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Coming Soon: Immunization Mini-Summits Slated for LI and Albany
Two CME programs focused on providing physicians with updated information on key immunization issues are scheduled for Thursday, June 18 at the Huntington Hilton on Long Island and Tuesday, June 30 at the Albany Marriott. For more information and to register, physicians are encouraged to go online to the MSSNY Web site at www.mssny.org. The programs are made possible through a grant from the NYS Department of Health Immunization Program.
Presidents Message - Gerald Ente, MD |
When I was a kid my mother always used to comment about all of the friends whom I brought home, how bright they were. I doubt that she was comparing them to me but was in truth, complimenting me on the intelligence of my friends. I still surround myself with intelligent, logical and wise people. Most of my friends are physicians, and physicians are all of the above. Being smart, logical and wise physicians of 2009, we must realize that our only hope of a successful future is in organization. We practice in groups. Our groups form hospital staffs, these join together in our county medical societies which unite into our state medical societies and these combine into the American Medical Association. Our only answer to our tribulations with the trial lawyers, the oppressive tactics of the insurance companies, the miseries of Medicare, the constraints of time, and the budgetary shortages is organized medicine. Individually we cannot bargain; we have no power. In union there is strength, and our strength is the medical society.
I understand that these letters are addressed to members of our society. Unfortunately, we represent only about 25% of the licensed physicians in Nassau County and in New York State. If each of us brought in one new member, we would obviously double our membership. Sadly though, it is not that simple. I distributed 36 applications for our county medical society to the resident staff at one of our most prestigious hospitals. MLMIC pays the entire dues for the first year. So, even though it is free, only a handful sent in their papers. I am surprised by the naiveté of these outstanding residents regarding their future professional security. Whereas on the national and state levels, young students and residents take an active part in the workings and politics of their medical societies, we, in Nassau County cannot get our residents or young physicians to even meet with us for coffee or a drink, let alone , get involved. They are too busy.
Our medical system is broken. Everyone knows it. President Obama, Governor Patterson and everyone else in and out of government has a plan for the delivery of medical care of our country, or is working on such. Now is the time for our involvement to be a part of the negotiations and to use our power to have a voice in the ultimate determination of how we deliver our medical care. We are the front line. We see and understand the problems, and we live with the demands and failures of the system as it now exists. We will have to live with the final product of these negotiations. We must insert our collective voice into this process. NOW IS THE TIME!
It is apparent that we must sell the concept of organization and encourage these young associates to join our societies. I ask you to talk to your Residents. Take a minute and grab them in the hall or at the nurses’ station or at the bedside. Point out the problems, and convince them of the need for unity. Explain to them the possible pitfalls of the future. Bring in one new member. We do or we die (professionally, that is!)
May, 2009
Governor Vetoes No-Fault DWI Bill |
Governor Paterson has vetoed legislation (S.8294-A, Bonacic/A.10000, Dinowitz) that would have required No-Fault carriers to cover the costs for physicians and other health care providers when they provide care to drunk drivers.
Current insurance law permits No-Fault carriers to deny coverage, even in emergency situations where health care providers are legally required by federal and state laws to provide this often life-saving care. The legislation would have not only required coverage for emergency care provided to drunk drivers, but for all necessary medical care up to $50,000. While the veto message stated that ?it is fundamental that health service providers should be compensated for the life-saving care they provide to their patients, the legislation was disapproved because the bill is extremely expansive in scope and requires no-fault insurers to provide coverage for far more than emergency care?.The costs of providing such care would result in higher automobile insurance rates for the public.? Certainly, the tremendous turbulence in the financial and insurance markets, including AIG (which underwrites a significant share of the New YorkState auto insurance market) was a factor leading to this veto.
The Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) thanks the countless number of physicians who sent letters to the governor urging that this measure be signed into law. While we are greatly disappointed that this legislation was not enacted, we are optimistic that this strong display of support from the physician community will ultimately result in the enactment of legislation that addresses this long-standing inequity in the law. To that end, the veto message noted that Governor Paterson has instructed his staff ?to work with the legislature, the health services provider groups, and the insurance industry to investigate this issue further and to help enact a new bill that accomplishes the intended purpose of this bill in a manner that will protect the interests of the health services providers, injured patients and the public.? MSSNY, working with the involved specialty societies, will continue this vital effort.
Senate Passes SGR Fix Last Night and Now It Goes to the White House |
We are happy to report that the Senate passed H.R. 6331, the "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008," by a veto-proof majority of 69-30. Both Senator Clinton and Senator Schumer voted for the bill. Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) entered the chamber midway through the roll call to cast his vote in favor of the bill—his first appearance in the Senate since his operation in early June. Eighteen Republican Senators joined the Senate Democrats to make this a truly bipartisan process. Senator John McCain was the only Senator not voting but is reported in the New York Times as saying he would have voted against the bill.
As you know, the legislation replaces the 10.6% payment cut that went into effect on July 1 with a 0.5% update extension through December 31, 2008. For calendar year 2009, the update will be 1.1%. Other important provisions such as extending the GPCI floor on physician work were also included.
The bill must now be signed into law by President Bush, who has signaled on more than one occasion that he intends to veto it. However, given the fact that the payment cuts have already occurred and that the bill passed both chambers with the two-third majority needed to override a veto, there is some reason to question next steps by the White House. Of course, we will keep you apprised as we learn more.
The AMA has issued a note of thanks to the state and specialty societies who worked long and hard over the Independence Day congressional recess to keep up the pressure and persuade so many Senators to do the right thing for patients and physicians. The grassroots response was truly tremendous.
MSSNY President Michael Rosenberg MD added a personal note of thanks to all MSSNY members who took the time to reach out to our federal legislators to urge passage of the bill.
Radio Healthline |
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