NewsWatch December 2007 |
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| From Your WA/ACEP President, David Dabell MD FACEP | |
CONGRESS' ADDICTION TO SHORT TERM FIXES MANIFESTED AGAIN WITH MEDICARE/SCHIP ACTION
First the
good news:
1. Congress has acted to stop the pending 10.1% cut in Medicare
physician payments. It has been replaced with a .5% increase.
The House passed the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 by a vote of 411 to 3 earlier this afternoon. The measure is unchanged from what was passed out of the Senate yesterday.
2. The SCHIP program for low-income kids is extended through March 31, 2009 with funding to states adequate to maintain their current enrollment through that date.
Now, the bad news – The Medicare “fix” is only good for six months, thru June 30, 2008. Once again politics has driven policy – to the detriment of seniors’ access to services. The uncertainty of having the next cut hanging over everyone’s head like the Sword of Damocles is exhausting for all (to be kind).
Click here for a PDF summary of the Act received from Senator Cantwell’s office.
HEROES OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
ACEP’s 40th anniversary is just around the corner. To help increase
member and public awareness of this milestone event, ACEP is expanding
its plans for the “Heroes of Emergency Medicine” campaign.
ACEP
plans to honor emergency physicians who have made significant contributions
to their specialty, their community, and their patients by instituting
a grass roots public relations campaign aimed at local media. ACEP's
Public Relations Department will create a press release for each Hero
and distribute
it to that individual’s local newspaper, radio, and television
stations.
This expanded emphasis on emergency physicians as specialists providing
an essential community service will create a drumbeat of interest in
states and communities across the United States and allow ACEP to showcase
its issues to the public.
To ensure coverage in all 50 states, ACEP is now asking its members to
submit their own Heroes. Please submit the names and accomplishments
of those ACEP members who should be recognized. Conceivably ACEP could
honor several hundred ACEP members, and by doing so, provide newspapers
across the country with daily articles about the essential community
service provided by its members.
Join with and submit your own “Heroes of Emergency Medicine.” Tell
ACEP about your colleagues, mentors, those bravely serving our country,
and all of those extraordinary emergency physicians who have made a difference.
To complete the “Heroes of Emergency Medicine” submission
form, go to http://my.acep.org/heroes
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GOVERNOR
ROLLS OUT PATIENT SAFETY PORTION OF BUDGET
Governor
Gregoire presented a $7.9 million patient safety initiative at a news
conference
in Spokane last Friday. The governor’s agenda,
to be included in her supplemental budget request, is:
· $1.4
million to build an online database that doctors and pharmacists can
access
to determine the prescription medications their patients are
taking.
· $3 million to help pay education costs for hospital workers who want
to train to become registered nurses.
· $2 million more to investigate complaints against health care practictioners
and alleviate a backlog of cases.
· $930,000 to perform criminal background checks on all out-of-state applicants
for health care jobs.
·
$560,000 to improve and change the state's licensing standards for counselors,
the issue that caused most of the media coverage over the state’s
quality efforts last year. Currently, anyone can call themselves a counselor
if they provide contact information, pass a criminal background check,
pay a fee and take an HIV/AIDS safety class. No education or other training
is required.
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Priority: Legislation to further improve patient
safety.
1. Strengthen the operations
of the Medical Quality Assurance Commission. The MQAC needs to have
its own dedicated staff,
dedicated budget and
ability to act effectively. We will seek to move it out of the DoH. If
that can’t be done, we will seek to have the funding and operation
dedicated to the MQAC.
2. Support other legislation that promotes patient safety.
3. Support funding for a program created by the 2006 legislature to monitor
prescribing of controlled substances.
Priority: Increase access to medical services.
1.
Extend to physicians the same B&O tax relief (dropping the 1.5%
B&O tax on revenues from treating Medicare, Medicaid and BHP patients)
currently enjoyed by hospitals.
2. Have the legislature fully fund (payments linked to 100% of the UMP
rate) its promises of access for Medicaid patients, including HO funding
for kids and if needed, for the SCHIP program, and mental health coverage.
3. Support an additional $3 million to support the State Loan Repayment
and Scholarship Program to promote training and recruitment of primary
care physicians and other practitioners.
Priority: Improve patient care
1. Support legislation to recognize the Physician Orders for Life Sustaining
Treatment (POLST) form in statute, and ensure that facilities, physicians
and other practitioners who honor the form in good faith are immune from
civil/criminal liability and professional disciplinary action.
