September 19, 2014 Vol. 21, No. 16
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MSDC Advocacy Update: MSDC Addresses Threats to Scope of Practice and Youth Safety
MSDC Opposes Direct Access and "Physician" Status for Audiologists
H.R. 5304 inappropriately provides audiologists with unlimited direct access to Medicare patients without a physician referral and amends Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include audiologists in the definition of "physician." MSDC joined the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) in a letter that warns "bypassing a physician evaluation and referral can lead to a misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment that could cause lasting, and expensive, harm to patients."
MSDC Stands Behind the Science to Support Youth Tanning Safety Legislation
This week, the DC Committee on Health held a public hearing on B20-0579, "The Youth Tanning Safety Act of 2013." According to the American Academy of Dermatology, indoor tanning is as carcinogenic as tobacco use. The Medical Society submitted a letter in support of the legislation urging the Committee on Health to "follow the science" and do the right thing for the District residents and patients by passing the legislation. The Medical Society testified jointly with the American Academy of Dermatology and testimony was presented by MSDC member Kelley Redbord, M.D.
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MSDC Board Member Participates in Panel on Infant Mortality
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MSDC Board Member Carla C. Sandy, M.D. went to the US Capitol on Wednesday where she served on a Clinton Global Initiative panel on reducing infant mortality. Dr. Sandy participated in the panel with several other experts including Director of the DC Department of Health Joxel Garcia, MD. Mayor Vincent Gray made opening remarks and is pictured above with Dr. Sandy and her son, Calvin. Mayor Gray said of Calvin, "they are learning at younger and younger ages"
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MSDC's 2014 Annual Meeting is Just Over One Month Away
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The Medical Society of the District of Columbia will hold its 2014 Annual Meeting and Reception on
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Laura L. Tosi, M.D.
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Wednesday, October 22, 2014, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Whittemore House in Dupont Circle. Meeting highlights include:
- Final address from outgoing President Laura L. Tosi, M.D., of Children's National Health System
- Installation of 2014-15 President John Larsen, M.D., of GW Medical Faculty Associates and the 2014-15 President-elect
- Evening address by Guest Speaker James Simon, M.D., on contemporary drug development for everyday health problems.
- Socializing with physicians from across the region.
Register for the meeting today by calling MSDC at 202-466-1800 or submitting this registration form.
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Six Things You Need To Know About Hydrocodone Reclassification
Rules Take Effect on October 6, 2014
A new rule from the Drug Enforcement Administration taking effect October 6, 2014, reclassifies hydrocodone combination products (HCPs) as Schedule II controlled substances, prohibiting refills and establishing other restrictions that will require major changes to prescribing practices. If you prescribe HCPs, prescribing these medications for the patients who need them to alleviate pain just became a more complicated. The AMA warns that due to state laws, insurance limitations and some pharmacy processes, some health insurers and pharmacies may not honor refills on or after October 6, 2014. The AMA has issued 6 key points for physicians to take into account to prepare for the switch. Read more here.
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MSDC Takes the Lead on Multiple Complaints About the DC Medicaid Program
MSDC Wants to Hear From Impacted Members
MSDC has received complaints about the DC Medicaid RAC audit process. MSDC is scheduling a meeting in the next week with the DC Medicaid Program Director who is aware of an uptick in complaints. MSDC needs to hear IMMEDIATELY by email from physicians who have been subjected to a RAC audit and believe the findings of the audit are incorrect. MSDC has also been alerted to concerns over denial of care rendered by the three managed care companies holding DC Medicaid contracts. The Medical Society is contacting senior officials at the Department of Health Care Finance in an attempt to secure payment.
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DC Department of Health Addresses Prescription Fraud in the District
Victims are Encouraged to Report Incidents
In an effort to track, monitor, and curtail prescription fraud, the DC Department of Health, Pharmaceutical Control Division (PCD) has developed a method for reporting lost, stolen and fraudulent prescriptions. This method provides a convenient way for licensed practitioners and pharmacies to notify PCD of those incidents of fraudulent prescriptions. Physicians are encouraged to review the prescription fraud website and submit a report.
