The official e-newsletter of the Maricopa County Medical Society  

Volume 9 | Issue 4 | February 17, 2015 

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In This Issue
Tell Lawmakers How You Feel About Pending Legislation
MCMSA to Host Social Media Class
CMS to Engage in Rulemaking for EHR Incentive Program Changes for 2015
ATSU to Host First Annual Hearing, Education and Recreation Day
Concierge Medicine Firm Found Liable
Volunteers Needed for the Phoenix Marathon
More Than Half of MU Penalties Under $1k
North Valley Chorale Spring 2015 Concert
LOCUM TENUM DOCTOR NEEDED
Weekend shift for an urgent care, 8 am to 4 pm, $90/hr.

Please call 480-792-1025 or fax your resume to 480-792-1026.
ESTABLISHED PRACTICE FOR SALE
1,830 sq. feet, 4 exam rooms, CLIA lab, e-MDs EMR/HR software, plentyof parking space.

The clinic was established in 1970 and purchased by the second owner in 2006. Located in downtown Scottsdale on McDowell Rd.

Call 480-686-1635
or email akidane@akcrfr.com
for more information.
PT PHYSICIAN NEEDED FOR PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE
Internal/Geriatric Medicine physician needed part-time for established Sun City West practice.

Contact Carl Carlson, MD at 623-546-5897.
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
FOR SALE
Retired from surgical practice. Large assortment used surgical instruments (general and neuro) for sale. Like new condition. 

Contact Steve at 602-820-5522 sdex491@gmail.com.
CME Meeting Series - Hepatitis C Virus

February 19, 2015

 

A case-based discussion with national HCV experts tackling real-world management of HCV genotype 1-Evaluating outcomes with new DAA regimens.

Del Frisco's Grille

2425 E. Camelback Rd.  

Suite 110

Phoenix, AZ 85016

 

6:30 - 7 pm

Registration and Meal


7 - 8:30 pm  

CME certified Activity

 

Event code: J53P 


Presenting Faculty  

Paul I. Pockros, MD

 

Event flyer >> 

10th Annual Perioperative Medicine Summit 2015

Thursday and Friday

February 26-28, 2015 

 

The goal of this three-day summit is to enable clinicians who are actively engaged in perioperative medical care to incorporate the latest findings from clinical research and recommendations from evidence-based guidelines into their practices so that they can improve the quality and safety of their medical care. 

 

To view complete program, upcoming and prior years meetins, and to register, visit www.periopmedicine.org  

UA College of Medicine - Phoenix Buffmire Lectureship Invitation
March 4, 2015

Frank Marcus, MD,
Professor Emeritus, Division of Cardiology, U of A, Tucson - College of Medicine, discusses the challenges associated with the prevention of obesity by addressing the need for exercise, avoiding sedentary routines and large portions of food.
 
How do physicians get their messages across to patients who are bombarded by the hype of high-calorie, less-expensive meals?

Dr. Marcus will discuss a systematic and comprehensive approach for decreasing the prevalence of obesity.

HSEB Lecture Hall B102
UA College of Medicine - Phoenix
435 N. Fifth Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004

5-6 pm Hosted Reception
6-7 pm Lecture

Direct questions to
Sheila Maddox
The 24th Annual Southwestern Conference on Medicine®
April 23-26, 2015

The Southwestern Conference on Medicine® is an annual event designed to bridge competence and performance gaps between primary care providers' current knowledge and practice performance, and the ever evolving standards of care in modern medicine.

Primary Care, Internal Medicine, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners and all other physician specialties are minimally exposed to the continual influx of new research data, recent studies and emerging disease states and lack expert mentoring to be able to improve competency, practice performance and patient outcomes.

 

 

12th Annual Nutrition & Health Conference
May 3-6, 2015

Arizona Biltmore Hotel
Phoenix, Arizona

Spend three days in May at Nutrition & Health: State of the Science and Clinical Applications, sharing nutrient-rich and tantalizing meals with like-minded learners at a beautiful desert destination and gathering insights on nutrition, prevention and healthful living from internationally recognized researchers, clinicians, educators, authors and chefs.

