Editor's Note: Because of the holiday, we will not publish on Dec. 28. Our next edition of VSTW will be published on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013.
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MMS News & Announcements
Down to the Wire: SGR Cut Still Hanging in the Balance
Congress went home for Christmas this week without resolving the impasse over the fiscal "cliff," or blocking the 27% cut in Medicare physician fees scheduled to take effect on January 1. Congress could return to Washington after Christmas, but there are no guarantees.
In some of its strongest language yet on the issue, the AMA called the impasse "inexcusable." It said, "This continuing game of political chicken is unacceptable and dangerous to the future of the Medicare program."
The AMA said that given the state of the negotiations, physicians should start taking steps to mitigate the impact of the cut to meet their practice's financial obligations. Unlike previous years when a cut was imminent, Medicare will pay 2013 claims at the lower payment rate in the normal course of its business operations, without any self-imposed processing moratorium.
The Massachusetts congressional delegation has always been a strong supporter of physicians and our Medicare payment reform agenda. If you would like to let them know how this cut will affect your practice, visit the MMS Advocacy Action Center here to send them a message directly.
To stay up to the date on the developments next week, follow the MMS blog and Twitter feed.
The Newtown School Shooting: A Call to Action for Physicians
In the wake of the tragic school shootings in Newtown, Conn., the MMS will begin a review of its gun policies focusing on three areas: gun control, mental health and education.
In a statement to members this week, MMS President Richard V. Aghababian, MD, said "I believe that it's imperative that physicians and the Massachusetts Medical Society take action. As always, we must focus on the safety of our patients, children and communities. But we need to do more than that; it's time for us to speak out."
Related news:
MMS Comments on Changes at the Board of Registration in Medicine
In comments published on the MMS blog this week, MMS President Richard V. Aghababian, MD, discussed changes at the state Board of Registration in Medicine, the agency that oversees the licensure of physicians. Dr. Aghababian noted concerns about the recent appointment of Kathleen Meyer, who has personal and professional affiliations with Lubin and Meyer, one of the leading malpractice law firms in the state.
Dr. Aghababian said Meyer's appointment raises concerns about the potential for conflicts of interest, and asserted that while one of the board's charges is to protect the safety of the public, it must balance this "the highest regard for physicians' right to due process in all disciplinary proceedings - a right that has been strongly affirmed in case law." See detailed comments from Dr. Aghababian.
Call for Nominations: MMS Officer Positions
The Committee on Nominations is currently accepting nominations for the following offices: President-elect, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, Speaker, and Vice Speaker. To be considered for one of these offices, candidates should complete a nomination questionnaire and submit it with an accompanying resume by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 8, 2013, to:
Frank S. Carbone, Jr., M.D.
Chair, Committee on Nominations
MMS Department of Governance Meetings & Services
860 Winter Street
Waltham, MA 02451-1411
Candidate questionnaires are available online. E-questionnaires should be e-mailed to Bonney Erskine at berskine@mms.org. Interviews will be conducted on Wednesday, March 6, 2013, between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Education Programs & Events
Live CME Activities
8th Annual Women's Cardiac Health Conference
Friday, February 1, 2013, 8:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m.
Preventing Falls in Older Patients: A Provider Tool Kit - WEBINAR
Wednesday, February 6, 2013, noon to 1:30 p.m., via live webinar.
The Impact of Effective Communication on Patients, Colleagues, and Metrics
Friday, February 8, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to noon.
How to Prepare for ACOs
Wednesday, February 27, 2013, 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Call (800) 322-2302, ext. 7306 for more information.
Managing Workplace Conflict
Thursday, March 7, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Friday, March 8, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The above activities have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
Online CME Activities
* Also available in print. Call (800) 322-2303, ext. 7306.
For additional risk management online CME activities, visit www.massmed.org/cme.
Contact us at MMSContinuingEducation@mms.org
This Week in Health Care
Massachusetts Police Prepare for Medical Marijuana Law
The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association has issued guidelines for police officers on the new medical marijuana law, which is set to take effect Jan. 1. Related news: New England's top narcotics cop says federal agents will take action against dispensaries that pop up next year under the medical marijuana law.
David Seltz Named Health Policy Commission Executive Director
David Seltz was named executive director of the new state Health Policy Commission, charged with implementing much of the state's new health care bill. Previously, Seltz was a health care aide to Gov. Patrick and Senate President Therese Murray.
Report: Consumer Health Plans Could Slash State's High Premiums
Giving Massachusetts consumers more control over their healthcare spending could reduce the nation's highest health insurance premiums by up to 28 percent, according to a new report from the Pioneer Institute.
Emergency Waiting Period for Closed Pharmacies Will Remain
A new rule that allows the state to shut down a pharmacy for 21 days without a hearing to "protect the public health, safety or welfare" will stay in place.
Partners' Investment Income Offsets Operating Loss
Partners HealthCare System offset a $2 million operating loss for the final quarter of its fiscal year with strong increases in investment income.