2. Support funding for the WSM-ERF QUIP project to enable physicians to improve services to patients with specific health conditions.
Priority: Oppose plaintiff attorneys’ efforts
to expand the medical tort system.
1. Oppose, again, a bill pushed by the trial bar to expand the cause
of action for wrongful death.
Priority: Support the “Opt In” bill
to require that physicians give permission for pharmaceutical manufacturers
to
have access to their
prescribing patterns.
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NPI
NOTIFICATION LETTER NO LONGER REQUIRED FOR MEDICARE ENROLLMENT
When the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revised
the Medicare enrollment application (CMS-855) in May 2006, the agency
required all providers completing the form to include a copy of the
National Provider Identifier (NPI) notification from the National Plan
and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES).
However, CMS recently announced a change to this policy effective Jan.
1, 2008. As a result of lobbying efforts, providers do not have to
include this notification with their CMS-855, unless their Medicare
carrier specifically requests it. If Medicare carriers require this
information, providers can submit a copy of their Details page from
the NPI registry in lieu of a copy of the NPI notification.
View MLN
Matters article 5795.
Access CR
5975.
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Sporadic influenza activity is occurring at a low level, with no outbreaks.
Nineteen of 27 influenza A isolates characterized by CDC to-date have been H1, and all were characterized as A/Solomon Islands/3/2006, the influenza A (H1) component of the 2007-08 influenza vaccine. Of only 5 H3 isolates, 2 were characterized as A/Wisconsin/67/2005-like, the influenza A (H3) component of the 2007-08 influenza vaccine and 3 were characterized as A/Brisbane/10/2007-like. A/Brisbane/10/2007 is a recent antigenic variant which evolved from A/Wisconsin/67/2005-like. Only 3 influenza B isolates have been tested to-date. It is too early to know which influenza isolates will predominate in our region this season.
The University of Washington Virology Laboratory is showing a rise in RSV isolates that may correspond to an increase in emergency department visits for children. The proportion of ED visits due to ILI complaints among children under 2 years of age increased from approximately 6.5% during Week 47 to approx. 9% during Week 49. Overall, the age distribution of ILI complaints is similar this season compared with the past 3 seasons
For the complete current flu season surveillance report and links to UW Virology Lab, see: http://www.metrokc.gov/health/immunization/fluactivity.htm
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WASHINGTON STATE LIVING WILL REGISTRY NOW ONLINE
The Washington State Department of Health launched the
Washington State Living Will Registry. The registry preserves
Washington state
residents’ end-of-life
preferences in a secure, online database. The Washington State Living Will
Registry contains: Health Care Directive, Durable Power of Attorney for
Health Care, Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment, and Mental
Health Advance Directive
The registry is a tool for all physicians in Washington to verify if an individual has registered a living will. Registrants are reminded to review their information annually to help keep the registry accurate and up-to-date.
Most physicians are authorized to access the registry. If you do not
have access, a facility application form is available online. Upon receiving
approval from the Washington State Department of Health, you will be
mailed an access code and password. To learn more, go to www.doh.wa.gov/livingwill or call 1.800.525.0127.
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STATE-BY-STATE STUDY OF EMERGENCY HEALTH
PREPAREDNESS
The
Trust for America's Health has released a report entitled "Ready
or Not? Protecting the Public's Health from Disease, Disasters, and Bioterrorism." The
report assesses each state's emergency health preparedness, utilizing
10 different preparedness indicators. The report also contains findings
from the 2007 Hospital Emergency Preparedness Survey, which was conducted
by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.
The report can be accessed at http://healthyamericans.org/reports/bioterror07/BioTerrorReport2007.pdf
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In November, the National Quality Forum (NQF) endorsed 12 Emergency Department Transfer Measures put forth by CMS and the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center (UMRHRC). This work represents Phase 1 of the NQF’s Emergency Care Project. ACEP members served on the NQF Steering Committee that considered the measures and ACEP provided several comments during the process.
