Press Releases | Wisconsin Medical Society

Court’s decision is a victory for injured patients and families

release date: Tuesday, July 20
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

The Wisconsin Medical Society, representing nearly 12,500 physicians statewide, called today’s decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturning the raid on Wisconsin’s Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund (IPFCF) a victory for everyone concerned about quality health care in Wisconsin.

“We are extremely gratified with today’s Supreme Court ruling because it is a great victory for patients, their families and health care professionals across Wisconsin,” said Society President Thomas Luetzow, MD. “This ruling sends an important message that the Fund is not a piggy bank. The raid was wrong, and justice has been served.”

The Society filed suit in October 2007 following enactment of legislation that took $200 million from the Fund to help balance the state’s budget. The Society appealed a Dane County Circuit Court decision upholding the raid, and the Court of Appeals requested that the Supreme Court accept the case in January. Oral arguments were presented before the Court on April 15.

“The Court’s decision reaffirms our position that the Fund’s assets are not general revenue. These dollars are held in a trust that may only be used for the benefit of injured patients, their families and contributing health care professionals,” said Ruth Heitz, JD, the Society’s General Counsel.

The Fund was created in 1975 to minimize the potential impact lawsuit-related insurance costs might have on health care costs and quality. Wisconsin physicians, hospitals and other health care professionals are required to pay into the Fund annually. There are no taxpayer dollars in the Fund.

“The Fund is a stabilizing influence in the recruitment and retention of quality health care professionals, which leads to better access to health care for patients—something that’s a real issue for more and more of our rural and inner-city residents,” said David Hoffmann, MD, a family practice physician from Mauston who joined the lawsuit as an individual plaintiff. “In fact, before the raid, two physicians from Pennsylvania joined our practice because they wanted to continue to practice high quality medicine but could no longer afford their six-figure medical malpractice insurance coverage in Pennsylvania. One reason they chose to practice here was because of the Fund—it’s critical to maintaining the high quality of Wisconsin’s health care system.”

With more than 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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School gardening project boosts students’ healthy eating habits

release date: Wednesday, July 7, 2010
contact: Lisa Hildebrand - 608.442.3765 - lisa.hildebrand@wismed.org

An elementary school gardening project that reinforced the importance of healthy eating increased students’ consumption of vegetables from the school lunch program’s salad bar, according to a new study published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 109, No. 3).

Three groups in Northeastern Wisconsin tracked consumption from a newly introduced salad bar at Elmore Elementary School in the Green Bay Area Public School District (GBAPSD) to determine the impact of a school-based gardening program on students’ eating habits. The Gardens Reaching Our World (GROW) project was a collaboration of the Brown County UW-Extension’s Community Garden Program and the GBAPSD Food Service Department with assistance from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Dietetics Program.

A steady increase in vegetable consumption from the salad bar was seen during the gardening program which, because of the short growing season in Green Bay, utilized a microfarm. Students used the portable growing station to produce microgreens – the tender young shoots of vegetable plants.

“This suggests that intervention helped increased the quantity of vegetables selected per student,” the researchers noted. “The average daily value also increased slightly between intervention and post-intervention, which showed that the gardening lessons and activities were retained by the students after the lessons and activities were completed.”

The community-based obesity prevention effort was in response to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicating that about one-fifth of U.S. children were either overweight (at or above the 95th percentile of the sex-specific body mass index for age-growth charts) or obese.

As part of the school lunch program, food service staff members introduced the salad bar to students in October 2008, and about 10 weeks later the gardening program began. Food service staff determined the weight of the vegetables selected from the salad bar before, during and after the gardening program (137 days). In addition to the average amount of vegetables selected each day, the researchers calculated the rate of change in vegetable consumption and volunteers gathered salad bar participation data 11 times during the study.

Vegetable consumption was highest during the weeks immediately after the salad bar was added to the lunch menu; however, the rate of change during the gardening program (intervention) was +0.3940 (compared with -0.4030 during the first 10 weeks that the salad bar was in use). Daily consumption rates continued to increase after the gardening program was completed.

“The negative trend in daily salad bar selection before intervention was reversed, and a steady increase was seen during the intervention period,” the researchers reported. “This suggests that intervention helped increase the quantity of vegetables selected per student. This increase continued post-intervention, although at a lesser rate than during intervention.”

