Join AMA president to explore contemporary practice models

News and announcements

Join AMA president to explore sustainable contemporary practice models (Feb 2)

This half-day Saturday conference outlines varying types of private practice models. It explores how private practice can thrive financially and cultivate physician-patient satisfaction in the context of emerging market trends and priorities. The keynote speaker is Barbara McAneny, MD, president of the AMA. This is an opportunity to will learn the benefits and operational/economic characteristics of models such as “practice without walls,” direct primary care, integrative medical-behavioral family medicine, concierge, and traditional practice. The program covers the AMA’s Practice Improvement Strategies, alternative funding opportunities within Fee for Service, the benefits of physician autonomy in avoiding burnout, and more. It will be held at MMs headquarters, Waltham, and is designed for medical students and physicians of all specialties and career stages. Click the button below for more information and registration.

How and why to get involved in an MMS committee

If you're looking to revitalize your network and support your professional community, getting more involved with the MMS is a great way to do both at once. Consider participating on a committee (we're bound to have at least one that aligns with your interests) or the Member Interest Network Executive Council. Committee appointments are for specific terms. We have put in place resources for distance participation, including conference calls and online meetings. Applications are due March 1.  Click the button below for more information; see Committee Appointments for application details.

Reminders: Stuff you should click on

MA drug registration (MSCR) moving online:
Create your account and book a webinar (Jan 8, 10, 15)

The Massachusetts Controlled Substance Registration (MCSR) system for physicians and some other prescribers is moving online. Starting January 7, 2019, physicians applying for an MCSR will no longer need to submit paper applications, can pay via credit/debit card, and will benefit from shorter turnaround times and instant notification and verification. All physicians who prescribe controlled substances, including Schedule VI drugs, need to create an account with the new system, though information will be prepopulated from BORIM once you enter basic details. Since this account will be needed to renew your registration, or to attest to supervising advanced practice providers, the MMS encourages all physicians to create an account.

• Memo on the MSCR upgrade from Mass.gov
• Registration for informational webinars (Jan 8, 10, 15)
• Schedule VI / list of interchangeable drugs

Seeking comments: Continuing certification of physicians (Jan 15)

The American Board of Medical Specialties’ (ABMS) has provided an update on its “Continuing Board Certification: Vision for the Future" project (aka The Vision Initiative). The Commission reviewing the framework and purpose of continuing certification of physicians has released its draft report, including key findings and recommendations. The draft report is open for public commen t until Tuesday, January 15, at 11:00 p.m. CST.

Renew your membership

A new year of MMS Membership
Happy New Year to all our new, returning, and current members!  In the next few weeks, you will receive your welcome packet and 2019 membership card. Remember, there is still time to renew your membership if you haven’t done so: Protect your profession, stay up-to-date with CME, and join 25,000 physician leaders making an impact. Renew today at massmed.org/renew. 
Questions? Call Member Processing at 800-322-2303, ext. 7495. Renew now!

Benefit Buzz

Safeguard your medical license and career

Ring in the New Year by making sure you are not disadvantaged if you're notified of a Board of Medicine in Registration investigation. The Legal Advisory Plan (LAP), a MMS members-only service, provides expert advice from the Plan’s legal counsel committed to protecting your rights and interests, helping you avoid pitfalls and common mistakes, for a successful outcome. Enroll or renew for January 2019 – January 2020 coverage now for a nominal fee $70, a fraction of the cost of hiring an attorney. You must be enrolled at the initiation of an investigation to avail yourself of plan services. For more information, click the button below. Questions? Email lap@massmed.org  or call (781) 434-7311. 

Member verdicts

"When I received the Board complaint, I tried to sign up for the LAP.  It was too late. I had to be enrolled already when I received the letter from the Board. It cost me thousands of dollars for an attorney to resolve the issue. Don't wait. The Plan is an incredible bargain."  

"The LAP newsletters were very helpful. Made me aware of situations to avoid that could impact my medical license."

Educational programs and events

Live event

Evolving Models for Sustainable Medical Practice
Saturday, February 2, 2019
7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Featured online CME: Physician finances

Current and Future Models of Physician Compensation
Physician Employment Contract Basics
Negotiating Your Best Employment Agreement
Reading Financial Forms

Quote of the week

"In France I can rest assured I will not be refused care for any treatable condition, including a painful bunion — or yes, even a recurrence of breast cancer. All the same, I’d rather have been able to get coverage without emigrating." 

— Erica Rex, a science writer who moved to Europe because she couldn't afford cancer treatment in the US (New York Times)

Tweet of the week

@KamalaHarris
US Senator for California. Former CA Attorney General. Fighting for justice and giving voice to the voiceless. Wife, Momala, Sister, Auntie. Aspiring chef. - Tweet linked to report in Fortune.com

What’s new in health care

Check out the most clicked-on stories from this week's MMS Media Watch. Sign up for daily Massachusetts media roundups by email. Some publications are fully accessible only to their subscribers.

Pot panel warns of drugged drivers, lists 19 get-tough recommendations (Herald)

The Special Commission on Operating Under the Influence and Impaired Driving is listing 19 steps that should be taken right away — and is specifically looking to change the laws to allow for tougher testing of suspected pot-using drivers. Allowing police to take "oral fluid or blood samples" to help prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that a suspected drugged driver was under the influence of THC, the active ingredient in pot, will require a change in the OUI law and is a top priority, the panel states. 

Healey and 16 other attorneys general appeal Texas Obamacare ruling (MassLive)

Obamacare was struck down by a federal judge in Texas last month, and now a nationwide coalition of attorneys general, including Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, want to appeal that decision. In Fort Worth, Texas on Dec. 14, U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor sided with leaders from a group of Republican states who say the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional. Representatives from the 20 states, led by Texas, argue the health-care law put in place by former President Barack Obama is unconstitutional. They say their states have been negatively impacted by an increase in people on state-supported insurance. O'Connor agreed that the repeal of an individual penalty for not having health insurance, which goes into effect with the new tax reform law this year, meant ACA was no longer constitutional.

More people getting insurance through Mass. Health Connector this year (WBUR)

More people are signing up for insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector. Officials at the agency say 274,783 people enrolled for coverage beginning in January. Last year at this time, 251,949 people had enrolled for January coverage. That's more than a 9 percent year-to-year increase. An additional 10,000 people have picked a plan, but haven't paid to complete their enrollment. People can still apply and enroll for coverage starting in February. The deadline for open enrollment for February goes until Jan. 23.

Employer group wants end to hiked MassHealth fees (Boston Globe)

A prominent Massachusetts business group is calling for an immediate end to new fees that cost employers across the state $300 million last year, noting that Beacon Hill failed to follow through on its part of a bargain to tame the rising costs of the state Medicaid program. Governor Charlie Baker proposed the fees and legislators approved them in 2017, requiring employers, over two years, to contribute more toward the costs of the state program that provides health coverage for poor and low-income residents.