MSSNY Pulse: June 10, 2022

Message from MSSNY President Parag Mehta, MD:
MSSNY Celebrates Pride Month

Welcome to MSSNY Pulse, our updated newsletter format! Formerly called eNews, we have renamed and redesigned the newsletter so it is easier for you to find and read the information you’re looking for. Look for further changes in the coming weeks as we tweak the content and the landing page on the website where the full content is located.

As we celebrate Pride Month in support of our LGBTQ+ community this month, I’d like to congratulate the Chair of MSSNY’s Infectious Disease Committee Dr. William Valenti. Tomorrow night in Chicago, the AMA Foundation Board of Directors will honor Dr Valenti with the 2021 Excellence in LGBTQ Health Award. This annual Excellence in Medicine awards program honors physicians who represent the highest values of altruism, compassion, and dedication to patient care.

Dr. William Valenti

Dr. Valenti epitomizes this care and was at the forefront of caring for patients early in the HIV/AIDS epidemic.   He has dedicated his entire career to groundbreaking, compassionate work in HIV/AIDS treatment, education, policy, and research since the early 1980’s when the first cases of HIV/AIDS began to appear, primarily in LGBTQ communities. In 1988, Dr. Valenti co-founded Community Health Network (CHN), now known as Trillium Health, and his network has become the national model of health care for HIV/AIDS treatment.  The Medical Society of the State of New York is humbled by Dr. Valenti’s service to his patients and is proud to call him our Infectious Disease Chair.

MSSNY was the first medical organization to form an AIDS Advisory Panel—now the Infectious Disease Committee—which has helped to develop policy on the state level that has led to the normalizing of medical procedures for the LGBTQ+ population.

The MSSNY Health Equity Committee presented “Health of Sexual and Gender Minorities,” led by Carl Streed, MD, at the annual House of Delegates meeting last month.  This CME program identified opportunities to meet health care needs and disparities in health care access and health care outcomes among SGM persons and examined minority stress as a contributor to health disparities.

MSSNY stands in support of our LGBTQ+ community.

Parag Mehta, MD
MSSNY President


MSSNY House of Delegates Highlights
Following are highlights of the actions of the 2022 MSSNY House of Delegates:

COVID Hazard Pay
The Medical Society of the State of New York will work with the American Medical Association and the federation of medicine to seek a state and/or federal program to provide hazard pay bonuses to physicians and other health care staff delivering care during a state and/or federal disaster emergency.

Minors Consent to Vaccination
The Medical Society of the State of New York will seek legislation to allow all adolescents aged 12 or older to independently consent to any FDA-approved vaccination without parental or guardian consent.

Requirements for COVID 19 Vaccination at NY Public Schools
The New York State Delegation to the American Medical Association will introduce a resolution at the AMA encouraging states to make COVID-19 vaccination a requirement for school attendance for children and college/university students once the FDA grants full approval for COVID-19 vaccination for all relevant age groups.

Updating the NYS Vaccination Requirements for College/University Students
The Medical Society of the State of New York supports a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for students attending colleges and universities in New York State.

Insurance Reform
MSSNY reaffirmed the following policies:

  • Carriers’ Failure to Obey PHL 4406-c (5A) Release of Fee Schedule
  • Time Limit for Retrospective Denials
  • Liability of Managed Care Entities as Well as Their Employees, Agents, Ostensible Agents and Representatives
  • We’re Mad as Hell and We aren’t Going to Take it Anymore
  • Insurance Companies Dis-enrollment of Participating Physicians

Protection of Peer Review
MSSNY will advocate through legislation or other legal means to overturn the court ruling in Siegel v. Snyder that inappropriately expanded the discovery of comments during peer review proceedings and re-affirmed MSSNY policies Peer Review Protection and Confidentiality of Documents Submitted to Peer Review Committee.

Creation of IMG Section and Minority Affairs Section
MSSNY will create an IMG Section and a Minority Affairs Section.

