SCMS Newsletter Winter 2023

Stark County Medical Society News

A Message from our President: Dr. Roger Musa, MD

It is no secret that physician burnout has become an epidemic within the medical profession. This concerning trend is largely attributed to several factors including: an excessive workload, lack of work-life balance, lack of autonomy, bureaucratic hurdles, and social isolation. These factors were magnified by the pandemic.

While physicians are often busy, under immense pressure, and have little time to catch up with colleagues, building camaraderie and a sense of community within the workplace is an important factor in promoting positive well-being. Taking time for lunch or a coffee break, participating in team-building activities, and even having a chat about non-workrelated topics can make a world of difference.

By providing a supportive environment in which we can openly discuss our challenges and share our successes, we are more likely to feel satisfied with our work. This allows us to become more connected to our profession, boost our morale and well-being, and be more productive.

The Stark County Medical Society is an organization that helps and promotes physician engagement. We are committed to finding ways

to positively impact physician wellbeing. Our goal is to reconnect with local physicians to solve our challenges together. Ultimately, the welfare of our community depends on it.

The Stark County Medical Society has tremendous history, but historical significance alone will not sustain the society indefinitely. We need to maintain relevance. Relevance will lead to a robust membership, and a robust membership is the key to continuing our mission in the support of local physicians’ efforts to maintain the highest level of quality health care to our community.

The Stark County Medical Society (SCMS) has access to politicians and the state medical association. Together, we are strong with a voice that will be heard! Contact us at 330.492.3333 or www.starkmedical. org. We look forward to hearing from you. Opinions expressed by the authors are their own, and not necessarily those of the Stark County Medical Society, Trustees or individual members. SCMS News reserves the right to edit all contributions for clarity and length, as well as, to reject any material submitted.

On the behalf of Stark County Medical Society and its board members, I would like to thank Dr. Raza Khan for his outstanding leadership in 2022. I hope to continue the progress we have made in 2023. We all need to work together to ensure that we have adequate social and community support, work in a flexible environment with adequate resources, and can find meaning in our work. When physicians are well, we are all better off.

2023 BOARD

Officers

Roger Musa, MD President

Frank Luckino, MD President Elect

JoAnn Krivetzky, MD Secretary | Treasurer

Raza Khan, MD Past President

Trustees

Jason Bertram, MD

Anthony Degenhard, DO

Stacey Hollaway, MD

Matthew LiCause, MD

Arup Maitra, MD

Luis Martino, MD

Dominick Mastracco, DPM

Seth Maurer, DO

Emmanuel Otomewo, MD

Charles Smith, MD

Mark Stachel, MD

David Utlak, MD

SCMS Board Emeritus

Kevin Metz

Executive Director

Taylor Kring

Administrative Assistant

Gail Myers

Administrative Assistant

Disability Income Insurance

For association members

Planning for the unexpected

The decision to build a comprehensive financial plan is a smart strategy to help you through times of uncertainty and it should include disability income insurance. Disability income insurance helps you plan for the unexpected by replacing a portion of your income, if you’re unable to work due to a sickness or injury.

Life can never be free from uncertainty. But when uncertainty is minimized, life can be maximized. Our diversified products and services help individuals, families and businesses protect what matters most.

We understand what is important to you

DInamic Foundation from Ameritas is disability income insurance and it helps protect your financial foundation. It’ll be there when you need it most, going to work for you when you can’t.

We understand what is important to you which is why DInamic Foundation offers cost savings and design flexibility, so you can design coverage specific to your individual income protection needs.

Premium savings

As a member of an approved association, you are entitled to a 15% discount from standard rates when you purchase individual DI and/or Business Overhead Expense insurance.

Plan design flexibility

Options are essential to building disability protection based on your unique needs. With DInamic Foundation, you have choices.

• Plan options

1.Noncancelable and Guaranteed Renewable offers a rate guarantee to age 65.

2. Guaranteed Renewable helps you save on the cost of insurance, but premiums are subject to change prior to age 65 (on a class basis with state approval).

• Definition of disability

1.Own Occupation: benefits are paid if you’re unable to work in your own occupation due to sickness or injury, even if you choose to work in another occupation.

2.Own Occupation and Not Working: benefits are paid if you’re unable to work in your occupation due to a sickness or injury and if you’re not working in another occupation.

