MSSNY eNews: April 16, 2021 – Advocacy in Action


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Colleagues:

Your MSSNY physician leadership met with our NY Congressional delegation in February 2021 with a focus on preventing the implementation of the ill-timed impending 2% Medicare Cuts scheduled for April 1.  Numerous grassroots letters were sent by NYS physicians and this week our collective efforts paid dividends. The US House of Representatives approved legislation to extend the 2% Medicare sequester moratorium until 2022 and President Biden signed it into law late Wednesday.

The 21st Century Cures Act’s information-blocking provision is now in effect and requires physicians to make available medical information such as labs tests, clinical notes and medication lists to patients. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) recently implemented regulations directing physicians to immediately release information to patients, in many cases, prior to the physician reviewing the information and without regard to whether such release could be mentally or emotionally distressing to the patient. While there has been strong support for patient access, a variety of concerns with automatically and immediately releasing all reports and office notes have been raised by MSSNY and throughout the country. The AMA is advocating to revise the sub-regulatory guidance to mitigate the unintended consequences of the OCR’s current policy and ONC’s information blocking regulations and needs our NYS real world examples. Please send these to Ela Cameron Ela.Cameron@ama-assn.org by April 30.

Last week I announced the numerous MSSNY Budget “victories.”  The most notable will prevent thousands of dollars of new costs for the 17,000 physicians participating in the NYS Excess Malpractice Insurance Program; protection of due process rights for all physicians; and Essential Plan enhancements benefiting more than 800,00 New Yorkers.

Advocacy in action takes dollars and with the recent “wins” serving as strong coat tails and numerous important MSSNY legislative priorities, it is time to shore up the MSSNY PAC to continue to be able to strongly and effectively advocate on behalf of patients and physicians.  If you have not already contributed, please do so now.  Any amount is helpful and appreciated. If you have already donated, please consider an additional contribution or a contribution on behalf of your practice or medical staff. Contribute to MSSNY PAC here.

Thank you for doing your part to influence positive steps forward in NY healthcare.  Together, we are Advocacy in Action—stronger, louder, and more effective.

Bonnie Litvack, MD
MSSNY President


 

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Statement of MSSNY President Bonnie Litvack, MD, in Response to Enactment of State Budget
“In adopting the 2021-22 State Budget, physicians thank the New York State Assembly and Senate leadership for their efforts to restore numerous steep health care cuts that had been advanced in the Executive Budget, and the Governor for agreeing with the restoration of these cuts.  Because the COVID pandemic has caused historic drops in patient visits and revenue for physicians over the last year, there could not have been a worse time to cut Medicaid as well as other essential programs that help to preserve patient access to needed care such as the Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance Program.

“Physicians also appreciate the collective efforts of the Governor and Legislature to enhance other programs that provide needed health insurance coverage to New Yorkers, including the Essential Plan.  We look forward to working with the Senate, Assembly and Governor in additional collaborative efforts to ensure New Yorkers receive the care they need.”

For a full rundown of the many important actions taken by the State Legislature in adoption of the State Budget of impact to physicians, please click My Dear Father and MSSNY Milestones. (DIVISION OF GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS)


Administration of J and J Covid-19 Vaccine is Suspended; NYS Vaccination Rate Continues to Increase
This week, the CDC and FDA issued a statement recommending a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine out of an abundance of caution. New York State will follow the CDC and FDA recommendation and pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine statewide while these health and safety agencies evaluate next steps.  The CDC has indicated that this suspension will be at least one week.  The New York State Department of Health is has said that those adverse reactions appear to be rare.

As of April 15, 2021, 26.4 % of New Yorkers have completed the vaccine series and 23.6% of Americans have been fully immunized. 39.6% of New Yorkers have received at least one dose and 48.3% of Americans have received one dose.   All providers can vaccinate any New Yorker, including those with comorbidities or underlying conditions, and individuals 16+. Enrolled providers other than pharmacies may vaccinate any eligible individual. Pharmacies must prioritize K-12 school faculty and staff and childcare workers but are also authorized to vaccinate individuals aged 30 and older and individuals with comorbidities.

Physicians and patients can determine eligibility and make an appointment to receive the vaccine by going to. (CLANCY) 


US House Passes Legislation to Prevent 2% Medicare Cut Until 2022
This week the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved legislation to extend until the end of the year the 2% Medicare sequester moratorium that had expired on April 1. +This bill to prevent ill-timed Medicare cuts to physicians and other care providers then was signed into law by President Biden.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has been holding off on processing April Medicare claims to avoid making payments with reduced amounts.  Prevention of these cuts was a significant focus in the meetings that MSSNY physician leadership had with the New York Congressional delegation in late February.  MSSNY physician leaders made the compelling case that the ongoing financial travails impacting medical practice in New York and across the country necessitated the elimination of short-sighted medical cuts that will adversely impact patient access to needed care. (AUSTER)


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Please Contact Your Legislators to Urge Revisions to “Consolidated Billing” Legislation
Physicians are urged to contact their Assembly members and Senators to urge them to substantially revise A.3470-A/S.2521-A, “The Patient Medical Debt Reduction Act”. Click here to contact your legislators today! Click Here.

While there are many components to this well-intended legislation, there is a seriously problematic component which would prohibit a physician or other provider with any “financial or contractual relationship” with a hospital from separately billing a patient for a course or episode of treatment in the hospital. While it doesn’t appear to prohibit continued separate billing to insurance companies or other payers, a single hospital-physician bill would be required when a bill is sent to a patient for costs not covered by the patient’s insurance, such as collection of a deductible. It would also require such consolidated bill to be sent within 7 days of a patient’s discharge from the hospital, before there is any clarity as to what expenses will actually be covered by a patient’s insurance.

If this bill were to pass and this provision not amended, it would put non-employed physicians at the mercy of the hospitals where they practice since the legislation does not specify how payments to hospitals from this “single bill” would then be distributed to these physicians.  In an era when patients’ insurance policies regularly impose enormous deductibles, it would likely force even more physicians to sell their practices and become employees of hospitals in response to the helpless position many physicians would find themselves.  Other physicians may leave the state altogether.  The impact of this prohibition will fall most adversely on physicians who are on the front lines of the pandemic, many of whom are facing an enormous drop in patient volume due to a significant amount of delayed care.       (AUSTER)


Requirement to Co-prescribed Opioid Antagonist Moving in New York State Legislature
Senate Bill 2966, sponsored by Sen. Pete Harckham, chair of the Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, is on the Senate Health Committee.  This measure would require that prescribers, who prescribe opioids for the first time for a patient in a calendar year, also co-prescribe an opioid antagonist with the prescription.  While MSSNY agrees that co-prescription of naloxone is an appropriate step for many patients prescribed opioid medications, it is very concerned with an across-the-board mandate.     Its companion measure, A. 336, sponsored by Assembly Edward Braunstein, is currently in the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.

The Medical Society believes that this legislation is unnecessary since New York State laws have been passed that allows non-medical persons to administer naloxone to another individual to prevent an opioid/heroin overdose from becoming fatal. Physicians and other prescribers can already provide patients with either a non-patient specific script or a patient specific script for naloxone. New York State is one of the four states that currently require electronic prescribing for controlled substances and has had this requirement since 2016.

This means that the co-prescription of the opioid antagonist will automatically go to the pharmacy and the patient will be charged a co-pay (if their insurance covers the prescription) or the full price for the naloxone script.  Physicians are encouraged to contact members of the Senate Health Committee by calling 518-455-2800.  Senator committee members are: Senators Gustavo Rivera, Patrick Gallivan, Brian Benjamin, Alessandra Biaggi, Phil Boyle, Samra Brouk, Brad Hoylman, Todd Kaminsky, Rachel May, Peter Oberacker, Edward Rath, Sean Ryan, Julia Salazar, Daniel Stec, and Kevin Thomas. (CLANCY)


Bill to Expand Podiatry Scope Moving in the Senate
S.2019 (Jackson) to expand the scope of practice of podiatrists is on the Senate Higher Education Committee next week.  MSSNY along with the New York State Society of Orthopedic Surgeons and several other specialty societies are opposed to this legislation.  While the bill purports to make “technical changes” to the practice of podiatry, it actually has a far greater impact, including: Allowing those in training not to have direct/onsite supervision by another podiatrist or orthopaedic surgeon as they learn and practice ankle surgery; permitting ANY podiatrist to care for wounds above the foot and ankle that are not related to the patient’s original course of treatment; Lowering the threshold for education and training for those seeking advanced ankle surgery privileges in contrast with standards deemed acceptable by the State Department of Education and agreed upon by the professions; and authorize podiatrists to practice up to the knee and outside of their scope of practice. Physicians are urged to contact their Senators to oppose this legislation 518-455-2800. (AUSTER)


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Bill to Allow Pharmacists to Perform Non-invasive Laboratory Tests
Legislation (S.2529, Rivera) that would allow pharmacists to perform non-invasive laboratory tests without physician coordination is on the Senate Health Committee.   This measure would add pharmacists to the list of licensed health care professionals authorized under public health law to perform non-invasive laboratory tests as an adjunct to their professional services. MSSNY is opposed to this measure, as this measure does not provide the continuum of care that has become essential and expected in today’s medical practice, and would lead to siloed, rather than integrated care.

MSSNY is concerned that this legislation is a back-door attempt to allow for the establishment of the retail clinics within pharmacies and would undermine the development of physician-led “medical homes”. Physicians are encouraged to contact members of the Senate Health Committee by calling 518-455-2800.  Senate committee members are:   Senators Gustavo Rivera, Patrick Gallivan, Brian Benjamin, Alessandra Biaggi, Phil Boyle, Samra Brouk, Brad Hoylman, Todd Kaminsky, Rachel May, Peter Oberacker, Edward Rath, Sean Ryan, Julia Salazar, Daniel Stec, and Kevin Thomas.            Its companion measure, A.3033, is in the Assembly Higher Education Committee.     (CLANCY)


Preparing for Future Public Health Emergencies
Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Department of Health have announced a free online public health training course to help build public health awareness.  The course was developed by Cornell University in partnership with New York State.  The free course informs on public health preparedness, COVID-19, the vaccines and is an interesting and engaging tool to educate the public and empower more New Yorkers to be better informed with accurate information. Through this course, New Yorkers can become Citizen Public Health Leaders and serve as reliable sources in their family. (CLANCY)


eNews

DATE CHANGE: Social Media in Medicine is Now Wednesday, May 5 at 6 PM ET
MSSNY Vice President Parag H. Mehta, MD and MSSNY YPS Chair Daniel E. Choi, MD present Social Media in Medicine: A Beginners Guide for Physicians.
Register for Social Media Webinar

When: May 5, 2021 at 6:00 PM Eastern Time

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Topics Include:

  • Introduction to popular social media physician communities: #MedTwitter,
    Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
  • How to establish a social media presence and grow your audience
  • Common terminology e.g. Twitter handle, hashtag
  • Scheduling posts
  • How social media can be harnessed for effective patient education, practice growth, and advocacy
  • Best ways to connect with patients and colleagues on social media
  • Pitfalls of social media as a physician
  • What not to do on social media

Scams Against Medical Professionals CME Webinar: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 6:00 PM
Join the Suffolk County Medical Society, Suffolk Academy of Medicine and
MLMIC Insurance Company on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 6:00 PM for this in-depth discussion on phishing, practice awareness, law enforcement procedures, preventative steps and more!

The goal of this webinar is to increase physician awareness of the opioid crisis and scammers impersonating DEA agents.  The risks of security violations, privacy breaches, and cyberattacks presented by the expansion of health technology will also be analyzed.

Register for Scams Against Medical Professionals Webinar 

Learning Objectives:

  • Review the mission of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Office of Diversion Control.
  • Recognize the converging coronavirus and opioid health crises.
  • Assess the prescription drug abuse problem in this country.
  • Describe the issue of scammers impersonating DEA agents and measures to best deter them.
  • Identify the security risks presented by healthcare technology.
  • Implement strategies to reduce risks of a privacy breach or cyberattack in healthcare.

MLMIC is accredited by the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

MLMIC designates this live internet activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the program.


Do You Know an Outstanding Physician? MSSNY Now Accepting Nominations for the Albion O. Bernstein, MD Award

“…the physician, surgeon or scientist who shall have made the most widely beneficial discovery or developed the most useful method in medicine, surgery or in the prevention of disease in the twelve months prior to December, 2020.” 

This award was endowed by the late Morris J. Bernstein in memory of his son, a physician who died in an accident while answering a hospital call in November, 1940.

The $2,000 award will be presented to the recipient during a MSSNY Council Meeting.

Nominations must be submitted on an official application form and must include the nominator’s narrative description of the significance of the candidate’s achievements as well as the candidate’s curriculum vitae, including a list of publications or other contributions.

Deadline for applications is June 9, 2021. To request an application, please contact: 

Committee on Continuing Medical Education
Miriam Hardin, PhD, Manager, Continuing Medical Education
Medical Society of the State of New York
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 408
Albany, NY 12210
518-465-8085
 mhardin@mssny.org


 

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CDC Health Alert: Cases of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia after Receipt of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
As of April 12, 2021, approximately 6.85 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine (Janssen) have been administered in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are reviewing data involving six U.S. cases of a rare type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the J&J COVID-19 vaccine that were reported to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS). In these cases, a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia).

All six cases occurred among women aged 18–48 years. The interval from vaccine receipt to symptom onset ranged from 6–13 days. One patient died. Providers should maintain a high index of suspension for symptoms that might represent serious thrombotic events or thrombocytopenia in patients who have recently received the J&J COVID-19 vaccine. When these specific type of blood clots are observed following J&J COVID-19 vaccination, treatment is different from the treatment that might typically be administered for blood clots. Based on studies conducted among the patients diagnosed with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia after the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Europe, the pathogenesis of these rare and unusual adverse events after vaccination may be associated with platelet-activating antibodies against platelet factor-4 (PF4), a type of protein. Usually, the anticoagulant drug called heparin is used to treat blood clots. In this setting, the use of heparin may be harmful, and alternative treatments need to be given.

CDC will convene an emergency meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, to further review these cases and assess potential implications on vaccine policy. FDA will review that analysis as it also investigates these cases. Until that process is complete, CDC and FDA are recommending a pause in the use of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine out of an abundance of caution. The purpose of this Health Alert is, in part, to ensure that the healthcare provider community is aware of the potential for these adverse events and can provide proper management due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot.

Background

VAERS is a national passive surveillance system jointly managed by CDC and FDA that monitors adverse events after vaccinations. The six patients (after 6.85 million vaccine doses administered) described in these VAERS reports came to attention in the latter half of March and early April of 2021 and developed symptoms a median of 9 days (range = 6–13 days) after receiving the J&J COVID-19 vaccine. Initial presenting symptoms were notable for headache in five of six patients, and back pain in the sixth who subsequently developed a headache. One patient also had abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Four developed focal neurological symptoms (focal weakness, aphasia, visual disturbance) prompting presentation for emergency care. The median days from vaccination to hospital admission was 15 days (range = 10–17 days). All were eventually diagnosed with CVST by intracranial imaging; two patients were also diagnosed with splanchnic* and portal vein thrombosis.

Unusual for patients presenting with thrombotic events, all six patients showed evidence of thrombocytopenia (<150,000 platelets per microliter of blood), consistent with a condition known as thrombotic thrombocytopenia, with platelet nadir counts ranging from 10,000 to 127,000 during their hospitalizations. Four patients developed intraparenchymal brain hemorrhage and one subsequently died. All data presented in this HAN are preliminary and investigations of these VAERS reports are ongoing. The Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment (CISA) project which includes experts in infectious disease and hematology are also reviewing these cases. To date, VAERS has received no reports of CVST with thrombocytopenia among persons who received either of the two mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines.

These reports following the J&J COVID-19 vaccine are similar to reports of thrombotic events with thrombocytopenia after receipt of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Europe. Both vaccines contain replication-incompetent adenoviral vectors (human [Ad26.COV2.S] for J&J and chimpanzee [ChAdOx1] for AstraZeneca) that encode the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Based on studies conducted among the patients diagnosed with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia after the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Europe, the pathogenesis of these rare and unusual adverse events may be associated with platelet-activating antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4). Anti-PF4, also known as heparin-PF4 antibody, can induce thrombotic thrombocytopenia in a small percentage of persons exposed to heparin. However, none of the cases reported from Europe had recent heparin exposure. As with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, the administration of the anticoagulant heparin should be avoided in patients with potential vaccine-associated immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), unless heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) testing is negative. Non-heparin anticoagulants and high-dose intravenous immune globulin should be considered in treatment of patients who present with immune-mediated thrombotic events with thrombocytopenia after J&J COVID-19 vaccination. Consultation with hematology specialists is strongly recommended.

* The term ‘splanchnic circulation’ describes the blood flow to the abdominal gastrointestinal organs including the stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, small intestine, and large intestine.

Recommendations
For Clinicians

  1. Pause the use of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine until the ACIP is able to further review these CVST cases in the context of thrombocytopenia and assess their potential significance.
  2. Maintain a high index of suspension for symptoms that might represent serious thrombotic events or thrombocytopenia in patients who have recently received the J&J COVID-19 vaccine, including severe headache, backache, new neurologic symptoms, severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling, petechiae (tiny red spots on the skin), or new or easy bruising. Obtain platelet counts and screen for evidence of immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia.
  3. In patients with a thrombotic event and thrombocytopenia after the J&J COVID-19 vaccine, evaluate initially with a screening PF4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay as would be performed for autoimmune HIT. Consultation with a hematologist is strongly recommended.
  4. Do not treat patients with thrombotic events and thrombocytopenia following receipt of J&J COVID-19 vaccine with heparin, unless HIT testing is negative.
  5. If HIT testing is positive or unable to be performed in patient with thrombotic events and thrombocytopenia following receipt of J&J COVID-19 vaccine, non-heparin anticoagulants and high-dose intravenous immune globulin should be strongly considered.
  6. Report adverse events to VAERS, including serious and life-threatening adverse events and deaths in patients following receipt of COVID-19 vaccines as required under the Emergency Use Authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines.

For Public Health

  1. Pause the use of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine in public health clinics until the ACIP is able to further review these CVST cases in the context of thrombocytopenia and assess their potential significance.
  2. Encourage healthcare providers and the public to report all serious and life-threatening adverse events and deaths following receipt of COVID-19 vaccines to VAERS as required under the EUAs for COVID-19 vaccines.
  3. Disseminate this alert to healthcare providers in your jurisdictions.

For the Public

  1. If you have received the J&J COVID-19 vaccine and develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination, contact your healthcare provider, or seek medical care.
  2. Report adverse events following receipt of any COVID-19 vaccine to VAERS.
  3. If you are scheduled to receive the J&J vaccine, please contact your healthcare provider, vaccination location, or clinic to learn about additional vaccine availability.

For More Information

Frequently asked questions about VAERS reporting for COVID-19 vaccines

 


CDC Identifies About 5,800 Breakthrough Cases of COVID-19 Infection Among Americans Who Have Been Fully Vaccinated
The Wall Street Journal reports the CDC has identified about 5,800 breakthrough cases of COVID-19 infection among more than 66 million Americans who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Based on this data, the CDC says breakthrough cases of infection occur in 0.008% of people who have been fully vaccinated.


Education

COVID-19 Medicare Part B Advanced Payment, Repayment and Recoupment Process                                         
If you requested accelerated or advanced payments from Medicare due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, this learning session is for you. CMS expanded the accelerated and advance payment program for financial hardship relief during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Accelerated or advanced payments need to be repaid to the Medicare Trust Fund. During this webinar, we will review the repayment and recoupment process and address your questions.

Register here


MSSNY Medical Matters Program on Mental Health of Children and Teens During COVID
Registration now open
Medical Matters: COVID-19 & Mental Health of Children and Teens
Date: April 21, 2021 @ 7:30am 

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of the entire population.  Learn more about how children and teens have been affected by registering for Medical Matters: COVID-19 & Mental Health of Children and Teens. This webinar will take place on Wednesday, April 21st at 7:30 am.  Linda Chokroverty, MD will serve as faculty for this program.  Click here to register for this webinar.

Educational objectives

  • Identify normal stressors impacting children and teens and those that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Examine what is known so far about the mental health impact of COVID-19 on children and teens
  • Describe resources to assist children and teens during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Appraise the scope of COVID-19’s long term mental health impact on children and teens

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Medical Society of the State of New York designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. (HOFFMAN)


Veterans Matters: Military Culture: Everything Physicians Need to Know about Veterans as Patients Webinar

Registration Now Open

Thursday, April 22nd @ 7:30 am

The Medical Society of the State of New York is hosting a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program entitled Veterans Matters: Military Culture: Everything Physicians Need to Know about Veterans as Patients live webinar on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 7:30 am.

Click HERE to register for the program! View the program flyer HERE.

When:       April 22, 2021 at 7:30 am
Faculty:     Lt. Colonel Lance Allen Wang (Ret.) & Sharran Chambers-Murphy, Desert Storm-era Veteran

Educational Objectives:

  • Describe the unique aspects of military culture and how they impact patients     who are veterans;
  • Explain the Dwyer Peer-to-Peer program as a resource to assist veteran patients re-acclimating from a group to an individual mentality; and
  • Review and identify resources to improve physician’s ability to fully treat veterans who are transitioning back to civilian life.

For more information, contact Jangmu Sherpa at jsherpa@mssny.org or call (518) 465-8085.

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Medical Society of the State of New York designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. (SHERPA)


Webinar for Physicians Applying to PCF Model on April 31
Physicians considering applying for the PCF model to start in 2022 are invited to register now for a webinar to be offered Tuesday, April 13, from 6:00-7:00 pm ET by the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the CMS Innovation Center. PCF is open to medical practices that provide primary care services in 26 regions across the country, with an application deadline of April 31, 2021.

The live webinar will allow participants to hear from CMS and medical society experts about the model and how participation could affect their practice revenues. Additional details, including the request for applications, a map of the 26 regions, and lists of the practices and other payors that are participating as part of the 2021 cohort are available on the CMS Primary Care First website.


MSSNY Veterans Matters Program: Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) in Veterans Webinar
Registration Now Open – Wednesday, May 12th @ 7:30 am

The Medical Society of the State of New York is hosting a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program entitled Veterans Matters: Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) in Veterans live webinar on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 7:30 am.

Click HERE to register for the program! View the program flyer HERE

When:                 May 12, 2021 at 7:30 am
Faculty:               Thomas Madejski, MD

Educational Objectives:

  • Identify Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) in veterans
  • Discuss evidence-based psychosocial strategies to treat veterans with SUDs
  • Discuss Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for veterans with alcohol or opioid use disorders
  • Identify barriers to diagnosis and treatment of SUDs in veterans and methods to overcome them

For more information, contact Jangmu Sherpa at jsherpa@mssny.org or call (518) 465-8085.