Sheltering From Unfair Health Insurance Practice
MSSNY will continue in its efforts to seek legislation, regulation, or other appropriate means to prohibit retrospective refund requests by health plans in all circumstances except fraud.  Short of achieving a complete ban on retrospective refund requests, MSSNY seek legislation, regulation, or other appropriate means to limit to 90 days the time within which a health plan can seek such a refund, or other significant restrictions on the ability of health plans to seek such refunds, such as limiting the time that a health plan can seek a refund to the same time that a physician has to file a claim with such health plan.



Medical Students and Residents Participate in Poster Symposium
The 15th Annual Poster Symposium, hosted by the Medical Society of the State of New York, took place on May 20 at the 2022 House of Delegates. Students and Residents from three categories (Medical Students, Clinical, and Vignettes) presented their research in posters and paper/oral presentations. Congratulations to Michael BrownAarti Maharaj, MD, and Suhali Kundu, MD, for taking home first prize in their categories. Below are additional results and photos.

Medical Students:


First Place: Michael Brown (New York Medical College)
“Effects of Adenosine on Lipid Accumulation in a Human Hepatoma Cell Culture Model When Challenged with Fatty Acid”

Second Place: Christopher Markantonis (New York Medical)
“Utility of Intravenous Alteplase and Mechanical Thrombectomy in Central Retinal Arterial Occlusions – A Nationwide Analysis”

Honorable Mention: Ankita Das (New York Medical College)
“Craniotomy for Infratentorial Meningioma is Associated with Increased Complications and Longer Length of Stay”

Honorable Mention: Nicholas Mui (New York Medical College)
“The Gut-Brain Connection: Inflammatory Bowel Disease Increases Risk of Acute Ischemic Stroke”

Honorable Mention: Lillian Xie (New York Medical College)
“Impact of Burn Injuries on Outcomes in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke – A Nationwide Propensity Score Analysis”

Clinical Medicine:


First Place: Aarti Maharaj, MD (Maimonides Medical Center)
“Trends and Outcomes of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample, 2010-2019)”

Second Place: Claudia Duarte, MD (Maimonides Medical Center) “Vancomycin Given Appropriately in Patients with Neutropenic Fever”

Honorable Mention: Jose Dominguez, MD (Westchester Medical Center) & Sima Vazquez, MS, (New York Medical College)
“Socioeconomic Characteristics of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Patients”

Honorable Mention: Jason Hourizadeh, DO (St. Johns Riverside Hospital )
“Clinical Utility of Emergency Use Baricitinib in Adult Patients with Respiratory Failure due to COVID-19: Real-World Experience in Two Ethnically-Diverse Community Hospitals”

Honorable Mention: Soumya Shivashankar, MD (Montefiore Medical Center )
“Advance Directives (ADs) Can be Implemented in Patients with Heart Failure: A Quality Improvement (QI) Project”

Vignettes:


First Place: Suhali Kundu, MD (Maimonides Medical Center)
“COVID-19 Pneumonia Reactivating Tuberculosis”

Second Place: Radhika Mehta, MD (SUNY Upstate Medical University)
“Case of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Secondary to Acute COVID-19 Infection”

Third Place: Marutha Arulthasan, MD (Maimonides Medical Center)
Multiple Pulmonary Nodules in a Patient with Multiple Sclerosis

Honorable Mention: Brent Boodhai, MD (Maimonides Medical Center) “Rapidly Growing Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Infection of a Prosthetic Hip Joint”


David Vozza Joins MSSNY as Outside General Counsel; Will Provide Discounted Rates to Members
David N. Vozza of Norris McLaughlin, P.A., has joined MSSNY as outside general counsel. Vozza concentrates his practice in health care litigation, regularly defending healthcare professionals in disciplinary and regulatory actions before federal and state agencies. He has experience working with physician clients in payor audits, fraud investigations, privileges, and general health care litigation. Vozza is a frequent speaker on important issues impacting health care employees at hospitals throughout New York State.