F i N a N cial F oc US: Don't let fear drive investment decisions by e dward Jo N e S

In the past year, we’ve seen some big swings in the financial markets. This volatility may make you feel as if you have little control over your investment success. But the truth is, you do have more control than you might think - as long as you don’t let fear guide your decisions.

Investment-related fear can manifest itself in a few different ways:

• Fear of loss - Some investors may emphasize avoiding losses more than achieving gains. Consequently, they might build portfolios they consider very low in risk, possibly containing a high percentage of certificates of deposit (CDs) and U.S. Treasury securities. Yet, a highly conservative approach carries its own risk - the risk of not achieving enough growth to stay ahead of inflation, much less meet long-term goals such as a comfortable retirement. To reach these goals, you’ll want to construct a diversified portfolio containing different types of assets and investments - each of which may perform differently at different times. Your objective shouldn’t be to avoid all riskwhich is impossible - but to create an investment strategy that accommodates your personal risk tolerance and time horizon.

• Fear of missing out – You’re probably familiar with the term “herd mentality” - the idea that people will follow the lead of others for fear of missing out on something. This behavior is responsible for fads or the sudden emergence of “hot” products, and it’s also relevant to investing. In fact, herd mentality may contribute to sharp jumps in the financial markets as investors drive up prices by buying stocks to avoid being left behind. And the same may be true in reverse - when the market starts dropping, skittish investors may accelerate the decline by selling stocks so they, too, can get out before it’s too late. Buying or selling investments should be considered as needed to help advance your long-term financial strategy -

not in response to what others are doing.

• Fear of the unknown - Some investors fall victim to “familiarity bias”- the tendency to invest only in what they know, such as local or domestic companies. But this behavior can lead to under-diversified portfolios. If your portfolio is dominated by just a few investments, and these investments are fairly similar to each other, you could experience some losses when the inevitable market downturn occurs. To help reduce the impact of market volatility, it’s a good idea to spread your investment dollars across large and small companies in a range of industries and geographical regions. And that’s just on the equities side - it’s also wise to consider further diversifying your portfolio by owning bonds and government securities. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses.)

• Fear of admitting failure - Some individuals don’t like to admit when they’ve been wrong about something, and they may continue the same failed activities, hoping for eventual success. This behavior can be costly in the investment arena. Sometimes, a particular investment, or even an investment strategy, just doesn’t work out, but an investor is determined to stick with it - even if it ultimately means considerable financial loss. Don’t let his happen to you - if it becomes apparent you need to change your investment approach, move on to something better.

Fear can hold us back in many walks of life — but don’t let it keep you from making appropriate investment moves.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

%

Edward Jones Financial Advisor Adam Olenick of Jackson Township recently qualified for the firm's Managing Partner's Conference, which celebrates the contributions and achievements of 400 top financial advisors from among the firm's nearly 19,000. The conference will be held May 11-12 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

During the two-day conference, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with and learn from firm leaders, confer on timely topics and share best practices for serving clients. "Our financial advisors work with clients to understand what is most important to them, creating unique plans for success based on needs and circumstances. These 400 financial advisors are phenomenal practitioners of this approach, having achieved their level of success by helping clients realize the goals they've set for themselves and their families," said Chuck Orban, an Edward Jones principal responsible for the firm's recognition events. "We remain committed to creating value for those we serve, with our purpose as our foundation: to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of our clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society."

Edward Jones is a leading financial services firm in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The firm's nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 8 million clients with a total of $1.6 trillion in client assets under care in 2022. Edward Jones' purpose is to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of its clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society. Through the dedication of the firm's 50,000 associates and our branch presence in 68 percent

of U.S. counties, the firm is committed to helping more people achieve financially what is most important to them. The Edward Jones website is at edwardjones.com, and its recruiting website is careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

Review your patient-facing web and app platforms

by N icole M . t H or N , bro US e M cdowell

Cybersecurity should continue to be a top priority for health care providers. Cybercrime is here whether we like it or not. In fact, the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), the enforcement agency of HIPAA laws, recognizes this too and is pushing providers to lock down their protected health information (PHI) on their patient-facing (or potential patient) web and mobile app platforms.