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Data on over 1.5 million Wisconsin patients analyzed to reduce health care costs

Wisconsin Medical Society Holdings Corporation announces launch of Center for Medical Practice Research and Education

release date: Thursday, June 24, 2010
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

In an unprecedented effort to seek ways to reduce health care costs without compromising quality, the Wisconsin Medical Society and Wisconsin employers have teamed up to analyze data from the Wisconsin Health Information Organization (WHIO) Data Mart. Preliminary results of their six-month study indicate that variation exists in the way physicians diagnose and treat some health conditions—and that variation is sometimes significant.

“We know that health care is increasingly difficult to afford for many Wisconsin families,” said Society Senior Vice President Tim Bartholow, MD. “We believe that studying how health care is administered day-to-day and the subsequent variation can help us identify strategies for making medical care more affordable and accessible.”

The workgroups studied claims data for 1.6 million Wisconsin residents across four key areas: orthopedics, cardiology, gastroenterology and behavioral health (psychiatry and addiction medicine). Five insurance companies contributed the data studied after removing any information that could identify individual patients.

“Our findings to date have helped focus attention on expensive areas where physicians are using different amounts of resources to treat patients with similar diagnoses,” said Society CEO/Executive Vice President Susan Turney, MD. “This is critical because it allows us to then ask why that variation exists, if the additional costs are necessary based on prior medical research, and if not, how that disparity can be eliminated.”

To further these efforts, Dr. Turney announced today that the Wisconsin Medical Society Holdings Corporation is launching the Center for Medical Practice Research and Education. The Center will provide a venue for Wisconsin physicians and others, along with some national specialty societies, to:

1) use WHIO data to identify sources of treatment variation

2) determine what variation is acceptable based on quality, patient population, and cultural and geographic differences
3)establish strategies for reducing variation

“Our work is informing enhancements to the WHIO Data Mart to ensure that claims are attributed accurately to the physicians providing care and that the severity of claims is factored in, so we are confident the Center will be instrumental to improving the value of health care for all Wisconsin residents,” said Dr. Bartholow, who will serve as the Center’s Medical Director.

“Both the medical and employer communities look forward to continued collaboration to provide meaningful data to consumers, reduce the variation and support evidence-based care delivery,” said Dianne Kiehl, executive director of the Business Health Care Group in Milwaukee.

Both Kiehl and Cheryl DeMars represented the business community—those responsible for purchasing health care for employees—on two of the Society-led workgroups. DeMars is president and CEO of The Alliance, headquartered in Madison.

“Participating in the workgroups leading up to the Center’s launch was extremely valuable. It was gratifying to see the business community and physicians come together to earnestly seek solutions to soaring health care costs,” said DeMars. “I am confident that by working together—now through the Center, we can find ways to control costs and improve the quality of health care, two key components of The Alliance mission.”

With over 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. The Society, Holdings Corporation and Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation work together to improve the health of all Wisconsin residents.

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Society applauds Governor’s veto of raw milk bill

release date: Wednesday, May 19, 2010
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison, Wis – Statement attributable to Thomas Luetzow, MD, President, Wisconsin Medical Society

“We deeply appreciate Governor Doyle’s strong action for protecting the public’s health by vetoing Senate Bill 434, the Raw Milk bill. Today the Governor acted on behalf of sound science and in defense of children who may not understand the hazards of a glass of raw milk placed before them at the breakfast table.

“Consumption of raw milk can lead to symptoms that are dangerous, chronic and even life-threatening—especially to children, pregnant women, older patients, infants and those with compromised immune systems. It’s rare that a Governor can veto a bill and make the public safer. With today’s action, he did just that, and the physicians of the state applaud him for it.”

With more than 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841.

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Wisconsin Medical Society launches statewide radio campaign to Stop the Medicare Meltdown

release date: Tuesday, May 18, 2010
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison, Wis – The Wisconsin Medical Society today launched a statewide radio campaign to Stop the Medicare Meltdown. Two 30-second spots, which will run on 77 radio stations statewide, encourage listeners to sign a petition urging Congress to fix Medicare’s flawed payment formula permanently.

