MSNJ e-News - February 4, 2016

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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Attention OMNIA Tier 2 Physicians:
If you have been assigned to Tier 2 by Horizon, please take this survey to help us assess the impact.

News

Revolving Reference Committee to Hear Two Resolutions
On February 8 at 7:00pm, MSNJ's Revolving Reference Committee (RRC) will hear two resolutions via webinar.

Information on these resolutions and the webinar may be found on MSNJ's website.

MSNJ & AMA Weigh in on Insurance Fraud Enforcement by Private Carriers:
The Knowledge Prerequisite to Fraud
MSNJ and the AMA have filed an amicus brief with the New Jersey Supreme Court in Allstate v. Northfield Medical Center. At issue is the requisite knowledge of a violation to prove fraud under the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Protection Act. We assert that a "knowing" violation which is a predicate to liability, with the potential for treble damages, requires actual knowledge of a violation, not a negligence or "knew or should have known" standard. We appreciate the support of the AMA Litigation Center on this important issue.

This follows on a brief recently filed by MSNJ and the Radiological Society of New Jersey in the appellate division. In that case, Allstate prevailed on a theory that would require radiologists to independently determine the "medical necessity" of diagnostic tests ordered by a lesser licensee. Enforcement under the NJ Insurance Fraud Protection Act by insurance carriers for alleged violations of administrative or technical requirements not directly related to the medical services rendered is a disturbing trend. This is especially a concern where the law is not clear or subject to different good faith interpretations.

Horizon Counter Sues over OMNIA

Horizon is suing Tier 2 OMNIA hospitals over their "smear campaign." Read more.

Nominating Committee Candidates

MSNJ is pleased to announce the following candidates are interested in positions on the Board of Trustees, AMA Delegation and various positions. Candidates for the Board of Trustees and AMA Delegation will have the opportunity to make a 5 minute presentation at the Nominating Committee on Sunday, February 7, 2015 at 9:15am. The following members have agreed to serve as Nominating Committee Delegates/Alternates. Thank you for your involvement at MSNJ. You are the key to our success.

De Groote Award Nominations

MSNJ is accepting nominations for the De Groote Award which will be conferred at the MSNJ Inaugural Gala of the 224rd President, Joseph Costabile, MD on July 23, 2016. 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 him or herself.

Nominations should be made by submitting a brief narrative to info@msnj.org by close of business on Friday, April 15, 2016.

MSNJ Members in the News

Congratulations to MSNJ's President, Dr. Steven Berkowitz, on being appointed as a board member at the New Jersey Hospital Association. Read more.

Top Doctors 2016: Make Your Voice Heard in New Jersey Monthly by Tuesday, March 1
New Jersey Monthly's annual survey of physicians is underway. This is the only survey that is mailed to all doctors in active practice in New Jersey rather than relying on the opinions of a smaller group of doctors or a national poll. MSNJ encourages all members to participate. Vote online by Tuesday, March 1. You will be asked to enter your medical license number before entering the site to vote. The results will be published in the November issue of New Jersey Monthly and is searchable throughout the year at www.njmonthly.com.

CDC Reports Adoption of EHR Systems Increase

The CDC reports that adoption of certified EHR systems among office based physicians increased from 67% to 74% in 2013. Read the report.

Legislative Update

MSNJ Advocacy Success: Medicaid Payment Increases Announced!

View details on increases to payments for preventive, primary and postpartum care.

Meaningful Use Hardship Exception Applications due March 15

MSNJ joined AMA to ask CMS to soften meaningful use requirements and deadlines. CMS heard our concerns and updated the process for the 2015 reporting period. We urge all physicians to apply for the federal Meaningful Use hardship exception. Read AMA's instructions. Read CMS' new FAQ outlining the documentation requirements for submitting the new hardship application to avoid the 2017 payment adjustment and an updated FAQ on additional guidance related to certified EHR technology (CEHRT) and Patient Access and Medicare Protection Act (PAMPA).

Summary of Law Enacted in 2015

MSNJ has prepared a summary of new laws affecting physicians and their patients. Please contact us with any questions.

President Obama Proposes $1.1 Billion in New Funding to Address the Prescription Opioid Abuse and Heroin Use Epidemic

Public Health

Zika Virus

Visit the AMA's online Zika Virus Resource Center for information from the CDC and other public health groups. Resources cover:

Understanding the virus
Managing and reporting Zika virus infections
Caring for pregnant women during a Zika virus outbreak
Evaluating and testing infants

Read this article stating that the Zika Virus could become a problem in New Jersey in July.

Lead Poisoning

Read about the problem in NJ in this article "These New Jersey Towns have Bigger Lead Poisoning Risk than Flint, Michigan."

Practice Management

PQRS Web-Based Measure Search Tool

CMS announced a new PQRS Web-Based Measure Search Tool. This tool will assist in easily identifying claims and registry measures that may be applicable, and help find measures that meet satisfactory reporting requirements for the 2016 PQRS program year.

Through a partnership with PQRSwizard®, MSNJ has made it easy for your practice to participate. PQRSwizard, like Turbo-Tax™ for PQRS reporting, will help guide you step-by-step to simplify the CMS PQRS reporting process. Visit www.msnj.org/benefits to access the preferred MSNJ price of $225 per provider (Regular Fee is $299). The deadline for 2015 reporting through PQRSwizard, using the MSNJ discount, is February 26, 2016.

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Medical Society of New Jersey

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info@msnj.org

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.

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