MSDC stripped
 
           eNewsline                      
November 14, 2014                                                                                      Vol. 21, No. 20
Time is Running Out to Claim HIV/AIDS CME Opportunities for Licensure 

DON'T DELAY: DECEMBER 1 DEADLINE FOR FREE ONLINE SELF-STUDY COURSE 
MSDC members have until DeProAssurancecember 1, 2014, to take advantage of an online 3 credit HIV/AIDS CME course. The course offers up to 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM for a self-study option, provided by MSDC in collaboration with ProAssurance and ELM Exchange. Successful completion provides documentation for compliance.
NEW NUTRITION WEBSITE OFFERS FREE CME

  Time is running out to earn your 3 hours of HIV/AIDS continuing PCRM logo medical education (CME) credits by December 31, 2014, as required by a new Washington, DC law. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine's website NutritionCME.org can help you meet this requirement today.

  Good nutrition can play an important role in the health outcomes of the more than 16,000 men, women, and children living with HIV in Washington. That's why NutritionCME.org and its accrediting provider, The George Washington University, now offer free CME on the role of nutrition in HIV/AIDS. 

HIV/AIDS CMES AT AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS SCIENTIFIC MEETINGThe 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 brochurePhysicians may sign up for the entire meeting or just the HIV sessions on the registration form.
 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.   

  For valuable risk management insights, read "Reduce Rx Theft and Forgery: How It Happens and What You Can do About It,"  by Jeremy A. Wale, JD, ProAssurance Risk Resource Advisor.
 
Focus on Lung Cancer and Diabetes in November
Lung Cancer Screening Gets a Boost from CMS During Lung Cancer Awareness Month
   November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and the American Lung Association has a website for health professionals
with resources, tools, clinical trial information about lung cancer.  This week, the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) issued a preliminary decision to cover lung cancer screening with low dose computed tomography (LDCT) for appropriate Medicare beneficiaries.  
November is National Diabetes Month 
   Nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes and another 68 million
Americans have prediabetes  and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Find educational resources to help your patients on the CDC National Diabetes Education Program website.  You may also visit the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) diabetes resources page or read a recently published article, "Vegetarian Diets and Glycemic Control in Diabetes," by MSDC Member and PCRM Founder, Neal Barnard, MD. 
Ebola Panel Discussion and Resources
Understanding the Global Threat of Ebola
  Physicians are invited to participate in an informal discussion on the global threat of Ebola, taking place from 2:00 to 4:30 PM on Wednesday, November 19, 2014, at the Washington Times (3600 New York Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002).  The panel discussion will be hosted by Dr. Antonio Betancourt, Director, Office of Peace and Security Affairs, Universal Peace Federation and panelists are to include The Honorable Jeremiah Sulunteh, Ambassador of Liberia and The Honorable Roger Williams (R), Congressman, 25th District, Texas.  See details in the dowloadable flyer.

Clinician Outreach Communication Activity Calls 

  The following COCA Calls cover topics related to Ebola. You may access the pre-recorded calls at your convenience. 

Approaches to Clinical Management for Patients with Ebola Treated in U.S. Hospitals

 

Preparing for Ebola: What U.S. Hospitals Can Learn From Emory Healthcare and Nebraska Medical Center

Physicians Adopt Policies to Improve Nation's Health at AMA Interim Meeting
  From Ebola to Maintenance of Certification, many issues were discussed at the American Medical Association (AMA) Interim Meeting held in Dallas, Texas. Key points, according to MSDC's AMA Delegation, included:    

  1. SGR Reform in the Lame Duck Session: With Congress heading into a lame duck session before newly elected members take office, there could be a solution - if both chambers and parties can work together.  Read more .... 

  2. ICD-10 Implementation - Call to Action. Read more... 

  3. Discontent over Electronic Health Records and Physician Mandates. Delegates sought suspension of meaningful use penalties and better EHR guidelines.    

  4. Discontent on Maintenance of Certification, too. Read more...   

  5. Physicians Take on Prior Authorization. Read more... 

 

   In addition there was discussion on the impact on medicine of the recent elections and the issue of marijuana.  Read more about the policies that physicians adopted to improve the nation's health

AMA Resources on the 2015 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, Meaningful Use and Electronic Fund Transfers
10 Medicare Payment Policy Revisions Physicians Need to Know
  Chances are you haven't been able to read through the nearly 1,200 pages that constitute the 2015 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule released October 31, 2014, and published recently in the Federal Register. Here are the 10 top payment policy changes discussed in this mammoth document that physicians need to know about.
November 30, 2014, is the Deadline to File for Meaningful Use Hardship
   The American Medical Association (AMA) reminds physicians: Don't forget to file a hardship exception application to avoid the 2015 Medicare financial penalties for not demonstrating meaningful use of Certified Electronic Health Record Technology (CEHRT). The deadline to file for a hardship to avoid a penalty in 2015 is November 30, 2014. The AMA also wants to clarify that physicians may file for a hardship AND file for an incentive. The day to attest for a 2014 incentive is February 28, 2015.  More information can be found on the AMA's Meaningful Use Page

Free Webinar on Electronic Fund Transfers (EFTs)
  As part of the AMA's continued effort to educate physicians on American Medical Association standard electronic transactions, the AMA is offering a free, on-demand webinar, "Stop Paying to Get Paid: Effective Electronic Payments." The webinar is designed to help physicians effectively implement electronic payments into their practice.  Please visit the AMA's EFT toolkit for additional information on electronic transactions.
TOP STORIES
MSDC eNewsline
Editor
Pia R. Duryea
202-355-9414 (direct)
duryea@msdc.org