Norris McLaughlin P.A. is a regional law firm with offices in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. With over 120 attorneys practicing in multiple areas of law, including healthcare, Norris will serve as an exclusive benefit to MSSNY and its physician members, offering significantly discounted rates, free consultations, free coding reviews, and more.

AHA Violence Campaign
American Hospital Association’s Hospitals Against Violence framework helps hospital and health system leadership address the issues of violence in their workplaces, with an emphasis on educating and protecting the workforce.



Senate And Assembly Pass Several MSSNY-Supported Bills To Address Aberrant Health Insurer Practices
As reported last week, the State Legislature passed several important measures prior to the end of Session to help patients overcome health insurer restrictions that impose needless hassles interfering with obtaining needed treatment and prescription medications.  MSSNY strongly supported these bills and is urging Governor Hochul to sign these bills into law.

  • 879 (Gottfried)/S.8113 (Cleare) would prohibit a health insurer from denying a claim or pre-approval request for patient care unless the reviewing physician is board-certified or board eligible in the same or similar specialty as the physician who typically recommends the treatment or manages the condition that is under review. It would also require that the health plan’s reviewing physician have a New York license to practice medicine.
  • 1741-A (Gottfried)/S.5299-A (Rivera) would prohibit health insurers from preventing patients from using copay cards or coupons to help meet their often-enormous deductibles. Enactment of this legislation would help patients, particularly those on chronic medication therapies, to realize the full benefit of these discount cards and help them meet their deductible requirements earlier in a calendar year.  MSSNY has been working with several patient and physician advocacy groups to support this important legislation, including the American Cancer Society, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Bleeding Disorders Coalition.  Read the joint press release here: Joint Press Release (fightcancer.org)
  • 3276 (Gunther)/S.5909 (Kaminsky) would prevent health insurers from imposing step therapy or fail first protocols on coverage for prescription medications to address patient mental health conditions. In 2016, MSSNY worked with several patient advocacy groups to enact a law that established strict criteria to better enable a physician, on behalf of their patient, to override a health insurer step therapy/fail first protocol.  This legislation would go further than the 2016 law, ensuring that these health insurer step therapy protocols would not apply to mental health medications in the first place.  Read MSSNY’s memo in support here: S5909-A3276 support (mssny.org)
  • 2085-A (Dinowitz)/S.906-B (Sanders) would lower the age to 45 for health insurers to cover recommended patient colorectal cancer screening tests, including a colonoscopy.


Physicians Urged to Request Governor Hochul to Veto De-Stabilizing Expansion of Wrongful Death Awards
All physicians are urged to contact Governor Hochul (Reject Expansion of Liability p2a.co) to request that she veto legislation (S.74-A, Hoylman/A.6770, Weinstein) that could greatly increase physician medical liability premiums by significantly expanding the types of damages awardable in a wrongful death action. The bill was passed over the strenuous opposition of numerous and varied groups, including MSSNY, specialty societies, hospital associations, FQHCs, the Business Council of New York, medical liability and property & casualty insurers, The New York State Association of Counties, and the New York Conference of Mayors.

Specifically, the legislation would increase the already expansive damages awardable in such actions to include compensation for grief or anguish, the loss of love and companionship, loss of services and support, and the loss of nurture and guidance. One actuarial study has suggested that this bill has the potential to increase New York’s already outrageously high medical liability premiums by nearly 40%.

MSSNY has argued that legislation like this should only be considered in the context of a comprehensive effort to address New York’s excessive liability costs. While some advocates claim that over 40 states have laws that permit recoveries similar to what is proposed in this legislation, they do not mention that most of these other states have adopted provisions to contain excessive medical liability insurance costs, including limits on damages. New York has no such law, which is why our medical liability insurance and payout costs far exceed every other state in the country. This is one of the major reasons why New York regularly receives the dubious distinction of being one of the worst states in the country to be a doctor (Best & Worst States for Doctors (wallethub.com).