In its recent bulletin, OCR addresses specifically tracking technologies and their use by HIPAA-regulated entities— known as covered entities and business associates. For most businesses, healthcare included, tracking technologies are a common tool used by website hosters and mobile app platforms to track the activities of users who visit their sites and use their apps. In short, they track information about each visitor or user including click-paths, IP addresses, mobile device information, geolocation and more through various tools such as cookies, web beacons, and tracking codes embedded in mobile apps. On most websites, users can learn about this by clicking on the site’s “Privacy Policy” or “Terms and Conditions” links, which are located most commonly in footers of websites or in a pop-up, to acknowledge the terms and conditions—the “I Agree” button.

In this hyper digital age, most users are desensitized to the collection of their data because it is nearly impossible to navigate online without consenting to such use. However, OCR just released specific guidance to HIPAA-regulated entities taking the position that the collection of this tracking data may constitute PHI and therefore requires certain HIPAAcompliant safeguards.

Certainly, a patient portal site is going to fall squarely within this scenario, but what about your business’s general information website or mobile app? While users may not enter their medical record numbers, dates of birth, addresses or other information, OCR reasons that even an IP address or geolocator is PHI, and more importantly even if the individual does not have an existing relationship with a regulated entity. Citing the fact that although any one of these data points may not identify a particular individual, the combination of several data points coupled with their online lingering or interest in certain of a health care providers’ information, such as the cardiology page, is sufficient to link the individual to a health condition. Thus, even the general health care business website may be collecting PHI from non-patients!

All is not lost, however, if your health care entity uses such tracking technologies. First, there is a question about whether such data constitutes PHI under this new guidance. If it does, then under HIPAA, to collect, store or process PHI, a covered entity or business associate must have the proper safeguards in place and/or have a patient’s consent. This includes ensuring the vendor who provides the tracking technology accepts their role as a business associate under HIPAA and agrees to comply with the appropriate safeguards. If the vendor is not a business associate or refuses such role, then the users’ consent will be required to collect such data from them. In that case, considerations for click-wraps and other affirmative consent pop-ups are options which force the users to give their consent prior to using the site and/or accepting certain terms of use.

There is a lot to unpack here, much of which will involve engaging your IT team to understand first, where and whether your health care business uses tracking technology. Second, identify the vendors and what they are tracking. Third, analyze that business relationship and implement the necessary HIPAA requirements to protect that data. I am happy to partner with you in this analysis. If you have questions about data privacy and HIPAA, please contact me.

Brouse McDowell approaches our clients’ legal matters as if they were our own. Utilizing a comprehensive knowledge of the law, and understanding of the operations, market trends, and economics of the health care industry, we strive to transform our clients’ complex challenges into opportunities.

AKRON | CLEVELAND | NAPLES | SHARON | TOLEDO | YOUNGSTOWN BROUSE.COM

EXPERIENCED IN LAW. INVESTED IN YOU.

Regulated Medical Waste A Cost Saving Solution

��edical

tOStarkCounty

Society

"By using the buying power of its members, the Stark County Medical Society is able to offer you access to what we believe could be a significant discount over what you are currently payingfor medical waste disposal."

Kevin Metz, Executive Director Stark Count Medical Society

Regulated Medical Waste Disi;x>sal isourcorebusiness.Ameri-Medprovidesthehealth careprofessionwithcosteffectivepackaging,treatmentshippingpaper,legal transportationanddisposaloftheirregulatedmedicalwaste,thusleavingpatientcareand treatmentastheirprimaryconcern.

Pharmaceutical Wastes arenowrequiredtobeseparatedfromregulatedmedicalwastein somestates. Asasolution,Ameri-Medisnowofferingapick-upserviceaswellasa mail-backprogram.

Compliance assistance isjustoneoftheaddedbenefitswhenyouchooseAmeri-Med.We provideanOSHAcompliantprogramthatdeliversthetrainingtoolsyouneedtowork moresafelyandmaintainregulatorycompliance.

Medical Waste pick-upscheduling canbepre-scheduledoronanasneededbasis.All wasteistransportedinfullylicensedandpermittedvehiclesthatmeetand/orexceedall regulatoryrequirements.

Make a Difference... ScMS cHaritable FUNd

We would like to invite you to join us in supporting good health in Stark County. The SCMSA- Charitable Fund is NOW OPEN to medical professionals, spouses and friends who see the value of promoting health education in Stark County, providing scholarships to students that are entering into a medical or allied health field of study, and supporting other local non- profit organizations which also work to improve health and wellness in Stark County.

