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Medical Society of New Jersey e-Newsletter
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Horizon Prior Authorization Webinar Series
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) along with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are hosting a free event on Clinical Challenges in Opioid Prescribing: Balancing Safety & Efficacy on May 31, 2014. This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Click here for more information.
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Attend a free Do No Harm Symposium on prescription drug abuse.
Choose from 3 convenient dates:
June 10 Morristown Medical Center
June 11 Community Medical Center
June 12 Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Click here for more information and registration.
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PCSS-MAT Mentoring Program
The PCSS-MAT Mentoring Program, which assists physicians in treating opioid dependence, is available at no cost to all interested providers. PCSS-MAT Mentors comprise a national network of trained providers with expertise in medication-assisted treatment, addictions and clinical education. This program is designed to offer general information to clinicians about evidence-based clinical practices in prescribing medications for opioid addiction. Sign up today!
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Prescribers' Clinical Support System for Opioid Therapies (PCSS-O) is a three year grant funded by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT).
The online modules are designed to increase your understanding of the current state of opioid-dependence treatment, increase your understanding of treatment issues for special populations, and lastly to increase your ability to assess and treat patients. Access the modules.
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Free Prescribers' Clinical Support System for Opioid (PCSS-O) Online Module on Assessing Safety, Efficacy & Misuse of Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain. This online module focuses on prescription opioid safety, efficacy and misuse, monitoring practices that clinicians can employ in their practices. Click here to view the module.
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Symposium on Tick-Borne Diseases
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, Cambridge, Maryland
Join the Lyme Disease Association of Eastern Shore Maryland for a one-day medical conference designed to provide the most current information about the research, diagnosis, treatment and management of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. More information.
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View May's Coding Tip of the Month for information on the Use of N Codes
Email us your coding questions! We will work with a certified professional coder to answer your question and may even address it in an upcoming coding tip.
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MSNJ would like to thank everyone who attended the First Annual Physicians' Advocacy Conference. It was a huge success! Almost 300 people came to hear Governor Chris Christie and all the other speakers!
Watch the video of Governor Christie's Keynote Speech!
From left to right: Steven Berkowitz, MD (President - Elect); Mary Campagnolo, MD (Fellow); Governor Chris Christie; Nancy Mueller, MD (Vice-Speaker, House of Delegates); Paul Carniol, MD (President); Joseph Costabile, MD (1st Vice-President); Ruth Schulze, MD (Immediate Past President); Christopher Gribbin, MD (2nd Vice-President); John Poole, MD (Treasurer)
A big thank you to all of our speakers, vendors, sponsors and partners for making this event possible!
Watch for more coverage of the advocacy conference and annual meeting next week.
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Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 7pm
Inaugural Gala
Honoring Paul J. Carniol, MD, FACS,
MSNJ's 222nd President
Parsippany Hilton
1 Hilton Court, Parsippany, NJ 07054 7pm - Cocktail Reception honoring Ruth J. Schulze, MD 8pm - Inaugural Dinner Dance Featuring Mentalist Asi Wind
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News
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Governor Christie Addressed Key Issues: Including Prescription Drug Abuse, Scope of Practice, and Tort Reform
In his impassioned speech to the Medical Society of New Jersey on May 2, Governor Chris Christie made a plea for physicians to use the state's Prescription Monitoring Program voluntarily. During our Q&A session, Governor Christie explained his reluctance to see expansion of the scope of practice of non-physician healthcare providers and recognized that "serious tort reform" is needed in New Jersey. Watch the video of Governor Christie's Keynote Speech.
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Employment Contract Review Program - New Benefit!
Due to the changing healthcare delivery landscape and the increasing number of physicians who wish to be employed, MSNJ has developed an employment contract review program for its members.
MSNJ's Corporate Partner Law Firms will offer an initial legal consultation for a discounted flat rate of $500.* Initial consultation includes:
- preliminary review of the employment contract;
- a written summary of terms of concern; and
- a phone consultation with an attorney regarding contract provisions that may require modification or further negotiation.
Members should contact the Corporate Partner of their choice to begin the consultation process. Members should expect to sign a retainer letter and/or representation agreement from the Corporate Partner chosen to perform the initial consultation. Employment Contract Review Program inquiries will be given priority by the participating firms.