Again, please contact Governor Hochul here: Reject Expansion of Liability (p2a.co) to make sure that we #DontChasePhysiciansOutofNY.



MSSNY Quoted in Crain’s End of Session Article
Crain’s New York Business (6/7, Kaufman, Neber) reports New York “state lawmakers took action on a wide swath of health care access and affordability issues in the legislative session, which ended Saturday after an overtime marathon of votes in the Assembly.” Several measures “approved by both houses this session took aim at administrative practices by health care providers and insurance carriers that opponents say drive up medical costs for patients and employers.” Medical Society of the State of New York President Parag Mehta, MD, “said in a statement that the legislative session was a ‘mixed bag.’” Dr. Mehta “cited several bills that he said would reduce ‘excessive hassles’ in accessing medical care and prescription drugs, but shared concerns of ‘huge adverse consequences’ from a bill, A.6770/S.74-A, to expand damages permitted in wrongful death actions.”


MSSNY Announces an Updated Podcast on Monkeypox

Did you know there are now more than 1,000 monkeypox cases worldwide?  MSSNY will keep you current on the everchanging landscape of infectious diseases.  Dr. William Valenti, chair of MSSNY’s Infectious Diseases Committee has recorded an update podcast on the monkeypox outbreak currently spreading globally.  Listen here to learn more about changes in this infectious outbreak.  And as always, stay posted for more information as the situation unfolds.

Photos show what a monkeypox rash looks like,
and how it progresses over time.


a) early vesicle,
3mm diameter

b) small pustule,
2mm dimeter

c) umbilicated postule,
3-4 mm diameter

d) ulcerated lesion,
5mm diameter

e) crusting of a mature
lesion

f) partially removed scab



New CPT Codes Added to Prior Authorization List for UnitedHealthcare Commercial Plans
Starting September 1st select United plans will have new CPT codes that now require prior authorization. Please ensure your staff is aware of this update.

Plans include:

River Valley
Neighborhood Health Partnership
UHC West
MidAtlantic Health Plans
Oxford HealthPlan
UnitedHealthcare Individual and Family Plans (IFP)

The following codes will be added to the prior authorization list effective Sept. 1, 2022:  https://www.uhcprovider.com/en/resource-library/news/2022/codes-prior-auth-commercial.html


The Relationship Between Medicine & Government During a Public Health Emergency
The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated many intricacies in the relationship between government and medicine.  Learn more about EUA’s, the Incident Command System (ICS), and executive orders by registering for “The Relationship Between Medicine & Government During a Public Health Emergency” on June 15 at 7:30 a.m.  Wajiha Kazmi, Esq., attorney at New York State Department of Health, with serve as faculty for this webinar.
Educational objectives are:

  • Examine the role of executive orders during a public health emergency.
  • Discuss emergency use authorizations (EUA’s) and how they expedite resolution of public health emergencies.
  • Analyze the Incident Command System (ICS) and its relevance to planning and preparing for a public health emergency.
  • Illustrate and define the relationship between medicine and government during a public health emergency.



Nuclear Radiation & Chemical Agents: An Update
Did you know that effects of radiation exposure can show up within a few hours or within a few months depending on the extent of exposure?  Additionally, while treaties are in place prohibiting the use of chemical weapons and calling for the destruction of stockpiles, it is unknown how many of these weapons of mass destruction remain.  To learn more, register for “Nuclear Radiation & Chemical Agents: An Updateon June 22 at 7:30a.m.  Arthur Cooper, MD will serve as faculty for this webinar.

Additional information or assistance with registration may be obtained by contacting Melissa Hoffman at mhoffman@mssny.org.

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.