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Medical Society of the State of New York designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. (SHERPA)



Classifieds

Classified Ads Available for:

Physicians’ search services • allied medical placements • locum tenens • practice valuation • practice brokerage • practice consulting • real estate

For help, information or to place your ad, call Christina Southard 516-488-6100 x355 • fax 516-488-2188

For the MSSNY 2021 Ad Rate Sheet, please click here.


Beautifully Renovated Modern Medical Office Sublet in Great Neck
-Separate reception area -Consultation room -1-3 exam rooms -Free Valet Parking -Designated physician parking spot. Contact Dr. Nir Somekh (516) 662-1232.
Great Neck office to sublet

Ophthalmic Office to Sublet – NYC
340 E. 49TH St. (Ground Floor -Handicap Accessible) 1-3 Lanes Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun Full use of: VF / OCT /Pachymeter/ Autorefractor /Autolensometer / Argon / YAG Lasers

Please contact Scott Weissman MD. privacyssw@gmail.com. 914-772-5581 


.Soho Rental OfficeTwo Offices Available for Rent in Established SoHo Primary Care Practice
Newly constructed loft space. Dedicated private waiting area available.  This space is ideal for individual psychiatry, psychology, social work, physical therapy, or acupuncture services. Potential to work with existing Primary Care Practice as a referral source. Centrally located in the heart of SoHo, close to all subways. Available 7 days/week.
Contact:
SpringPrimaryCare@gmail.com.


Medical Office and Medical Practice (Upper East Side)
79th St near Lexington / Park. 750 sq Ft beautiful, street entrance, medical office for sale with a 25 + yr internal medical practice for sale. Office is in move in condition. Physician retiring. Waiting room. Secretarial area for 3. 1 Consult room. 2 exam Rooms 2 Toilets. Please contact: 917-770-8700 / email drklein@att.net



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Allergy Practice For Sale, Forest Hills, NY
Founded in 1988, this well-established Single Practitioner Allergy Practice has over 3500 active patients, with very positive patient reviews. The office is only one of a few in the area, but patients are seen from throughout the NYC Metropolitan Area, as well as Long Island. Potential for growth. Centrally located next to major public transportation.  Retirement planned. Lease is assignable. Well-trained, extremely personable staff of three, including a Registered Nurse. Payer mix85% private, 10% Medicare 5% other. Email any questions to:allergydoctorbn@gmail.com

 

 


NYS Jobs LogoReview Vacancy

Date Posted: 03/23/21 Applications Due: 04/06/21 Vacancy ID: 85272

Position Information 

Agency Health, Department of
Title Health Program Director 2 -TBD
Occupational Category  

Other Professional Careers

Salary Grade 665
Bargaining Unit M/C – Management / Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary Range From $122092 to $154253 Annually
Employment Type Full-Time
Appointment Type Permanent
Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class
Travel Percentage 10%

Schedule 

Workweek

Hours Per Week

Mon-Fri

37.5

 Workday 

From 8:30 AM
To 4:30 PM
Flextime allowed? No
Mandatory overtime? No
Compressed workweek allowed?  

No

Telecommuting allowed?  

No

Location 

County Albany
Street Address CCH; Division of Family Health

Corning Tower, ESP

City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12237

Job Specifics 

Minimum Qualifications Twelve years of professional level work experience, three of which must have included managerial, decision-making and/or oversight responsibilities for a major health-related program or in the direction of a major administrative function of a large health-related organization. A bachelor’s degree may be substituted for four years of the general professional experience. 

Twelve or more years of progressively responsible administrative experience in programs that improve perinatal health, child and/or adolescent health, early care, and learning, and/or sexual violence prevention, including four years of managerial, decision-making, and/or program direction. Seven years of this experience would also include fiscal management, policy making and oversight responsibilities, and statewide supervision of professional level staff. The preferred candidate would be familiar with representing departmental interests and serving as a spokesperson and liaison to Executive staff, and have experience working with other state and federal governmental programs. Experience with second-level professional supervision as well as strong oral and written communication skills is also desired. A master’s degree in an appropriate field may substitute an additional one year of the general professional experience, not to exceed a maximum of five years total allowable educational substitution. Please refer to full listing


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MSSNY eNews: April 14, 2021 – CDC and NYS DOH Info on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

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Message from NYS Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker re: Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
New York State is following the CDC and FDA recommendation by immediately halting the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine statewide at all vaccine provider locations while federal health and safety agencies evaluate next steps.  If you are scheduled to administer Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you should not do so until further notice.  At this time, please retain any Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses you have in proper storage conditions.  We will update you as soon as we have additional information.

At this time, due to the continued limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine, there is no supply of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine to replace the Johnson & Johnson doses. Thank you for your participation in the vaccination program and for your patience while the CDC and FDA determine next steps.


US House Passes Legislation to Prevent 2% Medicare Cut Until 2022
Yesterday the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved legislation to extend until the end of the year the 2% Medicare sequester moratorium that had expired on April 1.  This bill to prevent ill-timed Medicare cuts to physicians and other care providers had previously passed the US Senate in late March and President Biden is expected to sign it into law.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has been holding off on processing April Medicare claims to avoid making payments with reduced amounts.  Prevention of these cuts was a significant focus in the meetings that MSSNY physician leadership had with the New York Congressional delegation in late February.


CDC Health Alert: Cases of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia after Receipt of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
As of April 12, 2021, approximately 6.85 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine (Janssen) have been administered in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are reviewing data involving six U.S. cases of a rare type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the J&J COVID-19 vaccine that were reported to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS). In these cases, a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia).

All six cases occurred among women aged 18–48 years. The interval from vaccine receipt to symptom onset ranged from 6–13 days. One patient died. Providers should maintain a high index of suspension for symptoms that might represent serious thrombotic events or thrombocytopenia in patients who have recently received the J&J COVID-19 vaccine. When these specific type of blood clots are observed following J&J COVID-19 vaccination, treatment is different from the treatment that might typically be administered for blood clots.

Based on studies conducted among the patients diagnosed with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia after the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Europe, the pathogenesis of these rare and unusual adverse events after vaccination may be associated with platelet-activating antibodies against platelet factor-4 (PF4), a type of protein. Usually, the anticoagulant drug called heparin is used to treat blood clots. In this setting, the use of heparin may be harmful, and alternative treatments need to be given.

CDC will convene an emergency meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, to further review these cases and assess potential implications on vaccine policy. FDA will review that analysis as it also investigates these cases. Until that process is complete, CDC and FDA are recommending a pause in the use of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine out of an abundance of caution. The purpose of this Health Alert is, in part, to ensure that the healthcare provider community is aware of the potential for these adverse events and can provide proper management due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot.

Background

VAERS is a national passive surveillance system jointly managed by CDC and FDA that monitors adverse events after vaccinations. The six patients (after 6.85 million vaccine doses administered) described in these VAERS reports came to attention in the latter half of March and early April of 2021 and developed symptoms a median of 9 days (range = 6–13 days) after receiving the J&J COVID-19 vaccine. Initial presenting symptoms were notable for headache in five of six patients, and back pain in the sixth who subsequently developed a headache. One patient also had abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Four developed focal neurological symptoms (focal weakness, aphasia, visual disturbance) prompting presentation for emergency care.

The median days from vaccination to hospital admission was 15 days (range = 10–17 days). All were eventually diagnosed with CVST by intracranial imaging; two patients were also diagnosed with splanchnic* and portal vein thrombosis. Unusual for patients presenting with thrombotic events, all six patients showed evidence of thrombocytopenia (<150,000 platelets per microliter of blood), consistent with a condition known as thrombotic thrombocytopenia, with platelet nadir counts ranging from 10,000 to 127,000 during their hospitalizations.

Four patients developed intraparenchymal brain hemorrhage and one subsequently died. All data presented in this HAN are preliminary and investigations of these VAERS reports are ongoing. The Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment (CISA) project which includes experts in infectious disease and hematology are also reviewing these cases. To date, VAERS has received no reports of CVST with thrombocytopenia among persons who received either of the two mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines.

These reports following the J&J COVID-19 vaccine are similar to reports of thrombotic events with thrombocytopenia after receipt of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Europe. Both vaccines contain replication-incompetent adenoviral vectors (human [Ad26.COV2.S] for J&J and chimpanzee [ChAdOx1] for AstraZeneca) that encode the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on studies conducted among the patients diagnosed with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia after the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Europe, the pathogenesis of these rare and unusual adverse events may be associated with platelet-activating antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4).

Anti-PF4, also known as heparin-PF4 antibody, can induce thrombotic thrombocytopenia in a small percentage of persons exposed to heparin. However, none of the cases reported from Europe had recent heparin exposure. As with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, the administration of the anticoagulant heparin should be avoided in patients with potential vaccine-associated immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), unless heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) testing is negative. Non-heparin anticoagulants and high-dose intravenous immune globulin should be considered in treatment of patients who present with immune-mediated thrombotic events with thrombocytopenia after J&J COVID-19 vaccination. Consultation with hematology specialists is strongly recommended.

* The term ‘splanchnic circulation’ describes the blood flow to the abdominal gastrointestinal organs including the stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, small intestine, and large intestine.

Recommendations
For Clinicians

  1. Pause the use of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine until the ACIP is able to further review these CVST cases in the context of thrombocytopenia and assess their potential significance.
  2. Maintain a high index of suspension for symptoms that might represent serious thrombotic events or thrombocytopenia in patients who have recently received the J&J COVID-19 vaccine, including severe headache, backache, new neurologic symptoms, severe abdominal pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling, petechiae (tiny red spots on the skin), or new or easy bruising. Obtain platelet counts and screen for evidence of immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia.
  3. In patients with a thrombotic event and thrombocytopenia after the J&J COVID-19 vaccine, evaluate initially with a screening PF4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay as would be performed for autoimmune HIT. Consultation with a hematologist is strongly recommended.
  4. Do not treat patients with thrombotic events and thrombocytopenia following receipt of J&J COVID-19 vaccine with heparin, unless HIT testing is negative.
  5. If HIT testing is positive or unable to be performed in patient with thrombotic events and thrombocytopenia following receipt of J&J COVID-19 vaccine, non-heparin anticoagulants and high-dose intravenous immune globulin should be strongly considered.
  6. Report adverse events to VAERS, including serious and life-threatening adverse events and deaths in patients following receipt of COVID-19 vaccines as required under the Emergency Use Authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines.

For Public Health

  1. Pause the use of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine in public health clinics until the ACIP is able to further review these CVST cases in the context of thrombocytopenia and assess their potential significance.
  2. Encourage healthcare providers and the public to report all serious and life-threatening adverse events and deaths following receipt of COVID-19 vaccines to VAERS as required under the EUAs for COVID-19 vaccines.
  3. Disseminate this alert to healthcare providers in your jurisdictions.

For the Public

  1. If you have received the J&J COVID-19 vaccine and develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination, contact your healthcare provider, or seek medical care.
  2. Report adverse events following receipt of any COVID-19 vaccine to VAERS.
  3. If you are scheduled to receive the J&J vaccine, please contact your healthcare provider, vaccination location, or clinic to learn about additional vaccine availability.

For More Information

Frequently asked questions about VAERS reporting for COVID-19 vaccines


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Do You Know an Outstanding Physician? MSSNY Now Accepting Nominations for the Albion O. Bernstein, MD Award

“…the physician, surgeon or scientist who shall have made the most widely beneficial discovery or developed the most useful method in medicine, surgery or in the prevention of disease in the twelve months prior to December, 2020.” 

This award was endowed by the late Morris J. Bernstein in memory of his son, a physician who died in an accident while answering a hospital call in November, 1940.

The $2,000 award will be presented to the recipient during a MSSNY Council Meeting.

Nominations must be submitted on an official application form and must include the nominator’s narrative description of the significance of the candidate’s achievements as well as the candidate’s curriculum vitae, including a list of publications or other contributions.

Deadline for applications is June 9, 2021. To request an application, please contact: 

Committee on Continuing Medical Education
Miriam Hardin, PhD, Manager, Continuing Medical Education
Medical Society of the State of New York
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 408
Albany, NY 12210
518-465-8085
mhardin@mssny.org


MSSNY’s Women Physicians Committee Offers Volunteer Virtual Homework Assistance
MSSNY has volunteer homework assistants! If you have school age children (K – 12) who could use a virtual helping hand with homework, let us know.

The MSSNY Women Physicians Committee, recognizing the considerable additional responsibility that has fallen on our physician families with school age children due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has launched a Virtual Volunteer Homework Assistance Program. This is a MSSNY members only program.

Contact sbennett@mssny.org and tell us in which subject(s) your child is in need of support. We will match your child with a helper as best we can. You can then make the arrangements that work best for all.

Please remember that our homework assistants are members’ children who have volunteered (i.e. not professionals tutors and not vetted) and that MSSNY is not responsible for scholastic outcomes.

With our thanks,

Rose Berkun, MD and Maria Basile, MD
Co-Chairs, MSSNY Women Physicians Committee


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NYS Department of Health COVID-19 Update for Healthcare Providers: Thursday, April 15th, 1-2 PM
To accommodate the large number of participants, find the webinar streaming via YouTube Live (and available for viewing immediately thereafter) on the NYSDOH COVID website for providers: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/weekly-healthcare-provider-update
Audio number and code: 844-512-2950 Access code 3386015#

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Info Blocking Rule Examples Needed: Take the AMA Survey
The AMA is conducting an informal survey to collect members’ perspectives, stories, and examples of patient harm as it relates to the release of protected health information (PHI). This information will inform AMA’s policy and advocacy efforts. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) recently implemented regulations that require physicians to make available a variety of medical information (e.g., lab tests, clinical notes, medications, etc.) to entities or individuals requesting that information for or on behalf of the patient. Physicians interfering or imposing any delays in the access, exchange, or use of that information would likely implicate new rules aimed to prevent information blocking.

ONC’s guidance is directing physicians to immediately release information to patients—in many cases, prior to the physician reviewing the information and without regard to whether such release could be mentally or emotionally distressing to the patient. For example, a radiology report of a CT scan indicating a “malignancy could not be ruled out” must be sent to the patient’s portal or smartphone application even if the oncologist has yet to view the study or read the report. If this report were sent to a parent of an infant ahead of a holiday weekend, the parent could unnecessarily spend days in deep emotional distress before being able to talk to the infant’s physician.

Another example pertains to adolescent medical records, particularly in states where minors do not have specific privacy protections, allowing parents to access their adolescent’s health information. Adolescents often confide in their clinicians as a “safe space” and the release of information against their wishes could provoke significant emotional or psychological distress, even in scenarios where the adolescent may not fear physical abuse. While patients accessing their medical information is an important part of patient-centered care and the AMA strongly supports patient access and engagement, there are a variety of ethical, professional, and practical concerns with automatically and immediately releasing all reports and office notes.

We are interested in real-world examples, scenarios, and instances where the release of reports or notes without vital physician context or review with the patient could or has caused emotional or mental harm. The AMA is advocating for OCR to revise its subregulatory guidance on “harm” to include emotional and mental distress. This would facilitate ONC’s ability to create additional flexibility. Your information will help inform the AMA’s efforts to address unintended consequences of OCR’s current policy and ONC’s information blocking regulations. Please send your examples to Ela Cameron Ela.Cameron@ama-assn.org by April 30th.


DATE CHANGE: Social Media in Medicine is Now Wednesday, May 5 at 6 PM ET
MSSNY Vice President Parag H. Mehta, MD and MSSNY YPS Chair Daniel E. Choi, MD present Social Media in Medicine: A Beginners Guide for Physicians.

Register now for Virtual Webinar

When: May 5, 2021 at 6:00 PM Eastern Time

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Topics Include:

  • Introduction to popular social media physician communities: #MedTwitter,
    Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
  • How to establish a social media presence and grow your audience
  • Common terminology e.g. Twitter handle, hashtag
  • Scheduling posts
  • How social media can be harnessed for effective patient education, practice growth, and advocacy
  • Best ways to connect with patients and colleagues on social media
  • Pitfalls of social media as a physician
  • What not to do on social media

Education

                                                    Webinar                                                                  

Updates for Accelerated and Advanced Payments Program

During this session, we will review the revised repayment and recoupment process and provide the latest updates on the Accelerated and Advanced Payments program.  If your facility received an accelerated or advanced payment from Medicare due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, then attending this webinar will provide the most current information from CMS.

Medicare Part B

Apr 15, 2021 10:00 a.m ET – 11:00 a.m ET

Register here

                                                    Webinar                                                                  

COVID-19 Medicare Part B Advanced Payment, Repayment and Recoupment Process

If you requested accelerated or advanced payments from Medicare due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, this learning session is for you. CMS expanded the accelerated and advance payment program for financial hardship relief during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Accelerated or advanced payments need to be repaid to the Medicare Trust Fund. During this webinar, we will review the repayment and recoupment process and address your questions.

Register here


MSSNY Medical Matters Program on Mental Health of Children and Teens During COVID
Registration now open
Medical Matters: COVID-19 & Mental Health of Children and Teens
Date: April 21, 2021 @ 7:30am 

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of the entire population.  Learn more about how children and teens have been affected by registering for Medical Matters: COVID-19 & Mental Health of Children and Teens. This webinar will take place on Wednesday, April 21st at 7:30 am.  Linda Chokroverty, MD will serve as faculty for this program.  Click here to register for this webinar.

Educational objectives

  • Identify normal stressors impacting children and teens and those that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Examine what is known so far about the mental health impact of COVID-19 on children and teens
  • Describe resources to assist children and teens during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Appraise the scope of COVID-19’s long term mental health impact on children and teens

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Medical Society of the State of New York designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. (HOFFMAN)


Veterans Matters: Military Culture: Everything Physicians Need to Know about Veterans as Patients Webinar

Registration Now Open

Thursday, April 22nd @ 7:30 am

The Medical Society of the State of New York is hosting a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program entitled Veterans Matters: Military Culture: Everything Physicians Need to Know about Veterans as Patients live webinar on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 7:30 am.

Click HERE to register for the program! View the program flyer HERE.

When:       April 22, 2021 at 7:30 am
Faculty:     Lt. Colonel Lance Allen Wang (Ret.) & Sharran Chambers-Murphy, Desert Storm-era Veteran

Educational Objectives:

  • Describe the unique aspects of military culture and how they impact patients     who are veterans;
  • Explain the Dwyer Peer-to-Peer program as a resource to assist veteran patients re-acclimating from a group to an individual mentality; and
  • Review and identify resources to improve physician’s ability to fully treat veterans who are transitioning back to civilian life.

For more information, contact Jangmu Sherpa at jsherpa@mssny.org or call (518) 465-8085.

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Medical Society of the State of New York designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. (SHERPA)


Webinar for Physicians Applying to PCF Model on April 31
Physicians considering applying for the PCF model to start in 2022 are invited to register now for a webinar to be offered Tuesday, April 13, from 6:00-7:00 pm ET by the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the CMS Innovation Center. PCF is open to medical practices that provide primary care services in 26 regions across the country, with an application deadline of April 31, 2021.

The live webinar will allow participants to hear from CMS and medical society experts about the model and how participation could affect their practice revenues. Additional details, including the request for applications, a map of the 26 regions, and lists of the practices and other payors that are participating as part of the 2021 cohort are available on the CMS Primary Care First website.


Classifieds

Classified Ads Available for:

Physicians’ search services • allied medical placements • locum tenens • practice valuation • practice brokerage • practice consulting • real estate

For help, information or to place your ad, call Christina Southard 516-488-6100 x355 • fax 516-488-2188

For the MSSNY 2021 Ad Rate Sheet, please click here.


Great Neck office to subletBeautifully Renovated Modern Medical Office Sublet in Great Neck
-Separate reception area -Consultation room -1-3 exam rooms -Free Valet Parking
-Designated physician parking spot. Contact Dr. Nir Somekh (516) 662-1232

 



Ophthalmic Office to Sublet – NYC
340 E. 49TH St. (Ground Floor -Handicap Accessible) 1-3 Lanes Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun Full use of: VF / OCT /Pachymeter/ Autorefractor /Autolensometer / Argon / YAG Lasers
Please contact Scott Weissman MD.privacyssw@gmail.com. 914-772-5581 

Soho Rental Office
Two Offices Available for Rent in Established SoHo Primary Care Practice
Newly constructed loft space. Dedicated private waiting area available.  This space is ideal for individual psychiatry, psychology, social work, physical therapy, or acupuncture services. Potential to work with existing Primary Care Practice as a referral source. Centrally located in the heart of SoHo, close to all subways. Available 7 days/week. Contact: SpringPrimaryCare@gmail.com.


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Medical Office and Medical Practice (Upper East Side)
79th St near Lexington / Park. 750 sq Ft beautiful, street entrance, medical office for sale with a 25 + yr internal medical practice for sale. Office is in move in condition. Physician retiring. Waiting room. Secretarial area for 3. 1 Consult room. 2 exam Rooms 2 Toilets. Please contact: 917-770-8700 / email drklein@att.net


For Rent Medical Office 800 2nd Ave, 806
FOR RENT 800 2nd Avenue, 806 – Fully built out Medical office ready for use – reception area; 2 office/ consultation rooms; 4 examination rooms with plumbing; 1 sterilization room or pantry; 1 file/ nurse room, Total 8 rooms. All examination rooms are set up with plumbing and cabinetry.  24/7 doorman/ Elevators. Central location, Grand Central Station, buses Subways. Rent: $65 per Rentable Sq Ft; Sq Ft: 1,482 Rentable; Gross Lease. Showings or video contact Maya – Broker – maya@mallannyhomes.com or mobile 646-258-4460 listing information http://www.mallannyhomes.com/properties/detail/800-second-avenue-806/

800 2nd Ave Lobby800 2nd Ave Hallway


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Allergy Practice For Sale, Forest Hills, NY
Founded in 1988, this well-established Single Practitioner Allergy Practice has over 3500 active patients, with very positive patient reviews. The office is only one of a few in the area, but patients are seen from throughout the NYC Metropolitan Area, as well as Long Island. Potential for growth. Centrally located next to major public transportation.  Retirement planned. Lease is assignable. Well-trained, extremely personable staff of three, including a Registered Nurse. Payer mix85% private, 10% Medicare 5% other. Email any questions to: allergydoctorbn@gmail.com

Two (2) Prime Commercial Spaces
Two (2) affordable office spaces available for immediate occupancy.  Located in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn,  surrounded by multiple co-ops and private homes.  Space can be viewed at your convenience. Price negotiable. Call: Avi 212-736-3680 ext. 15


NYS Jobs LogoReview Vacancy

Date Posted: 03/23/21 Applications Due: 04/06/21 Vacancy ID: 85272

Position Information 

Agency Health, Department of
Title Health Program Director 2 -TBD
Occupational Category  

Other Professional Careers

Salary Grade 665
Bargaining Unit M/C – Management / Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary Range From $122092 to $154253 Annually
Employment Type Full-Time
Appointment Type Permanent
Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class
Travel Percentage 10%

Schedule 

Workweek

Hours Per Week

Mon-Fri

37.5

 Workday 

From 8:30 AM
To 4:30 PM
Flextime allowed? No
Mandatory overtime? No
Compressed workweek allowed?  