“Doctors want to take care of every patient who needs care; that’s why we became physicians. But Congress is forcing doctors to limit our ability to care for Medicare patients,” says Society President Thomas Luetzow, MD, of Watertown, in one of the spots. “The Wisconsin Medical Society and other medical societies across the country have joined together to urge Congress to fix the flawed Medicare payment formula.”

All 50 state medical societies and more than 30 state and national specialty societies are part of this grassroots effort, which aims to deliver 1 million signatures to Congress and the President in June. If Congress doesn’t act, a 21 percent payment cut is scheduled to take effect June 1, threatening access to care for nearly 1 million Wisconsin residents covered by Medicare and TriCare, the government’s health insurance program for military families, which ties its payment rates to Medicare.

“Access to care for some of our most vulnerable citizens is in jeopardy unless Congress steps up to stop the Medicare Meltdown,” said Society Senior Vice President Tim Bartholow, MD. “There are practices here in Wisconsin that have had to make the extremely difficult decision to quit accepting new Medicare patients. And for those Medicare patients who do have access to their doctor, the wait time for non-emergency care for conditions like diabetes can substantial. Unless Congress repeals the flawed Medicare formula and replaces it with a stable, fair funding mechanism that reflects the true cost of providing care, the problem will escalate.”

This is an issue with significant ramifications for Medicare beneficiaries across the country, but Wisconsin may feel the impact even more so than other states. According to data from the American Medical Association, Wisconsin has an above-average percentage of Medicare patients (14%) compared to the rest of the country and about 40 percent of Wisconsin’s physicians are over age 50—the age at which many physicians begin to consider retiring or reducing their hours.

“Medicare is the government’s largest health care program, and these patients need to know their doctor will be there when they need them,” Dr. Bartholow added. “As physicians, it’s essential that we are able to continue caring for these patients. It’s why we became doctors, and it’s what they deserve. We hope patients will join with us and let Congress know it’s time to fix Medicare permanently.”

For more information, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org and click the “Stop the Medicare Meltdown” button.

With more than 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841.

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Physician Citizens of the Year honored

release date: Thursday, April 29, 2010
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison, Wis – Neil Bard, MD, and Peggy Stickney, MD, were honored with 2010 Physician Citizen of the Year Awards at the Wisconsin Medical Society’s Annual Meeting in Madison April 16-17.
The Physician Citizen of the Year Award was created to recognize physicians who have volunteered their time and talents to improve their communities and the state of Wisconsin. Awarded annually, the award honors recipients for civic, cultural, economic and charitable services they provide to their communities.

Doctor Bard, a family physician with Richland Medical Center, has served the residents of Richland County for almost 30 years. During that time, he has seen many people forego basic medical care because they have little or no health insurance. So he brought together clinic and hospital leaders to push the effort forward and secured much of the funding for the Free Clinic.

“Doctor Bard recognized that something had to be done; and in 2007, his dream became a reality with the opening of the Richland Community Free Clinic,” George Lange, MD, outgoing Chair of the Society’s Board of Directors, during the presentation. “Today, thanks to Dr. Bard’s leadership, dozens of volunteers eagerly offer their time and talents; and because of him, many people receive the care they need.”

Colleague Robert Smith, MD, nominated Dr. Bard for the award, and in his nomination wrote that the Free Clinic “never would have happened without him.”

Doctor Stickney, a family physician with ProHealth Care of Hartford, was nominated by a patient who repeatedly thanked her for “taking time” to find answers to her medical questions. “Doctor Stickney embodies the concept of ‘patient-centered medical care,’ which we value and that our patients want and need,” Dr. Lange said as he presented the award to her. “Thank you for reminding us that patients often come to us when they are most vulnerable, and the time we spend with them can have a profound impact, not only as it relates to their medical care, but also on a purely human level,” he added.

With more than 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841.

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Wisconsin Medical Society names River Hills physician as president-elect‏

release date: Thursday, April 22, 2010
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—George M. Lange, MD, FACP, of River Hills, was elected president-elect of the Wisconsin Medical Society (Society) during the Society’s Annual Meeting in Madison April 16-17.

“I am proud and humbled that my colleagues are willing to entrust this opportunity to me,” said Dr. Lange, who is board-certified in internal medicine and geriatrics. Doctor Lange practices at Columbia St. Mary’s Westgate Medical Group in Milwaukee and is a member of the medical staffs of Columbia St. Mary’s Health System and Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital.