Why Sign Something You May Regret?
As we reach the end of the fiscal year, contracts are expiring, and you might be wondering about your current agreement. A physician-founded and physician-driven company, Resolve is bringing change to employment contracts by providing data and transparency into the physician market. Using the most accurate data on compensation and other contract terms sourced from actual contracts, Resolve delivers the insights and expertise to help physicians negotiate for what they truly deserve and take control of their careers. Members of MSSNY are entitled to exclusive member pricing with Resolve. Please visit their website for more information.


Val Renewal Banner



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 Roseann Raia at 516-488-6100
ext. 302

For the MSSNY 2022 Ad RateSheet, please click here.


Office Space To Share / Financial District NYC.
LOCATION:
111 John St., Ste 1460, NYC 10038 (between Cliff & Pearl St.)
A block away from the South Street Seaport. Easy access to office Central hub for all subway lines (A, C, 2, 3, 4, 5, J, Z, E), a quick walk from NJ path train.

Beautifully renovated, 1,300 sq ft. modern space. Available Monday, Wednesday, Friday and weekends.

Private rooms with pocket doors. Access to building 24/7, security/door man in the lobby, very safe. Daily rate $450. Contact (917) 514-1299 text/call.


Medical Office for Share in Medical Park with Free Big Parking Lot in Westchester County
Medical office for sublet in Medical Park with free big parking lot, located at West Harrison, border of White Plains in Westchester County. Office includes a big waiting room with a kitchen, doctors office, exam room, and reception area. All rooms are available for whole days of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Thursday (Thursday full day on every 1st and 3rd week and Thursday morning on every 2nd and 4th week each month, or we can discuss more options). Monthly rent $600 for once a week usage, $1100 for twice a week usage, $1500 for three-day a week usage. Newly renovated and fully furnished. Text May if you are interested 646-338-4803


Board Certified Internal or Family Medicine Physician
Join our caring team and our mission to provide the highest standard of healthcare to each of our patients. Medical office in Eastern Nassau County looking a for a hard-working, responsible Physician to join our team.

Responsibilities include care for, diagnosing and managing patients.

Please send Curriculum Vitae to drg2555@yahoo.com.



MANHATTAN MEDICAL SUITE FOR SALE –Prestigious Coop on 45 East 62nd St. between Madison & Park!!
https://www.nestseekers.com/2122082/coop-manhattan
This approximately 1100 square foot medical suite has a grand reception area that is large enough for 2 or 3 people to work from. There is an additional nook area currently used for paper chart files that could also be utilized to update charts online or for bookkeeping.  The waiting room has approximately 10 ft ceilings and a marble fireplace. The mahogany veneered office also has high ceilings. The reception area and hallway have a drop ceiling that was installed to accommodate duct work for air conditioning.  There are 1.5 bathrooms. Medical equipment is also available for sale. The property needs a cosmetic renovation update.

To schedule a showing: melissaA@nestseekers.com or Call: Melissa Alonso with Nestseekers International: 646.403.7311

IDEAL LOCATION: 45 East 62nd – Prime Lennox Hill
PRICE: $1,100,000 with 50% Financing Permitted
Monthly Maintenance: $4775


Medical Office for Rent (Poughkeepsie) and Share (Tuckahoe)
Poughkeepsie Office Suite 1100+ sq ft, w/ five office consult-exam rooms, waiting and receptionist area, restroom & private restroom, 1 block away from MidHudson Regional Hospital. Tuckahoe office 2 1500+ sqft suites for share, 3 exam rooms with procedure room, storage room. 1 block away from train station.

Please call or text 646-302-3085 or email peter200058@yahoo.com


Medical Office Suite for Rent (Downtown, New York City) – Ready to Move In!
On Canal Street, NYC : near Mulberry and Mott Street. Busy area near Subways. In a professional 7day/week concierge building . Office Suite 1002+ sq ft, beautiful & bright w/ five office consult-exam rooms, Spacious waiting and receptionist area, utility room & private restroom. MUST SEE! Please Call for showing at: 917-378-2699 or email: cnyc2828@gmail.com. Ask for Sammie.