A more comprehensive contract analysis or assistance with contract negotiations, will be offered at a 10% discount off of each firm's usual fee. (Firm rates may vary; please call the Corporate Partners listed for details on their rates.) Members are not obligated to purchase additional services after the initial consultation, but may wish to do so.
*Nominal fees for shipping and incidental expenses may apply.
Click here for more information.
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MSNJ Objects to Trial Court Amendment on Malpractice Cases
MSNJ filed comments in opposition to a rule amendment proposed by the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Rules of Evidence on April 17. The proposed rule would require judges to automatically waive the designation of defense counsel if he/she is not available for a trial scheduled within three years. The judge would have no discretion, and would not be able to consider counsel's availability prior to the deadline. Given reporting requirements that apply even to settlements, the only way for a physician to avoid permanent harm to his/her professional career and reputation is to litigate to a successful conclusion. We believe the right to litigate with one's chosen trial counsel is crucial to ensure that justice is served.
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Microsoft Internet Explorer Security Issue
Last week we reported that Microsoft's Internet Explorer (versions 6-11) was vulnerable to a new security issue. Members were urged to avoid using Internet Explorer (IE) and to download another free browser such as FireFox or Chrome. Members were also reminded to not click on any links or open any documents from unknown sources.
Microsoft has fixed the security issue. For those receiving automatic updates from Microsoft, the security update will load automatically. Those who manually update are urged to do so immediately. It should be noted that Microsoft chose to also issue an update for Windows XP, though they decided to no longer support it. Microsoft continues to urge users to update their operating systems, as updates to Windows XP will not continue.
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MSNJ Statement on CMS Release of Physician Payment Data
On April 9, CMS released 2012 Medicare payment data on virtually all physicians to the public. As recently as January, CMS indicated that patient requests under the Freedom of Information Act would be reviewed and released on a case-by-case basis. This massive release is without precedent. The release was done without the opportunity to review the data for accuracy. MSNJ is disappointed that CMS did not allow time for this review which is conventional for other programs that report data. We are also disappointed that the raw data has been released without any context that would inform the public's evaluation of the data. Read more for additional tools and resources.
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CMS Registration Begins June 1 for Physicians
As part of Open Payments, physicians should register with CMS, starting June 1, to review information about payments or other transfers of value given to them by the industry prior to public posting of the data. Physicians who participate will need to initially register in CMS' Enterprise Portal to access and review the information submitted about them by the industry. As a part of this overall process, registered users will be able to dispute information with industry that they believe to be inaccurate or incomplete. Read more.
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Stolen Laptops Lead to Significant HIPAA Settlements
Two entities have collectively paid almost $2 million to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to resolve potential violations of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules. These major enforcement actions are a result of substantial risk to the security of Patient Health Information (PHI) posed by unencrypted laptop computers and other mobile devices. Concentra Health Services was investigated when the OCR received a breach report that an unencrypted laptop was stolen from one of its facilities. The investigation revealed that Concentra had previously recognized, in multiple risk analysis, that a lack of encryption on its laptops, desktop computers, medical equipment, tablets and other devices containing PHI was a critical risk. They agreed to pay the OCR $1,725,220 to settle potential violations and will adopt a plan to correct the problem. In February 2012, the OCR received a breach notice from QCA Health Plan, Inc. of Arkansas reporting that an unencrypted laptop containing PHI of 148 individuals was stolen from an employee's car. The investigation revealed that QCA failed to comply with multiple requirements of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules, beginning from the compliance date of the Security Rule in April 2005 and ending in June 2012. They agreed to a $250,000 settlement and are required to provide HHS with an updated risk analysis and corresponding risk management plan that includes specific security measures to reduce the risk of PHI. Read more. Six educational programs are available for HIPAA compliance.
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Consider the Conversation 2 Excerpt
An unedited excerpt from the soon to be released PBS film Consider the Conversation 2: The Stories about Cure, Relief, and Comfort has been posted to the Consider the Conversation website. This clip entitled "The Oath" sheds light on primum non nocere ("first, do no harm"), a basic principle of medical practice.
