|
Medical Society of New Jersey e-Newsletter
|
|
 | Employment Contract Review Program
Entering into an employment agreement can change your professional life for years to come. Don't sign until you have consulted with counsel. Check out our Employment Contract Review Program today! View the flyer.
|
|
The Philadelphia 76ers are offering discounted tickets to MSNJ members. Access the discount!
|
|
Having Trouble with Patient Portal Adoption?
Increase your portal adoption rate by communicating with your patients. From statement inserts and portal ID cards to office signage and features and benefits brochures - POS can help you educate your patients. For a limited time, POS is offering 25% off any new patient portal education piece.
Contact POS today to brainstorm ideas on how to educate and engage your patients with your portal.
800.331.4976 | www.poscorp.com | info@poscorp.com
|
| MSNJ, in conjunction with the Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic County Medical Societies, is hosting a free dinner seminar on Hot Topics in Health Care on February 25 at 6:00pm at Il Villaggio. This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. More information.
|
|
SoFi and MSNJ will host a webinar on: Stumped with your student loans? What you need to know about advanced refinancing techniques on Wednesday, March 4, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.
The presentation will provide an introduction to student loan debt, review government repayment programs, and advanced debt reduction techniques applicable to Physicians. Register online.
|
|
AHRQ is hosting a webinar on January 28 from 12:30pm to 2:00pm on meeting Stage 3 Meaningful Use Objectives. This presentation will outline findings from research on Meaningful Use of clinical decision support, care coordination and electronic health records in pediatric primary care settings. Register.
|
|
New! Free on-line course on End of Life Care
Meets NJ BME education requirement for two Category 1 Credits in End of Life Care needed for 2015 license renewal.
Members access here.
We also have an alternative online option with a modest fee:
Education in Palliative and End-of-life Care to satisfy the 2 credit end-of-life training requirement via long distance learning - and at a 15% discount to members. MSNJ members, please click here to obtain the promo code.
The following modules are thought to meet the requirements. Each module is designated for 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ (cost to MSNJ members about $25.50 per credit)
- Gaps and Elements of Care
- Legal Issues
- Whole Patient Assessment
- Physician Assisted Suicide
- Last Hours of Living
- Withholding/Withdrawing Treatment
- Medical Futility
Choose two that meet your needs! See related News story.
|
| The Federation of State Medical Boards is providing free CME activities on Opioids. Read more and register online.
|
|
Seabrook House is offering a complimentary CME event with Atlantic and Cape County Medical Societies on "Identifying and Addressing Addiction in my Private Practice" on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at Avalon Country Club. Click here for more information and registration.
|
|
PCSS-MAT and the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine will host "The Office-Based Treatment for Opioid Use Disorders: The 'Half and Half' Course Webinar". This webinar training, in conjunction with a 3.75 hour online study and exam, will provide the required 8 hours needed to obtain the waiver to prescribe buprenorphine in the office setting. This webinar will be offered on three dates:
|
|
New PCSS-MAT Online Module: Models of Buprenorphine Induction
This presentation examines models of induction including the standard office approach and the unobserved "home" induction method. Induction procedures and data are reviewed from a specialty outpatient treatment program to help inform practice. The "home" induction treatment protocol from an NIDA-sponsored pilot study of observed vs. unobserved induction is reviewed. Office and unobserved approaches are compared and contrasted regarding effectiveness, resource utilization, potential patient and physician perspectives, safety, and limitations. Access the module.
|
|
The Sentinel Project will host a free conference on "Insurance Coverage Issues for Behavioral Health and Addiction Services" on February 6, 2015 at 10:00AM at Seton Hall Law School. This conference will discuss several areas of coverage that have raised concerns historically in insurance markets, including access to outpatient therapy and drug treatment and access to transitions of care following acute episodes. Registration coming soon.
|
|
Join your colleagues and the American Medical Association, February 23-25, in Washington, D.C., at the National Advocacy Conference (NAC). By attending this important conference you will demonstrate your commitment to being an active, well-informed advocate for patients, the medical profession and the future of health care. More information and registration.