No

Telecommuting allowed?  

No

Location 

County Albany
Street Address CCH; Division of Family Health

Corning Tower, ESP

City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12237

Job Specifics 

Minimum Qualifications Twelve years of professional level work experience, three of which must have included managerial, decision-making and/or oversight responsibilities for a major health-related program or in the direction of a major administrative function of a large health-related organization. A bachelor’s degree may be substituted for four years of the general professional experience. 

Twelve or more years of progressively responsible administrative experience in programs that improve perinatal health, child and/or adolescent health, early care, and learning, and/or sexual violence prevention, including four years of managerial, decision-making, and/or program direction. Seven years of this experience would also include fiscal management, policy making and oversight responsibilities, and statewide supervision of professional level staff. The preferred candidate would be familiar with representing departmental interests and serving as a spokesperson and liaison to Executive staff, and have experience working with other state and federal governmental programs. Experience with second-level professional supervision as well as strong oral and written communication skills is also desired. A master’s degree in an appropriate field may substitute an additional one year of the general professional experience, not to exceed a maximum of five years total allowable educational substitution. Please refer to full listing


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MSSNY eNews: April 9, 2021 – My Dear Father and MSSNY Milestones


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Colleagues:

Tonight, I write this column with a heavy heart after losing my beloved father to a decade long battle with Parkinson’s disease.  To know my father was to be blessed by a ray of sunshine.  He was a gifted educator who helped shape a generation of teachers in the New York metropolitan area.  He had a special passion for science and math and succeeded in eliciting excitement for STEM education in young children long before the term was coined.  My father approached life with joy, humor, and conviction.  It is with an eye toward his memory, that I view this week’s very positive milestones.

Our State budget was finalized this week and thanks to the collective advocacy efforts of MSSNY and our county and specialty societies, the budget package includes several “victories” for organized medicine. Click MSSNY eNews – Stop Health Cuts! for full details.

  • The Excess Malpractice Insurance Program was Extended with full funding without physician cost sharing.
  • Physician Due Process was Protected in the OPMC process by the deletion of adverse provisions that would have permitted the Commissioner to publicly disclose information regarding a complaint filed against a physician and would have created a nebulous standard for imposing a summary suspension prior to the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings.
  • The Pharmacy Scope Changes that would have expanded the physician-pharmacy Collaborative Drug Therapy program, permitted pharmacist self-ordering of lab tests, and significantly expanded the number of the immunizations that can be performed by pharmacists were rejected.
  • Essential Plan Enhancements were included. 
  • E-Prescribing Waivers were protected. 
  • Cuts to MSSNY’s Committee for Physicians Health were restored. 

This week, I was named to the Governor’s newly formed Essential Workers Advisory Committee to help build a monument to Essential Workers. I am humbled to be chosen to help honor the service and sacrifices of our New York State Physician heroes and I will endeavor to ensure a fitting and a lasting legacy.

A very important step forward was taken this week on the health equity front with the CDC labeling “racism as a serious public health threat.”  With this statement comes funding to address disparities and a much needed and long overdue commitment to dismantling systemic racism and advancing health equity.

As the week comes to a close and my heart begins to mend, I feel that there is somehow a calming symmetry–my father now at peace and my profession healing.

Bonnie Litvack, MD
MSSNY President


 

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State Budget Finalized with Numerous Victories for Physicians
This week the New York State Legislature completed passage of a $212 billion Budget package that produced several “victories” for organized medicine following months of extensive advocacy by MSSNY working together with county and specialty medical societies.  These issues include:

Excess Malpractice Insurance Program Extended

The final State Budget provides full funding for an additional year for the Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance program, which provides 17,000 physicians with a bonus $1 million/$3 million layer of liability insurance above the primary layer purchased by a physician.  The State Budget restores the proposed $51 million cut in program funding and deleted an Executive Budget proposal strongly opposed by MSSNY to impose a 50% physician cost share requirement, which would have resulted in the imposition of thousands to tens of thousands of dollars of new costs on these 17,000 enrolled physicians.

Physician Due Process Protected

The final State Budget deleted several provisions proposed in the Executive Budget and opposed by MSSNY to substantially curtail physician due process rights when a complaint has been filed against them with the OPMC.  The adverse provisions that were deleted included permitting the Commissioner to publicly disclose information regarding a complaint filed against a physician and creating a nebulous standard for imposing a summary suspension prior to the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings.

Pharmacy Scope Changes Rejected 

The final State Budget deleted several provisions opposed by MSSNY that would have expanded the scope of pharmacists, including proposals to greatly expand the physician-pharmacy Collaborative Drug Therapy program, permitted pharmacist self-ordering of lab tests, and significantly expanded the number of the immunizations that can be performed by pharmacists.

Essential Plan Enhancements

The final Budget contains provisions supported by MSSNY to eliminate the premium requirements for the over 800,000 New Yorkers enrolled in the State’s Essential Plan, as well as providing bonus pool funding for physicians and other care providers participating with these plans. 

Medicaid Cuts Defeated

The final Budget deleted a proposed 1% across the board cut to Medicaid health care provider payments that had been opposed by MSSNY.

Protect Ability to Apply for E-Prescribing Waivers 

The final State Budget deletes the Executive Budget proposal opposed by MSSNY to eliminate the ability for physicians and other prescribers to apply for a year-to-year waiver of e-prescribing requirements (availed by over 2,000 prescribers across the State of New York). 

Protect Medicaid “Prescriber Prevails” 

The final Budget deletes the Executive Budget proposal opposed by MSSNY to remove the statutory protection for the prescriber’s determination (not State Medicaid’s) to prevail for a medication prescribed to a patient covered by Medicaid fee for service.   

No-Fault De-credentialing Rejected

The final Budget deletes the Executive Budget proposal MSSNY had raised concerns with to expand the power of the Superintendent of Financial Services to prohibit certain physicians from submitting claims for No-Fault services. 

Addressing Cuts to MSSNY’s Committee for Physicians Health 

The final Budget restored the proposed $198,000 cut to MSSNY’s Committee for Physicians Health. 

Telehealth Expansion

The final State Budget includes an expansion of site locations where telehealth services can both provided and received.  Importantly, it deletes a provision opposed by MSSNY advocacy that would have established an “interstate compact” of out of state health professionals to provide health care services to New York patients.  Unfortunately, the final Budget also did not include “parity” for the payment of telehealth services, but MSSNY will continue to advocate in the remaining weeks of session to pass this legislation.

“Pass-Through” Entity Tax Option

The final State Budget includes a provision that will permit partnerships the option to pay taxes through the entity rather than on an individual basis, which would permit the individual to fully deduct State and Local Taxes (SALT) instead of being subject to the otherwise applicable federal $10,000 SALT deduction cap. Other high tax northeastern states, including Connecticut, Maryland and New Jersey recently passed similar laws.

Ensure Collaborative Practice by Nurse Practitioners with Physicians

The final Budget includes a provision to extend for an additional year – until June 30, 2022 – the existing law permitting certain nurse practitioners to practice without a written collaborative agreement with a physician provided they have proof of “collaborative arrangements” with physicians in the same specialty practiced by the NP.  MSSNY has advocated for much stronger collaboration requirements for nurse practitioners in order to protect patients, however, with the sunset of the existing law coming up in two months, legislation (A.1535/S.3056) has also been introduced and strongly opposed by MSSNY that would repeal the requirements to even maintain proof of these collaborative arrangements.        (DIVISION OF GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS)


NYS Continues to Expand Vaccine Eligibility to 16 Years of Age and Older
On April 6, 2021, New York State expanded eligibility to the COVID-19 vaccine to adults 16 years and older. The guidance is here: Click Here.

As of April 8, 2021, 22.3% of New Yorkers have completed the vaccine series and 19.9% of Americans have been fully immunized.  35.1% of New Yorkers have received at least one dose.

All providers can vaccinate any New Yorker, including those with comorbidities or underlying conditions, and individuals 16+. Enrolled providers other than pharmacies may vaccinate any eligible individual. Pharmacies must prioritize K-12 school faculty and staff and childcare workers but are also authorized to vaccinate individuals aged 30 and older and individuals with comorbidities.

MSSNY has been working closely with the state to get vaccine supply to community physician offices and several physician practices around the state may receive an allocation of vaccine supply shortly. MSSNY has been informed that over 190 practices have received vaccine. Physicians who would like to become a COVID-19 immunizer, will need to enroll into either the NYSIIS or CIR systems. Physicians can find information about enrolling here: Click Here.

Providers in receipt of COVID-19 vaccine, irrespective as to whether such doses are via a direct State or federal allocation or a redistribution, will now be required to report to the vaccine tracker on Mondays and Thursdays by 10 am. All providers with COVID -19 vaccine doses on hand or that depleted their allocation since their last report are now required to fill out the vaccine tracker both days. This reporting will continue to be used for allocation determinations and is still required.

Physicians and patients can determine eligibility by going here. (CLANCY)


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New York State Legalizes Recreational Marijuana
As reported last week, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law legalizing recreational marijuana sales and use.  The bill passed by the Senate and Assembly will create a regulatory system to oversee the cannabis industry, allow limited home growth as well as expunging an untold number of criminal records. Here is the link to the statement by Governor Cuomo regarding the signing of this into law that contains a comprehensive summary.

The bill would among other key components:

  • Direct that 20% of the funding generated from the tax revenue be set aside for drug treatment and education. 40% of the total state tax revenue from cannabis would be set aside to assist communities historically disproportionately impacted by marijuana laws. Another 40% would go toward state education funding.
  • Create an Office of Cannabis Management at the state level and a Cannabis Control Board to promulgate regulations. Gov Cuomo would have three appointments to the board, including the chairperson, while the Legislature would have two
  • Set a 13% tax rate on retail sales of cannabis products. Of that, 9% of the 13% would go to the state, while 4% would be directed to localities, with counties to receive a quarter of that revenue, while the municipality would receive the remainder.
  • Permit possession of three ounces of the drug, and 24 grams of concentrate, outside the home. Five pounds is allowed to be kept at home but must be stored away from children.
  • Expanding the medical cannabis program to increase the number of health conditions that a prescriber could certify a patient to receive medical cannabis.

Legal sales of adult use marijuana will be permitted sometime in 2022, though prior to 2022 cities, towns and villages can pass a resolution to prohibit dispensaries and social consumption locations within their municipality.

Many groups including MSSNY, the NYSPTA, NYS Association of County Public Health officials and various law enforcement associations raised serious concerns throughout the debate over the last few years regarding legalization including the need for additional research into the impacts of marijuana use on physical and mental health and the traffic safety impact. MSSNY will continue to work closely with these organizations as well as various state agencies as this law is implemented, to ensure a proper emphasis is being placed on protecting public health. Here is a link to an additional summary of the passed legislation.     (ALI)


Legislation Signed to Eliminate Covid Legal Protections – Effective April 6
Governor Cuomo signed legislation (S.5177/A.3397) into law recently passed by the State Legislature to eliminate the Covid liability protections provided to physicians and other care providers enacted during the height of the pandemic last spring.  The elimination of these protections is effective April 6 – the date the bill was signed into law.

Many groups including MSSNY wrote to legislators to oppose A.3397/S.5177, noting that regardless of nursing home concerns that led many to question the continuing need for these legal protections, it is important to maintain these absolutely essential protections for the duration of the public health emergency for the front-line physicians and other health care workers still managing the thousands of new Covid cases in New York every day with an increasing penetration of more easily spread variants.

Given that statutory construction rules presume legislation is to be applied prospectively in the absence of clearly defined statutory intent to the contrary, we are pleased there were comments made by several Assemblymembers during the floor debate on the legislation when it was passed by the NYS Assembly that re-iterated that the “effective date” language means that the repeal provisions would only apply after the date the bill was signed into law.  The point was also made by Senator Shelly Mayer during the floor debate in the Senate.   (AUSTER)


US House Expected to Pass Legislation to Prevent 2% Medicare Cut Until 2022
Next week, the House of Representatives on its return to DC is expected to vote favorably on legislation to extend the 2% Medicare sequester moratorium that expired on April 1.  On March 25th the US Senate voted 90-2 to pass an agreement reached by Leaders Schumer and McConnell that provides a 9-month extension of the moratorium, through December 31.   If the legislation is not passed by the House, a 2% Medicare payment cut will go into effect.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has held off on processing April Medicare claims to avoid making payments with reduced amounts.  (AUSTER)


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Education

                                                    Webinar                                                                  

Updates for Accelerated and Advanced Payments Program

During this session, we will review the revised repayment and recoupment process and provide the latest updates on the Accelerated and Advanced Payments program.  If your facility received an accelerated or advanced payment from Medicare due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, then attending this webinar will provide the most current information from CMS.

Medicare Part B

Apr 15, 2021 10:00 a.m ET – 11:00 a.m ET

Register here

                                                    Webinar                                                                  

COVID-19 Medicare Part B Advanced Payment, Repayment and Recoupment Process

If you requested accelerated or advanced payments from Medicare due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, this learning session is for you. CMS expanded the accelerated and advance payment program for financial hardship relief during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Accelerated or advanced payments need to be repaid to the Medicare Trust Fund. During this webinar, we will review the repayment and recoupment process and address your questions.

Register here


MSSNY Medical Matters Program on Mental Health of Children and Teens During COVID
Registration now open
Medical Matters: COVID-19 & Mental Health of Children and Teens
Date: April 21, 2021 @ 7:30am 

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of the entire population.  Learn more about how children and teens have been affected by registering for Medical Matters: COVID-19 & Mental Health of Children and Teens. This webinar will take place on Wednesday, April 21st at 7:30 am.  Linda Chokroverty, MD will serve as faculty for this program.  Click here to register for this webinar.

Educational objectives

  • Identify normal stressors impacting children and teens and those that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Examine what is known so far about the mental health impact of COVID-19 on children and teens
  • Describe resources to assist children and teens during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Appraise the scope of COVID-19’s long term mental health impact on children and teens

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Medical Society of the State of New York designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. (HOFFMAN)


Veterans Matters: Military Culture: Everything Physicians Need to Know about Veterans as Patients Webinar

Registration Now Open

Thursday, April 22nd @ 7:30 am

The Medical Society of the State of New York is hosting a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program entitled Veterans Matters: Military Culture: Everything Physicians Need to Know about Veterans as Patients live webinar on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 7:30 am.

Click HERE to register for the program! View the program flyer HERE.

When:       April 22, 2021 at 7:30 am
Faculty:     Lt. Colonel Lance Allen Wang (Ret.) & Sharran Chambers-Murphy, Desert Storm-era Veteran

Educational Objectives:

  • Describe the unique aspects of military culture and how they impact patients     who are veterans;
  • Explain the Dwyer Peer-to-Peer program as a resource to assist veteran patients re-acclimating from a group to an individual mentality; and
  • Review and identify resources to improve physician’s ability to fully treat veterans who are transitioning back to civilian life.

For more information, contact Jangmu Sherpa at jsherpa@mssny.org or call (518) 465-8085.

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Medical Society of the State of New York designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. (SHERPA)


Webinar for Physicians Applying to PCF Model on April 31
Physicians considering applying for the PCF model to start in 2022 are invited to register now for a webinar to be offered Tuesday, April 13, from 6:00-7:00 pm ET by the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the CMS Innovation Center. PCF is open to medical practices that provide primary care services in 26 regions across the country, with an application deadline of April 31, 2021.

The live webinar will allow participants to hear from CMS and medical society experts about the model and how participation could affect their practice revenues. Additional details, including the request for applications, a map of the 26 regions, and lists of the practices and other payors that are participating as part of the 2021 cohort are available on the CMS Primary Care First website.


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eNews

Physicians Experienced Little Relief from PA as COVID-19 Soared
As new cases of COVID-19 in the United States were peaking in late 2020, most physicians reported that health plans continued to impose bureaucratic prior authorization policies that delay access to necessary care and sometimes result in serious harm to patients, according to new survey results issued by the AMA.

According to the AMA survey, almost 70% of 1,000 practicing physicians surveyed in Dec. 2020 reported that health insurers had either reverted to past prior authorization policies or never relaxed these policies in the first place. More than nine in 10 physicians (94%) reported care delays while waiting for health insurers to authorize necessary care, and nearly four in five physicians (79%) said patients abandon treatment due to authorization struggles with health insurers.

“Delayed and disrupted treatment due to an archaic prior authorization process can have life-or-death consequences for patients, especially during a public health emergency,” said Dr. Bailey. “This hard-learned lesson from the current crisis must guide a reexamination of administrative burdens imposed by health insurers, often without any justification.”

Nearly one-third (30%) of physicians reported that prior authorization requirements have led to a serious adverse event for a patient in their care, according to the AMA survey. More specifically, prior authorization requirements led to the following repercussions for patients:

  • Patient hospitalization – reported by 21% of physicians
  • Life-threatening event or intervention to prevent permanent impairment or damage – reported by 18% of physicians
  • Disability or permanent bodily damage, congenital anomaly, birth defect, or death – reported by 9% of physicians

While the health insurance industry says prior authorization criteria reflect evidence-based medicine, the physician experience casts doubt on the credibility of this claim. Only 15% of physicians reported that prior authorization criteria were often or always based on evidence-based medicine.

  • Other critical physician concerns highlighted in the AMA survey include:
    Nine in 10 physicians (90%) reported that prior authorization programs have a negative impact on patient clinical outcomes.
  • A significant majority of physicians (85%) said the burdens associated with prior authorization were high or extremely high.
  • Medical practices  complete an average of 40 prior authorizations per physician, per week, which consume the equivalent of two business days (16 hours) of physician and staff time
  • To keep up with the administrative burden, two out of five physicians (40 %) employ staff members who work exclusively on tasks associated with prior authorization.

The findings of the AMA survey illustrate a critical need to streamline or eliminate low-value prior-authorization requirements to minimize delays or disruptions in care delivery. The AMA has taken a leading role in advocating for prior authorization reforms and convening key industry stakeholders to develop a roadmap for improving the prior authorization process.

In January 2018, the AMA and other national organizations representing pharmacists, medical groups, hospitals and health plans signed a consensus statement outlining a shared commitment to improving five key areas associated with the prior authorization process. However, health plans have made little progress in the last three years toward implementing improvements in each of the five areas outlined in the consensus statement.

The AMA continues to work on every front to streamline prior authorization. Patients can share their own personal experiences with prior authorization at FixPriorAuth.org.


 

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Fauci Thanks Workers for Sacrifices; Admits PPE Shortages Drove Up Death Toll
Dr. Anthony Fauci thanked America’s health care workers, who “every single day put themselves at risk” during the pandemic, even as he acknowledged that PPE shortages had contributed to the deaths of more than 3,600 of them. “We rightfully refer to these people without hyperbole — that they are true heroes and heroines,” he said in an exclusive interview with The Guardian. The deaths of so many health workers from covid-19 are “a reflection of what health care workers have done historically, but putting themselves in harm’s way by living up to the oath they take when they become physicians and nurses,” said Fauci. (KHN, 4/9).


33% of COVID-19 Survivors Later Diagnosed with Psychiatric Issues, Study Finds
Among 236,379 patients who had a confirmed COVID-19 infection, nearly 34 percent were diagnosed with a neurological or psychological condition within six months, according to research published April 6 in The Lancet Psychiatry. 

To conduct the research, scientists analyzed EHR data from patients across 62 healthcare organizations, primarily in the U.S., and found 33.62 percent of those with COVID-19 were diagnosed with a neurological or psychiatric condition within six months. In 13 percent of those cases, it was the patient’s first neurological or psychiatric diagnosis.

The most common diagnosis was anxiety, occurring in 17.39 percent of patients. Neurological disorders, such as stroke and dementia, occurred in 2.10 percent and 0.67 percent of the study population, respectively.

Overall, patients with severe COVID-19 were more likely to experience neurological and psychiatric outcomes compared to those with milder illness. For example, among patients who required intensive care, stroke later occurred in 6.92 percent, and dementia in nearly 2 percent.

Researchers also found that most of the neurological and mental health disorders included in the analysis were more common in patients with COVID-19 compared to those who had influenza or other respiratory tract infections.

“Our results indicated that brain diseases and psychiatric disorders are more common after COVID-19 than after flu or other respiratory infections, even when patients are matched for other risk factors,” said Max Taquet, PhD, study co-author and psychiatry professor at the University of Oxford in the U.K. “The study cannot reveal the mechanisms involved, but does point to the need for later research to identify these, with a view to preventing and treating them.” To view the full findings, click here.


Blood Clots Rare Side Effect of AstraZeneca’s Vaccine, European Agency Says
The European Medicines Agency said April 7 a safety committee has concluded that unusual blood clots combined with low blood platelets should be listed as a very rare side effect of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, but that it believes the overall benefits of the vaccine in preventing COVID-19 still outweigh the risks.

As of April 4, 169 cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, a type of brain blood clot, as well as 53 cases of splanchnic vein thrombosis, a blood clot in the abdomen, in people receiving AstraZeneca’s vaccine have been reported to the agency, out of a total of roughly 34 million people receiving the vaccine.

Most cases have been reported in women under age 60 within two weeks of receiving the vaccine, the agency said. Specific risk factors for the blood clots have not yet been identified. The EMA said people who have received AstraZeneca’s vaccine should seek medical assistance immediately if they develop symptoms of the combination of blood clots and low blood platelets, including shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling, persistent abdominal pain, neurological symptoms, and tiny blood spots under the skin beyond the injection site.

A possible explanation for the blood clots is that the vaccine triggers an immune response and causes a condition similar to one seen in some patients treated with heparin, a blood thinner, the EMA said. The agency said it is conducting more studies to learn more.

The blood clots remain very rare, and the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risk of side effects, the agency said.

Britain will offer alternatives to the AstraZeneca vaccine to adults under the age of 30, The New York Times reported April 7.

Read the agency’s full news release here.


Majority of People Delaying COVID-19 Vaccination Want J&J’s Shot
Fifty-six percent of people who haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine yet because they are waiting to see how inoculation plays out for others said they would probably or definitely get Johnson and Johnson’s single-shot vaccine, according to recent research from Kaiser Family Foundation. KFF surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,862 adults March 15-22, 2021. The survey found 17 percent of Americans have not received a COVID-19 vaccine yet because they are waiting to observe vaccination outcomes in others, down from 39 percent who cited the same reason in December.

