere with the patient-physician relationship and require physicians and their staff to spend a significant amount of time and effort to get them corrected.
If you have experienced inaccurate health plan provider listings, please send the example(s) that identify the health insurer and include a brief description of the inaccuracy via e-mail or via fax to PMC at (312) 464-5541.
The AMA Practice Management Center will use this information to identify health insurer inaccuracies that require further action.
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6) On Sermo: How would you diagnose this patient?
My patient is a 43-year-old male who I started on Lipitor to lower his cholesterol. At his six-month follow up, his cholesterol was lower, but his creatine kinase (CK) test—a marker of muscle breakdown (which can occur as a side effect from this class of medications)—was markedly elevated. However, he expressed no symptoms of this occurring. I stopped his Lipitor as a result, and his CK levels decreased but still remained somewhat elevated. He had a muscle biopsy and an electromyography (EMG) to look for muscle damage, and both were normal. My question is, does this seem like a case of asymptomatic elevation of his CK? Should I perform any other tests? Should he be restarted on another type of cholesterol lowering medication?
Right now, physicians on Sermo are coming together to discuss differential diagnoses for this patient and possible causes.
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7) In JAMA: Comparison of managed care programs suggests Medicaid patients receive lower-quality care than patients in commercial programs
Medicaid managed care enrollees appear to receive lower-quality care than patients enrolled in commercial managed care programs, according to a study in the Oct. 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
Preview this study.
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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.
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.
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