FEBRUARY 2008 | Volume 14: Number 1
Unpaid Claims Piling Up? Increase Your Cash Flow! Special Center Insert:
SCCMA Guide to Health Plan Obligations
Looking for Long Term Care Insurance?
Y
ou are not alone. Every day, more and more members are evaluating their need for long term care insurance. They hear about it on TV, read articles in magazines, get information off the Internet, receive offers through the mail and have sales agents calling them. With so many products and places to choose from, where do you turn for assistance?
As a member of Santa Clara County Medical Association, you don’t have to worry. That’s because you have access to Long Term Care Insurance specialists from Marsh, the Association’s sponsored insurance program broker and administrator. When you call Marsh at 1-800-747-5123 ext. 7221, you’ll get the first-rate service you deserve from licensed consultants. Sponsored by:
Your Association-endorsed Long Term Care Insurance Consultant will ... � Tell you about the 5% member discount offered by two insurance carriers � Offer needs-based analysis based on your personal situation and budget � Help guide you through the long term care insurance buying process � Custom-tailor a plan for you What’s more, you’ll never be pressured to buy and you’re never under any obligation. Discuss this important decision with a source you can trust.
Call toll-free � 1-800-747-5123 ext. 7221 today. Administered by:
© 2007 Seabury & Smith Insurance Program Management • 12/07 • CA License #0633005 777 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90017 • 800-842-3761 • www.MarshAffinity.com • CMACounty.Insurance@marsh.com Marsh is part of the family of MMC companies, including Kroll, Guy Carpenter, Mercer, and the Oliver Wyman Group (including Lippincott and NERA Economic Consulting).
SCCMA the
bulletin
Santa Clara County Medical Association Bulletin
Table of Contents the Editor’s Desk… 4 From Joseph S. Andresen, MD
Printed in U.S.A.
Report 5 President’s Atul S. Sheth, MD James G. Hindsdale Testifies Before the Department of 6 Dr. Managed Health Care New Biomonitoring Program: 8 California’s What Are the Poisons Within? Cindy Lee Russell, MD
9 NORCAL Declares 2007 Dividend Waste Management 10 Medical The County of Santa Clara, Department of Environmental Health 12 Santa Clara County Medical Association Annual Awards SCCMA Guide to Health Plan Obligations Pullout 16 MEDICO News 18 Classified Ads Officers President Atul S. Sheth, MD President-Elect Jerry A. Hanson, MD Past President Donald J. Prolo, MD VP-Community Health Martin D. Fenstersheib, MD VP-External Affairs William Lewis, MD VP-Member Services Howard Sutkin, MD VP-Professional Conduct Michael Hirschklau, MD Secretary Thomas M. Dailey, MD Treasurer Martin L. Fishman, MD
Executive Director William C. Parrish, Jr.
House Officer Representative Jacob Ballon, MD
AMA Trustees - SCCMA Donald J. Prolo, MD John D. Longwell, MD (Alternate)
Councilors Community Hospital of Los Gatos:
Judith Dethlefs, MD
Opinions expressed by authors are their own, and not necessarily those of The Bulletin or the Santa Clara County Medical Association. Acceptance of advertising in The Bulletin in no way constitutes approval or endorsement by the Santa Clara County Medical Association of products or services advertised. Address all editorial communication, reprint requests, and advertising to: Pam Jensen, Managing Editor 700 Empey Way San Jose, CA 95128 408/998-8850, ext. 3012 Fax: 408/289-1064 pjensen@sccma.org Copyright 2008 by the Santa Clara County Medical Association.
El Camino Hospital:
SCCMA/CMA Delegation Chair Tanya W. Spirtos, MD
CMA Trustees - SCCMA Martin L. Fishman, MD (District VII) Susan R. Hansen, MD (Solo/Small Group Physician) James G. Hinsdale, MD (District VII) John D. Longwell, MD (Hospital Based Physician)
Editor Joseph S. Andresen, MD
Managing Editor Pam Jensen
Michael Curtis, MD Good Samaritan Hospital:
John Rashkis, MD Kaiser Permanente Hospital:
Allison Schwanda, MD O’Connor Hospital:
Jay Raju, MD Regional Medical Center of San Jose:
Hossein Habibi, MD Saint Louise Regional Hospital:
John Saranto, MD Santa Teresa Community Hospital:
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Efren Rosas, MD Stanford University Medical Center:
Bryan Bohman, MD Santa Clara Valley Medical Center:
Phuong H. Nguyen, MD
FEBRUARY 2008
3
Moreover, this law was intended to ensure to the public continued access to highly skilled health care professionals. This letter is to appeal the arbitrary and capricious nature of your decision to underpay me for my services.
From The
Editor’s
Desk…
This issue of the SCCMA Bulletin includes a reference guide developed jointly by the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association and California Medical Association. This provides a valuable resource on assisting physicians with payment disputes and contract issues with health plans. RICO Settlement Provisions involving Aetna, CIGNA, HealthNet and Anthem/Wellpoint and California Statute and Court Decisions are clearly spelled out in this reference guide.
Your decision to pay less than my reasonable, usual, and customary fee is contrary to one of the unfair practice payment practices identified in regulations implementing A.B. 1455 (Ch. 827, Stats. 2000), legislation that was recently enacted to protect both physicians and patients from this type of unfair payment practice. Moreover, this law was intended to ensure to the public continued access to highly skilled health care professionals. This letter is to appeal the arbitrary and capricious nature of your decision to underpay me for my services.
Did you know that Statute and Court Decisions have determined the following definition of medical
Read on to learn more about your rights as a health
necessity? “For HMOs and most Blue Cross and Blue
care provider and patient advocate!