The SCMSA- CF is a tax-exempt organization with 501 (c)(3) status. The criteria for membership into the SCMSACF is simply your willingness to support our efforts as a volunteer or through a donation. Both advance our goals in the community and are important components of our Charitable Fund. Below are some ways that we are working within the Stark County community.

SCMSA- CF Scholarship Fund

Each year, a significant part of the money we raise is used to award scholarships to current or past Stark County students who are currently enrolled in accredited medical or allied health programs. Originally started in 1936, the committee reviews applicants and awards several scholarships each year.

Hope Outreach Ministry

Hope Outreach serves over 900 meals each week to families and individuals who are homeless or housing insecure, often with little or no other resources. Pastor Marilyn Roman also provides clothing and household items as well as meals at their NE Canton location. This Ministry operates entirely through private donations, without any state or federal subsidy.

The Children’s Network of Stark County

The Children’s Network first opened in 1987 as the first child advocacy c enter in Ohio. They provide coordinated countywide services to children and non- offending family members who have been sexually or physically abused, witnessed violence or have been involved in human trafficking. All professionals including law enforcement interviews, mental health and follow-up medical exams, are located in one facility, making it possible for the child to tell their story only once. The Network has one of the highest rates of prosecution in the state.

Compassion Delivered

Compassion Delivered exists to provide nutritious meals to people coping with life- threatening diseases or terminal illness. Three large meals and two soups are prepared on Mondays and then delivered on Friday, free of charge to individuals within Stark County. From 2017 until 2021, they delivered 10,000 meals. Between mid-2021 and mid- 2022 they delivered another 10,000! They are looking for several areas of support; meal prep, meal delivery and financial support to meet their growing needs. This is a great volunteer opportunity.

330.575.0996 or www.compassiondelivered.org.

BECOME A MEMBER of the SCMSA-CF and LEARN MORE

Name __________________________________Contact PH #_________________Email____________________

Spouse___________________________________Contact PH #_________________Email____________________

Address_______________________________________________________________________________________

Please accept this donation in the amount of $___________Please earmark for___________________________

Make checks payable to SCMSA- CF. For tax purposes, our EIN # is 91-2088841. Money earmarked for a specific organization will then be distributed at the end of our fiscal year. General donations are often used to offset expenses for our annual Community Health Fair.

PLEASE FILL OUT & RETURN THIS FORM TO:

We’re

Update YoUr InformatIon

Did you move or change practice location? If so, please let us know. We want to make sure you get all SCMS updates and correspondence. Contact Kevin at 330.492.3333

dISCoUnt S of medICal waSte dISpoSal

SCMS is pleased to announce a new partnership with Amer-Medical Waste Services. Ameri-Medical is a complete medical waste service which meets or exceeds all environmental regulatory requirements. We negotiated a guaranteed price structure for our members for period of five years. The fee includes container, liner, transportation, disposal and manifest tracking. There are no hidden charges. To schedule a no obligation quote, please contact Jim Parks at 1.800.604.5039. Membership has its value.

2023 dUeS

If you have already paid your 2023 dues, THANK YOU! If not, it’s not too late. Full-time dues are $325.00 (check) or $335.00 (credit card) and Part-time dues are $225.00 (check) or $235.00 (credit card).

Call for VolUnteerS

Are you interested in strengthening organized medicine? Want to make a difference in your community? Network with professionals and make new friends? If so, we have opportunities for you. Reach out to a current board member about serving as a trustee, helping with fundraising, member recruitment, or organizing a meeting. Whatever your talent, we have a place for you.

exeCUtIVe offICe HoUrS

Our office hours are changing and vary from week to week. Be patient if you leave a message, it might take a day or two to get back with you. Email is a great way to communicate with us. Kevin can be reached at kpmetz@ameritech.net.

Every effort has been made to publish an accurate Calendar. Please continue to check the SCMS News for any unforeseen modification in dates and locations. Thank you.

HERE TO SUPPORT OHIO'S HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

SCREENINGS

We offer comprehensive screens to determine preliminary results on burnout, mental health disorders, and substance use disorders.

OhioPHP can offer support to a number of healthcare professionals in Ohio. Our clinical team is here to help answer questions.

"Don't wait until the burnout has taken away the career you love or the life you live"

WWW.OPHP.ORG There

EDUCATION

Our clinical team has over 100 years of combined experience working with healthcare professionals. We can provide education to you and your team.

us by phone at (614) 841-9690 or email us at info@ophp.org