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MSDC Member Mark Sklar, M.D., Spreads the Word About "Doctoring in the Age of Obamacare"
The Wall Street Journal recently published an opinion by MSDC Member Mark Sklar, M.D., titled "Doctoring in the Age of Obamacare." The opinion discusses the "multiple bureaucratic distractions" stemming from healthcare reform and warns that "the practice of medicine in the current environment is unsustainable." In addition, Dr. Sklar was interviewed on Fox Business News and on Larry Kudlow by News Talk Radio 77 WABC. Dr. Sklar welcomes members to refer to his piece in their advocacy efforts or conversations with lawmakers.
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How to Prepare for the Value-Based Modifier Downward Payment Adjustment
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News for Medical Groups with 10 or More Eligible Professionals
In calendar year (CY) 2016, Medicare will apply the Value-Based Payment Modifier (VBPM) under section 1848(p) of the Social Security Act (the Act) to physician payments under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for physicians in groups with 10 or more eligible professionals (EPs). CY 2014 is the performance period for the VBPM that will be applied in CY 2016. In order to avoid an automatic negative two percent ("-2.0%") VBPM payment adjustment in CY 2016, EPs in groups of 10 or more MUST participate in and satisfy Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) requirements. See this information sheet on the VBPM and PQRS requirements.
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DC Board of Medicine Offers Pain Management CME Opportunity
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The DC Board of Medicine will host a free three hour CME activity on pain management at MedStar Washington Hospital Center starting at 8:00 AM on September 24, 2014,. The session, titled "ER/LA Opioids: Assessing Risks, Safe Prescribing," will focus on assessing the risks and the safe prescribing of extended release/long acting opioids. Those interested in registering or getting more information can go to the online listing.
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Do You Support Marijuana Legalization?
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FREE HIV/AIDS CME Opportunities for MSDC Members
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The District of Columbia requires physicians earn three hours of HIV/AIDS CME credit for the license renewal cycle that begins October 1, 2014. To help members meet the new requirement, the Medical Society has partnered with various organizations to offer exclusive, member only CME opportunities. Please advise non-members to contact Pia Duryea with questions.
December 1 Deadline for Free Online Course
Time is running out ... MSDC members have until December 1, 2014, to take advantage of an online HIV/AIDS CME course. The course offers up to 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM for this self-study option, provided by MSDC in collaboration with ProAssurance and ELM Exchange. Successful completion provides documentation for compliance. Contact Pia Duryea for details.
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American College of Physicians Offers HIV CMEs
The American College of Physicians (ACP) DC Chapter is offering HIV sessions during its upcoming Scientific Meeting to help physicians meet the new DC licensing requirement. The meeting will take place on November 14-15 at the Washington Marriott Georgetown Hotel (1221 22nd St., NW). Read more about the ACP's meeting in the meeting brochure. Physicians may sign up for the entire meeting or just the HIV sessions on the registration form.
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Was the information in this letter useful? If so, forward to a friend to let them know the value of MSDC membership!