As part of the final Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) rule, hospitals are required to report several of the measures, now that they have been endorsed by NQF. The endorsed measures are as follows:
NQF ENDORSED ED TRANSFER MEASURES (EFF. 10/31/07)
1. Aspirin at Arrival (CMS) - In OPPS Final Rule
2. Median to Fibrinolysis (CMS) - In OPPS Final Rule
3. Fibrinolytic Therapy Received Within 30 Minutes of ED Arrival (CMS) - In OPPS Final Rule
4. Median to ECG (CMS) - In OPPS Final Rule
5. Median Time to Transfer to Another Facility for Acute Coronary Intervention (CMS) - In OPPS Final Rule
6. Administrative Communication (UMRHRC)
7. Patient Information (UMRHRC)
8. Vital Signs (UMRHRC)
9. Medication Information (UMRHRC)
10. Physician Information (UMRHRC)
11. Nursing Information (UMRHRC)
12. Procedures and Tests (UMRHRC)
Details on the measures may be found on the NQF Website In Phase 2 of the Emergency Care Project, NQF plans to issue a call for comprehensive ED measures in December. Additional information about the OPPS Hospital Outpatient Quality Data Reporting Program (HOP QDRP) may be found at QualityNet.org.
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Moved
into Chapter:
Ben B. Constance – Kirkland
Neil Donner, MD – Bellevue
Craig F. Feied, MD, FACEP – Kirkland
Eric Harrington, MD – Seattle
Karen Marie McGrane – Tacoma
Robert L. Rosenthal, MD, FACEP – Stevenson
Lauren R. West, MD – Woodinville
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Virginia
Mason Medical Center (VMMC) is a 425-physician regional referral center
located in Seattle, Washington, combining a centrally located tertiary
care facility and 8 suburban clinics. VMMC is a progressive organization,
on the cutting edge of quality improvement efforts with a new hospital,
including a new Emergency Department coming
in 2010. We offer great teaching opportunities as well as competitive
salary and benefits for excellent, team-oriented physicians. Join our
Health Care Team today! We currently have 3 opportunities available at
our downtown location for:
• ED
Director
We are seeking someone with: clinical excellence, change management,
quality improvement experience, leadership, and excellent interpersonal & communication
skills to lead our Emergency Department
• Full
Time ED provider
Our ED volume is approximately 30,000/yr, seeing predominately complex
and critical adult medical cases, and small volume of trauma, peds,
GYN.
• Temporary
ED provider
Coverage needed from December through April of 2008
Contact Christi Lenz
Professional Staff Services
(206) 341-0149
Email CV and cover letter to: christi.lenz@vmmc.org
Visit our website at: http://www.VirginiaMason.org
Wenatchee
Emergency Physicians seeking a BC/BE emergency physician for full
time employment and partnership. We see 30k patients per year at a
level
III trauma center. We offer superb recreational opportunities, excellent
physician and nursing staff, a growing community, and affordable
housing. Contact Tom Ettinger MD FACEP morsno@charter.com 509-679-9708,
Scott Stroming MD FACEP 509-679-3635, or one of our partners at Central
Washington Hospital 509-665-6163.
We are looking for a board certified/eligible emergency physician
to join our group of sixteen emergency physicians at Northwest Hospital
in Seattle. We are
a congenial group who enjoys a very good relationship with the rest of the
staff and hospital administration. We offer excellent fee for service
compensation
on a scenic hospital campus in north Seattle with a good patient mix (40,000
annual visits) and superb medical staff. If interested, please send CV to Dr.
Bill Johnston (billj@nwlink.com) or call
206-999-1772.
Cruise Ship Physicians wanted for 14-day (or longer) assignments with Holland
America Line. Take a break from the ED & enjoy a slower pace on a premium
passenger vessel, surrounded by the clear blue waters and beautiful scenery of
Alaska, the Caribbean and other itineraries worldwide. Known for setting the
industry standard in cruise ship medicine, Holland America Line has been recognized
by Conde Nast Traveler and Porthole magazines as having the “Best Medical
Facilities At Sea.” Travel to and from ship provided; family travel benefits
available. Competitive industry pay & malpractice coverage; limited clinic
hours, well-equipped medical facilities, RN and crew physician support staff,
officer privileges. Please contact Susan Suver at (206) 301-5279 or send CV to ssuver@hollandamerica.com
Mason General Hospital, Shelton, WA is recruiting for a full-time member of a
completely democratic ED group. We are looking for an 8th EM residency trained,
EM board certified or board prepared physician to join an existing group of 7
ED docs. Shelton sees approximately 20K visits/year of a good mix of medical,
blunt trauma and pediatric patients. We offer paid medical liability insurance,
very competitive hourly rate and immediate partner status. Please call Dean Gushee,
MD 360-427-6791 or email deangushee@gmail.com.