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IRS Scam against Physicians
There have been multiple reports of an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax scam directed at physicians. According to the reports, someone is filing fraudulent federal income tax returns using physician names, addresses and Social Security numbers. From all appearances, the returns filed contain no personal income tax information other than the name, address and Social Security number of the involved physician. Read more about what to do if you are targeted.
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Please take our benefits survey to help us better serve you with discounted products essential to your medical practice.
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ICD-10 Update
On April 1, 2014, the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (PAMA) was passed, which stated that the Secretary may not adopt ICD-10 prior to October 1, 2015. In the near future, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expects to release an interim final rule that will include a new compliance date that would require the use of ICD-10 beginning October 1, 2015. The rule will also require HIPAA covered entities to continue to use ICD-9-CM through September 30, 2015.
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Important EHR Incentive Program Deadlines
This is the last year (2014) that Eligible Professionals (EPs) can start participating in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program to receive incentive payments. EPs who begin participation in the Medicare EHR Incentive Program after 2014, will not be able to earn an incentive payment for that year or any subsequent year of participation. If you choose to participate in the program for the first time in 2014, you should begin your 90-day reporting period no later than July 1, 2014 and submit attestation by October 1, 2014 to avoid the payment adjustment in 2015. Read more.
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Enrollment Open for Novitasphere Portal
Novitas Solutions announced that registration for the Novitasphere Portal is now open. Novitasphere is a free,web-based portal that will allow you access to Eligibility, Claim Information and Remittance Advice, Claim Submission with File Status, Electronic Remittance Advice (ERA), Claim Correction, and a MailBox. Novitasphere is a great alternative to using dial-up or Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) for your EDI transactions.
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Novitas Self-Service Tools
Novitas Solutions has created many interactive tools to help give you access to information that you may need. The following are tools that are offered:
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Avoid the 2016 PQRS Penalty
Eligible professionals and group practices that fail to successfully report data on quality measures during 2014 will be subject to a two percent reduction on Medicare Fee Schedule amounts for services furnished by the eligible professional or group practice between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. Read more on how to avoid the penalty.
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Corporate Partners
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Carroll McNulty & Kull LLC - Gold Level Partner
Contact: Michael Moroney, Esq.; Catherine J. Flynn, Esq.
Address: 120 Mountain View Boulevard, Post Office Box 650, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Phone: 908.848.6300
Fax: 908.848.6310
E-mail: mmoroney@cmk.com; cflynn@cmk.com
Website
Health care is one of the most complex, fastest growing and heavily regulated industries, requiring specialized legal counseling and representation. At CMK, our health care attorneys dedicate their time to understanding our clients' business issues, while staying informed of the rapidly changing compliance and regulatory landscape. We provide state and federal regulatory advice, compliance counseling and health care litigation services to both institutional and individual clients. Our clients include academic and community hospitals, for-profit and not-for-profit health care systems, private practice physicians and physician organizations, nursing staffs, ambulatory care providers, nursing homes, home health care providers, professional medical societies and trade associations, medical staff organizations and allied health care providers.
CMK's health care attorneys have specialized health law litigation experience with specific concentrations enabling them to provide client focused legal services in professional liability defense, credentialing & licensure matters and fraud investigations. We develop and implement regulatory compliance programs required to keep our clients in line with federal and state mandates. CMK's health law attorneys are members of the American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA), a professional organization dedicated to serving the health care industry and its practitioners; they routinely present on various hot topics within the health care industry to clients, physician groups and medical societies.
CMK provides health care law services including counseling and representation on matters involving:
- Accountable Care Organizations
- Counsel to Professional Medical Societies
- Coding (ICD-10)
- Defense of fraud & abuse investigations
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
- EMTALA
- Guardianships
- HIPAA/HITECH compliance & enforcement matters
- Hospital general counsel representation
- Medical Staff counseling, quality and peer review
- Physician practice group business planning & transactional services
- Professional licensure & Board of Medical Examiners matters
- Professional liability defense
- Regulatory compliance programs
- Third party reimbursement
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QualCare, Inc. - Platinum Level Partner
Contact: Tanya Mouzakitis
Address: 30 Knightsbridge Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Phone: 732.562.7890
E-mail: tmouzakitis@qualcareinc.com
Website
QualCare, Inc., administers the MSNJ Affiliated Physicians and Employers - MEWA Health Plan, a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) which provides members with access to healthcare coverage options that might otherwise be too costly. Through this program, physicians may buy self-insured health plans at the equivalent of large-group rates.