 
Was the information in this  letter useful? If so, forward to a friend to let them know the value of MSDC membership!
2014-15 Board of Directors
Catherine S. May, MD

2013-14 Chair of the Board; At-Large

John W. Larsen, MD
President

 

Carla C. Sandy, MD 

President-ElectAt-Large    

 

Laura L. Tosi, MD

Immediate Past President, AMA Alternate Delegate    

 

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

 

Stuart F. Seides, MD

At-Large

 

Raymond Tu, MD 

At-Large 

 

K. Edward Shanbacker

Executive Vice President
MSDC PARTNERS
1817 Society Members

ProAssurance
Corporate Partners
IC System 75 year logo

PCRM logo

Athenahealth



 

Pfizer New Logo



 


TransFirst Logo
 
Physicians Urged to Continue ICD-10 Planning
  As the AMA fights to delay implementation of the ICD-10 code set, physicians are still encouraged to begin implementation by working with software vendors and testing their systems, if they haven't already.  CMS has a factsheet to help physicians prepare and small medical practices are encouraged to visit Road to 10.  There will be a live training on January 6, 2015 in Baltimore, MD on Coding & Reimbursement and ICD-10.  See Program and Registration for more information.
UnitedHealth Premium Designation Program - 2015 Assessment Results

   UnitedHealthcare has completed the 2015 UnitedHealth Premium� physician designation program refresh.  Physicians and practice administrators who are in markets where the UnitedHealth Premium designation program is available and practice in one of the 27 Premium-eligible medical specialties will receive their annual results in November.   

   Updates for 2015 include: New specialties (Ear, Nose and Throat and Gastroenterology), new time frame for claims data (updated Premium designations are based on a new timeframe of paid claims, January 1, 2011 - February 28, 2014) and online training courses on the Physician PortalAdditional information is available online.

White Paper Highlights Importance of Patient Education in Collecting Payment
Best Practices for Patient Education and Debt Payment 
  Health care providers seeking to improve their patients' account balances should have an education program to train physicians and staff on how to speak about the billing process. Physicians should not offer patients a blank face when the conversation of cost arises. Nurses should be aware of costs when speaking with patients. The front lines of health care - the administrative staff and patient interaction specialists - must be well trained since they will be assigned the task of providing guidance to patients.
   In order to improve accounts receivable and revenue cycle management, health care providers should first follow best practices outlined in a White Paper provided by MSDC Corporate Partner I.C. System, before considering a patient-friendly collection agency
It's Flu Season - Help Your Patients Fight Back
   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, including Tamiflu, Flumadine, Amantadine and more. 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.      
Upcoming Events
2014 ACP DC Chapter Scientific Meeting 
November 14-15, 2014
Washington Marriott Georgetown   
Up to 14.75 CME Credits Available 
   The District of Columbia Chapter of the American College of Physicians is holding its Scientific Meeting on November 14-15, 2014, at the Washington Marriott Georgetown. Highlighted sessions cover HIV, Maintenance of Certification modules, cholesterol and hypertension guidelines, Prostate Cancer and  the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This meeting is open to ACP members and nonmembers, Review the meeting brochure for information and to register.  
ProAssurance
HIVAIDSWebinarFree Member Benefit - Complete Course by December 1, 2014
3 Hour HIV/AIDS CME Webinar

Provided in collaboration with ProAssurance  
  MSDC members have until December 1, 2014, to 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)™. 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.      
   To register, please contact Pia Duryea with questions 
Save the Date!
Med-Chi Christmas Gala
  December 19, 2014 
  9:00 PM - 1:00 AM
  JW Marriott Hotel (1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC)  
Tickets are now available for the Med-Chi of DC Christmas Gala with dinner and live music. To reserve a space, please contact Mae Walton at 202-277-6152. Read more in this downloadable flyer.
CMS-2013 logo
The CMS Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) Program: What Medicare Eligible Professionals Need to Know in 2014
    Web-Based Training Course
This Web-Based Training (WBT) Course is designed to provide an overview of the value-based payment modifier, and how it relates to the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) program, so that all Medicare physicians will understand how the value modifier can effect Medicare reimbursement starting in 2015. This presentation educates healthcare professionals on a variety of topics that are essential to the value-based payment modifier. Continuing education credits are available to learners who successfully complete this course. See course description for more information.

The Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs: What Medicare and Medicaid Providers Need to Know in 2014  
   Web-Based Training Course 
This Web-Based Training (WBT) Course is designed to provide an overview of the requirements of the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs, so that providers can participate to earn the incentives that are available in 2014 for successfully attesting the meaningful use objectives and clinical quality measures, as well as to avoid the payment adjustment in 2016 for not reporting this year. This presentation educates healthcare professionals on a variety of topics that are essential to the EHR Incentive Programs. Continuing education credits are available to learners who successfully complete this course. See course description for more information.

 

 To access other Web-Based Trainings, go to MLN Products and click on "Web-Based Training Courses" under "Related Links" at the bottom of the web page. 

Medical Real Estate Listings
Brought to you by MSDC Corporate Partner GZ Medical Realty. 
Contact  Pete Papantoniou for your real estate needs. 
  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
    For more information call Sergio Guerrero Vivanco at 202-258-8860 or email Sergio@jbsventures.com.
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.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.
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 Sergio@jbsventures.com.
Classified Ads

Geriatric Doctors Needed Immediately in Washington, DC 

  Seeking geriatric doctors on full time basis for six-month assignment in Washington, DC, that provides in/out patient services. Physician must be licensed in the District of Columbia, Maryland and/or Virginia. Please call 814-539-6687 or email jyothi@gella-llc.com.