Tacoma Emergency
Care Physicians, a stable, democratic, two hospital group (60,000 pts./yr.)
of 18 board certified emergency physicians, is looking to hire another
excellent BC/BP emergency physician for a full-time position (12-14
eight hours shifts/month). We offer the chance to practice challenging,
high-acuity emergency medicine in a supportive environment with highly
competitive compensation and a quick transition to full shareholder
status. New ED at Tacoma General coming on line in 2008!
Please contact Rob Ripley at 206 290 2123 or rip-tecp@comcast.net
Are you considering a change of employment? If so, don't make a move until you give us a call. At any one time we have physician openings across, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Northwest Emergency Physicians-TEAMHealth is the largest employer of emergency medicine physicians in the Northwest. Contact: Emily Simpson (800) 336-8614 x 2115 or email: emily_simpson@teamhealth.com or Lynn Benson at (800)336-8614 ex 2123/fax (253)838-6418 or lynn_benson@teamhealth.com
CRAssociates,
Inc. (CRA) is a national healthcare management company that is committed
to the delivery of high-quality health care services. We have a need
for full-time Emergency Medicine Physician to support the Naval Hospital
Bremerton. Requirements include:
· Board Certified as an Emergency Medicine Physician
· Min one year exp in last 3 years
CRA is proud to offer you a team environment, excellent compensation and benefits,
as well as company-paid professional liability insurance. Please send your
resume to Human Resources at one of the following: Fax: 866-550-1476 (Toll
Free) Email: ckm@crassoc.com CRA is proud
to be an equal opportunity employer.
Washington, Kitsap Peninsula: We staff two brand-new ED's seeing a total of
60,000 pts/annually and seek a full-time BC EM Physician to expand coverage.
Established, progressive, democratic group with excellent compensation and
benefit package. Mountain and Ocean recreation opportunities abound. One-hour
ferry ride to Seattle. See Website: www.harrisonmedical.org E-mail
CV to: Gail Donavan at gdonavan@harrisonmedical.org
Longview- Cascade Emergency Associates is looking for BC/BP emergency physicians.
Stable and growing practice in a Level III trauma center. Usually one of the
busiest practices in the state, with a census in 2005 of 49,500. Brand new
ED under construction. Wonderful family-oriented community located on the Columbia
River close to a myriad of recreational opportunities. Democratic scheduling
and compensation. Contact Dennis Ford, MD, FACEP, 136 Elk Ridge Dr., Longview,
WA, 98632 or dmford2@comcast.net.
Immediate Full-Time Position for BC/BE EM Physician with Kennewick Emergency Physicians, a Democratic Group staffing a single hospital, 30,000 annual visits with moderate acquity on the banks of the Columbia River. Generous Competitive Package, Guarantee plus Incentive Compensation, Liability Insurance included, Relocation Expenses included, Full Partnership Tract in 18 months, 8-11hour shifts, Double coverage during peak hours, average 12-14 shifts/month with 3 weeks off/quarter built into schedule. Enjoy a peaceful lifestyle in this friendly community of approximately 200,000. Take advantage of hundreds of miles of waterways- fishing, water sports and beautiful sunsets- all near the mountains, over 300 days of sunshine annually, over 40 local wineries. Contact Louis K. Koussa DO, FACEP; 509-521-3396 or 509-627-1798 and email your CV to loukoussa@yahoo.com
WANTED: Emergency physicians for bipolar company. Quark (www.quarkexpeditions.com) leases Russian Icebreakers for 10 to 25 day voyages to the polar regions. We are in need of ED physicians willing to serve as ship’s doctor. On any ship, there at most 110 passengers and 50 crew members. No dressing up and no night life except the scenery and animals. Contact Dr. Dan Zak at zak38@aol.com. Please let your colleagues know about this as well.
Looking for FT & PT physicians in Central WA. (180 miles from Seattle). Enjoy this desert garden with the finest fruits and vegetables as well as the home to award-winning wineries! Washington State designated Level-4 Trauma Center with a 17K estimated annual patient volume. Efficient support staff with a great pace & good mix of patients. Medium to low acuity. Qualifications: Board Certified or Board Eligible IM, FP or EM. We offer an A-rated malpractice insurance program with no-tail obligation upon departure. This is an Independent Contractor facility with a competitive hourly rate and generous sign-on bonus! For more information, please contact John Torres, (800) 230-5160 ext. 3025, john_torres@emcare.com Visit our website at www.emcare.com
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