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2013-14 Board of Directors
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Catherine S. May, MD Chair of the Board; At-Large Laura L. Tosi, MD President, AMA Alternate Delegate John Larsen, MD President-Elect Daniel I. Perlin, MD Immediate Past President Joseph E. Gutierrez, MD Treasurer; AMA Delegation Chair Reginald L. Robinson, MD Secretary, At-Large Peter E. Lavine, MD AMA Delegate J. Desiree Pineda, MD AMA Alternate Delegate Susanne Bathgate, MD At-Large Julian R. Craig, MD At-Large Barry Lewis, MD, MBA At-Large Carla C. Sandy, MDAt-Large Stuart F. Seides, MD At-Large Raymond Tu, MD At-Large K. Edward Shanbacker Executive Vice President
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Enterovirus D68 Spreads to Virginia
From mid-August to September 17, 2014, a total of 140 people from 16 states were confirmed to have respiratory illness caused by EV-D68, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That includes 7 children impacted in Virgina, as reported in the Washington Post. The CDC is working closely with hospitals and local and state health departments to investigate recent increases in hospitalizations of patients with severe respiratory illness. For additional information, including clinical care, prevention and treatment recommendations, please consult the
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Got Drugs? Drug Take Back Day Set for September 27
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National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on September 27, 2014 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Drug Enforcement Administration's initiative aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
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September is National Recovery Month and National Preparedness Month
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Don't Forget Physicians During Recovery Month
Recovery Month highlights individuals who have reclaimed their lives and are living happy and healthy lives in long-term recovery. It also honors the prevention, treatment and recovery service providers who make recovery possible. MSDC's Physician Health Committee Chair Daniel I. Perlin, M.D., notes that the needs of physicians are often overlooked. He says that "doctors help the sick and suffering, but when it comes to getting help for what ails them personally, they often fall short. Doctors, like all individuals, have impairments and deserve to be treated with dignity." The Medical Society of the District of Columbia established the Physician Health Program (PHP) in 1980 in order to respond to the inability of physicians to practice medicine by reason of physical or mental illness, including alcoholism, drug dependence or other impairment. Details about the program are available online. For further information or a confidential consultation for you or a colleague, please call 866-482-6497.
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September is National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness month and the American Red Cross and www.ready.gov have a wealth of preparedness material to promote individual and business planning for potential disasters and other emergencies. The DC Department of Behavioral Health offers resources for disaster behavioral health services. Physicians may go online to learn how to make a preparedness plan or participate in the Medical Reserve Corps, which coordinates the skills of practicing and retired physicians and other health professionals and citizens who are eager to volunteer to address their community's ongoing public health needs and to help during large-scale emergency situations.
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MSDC News: 2014 Special Awards and Annual Elections
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Final Call for MSDC 2014 Special Awards
Do you know someone deserving of recognition by the medical community? Nominate that deserving individual by September 22, 2014, for one of the following awards.
* Distinguished Service Award. Presented to a physician member for outstanding service to your Medical Society of the District of Columbia.
* John Benjamin Nichols Award. Presented to a lay person, organization, or both, in recognition of outstanding contributions toward improving the health of the community.
Nominations are due by 4:00 PM on September 22, 2014, and awards will be presented at the October 22, 2014 Annual Meeting. Please contact Pia Duryea with questions.
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Cast Your Vote for MSDC's Leadership in the Annual Election
In accordance with MSDC Bylaws, the Medical Society distributed electronic ballots for its Annual Election to voting members. Members are encouraged to vote today if they have not already done so in order to reach a quorum. Ballots must be submitted by October 1, 2014. Voting members who have a question about the elections or their electronic ballot, may call the Medical Society at 202-466-1800 or email Pia Duryea at [email protected].
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MSDC Board Meeting: September 22, 2014
The Medical Society's next board meeting will take place at 6:30 PM on September 22, 2014 at MSDC Headquarters. Current members interested in attending may contact Ed Shanbacker to request an invitation.
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Help Your Patients Save Money
The Medical Society is pleased to offer MSDC's DCRx Card as a member benefit for you to share with your patients. Using this card, your patients receive discounts of up to 75% off prescriptions, selected eye-wear, vitamins and other products. The card is accepted in pharmacies in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Contact Pia Duryea to order sample cards. Read more about the program here.
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Collection Fees: What's Legal, What's Trouble
September 25, 2014
12:00 Noon
Collection fees are a necessary part of the billing and collections process for many businesses and medical practices. They are an often misunderstood, and misused practice that can actually put your business at risk if you are not properly applying and calculating fees. For program details or to register, click here.