Of those taking the “wait and see” approach, 16 percent said they would definitely get Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine, and 40 percent said they would probably get it. Eight percent said they would definitely get Pfizer’s vaccine and 7 percent said they would definitely Moderna’s; and 39 percent said they would probably get Pfizer’s vaccine and 36 percent said they would probably get Moderna’s.

The survey also found 24 percent of Americans with a COVID-19 vaccine brand preference said a one-dose regimen was the main reason.


FDA Approves First New Pediatric ADHD Drug in More Than a Decade
The FDA has approved the first new drug designed to treat ADHD in children in over a decade. The FDA April 2 approved Supernus Pharmaceuticals’ Qelbree to treat ADHD in children ages 6 to 17.

Qelbree is a daily capsule, and unlike other ADHD drugs, it’s not a stimulant, so it’s less addictive and less likely to be abused, according to The Hill. The drug comes with a warning that it may cause suicidal thoughts and behavior, which was observed in less than 1 percent of clinical trial volunteers. In clinical trials, 477 children ages 6 to 11 took Qelbree for six weeks, and symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity were found to decrease by 50 percent compared to the placebo group, according to The Hill. The drug is currently in late-stage testing for adults.

Rockville, Md.-based Supernus Pharmaceuticals has not disclosed the price of the drug. Read Supernus’ full news release here.  (Becker’s Hospital Review, April 6)

Documents provided to MedPage Today offer an inside look at the finances of one of the 24 member boards that make up the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). In some respect, they paint a portrait of a well-run business: one that brings in almost $19 million a year while sitting on nearly $40 million in reserves. But they also show an enterprise with generous pay for executives and staff, and where luxury travel is the norm.

It is all funded by practicing physicians who have little choice but to maintain their certification, else they will not be employed by hospitals or paid by insurers — all despite a paucity of data that continuing certification programs make physicians better.


How Physicians Can Improve Their Telehealth Technique
Learn what it takes to make virtual medical visits as good as the in-person variety. Read more from the AMA.


Anesthesiology Group Squeezed ‘Like a Boa Constrictor’ Sues Insurer
U.S. Anesthesia Partners — a single-specialty practice that operates in nine states — is suing UnitedHealthcare (UHC) in Texas and Colorado, alleging the insurance titan forced doctors out of its network and launched a series of anti-competitive actions against the group.

USAP last month filed separate lawsuits in Texas and Colorado state courts, both making similar claims against UHC. The physician-owned, private equity-backed practice — which in total serves more than 2.3 million patients a year — says UHC’s actions have taken aim at its operations in both states.

Central to the claims is that UHC made moves to force doctors out-of-network — harming USAP’s revenues and squeezing the practice from all sides “like a boa constrictor,” as the group’s Colorado suit put it.USAP alleged in each complaint that the efforts “were not enough to satiate United’s greed, so United then embarked on a scheme to interfere with, undermine, and eliminate [USAP’s] existing business and contractual relationships with healthcare facilities, individual surgeons, and patients.”

USAP stated in each complaint that the alleged scheme has involved bribing in-network surgeons with new contracts that provide incentives — such as about 50% more compensation — in exchange for their commitment to steer patients away from USAP. It also alleged that the insurer-imposed penalties on hospitals and other facilities that have contractual agreements with USAP.

USAP noted in its complaints that UHC’s parent company also owns Optum, which — through its division OptumCare — operates a physician practice organization with tens of thousands of employees and affiliated physicians and plans to add more. The group noted that Optum, in turn, owns a significant interest in Sound Physicians, which includes anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists.

“In this way, United and its affiliates have extended their tentacles into virtually every aspect of healthcare, allowing United to squeeze, choke, and crush any market participant that stands in the way of United’s increased profits,” USAP stated in its complaint filed in Texas. “UHG [UnitedHealth Group, the parent company], United, and their affiliates are abusing their collective behemoth strength during a global pandemic to drive revenue away from healthcare providers and toward United.”

“Simply put, the less United pays or reimburses healthcare providers for their services, the more United profits from the ever-rising insurance premiums it collects,” USAP added.

USAP stated in each complaint that patients do not benefit from such trends and healthcare costs do not decrease. Rather, the practice stated, patients — including UHC’s members — risk losing access to high-quality anesthesia providers. Plan sponsors may also pay more as higher surgeon fees may be passed through to them, and the total cost of care may be higher as well. Clinical outcomes, USAP alleged, may be worse.

USAP declined to comment on the suits beyond what it stated in its complaints.

Though the practice alleges in its complaints that UHC’s actions have been taken to boost the insurer’s own profits, UHC blames rate demands made by USAP.

In a statement provided to MedPage Today, the company said “USAP’s lawsuit is just the latest example of the group’s efforts to pressure us into agreeing to its rate demands and to distract from the real reason that it no longer participates in our network…. The reality is that many private equity-backed physician staffing companies like USAP expect to be paid double or even triple the median rate we pay other physicians providing the same services.”

“While these egregiously high rates help meet the profit expectations of their private equity owners, they also drive up the cost of care and make health care less affordable for people across the country,” UHC said.

UHC asserted that a few physician staffing companies — often backed by private equity — are trying to protect their ability to charge high rates, which drive up the cost of care for everyone, including the insurer’s employer customers.

UHC said that reimbursing USAP at the median rate the insurer pays anesthesiologists in Texas and Colorado would save employers in Texas more than $104 million in a single year, and employers in Colorado more than $19 million. Such savings could be passed on to employees through steady or lower premiums, or other benefits. (Medpage Today, April 7)


Award Nominations Open

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accepting nominations for the 2020 Albion O. Bernstein, MD Award.  This prestigious award is given to:

“…the physician, surgeon or scientist who shall have made the most widely beneficial discovery or developed the most useful method in medicine, surgery or in the prevention of disease in the twelve months prior to December 2020.”

This award was endowed by the late Morris J. Bernstein in memory of his son, a physician who died in an accident while answering a hospital call in November 1940.

The $2,000 award will be presented to the recipient during a MSSNY Council Meeting.

Nominations must be submitted on an official application form and must include the nominator’s narrative description of the significance of the candidate’s achievements as well as the candidate’s curriculum vitae, including a list of publications or other contributions.

To request an application, please contact:

Committee on Continuing Medical Education
Miriam Hardin, PhD, Manager, Continuing Medical Education
Medical Society of the State of New York
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 408
Albany, NY 12210
518-465-8085
mhardin@mssny.org 

Classifieds

Classified Ads Available for:

Physicians’ search services • allied medical placements • locum tenens • practice valuation • practice brokerage • practice consulting • real estate

For help, information or to place your ad, call Christina Southard 516-488-6100 x355 • fax 516-488-2188

For the MSSNY 2021 Ad Rate Sheet, please click here.


Ophthalmic Office to Sublet – NYC
340 E. 49TH St. (Ground Floor -Handicap Accessible) 1-3 Lanes Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun Full use of: VF / OCT /Pachymeter/ Autorefractor /Autolensometer / Argon / YAG Lasers
Please contact Scott Weissman MD. privacyssw@gmail.com. 914-772-5581 

.Soho Rental Office
Two Offices Available for Rent in Established SoHo Primary Care Practice
Newly constructed loft space. Dedicated private waiting area available.  This space is ideal for individual psychiatry, psychology, social work, physical therapy, or acupuncture services. Potential to work with existing Primary Care Practice as a referral source. Centrally located in the heart of SoHo, close to all subways. Available 7 days/week. Contact: SpringPrimaryCare@gmail.com.

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Medical Office and Medical Practice (Upper East Side)
79th St near Lexington / Park. 750 sq Ft beautiful, street entrance, medical office for sale with a 25 + yr internal medical practice for sale. Office is in move in condition. Physician retiring. Waiting room. Secretarial area for 3. 1 Consult room. 2 exam Rooms 2 Toilets. Please contact: 917-770-8700 / email drklein@att.net


For Rent Medical Office 800 2nd Ave, 806
FOR RENT 800 2nd Avenue, 806 – Fully built out Medical office ready for use – reception area; 2 office/ consultation rooms; 4 examination rooms with plumbing; 1 sterilization room or pantry; 1 file/ nurse room, Total 8 rooms. All examination rooms are set up with plumbing and cabinetry.  24/7 doorman/ Elevators. Central location, Grand Central Station, buses Subways. Rent: $65 per Rentable Sq Ft; Sq Ft: 1,482 Rentable; Gross Lease. Showings or video contact Maya – Broker – maya@mallannyhomes.com or mobile 646-258-4460 listing information http://www.mallannyhomes.com/properties/detail/800-second-avenue-806/

800 2nd Ave Lobby800 2nd Ave Hallway


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Allergy Practice For Sale, Forest Hills, NY
Founded in 1988, this well-established Single Practitioner Allergy Practice has over 3500 active patients, with very positive patient reviews. The office is only one of a few in the area, but patients are seen from throughout the NYC Metropolitan Area, as well as Long Island. Potential for growth. Centrally located next to major public transportation.  Retirement planned. Lease is assignable. Well-trained, extremely personable staff of three, including a Registered Nurse. Payer mix85% private, 10% Medicare 5% other. Email any questions to: allergydoctorbn@gmail.com

Two (2) Prime Commercial Spaces
Two (2) affordable office spaces available for immediate occupancy.  Located in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn,  surrounded by multiple co-ops and private homes.  Space can be viewed at your convenience. Price negotiable. Call: Avi 212-736-3680 ext. 15


NYS Jobs LogoReview Vacancy

Date Posted: 03/23/21 Applications Due: 04/06/21 Vacancy ID: 85272

Position Information 

Agency Health, Department of
Title Health Program Director 2 -TBD
Occupational Category  

Other Professional Careers

Salary Grade 665
Bargaining Unit M/C – Management / Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary Range From $122092 to $154253 Annually
Employment Type Full-Time
Appointment Type Permanent
Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class
Travel Percentage 10%

Schedule 

Workweek

Hours Per Week

Mon-Fri

37.5

 Workday 

From 8:30 AM
To 4:30 PM
Flextime allowed? No
Mandatory overtime? No
Compressed workweek allowed?  

No

Telecommuting allowed?  

No

Location 

County Albany
Street Address CCH; Division of Family Health

Corning Tower, ESP

City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12237

Job Specifics 

Minimum Qualifications Twelve years of professional level work experience, three of which must have included managerial, decision-making and/or oversight responsibilities for a major health-related program or in the direction of a major administrative function of a large health-related organization. A bachelor’s degree may be substituted for four years of the general professional experience. 

Twelve or more years of progressively responsible administrative experience in programs that improve perinatal health, child and/or adolescent health, early care, and learning, and/or sexual violence prevention, including four years of managerial, decision-making, and/or program direction. Seven years of this experience would also include fiscal management, policy making and oversight responsibilities, and statewide supervision of professional level staff. The preferred candidate would be familiar with representing departmental interests and serving as a spokesperson and liaison to Executive staff, and have experience working with other state and federal governmental programs. Experience with second-level professional supervision as well as strong oral and written communication skills is also desired. A master’s degree in an appropriate field may substitute an additional one year of the general professional experience, not to exceed a maximum of five years total allowable educational substitution. Please refer to full listing


MSSNY Ad Rates


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MSSNY eNews: April 7, 2021 – We Thank Assembly/ Senate Efforts to Stop Healthcare Cuts


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MSSNY Thanks Assembly and Senate Efforts to Stop Health Care Cuts
“In adopting the 2021-22 State Budget, physicians thank the New York State Assembly and Senate leadership for their efforts to restore numerous steep health care cuts that had been advanced in the Executive Budget, and the Governor for agreeing with the restoration of these cuts.

Because the COVID pandemic has caused historic drops in patient visits and revenue for physicians over the last year, there could not have been a worse time to cut Medicaid as well as other essential programs that help to preserve patient access to needed care such as the Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance Program.

Physicians also appreciate the collective efforts of the Governor and Legislature to enhance other programs that provide needed health insurance coverage to New Yorkers, including the Essential Plan.  We look forward to working with the Senate, Assembly and Governor in additional collaborative efforts to ensure New Yorkers receive the care they need.”


State Budget Finalized
This week the Legislature was completing passage of a $212 billion Budget package that produced several “victories” for organized medicine following months of extensive advocacy by MSSNY working together with county and specialty medical societies.  These issues include:

Excess Malpractice Insurance Program Extended

The final State Budget provides full funding for an additional year for the Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance program, which provides 17,000 physicians with a bonus $1 million/$3 million layer of liability insurance above the primary layer purchased by a physician.  The State Budget restores the proposed $51 million cut in program funding and deleted an Executive Budget proposal strongly opposed by MSSNY to impose a 50% physician cost share requirement, which would have resulted in the imposition of thousands to tens of thousands of dollars of new costs on these 17,000 enrolled physicians.

Physician Due Process Protected

The final State Budget deleted several provisions proposed in the Executive Budget and opposed by MSSNY to substantially curtail physician due process rights when a complaint has been filed against them with the OPMC.  The adverse provisions that were deleted included permitting the Commissioner to publicly disclose information regarding a complaint filed against a physician and creating a nebulous standard for imposing a summary suspension prior to the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings.

Pharmacy Scope Changes Rejected 

The final State Budget deleted several provisions opposed by MSSNY that would have expanded the scope of pharmacists, including proposals to greatly expand the physician-pharmacy Collaborative Drug Therapy program, permitted pharmacist self-ordering of lab tests, and significantly expanded the number of the immunizations that can be performed by pharmacists.

Essential Plan Enhancements

The final Budget contains provisions supported by MSSNY to eliminate the premium requirements for the over 800,000 New Yorkers enrolled in the State’s Essential Plan, as well as providing bonus pool funding for physicians and other care providers participating with these plans. 

Protect Ability to Apply for E-Prescribing Waivers 

The final State Budget deletes the Executive Budget proposal opposed by MSSNY to eliminate the ability for physicians and other prescribers to apply for a year-to-year waiver of e-prescribing requirements (availed by over 2,000 prescribers across the State of New York). 

Protect Medicaid “Prescriber Prevails” 

The final Budget deletes the Executive Budget proposal opposed by MSSNY to remove the statutory protection for the prescriber’s determination (not State Medicaid’s) to prevail for a medication prescribed to a patient covered by Medicaid. 

No-Fault De-credentialing Rejected

The final Budget deletes the Executive Budget proposal MSSNY had raised concerns with to expand the power of the Superintendent of Financial Services to prohibit certain physicians from submitting claims for No-Fault services. 

Addressing Cuts to MSSNY’s Committee for Physicians Health 

The final Budget restored the proposed $198,000 cut to MSSNY’s Committee for Physicians Health. 

Telehealth Expansion

The final State Budget includes an expansion of site locations where telehealth services can both provided and received.  Importantly, it deletes a provision opposed by MSSNY advocacy that would have established an “interstate compact” of out of state health professionals to provide health care services to New York patients.  Unfortunately, the final Budget also did not include “parity” for the payment of telehealth services.

Ensure Collaborative Practice by Nurse Practitioners with Physicians

The final Budget includes a provision to extend for an additional year – until June 30, 2022 – the existing law permitting certain nurse practitioners to practice without a written collaborative agreement with a physician provided they have proof of “collaborative arrangements” with physicians in the same specialty practiced by the NP.  MSSNY has advocated for much stronger collaboration requirements for nurse practitioners in order to protect patients, however, with the sunset of the existing law coming up in two months, legislation (A.1535/S.3056) has also been introduced and strongly opposed by MSSNY that would repeal the requirements to even maintain proof of these collaborative arrangements. (DIVISION OF GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS)


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Governor Announces Committee to Help Build Monument to Essential Workers
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced “the creation of the Essential Workers Advisory Committee to provide design input and recommendations for a monument in New York City honoring the service and sacrifice of New York’s essential workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.” The committee “will advise on design, location, and installation of the new monument,” which will honor physicians, nurses, hospital staff, EMTs, and other groups of essential workers.

MSSNY President Dr. Bonnie Litvack has been named as one of the committee’s members.


NY Residents at Least 16 Years Old are Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccines
New York residents who are at least 16 years old are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. Teenagers who are 16 or 17 years old will receive the Pfizer vaccine, because it is currently the only one authorized for use in that population.

SUNY announced plans to offer vaccines to tens of thousands of college students before they head home for the summer. The state’s public university system is moving to vaccinate students who are living on campus before they leave for summer break. The program launched days after private universities, such as Cornell University in Ithaca and Rutgers University in New Jersey, announced they would require vaccines for students returning to campus in the fall, with medical and religious exemptions.

SUNY has not announced a system-wide requirement to get vaccinated. The program will launch by distributing more than 18,000 Johnson & Johnson vaccines to 34 campuses, with distribution to more campuses in the coming weeks. (Politico, 4/6).


A Third of COVID-19 Survivors Receive a Diagnosis for Psychiatric or Neurological Illness Within Six Months of Their Infection, Research Suggests
The study published in Lancet Psychiatry reports that a study found that “six months after being diagnosed with Covid-19, 1 in 3 patients also had experienced a psychiatric or neurological illness.” While “anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders were most common,” investigators “also found worrying, if lower, rates of serious neurological complications, especially in patients who had been severely ill with Covid-19.” The data also indicated that “compared to control groups of people who had the flu or other non-Covid respiratory infections, first-ever neuropsychiatric diagnoses were almost twice as high.”

The study, which analyzed health records of more than 236,000 patients with COVID-19, “was not able to determine the biological or psychological mechanisms involved…said” Max Taquet, who co-led the research.


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Office of Cannabis Management Website Offers Names of Cannabis Practitioners
New Yorkers can now visit a website to learn about the Office of Cannabis Management and other changes that took effect under a new law legalizing adult-use, recreational marijuana, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday. Key context: The Cuomo administration launched the website for the state Office of Cannabis Management, which will oversee licensing, cultivation, production, distribution, and sales of New York’s recreational and medical marijuana markets, as well as cannabinoid hemp.

It comes just days after the governor signed the “Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act,” which legalized cannabis for adult, recreational use in the state. Details: The website provides information on the new office’s regulatory structure and resources for New Yorkers seeking medical cannabis practitioners, caregivers, and medical cannabis IDs. It also offers information for businesses seeking licensure in the adult-use and cannabinoid hemp industries.


AMA Survey: Physicians Experienced Little Relief from Prior Authorization in Late 2020 as COVID-19 cases soared
CHICAGO – As new cases of COVID-19 in the United States were peaking in late 2020, most physicians reported that health plans continued to impose bureaucratic prior authorization policies that delay access to necessary care and sometimes result in serious harm to patients, according to new survey results issued today by the American Medical Association (AMA).

“As the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, some commercial health insurers temporarily relaxed prior authorization requirements to reduce administrative burdens and support rapid patient access to needed drugs, tests and treatments,” said AMA President Susan R. Bailey, M.D. “By the end of 2020, as the U.S. health system was strained with record numbers of new COVID-19 cases per week, the AMA found that most physicians were facing strict authorization hurdles that delayed patients’ access to needed care.”

According to the AMA survey, almost 70% of 1,000 practicing physicians surveyed in Dec. 2020 reported that health insurers had either reverted to past prior authorizations policies or never relaxed these policies in the first place. More than nine in 10 physicians (94%) reported care delays while waiting for health insurers to authorize necessary care, and nearly four in five physicians (79%) said patients abandon treatment due to authorization struggles with health insurers.

“Delayed and disrupted treatment due to an archaic prior authorization process can have life-or-death consequences for patients, especially during a public health emergency,” said Dr. Bailey. “This hard-learned lesson from the current crisis must guide a reexamination of administrative burdens imposed by health insurers, often without any justification.”

Nearly one-third (30%) of physicians reported that prior authorization requirements have led to a serious adverse event for a patient in their care, according to the AMA survey. More specifically, prior authorization requirements led to the following repercussions for patients:

  • Patient hospitalization – reported by 21% of physicians
  • Life-threatening event or intervention to prevent permanent impairment or damage – reported by 18% of physicians
  • Disability or permanent bodily damage, congenital anomaly, birth defect, or death – reported by 9% of physicians

While the health insurance industry says prior authorization criteria reflect evidence-based medicine, the physician experience casts doubt on the credibility of this claim. Only 15% of physicians reported that prior authorization criteria were often or always based on evidence-based medicine.

Other critical physician concerns highlighted in the AMA survey include:

  • Nine in 10 physicians (90%) reported that prior authorizations programs have a negative impact on patient clinical outcomes.
  • A significant majority of physicians (85%) said the burdens associated with prior authorization were high or extremely high.
  • Medical practices complete an average of 40 prior authorizations per physician, per week, which consume the equivalent of two business days (16 hours) of physician and staff time.
  • To keep up with the administrative burden, two out of five physicians (40 %) employ staff members who work exclusively on tasks associated with prior authorization. (AMA, April 7).

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Education

NGS Ed Session on Start of the Return of Accelerated Advanced Medicare Payments

Register here.

Medicare Part A

Apr 08, 2021 3:00 p.m ET – 4:00 p.m ET

                                                    Webinar                                                                  

Updates for Accelerated and Advanced Payments Program

During this session, we will review the revised repayment and recoupment process and provide the latest updates on the Accelerated and Advanced Payments program.  If your facility received an accelerated or advanced payment from Medicare due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, then attending this webinar will provide the most current information from CMS.

Medicare Part B

Apr 15, 2021 10:00 a.m ET – 11:00 a.m ET

                                                    Webinar                                                                  

COVID-19 Medicare Part B Advanced Payment, Repayment and Recoupment Process

If you requested accelerated or advanced payments from Medicare due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, this learning session is for you. CMS expanded the accelerated and advance payment program for financial hardship relief during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Accelerated or advanced payments need to be repaid to the Medicare Trust Fund. During this webinar, we will review the repayment and recoupment process and address your questions.


MSSNY Medical Matters Program on Mental Health of Children and Teens During COVID
Registration now open
Medical Matters: COVID-19 & Mental Health of Children and Teens
Date: April 21, 2021 @ 7:30am 

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of the entire population.  Learn more about how children and teens have been affected by registering for Medical Matters: COVID-19 & Mental Health of Children and Teens. This webinar will take place on Wednesday, April 21st at 7:30 am.  Linda Chokroverty, MD will serve as faculty for this program.  Click here to register for this webinar.