Shield health plans, state law mandates that (1) the physician be the determiner of the patient’s needs
Also included in this Bulletin issue is an update
and (2) medical decisions not be unduly influenced
on California’s New Biomonitoring Program
by fiscal and administrative management.”
submitted by Dr. Cindy Russell, Chair of the SCCMA Environmental Health Committee. Dr. James
Did you know that Statute and Court Decisions have
Hinsdale, President, Northern California Trauma
set the following payment guidelines for medical
Medical Group and CMA, Vice-Chair, Board of
services? “HMOs, PPOs and other health insurers
Trustees testifies before the Department of Managed
must adopt payment policies, rules for adjudicating
Health Care (DMHC) on a proposal to prohibit
claims, and claims editing software that are, when
balance billing of patients receiving emergency care.
available, consistent with CPT and standards
Best wishes to all for a happy and healthy New Year!
accepted by nationally recognized medical societies and organizations, federal regulatory bodies, and
Respectfully Submitted,
major accrediting organizations. These policies must
Joseph Andresen, MD | Editor
be disclosed by health plans and their contracted entities on the Internet or on written request.” What do you do if you are underpaid for medical
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services? Here is an example of a sample letter: To Whom It May Concern:
FEBRUARY 2008
I have received your partial payment for
4
facility) in (city and state) on (date).
the emergent medical care I provided to the above referenced patient at (name of hospital/
The
President’s Report
Over the past two years, the leadership of the Santa Clara County Medical Association has been grappling with issues related to the medical association and its affiliated businesses. These matters are complex, with many of them having never been dealt with in the past. After many heated discussions and extensive debates, the Executive Council approved consulting with an outside accounting firm to examine the finances of both the SCCMA and the Bureau of Medical Economics (BME). The law firm of Hoge, Fenton, Jones, & Appel was also retained to analyze the articles of incorporation and bylaws governing both organizations. Reports from both the consulting and law firms were submitted in June 2007 for review. Leadership terms for both the SCCMA and the BME start in July 2007. Subsequently, for the next several months, the
who wish to return the SCCMA to calmer days. After
new leadership extensively studied the reports and
all, this is a membership organization that belongs
discussed its findings at various meetings. The major
to you, the reader.
issues brought up were the CEO compensation
model and the finances for the SCCMA and the
As we look ahead, I plan on including financial
BME.
reports of the organization and focusing on matters
that benefit all members. Your area representative
On November 6, 2007, a Council meeting, open
Counsilors are listed and your concerns can be
to all members for their comments and concerns,
expressed directly to them, greatly helping the
was held at the SCCMA headquarters. The decision
organization grow stronger.
was reached within the leadership to have a special
executive session on November 20, 2007 to vote on
Respectfully Submitted,
the issue of renewing our CEO’s contract. At this
Atul S. Sheth, MD | 2007-2008 SCCMA President
After many heated discussions and extensive debates, the Executive Council approved consulting with an outside accounting firm to examine the finances of both the SCCMA and the Bureau of Medical Economics (BME)…
meeting, all voting members were present with the exception of one member, who was allowed to vote electronically. After due consideration, the Council voted 12-7 in favor of the motion of not supporting
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the renewal of the CEO’s contract. At this time, a CEO Search Committee is being formed to locate a suitable individual who will exemplify the objectives of the SCCMA. While this is a difficult process, I encourage the input of those
FEBRUARY 2008
5
My message is simple: Prohibiting physicians from sending a fair bill for their services will destroy the system of state trauma care and backfire. You will destroy the very care already being provided. Testimony by Dr. James G. Hinsdale before DMHC, Burbank, CA October 24, 2007
Dr. James G. Hindsdale Testifies Before the
Department of Managed Health Care Good morning. I am Dr. Jim Hinsdale from San Jose. I have practiced trauma and emergency surgery in California for over 30 years. I am the leader of the Northern California Trauma Medical Group, the largest group of trauma surgeons in California. We come from Stanford University. Also under my direction are surgical specialists in neurosurgery, orthopedics, plastics, thoracic, vascular, eye, ENT, and urologic surgery, totaling well over 100 surgeons. We are the specialists for the three major community trauma centers serving the San Francisco Bay Area. This is one of the most mature trauma systems in the United States and has served as a model for the rest of our country.
physician’s usual fee! Fees were never raised. This propaganda has got to stop. DMHC has no credibility with backup specialists and has failed to regulate the insurance industry. Sure, they have levied an occasional fine, but DMHC hasn’t stopped the continuing abuses of the insurance industry, and we are dismayed that it never will. Does anyone really believe that DMHC can or will “guarantee” a payment from insurance? This illusory 150% can’t be guaranteed at all. We all know that. And tied to Medicare, it is destined to go down. This does not attract specialists. They are already bugging out. Insurance has many weapons. First, it ducks a
My message is simple: Prohibiting physicians from
claim with a wrong billing address, forcing doctors
sending a fair bill for their services will destroy the
to rebill. It denies the patient received a “covered”
system of state trauma care and backfire. You will
service. Their favorite is to deny “medical necessity.”
destroy the very care already being provided.
Insurance programs computers to pay 20% less of whatever the doctor bills, figuring the doctor will
I think it is important to understand the specialists.
give up. They ultimately say the doctor’s bill is not
We are the ones called to handle the most severe
“reasonable” and defend this position by using
emergencies—the veritable safety net for the ER
Ingenix, their own biased fee consolidator, and have
safety net. We remove the brain clots that cause
the hubris to define for the world what they think is
death, fix the broken bones, and reconstruct spines.
“reasonable!”
We put disfigured faces back together. My personal forte is stopping bleeding. If you can get to me alive
You have heard the mantra “Get the patient out of
in a helicopter, I will open you up and stop you
the middle” a million times. Well, it is the insurance
from bleeding to death.
industry that put the patient in the middle, by not paying. The patients do not decompensate by
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6
All of us are committed to caring for patients first,
getting a bill. They become involved and insist that
without regard for payment. And so a homeless
their insurance plan back them up. They become
guy gets the same care as Bill Gates. DMHC is
predictable allies of their doctors who rendered
now proposing that the surgeons be blocked from
lifesaving care. DMHC wants a quick fix by
sending their bills to patients, with some promise
preventing doctors from even sending a bill for their
of a “guarantee” of 150% of Medicare. But Medicare
usual fees. That’s a clear win for insurance, and we
has relentlessly slashed payment for the past 10
all know it.
years to a third of what it once was. Now, physicians get accused of billing 300% of Medicare’s reduced
DMHC has asked doctors what they think should
payment. Thus, one-third of 300% is simply the
happen. We have answered, clearly, a thousand
TESTIMONY BEFORE DMHC october times: “Pay our charges. Insurance can go to arbitration later or go
24, 2007 | burbank, ca
only one. We didn’t graduate in the bottom of our class.”
to court, if it feels the need.” In fact, the appellate Prospect decision affirmed just that.
In summary, the consequences of prohibiting sending bills are predictable. The specialists will simply go away. It will be disastrous
We know for sure the claims of “gouging” have been shown to
and bring about the collapse of the trauma system. We won’t get it
be bogus. There has been nothing for the past three years. Most
back. Doctors’ bills aren’t the problem. Doctors are not predators,
doctors’ fees haven’t been raised in years, and yet the insurance
bankrupting their patients. Not a shred of evidence for this has been
industry raises rates, consolidates, and denies care. They have made
produced. The only thing we are certain of is what we read in the
record profits and tried to pay a CEO $1.7 billion last year. Most don’t
Wall Street Journal—the record profits of the insurance industry.
know that insurers have budgeted the money for non-contracted ER
Make the insurance industry back up their patients. You have the
care. Denying payment is pure profit!
charge to do this by law. Please have the guts to do it. Don’t destroy the trauma system. Please listen to us.