A Society member for more than 30 years, Dr Lange has filled many leadership roles. He has been a member of the Board of Directors for nine years and has served as Board chair, Society treasurer, and chair of the Finance, Audit and Executive Committees as well. He also has served as an alternate delegate to the American Medical Association and past president of the Milwaukee County Medical Society.

Doctor Lange will succeed current president Thomas Luetzow, MD, who was sworn in as president during this year’s Annual Meeting.

With more than 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841.

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Clarence Chou, MD, receives Wisconsin Medical Society Director’s Award

release date: Tuesday, April 20, 2010
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—Clarence Chou, MD, of Mequon has received the Wisconsin Medical Society’s prestigious Director’s Award – the organization’s highest honor. He accepted the award during the Society’s Annual Meeting April 16-17 in Madison.

“Doctor Chou’s contributions to the art and science of medicine are numerous,” said George Lange, MD, outgoing chair of the Society’s Board of Directors during the award presentation. “He strives for excellence not only in caring for patients, but also in service to the medical profession as a leader and a mentor.”

Doctor Chou, who is board-certified in general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry, is a full-time psychiatrist at the Psychiatric Crisis Service of Milwaukee County and is also an associate clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He has served in numerous leadership roles throughout his career and has been very active in the Wisconsin Medical Society (Society), advocating for the medical profession and for patients. He served as Society president, as vice-chair and chair of the Society’s Board of Directors, and as a member of Wisconsin’s American Medical Association delegation. He is also current president-elect of the Medical Society of Milwaukee County and has served as a board member, among his many leadership roles.

“If I had more, I’d give more,” Dr. Chou has said. “I believe every physician needs to contribute in some way, whether it’s financially or with time or expertise.”

In addition to his involvement in the Society, Dr. Chou is a longtime financial supporter of the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation and has served on the boards of the Planning Council for Health and Human Services in Southeastern Wisconsin and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Milwaukee.

The Director’s Award was established in 1928 to recognize those who have served the art and science of medicine, their fellow physicians and the public with distinction.

With more than 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841.

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Philip M. Farrell, MD, PhD, receives Wisconsin Medical Society’s Presidential Citation

release date: Tuesday, April 20, 2010
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—Philip M. Farrell, MD, PhD, of Madison has received the Wisconsin Medical Society’s Presidential Citation Award. Outgoing President Robert Jaeger, MD, presented the award at the Society’s Annual Meeting April 16-17 in Madison.

Doctor Farrell, who served as dean of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (formerly the University of Wisconsin Medical School) for more than 12 years, is board-certified in pediatrics, neonatology, perinatal medicine and pediatric pulmonology. He is a professor of pediatrics and population health sciences at the School of Medicine and Public Health.

“Doctor Farrell is truly a pioneer in medicine; he is living proof that one person can make a difference in both the quality of care and quality of life of patients,” said Dr. Jaeger during the awards presentation. “He has done all this and more with a selfless dedication of time, generosity and humility, which have won him the respect and admiration of students, residents, faculty, colleagues and Wisconsin Medical Alumni. His contributions to the people of Wisconsin and the medical students in our state are truly phenomenal.”

During his tenure as Dean, Dr. Farrell spearheaded construction of the new School of Medicine and Public Health along with the integrated research centers. When Blue Cross Blue Shield went through the conversion to a private company, his leadership and foresight helped ensure that monies from that conversion were directed toward efforts to improve public health.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Farrell has taught at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, published numerous articles and contributed sentinel medical research. He has been particularly dedicated to work in pediatric nutrition, especially in cases of infants with respiratory disorders, such as cystic fibrosis.

The Society President has the privilege of presenting the Presidential Citation Award to a physician or non-physician who has made significant contributions to medicine or public health. The award was established in 1959.

With more than 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841.

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Thomas Luetzow, MD, inaugurated president of the Wisconsin Medical Society

release date: Saturday, April 17, 2010
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—Thomas Luetzow, MD, FACEP, of Watertown was inaugurated as the 157th President of the Wisconsin Medical Society Friday, April 16 during the Society’s Annual Meeting at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison.

The president of the Wisconsin Medical Society serves a one-year term. Doctor Luetzow succeeds Robert Jaeger, MD, Mosinee.

