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MMS NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mass. DPH Hosting Three Public Meetings on Medical Marijuana This Month
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has announced a series of public listening sessions on medical marijuana issues. They will be held in Worcester, Boston and Holyoke on February 13, 14 and 27 respectively. These sessions will allow the DPH to receive public input and perspective on the new law passed by referenda question last fall. This information will help the DPH in crafting regulations. Formal public hearings on the proposed regulations will be held in the spring. More information from MDPH on medical marijuana can be found here.
More information on Medical Marijuana from the MMS website:
MMS and Hospitals Take the Lead on Professional Liability Reform
Following a Boston Globe magazine article this week calling on physicians to be proactive in promoting the use of apology in cases of medical injury, MMS President Richard V. Aghababian, MD, wrote a post on the MMS blog highlighting the central role that the MMS played in the development and passage of Disclosure, Apology and Offer legislation last year.
Dr. Aghababian noted that physicians from MMS and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have been working for many years to develop an extensive roadmap for medical liability reform, with disclosure, apology and the possibility of the early offer of financial compensation at its core.
Today, six hospitals are engaged in a pilot program to test-drive the idea. Hospitals, insurers, and patients' groups have also formed the Massachusetts Alliance for Communication and Resolution Following Medical Injury, which is dedicated to supporting and fostering this approach throughout the state.
Dr. Aghababian wrote, "These reforms are precisely what the Boston Globe's author advocates for. We're very proud to be a leader in this effort."
Harvard Pilgrim Rescinds Recent Policy on Infusible Drugs
Following advocacy by the MMS and other physician leaders, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care has rescinded a recent policy that had required physicians to buy certain infusible drugs upfront, then seek reimbursement afterwards. The drugs, Lupron Depot, Sandostatin/Sandostatin LAR (octreotide) and Xolair, are again available directly through Harvard Pilgrim's Specialty Pharmacy Program, ICORE Healthcare.
Michael Sherman, MD, Harvard Pilgrim's chief medical offer, said, "Upon hearing [physicians'] concerns, we decided, effectively immediately, to rescind this policy. While we all want to lower costs, we recognize it is critical that we work together with the physician, and the feedback we received helped us understand that this created unforeseen challenges for the physician community."
February Physician Focus TV: Understanding Depression
The February edition of Physician Focus, titled Understanding Depression, will examine the chronic mental illness affecting some 25 million Americans annually. This episode features Marie Hobart, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist and the chief medical officer of Community Healthlink in Worcester. Hosting the program is John Fromson, M.D., a board-certified psychiatrist and associate director of graduate medical education at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Watch the program online here, or check the listings of your local public access television stations for airtimes. Physician Focus episodes are also available for download on iTunes.
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.
March 8 is Deadline for MMS Committee Appointments
If you would like to become more involved in the MMS, consider participating on a committee or the Member Interest Network (MIN) Executive Council.
Committee appointments are for specific terms, usually three year renewable commitments. We have put in place resources for distance participation including conference calls, online meetings and video conferencing at regional offices. Those with limited time who wish to participate can take advantage of these means.
See a list of MMS committees and MIN Executive Council descriptions here. For more information and an application form to be considered for a committee, contact Sandra Manchester at the MMS Executive Office (800) 322-2303, Ext. 7012 or email smanchester@mms.org. If you would like to join the MIN Executive Council, contact Cathy Salas at the West Central Regional Office 1-800-322-2303 x7715 or email csalas@mms.org.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Live CME Activities
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
One week left to register - seats still available.
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.
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.
Future Trends That Will Impact Radiologists and Their Practice
Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Westin Hotel, Waltham, MA.
MMS Annual Education Program - Navigating the Currents of Change: Integrating Innovative Technologies into Your Clinical Practice
Friday, May 10, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at the Seaport Hotel, Boston. Call (800) 322-2302, ext.. 7306 for more information.
MMS Shattuck Lecture - Chronic Infectious Disease and the Future of Health Care Delivery, Sponsored by the MMS and its Committee on Publications
Friday, May 10, 2013, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Seaport Hotel, Boston. Call (800) 322-2302, ext.. 7306 for more information.
Assessing Medication, Mental Health, and Cultural Needs During Sheltering,
Tuesday, June 11, 2013, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Call (800) 322-2302, ext. 7306 for more information.
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. Call (800) 322-2302, ext. 7317 for more information.
The above activities have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
Save the Date
11th Annual Symposium on Men's Health
June 12, 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
Report: Steward Health Care Lost Money, Complied with State Conditions
The 70-page state report said for-profit Steward lost money, but complied with its legal commitments, such as retaining employees and maintaining services, and made capital improvements at its community hospitals.
Cape Hospitals Stay Independent
While other community hospitals around the state are affiliating with larger health care organizations, the two hospitals run by Cape Cod Healthcare remain independent.
Holyoke Medical Center to Launch Search for New President
Hank Porten, who has been in the role since 1985, announced his decision this week to resign.
New Insurance Tools Will Let Patients Find Costs
Health plans are preparing to roll out online tools that will enable their members to identify medical specialists and comparison-shop for procedures ranging from hip replacements to obstetrics and gynecologic care.
CDC: Mass Has 9th Lowest Adult Smoking Rate
Massachusetts had the 9th lowest smoking rate among adults in 2011 at 18.2 percent, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Doctors Feel Patients Pain, Literally
Doctors can literally feel their patients' pain. The proof is in their brain scans, according to a new study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital.
NFL, Harvard Launch Landmark Study of Football Injuries
The National Football League players union, alarmed that its members die nearly 20 years earlier on average than other American men, has selected Harvard University to oversee a $100 million accelerated research initiative.
Reimbursement and Billing For the Flu Vaccine
In response to the flu vaccine crisis, MassHealth has announced to physicians, group practices and independent nurse practitioners that they will be reimbursed for privately-purchased flu vaccine if they exhaust state-provided supplies from local boards of health or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. In accordance with 130 CMR 433.443 (c)(2)(a), reimbursement for privately-purchased vaccine can be obtained by using the following codes: 90655, 90656, 90657, 90658, 90660, 90661 and 90662. For questions, please contact MassHealth Customer Service at providersupport@mahealth.net or call (800) 841-2900.
Mass. Medicaid EHR Incentive Program Meetings Set
The Massachusetts Medicaid EHR Incentive Payment Program is holding a series of regional meetings across the Commonwealth. Register to learn more about adopting, implementing, or upgrading to federally certified electronic health records, steps to achieving meaningful use and many other health information technology topics. Upcoming are forums on Feb. 7 in Lawrence and March 13 in Worcester.