It is important to understand how trauma centers are glued together. That is what I do. The emergency physicians are dedicated, but
Thank you.
work under one roof and have nowhere to hide from insurance’s
James G. Hinsdale, MD, FACS
abuses and coercive regulations by DMHC. You may coerce them
President, Northern California Trauma Medical Group, Inc.
and regulate them, but such is not the case for the specialists. They
Executive Director, Trauma Service, Regional Medical Center, San
are well diversified and view ER care as community service. They
Jose, California
will stop covering ERs, if you do this. I know. I’m the number one
Medical Director, Eden Hospital Trauma Service, Castro Valley,
recruiter of trauma specialists in the state. Believe me when I tell you
California
neurosurgeons do not grow on trees.
Medical Director, Marin General Hospital Trauma Service, Marin County, California
Another idea is that government can force the specialists to take call.
Medical Director, California Shock/Trauma Air Rescue, McClellan,
One neurosurgeon told me: “Look, we’re covering at six hospitals
California
already. Please don’t go there. We will just drop out of five and cover
Vice-Chair, Board of Trustees, California Medical Association
What You Should Expect from a CollectionAgency Are
“Results” OUR RECOVERY RATE IS MORE THAN TWICE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE The Bureau of Medical Economics (BME) specializes in health care and is skilled in the delicate art of preserving the level of confidentiality expected in the medical field and in exhibiting caution so as to not damage doctor/patient relations.
Does your collection agency... • • •
Provide you with an early out program with a discounted rate for early payments? Offer extensive skip tracing on your accounts? Collect more than twice the national average and return more than double the amount other physicians receive?
If you have never tried the BME, it’s time that you should. We are the only collection agency endorsed by the Santa Clara County Medical Association and have been for more than fifty years. Bureau of Medical Economics 700 Empey Way, San Jose, CA 95128 408 998-5811 * Fax: 408 998-5850 * e-mail karen@bmesc.com
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FEBRUARY 2008
7
Detectable levels of perchlorate were found in all 2,820 human specimens, indicating wide exposure.
California’s New Biomonitoring Program:
What Are the Poisons Within? Cindy Lee Russell, MD | Chair, SCCMA
Modern biomonitoring
Environmental Health Committee
of chemicals started
After reading the newspaper about toxic chemicals in our environment, did you ever wonder what was really in that deli sandwich with mustard you just ate? Our modern day contaminants are global and come from manufacturing (dioxins), agriculture (pesticides), power plants (mercury), mining (arsenic, mercury), furniture (flame retardants), and transportation (benzene), just to mention a few. They sneak their way into our air, soil, water, food, and breast milk. Some of these persist in our bodies for decades, while others flow in and out with regular exposure. Biomonitoring: Saving Lives and Saving Money
in 1999 by the CDC, once again. Twenty seven chemicals were studied initially from samples of blood and urine. A second report was published in 2003 looking at 116 chemicals. A third study, which was published in 2006, looked at 148 chemicals. These included metabolites of organophosphate pesticides; phalates, which soften PVC plastic; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from air pollution; dioxins from waste incineration and paper bleaching; PCBs; and other manufacturing byproducts.
Rocket Fuel in Your Milk? One of the chemicals studied in the 2006 survey was perchlorate, a component of solid rocket fuel. It is also widely used in manufacturing and is found in airbags, fireworks, Chilean fertilizers, and as
Just what is our exposure to toxic chemicals? What
a byproduct of chlorine generators in swimming
are the adverse effects of these contaminants on
pools. It has been found in cow’s milk and
individual and public health and how can we reduce
contaminated water. Detectable levels of perchlorate
these? These questions have led to modern human
were found in all 2,820 human specimens,
biomonitoring programs designed to measure
indicating wide exposure.
just what is in our tissues. A valuable aspect of biomonitoring is that it provides unequivocal evidence of both exposure and uptake of a toxin. Biomonitoring looks at trends and helps to identify
Perchlorate inhibits iodine uptake by the thyroid. It is not yet known how much of a threat to populations this poses, but the data will be useful with future research.
possible sources. It can help to identify “at risk” populations and enable scientists to respond to
California Contaminants Within
serious environmental public health problems with
Because California has a large population, a lot
accurate information. Most importantly, measuring
of agriculture, and has evidence of some of the
these chemicals can act as a tool to prevent
highest levels of certain chemical contaminants in
exposure and reduce risk of disease on a large
our bodies (brominated flame retardants), a more
scale. This saves lives and money.
intensive biomonitoring program was created here.
Biomonitoring: Getting the Lead Out
The California Contaminant Biomonitoring Program
Biomonitoring in the United States started in 1967 by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Their adipose
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tissue survey monitored organochlorine chemicals in human tissue. Limited biomonitoring of superfund sites continued thereafter. In 1976, a National Health
FEBRUARY 2008
8
and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) started looking at lead levels and ultimately determined the connection between lead levels and gasoline. This led to unleaded gasoline in this country and, most likely, significantly contributed to the increased IQ of many children.
includes a nine-member Scientific Guidance Panel of distinguished leaders in the scientific and environmental fields. Their budget is $5.2 million for the first year, which will be divided among the Department of Toxic Substances Control, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, and the Department of Public Health. This should allow a lot to be accomplished to improve the health and well being of not only California, but the rest of the nation.
NORCAL Declares 2007 Dividend NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company recently
approximately 8.5% of their prior year’s premium
declared a 2007 dividend for eligible policyholders
applied against their 2008 renewal premium. Rhode
in California, Rhode Island, and Alaska. NORCAL
Island policyholders will receive approximately
policyholders and other stakeholders were notified
6.75% of their prior year’s premium and Alaska
of the dividend in mid-October.
policyholders will receive approximately 10% of their prior year’s premium.
The 2007 dividend, which will be returned to policyholders in 2008 in the form of premium
As a mutual company owned by its policyholders,
credits, applies to eligible individual physicians,
NORCAL is committed to returning “excess”
medical groups, and health care facilities in
premium to policyholders in the form of dividends,
California and Rhode Island and individual
whenever conditions allow. In fact, over its 32-year
physicians, medical groups, health care facilities
history, NORCAL has returned approximately $372
and hospitals in Alaska. Urgent care centers and
million in dividends, representing a significant
emergency rooms are not eligible for the dividend.
source of premium relief for the company’s policyholders.