QualCare, Inc. is New Jersey's largest, provider-sponsored Managed Care Organization that offers self-funded PPO, HMO network, point of service (POS) network, and open access health plans; third party administration (TPA) services, provider network access, care management services, and a workers' compensation product. QualCare also provides ACO consultative services and infrastructure.
Headquartered in Piscataway, New Jersey, QualCare services over 800,000 members and is owned by 16 non-profit hospitals and physician-hospital organizations, with a clientele that spans health systems, unions, local governments, school boards, and other commercial employers. QualCare's network covers over 100 acute, specialty and rehabilitation hospitals, as well as over 20,000 physicians and other ancillary providers at 33,000 locations across NJ, PA & NY.
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The Economist, limited time offer!
Enjoy our current offer before the price goes up! The Economist has announced an increase effective 6/19. Order now, before the new, $127.00, price takes effect.
MSNJ is proud to offer 3 new member benefits!:
Audi - Princeton Audi is delighted to present all members of the Medical Society of New Jersey with an executive discount on all Audi Models (excluding the S6, S7, S8, RS5, RS7, and R8). Click here for more information.
Medline - Medline is proud to offer MSNJ members their top 25 physician office products at significantly discounted prices. Click here for more information.
Vitals.com - Vitals successfully connects the right patients to the right doctors, building your market share by helping you connect with new clients through search and websites. By engaging with an insured and affluent audience, Vitals adds a better payer mix to your patient population.
Vitals combines online advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), and lead generation to grow your physician referrals and appointments. Your presence on Vitals' high-traffic websites helps market your practice and build brand awareness, while focusing on new-patient acquisition. Vitals offers a 20% discount at individual and group practice level. Click here
for discount information.
To view all member benefits, click here.
MSNJ Magazine Subscription Service
Subscription Services, Inc., does their very best to get you the lowest rates. As a member, you are eligible for the very lowest prices on magazine subscriptions as well as personalized hands-on customer service. Click "Shop for Magazines" to place new subscriptions, renewals, as well as gift order subscriptions. You can also inquire about titles you may be interested in. If you ever have a question regarding your order or your account, please call 1-800-603-5602, or use the contact page to communicate with a customer service
representative. And if you ever find a lower authorized price, they will match it!
Don't Overpay for Payroll
Easy Online SurePayroll gives you incredible value on a small practice budget, so you can increase your bottom line and avoid overspending on payroll. And as a Featured Benefit for MSNJ members, you will save up to 50% compared to traditional payroll providers. Get a Free Quote today.
Member Resource Guide
Check out the current MSNJ Member Resource Guide! Inside, you will find a complete listing of partners by service/product category, along with contact information. Also, be sure to check out the individual Corporate Partner pages on our website as some offer additional discounts to members!
It is important to note that MSNJ does not endorse any vendor, service, or product. However, we encourage members to please consider our Corporate Partners first as the financial support received from these organizations is vital to our association. It is our hope that their investment in MSNJ will help keep your membership dues and programming affordable.
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Medical Society of New Jersey
2 Princess Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(o) 609-896-1766 e-mail:
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About the Medical Society of New Jersey:
Founded in 1766, the Medical Society of New Jersey (MSNJ) is the oldest professional society in the United States. MSNJ promotes the betterment of the public health and the science and the art of medicine, to enlighten public opinion in regard to the problems of medicine, and to safeguard the rights of the practitioners of medicine. The organization and its members are dedicated to a healthy New Jersey, working to ensure the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship. In representing all medical disciplines, MSNJ advocates for the rights of patients and physicians alike, for the delivery of the highest quality medical care. For more information visit our website or send us an e-mail.
"Your Partner in Practice... Your Voice in Trenton"
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2014 � Medical Society of New Jersey. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the written permission of the Medical Society of New Jersey.
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