MMS News and Announcements
Join the MMS on June 26 to Discuss Your Options in the Changing Practice Environment
The MMS is inviting physicians to convene for a dinner and discussion on the changing practice environment in Massachusetts on June 26 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at MMS headquarters.
Hosted by MMS President Ronald W. Dunlap, the gathering will feature two health care experts, Chris Collins, of ECG Consulting Management, and Mark Waxman, Esq., of Foley, Lardner LLP, who will cover such issues as the financial impact related to various ACO options, legal considerations when contracting with an ACO, data analytics, and governance issues related to ACOs.
The second hour of the meeting will be dedicated to open dialogue and a Q&A focused on physician needs and expectations in the current environment, and how MMS can help to meet them. Dinner will be served. Please RSVP to Lisa Smith by email lsmith@mms.org or by calling (781) 434-7759.
New on the MMS Blog: Improving the Quality of Life for Physicians
This week, PHS Director Steve Adelman, M.D., wrote about the high rates of suicide among physicians, and how the medical profession, can meet the challenges effectively in order to improve the quality of physician life.
MMS Testifies in Support of Under-18 Tanning Device Ban
MMS officials offered testimony this week in support of Senate Bill 1105, legislation that would bar persons under the age of 18 years from using tanning devices and require the registration of tanning operators. At present, only parental consent is required for children under the age of 14 years. MMS called the legislation “a major step in the right direction” in protecting minors from injuries and significant cancer risks by limiting their access to tanning facilities. Read the full testimony here.
Benefit Buzz: Different Backups for Different Kinds of Data
Free webinar at noon on Thursday, June 20
One-size-fits all is not the solution for online data backup and storage needs. Join VaultLogix for Part 4 of Online Backup 101. In the webinar you will learn about the different kinds of data, the different types of backup solutions and how to choose the right solution for you. The first three parts of the series are now available online here.
MMS Presents 11th Annual Symposium on Men’s Health on June 12
The full-day program, “Getting Men Healthier —A Physician’s Playbook” on Wednesday, June 12, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., covers hands-on clinical information that can immediately be put to practice in treating male patients. Featured speakers include Jeffrey Drazen, MD, NEJM Editor-in-Chief, and Joshua Kosowsky, MD, co-author of the book, When Doctors Don't Listen: How to Avoid Misdiagnoses and Unnecessary Tests. For more information and to register, go to www.massmed.org/MH2013.
Education Programs and Events
Live CME Activities
Assessing Medication, Mental Health, and Cultural Needs During Sheltering
Tuesday, June 11, 2013, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., live conference or via streaming webinar
HIPAA 2.0: Its Impact on Physician Practice WEBINAR
Tuesday, June 11, 2013, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., via live webinar
Getting Men Healthier – A Physician’s Playbook: 11th Annual Symposium on Men’s Health
Wednesday, June 12, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2nd Annual Addiction Medicine for All Providers Conference
Friday, June 21, and Saturday, June 22, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Caring for the Caregivers IX: How do we Reduce Physician Stress and Burnout?
Thursday, October 3, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Managing Workplace Conflict
Thursday, October 17, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday, October 18, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The above activities have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
Save the Date
Women’s Leadership Forum: Women in Medicine – Competition, Collaboration, and Team Leadership
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Principles of Palliative Care and Persistent Pain Management: Tools to Integrate Into Your Practice
Friday, September 27, 2013
CME Accreditation Orientation
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
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.
This Week in Health Care
AG Says Partners-Cooley Dickinson Hospital Deal Can Advance
Partners HealthCare System can move forward with acquiring 140-bed Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. The two organizations will have to negotiate separate contracts for five years with the commercial health insurers that reimburse them for service.
Brockton Hospital, Beth Israel Reach Affiliation Agreement
The agreement, which requires state approval, means that Brockton will switch teaching hospital affiliations from Tufts Medical Center to Beth Israel Deaconess. Brockton will also use Beth Israel Deaconess as the primary location to receive area patients needing advanced care.
Boston Medical Looks to Shut Site, Cut 85 Beds
Boston Medical Center is weighing a plan to close an aging part of its sprawling campus and eliminate about 85 of its 496 beds, as it braces for state and federal budget cuts and intensified pressure to shift more care to outpatient settings.
Boston Hospitals Plan for Worst With Lessons From Bombings
Hub hospitals are already starting to plan for the next emergency based on lessons learned from the Boston Marathon bombings, including dealing with cellphone outages, challenges identifying patients and an "unprecedented" citywide lockdown the day of the manhunt for the suspects.
MGH Braces For Millions In Research Cuts
Massachusetts General Hospital is budgeting for a $19 million cut next year due to decreases in federal research funding.
Medical Marijuana Won't Diminish Employers Right to Enforce Drug Policies
Employees who consume medical marijuana will not be imbued with new workplace rights, even if they're using the drug legally now, according to several legal experts anticipating the impact of the law.
Fallon Total Care Program for Medicare/Medicaid Patients Delayed
The launch of Fallon Total Care, a Worcester-based pilot health insurance program designed for people eligible for Medicare and Medicaid benefits, has been delayed due to ongoing discussion about plan rates.
Examining Children's Mental Health in Mass.
What is really facing children and their parents when it comes to mental health services in Massachusetts? (audio of 24:58 )
Wars Over Lyme Disease Treatment
While lawmakers have the power to direct insurers to cover extended Lyme treatment, experts dispute whether there is actually a medical rationale for longer-term treatment. Related story: Drawing the lines in the Lyme disease battle.
Season’s Fight Against EEE Begins in Bristol County
The Taunton-based mosquito control project, which serves 20 communities in Bristol County, has six workers and six trucks responding to requests for ground spraying. Related news: Officials warn of more mosquitoes, spread of harmful diseases.
Gender Differences in Female Athletes’ Injuries
New centers, including at Boston Children's, seek to understand sports injuries that more commonly plague female athletes.
ACOG Issues New Opinion on Tdap Vaccine
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has released a new opinion supporting the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recently updated recommendations concerning the Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccination. ACIP recommends women receive a dose of Tdap during each pregnancy and that family members and direct caregivers receive it as well.