The dividend will not be applied as a flat dollar amount, but rather as a percentage off the
NORCAL encourages policyholders who have any
total annual premium. For eligible California
questions about the 2007 dividend to contact its
policyholders, the dividend will equate to
Policyholder Services Unit at 877/443-7232.
Join us for the 4th annual
SCCMA Environmental Health Conference Series Public Health Through Environmental Health April 2008 Look for updates on the SCCMA website at www.sccma.org for a grand rounds nearest you. Topics include Greening Hospitals, Brominated Flame Retardants, Safer Workplaces, Avoiding Mercury Toxicity. For information call Steve Brazeau at 408/998-8850 ext 3009.
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9
If you choose to have your medical waste picked up by a medical waste hauler, this must be on, at least, a monthly basis.
Medical Waste Management
Regulations for the Small Quantity Generator of Medical Waste
By The County of Santa Clara, Department of Environmental Health The County of Santa Clara, Department of Environmental Health (DEH) is the enforcement agency for facilities and offices that generate any quantity of medical waste. Regulatory authority is the Medical Waste Management Act.
Some medical office buildings (MOB) choose to develop a common storage facility (CSF) to store medical waste from each office until pickup at that site by the medical waste hauler. A CSF allows consolidation of medical waste for SQGs only. The CSF must be secured onsite of the MOB to discourage public entry and the door or some part of the enclosure must have proper signage indicating medical waste storage. The exact
The Act is included in the California Health and
language that must be posted on a sign is found in
Safety Code, Sections 117600-118360. Small
Section 118310 of the Medical Waste Management
Quantity Generator (SQG) requirements are in
Act (Act).
Chapter 4. Other sections of interest for the SQG include Chapter 6, Chapter 8, and Chapter 9.
If you treat medical waste on-site using autoclave (steam sterilization), your facility will be inspected
A SQG of medical waste generates less than 200
by DEH every other year for compliance. If your
pounds of medical waste a month. This category
building makes available a CSF, that site will be
includes most physician, dental, veterinarian, and
inspected once a year by DEH staff.
acupuncture offices. The medical waste generated usually consists of needles and syringes (sharps),
If you choose to have your medical waste picked
blood, or other potentially infectious material from
up by a medical waste hauler, this must be on, at
dressing changes or other activities in the office or
least, a monthly basis. If you generate less than 20
facility.
pounds of medical waste/month, then you can have service on a monthly basis. Otherwise, service must
All generators of medical waste must have a valid
be weekly.
permit issued by the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) and must have a medical waste hauler
As most Santa Clara residents know, untreated
who comes on a regular basis to transport medical
medical waste was illegally disposed nine times in
waste to a treatment facility.
a two-week period early this summer. Four of those incidents were from private medical practices and an
Some SQGs treat medical waste on-site using
MOB. Even though only a few individual practices
autoclaves or steam sterilizers. When the waste is
were involved, since it was one entity, the entire
treated this way, logs of treatment must be kept
MOB was held responsible.
for three years and the waste deemed sterilized
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by the presence of a chemical agent, such as
As a result of these incidents, DEH will be randomly
autoclave tape. Under these conditions, the waste
inspecting MOBs to make sure they have valid
can be disposed as solid waste or garbage. It is not
permits and are in compliance with the Act.
legal in the
FEBRUARY 2008
10
County to treat
If you have questions, please call DEH at
and dispose
408/918-3400 and ask for the Medical Waste
sharps waste
Management program. You can access the Act and
at a municipal
additional medical waste generator information,
landfill.
including a brochure specific to SQG, through our website at www.ehinfo.org.
This is an example of a sign to be used on a door or building
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Santa Clara County Medical Association 700 Empey Way • San Jose, CA 95128 • 408/998-8850 • FAX 408/289-1064 February 2008 TO:
All Members, Santa Clara County Medical Association (SCCMA)
FROM:
Jerry A. Hanson, MD, Chair, 2007-2008 Awards Committee
At the 2008 Medical Association’s annual banquet, the association will honor several individuals with its perpetual awards. These awards are significant honors which reflect the respect, recognition, and appreciation of our membership. The recipients are selected from among our outstanding members who have distinguished themselves with extraordinary service to medicine in general, to the association, to the community, or to medical education. Selections are made by the Awards Committee, with the aid of input from the membership. Your suggestions for recipients for each of the awards outlined on the next page of this memo will be appreciated. Please complete the form below to submit suggestions, keeping in mind the requirements for each award as listed on the opposite page. If you would like to nominate more than one person, or for more than one award, please photocopy this form or send a letter. Suggestions must be received by February 28, 2008. Thank you for your recommendations. If you previously suggested a candidate who was not given an award, please feel free to resubmit that name.
I THINK ________________________________________________________ WOULD BE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THE _______________________________________________________________________________________ (Name of Award) PLEASE ATTACH ALL SUPPORTING INFORMATION, INCLUDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS THAT WILL HELP THE AWARDS COMMITTEE EVALUATE THE CANDIDATE FOR THE AWARD SELECTED. YOU MAY MAIL, FAX, OR EMAIL THE INFORMATION TO PAM JENSEN AT SCCMA. SUBMITTED BY: ____________________________________________________________________________________ MD (Please print) MAIL FORM TO: SCCMA Attn: Pam Jensen 700 Empey Way San Jose, CA 95128 EMAIL: pjensen@sccma.org FAX: 408/289-1064 DEADLINE: February 15, 2008
12
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FEBRUARY 2008
Santa Clara County Medical Association
Annual Awards
ROBERT D. BURNETT, MD LEGACY AWARD For a physician member of the Association who has demonstrated extraordinary visionary leadership, tireless effort, selfless longterm commitment, and success in challenging and advancing the health care community, the well-being of patients, and the most exhalted goals of the medical profession.
BENJAMIN J. CORY, MD AWARD For a physician member of the Association who has displayed forward-looking, pioneering ideas, enterprise, enthusiasm, and prolonged professional stature and ability.
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MEDICINE For a physician member of the Medical Association who, during his/her medical career, has made unique contributions to the betterment of patient care, for which he/she has achieved widespread recognition. Consideration shall be given to research and/or the development of procedures, methods of treatment, pharmaceutical agents, or technological advances in the field of medicine.
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION For a physician member of the Medical Association who has exhibited sustained interest and participation in one or more activities of the Association over and above that expected of the membership at-large.
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION IN MEDICAL EDUCATION For a physician member of the Medical Association who has exhibited sustained interest and participation in one or more medical education activities over and above that expected of the membership at-large.
