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Chairman’s Remarks
MCMS Works for You
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ne of my colleagues eloquently explains in this issue why he couldn’t see a world with the county and state medical societies advocating on behalf of physicians, their practices and their patients. He asked who would stand up for patients when insurance companies interfere with our practices and our physician-patient relationships. Who would advocate on behalf of all physicians, across all specialties on issues that affect our profession locally, across the state and at the national level? Who would advance the cause to fund medical education for the future of medicine? It is hard to imagine fighting some pretty tough battles alone. You don’t have to because your county and state medical societies advocate for all physicians on more issues than you realize.
Dr. Arkoosh’s campaign, too. PAMPAC uses member contributions to support the election and retention of promedicine candidates. PAMPAC also campaigns against vulnerable incumbent legislators who consistently vote against the interests of patients and physicians. Contact Larry Light, PAMPAC executive director, at (800) 228-7823, ext. 7821, or llight@pamedsoc.org.
Your CMS Supports Young Physicians
Physicians under 45 years of age can receive up to $500 in reimbursement for expenses related to continuing medical education. Applications for the MCMS Howard Pyfer Fund are taken year-round. Only tuition, registration cost and major transportation cost are considered for reimbursement. For 2013, 11 members were awarded reimbursements of about $5,300 and there was additional funding available. I encourage you to take advantage of this member benefit. The deadline to submit applications for 2014 is Jan. 12, 2015. Download your application from the MCMS web site, www.montmedsoc.com, or request one by e-mail, montmedsoc@verizon.net.
Send Physician Advocate to Congress
Your CMS Supports Your Practice
We certainly can use more advocates, and you can do your part in sending one to Congress. Dr. Valerie Arkoosh is running for the 13th Congressional seat and needs your support so that she can continue to fight to expand access to quality, affordable health care, provide all our kids with a great education and create good-paying jobs so all families have the economic stability they deserve. PAMPAC supports her candidacy and you should too. She is a Philadelphia anesthesiologist who says she is not a politician but a parent, physician and community leader. Currently, women hold 99, or 18.5 percent, of the 535 seats in the U.S. Congress. Twenty women are in the Senate and 79 are in the House of Representatives. And there are even fewer physicians in Congress. Twenty physicians currently serve in the 113th Congress which includes three senators, 16 representatives and one delegate. Of that 20, there is one woman physician. In addition to your vote, you can further support this physician-friendly candidate and others by contributing to PAMPAC. Through PAMPAC’s support, the AMA’s AMPAC will financially support
Recently, it was brought to my attention that Independence Blue Cross has created a Hospital Tier Placement program that affects Keystone HMO Proactive commercial products only. IBC places the various hospitals in tiers – 1, 2 or 3 – and patient liability is based on the tier in which the hospitals falls. For example, a patient’s out of pocket expenses may be affected by the tier in which you are placed. Patients need to understand that placement is in no way an indicator of the quality of services. These designations are more reflective of the contractual relationships between the hospitals and IBC. IBC plans to reevaluate this program in a year. A group of physicians and PAMED staff are actively looking into this issue to determine how patient access, physician reimbursement and the physician-patient relationship may be affected by this program. Your input is valuable. Any comments regarding these issues should be sent to montmedsoc@verizon.net.
I look forward to the dialogue. Scott E. Shapiro, MD Chairman, MCMS Board of Directors
montmedsoc.com
I would love to hear from you. If you have suggestions, general comments or ideas for future issues, please email Scott E. Shapiro, MD or the MCMS Executive Director Toyca Williams, montmedsoc@verizon.net. MCMS
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PHYSICIAN