TOP STORY

12,000 member milestone surpassed!

For the first time in its 167-year history, the Wisconsin Medical Society (Society) has surpassed the 12,000 member mark.

“There really is strength in numbers,” Society President Steven Bergin, MD, said, “and with this unprecedented level of participation in the Society, I am confident we can do even more to help our patients and their families—through achieving lasting change in our health system and fighting to protect their interests and ensuring they have access to care.”

Click here to read more.

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NEWS BRIEFS

PQRI forum July 1 to help family physicians receive incentives

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), along with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) will host a special open door forum to discuss participation in the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) Tuesday, July 1 from 1-2:30 p.m. The forum will provide information to encourage PQRI participation and will focus on the simple steps that family physicians can use to collect and report quality data to be eligible for an incentive payment from CMS.

To participate in the toll-free forum, call 800.837.1935 and enter reference conference ID 53531104. An audio recording of the forum will be posted July 8 at this link. No advance registration is required, but capacity is limited so dial in early.

AMA looking for allied health pros turned physicians

If you started your medical career as a nurse, pharmacist or other allied health professional before attending medical school, the American Medical Association wants to hear from you. The AMA is conducting a short survey about your experiences in each role and how you felt the educational experiences differed.

Based on the responses, the AMA will create advocacy materials highlighting the differences between the professions that only those who have done both would know. The time commitment would be minimal, so please contact the AMA’s Michelle Higgins Gupta, JD, LLM at 312.464.4126.

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QUALITY & EFFICIENCY

As part of Medigram’s continuing series of articles about the Wisconsin Health Information Organization (WHIO) and its role in health care transparency efforts underway in Wisconsin, this week Society member John Hartman, MD, provides insight about WHIO’s Clinical Advisory Group. Previous installments featured Society CEO Susan Turney, MD’s answers to several key questions about WHIO and Society member Tim Bartholow, MD, views about WHIO’s Physician Cabinet. Click here to read more.

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CAPITOL INSIDER

Medicare reimbursement fix close; physician calls needed!

The U.S. Senate will likely work into the weekend for a last-chance attempt to prevent a 10.6 percent Medicaid physician reimbursement cut from taking effect July 1. Senate sources tell the Society that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) will make a motion after midnight to close debate on HR 6331—legislation that passed the House Tuesday on a 355-59 vote. This means that action on the bill may not happen until Sunday.

HR 6331 would, among many other provisions, continue reimbursement rates at current levels through the end of the year, then increase reimbursement by 1.1 percent for 2009. There is also the threat of a Presidential veto. Tuesday’s House vote was more than enough to overcome a veto in that chamber, which strengthens chances that the bill could get broad Senate support. Senate sources say there is a good chance there are 60 votes to end debate; it is still questionable if there are the 67 votes necessary to override a veto.

Earlier in the week there were rumors of a compromise between Senate Finance Members Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.) on an omnibus Medicare package, including a reimbursement fix. Those rumors were apparently premature. Moreover, the strength of Tuesday's House vote has emboldened Senate Democratic leadership to pursue final passage of HR 6331 rather than seek a "compromise."

Society members are encouraged to contact Wisconsin Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold and ask their support in preventing the 10.6 percent cut and passing HR 6331. Contact Senator Kohl directly at 202.224.5653 and Senator Feingold directly at 202.224.5323. While it is expected that both Wisconsin senators will vote in favor of the bill, calls to their offices are still helpful.

For more information, contact Mark Grapentine.

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F.Y.I. FOR YOUR INSURANCE

New Benefits in ‘Healthworks’

The agents of Wisconsin Medical Society Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. offer health care professionals a comprehensive property and casualty insurance package specifically designed for the needs of the medical community. It’s called Healthworks, and we are pleased to announce the plan just got even better!

Available through Society Insurance Company in Fond du Lac, Healthworks has always offered a broad array of coverages at no additional charge—many customized to a health care professional’s specific needs such as coverage for sample and specimen spoilage, medical records and medical equipment off premises. Now Healthworks offers $30,000 of coverage for electronic data. The Healthworks Extension Endorsement also offers increased limits on crime, fine arts, accounts receivable, and medical records and medical equipment off premises at no additional charge.

Contact one of our agents to help you put together an insurance package that is right for your practice. Call 866.442.3810 or complete our on-line contact form for more information.

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QUALITY CORNER

More 2008 PQRI reporting options

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announces the establishment of half-year reporting periods (July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008) and alternative criteria for satisfactorily reporting quality measures for the 2008 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative. For information, click here.

Register now for 2007 PQRI feedback reports

2007 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) Feedback Reports will be accessible through a secure, on-line mechanism in mid-July. To access the reports, each Tax Identification Number (TIN) will need to register as an "organization" in Individuals Authorized Access to CMS Computer Services (IACS). Registration in IACS is now available to Security Officials for Organizations (practices with multiple providers or individual professionals with staff who will access reports on their behalf) and will be available on June 30 for individual professionals accessing their own reports.

Click here for more information.

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FAQ

Question:
Can a physician issue multiple prescriptions for a Schedule II controlled substance on the same day in order to provide the patient with a 90-day supply?

Answer:
Under a new regulation effective December 19, 2007, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) now allows an individual practitioner to issue multiple prescriptions authorizing the patient to receive a total of up to a 90-day supply of a schedule II controlled substance provided five conditions are met. Click here to read more.