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION IN COMMUNITY SERVICE For a physician member of the Medical Association who has exhibited sustained interest and participation in one or more activities of the community over and above that expected of the membership at-large.
CITIZEN’S AWARD For an individual who is not a member of the Medical Association, who has achieved public recognition for a significant contribution in the health field. (This usually will be a nonphysician, although physicians are not categorically excluded.)
Benjamin J. Cory, Md Award 1994
Robert W. Jamplis
1995 1996
Christopher C. Chow
1997
Outstanding Contribution To The Medical Association
Outstanding Contribution In Medical Education
Outstanding Achievement In Medicine
Richard M. O’Neill
John B. Shinn
Thomas J. Fogarty
Robert W. Andonian
Ronald L. Kaye
Norman E. Shumway
David M. Rosenthal
William C. Fowkes
Thomas A. Stamey
Bernice S. Comfort
Robert J. Frascino
Outstanding Contribution In Community Service Arthur A. Basham / Arthur L. Messinger ---
Citizen’s Award Gary W. Steinke, MD / Mrs. Pamela Steinke Mr. Howard W. Pearce
Cindy Lee Russell / Minoru Yamate
Florene Poyadue, RN
Michael R. Fischetti
Suzanne Jackson, RN
1998
Mansfield F. W. Smith
Stanley D. Harmon
Howard R. Porter
Burton D. Brent
William A. Johnson
Judge Leonard Edwards
1999
Donald J. Prolo
Steven S. Fountain
C. Michael Knauer
Jack S. Remington
M. Ellen Mahoney
Rigo Chacon
2000
Sharon A. Bogerty
Stephen H. Jackson
Theodore Fainstat
Richard P. Jobe
Barbara C. Erny
Janet Childs
Roger P. Kennedy
Bert Johnson
Nelson B. Powell / Robert W. Riley
Robert Michael Gould
Tony & Brandon Silveria
Elliot C. Lepler
Allen H. Johnson
Bruce A. Reitz
David Morgan
Tom Campbell / Ted Lempert
Joseph E. Mason, Jr.
Anthony S. Felsovanyi
David A. Stevens
Martin D. Fenstersheib
Michael E. & Mary Ellen Fox
2001 2002
Robert M. Pearl
2003 2004
Robert Wuerflein
Eugene W. Kansky
Barry Miller
D. Craig Miller
Elizabeth Menkin
Jayne Haberman Cohen, DNSc
2005
Harvey J. Cohen
Richard L. Miller
Gus M. Garmel
Rodney Perkins
Elouise Joseph
Doris Hawks, Esq.
Arthur A. Basham
Robert W. R. Archibald
G. David Adamson
Harmeet S. Sachdev
Edward A. Hinshaw, Esq.
Cindy L. Russell
Catherine L. Albin
John R. Adler, Jr.
Madhur Bhatnagar
Debbi Ricks
2006 2007
Stephen H. Jackson
the bulletin
FEBRUARY 2008
13
“
Being a member of the Cooperative of American Physicians makes me feel .
confident
”
Béla S. Kenessey, MD Member since 1997 “Confident that I am financially secure. Their core product, Mutual Protection Trust, offers medical malpractice coverage that costs less. And their incredible value and superior service goes well beyond liability coverage to keep my practice and family secure. If you have the opportunity to join the Cooperative of American Physicians, I’m confident they’ll more than exceed your expectations.”
The Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. is the only physician owned and directed company whose core product, Mutual Protection Trust, is Rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company. If you want more from your medical professional liability provider, call 800-252-7706 or visit www.superiorphysicians.com.
S UPE R IO R P HYS ICIA N S . S UPE R IO R P ROTECTION .
The Mutual Protection Trust (MPT) is an unincorporated interindemnity arrangement among physicians authorized by Section 1280.7 of the California Insurance Code. Members do not pay insurance premiums. Instead, they pay tax-deductible assessments based on risk classifications and number of months of coverage of the amount necessary to pay claims and administrative costs. No assurance can be given as to the amount or frequency of assessments. Members also make a tax-deductible Initial Trust Deposit, which is refundable according to the terms of the Trust Agreement. ©2007
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the bulletin
FEBRUARY 2008
15
Plaintiff attorneys are using this theory more liberally to get to the “deep pockets” of hospitals, large groups, and clinics, particularly if the physician or health care practitioner defendants, who are allegedly ostensible agents of these entities, are uninsured or underinsured.
MEDICO NEWS
MEDICONEWS Is Your Practice at Risk? Understanding Ostensible Agency
Most jurisdictions* employ the doctrine of vicarious liability to impose liability on a solo medical practice, medical group, hospital, clinic or health care facility for the actions of a non-employee or independent contractor. This may include persons whom at first you might not consider to be acting on your behalf. Such persons are called “ostensible agents.” The theory of ostensible agency was most recently analyzed in the Mejia v. Community Hospital of San Bernardino case (2002) and basically means that a medical group, hospital, or any other health care entity can be liable for the actions of non-employed physicians or other health care practitioners, if the patient had reason to believe that the person rendering medical treatment to him or her was an agent of the hospital or entity and relied on that apparent agency relationship. Plaintiff attorneys are using this theory more liberally to get to the “deep pockets” of hospitals, large groups, and clinics, particularly if the physician or health care practitioner defendants, who are allegedly ostensible agents of these entities, are uninsured or underinsured. The following hypothetical situation illustrates how ostensible agency could affect a small medical group. A regular patient of one of the physicians in the group needs a cholecystectomy and is referred to an outside provider. The referring
the bulletin FEBRUARY 2008
16
physician tells the patient, “Dr. X does all of our cholecystectomies.” The patient thereby infers that
The suit against the medical group is based on its vicarious liability for the surgeon’s negligence, in other words, the surgeon’s negligence is imputed to the group under the theory of ostensible agency. The patient contends that the statement “Dr. X does all of our cholecystectomies” during the referral process caused him to infer that the surgeon was an agent of the group. During the discovery phase of litigation, it is revealed that the surgeon does not have insurance to cover her for the incident and is “bare.” The group therefore becomes the target of litigation, since it has professional liability insurance with limits of $1 million per incident. Investigation reveals that, in this case, the surgeon’s severing of the common bile duct was negligent and, furthermore, the patient has suffered damages because of the negligent cholecystectomy. The group is held to be vicariously liable for the patient’s outcome, under the theory that the surgeon was the ostensible agent of the group. As such, the group would be responsible for the entire settlement, since the general surgeon does not have insurance. It is important to understand how the theory of ostensible agency could affect your particular practice situation. Should you have any additional questions about ostensible agency, please feel free to contact the NORCAL Claims Department at 800/416-0791.
the surgeon has a direct affiliation with the group
*The information in this article is based primarily
and is an agent of the group. Further, the surgeon
on California law. For more information about
does not say anything that would suggest she is not
ostensible agency in jurisdictions other than
an agent of the group. During the cholecystectomy,
California, please contact the NORCAL Claims
the patient’s common bile duct is severed and
Department at 800/416-0791 or consult your
he sues the surgeon, as well as the group, for
practice’s legal counsel.
negligence and malpractice.
