Western Carolina Medical Society: The Physicians' Voice for a Health Community

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Weekly e-News of the Western Carolina Medical Society

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May 5, 2015

WCMS Circle of Friends: Van Winkle Law Firm & Johnson Prics Sprinkle, PA

In This Issue:

Quest Diagnositcs - Sponsor Message (Left)

MAHEC CME (May)

WCMS Road Trip to Raleigh for White Coat Wednesday

FQHC Forum - May 27th

WCMS Stands Against House Bill 465

WCMS Strategic Plan Update

NC House Postpones Bill Expanding Gun Rights Until Later

How to Help Those Suffering in Nepal Post-Earthquake

Job Board & Classified Ads

UPCOMING EVENTS

MAHEC CME (May)

MAHEC regularly provides courses for CME credit.

Check out our website calendar to see upcoming opportunities. Here are the next few events:

5/12 - Special North Carolina Film Premiere: You're Looking at Me Like I Live Here and I Don't

5/13 - Red Flags for Pediatric Infectious Diseases

5/14 - Current Trends and Common Challenges in Long Term Care

5/14 and 5/28 - Motivational Interviewing for Healthcare Providers Series

5/15 - Dialogue on Ethical Dilemmas

5/16 - Pain Management Updates for the Primary Care Provider

5/19 - Evaluation and Intervention Based on Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Tissues: Muscle and Fibrocartilage

5/20 - The Chronological Assessment of Suicide Events: Using the CASE Method

5/20 - 5/22 - 2015 North Carolina Annual Preparedness Symposium

WCMS Road Trip to Raleigh for White Coat Wednesday

It's time for another White Coat Wednesday in Raleigh! Here are the details:

What: Meet with legislators in Raleigh to talk about important healthcare topics. We will most likely focus on Medicaid expansion and Medicaid reform (promoting physician-led ACOs), scope of practice bills, and the budget. We'll get more details as the date draws nearer.

When: Wed. May 13th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (will try to make all appts for morning/early afternoon if possible so we can leave earlier than 4)

Where: Raleigh (NCMS/Legislative buildings in downtown)

RSVP here if you are interested in joining us.

FQHC Forum - May 27th

Do you practice at a Federally Qualified Health Center? If so, please RSVP for our upcoming FQHC Forum, facilitated by Dr. Susan McDowell of Hot Springs Health on May 27, from 6-7:30 p.m. Physicians as well as advanced practitioners are invited!

Topics will include:

How to incorporate ancillary staff and how that works with providers, patient satisfaction, and billing (ex: Dieticians, Counseling, Clinical Pharmacists)
Benefits of ACOs, etc. How others are transitioning away from Fee for Service payment
Physician reimbursement models

WCMS is pleased to champion this group, and our CEO Miriam Schwarz will be there to participate in the discussion. The meeting will be held at Western North Carolina Community Health Services (WNCCHS).

257 Biltmore Ave. Asheville 28801.

Email Megan Hare to RSVP.

LOCAL NEWS

WCMS Stands Against House Bill 465

HB 465 has been modified (sections restricting state-funded medical education and scope of practice have been removed) and sent over to the Senate for consideration. The new version is here.

The focus of this bill is now primarily on a 72 hour wait with a long list of mandated information that must be presented to the woman. We understand and respect the wide range of personal opinions on the topic of abortion. Our focus is on the intrusion of Government into the exam room, not the procedure itself. WCMS has modified its original stand to reflect v.2, as follows:

"WCMS stands against HB 465 v.2 as it represents an intrusion of Government into the privacy of the patient and the physician-patient relationship. Physicians or a qualified professional are mandated to explain by phone or in person to the patient at least 72 hours prior to the abortion a long list of alternative services that may or may not be available to the woman should she opt to keep her baby. Government intrusions into the exam room are an attack on patient privacy and freedom, and erode the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship."

This bill was recently referred to the Judiciary (II) Committee in the Senate.

Strategic Plan Update

WCMS is committed to providing quarterly updates to our key partners and members. Our first quarterly report of 2015 can be found here. Note that you can click on the table of contents to jump to a section of interest to you. I welcome all feedback.

With appreciation for your continued engagement

with and support of WCMS,

Miriam Schwarz, CEO

STATE NEWS

NC House Postpones Bill Expanding Gun Rights Until Later

HB 562 includes a section that would restrict the ability of a physician to ask questions and document information about firearms in the home. It would allow for strict disciplinary action and fines for any physician or other provider found to have violated the proposed law. NCMS opposes the bill as long as this language is included. WCMS board will be discussing this issue shortly.

Click here to read more.

ITEMS OF INTEREST

How to Help Those Suffering in Nepal Post-Earthquake

Dear Colleagues,

As you know Nepal was hit by an earthquake of epic proportion. The earthquake occurred on 25 April 2015, measured 7.9 on the Richter scale, at a depth of approximately 9 miles (which is considered shallow and therefore more damaging). The epicenter was about 100 miles northwest of Kathmandu, the capital. Everyone has likely seen the devastating footage in the media. The death toll has exceeded 5000 now 5 days into the quake. Most people in Kathmandu which was badly hit camped out for 3 nights in makeshift community tents as many watched their houses crack and crumble. The aftershocks lasted for days. There has been major damage to the city and surrounding villages. Electricity was already unreliable in the city, running water was scarce - the problem is going to be worse now and for the coming months.

Click here to read more.

Job Board & Classified Ads

Job Board:

Physician (Bariatric Clinic)

Physician (MedPlus Disability Evaluations)

Medical Interpreter (WCMS)

To find out how you can post a Job or Classified Ad Click here.

WCMS is a thriving 700+ member professional association of the physicians of western North Carolina and a chartered component medical society of the NC Medical Society and the AMA. The WCMS is an organization run by physicians for physicians.

Our Mission
WCMS Association: WCMSA is the physicians' voice advocating for the health of the physician, the patient, and the community, through strengthening the physician-patient relationship.

WCMS Foundation: WCMSF is the physician and community-led charitable arm of the medical society improving access to quality healthcare, decreasing disparities in health, and promoting health & wellness.

Our Vision
To be a dynamic physician community dedicated to a healthy, vibrant Western North Carolina.

About WCMS
The purpose of WCMS is:

To strengthen the voice of WNC physicians in advocating for the health of the medical profession, the health of the patient, and the health of our region
To inform, educate and prepare physicians for rapidly occurring changes in health care at national, state, and local levels
To share legislative and policy information and advocate on behalf of physicians in areas of mutual interest
To share available resources in areas of mutual interest
To promote physician-to-physician communication and dialogue in an open, honest and safe environment

We hope you enjoy our weekly e-Newsletter. If you have questions or suggestions please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Miriam Schwarz

Miriam Schwarz, MPA

WCMS CEO/Executive Director