|
| The CDC will host a 2-day course on Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases on March 17 and March 18, 2015 from 8:00am to 5:00pm at the Busch Campus Multi-Purpose Center, Rutgers, The State University in Piscataway. More information.
|
|
|
|
Hospice and Palliative Care Services Survey
In order to better understand how to best address the market for hospice and palliative care services in Southern New Jersey, Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice is asking you to participate in a brief survey of healthcare providers who may refer patients and their families to hospice and palliative care services. Take the survey!
|
|
News
|
|
Update on Horizon Contract Amendments
This week MSNJ expressed our objections directly to Horizon concerning its recent unilateral contract amendments to it Managed Care and PPO agreements. Many of the amendments are unclear; some are unnecessary. We urged Horizon to rescind the amendments and to delay the time period for physicians to decide whether to terminate. The amendments will become effective on April 15, 2015 unless physicians terminate within 30 days of receipt of the notice.
Last week we advised members to carefully consider whether they could accept the amendments or would be compelled to terminate. Now we are urging members to call Physician Services at 1-800-624-1110 or your Network Specialists with questions and objections. You may ask questions and voice objections without terminating. In fact, you are deemed to have accepted the contract amendments unless you formally terminate. View MSNJ's guidance document on issues of concern.
We believe that the unilateral amendment rights granted to carriers in the recent provider contracting rules shift even more power to carriers. For that reason, we objected to the carriers' unilateral amendment right to the Department of Banking & Insurance during rulemaking. Some physicians are entirely financially dependent on their Horizon participating agreements because Horizon is the dominant insurer--as is proven in AMA's 2014 update to its report on "Competition in Health Insurance."
Read more about our efforts. We will keep members apprised of developments.
|
 |
|
PAI Comments on NAIC's Managed Care Plan Network Adequacy Model Act
This week, Physicians Advocacy Institute (PAI), an organization of which MSNJ is a founding member, submitted comments to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (NAIC) Subgroup responsible for modernizing the NAIC Managed Care Plan Network Adequacy Model Act. After months of discussions and input from national and state stakeholder organizations, NAIC's first revision draft fell short in key areas. PAI again urged NAIC to deliver a Model Act that states can adopt to ensure meaningful, consistent and transparent network adequacy regulation.
|
|
ICD-10: 257 Days Away
October 1, 2015 is the deadline to transition to the ICD-10 code set. MSNJ encourages all physicians to begin preparing for implementation by working with software vendors and testing their systems. View resources on MSNJ's website.
|
|
Call for Candidates
MSNJ is accepting applications from candidates interested in positions on the Board of Trustees, AMA Delegation, Judicial Council and various positions. Please review the MSNJ Declared Candidates for 2015 as of January 15th (Please note: Not all Counties have Submitted Candidates) and read a brief synopsis of the positions and expectations. Your involvement is key to the Success of MSNJ.
If you are interested in running for a position or have questions about specific vacancies, please feel free to contact your County Executive or Sue Hoisington at 609-896-1766 x 207.
The Deadline to submit a request is Wednesday, January 21, 2015. The Nominating Committee meeting is on Sunday, February 1, 2015.
|
|
|
De Groote Award Nominations
MSNJ is accepting nominations for the De Groote Award which will be conferred at the MSNJ Inaugural Gala of the 223rd President, Steven Berkowitz, MD on May 9, 2015. The De Groote Award was established by resolution to honor the selfless work of Dr. Robert De Groote in service to the medical profession. The De Groote Award will be given to the individual whose selfless and idealistic work benefits humankind and not himself or herself.
Nominations should be made by submitting a brief narrative to info@msnj.org by close of business on Friday, February 20, 2015.
|
|
Legislative Update
|
|
Health Insurance
The AMA has released its annual report on the health insurance industry. Find the report here. Unfortunately, the AMA finds that the majority of U.S. commercial health insurance markets are highly concentrated. These markets are ripe for the exercise of health insurer market power, which harms consumers and providers of care. MSNJ will use this information as we negotiate "out of network" legislation.