Educational objectives

  • Identify normal stressors impacting children and teens and those that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Examine what is known so far about the mental health impact of COVID-19 on children and teens
  • Describe resources to assist children and teens during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Appraise the scope of COVID-19’s long term mental health impact on children and teens

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Medical Society of the State of New York designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. (HOFFMAN)


Veterans Matters: Military Culture: Everything Physicians Need to Know about Veterans as Patients Webinar

Registration Now Open

Thursday, April 22nd @ 7:30 am

The Medical Society of the State of New York is hosting a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program entitled Veterans Matters: Military Culture: Everything Physicians Need to Know about Veterans as Patients live webinar on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 7:30 am.

Click HERE to register for the program! View the program flyer HERE.

When:       April 22, 2021 at 7:30 am
Faculty:     Lt. Colonel Lance Allen Wang (Ret.) & Sharran Chambers-Murphy, Desert Storm-era Veteran

Educational Objectives:

  • Describe the unique aspects of military culture and how they impact patients     who are veterans;
  • Explain the Dwyer Peer-to-Peer program as a resource to assist veteran patients re-acclimating from a group to an individual mentality; and
  • Review and identify resources to improve physician’s ability to fully treat veterans who are transitioning back to civilian life.

For more information, contact Jangmu Sherpa at jsherpa@mssny.org or call (518) 465-8085.

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Medical Society of the State of New York designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. (SHERPA)


April 24 Meeting Young Physicians, Residents/Fellows and Medical Students
A virtual joint meeting of the Young Physicians, Residents/Fellows and the Medical Students Sections is being planned for the afternoon of Saturday, April 24.  Please mark your calendars and watch E-News and your mailboxes for more details as they become available.  If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Rohrer at krohrer@mssny.org.


Webinar for Physicians Applying to PCF Model on April 31
Physicians considering applying for the PCF model to start in 2022 are invited to register now for a webinar to be offered Tuesday, April 13, from 6:00-7:00 pm ET by the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the CMS Innovation Center. PCF is open to medical practices that provide primary care services in 26 regions across the country, with an application deadline of April 31, 2021.

The live webinar will allow participants to hear from CMS and medical society experts about the model and how participation could affect their practice revenues. Additional details, including the request for applications, a map of the 26 regions, and lists of the practices and other payors that are participating as part of the 2021 cohort are available on the CMS Primary Care First website.


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CMS Starts Recouping Accelerated, Advance Medicare Payments
The agency has begun recoupment of accelerated and advance Medicare payments from providers who borrowed the emergency funds one year ago to battle COVID-19.

CMS has started recouping Medicare payments it fronted to healthcare providers last year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a recent MLN Matters newsletter, the agency stated that it has begun recovering the payments through the COVID-19 Accelerated and Advance Payments (CAAP) on March 30, 2021, and will continue recoupment depending on the one year anniversary of when providers received their first payment.

“Please be sure your billing staff are aware that the recovery has begun, or will begin soon but no sooner than 1 year from the date we issued the CAAP to you,” CMS said in the newsletter.

Lawmakers expanded Medicare’s Accelerated and Advance Payments Program through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act last March. The program distributed a total of $100 billion to hospitals and other types of providers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by May 2020.

CMS has the authority to provide upfront Medicare payments to providers in the event of a national emergency or natural disaster “in order to accelerate cash flow to the impacted health care providers and suppliers.” The payments are meant to support providers during the claim submission or processing disruption. 

CMS Amends Repayment Terms for Accelerated, Advance Payments

Providers who accept the payments, however, do have to repay CMS, and the agency can hold back future Medicare reimbursements to the provider until the upfront payments are recouped.

These providers were originally scheduled to start repayment of the Medicare payments made in advance during the COVID-19 pandemic in August 2020. But CMS and lawmakers through the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (P.L. 116-159) extended original repayment timelines in light of the ongoing struggles stemming from the pandemic.

During the recoupment period, CMS will hold back a portion of new Medicare claims from providers—25 percent during the first 11 months of recoupment and 50 percent during the six months—until the payments advanced last year are recouped.

Providers are required to have paid back the advanced payments in full 20 months after they received the first payment. If they fail to do so, CMS will charge interest of four percent on the remaining balance.

FAH Wants More Time, Lower Rates on Advance Medicare Payments

The recoupment terms are more favorable to providers thanks to the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act and other legislation. Usually, providers have a shorter time until recoupment and CMS would hold back full future Medicare reimbursements until the loan was paid off.

The interest rate is also typically about 10 percent for all remaining balances after the recoupment period.

But healthcare providers are still concerned about repaying CMS for the upfront Medicare reimbursements as their organizations continue to face significant challenges with COVID-19. (REVCYCLE Intelligence)


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Award Nominations Open

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accepting nominations for the 2020 Albion O. Bernstein, MD Award.  This prestigious award is given to:

“…the physician, surgeon or scientist who shall have made the most widely beneficial discovery or developed the most useful method in medicine, surgery or in the prevention of disease in the twelve months prior to December 2020.”

This award was endowed by the late Morris J. Bernstein in memory of his son, a physician who died in an accident while answering a hospital call in November 1940.

The $2,000 award will be presented to the recipient during a MSSNY Council Meeting.

Nominations must be submitted on an official application form and must include the nominator’s narrative description of the significance of the candidate’s achievements as well as the candidate’s curriculum vitae, including a list of publications or other contributions.

To request an application, please contact:

Committee on Continuing Medical Education
Miriam Hardin, PhD, Manager, Continuing Medical Education
Medical Society of the State of New York
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 408
Albany, NY 12210
518-465-8085
mhardin@mssny.org 

Classifieds

Classified Ads Available for:

Physicians’ search services • allied medical placements • locum tenens • practice valuation • practice brokerage • practice consulting • real estate

For help, information or to place your ad, call Christina Southard 516-488-6100 x355 • fax 516-488-2188

For the MSSNY 2021 Ad Rate Sheet, please click here.


Ophthalmic Office to Sublet – NYC
340 E. 49TH St. (Ground Floor -Handicap Accessible) 1-3 Lanes Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun Full use of: VF / OCT /Pachymeter/ Autorefractor /Autolensometer / Argon / YAG Lasers
Please contact Scott Weissman MD. privacyssw@gmail.com. 914-772-5581 

.Soho Rental Office
Two Offices Available for Rent in Established SoHo Primary Care Practice
Newly constructed loft space. Dedicated private waiting area available.  This space is ideal for individual psychiatry, psychology, social work, physical therapy, or acupuncture services. Potential to work with existing Primary Care Practice as a referral source. Centrally located in the heart of SoHo, close to all subways. Available 7 days/week. Contact: SpringPrimaryCare@gmail.com.

Medical Office and Medical Practice (Upper East Side)
79th St near Lexington / Park. 750 sq Ft beautiful, street entrance, medical office for sale with a 25 + yr internal medical practice for sale. Office is in move in condition. Physician retiring. Waiting room. Secretarial area for 3. 1 Consult room. 2 exam Rooms 2 Toilets. Please contact: 917-770-8700 / email drklein@att.net


For Rent Medical Office 800 2nd Ave, 806
FOR RENT 800 2nd Avenue, 806 – Fully built out Medical office ready for use – reception area; 2 office/ consultation rooms; 4 examination rooms with plumbing; 1 sterilization room or pantry; 1 file/ nurse room, Total 8 rooms. All examination rooms are set up with plumbing and cabinetry.  24/7 doorman/ Elevators. Central location, Grand Central Station, buses Subways. Rent: $65 per Rentable Sq Ft; Sq Ft: 1,482 Rentable; Gross Lease. Showings or video contact Maya – Broker – maya@mallannyhomes.com or mobile 646-258-4460 listing information http://www.mallannyhomes.com/properties/detail/800-second-avenue-806/

800 2nd Ave Lobby800 2nd Ave Hallway


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Allergy Practice For Sale, Forest Hills, NY
Founded in 1988, this well-established Single Practitioner Allergy Practice has over 3500 active patients, with very positive patient reviews. The office is only one of a few in the area, but patients are seen from throughout the NYC Metropolitan Area, as well as Long Island. Potential for growth. Centrally located next to major public transportation.  Retirement planned. Lease is assignable. Well-trained, extremely personable staff of three, including a Registered Nurse. Payer mix85% private, 10% Medicare 5% other. Email any questions to: allergydoctorbn@gmail.com

Two (2) Prime Commercial Spaces
Two (2) affordable office spaces available for immediate occupancy.  Located in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn,  surrounded by multiple co-ops and private homes.  Space can be viewed at your convenience. Price negotiable. Call: Avi 212-736-3680 ext. 15


NYS Jobs LogoReview Vacancy

Date Posted: 03/23/21 Applications Due: 04/06/21 Vacancy ID: 85272

Position Information 

Agency Health, Department of
Title Health Program Director 2 -TBD
Occupational Category  

Other Professional Careers

Salary Grade 665
Bargaining Unit M/C – Management / Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary Range From $122092 to $154253 Annually
Employment Type Full-Time
Appointment Type Permanent
Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class
Travel Percentage 10%

Schedule 

Workweek

Hours Per Week

Mon-Fri

37.5

 Workday 

From 8:30 AM
To 4:30 PM
Flextime allowed? No
Mandatory overtime? No
Compressed workweek allowed?  

No

Telecommuting allowed?  

No

Location 

County Albany
Street Address CCH; Division of Family Health

Corning Tower, ESP

City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12237

Job Specifics 

Minimum Qualifications Twelve years of professional level work experience, three of which must have included managerial, decision-making and/or oversight responsibilities for a major health-related program or in the direction of a major administrative function of a large health-related organization. A bachelor’s degree may be substituted for four years of the general professional experience. 

Twelve or more years of progressively responsible administrative experience in programs that improve perinatal health, child and/or adolescent health, early care, and learning, and/or sexual violence prevention, including four years of managerial, decision-making, and/or program direction. Seven years of this experience would also include fiscal management, policy making and oversight responsibilities, and statewide supervision of professional level staff. The preferred candidate would be familiar with representing departmental interests and serving as a spokesperson and liaison to Executive staff, and have experience working with other state and federal governmental programs. Experience with second-level professional supervision as well as strong oral and written communication skills is also desired. A master’s degree in an appropriate field may substitute an additional one year of the general professional experience, not to exceed a maximum of five years total allowable educational substitution. Please refer to full listing


MSSNY Ad Rates


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Society Thanks NYS Assembly and Senate Leadership and Governor for Restoration of Health Care Cuts That Had Been Advanced in Executive Budget

For Immediate Release
April 6, 2021

 

Medical Society Thanks NYS Assembly and Senate Leadership and Governor for Restoration of Health Care Cuts That Had Been Advanced in Executive Budget 

Statement Attributable to:
Bonnie Litvack, MD
President, Medical Society of the State of New York


“In adopting the 2021-22 State Budget, physicians thank the New York State Assembly and Senate leadership for their efforts to restore numerous steep health care cuts that had been advanced in the Executive Budget, and the Governor for agreeing with the restoration of these cuts.  Because the COVID pandemic has caused historic drops in patient visits and revenue for physicians over the last year, there could not have been a worse time to cut Medicaid as well as other essential programs that help to preserve patient access to needed care such as the Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance Program.

“Physicians also appreciate the collective efforts of the Governor and Legislature to enhance other programs that provide needed health insurance coverage to New Yorkers, including the Essential Plan.  We look forward to working with the Senate, Assembly and Governor in additional collaborative efforts to ensure New Yorkers receive the care they need.”

# # #

Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all.


Media Contact:
Roseann Raia
Communications / Marketing
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Ave.
Westbury, New York
516-488-6100 ext 302
rraia@mssny.org

 

MSSNY eNews: April 2, 2021 – Diversity is One of Our Strengths


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Diversity is One of Our Strengths

Colleagues:

Once again, recent events in the United States and in our own state have forced us to confront insidious racism in our society.  This week, there were two violent attacks on Asian Americans in New York City and six out of the eight victims in the Atlanta shootings were Asian women.  Anti-Asian hate incidents have skyrocketed nationwide.  In 2020, there were 28 hate crimes in New York City against Asian Americans compared to three in 2019. Those New York City acts of violence escalated after the pandemic began.

As the debate in reaction to a social media post from the Journal of the Medical Association demonstrates, physicians must also explicitly acknowledge that race and racism have impacted health care delivery and that physicians and medical societies must take the necessary steps to help improve cultural competence, so as to better understand and respond to the cultural and linguistic needs brought by patients to the health care encounter.  Equally important is to ensure that diversity in medicine and through medical training that exposes physicians-in-training to a wider range of different perspectives and cultural backgrounds among their colleagues in medical school, residency, and in practice.

Our Medical Society believes that all forms of racism, discrimination and crimes against different ethnic groups must be eradicated.  Racism and injustice should not be tolerated and must be condemned. As physicians, we believe this nation has the ability to halt the unequal treatment of institutional racism and begin the healing process.

Our diversity is one of our nation’s greatest strengths.

We must all work together to ensure that diversity is truly respected across all aspects of our society.

Bonnie Litvack, MD
MSSNY President


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Capital Update

MSSNY Weekly Podcast


State Budget Negotiations Go Into Overtime
As of this writing, the State Legislature and the Governor are still negotiating critical items of the State Budget, even though we have passed the State’s April 1 Budget deadline.  While items directly impacting physician delivery of patient care appear close to being finalized, there’s a saying in Albany “that nothing is decided until everything is decided”, so please remain alert for further requests for grassroots activity.  Our top issues include:

Excess Malpractice Insurance Program

Reports are that the Budget will include a one-year extension of the Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance program, restoring the proposed $51 million cut in program funding and deleting the Executive Budget proposal to impose a 50% physician cost share requirement.  Until this is finalized, physicians should continue to urge legislators to fight this ill-timed cut:  Don’t Balance the Budget on the Backs of Physicians

OPMC 

Reports are that the Budget will not include the “OPMC Modernization Act” provisions from the Executive Budget including several provisions opposed by MSSNY to substantially curtail physician due process rights when a complaint has been filed against them with the OPMC.   Until this is finalized, physicians should continue to contact their legislators  urging they continue to fight to preserve due process protections for physicians: Reject Governor’s Physician Disciplinary Proposal 

Pharmacy Scope 

Reports are the Budget will not include several items opposed by MSSNY in the Executive Budget that would expand the scope of pharmacists, including proposals to greatly expand the physician-pharmacy Collaborative Drug Therapy program, pharmacist self-ordering of lab tests, and expansion of the immunizations that can be performed by pharmacists.   Until this is finalized, physicians can continue to urge legislators to reject these short-sighted proposals that undermine physician-led medical homes: Oppose Uncoordinated Siloed Care to be Provided by Pharmacists 

Addressing Cuts to MSSNY’s Committee for Physicians Health 

The Senate Budget proposal advanced two weeks ago restored the nearly $200,000 cut that had been proposed to CPH in the Executive Budget.  While the Assembly Budget proposal did not affirmatively restore the cut, Assembly staff indicate they are supporting the restoration of this cut. 

Telehealth Expansion

Reports are that the final Budget will include an expansion of site locations where telehealth services can be provided/received, but would not include items opposed by MSSNY including an enactment of an interstate compact for out of state licensed health care professionals to be authorized to provide telehealth services.  Unfortunately, it also appeared that provisions to require “parity” for the payment of telehealth services advocated for by MSSNY and several specialty societies also would not be included.

Essential Plan Enhancements

Reports are that the final Budget would contain provisions supported by MSSNY to eliminate the premium requirements for the over 800,000 New Yorkers enrolled in the State’s Essential Plan, as well as providing bonus pool funding for physicians and other care providers participating with these plans.

Protect Ability to Apply for E-Prescribing Waivers 

Reports are that the final Budget would not include the Executive Budget proposal opposed by MSSNY to eliminate the ability to apply for a year-to-year waiver of e-prescribing requirements.

Protect Medicaid “Prescriber Prevails” 

Reports are that the final Budget would not include the Executive Budget proposal opposed by MSSNY to remove the statutory protection for the prescriber’s determination (not State Medicaid’s) to prevail for a medication prescribed to a patient covered by Medicaid.

No-Fault Decredentialing

Reports are that the final Budget would not include the Executive Budget proposal MSSNY had raised concerns with to expand the power of the Superintendent of Financial Services to prohibit certain physicians from submitting claims for No-Fault services.

Ensure Collaborative Practice by Nurse Practitioners with Physicians

Reports are that the final Budget would include a provision to extend for an additional year – until June 30, 2022 – the existing law permitting certain nurse practitioners to practice without a written collaborative agreement with a physician provided they have proof of “collaborative arrangements” with physicians in the same specialty practiced by the NP.  Legislation (A.1535/S.3056) has also been introduced and strongly opposed by MSSNY that would repeal the requirements to even maintain proof of these collaborative arrangements.

We will provide a complete wrap up of all items impacting physician delivery of care to patients after the Budget passage is completed.
(DIVISION OF GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS)  


NYS DOH Revises Protocol for Healthcare Personnel
Effective April 1, 2021, the New York State has revised its return-to-work protocol for personnel in a health care setting.   The Interim Health Advisory: Revised Protocols for Personnel in Healthcare and Other Direct Care Settings to Return to Work Following COVID-19 Exposure – Including Quarantine and Furlough Requirements for Different Healthcare Settings can be found here.

The guidance indicates that asymptomatic, unvaccinated HCP in hospital settings who have been exposed to COVID-19 may return to work after completing a 10-day quarantine without testing, subject to certain other conditions. (Nursing home HCP, however, must remain out of work through the 14th day after exposure.)

Asymptomatic, exposed HCP in hospital settings who are fully vaccinated (two weeks or more after last dose of vaccine, with no outer time limit) or who have recovered from recent SARS-CoV-2 infection within the past three months (within three months after the symptom onset date of first positive diagnostic test if asymptomatic during illness) are not required to test, quarantine, or take leave from work following exposure provided certain conditions are met. (Nursing home HCP must continue to participate in diagnostic COVID-19 testing twice per week or as otherwise required by DOH, among other requirements.)

For health care personnel that travel, the recommendation is that asymptomatic HCP, arriving in New York State from other US states and territories, are not required to test or quarantine and may return to work accordingly. Quarantine following international travel consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations is still recommended unless the HCP is fully vaccinated or has recovered from laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 within the previous three months. CDC’s international travel requirements include showing proof of a negative diagnostic test result no more than three days before flight departure or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 prior to boarding, and

quarantine for either seven days with a test 3-5 days after travel or for 10 days with no test. (Nursing home HCP must remain out of work through the 14th day after return from international travel unless they are fully vaccinated or have recovered from laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection within the previous three months.)                     (CLANCY)


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New York State Legalizes Recreational Marijuana
This week, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law legalizing recreational marijuana.  The bill passed by the Senate and Assembly on Wednesday will create a regulatory system to oversee the cannabis industry, allow limited home growth as well as expunging an untold number of criminal records. Here is the link to the statement by Governor Cuomo regarding the signing of this into law that contains a comprehensive summary: Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Legalizing Adult-Use Cannabis 

The bill would among other key components:

  • Direct that 20% of the funding generated from the tax revenue be set aside for drug treatment and education. 40% of the total state tax revenue from cannabis would be set aside to assist communities historically disproportionately impacted by marijuana laws. Another 40% would go toward state education funding.
  • Create an Office of Cannabis Management at the state level and a Cannabis Control Board to promulgate regulations. Gov Cuomo would have three appointments to the board, including the chairperson, while the Legislature would have two
  • Set a 13% tax rate on retail sales of cannabis products. Of that, 9% of the 13% would go to the state, while 4% would be directed to localities, with counties to receive a quarter of that revenue, while the municipality would receive the remainder.
  • Permit possession of three ounces of the drug, and 24 grams of concentrate, outside the home. Five pounds is allowed to be kept at home but must be stored away from children.
  • Expanding the medical cannabis program to increase the number of health conditions that a prescriber could certify a patient to receive medical cannabis.

Legal sales of adult use marijuana will be permitted sometime in 2022, though prior to 2022 cities, towns and villages can pass a resolution to prohibit dispensaries and social consumption locations within their municipality.

Many groups including MSSNY, the NYSPTA, NYS Association of County Public Health officials and various law enforcement associations raised serious concerns throughout the debate over the last few years regarding legalization including the need for additional research into the impacts of marijuana use on physical and mental health and the traffic safety impact. MSSNY will continue to work closely with these organizations as well as various state agencies as this law is implemented, to ensure a proper emphasis is being placed on protecting public health.

Here is a link to an additional summary of the passed legislationNew York Set to Legalize Marijuana for Adult, Recreational Use After Cuomo, Lawmakers Strike Deal  (ALI)


Please Urge Governor to Veto legislation to Repeal Covid Legal Protections
Physicians are urged to contact Governor Cuomo requesting that he veto legislation (S.5177/A.3397) recently passed by the State Legislature that would repeal the Covid liability protections provided to physicians and other care providers enacted during the height of the pandemic last spring.  Protect Liability Protections for Care During the Pandemic

Many groups including MSSNY wrote to legislators to oppose A.3397/S.5177, noting that regardless of nursing home concerns that led many to question the continuing need for this law, it is important to maintain these legal protections for the front-line physicians and other health care workers still managing the thousands of new Covid cases in New York every day with an increasing penetration of more easily spread variants.

MSSNY has also raised concerns that despite statutory construction rules that presume legislation is to be applied prospectively in the absence of clearly defined statutory intent to the contrary, there is still a possibility S.5177/A.3397 could be interpreted by a court to retroactively repeal these essential liability protections for care provided during the height of the pandemic when there were not clear medical protocols for Covid treatment and when many non-Covid health care services were required to be postponed.

Importantly, there were comments made by several Assemblymembers during the floor debate on the legislation when it was passed by the NYS Assembly that the “effective date” language means that the repeal provisions would only apply prospectively.  The point was also made by Senator Shelly Mayer during the floor debate in the Senate.  Nevertheless, the ongoing threat to our health care infrastructure posed by the pandemic necessitates that these protections be continued until the cessation of the public health emergency. (AUSTER)


NYS Continues to Expand Vaccine Eligibility to 30 Years of Age and Older
New York State continues to expand eligibility to the COVID-19 vaccine to adults over age 30 which began on March 30, and to age 16 and older starting on April 6, 2021.  The latest March 30, 2021 guidance is here.

All providers can vaccinate any New Yorker, including those with comorbidities or underlying conditions, and individuals 16+. Enrolled providers other than pharmacies may vaccinate any eligible individual. Pharmacies must prioritize K-12 school faculty and staff and childcare workers but are also authorized to vaccinate individuals aged 30 and older and individuals with comorbidities.

MSSNY has been working closely with the state to get vaccine supply to community physician offices and several physician practices around the state may receive an allocation of vaccine supply shortly. MSSNY has been informed that over 190 practices have received vaccine. Physicians who would like to become a COVID-19 immunizer will need to enroll into either the NYSIIS or CIR systems. Physicians can find information about enrolling here.