In his inaugural speech, Doctor Luetzow focused on the theme of physicians as patients’ advocates, championing patients’ needs in the face of obstacles.

“Regardless of the outcome of the health care debate in Washington D.C., we must continue to put our patients first,” said Doctor Luetzow. “We will need to investigate, identify and promote solutions that help our patients.”

“I believe advocacy is at the core of who we are as physicians,” he added. “It is the essence of professionalism, putting someone else’s interests before our own. It’s not always easy, but always important.

Doctor Luetzow is an urgent care physician with Fond du Lac Regional Clinic. He has actively participated in the Society for 25 years and has served as chair and vice chair of the Society’s Board of Directors, among other leadership roles.

Additionally, Dr. Luetzow currently serves on the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians Board of Directors; is a three-time president of Wisconsin American College of Emergency Physicians Board of Directors; and a community leader through his activities with the Waukesha County Medical Society and when able, volunteers at Rock River Free Medical Clinic.

With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Decline in smoking rates linked with Cessation Outreach Program

release date: Tuesday, April 13, 2010
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—Smoking rates in Wisconsin have fallen by almost 20 percent since 2000, according to a new report published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 109, No. 2).

In 2000, the University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention (UW-CTRI) launched the Wisconsin Cessation Outreach Program – a population-wide effort to increase the availability and use of evidence-based clinical treatment for tobacco dependence. The Outreach program is funded by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

Each year in Wisconsin, nearly 8,000 lives are lost due to a disease directly caused by tobacco use, and more than $1.6 billion is spent on tobacco-related health care. These statistics led state health officials and the UW-CTRI to establish the cessation program, which was designed to change the standard of health care in Wisconsin so that primary care professionals, and the health systems in which they work, universally identified and intervened with tobacco users.

“Since established, the program has succeeded in implementing program strategies that have been associated with important tobacco cessation outcomes,” the report notes. About 24 percent of all adults in Wisconsin smoked in 2000 – when the program began – compared with less than 20 percent today. Progress has been achieved in several other areas as well, including:

The percent of Wisconsin smokers who made a serious quit attempt has increased from 46 percent in 2003 to 59 percent in 2008
The percent of insured Wisconsin residents with a health plan that covered tobacco cessation medications increased from 68 percent in 2002 to 88 percent in 2006.
More than 10,000 clinicians have received training in evidence-based tobacco dependence clinical interventions.
The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line has fielded more than 150,000 calls..

“[The program] is a powerful example of how to translate ‘research into practice,’ disseminating and implementing best practices into routine medical care,” the report notes.

With nearly 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org to learn more.

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A Medical Space Odyssey

NASA astronaut, mountain climber and physician Scott Parazynski, MD, to share out-of-this-world experiences at Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation event

release date: Friday, April 9, 2010
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison (April 9, 2010)—With seven spacewalks, 23 million miles in orbit and five space shuttle missions, Scott Parazynski, MD, is nothing short of out-of-this-world.

Doctor Parazynski, an accomplished mountaineer, pilot, physician and former NASA astronaut, will speak at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 15, at the Monona Terrace Convention Center during the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation’s annual fundraising event. His presentation about will help support the Foundation’s medical education and public health programs throughout Wisconsin.

“With growing needs for health care access and the potential for future shortages in our health care workforce, investment in the Foundation is more important now than ever before,” said Rebecca Thompson, CPA, the Foundation’s Executive Director. “Throughout the next year, the Foundation plans to engage physicians and communities across Wisconsin, encouraging them to join the Foundation in its efforts to improve health through implementing our various programs, which support medical education and community health innovation across Wisconsin.”

A graduate of Stanford Medical School, Dr. Parazynski was selected to NASA’s Astronaut Corps in 1992 during his residency program in emergency medicine. He has served in many leadership roles with NASA and spent more than eight weeks in space. As a physiologist, he has been involved in the design of several exercise devices for long-duration space flight and has conducted research on high-altitude acclimatization. In addition, he is developing surgical and non-surgical devices for morbid obesity and next-generation ambulatory cardiovascular monitoring.

“My approach in life has always been [that] if there’s something that’s worth doing, I ought to try to do the best I can at it,” Dr. Parazynski said in an interview with the Challenger Center for Space Science Education.