MEDICO NEWS
New Law Clearly Prohibits Rescission of Treatment Authorization After Services Have Been Rendered A CMA-sponsored law that took effect January 1
There will now be no question that the law prohibits
clarifies that under no circumstances are insurers
retroactive modification of authorization after services
allowed to rescind or modify authorization after
have been rendered, even if a patient’s health
services are rendered in good faith. Although existing
insurance policy is subsequently cancelled by the
law already prohibits this activity, physicians and
insurer.
their patients have been increasingly faced with unpaid medical bills for preauthorized services.
The CMA ON-CALL system is currently being updated to reflect all new legislation, including
This new law (AB 1324) specifically states that
AB 1324. This new law will be discussed in full in
authorization cannot be rescinded for any reason,
the revised ON-CALL document #0145, “Payment
including, but not limited to, subsequent rescission,
Denial After Treatment Authorization or Verification
cancellation, or modification of the patient’s health
of Eligibility.” This document is available on CMA’s
insurance policy or subsequent determination by the
website, http://www.cmanet.org.
insurance company that it did not initially make an
(CMA Alert, December 13, 2007 issue)
accurate determination of eligibility.
Congress Postpones Medicare Payment Cuts for Six Months Congress recently passed a Medicare bill that
also have updated California’s
postpones the 10% physician payment cut and
geographic payment localities
instead provides a 0.5% increase for six months. The
and prevented any geographic
bill also extends the current State Children’s Health
payment reductions for three
Insurance Program through March 2009. It does
years.
not, however, fix California’s geographic payment problems.
CMA will continue to fight aggressively for physicians and patients by
But the reprieve is brief. Physicians are still faced
building on these advances. We will not relent until
with a 10% payment reduction on July 1, unless
Congress reaches a long-term agreement to overhaul
Congress revamps the hopelessly broken formula
the physician payment system. Physicians cannot
used to calculate physician pay (or acts again with
continue to practice in such an unstable environment,
another last-minute fix).
waiting year after year for Congress to act at the last
“Although CMA is relieved that Congress acted to
minute to reverse such devastating cuts.
stop the 10% physician payment cut, the association
In addition to the provisions detailed above, the bill
is extremely frustrated that Congress has been unable
also:
to fix the underlying problems, leaving physicians
•
facing significant payment cuts in future years,” says
quality-reporting system. •
geographic payment fix for California. Even though the Senate failed to pass a comprehensive Medicare payment reform bill, physicians gained a lot of important ground with the House-approved CHAMP Act. That bill, passed by the House in July, contained many physician-friendly provisions. It would have stopped the 10% SGR cut in 2008 and the 5% cut in 2009, replacing them instead with 0.5% increases in each of those years. It would
Continues the 1.5% bonus payment for physicians who participate in the voluntary
CMA President Richard S. Frankenstein, MD. CMA is also disappointed that the bill did not include a
Physicians cannot continue to practice in such an unstable environment, waiting year after year for Congress to act at the last minute to reverse such devastating cuts.
Extends the 5% bonus for physicians practicing in federally-designated health professional shortage areas.
•
Does NOT cut reimbursement for outpatient
the bulletin
imaging services. •
Does NOT include a ban on physician-owned specialty hospitals.
More information is available at http://www.cmaalert. org. (CMA Alert, December 20, 2007 issue)
FEBRUARY 2008
17
Classified
Office Space For Rent/Lease
ADS
MEDICAL SUITES • LOS GATOS – SARATOGA
MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE FOR SUBLEASE • SAN JOSE
Two suites, ranging from 1,000 to 1,645 sq.
Approx. 1,308 sq. ft., five minutes from San
ft., at gross lease cost. Excellent parking.
Jose Regional Medical Center. Easy freeway
MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE • LOS GATOS
Located next door to Los Gatos Community
access to I-680/880. 4 exam rooms, 2
Hospital. Both units currently available. Call
restrooms, 1 private office, reception area,
Adjacent to Los Gatos Community Hospital
408/355-1519.
and waiting room. Call Alice Teng for
and near Good Samaritan Hospital.
more information: 408/282-3808. www.
All suites are built out for a medical
OFFICE FOR LEASE
professional. Elevator served. TI allowances
Lease approximately 1,900 sq. ft. Free-
available. Call Alice Teng for more
standing building—zoned medical. Turn
information: 408/282-3808.
Key. Marble entry. Street front. Six treatment
OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE • SAN JOSE
rooms. Prestigious physician’s office with
600–1,900 sq. ft. in West Valley Medical
balcony. Highway 85 at DeAnza Blvd. Call
Building, second floor, elevator, separate
408/996-8717.
entrance. Call Helen at 408/243-6911.
in San Jose and Cupertino. Contact Cindy,
OFFICE SPACE • SAN JOSE
408/921-2814.
Beautiful office near Santana Row. 1,700
OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE • SAN JOSE
sq. ft., seven large exam rooms + reception
Six exam rooms available, in newly
area, whole or part, available for sub-let.
remodeled building. Located near O’Connor
Contact Dr. Younger, 408/464-7226.
Hospital. Contact 408/292-0100.
MEDICAL SUITES • GILROY
MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE • MILPITAS
OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE • SAN JOSE & CUPERTINO
colliersparrish.com/ateng.
Medical/Dental office for lease. 1,500 sq. ft.
MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE • SAN JOSE Approx. 853 to 2,150 sq. ft. available. Located on campus at Regional Medical Center of San Jose. Elevator served.
First class medical suites available next
Tenant improvement allowances available.
to Saint Louise Hospital in Gilroy, CA.
Call Alice Teng for more information:
Sizes available from 1,000 to 2,500+ sq.
408/282-3808. www.colliersparrish.
ft. Time-share also available. Call Betty at
com/ateng or www.colliersparrish.
408/848-2525.
com/175NJackson.
MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE FOR SUBLEASE • EVERGREEN
MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE • SANTA CLARA Medical space available in medical
1,116 sq. ft. in prime San Jose location
building. Most rooms have water and
on corner of Aborn Rd and Capitol Expy.
waste. Reception, exam rooms, office, and
Improved interiors. Signage and visability.
lab. X-ray available in building. Billing
Three exam rooms. Call Alice Teng for more
available. 2,500–4,000 sq. ft. Call Rick at
information: 408/282-3808.
408/228-0454.
Approx. 1,500 sq. ft. in retail location. Near Great Mall, Highway 880/237 and Montague Expy. TIs available. Call Alice Teng for more information: 408/282-3808.
OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE • LOS GATOS Medical/Dental office space available for lease in Los Gatos. Close to Good Samaritan Hospital on Los Gatos Blvd. 1,210 sq. ft. Call Alice Teng for more information: 408/282-3808. www.colliersparrish.com/ ateng.
MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE • WILLOW GLEN
OFFICE SPACE FOR SUBLEASE • MTN VIEW
Approx. 1,125 sq. ft., located in prestigious
Two exam rooms and one doctor’s office,
Willow Glen. Easy freeway access to I-280.
five days a week, shared waiting room,
Previous use was dental lab. Call Alice
in Mountain View, on South Drive. Call
Teng for more information: 408/282-3808.
650/967-7471.
www.colliersparrish.com/ateng.
18
the bulletin
FEBRUARY 2008
OFFICE TO SHARE • LOS GATOS Options include single exam room or
MEDICAL OFFICE TO SHARE • SUNNYVALE
two exam rooms plus office. Perfect for
Well equipped, brand new PCP office
psychologists, IME examinations, therapists,
located in Sunnyvale, off Lawrence Expy.
BRAND NEW HIGH END MEDICAL CONDOS–DOWNTOWN LOS GATOS
etc. Near Community Hospital. Call
For more info, please call 408/768-6231.
Design/build-to-suit opportunities
408/374-5837 for info.
OFFICE FOR SUBLEASE • SAN JOSE
MEDICAL OFFICE • SAN JOSE
Office available for sublease near O’Connor
Valley Medical Center, prime medical office
Hospital. Call 408/294-7179 or 408/923-8098
suites located directly across from future
for info.
Valley Medical Specialty Center. Suites range from 742 sq. ft. to 2,600 sq. ft. Easy access to Hwys 280 & 880. Call Ngoc Vu at
2500 Hospital Drive, Building 2. Beautiful
408/436-3606.
medical suite immediately adjacent to El Camino Hospital. 2,000 sq. ft. plus
OFFICE TO SHARE • LOS ALTOS
basement storage and upstairs lounge.
Options include two exam rooms plus
Available May 2008. Call 650/948-1917.
office. Newly remodeled office space perfect plastic surgeon. Near El Camino Hospital. Call 650/804-9270.
FOR LEASE • SAN JOSE Professional medical building, 1,116 sq. ft. medical offices. Prime San Jose location. Signage/visibility at Capitol Expy/Aborn Rd. Three exam rooms. Call broker for floor plan, tour at 408/971-2700 x112, x118.
MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE • GOOD SAMARITAN AREA Established medical practice has office/ exam room space available, fully equipped. Share existing reception staff. Across the street from Good Sam, includes patient parking. Contact Carmen, 408/371-6842.
MEDICAL OFFICE FOR LEASE • CUPERTINO 1,898 sq. ft., prime location. Easy access from hwys. 85 & 280. Two operatories, sterilization, business, reception, staff, lab, private office, three bathrooms. Call Susan, 408/253-6081.
MEDICAL OFFICE SUITE FOR RENT • SAN JOSE Medical office suite for rent at 93 N. 14th St. San Jose, 95112. Contact Dr. Sajjadi at 408/294-1825 or 408/867-1111.
heart of prestigious downtown Los Gatos. Unit sizes 1,400 sq. ft. and up. Contact Matt–408/282-3835. www. colliersparrish.com/losgatos
MEDICAL OFFICE • MOUNTAIN VIEW
for cosmetic dermatologist, facial plastic, or
for sale/lease. On-site parking. In the
MEDICAL CONDOS FOR SALE IN SAN JOSE Brand new, Class A medical condominiums for sale adjacent to Regional Medical Center of San Jose. Units range from 1,071–4,150 sq. ft.,
Private Practice For Sale PRIVATE PRACTICE FOR SALE
and some units can be combined. Building is completed. On-site parking, beautiful finishes. Call Alice Teng for more info, 408/282-3808. www.colliersparrish.com/josefigueres
IM/FP/GP. Primary care practice for sale, including inventory and equipment. Close to O’Connor Hospital. If interested, please call
MEDICAL BLDG FOR SALE BY OWNER
Stacy at 408/297-2910.
Zoned and built as general commercial
PRIVATE PRACTICE FOR SALE Established/Active Internal Medicine/ Primary care practice for sale. Work/live in Coastal California. Enjoy best of everything. If interested, please call 831/345-9696.
OFFICE BUILDING FOR SALE • DOWNTOWN MTN VIEW 7,614 sq. ft. Owner/user or investment opportunity. Located in downtown Mtn. View near Caltrans/VTA. Current use is
medical/dental office. 1,150 sq. ft. with 5,850 sq. ft. lot paved for parking. Central San Jose location, five minutes to O’Connor Hosp. Upgraded or new services. Call 408/247-8889.
SMALL MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BUILDING CONDO For sale 1,029 sq. ft. medical condo. At McKee & 680. Three exam rooms. Ground floor. Call Agt. at 408/971-2700 x112.
more information: 408/282-3808. www.
PERFECT FOR SEMI-RETIRED MD, NP, OR PA
colliersparrish.com/ateng.
Cash-based alternative practice in
medical building. Call Alice Teng for
MED/RETAIL/PROFESSIONAL OFFICE CONDO FOR SALE • SUNNYVALE 1,250 sq. ft. Professional/Medical/Retail condominium Lawrence & Arques. Don’t miss this one! Call Alice Teng or B. Mason
biofeedback/neurofeedback. Low stress, children and adults. High satisfaction helping patients to heal themselves. Ongoing mentoring provided. Terms negotiable. Contact 408/876-4510.
at 408/282-3800.
the bulletin
FEBRUARY 2008
� 19
classified ads, FROM PAGE 29 SANTA CLARA COUNTY COUNCIL, BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, PHYSICIAN VOLUNTEERS FOR HIGH SIERRA SUMMER CAMP
Pajaro Dunes
A request for physicians to donate a week of their summer to
Beachfront Condo
man the medical hut. Room and board will be provided. The medical hut is Spartan; medical supplies will be provided.