Providers in receipt of COVID-19 vaccine, irrespective as to whether such doses are via a direct State or federal allocation or a redistribution, will now be required to report to the vaccine tracker on Mondays and Thursdays by 10 am. All providers with COVID -19 vaccine doses on hand or that depleted their allocation since their last report are now required to fill out the vaccine tracker both days. This reporting will continue to be used for allocation determinations and is still required.

Physicians and patients can determine eligibility by going here.    (CLANCY)              


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MSSNY Announces Podcast Episodes 99 & 100!
MSSNY has recently published two new podcasts related to the available COVID vaccines.

  • A Discussion on COVID Vaccine for Patients is MSSNY President, Dr. Bonnie Litvack, President-elect, Dr. Joseph Sellers and Dr. William Valenti, Chair of MSSNY’s Committee on Infectious Diseases discussing vaccines currently available for COVID-19. This podcast answers many questions patients may have about the vaccines. Tell your patients to go to Podcasts to listen.
  • How to Talk to Patients About Vaccine Hesitancy includes a discussion on the history of vaccine hesitancy and offers sage advice from Dr. William Valenti to listeners on talking to vaccine hesitant patients. Listen to this podcast by clicking here.

Click here to select from all 100 of MSSNY’s podcasts:                             (HOFFMAN)


MSSNY’s Physician Wellness and Resiliency Committee: Peer to Peer Program
If you or someone you know is struggling with everyday life stressors, reach out to the P2P program to be connected with a peer supporter to help!

Email: P2P@mssny.org and request that you be connected with a peer supporter

Phone: 1-844-P2P-PEER (1-844-727-7337) and request that you be connected with a peer supporter

MSSNY now offers to physicians, residents and medical students a completely confidential and anonymous opportunity to talk with a peer about some of life stressors. MSSNY’s Physician Wellness and Resiliency Committee launched a Peer 2 Peer (P2P) program to assist their colleagues who are need of help in dealing with work and family stressors. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the emotional issues related to this event, may also be troubling for our colleagues. MSSNY has established a confidential helpline phone number (1-844-P2P-PEER) and an email address (p2p@mssny.org) so that physicians may be connected with a peer 24 hours a day/7 days a week. In addition to offering

a trained, empathetic ear, peer supporters may provide information on specific resources that can offer further support, provide positive coping skills, or connect physicians to professionals for more focused assistance when needed. MSSNY has nearly 50 trained peer supporters across NYS who are just a phone call away!         (LAUDER)


eNews

As of 11 AM This morning, 31.0 Percent of New Yorkers Have Completed at Least One Vaccine Dose
Over the past 24 hours, 233,754 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 9,655,705 total doses with 18.5 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State’s Vaccine Tracker: ny.gov/vaccinetracker


Fair Health Report: Telemedicine and Urgent Care Largest Growth Categories
In 2019 urgent care was the second-highest growth category for the health care industry after telemedicine, according to Fair Health’s latest report on utilization and pricing. In New York, urgent-care claims were found to be higher than the national average, speaking to its strong demand, according to exclusive data prepared for Crain’s.

As urgent care continues to grow its presence in the city, greater collaboration between such facilities, hospitals and medical offices is needed to avoid the siloing of services, experts said.

The fourth edition of Fair Health’s FH Healthcare Indicators and FH Medical Price Index was released Wednesday. It tracks utilization and pricing trends across the country, drawing from the Midtown-based nonprofit’s repository of more than 32 billion private insurance claims.

The report showed that, for outpatient visits lasting 30 to 44 minutes, New York urgent care sites that were out-of-network with an insurer charged $300 on average, compared with the national median of $239. For a provider and an insurer with prenegotiated rates, that median charge was $150 locally, compared with $143 nationally.

New York’s claims at retail clinics—typically located in a supermarket or a big-box store—were also lower than the national average. The state’s out-of-network charge rate was $139 on average, compared to $150 nationally. Prenegotiated allowed amounts for retail clinics in New York was $79, compared with $97 nationally.

The shifting role of urgent care clinics could explain New York’s trend as well. “People used to go to their primary care doctor if they had an immediate need, but these days those providers have transitioned to a system where one would need to schedule an appointment week in advance,” said Dr. Brendan Carr, chair of emergency medicine for Mount Sinai Health System. “Urgent care has since popped up to fill that void.”

Fair Health data showed that in 2019, the most claimed code from local urgent-care centers was “established patient office or other outpatient services” at 33%, compared with 24% nationally. The state’s claims growth followed national trends. Telehealth grew the most in the U.S. that year (73%), followed by urgent care (47%), retail clinics (39%) and then emergency rooms (33%).

Summit Health, with 146 CityMD urgent-care locations and 80 multispecialty care sites in New York and New Jersey, sought not just internal integration but also to collaborate externally with health systems. Mount Sinai has an extensive collaboration with CityMD, and such collaborations will become critical as urgent-care groups grow, Klein said.

[Primary care doctors] have shifted more toward chronic disease management due to financial considerations,” Carr said. “It seems
urgent care is here to stay.” (Crain’s Health Pulse, April 1).


Best Med Schools: NYU Moved Up to #2; Columbia Ties with Stanford for #4
NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine and Columbia University reached new heights in the latest U.S. News & World Report ranking of the best medical schools in the country in terms of research, released Tuesday.

NYU took the No. 2 spot in the national ranking, up from No. 4 on last year’s list. Columbia climbed two rungs to tie with Stanford University for the No. 4 spot. They were the only New York medical schools to make the top 10 for research.

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai tied with the University of Chicago for 17th place for research. Weill Cornell Medical College fell from the 11th spot to 19th, where it tied with the University of California-San Diego.

U.S. News put together the rankings using federal grant and contract values to calculate each school’s federal research activity in total and as an average per faculty member. The financing data came from information the schools filed with the liaison committee on medical education. Previously, the rankings based medical school research indicators only on National Institutes of Health grants, according to U.S. News chief data strategist Robert Morse.

Also informing this year’s rankings were peer and residency director quality assessments, faculty resources and student selectivity measures, such as MCAT scores. Of those 191 schools surveyed in late 2020 and early 2021, 129 responded and provided data for U.S. News to calculate overall rankings. Read more about the methodology here.


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Gov. Cuomo Launches Telehealth Training for Medical and Behavioral Providers
The state has launched a telehealth training program for its medical and behavioral health providers, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday. The open-access program is a collaboration between Stony Brook Medicine, the Reimagine New York Commission, the Northeast Telehealth Resource Center, and the state Department of Health.


60 Minutes+ Aired Segment on Mental Health for Frontline Medical Staff
This month, 60 Minutes+, the streaming news spinoff on Paramount+, aired a segment on the mental health toll of the pandemic on frontline medical workers. It is available to stream on Paramount+, but, unfortunately, it’s behind a paywall.

We know from our survey that although 58% of physicians reported experiencing burnout, only 13% sought mental health support services related to it. Any public information about this crisis could help increase the number of physicians get the support they need!

To make this critical information available to everyone, The Physicians Foundation is asking Paramount+ to remove the segment from behind its paywall, making it free access. Join us! We have 3 simple asks that can make a world of a difference in helping make this happen.

  1. Comment on the 60 Minutes tweet on the segment.

Reply to this 60 Minutes tweet, with language such as:

Thank you @60minutes and @WesleyLowery for covering this crisis. This critical info should not be behind a paywall. @Paramountplus make this free access for the wellbeing of our #physicians!

  1. Tweet about the issue. 

Tweet about this on your own Twitter account to increase visibility of this issue. Sample language for your use:

We join @PhysFound in asking @paramountplus to make their segment about the toll of the pandemic on #physicians’ mental health FREE. The @60Minutes @WesleyLowery report covers a critical issue that everyone should be able to access.

  1. Share this ask with your colleagues.

Ask others in your network to do the same, and feel free to share this email with them for guidance.

If you have any questions, please reach out to pfmedia@jpa.com.
(Note: MSSNY is a charter member of The Physicians Foundation.)


April 24 Meeting Young Physicians, Residents/Fellows and Medical Students
A virtual joint meeting of the Young Physicians, Residents/Fellows and the Medical Students Sections is being planned for the afternoon of Saturday, April 24.  Please mark your calendars and watch E-News and your mailboxes for more details as they become available.  If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Rohrer at krohrer@mssny.org


Shipments of J&J Vaccines Halted as FDA Probes Error; Ruined 15M Doses
Shipments of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccines to the federal government will be halted while the FDA investigates an error at an Emergent BioSolutions manufacturing plant in Baltimore that ruined about 15 million vaccine doses.

Workers at the plant accidentally conflated the ingredients of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine several weeks ago, ruining about 15 million doses. The mistake, which federal officials said was a human error, forced regulators to delay authorization of the plant’s production lines, according to the Times.

Emergent BioSolutions has contracted with both Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca to help produce their COVID-19 vaccines.

The error doesn’t affect the Johnson & Johnson vaccines now being distributed throughout the U.S., the Times reported. Those doses were made in the Netherlands.

But all future shipments of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine were supposed to come from the Emergent plant in Baltimore.

Federal officials told the Times they still expect to have enough doses of COVID-19 vaccines to fulfill President Joe Biden’s promise to vaccinate every adult by the end of May.


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COVID-19 Pushed Total US Deaths Beyond 3.3 Million Last Year
The COVID-19 pandemic pushed total U.S. deaths last year beyond 3.3 million, the nation’s highest annual death toll, the government reported Wednesday. The coronavirus caused approximately 375,000 deaths and was the third leading cause of death in 2020, after heart disease and cancer. COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. now top 550,000 since the start of the pandemic. COVID-19 displaced suicide as one of the top 10 causes of death, according to the report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (KHN)


First Year Residency Positions Declined Since 2020: IMGs Affected
The percentage of total registrants matched to first-year residency positions declined this year from the 2020 figure, as the number of registrants surged and issues caused by the pandemic emerged, according to data released by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Meanwhile, the total number of positions filled and number of first-year positions filled both set records, as new programs welcomed residents via Match Day.

The NRMP data found that the percentage of registrants matched to first-year positions declined from 80.8% to 78.5%, with a record number of 48,700 registering — 8.3% higher than last year. The percentage of 4th-year U.S. allopathic medical school students matching to first-year positions declined from 93.7% to 92.8%; the percentage for U.S. osteopathic medicine degree earners declined from 90.7% to 89.1%.

International medical school graduates (IMGs) who are not U.S. citizens were especially affected — their matching rate dropped from 61.1% to 54.8%. Those submitting program preferences numbered 42,508, up 6% over last year.

Raw numbers regarding matching were also up, with some setting records. Of the 38,106 total positions available, 36,179 were filled — a 2.6% increase over last year. Of the 35,194 first-year positions available, 33,535 were filled — a 2.9% increase. The percentage of all positions filled increased by 0.3%, to 94.9%, and the percentage of first-year positions filled increased by 0.2%, to 94.8%.

Specialties that filled all available positions (with at least 30 positions) included dermatology, emergency medicine, pediatrics, neurological surgery, otolaryngology, integrated plastic surgery, and vascular surgery. Specialties that filled less than 50% of available positions with U.S. seniors included pathology (41.4%) and surgery (28%).

A record 5,915 programs participated, 88 more than last year, with the number of such programs increasing by 16.7% over the last 5 years. That surge has been “spurred in part by the completion of the transition to the single accreditation system,” with DO and MD programs merging into a single matching system, according to the NRMP.

The number of U.S. citizen international medical school graduates who submitted program lists increased 2.5%, to 5,295 — the most in 6 years — and 3,152 of them matched to first-year positions, down two spots over last year.

The number of non-U.S. citizen international medical school graduates who submitted lists increased by 15%, to 7,943; a record 4,356 of them matched to first-year positions — up 3.2%.

NRMP reported 1,927 spots unfilled this year, down 3.6% from last year; some unmatched residents will be placed in those spots via the NRMP Match Week Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP), with final figures to be shared publicly in May.

These data follow recent reports that applications to medical schools soared this cycle. Medical schools cannot accommodate the surging demand, sources told MedPage Today, in part because residency program spots have not been increasing at the same rate as their applications. While the rate of residency positions per active applicant has increased slightly since 2010, that figure is still down over 2003, and well below the rates of the late 1980s and early 1990s.” The AAMC [Association of American Medical Colleges] supports bipartisan legislation that would gradually add 15,000 Medicare-supported residency positions over 5 years,” the organization said in December.


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Open Payments Pre-publication Review and Dispute Now Available
Pre-publication review and dispute for the Program Year 2020 Open Payments data is available beginning today, April 1, 2021 through May 15, 2021.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will publish the Open Payments Program Year 2020 data and updates to the previous program years’ data in June 2021.

Physician and teaching hospital review of the data is voluntary, but strongly encouraged. Please keep in mind the following reminders:

  • Disputes must be initiated by May 15, 2021 in order to be reflected in the June 2021 data publication. For more information on review and dispute timing and publication, refer to the Review and Dispute Timing and Data Publication Quick Reference Guide.
  • CMS does not meditate or facilitate disputes. Physicians and teaching hospitals should work directly with reporting entities to resolve disputes.
  • Registration in the Open Payments system is required in order to participate in review and dispute activities.

If you have never registered with Open Payments before:

Make sure you have your National Provider Identifier (NPI) number and State License Number (SLN). Initial registration is a two-step process:

  1. Register in the CMS Identity Management System (IDM);
  2. Register in the Open Payments system

For users who have previously registered: Users that have registered during previous program years do not need to re-register.

Please note: If the account has not been accessed for within the last 60 days the account will have been locked due to inactivity. To unlock an account, go to the CMS Enterprise Portal, enter your user ID, and correctly answer all challenge questions to gain access to your account. You will be prompted to create a new password.

If the account has not been accessed for 180 days or more, the account will be deactivated. To reinstate the account, call the Open Payments Help Desk at 1-855-326-8366; (TTY Line:1-844-649-2766)

For more information about the registration process, visit the physician and teaching hospital registration page on the Open Payments website.


 

Award Nominations Open

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accepting nominations for the 2020 Albion O. Bernstein, MD Award.  This prestigious award is given to:

“…the physician, surgeon or scientist who shall have made the most widely beneficial discovery or developed the most useful method in medicine, surgery or in the prevention of disease in the twelve months prior to December 2020.”

This award was endowed by the late Morris J. Bernstein in memory of his son, a physician who died in an accident while answering a hospital call in November 1940.

The $2,000 award will be presented to the recipient during a MSSNY Council Meeting.

Nominations must be submitted on an official application form and must include the nominator’s narrative description of the significance of the candidate’s achievements as well as the candidate’s curriculum vitae, including a list of publications or other contributions.

To request an application, please contact:

Committee on Continuing Medical Education
Miriam Hardin, PhD, Manager, Continuing Medical Education
Medical Society of the State of New York
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 408
Albany, NY 12210
518-465-8085
mhardin@mssny.org 

Education

NGS Ed Session on Start of the Return of Accelerated Advanced Medicare Payments

Register here.

Medicare Part A

Apr 08, 2021 3:00 p.m ET – 4:00 p.m ET

                                                    Webinar                                                                  

Updates for Accelerated and Advanced Payments Program

During this session, we will review the revised repayment and recoupment process and provide the latest updates on the Accelerated and Advanced Payments program.  If your facility received an accelerated or advanced payment from Medicare due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, then attending this webinar will provide the most current information from CMS.

Medicare Part B

Apr 15, 2021 10:00 a.m ET – 11:00 a.m ET

                                                    Webinar                                                                  

COVID-19 Medicare Part B Advanced Payment, Repayment and Recoupment Process

If you requested accelerated or advanced payments from Medicare due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, this learning session is for you. CMS expanded the accelerated and advance payment program for financial hardship relief during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Accelerated or advanced payments need to be repaid to the Medicare Trust Fund. During this webinar, we will review the repayment and recoupment process and address your questions.


MSSNY Medical Matters Program on Mental Health of Children and Teens During COVID
Registration now open
Medical Matters: COVID-19 & Mental Health of Children and Teens
Date: April 21, 2021 @ 7:30am 

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of the entire population.  Learn more about how children and teens have been affected by registering for Medical Matters: COVID-19 & Mental Health of Children and Teens. This webinar will take place on Wednesday, April 21st at 7:30 am.  Linda Chokroverty, MD will serve as faculty for this program.  Click here to register for this webinar.

Educational objectives

  • Identify normal stressors impacting children and teens and those that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Examine what is known so far about the mental health impact of COVID-19 on children and teens
  • Describe resources to assist children and teens during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Appraise the scope of COVID-19’s long term mental health impact on children and teens

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Medical Society of the State of New York designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. (HOFFMAN)


Veterans Matters: Military Culture: Everything Physicians Need to Know about Veterans as Patients Webinar

Registration Now Open

Thursday, April 22nd @ 7:30 am

The Medical Society of the State of New York is hosting a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program entitled Veterans Matters: Military Culture: Everything Physicians Need to Know about Veterans as Patients live webinar on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 7:30 am.

Click HERE to register for the program! View the program flyer HERE.

When:                 April 22, 2021 at 7:30 am
Faculty:               Lt. Colonel Lance Allen Wang (Ret.) & Sharran Chambers-Murphy, Desert Storm-era Veteran

Educational Objectives:

  • Describe the unique aspects of military culture and how they impact patients who are veterans;
  • Explain the Dwyer Peer-to-Peer program as a resource to assist veteran patients re-acclimating from a group to an individual mentality; and
  • Review and identify resources to improve physician’s ability to fully treat veterans who are transitioning back to civilian life.

For more information, contact Jangmu Sherpa at jsherpa@mssny.org or call (518) 465-8085.

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Medical Society of the State of New York designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. (SHERPA)


Classifieds

Classified Ads Available for:

Physicians’ search services • allied medical placements • locum tenens • practice valuation • practice brokerage • practice consulting • real estate

For help, information or to place your ad, call Christina Southard 516-488-6100 x355 • fax 516-488-2188

For the MSSNY 2021 Ad Rate Sheet, please click here. 


.Soho Rental Office
Two Offices Available for Rent in Established SoHo Primary Care Practice
Newly constructed loft space. Dedicated private waiting area available.  This space is ideal for individual psychiatry, psychology, social work, physical therapy, or acupuncture services. Potential to work with existing Primary Care Practice as a referral source. Centrally located in the heart of SoHo, close to all subways. Available 7 days/week. Contact: SpringPrimaryCare@gmail.com.

Medical Office and Medical Practice (Upper East Side)
79th St near Lexington / Park. 750 sq Ft beautiful, street entrance, medical office for sale with a 25 + yr internal medical practice for sale. Office is in move in condition. Physician retiring. Waiting room. Secretarial area for 3. 1 Consult room. 2 exam Rooms 2 Toilets. Please contact: 917-770-8700 / email drklein@att.net


For Rent Medical Office 800 2nd Ave, 806
FOR RENT 800 2nd Avenue, 806 – Fully built out Medical office ready for use – reception area; 2 office/ consultation rooms; 4 examination rooms with plumbing; 1 sterilization room or pantry; 1 file/ nurse room, Total 8 rooms. All examination rooms are set up with plumbing and cabinetry.  24/7 doorman/ Elevators. Central location, Grand Central Station, buses Subways. Rent: $65 per Rentable Sq Ft; Sq Ft: 1,482 Rentable; Gross Lease. Showings or video contact Maya – Broker – maya@mallannyhomes.com or mobile 646-258-4460 listing information http://www.mallannyhomes.com/properties/detail/800-second-avenue-806/

800 2nd Ave Lobby800 2nd Ave Hallway


.
Allergy Practice For Sale, Forest Hills, NY
Founded in 1988, this well-established Single Practitioner Allergy Practice has over 3500 active patients, with very positive patient reviews. The office is only one of a few in the area, but patients are seen from throughout the NYC Metropolitan Area, as well as Long Island. Potential for growth. Centrally located next to major public transportation.  Retirement planned. Lease is assignable. Well-trained, extremely personable staff of three, including a Registered Nurse. Payer mix85% private, 10% Medicare 5% other. Email any questions to: allergydoctorbn@gmail.com

Two (2) Prime Commercial Spaces
Two (2) affordable office spaces available for immediate occupancy.  Located in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn,  surrounded by multiple co-ops and private homes.  Space can be viewed at your convenience. Price negotiable. Call: Avi 212-736-3680 ext. 15


NYS Jobs LogoReview Vacancy

Date Posted: 03/23/21 Applications Due: 04/06/21 Vacancy ID: 85272

Position Information 

Agency Health, Department of
Title Health Program Director 2 -TBD
Occupational Category  

Other Professional Careers

Salary Grade 665
Bargaining Unit M/C – Management / Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary Range From $122092 to $154253 Annually
Employment Type Full-Time
Appointment Type Permanent
Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class
Travel Percentage 10%

Schedule 

Workweek

Hours Per Week

Mon-Fri

37.5

 Workday 

From 8:30 AM
To 4:30 PM
Flextime allowed? No
Mandatory overtime? No
Compressed workweek allowed?  

No

Telecommuting allowed?  

No

Location 

County Albany
Street Address CCH; Division of Family Health

Corning Tower, ESP

City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12237

Job Specifics 

Minimum Qualifications Twelve years of professional level work experience, three of which must have included managerial, decision-making and/or oversight responsibilities for a major health-related program or in the direction of a major administrative function of a large health-related organization. A bachelor’s degree may be substituted for four years of the general professional experience. 

Twelve or more years of progressively responsible administrative experience in programs that improve perinatal health, child and/or adolescent health, early care, and learning, and/or sexual violence prevention, including four years of managerial, decision-making, and/or program direction. Seven years of this experience would also include fiscal management, policy making and oversight responsibilities, and statewide supervision of professional level staff. The preferred candidate would be familiar with representing departmental interests and serving as a spokesperson and liaison to Executive staff, and have experience working with other state and federal governmental programs. Experience with second-level professional supervision as well as strong oral and written communication skills is also desired. A master’s degree in an appropriate field may substitute an additional one year of the general professional experience, not to exceed a maximum of five years total allowable educational substitution. Please refer to full listing


MSSNY Ad Rates


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medical Society Urges Governor Cuomo to Stay Strong on Public Health Restrictions to Keep COVID in Check 

For Immediate Release  

 

 Medical Society Urges Governor Cuomo to Stay Strong on Public Health Restrictions to Keep COVID in Check 

March 31, 2021, Westbury, NY— Dr. Bonnie Litvack, President of the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY), applauded Governor Cuomo for his strong stance on mask requirements.  “COVID is still an active threat in New York and around the country,” said Litvack.  “Unlike other state leaders, Governor Cuomo has remained committed to the mask requirement.  Wearing masks, even after vaccination, is among the most important tools to keep us safe and stop the spread of this pandemic.”