In addition to his experience in space, Dr. Parazynski enjoys rock climbing, scuba diving, skiing and mountaineering. He has climbed Cerro Aconcagua (the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere), 53 of Colorado’s peaks and Mount Everest, becoming the first astronaut to stand on top of the world.

“The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation welcomes Dr. Parazynski to the 2010 fundraising event,” said Thompson. “We look forward to hearing about his out-of-this-world experiences, the mountains he’s conquered in medicine and his message of hope to inspire everyone to join the Foundation in advancing its mission: to ‘Be the Change’ as a partner, leader, volunteer, investor – for Wisconsin today and tomorrow.”

The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation, chartered in 1955 as a charitable organization, works to advance the health of the people of Wisconsin by supporting medical and health education and statewide public health initiatives. A gift to the Foundation is an investment in the future of medicine in Wisconsin that truly touches many lives. To learn more, visit http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/foundation.

News media representatives are welcome at the event. Contact Kendi Parvin at 608.442.3748 to schedule an interview with Dr. Parazynski prior to the event or to obtain ticket information.

If you have any questions about the news release below or would like to schedule an interview, please contact Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell); kendi.parvin@wismed.org

With nearly 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org to learn more.

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Wisconsin Medical Society partner in grassroots effort to fix Medicare Campaign seeks to deliver 1 million signatures to Congress

release date: Thursday, April 8, 2010
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—Medicare is broken, and unless Congress passes a permanent fix, access to health care for senior citizens, people with disabilities and military families is in jeopardy.

That’s the message the Wisconsin Medical Society (Society) sent to Congress today in an open letter (link), which is part of a nationwide grassroots effort by state medical societies, patients, physicians and other health care professionals urging Congress to fix the flawed Medicare payment formula. The initiative—Stop the Medicare Meltdown—also features a petition drive.

“Our goal is to gather 1 million signatures and deliver them to Congress to send a clear message: access to care for some of our most vulnerable citizens is in jeopardy unless Congress steps up to stop the Medicare Meltdown,” said Society Senior Vice President Tim Bartholow, MD. “Medicare is the government’s largest health care program and these patients need to know their doctor will be there when they need them.

“As physicians, it’s essential that we are able to continue caring for these patients. It’s why we became doctors, and it’s what they deserve” Bartholow added. “The only acceptable solution is for Congress to repeal the flawed Medicare formula and replace it with a stable, fair funding mechanism that reflects the true cost of providing care.”

Although Congress just passed health system reform legislation designed to ensure that more Americans have access to care, they failed to fix the flawed Medicare payment formula. The most recent cut—21 percent—went into effect April 1, and Congress is expected to place a temporary patch on the problem when it reconvenes next week.

“Every year for a decade, physicians and other health care professionals have faced steep Medicare cuts that jeopardize our ability to provide care for patients,” said Society President Robert Jaeger, MD. “And every year we have inundated Congressional offices with e-mail and phone calls pleading for redress. This year alone, Congress passed four temporary fixes, but the root problem still exists.

“Physicians and patients need more aggressive action. The payment formula was first created by Congress; it’s time for Congress to acknowledge the idea’s failure and wipe the slate clean,” Jaeger added.

The Society is encouraging physicians and patients across Wisconsin to join the grassroots effort to save Medicare by signing the online petition. A link to an easy-to-complete online petition is at www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

With nearly 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org to learn more.

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Wisconsin Medical Society’s concerns confirmed by latest audit of the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund

release date: Tuesday, March 30, 2010
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—A report conducted by the Legislative Audit Bureau presented disturbing news about the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund. In a result predicted by the Wisconsin Medical Society over two years ago, the fund was shown to have over $100 million in fewer assets available to meet projected liabilities at the end of 2009.

“The $200 million raid on the Fund in 2007 to balance the state budget has had a great deal to do with this situation,” said George Lange, MD, FACP, Chair of the Society’s Board of Directors. “Every patient who receives health care services in Wisconsin should have the assurance that, if injured, the money in the Fund will be used to pay claims as the Legislature intended when it established the Fund: as a trust solely to benefit injured patients, their families and health care professionals. The fact that the Fund no longer has enough money to pay projected claims is in part due to a breach of the public trust, erodes confidence in a system designed to protect the interests of injured patients and their families and undermines the integrity of Wisconsin’s medical liability climate.”