Free Eight-Day Summer Medical Program for High School Students at Midwestern University

July 9-18, 2015 

 

High school students interested in an in-depth look at healthcare careers are encouraged to apply for Midwestern University's eight-day Health Careers Institute for High School Students, which will take place on the University's Glendale Campus.

  

Applications for the annual summer event must be postmarked by May 1.  

 

Download the application  

or call 623-572-3353.
Please remit your dues!
In order to continue serving our membership throughout the rest of the year:
  • Members who have not paid their dues by March 1st will have their Round-up Magazine and InforMED Society subscriptions suspended.
  • If we have not received dues by March 31st, we will suspend your  membership. 

 Dues can be renewed one of three ways:

  1. Online https://www.mymcms.com/renewal
  2. Mail a check to the Maricopa County Medical Society, 326 E. Coronado Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85004
  3. Pay by phone by calling the Society at 602-252-2015

You will need your Member ID#, which was sent to you on your invoice, to pay online. Please call the Society if you need your membership number or need assistance with your renewal.  

 

Thank you!    

Let the Lawmakers Know How You Feel About Pending Legislation!

Did you know that your support of or opposition to any bill can - and will - be seen by our legislators as they cast their votes?   

 

Did you know that many bills are considered each legislative session that have an impact on the way you practice medicine? 

 

The Arizona Legislature has a very simple-to-use platform that allows citizens to track bills, provide comment in support or opposition of a bill, and easily sign up to speak on behalf of a bill. All you need to know is a bill number.  

 

The Medical Society is helping physicians register for the online portal and hope that you can take thirty seconds to hit the 'reply' button above and provide us with a name and email address. We'll do the rest!  We'll get your account created and activated, and then email you the easy instructions for logging on and tracking bills.  

 

Even if you only track and comment on a single bill, it's worth it! Just click the button above and we'll get you started.   

ArMA Creates Educational Packet - Proposed AHCCCS Provider Reimbursement Cuts
ArMA's Medicine This Week, Feb. 6, 2015

A fact sheet packet about the impact of proposed AHCCCS provider reimbursement cuts has been created and will be shared with our legislators. The packet includes an overview of the findings from ArMA's AHCCCS provider survey conducted several weeks ago. The packet can be viewed here. 
Join a MCMS Committee!  

The Maricopa County Medical Society has numerous committees designed to carry out specific missions that help support the practice of medicine. These committees help bring our members together, provide educational materials and announcements, and advance strategic initiatives that serve the physician community.  

 

Interested in policy making? We have a policy committee. Is quality and education a passion of yous? If so, we have a committee for that, too! What about philanthropy?  Yep, a committee for that as well. Our committees include membership, public health, finance, social, philanthropy, mentorship, education & quality, and policy.   

 

We're looking to involve more members in our committee activities, so please consider joining one today.  

 

How much time does it take? Not much, actually. Most of our committees have a teleconference one a month or once a quarter, and usually need an hour or less to discuss business.

The Society staff carries out much of the work directed by the committees, so the time required by you will be little.  

 

Sign up today!  

Facebook Update and Twitter Introduction
The Maricopa County Medical Society Alliance (MCMSA) is hosting a Facebook and Twitter educational event. Whether you are a novice or seasoned user, guest instructor Debbi Ricks will provide helpful tips and information all will use and appreciate.

February 19, 2015

Sign-in: 6:15-6:30
Free to MCMSA members; $10/Guest

Limited seating RSVP is required.

Contact Mindie Factor at 480-661-7899.

Please bring your own tablet or smart phone.