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Mental Illness in the Prisons and In War - African American Perspective
September 25, 2014
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Howard University Hospital, Lester Henry/Towers Auditorium, 2041 Georgia Ave NW
Physicians and allied health are invited to attend the 2014 E.Y. Williams Symposium being hosted by Howard University's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. View symposium agenda and registration information online.
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MSDC Members Save 50%! Only Two Dates Left! 2014 Loss Prevention Seminars
Technically Speaking... When Medicine & Technology Collide
October 14, 2014
November 14, 2014
6:00 - 8:00 PM, Refreshments begin at 5:30 PM
American College of Cardiology, 2400 N Street, NW, Washington, DC
From diagnosis, documentation and communication to decision support, public relations and more... physicians are continually challenged to leverage new technologies in support of good medicine. This seminar will use recent technology-related cases and claims to examine new areas of physician exposure. To learn more or register, click here. See a complete listing of dates and locations here.
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2014 Annual Meeting and Reception
October 22, 2014 Whittemore House, 1526 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC
MSDC's highly-attended evening reception attracts physicians from across the metropolitan Washington region. The event will feature a Year in Reveiw by MSDC President Laura L. Tosi, M.D., an evening address on contemporary drug development by Guest Speaker James Simon, M.D., and the installation of incoming MSDC President John Larsen, M.D., and President-elect Carla Sandy, M.D. Get further details or register online.
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AMA Interim Annual Meeting
November 8-11, 2014 Hilton Anatole, Dallas, TX
The 2014 American Medical Association Interim Meeting will convene at 2 PM on Saturday, November 8 and is scheduled to adjourn by noon on Tuesday, November 11. A preliminary schedule and registration information is available online.
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2014 ACP DC Chapter Scientific Meeting
November 14-15, 2014 Washington Marriott Georgetown Up to 14.75 CME Credits Available
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Free Exclusive Member Benefit 3 Hour HIV/AIDS CME Webinar
Provided in collaboration with ProAssurance Available Until December 1, 2014 MSDC members may register for a free, self-study webinar being provided by MSDC, ELM Exchange and ProAssurance. The webinar covers HIV/AIDS educational material and the importance of patient confidentiality and coordination of care; it is designated for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ and physicians self-report the number of credit hours. The self-study webinar does not need to be completed in one sitting, but rather at a time (times) and location(s) that are most convenient.
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Medical Real Estate Listings
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Medical Condominium for Sale
In the West End of NW DC at 22nd and L Street NW :
- 5,500 SF - Available now (space can be subdivided)
- $450.00 per SF ($100,000 build out credit)
- 15 surface parking spaces at the front door - $75,000 per space. Buy as many spaces as you need
For more information call Sergio Guerrero Vivanco at 202-258-8860 or email [email protected].
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University Medical Building
2141 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
University Medical Building is conveniently located in the heart of DC in the Central Business District. Pharmacy is located in the building. Please contact Peter Papantoniou at 301-961-1941 or see the online listing for more information.
Alexandria Professional Center
4660 Kenmore Avenue Alexandria, VA 22304
Alexandria Professional Center is a 119,000 SF medical office building with over 30 medical and dental practices that offers close proximity to INOVA Alexandria Hospital and I-395. Contact Peter Papantoniou at 301-961-1941 or see the online listing for more information.
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Medical Condominium for Sale
JBS Ventures, LLC has a medical condominium for sale in the CBD of DC at 20th and M Street NW. One 3,500 SF condominium - Available now at $350.00 per SF ($100,000.00 build out credit per level). See the floor plan here. For more information call Sergio Guerrero Vivanco at 202-258-8860 or email at [email protected].
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Doctors Needed Immediately For Small Clinic in Washington, DC
Seeking doctors on a part time or on call basis for a small clinic in Washington, DC, that provides general physical exams. Physician must be licensed; no specialty required. This is a good opportunity for retired physicians, volunteers or interns. Please call 202-462-6814 or 212-470-1202.
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