Shorebirds #58 2 Bedroom -- 2 Bath Top Level -- Great Ocean View View Property at www.atthedunes.com
There is access to the local hospital. There is a medical checkin at the beginning of each week for all scouts. The scope of practice is wilderness medicine, but help is nearby. You may have an opportunity to save a life. This is a chance to catch up on your reading and smell the outdoors. For details, contact Floyd Okada, MD at 408/867-7040 or floydokada@aol.com.
Owners Bill & Debbi Ricks 408-354-5613
Condo Rentals
Employment Opportunity OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE PHYSICIANS • PRIMARY CARE, ORTHOPEDICS, & PHYSIATRY Our occupational medical facilities offer a challenging environment with minimal stress, without weekend, evening, or “on call” coverage. We are currently looking for several knowledgeable and progressive primary care and specialty physicians (orthopedist and physiatrist) interested in joining our team of professionals in providing high quality occupational medical services to Silicon Valley firms and their injured employees. We can provide either an employment relationship including full benefits or an independent contractor relationship. Please contact Dan R. Azar, MD, MPH at 408/790-2907 or e-mail dazar@allianceoccmed.com for additional information.
WWW.SHSMEDICAL.NET HIRING
Reserve with Rental Agent At the Dunes 831-768-7250
CONDO RENTAL • ON THE BEACH AT MONTEREY BAY Vacation respite at Pajaro Dunes on Monterey Bay, smack dab on the beach, with full ocean view from 2nd level. Shorebirds section, one bedroom, fireplace, fully equipped, tennis courts on the property, $250 per night, two-night minimum. Contact Robert Weinmann or Marie Barry at 408/292-0802.
INCLINE VILLAGE NEVADA Large 4 bedroom house with deck facing lake. Weekly rentals only. $2,100/week with deposit. Call rental agency: C. A. Silva, 408/834-0557.
For Sale Medical Office Equipment
New 6,000 sq. ft. medical facility in Manteca. Looking for physicians,
Retiring. Office and medical equipment for sale, available now. Call
PA-C or NP’s with X-RAY. Limited license helpful. Apply business@
408/374-9900 for information.
shsmedical.net.
FAMILY PHYSICIAN NEEDED
Miscellaneous
A growing private practice in San Jose seeks board certified physician to work part-time (16 hours) per week. Email C.V. to skale.
PEAK MEDICAL BILLING LLC
md@gmail.com.
Professional medical billing for improved cash flow and faster,
PHYSICIAN/PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT IN SAN JOSE Great and rewarding opportunity, with flexible, part-time work schedule. No weekend, evening, or after hours worries, in a stress free environment. Competitive compensation. To provide well exam for school age children in San Jose. Contact Dr. Parr on cell phone, 408/859-1562, or email PARR@healthmobile.org.
20
the bulletin
FEBRUARY 2008
unauthorized reimbursement. Ask about our low fees and ongoing promotions. Call us today, 925/321-0632, or email aknierieme@ peakmedicalbillingllc.com.
LONG TERM DISABILITY CLAIMS Since 1981, Our Firm Has Been Representing And Assisting Professionals In Pursuing Long Term Disability Claims Under Individual Insurance Policies, ERISA Regulated Group Policies, And Company Disability Plans. Our Practice Is Limited To Disability Claims And Pension Benefit Claims.
LAW OFFICES OF ROBERT NICHOLS 300 SOUTH FIRST STREET, SUITE 205 SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 95113 (408) 298-9755 * Fax: (408) 298-9699 UNUM * METLIFE * AETNA * FORTIS * CIGNA * PAUL REVERE * CNA * PROVIDENT * KEMPER * STANDARD * SUN LIFE * CANADA LIFE * RELIANCE * MUTUAL * PRUDENTIAL I COMPANY PLANS * OTHERS
TRACY ZWEIG ASSOCIATES, INC. Physicians Physician Assistants Nurse Practitioners LOCUM TENENS PERMANENT PLACEMENT
VOICE: (800) 919-9141 or (805) 641-9141 FAX: (805) 641-9143 E-Mail: tzweig@tracyzweig.com Website: www.tracyzweig.com the bulletin
FEBRUARY 2008
21
Thinking about electronic medical records? What about your paper records? If you are planning going to do with all those records into records to a CD alternative:
to move to an electronic medical record system, what are you your paper patient charts and billing files? Consider scanning a digital database with deliverExchange™. Let us scan your or DVD, and realize the benefits of this cost-effective
Safe secure storage that you control • Records are accessible 24/7 Files can be printed out or electronically transmitted • Save time spent filing and retrieving records • Eliminate lost or misfiled records • Save space and storage costs • Keep a copy for backup, security •
•
We pick up your records, scan them at our imaging unit in San Jose, produce quality images on CDs or DVDs, and handle the destruction of the paper records. 2054 Zanker Road San Jose, CA 95131 Contact: Liz Allan phone 408.436.1701 ext.131 fax 408.436.1625
22
the bulletin
FEBRUARY 2008
You may not know our name, but if you practice in Santa Clara county you know our service. For over 30 years, SOURCECORP Deliverex has been the vendor of choice for record management in the Bay Area.
Robert D. Francis Chief Operating Officer, The Doctors Company
We fight frivolous claims. We smash shady litigants. We over-prepare, and our lawyers do, too. We defend your good name. We face every claim like it’s the heavyweight championship. We don’t give up. We are not just your insurer. We are your legal defense army. We are The Doctors Company. The Doctors Company built its reputation on the aggressive defense of our memberphysicians’ good names and livelihoods. And we do it well: Over 80 percent of all malpractice cases against our members are won without a settlement or trial, and we win 87 percent of the cases that do go to court. So what do you get for your money? More than a fighting chance, for starters. To learn more about our professional liability program, call The Doctors Insurance Agency at (415) 506-3030 or (800) 553-9293. You can also visit us online at www.doctorsagency.com.
© 2007. The Doctors Company. All rights reserved.
partnership
whatdrivesyou? A commitment to excellence. A passion for the art of medicine. A basic desire to heal. Whatever it is that sustains you through the daily challenges of your profession, know that you have an ally in NORCAL.
(800) 652-1051 l www.norcalmutual.com
NORCAL is proud to be endorsed by the Santa Clara County Medical Association as the preferred professional liability insurer for its members.
THE
BULLETIN
A PUBLICATION OF THE SANTA CLARA COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
700 Empey Way, San Jose, CA 95128-4705
Address service requested
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID San Jose, CA Permit No. 503