The audit reported:
“For several years, the Fund reported a positive financial position. As shown in Figure 2, the net asset balance steadily increased from 2003 and totaled $94.4 million as of June 30, 2007. However, the net asset balance subsequently declined 215.5 percent and was a negative amount, -$109.0 million, as of June 30, 2009.”

The audit went on to further conclude:
“In 2007 Wisconsin Act 20, the Legislature directed that $200.0 million be transferred from the Fund to the Medical Assistance Trust Fund in the 2007-09 biennium. The transfer took place in two stages: $71.5 million was transferred in October 2007 and the remaining $128.5 million was transferred in July 2008. Because the Fund did not have sufficient cash and investments it could readily liquidate without incurring a loss, the transfer caused its cash balance in the State Investment Fund to become negative...Because the $200.0 million transfer resulted in a smaller cash and investment balance, it also reduces the Fund’s potential future investment earnings.”

The Wisconsin Medical Society sued the state to restore the funds, and the suit is currently before the State Supreme Court. “The Society was compelled to act in the interests of patients and physicians,” Dr. Lange added. “This audit should leave no doubt that the raid should not have taken place.”

With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org to learn more.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: A helmet-positive youth culture may mean fewer head injuries on the ski slopes

release date: Thursday, February 11, 2010
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—Preventing head injuries among adolescent skiers and snowboarders is largely about creating a helmet-positive youth culture on the slopes, according to a new study published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 109, No. 1).

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison conducted a pilot study of 11 Seattle-area adolescents’ attitudes toward ski and snowboard helmet use and found that willingness to wear helmets increased if the subjects perceived that their peers were wearing helmets. In addition, the study participants indicated that:

Head injuries seem unlikely compared to other types of injuries that can occur while skiing or snowboarding.
The more difficult the activity, the more likely they are to wear a helmet.
Helmet cost is a relatively minor barrier, considering the overall cost of a ski or snowboard package.

Most of these adolescents held positive opinions about helmet requirements, and several said their attitudes toward helmet use were shaped by experiencing a head injury or knowing someone who had. These findings parallel those of a similar study on bike helmet use.

The study’s authors stress that ski and snowboard equipment packages available to youth generally do not include helmets, which may send a message that helmets are not important.

“Over time, one would expect ski helmets to become standard safety equipment, similar to bike helmets and seat belts,” they say.

While they have not explored strategies for promoting a culture of helmet use, the authors suggest that helmet requirements for specific age groups or advanced terrain could be an effective first step, provided that these requirements are framed in a positive light.

With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org to learn more.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Alcohol screening program could save employers money and get many Wisconsin employees the help they need

release date: Tuesday, February 9, 2010
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—Addressing risky alcohol use before it turns into abuse can prevent many of the problems associated with drinking, from violence to car accidents to chronic health problems. Now there’s also evidence that a prevention-focused intervention model could save Wisconsin employers money.

A new paper published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 109, No. 1) shows how Wisconsin employers paying for Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) services could equal cost savings. The need for effective, employer-sponsored interventions is significant, given that 82% of problem drinkers are employed.

Wisconsin particularly needs these services, according to the study’s authors, a research team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, because it has some of the nation’s highest rates of alcohol abuse. Currently, one in five Wisconsin residents are drinking more than they should on a regular basis, which can reduce their productivity at work (impaired presenteeism) and lead to more sick days (absenteeism).

In their paper, the authors conducted a cost-benefit analysis of a theoretical firm to determine if SBIRT programs could benefit employers as well as patients. The answer appears to be “yes.” Assuming a treatment cost of $247 per employee and 20% rate of problem drinking—defined as more than 14 drinks per week for men and more than seven drinks per week for women—they determined that the benefit of SBIRT interventions would be $771 per employee, adding up to thousands of dollars in savings for even the smallest of companies. These calculations assumed that SBIRT services would lower problem drinking by 57%, saving employers money by reducing employee absenteeism and impaired presenteeism.

While SBIRT services will not eliminate problem drinking, they are likely to help many Wisconsin residents develop healthier habits and be more productive at work, the authors note.

“There appears to be a business case for employers to pay for SBIRT if the program can lower problem drinking rates among employees, even if problem drinking is not eliminated altogether,” they say.

With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org to learn more.