Today, MSSNY continued to urge New Yorkers to maintain important public health measures such as wearing a mask, to keep social distance, washing hands, and most importantly, getting vaccinated.

Medical Society President Litvack also urged Governor Cuomo to maintain other important public health restrictions.  “Social distancing, combined with frequent hand washing, are part of the ongoing measures needed to keep COVID in check,” said Litvack.  “Physicians of New York urge the Governor to follow the science, and not relax social distancing and other public health protections prematurely.”

MSSNY remains concerned that New York is relaxing some of the state’s COVID restrictions just as the CDC reports infections nationally have increased by 10 percent. Due to spring break travel and lifting of some restrictions, many states including New York are seeing increases in cases among young people.

“We are extremely pleased that the vaccine eligibility will soon encompass all adults and teens 16 years and older,” said Litvack.  “We know that the New York State’s vaccine supply is up significantly, thereby allowing that supply to be directed to the community-based physicians to immunize their patients.”

In New York State, 29.9% of adults have received at least one dose of vaccine and 17.3% are considered fully vaccinated.  “There are many New Yorkers who are still waiting to be immunized which is why we should not let our guard down,” noted Litvack.  “Many of those are the elderly, members of the black, brown, and Asian communities, and those with co-morbidities.  Community physicians can be an important part of the immunization effort.  We are in a race against COVID.”

# # #

Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all. 


Media Contact:
Roseann Raia
Communications / Marketing
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Ave.
Westbury, New York
516-488-6100 ext 302
rraia@mssny.org

 

Medical Society Calls on Governor and State Legislature to Restore Cuts to Excess Medical Malpractice Program 

For Immediate Release
March 29, 2021  

Medical Society Calls on Governor and State Legislature to Restore Cuts to Excess Medical Malpractice Program 


Statement Attributable to:
Bonnie Litvack, MD

PresidentMedical Society of the State of New York 

“As the State Legislature and Governor work to finalize the State’s Budget over the next 24 or so hours, it is imperative that they agree to restore the huge cuts to New York’s essential Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance Program.

“It is shocking that, as we approach Doctors’ Day on March 30—which is a time to acknowledge the enormous sacrifices made by our state’s dedicated physicians as they respond to our patients’ needs during the pandemic—the 17,000 frontline physicians who depend upon this coverage could face as much as tens of thousands of dollars in new costs if the Governor’s proposed Executive Budget cut is implemented.  Given the significant drop in patient visits and revenue, these cost impositions would come at the worst possible time.

“We deeply appreciate that both the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate propose to restore the funding to this essential program in their respective one-House Budgets. And we are grateful that New York reportedly received sufficient funds in the recent federal stimulus package to restore proposed cuts.  Yet somehow physicians are still facing the prospect of this devastating cut and imposition of these enormous new costs. It makes no sense whatsoever.

“We urge the Governor and Legislature to work to continue the historical funding for the Excess program, which exists to ensure New York’s patients do not lose access to essential care due to the State’s extraordinarily high liability costs.”

# # #

Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all. 


Media Contact:
Roseann Raia

Communications / Marketing
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Ave.
Westbury, New York
516-488-6100 ext 302 
rraia@mssny.org

MSSNY eNews: March 31, 2021 – Gov. Legalizes Recreational Marijuana

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Gov. Cuomo Signs Bill to Legalize Recreational Use of Marijuana in New York
Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill legalizing recreational marijuana into law today. The bill passed by the Senate and Assembly yesterday will create a regulatory system to oversee the cannabis industry, allow limited home growth cannabis as well as expunging an untold number of criminal records.  Here is the link to the statement by Governor Cuomo regarding the signing of this legislation into law: Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Legalizing Adult-Use Cannabis 

Many groups including MSSNY, the NYSPTA, NYS Association of County Public Health officials and various law enforcement associations had raised concerns about the need for additional research into legalized marijuana and the effects on physical and mental health. NY lawmakers legalize recreational marijuana. What to know. 

Legal sales of adult use marijuana will be permitted sometime in 2022, though prior to 2022 cities, towns and villages can pass a resolution to prohibit dispensaries and social consumption locations within their municipality.

Note: We will provide a more comprehensive summary in this week’s Capital Update.


Now, New Yorkers Age 30 and Older Can Get Vaccine
New York State will expand coronavirus vaccine eligibility for those age 30 years and older starting on Tuesday, Governor Cuomo announced on Monday. Vaccine eligibility will be universal by April 6, and then will then increase to those age 16 and older the following week, Cuomo said. It became one of the last U.S. states to take that step.

“Today we take a monumental step in the fight to beat COVID,” the governor said in a statement. “As we continue to expand eligibility, New York will double down on making the vaccine accessible for every community to ensure equity, particularly for communities of color who are too often left behind.”


Gov. Cuomo Today: NYS Progress During COVID-19; State Vaccination Program

  • COVID hospitalizations rose to 4,715. Of the 151,437 tests reported yesterday, 6,488, or 4.23 percent, were positive. The 7-day average positivity rate was 3.43 percent. There were 903 patients in ICU yesterday, up 13 from the previous day. Of them, 523 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 61 New Yorkers to the virus.
  • As of 11am this morning, 29.9 percent of New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose. Over the past 24 hours, 172,128 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 9,229,098 total doses with 17.3 percent of New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See data by region and county on the State’s Vaccine Tracker: gov/vaccinetracker.
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  • Collegiate sports can bring fans back to the stands under strict state guidelines beginning April 2. Intercollegiate sports at large-scale venues that hold more than 1,500 attendees indoors or 2,500 attendees outdoors can host up to 10 percent indoor or 20 percent outdoor capacity. All attendees must present proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test result or completed COVID-19 immunization prior to entry. Colleges and universities hosting spectators for sporting events at large-scale venues must notify and coordinate with their respective state or local health department, aligning with the state guidance for professional sports competitions with spectators.


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Become a New York State Citizen Public Health Leader
To continue the fight against COVID and prepare for the next public health emergency, the State launched a free, online Citizen Public Health Training course for New Yorkers, in partnership with Cornell University and supported by the State University of New York. This program will prepare and equip New Yorkers to become Citizen Public Health Leaders and build an informed network of community health leaders across the state. Enroll today.


Pfizer: Vaccine 100% Effective in Preventing COVID-19 in Adolescents
Pfizer said March 31 its COVID-19 vaccine was well tolerated and 100 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 in a phase 3 clinical trial involving 2,260 adolescents ages 12 to 15. Eighteen COVID-19 cases were observed in the 1,129 trial participants who received a placebo, while none were observed in the 1,131 participants who were vaccinated.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said the drug maker plans to submit the new data to the FDA in the coming weeks as a proposed amendment to the vaccine’s emergency use authorization, with hopes that the age group can start getting vaccinated before the next school year begins.


Congressional Action to Extend 2% Sequester Reduction Suspension
In anticipation of possible Congressional action to extend the 2% sequester reduction suspension, we instructed the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to hold all claims with dates of service on or after April 1, 2021, for a short period without affecting providers’ cash flow.

This will minimize the volume of claims the MACs must reprocess if Congress extends the suspension; the MACs will automatically reprocess any claims paid with the reduction applied if necessary.


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CARECLIX Telehealth: MSSNY Member Benefit
Chronic condition management and tele-behavioral health will remain staples of telemedicine practice. Six of every ten Americans has at least one chronic condition or disease, and one in five is diagnosed with a mental disorder every year. In addition to these two fundamentals, providers who serve their patients through CareClix are already part of a new hybrid healthcare delivery model.

This new model combines the best of telemedicine and facility-based care, moving as much chronic condition and disease management as possible to home-based health. It also expands telemedicine’s patient reach to more conditions and delivery options.

Just of few of the growth opportunities for telemedicine are:

  • Managing heart conditions like chronic pulmonary diseases, congestive heart failure, and strokes.
  • Partnering with providers transitioning to hospital-at-home care for some patients with acute conditions.
  • Providing virtual urgent care with triaging capability and emergency department transfer as needed.
  • Specialized medicine applications in oncology, pediatrics, radiology, pathology, and dermatology.
  • Increased integration of deep learning artificial intelligence with patient electronic health records and other data to predictively identify patients more at risk for complications requiring hospital readmission.
  • Improved at-home medical equipment to better monitor blood glucose levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature, as well as applications that can make better use of the highly capable cameras many patients have built into their smartphones.
  • build or improve their telemedicine services ensure they will remain competitive in value-based and increasingly home-based healthcare delivery today and in the future.

Introduction to CareClix Video

To learn more about the CareClix RPM program: careclix.com/remote-patient-monitoring/
To implement telemedicine for your practice visit: careclix.com/provider-signup/
Have questions? Contact us at sales@careclix.com 


Optum Pay Improves Payment Program, But Practices Must Act Soon to Avoid Fees
In response to strong concerns from the AMA, many state medical associations and national specialty medical societies, and individual physician practices, Optum Pay modified its electronic payment program to provide downloadable remittance information and up to 13 months of payment data for UnitedHealthcare (UHC) claims at no cost through its basic service option. Previously, Optum Pay had required enrollment in its premium program, which assessed a 0.5% per payment fee, to continue access to this critical information for effective revenue cycle management.

Unfortunately, practices remain limited to only two users in the Optum system through the basic, free option; Optum Pay is evaluating this issue, and the AMA will continue to advocate that practices be allowed unlimited users at no cost.

Practices may have been enrolled in a free trial of the Optum Pay premium program. To avoid incurring a 0.5% per payment fee for UHC claims, practices should cancel their Optum Pay premium enrollment by March 31, 2021. For more information on these Optum Pay changes and for instructions on how to cancel premium enrollment, visit the UHC provider website.


WEBINARS

Please Join the NYS Department of Health
Thursday, April 1st at 1 – 2 PM
 
for a COVID-19 Update for Healthcare providers

To accommodate the large number of participants, find our webinar streaming via YouTube Live (and available for viewing immediately thereafter) on the NYSDOH COVID website for providers:

https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/weekly-healthcare-provider-update

Audio number and code: 844-512-2950 Access code 5972742#


Registration Now Open!
Veterans Matters: Military Culture: Everything Physicians Need to Know about Veterans as Patients Webinar
Thursday, April 22nd @ 7:30 am

The Medical Society of the State of New York is hosting a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program entitled Veterans Matters: Military Culture: Everything Physicians Need to Know about Veterans as Patients live webinar on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 7:30 am. 

Click HERE to register for the program! View the program flyer HERE.

When:             April 22, 2021, at 7:30 am
Faculty:           Lt. Colonel Lance Allen Wang (Ret.) & Sharran Chambers-Murphy, Desert Storm-era Veteran

Educational Objectives:

  • Describe the unique aspects of military culture and how they impact patients who are veterans
  • Explain the Dwyer Peer-to-Peer program as a resource to assist veteran patients re-acclimating from a group to an individual mentality
  • Review and identify resources to improve physician’s ability to fully treat veterans who are transitioning back to civilian life.

For more information, contact Jangmu Sherpa at jsherpa@mssny.org or call (518) 465-8085.

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians..

The Medical Society of the State of New York designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.


AWARD NOMINATIONS OPEN

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accepting nominations for the 2020 Albion O. Bernstein, MD Award.  This prestigious award is given to:

“…the physician, surgeon or scientist who shall have made the most widely beneficial discovery or developed the most useful method in medicine, surgery or in the prevention of disease in the twelve months prior to December 2020.”

This award was endowed by the late Morris J. Bernstein in memory of his son, a physician who died in an accident while answering a hospital call in November 1940.

The $2,000 award will be presented to the recipient during a MSSNY Council Meeting.

Nominations must be submitted on an official application form and must include the nominator’s narrative description of the significance of the candidate’s achievements as well as the candidate’s curriculum vitae, including a list of publications or other contributions.

To request an application, please contact:

Committee on Continuing Medical Education
Miriam Hardin, PhD, Manager, Continuing Medical Education
Medical Society of the State of New York
99 Washington Avenue, Suite 408
Albany, NY 12210
518-465-8085
mhardin@mssny.org 

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS:   June 9, 2021


Dr. Lorna Breen MD
Health Care Provider Protection Act (S. 610/H.R. 1667)

March 25, 2021
The Honorable Tim Kaine The Honorable Todd Young
U.S. Senate U.S. Senate
231 Russell Senate Office Building 185 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable Susan Wild The Honorable David McKinley
U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House of Representatives
1027 Longworth House Office Building 2239 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Senators Kaine and Young and Representatives Wild and McKinley:

On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we would like to thank you for introducing the “Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act” (S. 610/H.R. 1667). This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will help reduce and prevent mental and behavioral health conditions, suicide, and burnout, as well as increase access to evidence-based treatment for physicians, medical students, and other health care professionals, especially those who continue to be overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The stigma surrounding mental illness is a well-known barrier to seeking care among the general population, but it can have an even stronger impact among health care professionals. For most physicians and other clinicians, seeking treatment for mental health sparks legitimate fear of resultant loss of licensure, loss of income, or other meaningful career setbacks as a result of ongoing stigma. Such fears have deterred them from accessing necessary mental health care, leaving many to suffer in silence, or worse. In fact, physicians have a significantly higher risk of dying by suicide than the general public.

Ensuring clinicians can freely seek mental health treatment and services without fear of professional setback means their mental health care needs can be resolved, rather than hidden away and suffered through. Furthermore, optimal clinician mental health is essential to ensuring that patients have a strong and capable health care workforce to provide the care they need and deserve.

To ensure patient access to medically necessary care can be maintained, it is vital that we work to preserve and protect the health of our medical workforce. Your legislation will help establish grants for training health profession students, residents, or health care professionals to reduce and prevent suicide, burnout, substance use disorders, and other mental health conditions; identify and disseminate best practices for reducing and preventing suicide and burnout among health care professionals; establish a national education and awareness campaign to encourage health care workers to seek support and treatment; establish grants for employee education, peer-support programming, and mental and behavioral health treatment; and commission a federal study into health care professional mental health and burnout, as well as barriers to seeking appropriate care.

Thank you again for your leadership on this important issue and for introducing this legislation. We look forward to working with you to ensure the “Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act” is signed into law.

Sincerely,

American College of Emergency Physicians
American Academy of Dermatology Association
American Academy of Family Physicians
American Academy of Neurology
American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
American Association of Clinical Urologists
American Association of Neurological Surgeons
American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American College of Cardiology
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American College of Radiology
American College of Rheumatology
American College of Surgeons
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
American Gastroenterological Association
American Medical Association
American Medical Group Association
American Nurses Association
American Osteopathic Association
American Psychiatric Association
American Society of Anesthesiologists
Association for Clinical Oncology
Association of American Medical Colleges
Congress of Neurological Surgeons
Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation
Emergency Nurses Association
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Association of Spine Specialists
Physicians Advocacy Institute
Renal Physicians Association
Society for Vascular Surgery
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Renal Physicians Association
Society for Vascular Surgery
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons


Classifieds

Classified Ads Available for:

Physicians’ search services • allied medical placements • locum tenens • practice valuation • practice brokerage • practice consulting • real estate

For help, information or to place your ad, call Christina Southard 516-488-6100 x355 • fax 516-488-2188


Medical Office and Medical Practice (Upper East Side)
79th St near Lexington / Park. 750 sq Ft beautiful, street entrance, medical office for sale with a 25 + yr internal medical practice for sale.
Office is in move in condition. Physician retiring.
Waiting room
Secretarial area for 3
1 Consult room
2 exam Rooms
2 Toilets
Please contact: 917-770-8700 / email drklein@att.net


For Rent Medical Office 800 2nd Ave, 806
FOR RENT 800 2nd Avenue, 806 – Fully built out Medical office ready for use – reception area; 2 office/ consultation rooms; 4 examination rooms with plumbing; 1 sterilization room or pantry; 1 file/ nurse room, Total 8 rooms. All examination rooms are set up with plumbing and cabinetry.  24/7 doorman/ Elevators. Central location, Grand Central Station, buses Subways. Rent: $65 per Rentable Sq Ft; Sq Ft: 1,482 Rentable; Gross Lease. Showings or video contact Maya – Broker – maya@mallannyhomes.com or mobile 646-258-4460 listing information http://www.mallannyhomes.com/properties/detail/800-second-avenue-806/

800 2nd Ave Lobby800 2nd Ave Hallway


Allergy Practice For Sale, Forest Hills, NY
Founded in 1988, this well-established Single Practitioner Allergy Practice has over 3500 active patients, with very positive patient reviews. The office is only one of a few in the area, but patients are seen from throughout the NYC Metropolitan Area, as well as Long Island. Potential for growth. Centrally located next to major public transportation.  Retirement planned. Lease is assignable. Well-trained, extremely personable staff of three, including a Registered Nurse. Payer mix85% private, 10% Medicare 5% other. Email any questions to: allergydoctorbn@gmail.com

Two (2) Prime Commercial Spaces
Two (2) affordable office spaces available for immediate occupancy.  Located in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn,  surrounded by multiple co-ops and private homes.  Space can be viewed at your convenience. Price negotiable. Call: Avi 212-736-3680 ext. 15


 

NYS Jobs LogoReview Vacancy

Date Posted: 03/23/21 Applications Due: 04/06/21 Vacancy ID: 85272

Position Information 

Agency Health, Department of
Title Health Program Director 2 -TBD
Occupational Category  

Other Professional Careers

Salary Grade 665
Bargaining Unit M/C – Management / Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary Range From $122092 to $154253 Annually
Employment Type Full-Time
Appointment Type Permanent
Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class
Travel Percentage 10%

Schedule 

Workweek

Hours Per Week

Mon-Fri

37.5

 Workday 

From 8:30 AM
To 4:30 PM
Flextime allowed? No
Mandatory overtime? No
Compressed workweek allowed?  

No

Telecommuting allowed?  

No

Location 

County Albany
Street Address CCH; Division of Family Health

Corning Tower, ESP

City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12237

Job Specifics 

Minimum Qualifications Twelve years of professional level work experience, three of which must have included managerial, decision-making and/or oversight responsibilities for a major health-related program or in the direction of a major administrative function of a large health-related organization. A bachelor’s degree may be substituted for four years of the general professional experience. 

Twelve or more years of progressively responsible administrative experience in programs that improve perinatal health, child and/or adolescent health, early care, and learning, and/or sexual violence prevention, including four years of managerial, decision-making, and/or program direction. Seven years of this experience would also include fiscal management, policy making and oversight responsibilities, and statewide supervision of professional level staff. The preferred candidate would be familiar with representing departmental interests and serving as a spokesperson and liaison to Executive staff, and have experience working with other state and federal governmental programs. Experience with second-level professional supervision as well as strong oral and written communication skills is also desired. A master’s degree in an appropriate field may substitute an additional one year of the general professional experience, not to exceed a maximum of five years total allowable educational substitution. Please refer to full listing


MSSNY Ad Rates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MSSNY eNews: March 26, 2021 – More Ups than Downs


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More Ups than Downs:

Colleagues:

This week brings significant progress on the vaccine front with the start of the long-awaited allocation of vaccine supply to physician practices. Over 1,600 physician practices have enrolled in the NYS COVID-19 Vaccination Program and 190 of these have received 100 doses each of the Moderna vaccine since Monday. We anticipate that as supply increases more physician practices will be allotted vaccine, including Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer. This is great news for patients who can now have their vaccine in a familiar setting, close to home with their trusted physician. This bodes well for the NYS vaccine roll out as NY is rapidly expanding the eligibility categories and needs its most seasoned vaccinators contributing to the effort.

Please remember that you must submit a weekly planning vaccine request indicating the amount of vaccine that you can administer in seven days. Click here for the latest NYS DOH vaccine guidance.

There was also good public health news this week with regard to NYS vaccination requirements.  The New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department affirmed the dismissal of the challenge to the 2019 law that eliminated religious exemptions for state vaccination requirements.  The role of vaccines in combating communicable diseases has never been more apparent than in the last few years with the Measles outbreak in 2019 and now the Covid-19 pandemic.

With this in mind, the Medical Society of the State of New York, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the New York State American Academy of Pediatrics participated as amici curiae in the litigation in support of New York State and the law, and offered our conclusion that having medical exemptions only is in the best interest of public health.

On the downside, this week, the NYS legislature passed legislation repealing the Covid liability protections provided to physicians and other care providers enacted as part of last year’s State Budget. MSSNY along with other groups wrote to legislators to oppose A.3397/S.5177, noting that regardless of the nursing home data concerns, it is very important to maintain the liability protections for the duration of the public health emergency, particularly given that New York continues to have thousands of new Covid cases every day with an increasing proportion of more easily spread variants.

While NYS legislators rejected our appeals that the law should continue, during the floor debates in both the Assembly and Senate over this legislation, many did indicate that the “effective date” language in the legislation means that the repeal provisions would only apply prospectively should Governor Cuomo sign this legislation. These comments were very important given traditional statutory construction rules that legislation is meant to apply prospectively unless there is clear intent to the contrary.

If you have not already done so, please text MSSNY to 52886 to sign up for text message grassroots alerts. Over the next week the NYS Budget will be finalized and this year’s budget proposal includes many provisions that may detrimentally affect you, your practice and your patients including negative OPMC changes, changes to the excess malpractice fund with partial cost shifting to physicians, expansion of pharmacist scope of practice, a cut to the Committee on Physician Health and more (click MSSNY eNews: March 24, 2021 for a more comprehensive summary). We need you to stand ready to answer to call to action Grassroots Action Center. Your voice and your email/letter to your legislator make a difference and can affect the outcome.

Bonnie Litvack, MD
MSSNY President


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Capital Update

MSSNY Weekly Podcast


State Budget Negotiation Continue – Keep Up Physician Grassroots!
After passing their respective one-House Budget proposals last week, the Assembly and the Senate are now having negotiations with the Governor’s office to complete a State Budget before next week’s April 1 deadline.   Below is a summary of the most pressing Budget issues where MSSNY has been advocating, as well as the continued need for physician grassroots efforts.

Excess Insurance

Both the Assembly and Senate Budget proposals recommended the rejection of the $51 million cut to the Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance program and 50% physician cost share imposition that had been proposed in the Executive Budget. Physicians can send a letter to legislators urging that they continue to fight to prevent this cut from being included in the Budget: Don’t Balance the Budget on the Backs of Physicians

OPMC Changes

The Assembly Budget proposal recommended the rejection of the “OPMC Modernization Act” provisions from the Executive Budget including several provisions that would substantially curtail physician due process rights when a complaint has been filed against them with the OPMC. The Senate Budget proposal recommended the rejection of almost all of the “OPMC Modernization Act” provisions but left in components related to background checks for new licensees and expanded information on the physician profile.