The Assembly Health Committee has passed A.1922, which requires insurance carriers that offer managed care plans to provide for annual audits of their provider networks, at their own expense, by a private auditing firm approved by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance. If the audit finds that a carrier failed to maintain an adequate network (including specialists), in accordance with State and federal law, , the carrier would face a civil penalty of not less than $500 and not more than $10,000 for each instance in which the carrier fails to maintain an adequate network. This bill was introduced because carriers are currently violating State rules, failing to provide adequate networks to consumers paying for such services. MSNJ strongly supports this bill, which the Committee and full Assembly have passed before.
NJ State of the State
Governor Christie delivered the 2015 State of the State speech yesterday. Dr. Soumen Samaddar, a member of the MSNJ Board of Trustees from Hunterdon County, was a special invitee to the event as a member of the Governor's Facing Addiction Task Force. The Governor introduced a new program to match addiction patients with services.
Find a video and transcript of this portion of the speech here.
Find a description of the program here.
Find the full speech here.
Find a photo (and try to find Dr. Samaddar) here.
Patient Information
The Governor has signed S.562/A.3322, which requires health insurance carriers to encrypt certain information by insurers and others. As previously reported, this bill stems from a Horizon data breach of patient information on laptops. MSNJ supports this bill.
Prison Physicians
The Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee has passed A.3730, which requires physicians who have primary supervisory authority over other medical personnel at each State, county, or municipal correctional facility to have certain training in the treatment of addicted patients. Under the bill, the physician would have to hold (1) a subspecialty board certification in addiction psychiatry from the American Board of Medical Specialties, (2) an addiction certification from the American Society of Addiction Medicine, (3) a subspecialty board certification in addiction medicine from the American Osteopathic Association OR (4) not less than eight hours of training with respect to the treatment and management of opioid-addicted patients. This training would be provided by an organization chosen by the Commissioner of Health. MSNJ, NJPA and NJAFP are neutral on this bill, since it is prospective and applies only to supervisors who obtain this training already.
COPD Patients
The Assembly Health Committee passed A.3248, which establishes the Task Force on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the Department of Health. The purpose of the task force is to conduct an investigation on, and study strategies to promote public awareness about, the causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, in order to increase knowledge about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, effective prevention strategies, and disease management. The task force will be required to: determine what existing resources are currently being utilized Statewide for COPD; evaluate the effectiveness of COPD treatment and prevention strategies currently in place in the State; examine the current scientific base of knowledge concerning COPD through surveillance, epidemiology, and research; and investigate the need for improving the quality and accessibility of existing community-based services related to COPD. MSNJ is monitoring this bill.
|
|
|
|
Practice Management
|
|
Coming Soon! ICD-10 Webinar Workshops by Specialty
MSNJ and the New Jersey Hospital Association have arranged for a repeat of the ICD-10 Webinar Workshops series. More information and registration coming soon.
|
|
Conducting Risk Analysis to Comply with Meaningful Use
February 28 is the deadline to submit 2014 data for the EHR Incentive Program. Meet a core measure of the program and stay in compliance with HIPAA by conducting or reviewing a security risk analysis before you attest. Read more.
|
|
Fee-for-Service Coverage of Inpatient Hospital and Professional Services to Incarcerated Individuals
The NJ Department of Human Services has decided to expand the NJ FamilyCare (NJFC) program to provide fee-for-service (FFS) coverage of inpatient hospital and professional services to incarcerated individuals. Read more.
|
|
PQRS Deadline to Submit 2014 CQMs and PQRS Data: February 28
February 28, 2015 is the last day to submit 2014 CQMs for dual participation in PQRS and the Medical EHR Incentive Program. It is also the last day to submit 2014 PQRS data through EHR reporting methods to determine the 2014 incentive payment and the 2016 payment adjustment.