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Society expresses sympathy for Haiti, encourages support for relief efforts

release date: Tuesday, January 20, 2010
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Statement attributable to:
Robert Jaeger, MD
President, Wisconsin Medical Society

Madison, Wis.— “The earthquake that struck Haiti on January 5 was a true tragedy, leaving thousands of people injured and creating a public health crisis that demands our attention and assistance. On behalf of the physicians of the Wisconsin Medical Society, I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the earthquake victims and their families and offer a message of hope as aid workers from across the globe work to provide food, shelter and medical care.

“The Society is also encouraging its members and the public to support international relief and response efforts, including those of the U.S. government, in this time of need. We have developed a special page on our website that lists charities providing aid to Haiti, and we are monitoring the need for medical volunteers and supplies at this time. As additional opportunities to help arise, we will communicate them through our website and newsletters.

“We value this opportunity to lend a hand to those in need and will continue keep the victims of this disaster in our thoughts.”

With more than 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org to learn more.

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Wisconsin Medical Society ‘very pleased’ with Supreme Court’s decision to hear case

release date: Thursday, January 14, 2010
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—The Wisconsin Medical Society (Society), representing more than 12,000 physicians statewide, is pleased with the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision to hear Wisconsin Medical Society, Inc. and David M. Hoffmann, MD v. Michael L. Morgan. This case has statewide implications and the Court’s resolution of the issues will affect injured patients, health care professionals and Wisconsin’s medical liability environment.

The Society filed suit in October 2007 following enactment of legislation that took $200 million from the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund (Fund) to help balance the state’s budget. The Society appealed a Dane County Circuit Court decision upholding the raid, and in December, the Court of Appeals issued a Certification requesting that the Supreme Court accept the case.

“We are very pleased that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear this case. The Fund’s assets are not general revenue. These dollars are held in a trust for the benefit of injured patients, their families and contributing health care professionals,” said George M. Lange, Chair of the Society’s Board of Directors. “We hope the Court will preserve the integrity and security of this important trust by overturning the raid on the Fund and ordering that the money taken be restored.”

The Fund was created in 1975 to minimize the effects insurance costs caused by lawsuits might have on health care costs and quality. Wisconsin physicians, hospitals and other health care professionals are required to pay into the Fund annually. There are no taxpayer dollars in the Fund.

“The Fund is a stabilizing influence in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other health care professionals. As such, it is critical to maintaining the high quality of Wisconsin’s health care system,” Dr. Lange added.

For more information, including a 5-minute video about the issue, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/initiatives/lawsuit.

With more than 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841.

Wisconsin Medical Journal: New study examines tobacco use among Wisconsin's Hmong Americans

release date: Thursday, January 14, 2010
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—Educational achievement and household exposure to cigarettes are strong predictors of tobacco use for Wisconsin’s Hmong population, as is the amount of time spent adapting to American culture, according to new study published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 108, No. 9).

Researchers from Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the La Crosse County Health Department surveyed Hmong youth and adults in 14 different Wisconsin communities and found that almost one-third of youth ages 12 to 17 had tried tobacco and that 15 percent use tobacco every day. Youth who had lived in the United States the longest were the most likely to have used tobacco products.

The adults surveyed who were born in the United States were up to 3.7 times more likely to have used tobacco than their peers born outside the U.S. Those with the lowest levels of education were more likely to be daily users of tobacco, and those who shared a home with a smoker were as much as 3.4 times more likely to use tobacco than those who did not live with someone who smokes.

The research team said these findings have important implications for school- and community-based smoking-prevention programs.

“[Our] results suggest that tobacco use prevention programs must be culturally sensitive and include more Hmong of various ages to achieve better outcomes in preventing tobacco use,” they noted. “With the Asian American immigrant population on the rise, appropriate steps need to be taken to monitor the health status of new incoming immigrants, who are at greater risk.”

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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2010 Annual Meeting Press Releases

Following are some additional press releases from the 2010 Annual Meeting, held April 16-17 in Madison.

Neil Bard, MD, honored as Physician Citizen of the Year

Peggy Stickney, MD, honored as Physician Citizen of the Year

Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation 2010 Awards

Czeczok wins Houghton Award

Dreger wins Houghton Award

Halverson wins Viste Award

Herzog wins Presidential Scholar Award