Physicians can send a letter urging the Legislature to continue to fight to preserve due process protections for physicians and rejecting these seriously unfair proposed changes: Reject Governor’s Physician Disciplinary Proposal

Pharmacy Scope 

The Assembly Budget proposal recommended the rejection in its entirety of the pharmacy scope expansion provisions from the Executive Budget proposal.  The Senate Budget proposal recommended the rejection of Executive Budget proposals to greatly expand the physician-pharmacy Collaborative Drug Therapy program and pharmacist self-ordering of lab tests, but mostly accepted the proposal to expand the immunizations that can be performed by pharmacists.

Please urge your legislators to continue to fight to reject these short-sighted proposals that would empower big box chains at the expense of community-based physician-led medical homes: Oppose Uncoordinated Siloed Care to be Provided by Pharmacists

Telehealth 

The Assembly Budget proposal recommended the rejection of almost all of the Executive Budget telehealth Budget proposal except for a provision that expands the locations where telehealth services can be provided.  The Senate accepted the Governor’s telehealth Budget proposal, but importantly added language supported by MSSNY that would require equitable payment for telehealth services as compared to in-person services.

Please send a letter urging that equitable payment for telehealth services be included in the final Budget; and ensuring out of state telehealth service providers are not prioritized over community based New York physicians for providing telehealth services: Urge Legislators to Support Payment Parity in Telehealth. (More info below)

Committee for Physicians Health 

The Senate Budget proposal restored the nearly $200,000 cut that had been proposed to CPH in the Executive Budget.  While the Assembly Budget proposal did not affirmatively restore the cut, there have been indications that they will support the restoration of this cut.

E-Prescribing Waivers 

Both the Assembly and Senate Budget proposals recommended the rejection of the Executive Budget proposal to eliminate the right of prescribers to apply for a year to year waiver of e-prescribing requirements.

Medicaid “Prescriber Prevails” 

Both the Assembly and Senate Budget proposals recommended the rejection of the Executive Budget proposal to remove the statutory protection for the prescriber’s determination (not State Medicaid’s) to prevail for a medication prescribed to a patient covered by Medicaid.

Nurse Practitioner Collaborative Practice

The Assembly Budget proposal included the Governor’s proposal to extend the existing modified nurse practitioner independent practice statute for another 6 years.  The Senate Budget proposal did not include these provisions.

Medicaid Cuts

Both the Senate and the Assembly rejected the 1% Across the Board Medicaid cut.

Recreational Use Marijuana 

This was excluded from both one-House Budget proposals but there are numerous reports a separate bill will be enacted. (DIVISION OF GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS)


MSSNY Working to Secure Telehealth Expansion in FY 2022 Budget
Telehealth coverage expansion is among the items being negotiated extensively between the Assembly, Senate and Governor as they work to finalize a State Budget for FY 2022.  Physicians are urged to send a letter to their legislators here urging equitable payment for patient care services delivered via telehealth and to ensure continued coverage of telehealth services by New York community-based physicians.

Urge Legislators to Support Payment Parity in Telehealth. As shared in last week’s Capital Update, the Assembly plan rejected all of the Executive Budget’s Telehealth proposal, with the exception of a provision that expands the locations where Telehealth services can be provided. The Senate, however, accepted the Executive’s Telehealth full, but added language supported by MSSNY, that would require payment for Telehealth services that is on par with in-person visits.

MSSNY is continuing to push for expansion of Telehealth services through the budget and is working with legislative leaders to address significant concerns with the proposal advanced in the Executive Budget, including its proposal to create an interstate compact and network adequacy, which has the potential to cut out New York-based, community physicians, especially those in network. MSSNY is also continuing to strongly advocate for physician payments for telehealth services that are on par with in-office visits.

The Governor and legislature must agree on a new budget by April 1st and MSSNY will provide updates as negotiations go forward.                      (CARY)


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US Senate Passes Measure to Prevent 2% Sequester Cut; House Expected to Follow Suit in Mid-April
This week the US Senate voted 90-2 to pass an agreement reached by Leaders Schumer and McConnell to extend the 2% Medicare sequester moratorium that expires on April 1. The bipartisan legislation, offered as an amendment by Senators Shaheen and Collins, would provide a 9-month extension of the moratorium, through December 31.

Last week, the House of Representatives passed different legislation that would have both extended the moratorium through the end of the pandemic and eliminated an additional 4% Medicare sequester scheduled to take effect on January 1, which was required by so-called “PayGo” rules to offset part of the cost of passing the American Rescue Plan COVID-19/stimulus package. Consequently, the House will need to pass the Senate language when it returns to DC the week of April 12. According to the American Medical Association, the House is expected to vote favorably, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is expected to hold off on processing April claims until then to avoid making reduced payments.

MSSNY thanks Senator Schumer and Gillibrand for their actions, as well as the 25 of the 27 New York Congressional delegation members representing both parties whose support for preventing this cut in last week’s House vote demonstrated that there was wide bipartisan support for finding a way to prevent this cut from being implemented at a time when physicians and other care providers are still struggling with the consequences of the pandemic.

Physicians and other care providers affected by the upcoming 4% sequester scheduled for January 1 expect legislation to be considered later in the year to waive those cuts. (AUSTER)


Legislature Passed Bill to Repeal COVID Legal Protections
Legislation (S.5177) to repeal the COVID liability protections provided to physicians and other care providers enacted as part of last year’s State Budget was passed by the Senate this week.   The same-as legislation (A.3397) recently passed the Assembly.  It will be sent to the Governor for his signature, which as of this writing has not yet occurred, nor has the Governor announced whether he will sign or veto the bill.

Many groups including MSSNY wrote to legislators to oppose A.3397/S.5177, noting that regardless of nursing home concerns that led many to question this law, it was important to maintain these legal protections for the front-line physicians and other health care workers still managing the thousands of new COVID cases in New York every day with an increasing penetration of more easily spread variants.

MSSNY also raised concerns that despite statutory construction rules that presume legislation is to be applied prospectively in the absence of clearly defined statutory intent to the contrary, there was still a possibility S.5177/A.3397 could be interpreted by a court to retroactively repeal these essential liability protections for care provided during the height of the pandemic when there were not clear medical protocols for COVID treatment and when many non-COVID health care services were required to be postponed.

Importantly, there were comments made by several Assemblymembers during the floor debate on the legislation when it was passed by the NYS Assembly that the “effective date” language means that the repeal provisions would only apply prospectively.  The point was also made by Senator Shelly Mayer during the floor debate in the Senate.

Please stay tuned for further updates on this issue, including potential requests for further grassroots activity. (AUSTER)


NYS Legislature Appears to Have Reached Agreement on Legalizing Recreational Marijuana
According to news reports the New York State Legislature and the Governor’s office, appears to be close to agreement on legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana use and purchase for adults at least 21 years old.  The legislation would also license dispensaries and impose special taxes on marijuana. News articles report that this legislation would include a 13% sales tax, 9% of which would go to the state and 4% to the localities.

Localities are also given the discretion to opt out of allowing a dispensary in a county. News reports also indicate that some of the resulting annual proceeds are going to low-income, mostly minority neighborhoods under a “community reinvestment” program to assist communities that have been subject to disparate enforcement of marijuana laws.  With preventing against impaired driving a significant concern for many groups, the legislation is also expected to allow police to use marijuana odor to help determine if a driver is impaired but would ban odor from being a reason to search a vehicle.  It should also be noted that there was still discussion whether driving while ability impaired by marijuana would be treated as a violation or as a misdemeanor. (CLANCY)


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NYS Continues to Expand Vaccine Eligibility to 50 Years of Age and Older
New York State continues to expand eligibility to the COVID-19 vaccine to adults over 50.   The March 23, 2021 guidance is here.

All providers can vaccinate any New Yorker, including those with comorbidities or underlying conditions, and individuals 50+. Enrolled providers other than pharmacies may vaccinate any eligible individual. Pharmacies must prioritize K-12 school faculty and staff and childcare workers but are also authorized to vaccinate individuals aged 50 and older and individuals with comorbidities.

New York State Department of Health also issued interim guidance to ensuring access to health care services and effective April 1, 2020, individuals may bring a companion with them to healthcare appointments. Companions must also wear appropriate face coverings, practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, and comply with temperature checking and symptom screening.   A copy of the guidance is here.

MSSNY has been working closely with the state to get vaccine supply to community physician offices and several physician practices around the state may receive an allocation of vaccine supply shortly. MSSNY has been informed that over 190 practices have received vaccine.  Physicians who would like to become a COVID-19 immunizer, will need to enroll into either the NYSIIS or CIR systems. Physicians can find information about enrolling here.

Providers in receipt of COVID-19 vaccine, irrespective as to whether such doses are via a direct State or federal allocation or a redistribution, will now be required to report to the vaccine tracker on Mondays and Thursdays by 10am. All providers with COVID -19 vaccine doses on hand or that depleted their allocation since their last report are now required to fill out the vaccine tracker both days. This reporting will continue to be used for allocation determinations and is still required.

Physicians and patients can determine eligibility by going here. (CLANCY) 


MSSNY’s Physician Wellness and Resiliency Committee: Peer to Peer Program
If you or someone you know is struggling with everyday life stressors, reach out to the P2P program to be connected with a peer supporter to help! 

Email: P2P@mssny.org and request that you be connected with a peer supporter

Phone: 1-844-P2P-PEER (1-844-727-7337) and request that you be connected with a peer supporter

The Medical Society of the State of New York now offers to physicians, residents and medical students a completely confidential and anonymous opportunity to talk with a peer about some of life stressors. MSSNY’s Physician Wellness and Resiliency Committee launched a Peer 2 Peer (P2P) program to assist their colleagues who are need of help in dealing with work and family stressors. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the emotional issues related to this event, may also be troubling for our colleagues.

MSSNY has established a confidential helpline phone number (1-844-P2P-PEER) and an email address (p2p@mssny.org) so that physicians may be connected with a peer 24 hours a day/7 days a week. In addition to offering a trained, empathetic ear, peer supporters may provide information on specific resources that can offer further support, provide positive coping skills, or connect physicians to professionals for more focused assistance when needed. MSSNY has nearly 50 trained peer supporters across NYS who are just a phone call away!                                                                             (LAUDER)


MSSNY Medical Matters Program on Mental Health of Children and Teens During COVID
Registration now open
Medical Matters: COVID-19 & Mental Health of Children and Teens
Date: April 21, 2021 @ 7:30am 

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of the entire population.  Learn more about how children and teens have been affected by registering for Medical Matters: COVID-19 & Mental Health of Children and Teens. This webinar will take place on Wednesday, April 21st at 7:30 am.  Linda Chokroverty, MD will serve as faculty for this program.  Click here to register for this webinar.

Educational objectives

  • Identify normal stressors impacting children and teens and those that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Examine what is known so far about the mental health impact of COVID-19 on children and teens
  • Describe resources to assist children and teens during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Appraise the scope of COVID-19’s long term mental health impact on children and teens

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Medical Society of the State of New York designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. (HOFFMAN)


Veterans Matters: Military Culture: Everything Physicians Need to Know about Veterans as Patients Webinar Registration Now Open

Thursday, April 22nd @ 7:30 am

The Medical Society of the State of New York is hosting a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program entitled Veterans Matters: Military Culture: Everything Physicians Need to Know about Veterans as Patients live webinar on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 7:30 am.

Click HERE to register for the program! View the program flyer HERE.

When:                 April 22, 2021 at 7:30 am
Faculty:               Lt. Colonel Lance Allen Wang (Ret.) & Sharran Chambers-Murphy, Desert Storm-era Veteran

Educational Objectives:

  • Describe the unique aspects of military culture and how they impact patients who are veterans;
  • Explain the Dwyer Peer-to-Peer program as a resource to assist veteran patients re-acclimating from a group to an individual mentality; and
  • Review and identify resources to improve physician’s ability to fully treat veterans who are transitioning back to civilian life.

For more information, contact Jangmu Sherpa at jsherpa@mssny.org or call (518) 465-8085.

The Medical Society of the State of New York is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Medical Society of the State of New York designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. (SHERPA)         


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NY Nursing Homes Can Now Welcome Visitors
New York nursing homes can begin welcoming visitors with limited exceptions under new state guidance released Thursday. The Department of Health and Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed nursing home operators to align their policies with federal guidance, which allows for outdoor and indoor visitation “at all times for all residents” regardless of vaccination status, except in certain cases where risk of COVID-19 transmission is high. The new policy, which took effect immediately, limits indoor visitation for: unvaccinated residents if the nursing home’s Covid-19 positivity rate exceeds 10 percent and less than 70 percent of residents are fully vaccinated; residents with confirmed Covid-19 infections; or residents in quarantine. Compassionate care visits are exempt from the restrictions.

Facilities must continue to follow infection control practices and DOH recommends that all nursing homes offer testing to visitors while Covid-19 is still present in communities across New York. Visitors unable to adhere to federal Covid-19 infection prevention principles “should not be permitted to visit or should be asked to leave” according to the new guidance.

It replaces guidance issued on Feb. 23, which required facilities to be COVID-free for 14 days before they could permit visitors.


State AGs Ask Facebook and Twitter to Remove Vaccine Misinformation
In a letter to Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, the Democratic Attorneys General said “anti-vaxxers” lacking medical expertise and often motivated by financial gain have used the platforms to downplay the danger of COVID-19 and exaggerate the risks of vaccination.

They called on both companies to enforce their own community guidelines by removing or flagging vaccine misinformation.

The letter said anti-vaxxers control 65% of public anti-vaccine content on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and have more than 59 million followers on those platforms and Google’s YouTube.

It also said some misinformation targets Blacks and other communities of color where vaccination rates are lagging.

“Given anti-vaxxers’ reliance on your platforms, you are uniquely positioned to prevent the spread of misinformation about coronavirus vaccines that poses a direct threat to the health and safety of millions of Americans in our states and that will prolong our road to recovery,” the letter said.

Facebook spokeswoman Dani Lever said the company has removed millions of pieces of COVID-19 and vaccine misinformation and tries to combat “vaccine hesitancy” by regularly directing users to reliable information from health authorities.

Twitter said it has removed more than 22,400 tweets in connection with its policy toward COVID-19 posts and prioritizes removing content that could cause “real-world” harm.

Wednesday’s letter was signed by the attorneys general of New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia. (Becker’s Hospital, April 25).


Social Media in Medicine Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 6 PM EST.
MSSNY Vice President, Parag H. Mehta, MD and MSSNY YPS Chair, Daniel E. Choi, M.D. present Social Media in Medicine: A Beginners Guide to Social Media for Physicians.Register now for Virtual Webinar

Register here

Topics Include:

  • Introduction to popular social media physician communities: #MedTwitter,
    Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
  • How to establish a social media presence and grow your audience
  • Common terminology e.g. Twitter handle, hashtag
  • Scheduling posts
  • How social media can be harnessed for effective patient education, practice growth, and advocacy.
  • Best ways to connect with patients and colleagues on social media
  • Pitfalls of social media as a physician
  • What not to do on Social Media

Current State of Coronavirus Variants in the U.S.
On the heels of this winter’s surge and amid an accelerating vaccine rollout, many states are lifting or scaling back virus restrictions in a bid to return to normal life. Many epidemiologists and public health experts have urged continued caution, saying that the U.K. variant B.1.1.7 spreading nationwide could cause another surge and prolong the pandemic.

“The continued relaxation of prevention measures while cases are still high, and while concerning variants are spreading rapidly throughout the United States, is a serious threat to the progress we have made as a nation,” Rochelle Walensky, MD, CDC director, said during a March 22 White House news briefing.

The CDC confirmed 7,501 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant in all 50 states and Puerto Rico as of March 23. Florida has confirmed the most B.1.1.7 cases of all states, with 1,042 infections as of March 23. Some health experts have expressed concern that spring breakers traveling to Florida may take the variant back to their home states. Michigan follows closely behind Florida with 986 B.1.1.7 cases, and California has reported the third most at 471.

Health officials are also monitoring other coronavirus variants spreading nationwide. The CDC has confirmed 219 cases of the South Africa variant, known as B.1.351, in 27 states as of March 23. Sixty-one cases of the Brazil/Japan P.1 variant have also been detected in 18 states.

“Increasingly, states are seeing a growing proportion of their COVID-19 cases attributed to variants,” Dr. Walensky said. “The newly identified variant, B1427/B1429, is estimated to account for 52 percent of cases in California, 41 percent in Nevada and 25 percent in Arizona. And the B.1.1.7 variant is estimated to be responsible for 9 percent of cases in New Jersey and8 percent in Florida.” (Becker’s Hospital Review, March 25).


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Harlem Hospital and Vaccine Hesitancy in Black Communities
Six Takeaways for Hospital Leaders
About half of eligible staff at New York City-based Harlem Hospital have received a COVID-19 vaccine, reflecting wariness in the Black community and prompting conversations about how leaders can acknowledge these fears while still encouraging vaccination, reports The New York Times.

Harlem Hospital, also branded as NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, is known for providing healthcare to the Black community and had the lowest staff COVID-19 vaccination rate among New York City hospitals at one point. As of mid-March, the hospital had a 51 percent staff vaccination rate, putting it in the middle of the 11 hospitals in the city’s public system.

Vaccine hesitancy at Harlem Hospital, where a majority of the staff is Black, reflects broader trends across the nation, administrators said.

Six key takeaways for hospital leaders, per the Times:

  1. At Harlem Hospital and across the U.S., confidence in COVID-19 vaccines is rising among Black Americans. Though initially more skeptical, Black Americans are now about as willing to get vaccinated as their white counterparts, and politics is emerging as a greater determinant of willingness, recent polls show.
  2. Harlem Hospital’s low vaccination rate was not surprising to leaders. A poll in late 2020 showed that only 30 percent of hospital employees were willing to be vaccinated, said Eboné Carrington, the hospital’s CEO. Black staff cited concern tied to the legacy of medical injustices and general skepticism of a vaccine developed quickly, under a presidential administration they did not trust. “The staff reflects a population of people who traditionally are reluctant to vaccinate, and not just hesitant, but rightfully fearful, at having been wronged,” Ms. Carrington said.
  3. Mitchell Katz, MD, president, and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, noted the lack of long-term studies about the vaccines, along with the negative experiences many Black and brown Americans have had with healthcare providers. Dr. Katz said he was going to be patient and focus on personal outreach, such as one-on-one conversations, to boost vaccination rates.
  4. “I think that the history of medical experimentation on Black people plays a role in some of the decision-making,” said Keisha Wisdom, BSN, RN, nursing chief at Harlem Hospital. “It is real, and it is something we have to talk about. And then find a way to continue that dialogue.”
  5. Some nurses said they did not feel an urgency to get the vaccine because they already had COVID-19, Ms. Wisdom said, adding that some staff felt more secure now that there were not personal protective equipment shortages.
  6. Jasmine Travers, PhD, RN, assistant professor at the Rory Meyers College of Nursing at New York University, said that empathizing with staff reluctance is good, but not enough. “We should not just chalk up a refusal to that person’s own wishes; we also need to look into ourselves and understand how we are approaching it. We can’t tiptoe around the subject,” Dr. Travers said. “It’s one thing to want to be respectful, but we have to interrogate people around how we can better support them. What is the work that needs to be done?” (Becker’s Hospital Review, April 24)

Kings County Webinar March 30: Beyond Tuskegee; Vaccine Hesitance and Equity
The Medical Society of the County of Kings, along with the Provident Clinical Society and Region 1 National Medical Association, is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, March 30 from 7:30-9:00 pm on Beyond Tuskegee: COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Equity.”  There is no charge to attend, and you are welcomed to share with colleagues and other healthcare professionals.


Study: COVID-19 Associated with Prominent Neurologic Symptom
Non-hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) “long haulers” experience prominent and persistent neurologic symptoms that affect cognition and quality of life, according to a new study published March 23, 2021 in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology.

“Our study is the first to report neurologic findings in non-hospitalized COVID-19 long-haulers, including detailed neurologic exam, diagnostic testing, and validated measures of patient quality of life, as well as cognitive function test results,” said corresponding author Igor Koralnik, MD, chief of Neuro-infectious Diseases and Global Neurology, Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology, Northwestern Medicine, in a press release.


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Classifieds

Classified Ads Available for:

Physicians’ search services • allied medical placements • locum tenens • practice valuation • practice brokerage • practice consulting • real estate

For help, information or to place your ad, call Christina Southard 516-488-6100 x355 • fax 516-488-2188

For the MSSNY 2021 Ad Rate Sheet, please click here.


Soho Rental Office
Two Offices Available for Rent in Established SoHo Primary Care Practice
Newly constructed loft space. Dedicated private waiting area available.  This space is ideal for individual psychiatry, psychology, social work, physical therapy, or acupuncture services. Potential to work with existing Primary Care Practice as a referral source. Centrally located in the heart of SoHo, close to all subways. Available 7 days/week. Contact: SpringPrimaryCare@gmail.com

Medical Office and Medical Practice (Upper East Side)
79th St near Lexington / Park. 750 sq Ft beautiful, street entrance, medical office for sale with a 25 + yr internal medical practice for sale. Office is in move in condition. Physician retiring. Waiting room. Secretarial area for 3. 1 Consult room. 2 exam Rooms 2 Toilets. Please contact: 917-770-8700 / email drklein@att.net


For Rent Medical Office 800 2nd Ave, 806
FOR RENT 800 2nd Avenue, 806 – Fully built out Medical office ready for use – reception area; 2 office/ consultation rooms; 4 examination rooms with plumbing; 1 sterilization room or pantry; 1 file/ nurse room, Total 8 rooms. All examination rooms are set up with plumbing and cabinetry.  24/7 doorman/ Elevators. Central location, Grand Central Station, buses Subways. Rent: $65 per Rentable Sq Ft; Sq Ft: 1,482 Rentable; Gross Lease. Showings or video contact Maya – Broker – maya@mallannyhomes.com or mobile 646-258-4460 listing information http://www.mallannyhomes.com/properties/detail/800-second-avenue-806/

800 2nd Ave Lobby800 2nd Ave Hallway


Allergy Practice For Sale, Forest Hills, NY
Founded in 1988, this well-established Single Practitioner Allergy Practice has over 3500 active patients, with very positive patient reviews. The office is only one of a few in the area, but patients are seen from throughout the NYC Metropolitan Area, as well as Long Island. Potential for growth. Centrally located next to major public transportation.  Retirement planned. Lease is assignable. Well-trained, extremely personable staff of three, including a Registered Nurse. Payer mix85% private, 10% Medicare 5% other. Email any questions to: allergydoctorbn@gmail.com

Two (2) Prime Commercial Spaces
Two (2) affordable office spaces available for immediate occupancy.  Located in Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn,  surrounded by multiple co-ops and private homes.  Space can be viewed at your convenience. Price negotiable. Call: Avi 212-736-3680 ext. 15


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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