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MMS News and Announcements
Mass. DPH Recommends Physicians ePrescribe Flu Antivirals; Pediatric Suspensions in "Critically" Short Supply
In response to the state's severe flu outbreak, the state Department of Public Health is asking physicians prescribing the antivirals oseltamivir and zanamivir to submit the prescriptions electronically or by phone verbal order, so that the patient's pharmacy can evaluate its supply and prepare the medication for patient pick-up.
The DPH said that pediatric suspensions of oseltamivir for flu are in critically short supply, and that to meet demand pharmacists must compound it as needed. Some areas of Massachusetts are experiencing occasional, temporary shortages of the adult antivirals for adults as well. For more physician flu resources, visit www.massmed/flu.
Related news:
Appeals Deadline for GIC-Issued Tierings Is Wednesday, Jan. 23
Tiering designations from the Group Insurance Commission for the 2013-2014 benefit year were issued this month. The deadline for appeals is Wednesday, Jan. 23 for most health plans and physicians.
Appeal applicants who miss the deadline most likely will not be able to appeal for another year. The plans have said they plan notify applicants of the outcome of their appeal by mid-February. Each health plan, in their communications to physicians, has provided information about who to contact and how to appeal.
It is recommended that applicants keep track of their communications with each plan to make follow-up easier. Here are some suggestions on how to appeal your designation.
Find more information and updates on the GIC Tiering process at www.massmed.org/tiering.
File for Medicare ePrescribing Exemption by Jan. 31 to Avoid Penalty
Physicians who were unable to file for a Medicare ePrescribing hardship exemption by the original deadline have until Jan. 31 to avoid the 1.5 percent payment penalty in 2013.
Inquiry Letters for MMS Alliance Grants Accepted Through Jan.15
The MMS and Alliance Charitable Foundation is accepting letters of inquiry for its Community Action and Care for the Medically Uninsured/Underinsured grants until January 15. Those submitting successful letters of inquiry will be invited to submit full grant proposals by March 1.
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.
Benefit Buzz: Free Webinar on January 29, 2013 at 2:00 p.m.
How well are you protecting practice data on mobile devices? Join VaultLogix, a leading cloud-backup service provider and an MMS preferred provider, to learn best practices for protecting your mobile assets. MMS members may register here.
Education Programs & Events
Live CME Activities
8th Annual Women's Cardiac Health Conference
Friday, February 1, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon
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.
Future Trends That Will Impact Radiologists and Their Practice
Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Call (800) 322-2302, x7317 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, x7317 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, x7306 for more information.
The above activities have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
Save the Date
MMS Annual Education Program - Navigating the Currents of Change: Integrating Innovative Technologies into Your Clinical Practice
May 10, 2013
11th Annual Symposium on Men's Health
June 12, 2013
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
CMS names 106 new Medicare ACOs
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced the formation of 106 new Medicare Accountable Care Organizations this week.
The list included nine in Massachusetts: Cambridge Health Alliance; Cape Cod Health Network ACO, LLC; Accountable Care Clinical Services, PC; Accountable Care Organization of New England; Collaborative Health ACO; Lahey Clinical Performance Accountable Care Organization, LLC; Pioneer Valley Accountable Care, LLC; Southcoast Accountable Care Organization, LLC; and Winchester Community ACO. See the full CMS list. (.pdf, 36 pages)
FDA Inspects Second Massachusetts Compounding Pharmacy
Inspectors from the US Food and Drug Administration recently joined state officials in their ongoing surprise inspections of compounders to inspect a second Mass. compounding pharmacy. Related news: Gov. Patrick files overhaul of pharmacy regulation.
After Pharma Gift Rules Relaxed, Restaurant Owners Cheer
The restaurant industry objected to the rules, as did pharmaceutical companies and some doctors.
Risk-based Provider Groups Must Register with Mass. DOI in 2013
All risk based provider groups are required to register with the Division of Insurance . The Division has declared 2013 to be a transition period for meeting this requirement. During the Transition Period, provider organizations and carriers may enter into and continue to participate in alternative payment contracts with downside risk if the provider organization receives a transition period waiver. Full details.
Health Experts Voice Support for Cambridge Large Soda Ban
Health advocated voiced support in Cambridge for a ban on the sale of large sodas, similar to a ban passed first in New York City.
Beth Israel Launches Accountable Care System
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is launching a new ACO with doctors and other hospitals.
Regional Nurse Hired to Oversee Patient Medication
A new regional public health nurse will help three Metrowest towns tackle a big problem: making sure residents take their medications properly.
Doctors, Billing Company Pay $140,000 Penalty for Records Tossed in Dump
The pile found in a local public dump included personal and medical information for more than 67,000 people.
Medical Students Eligible for 2013-2014 Boston Schweitzer Fellows Program
The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship supports graduate students committed to addressing the health needs of underserved populations, and whose example influences and inspires others. Each year, the Fellowship selects up to 20 graduate students to design and implement their own 200-hour community service projects addressing local unmet health needs and the social determinants of health. Medical students typically apply in February of first year. Fellows receive a $2,000 stipend. Applications are due February 25th. Learn more.