Arabian Library - Scottsdale
10215 E. McDowell Mt. Ranch Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85255
phone: 480-312-7323
CMS Intends to Engage in Rulemaking for EHR Incentive Program Changes for 2015
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) intends to engage in rule making this spring to help ensure providers continue to meet meaningful use requirements. In response to input from healthcare providers and other stakeholders, CMS is considering the following changes to the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs:
  • Shortening the 2015 reporting period to 90 days to address provider concerns about their ability to fully deploy 2014 Edition software.
  • Realigning hospital reporting periods to the calendar year to allow eligible hospitals more time to incorporate 2014 Edition software into their workflows and to better align with other quality programs.
  • Modifying other aspects of the programs to match long-term goals, reduce complexity, and lessen providers' reporting burden.

While CMS intends to pursue these changes through rule making, they will not be included in the pending Stage 3 proposed rule. CMS intends to limit the scope of the pending proposed rule to Stage 3 and meaningful use in 2017 and beyond.

For more information: EHR Incentive Programs website >> 

A.T. Still University to Host First Annual Hearing, Education and Recreation Day
HEAR Day promotes an educational environment where children and teens with hearing loss can have fun and make lifelong connections with their peers.  

The event will be hosted on ATSU's campus located at 5850 E. Still Circle, Mesa and at the neighboring Ross Farnsworth East Valley YMCA on Saturday, February 21, 10 am- 2 pm.  

Children, ages 5-16, will rotate through fun activities including carnival games, rock climbing and laser tag. After lunch, two informational sessions for both adults and the children will be held. ASL interpreters will be onsite.

If you or someone you know has a children who would benefit, please reserve their spot by calling ATSU at 480-219-6124 or by email at hearday@atsu.edu.
Concierge Medicine Firm Found Liable For Doctor's Negligence
By Phil Galewitz, Kaiser Health News

MDVIP, the nation's largest concierge medicine  practice, has seen meteoric growth since it was founded fifteen years ago promising "exceptional care" and quick access to doctors in exchange for a $1,500 annual membership fee. But it took a big hit Tuesday when a Palm Beach County, Fla. jury returned an $8.5 million malpractice verdict against the company, which has nearly 800 affiliated physicians in 41 states. It was the first malpractice verdict against MDVIP, and is believed to be the first against any concierge management firm. The companies offer such perks as same-day appointments and more personalized care with contracted doctors in return for a retainer.

The jury found MDVIP was liable for the negligence of one of its physicians, who was sued for misdiagnosing the cause of a patient's leg pain, leading to its amputation. The jury also found the firm had falsely advertised its exceptional doctors and patient care.

Read the full article >>

All volunteers are needed, especially at a first aid station or

the Affiliated Dermatology medical tent.  

 

Questions about volunteering? Contact Nina Aganovic at naganovic@affderm.com or 480-556-0446 ext 220 .

 

Congratulations to MCMS member Dr. Rick Averitte!

 

Dr. Averitte was appointed Medical Director for the marathon. 

 

Register to volunteer >>  

 

Learn more about the race >>  

More Than Half of Meaningful Use Penalties Will Be Under $1K

By Ken Terry, Medscape News

 

The majority of physicians who are being penalized this year for not having met meaningful use requirements in previous years will forfeit less than $1000 of their Medicare reimbursement, according to data just released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

 

Of the 256,000 eligible professionals (EPs) subject to "payment adjustments" in 2015, the data show, 87,000 (34%) will lose $250 or less, 55,000 (21%) will give up $250 to $1000, 36,000 (14%) will forfeit $1000 to $2000, and 78,000 (31%) will be fined $2000 or more.

 

Read the full article >>
The North Valley Chorale to Present 2015 Spring Concert - "Sing me to Heaven"

Sunday, March 15, 2015 at 3 pm

First United Methodist Church

5510 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona

 

The North Valley Chorale (NVC) presents a special Spring Concert program honoring Gregory Zduniak, their late composer-in-residence, who passed away in May, 2014. The program features Zduniak's own "Pie Jesu", other beautiful pieces including a new piece composed in his memory, and the poignant Fauré Requiem.   

 

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors, and are available by visiting the chorale's website at www.northvalleychorale.org or by calling 602-464-4100.

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Phone: 602-252-2015 | FREE Physician Referral Line: 602-252-2844 

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