|
|
What is the LEIE and What Does it Mean to Your Practice?
by: Julie Sheppard, BSN, JD, CHC
The Office of Inspector General's (OIG) List of Excluded Individuals and Entities (LEIE) is a database that is updated monthly. Healthcare providers have a duty to screen prospective and current employees against the LEIE. Read more.
|
|
2015 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
Download the new 2015 fee schedules posted on the Novitas website! Access the new Fee Search and Download Tool that offers a quick, convenient way to download the files or search by a single code. CMS has asked all Medicare contractors to hold claims for the first 14 days of the year. As a result, Novitas will not process claims between January 1 and January 14. Read more.
|
|
View January's Practice Tip of the Month for information on the new modifiers for the New Year!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Financial Concepts - Bronze Level Partner
Contact: Robert J. Tuzzo, President
Address: 1090 King Georges Post Road, Suite 1107, Edison, NJ 08837
Phone: (732) 225-7404
Fax: (732) 225-7405
E-mail: rtuzzo@totalfinancialconcepts.com
Website
Total Financial Concepts, Inc. is dedicated to providing clients with excellence in integrated financial services. Understanding our client's goals and objectives and helping meet their unique needs is our number one priority. We use a discovery process, which helps to provide sound financial planning* through alliances formed with providers of financial products and services we specialize in the areas of Protection, Wealth Accumulation, Retirement Planning, Estate Planning, Business Planning, and Asset Management*. With more than 40 years in the financial services profession, total financial concepts, Inc. is uniquely positioned to assist a defined segment of the population to help achieve their economic, and hence, their personal goals.
*Registered Representative of, and Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Hornor Townsend & Kent, Inc. (HTK) Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. Raritan Plaza 1 - Raritan Center, 110 Fieldcrest Avenue., 3rd Floor, Edison, NJ 08837. (732) 225-0777. HTK does not provide tax advice. Please consult a qualified tax advisor regarding your individual circumstances. Total Financial Concepts, Inc. is independent of HTK. A4CM-0404-02E2
|
|
|
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. - Platinum Level Partner
Contact: Brian S. Kern, Esq., NE Regional Director, Executive VP, Healthcare Practice
Address: 101 JFK Parkway, Short Hills, NJ 07078-5000
Phone: 973.921.8497; Mobile: 908.642.4454
Fax: 973.921.2876
E-mail: Brian_Kern@ajg.com
Website
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co is a recognized leader in the professional liability market, and is the largest broker for medical professional liability insurance in NJ as well as the US. With a narrow focus on medical malpractice insurance, Gallagher's Healthcare Practice works with many of the largest groups in the region and maintains its high standards of excellence with each and every practice it represents.
Gallagher has unsurpassed access and is the largest broker with virtually every major medical malpractice company in the country, thus enabling it to help ensure that every physician secures the best possible terms for the lowest possible price. With its dedicated involvement in many areas of healthcare, Gallagher is the resource for physicians choosing among types of coverage, different policy terms and options, as well as the various companies. Gallagher offers the depth and insight to help practices navigate the new world of healthcare and build a foundation to assume risk. In fact, Gallagher is a nationally-recognized leader in alternative risk, having helped clients build numerous risk-sharing programs, including captives and risk retention groups. With its deep resources, Gallagher helps clients understand every facet of the liability process - from historical trends, to present claims handling, to managing risk for the future.
Gallagher works closely with organized medicine in virtually every capacity. The agency is a consistently strong supporter of state, specialty and county societies, and always at the forefront on important issues that can benefit the practice of medicine. The Gallagher healthcare team has been involved on many matters related to tort reform, including the fight for caps on non-economic damages, a better-defined statute of limitations, and an improved system based on fault, not based on deep pockets, and not one that encourages plaintiffs to name as many defendants as possible.
|
|
| 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.
|
|
|
|
Medical Society of New Jersey
2 Princess Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(o) 609-896-1766 e-mail:
|
|
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"
|
|
2015 © 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.
|
|
|
|
|