Rendr – Transforming Healthcare – Leadership Opportunity: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) preferred Job Position: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health in this role, you will lead and provide a wide range of support through population health, quality measures, practice transformation, Rendr360 department, House Calls, and other projects. Please send resumes careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering leadership opportunities to Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicineunder the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.


Board Certified Cardiologist Position
Exceptional private practice cardiology employment opportunity. Manhattan Cardiology is a state-of-the-art cardiology practice located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The position is 100% outpatient cardiology with minimal call and excellent compensation structure and benefits. The practice is looking to add an enthusiastic and hardworking cardiologist to join our team.

Board certification is preferred in general cardiology, echocardiography, and ideally RPVI.

Job Type: Full Time with a very competitive salary and excellent benefits awaits the qualified candidate.

Please send resumes to nikkoh@manhattancardiology.com.


Board Certified Internal or Family Medicine Physician
Be a part of our care team and join our mission to provide the highest standard of healthcare to each one of our patients. Medical Offices of Manhattan is looking for a full time enthusiastic, hard-working and responsible Board-Certified Internal or Family Medicine Physician.

Responsibilities include caring for, diagnosing and managing patients. Board certification is a must. The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and an excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com.


Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
A growing multispecialty practice in Manhattan, Medical Offices of Manhattan and Manhattan Cardiology is seeking for an enthusiastic, hardworking Board Certified Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.

Responsibilities include caring for, diagnosing, and managing patients in both the primary care and cardiology setting. The Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner will collaborate with the team in diagnosing and creating plans for each patient.

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikkoh@manhattancardiology.com.


GI Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
Medical Offices of Manhattan, a multi-specialty medical office is seeking for immediate hiring for an experienced and hardworking GI Physician Assistant.

Responsibilities includes managing Adult Gastroenterology patients with varying disease processes, including but not limited to GERD, IBD, bowel pattern changes, abdominal pain, and diseases related to the liver, pancreas, GI tract, and gallbladder; develops, implements, and manages therapeutic treatment regimens in collaboration with the Gastroenterologists and must possess excellent communication skills, with a focus on a team approach to patient-centered care

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com


Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Medical Offices of Manhattan, a multi-specialty medical office is seeking our newest team member, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to join our fast-growing team of mental health professionals.

Responsibilities includes managing both complex psychiatric and common medical problems, assess and diagnose illness states and initiate psychotropic medication (as needed) and other therapeutic interventions and collaborate with the team in diagnosing and creating plans for each patient.

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com


In Network Registered Dietician
A growing multispecialty practice in Manhattan, Medical Offices of Manhattan is seeking an In Network Registered Dietician to join our care team for immediate need.

Responsibilities includes but not limited to conducting nutritional assessment, developing and implementing patient specific care plans and recommending nutrition care plans to patients as well as recommending therapeutic diet modifications and /or supplemental feedings to patients. Must have a degree in Nutrition or Dietetics, should be RD license, Registration by the Commission on Registration (CDR) as a Registered Dietitian (RD) in New York State plus specialized certifications as needed.

The position is 100% outpatient with excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com


Board Certified Gastroenterologist Position:
Exceptional private practice gastroenterologist employment opportunity. Medical Offices of Manhattan, a multi-specialty medical office is seeking for immediate hiring for a board certified, experienced and hardworking Gastroenterologist.

Responsibilities includes managing Adult Gastroenterology patients with varying disease processes, including but not limited to GERD, IBD, bowel pattern changes, abdominal pain, and diseases related to the liver, pancreas, GI tract, and gallbladder; develops, implements, and manages therapeutic treatment regimens and must possess excellent communication skills, with a focus on a team approach to patient-centered care

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com

 

MSSNY eNews: June 3, 2022

Message from MSSNY President Parag Mehta, MD:
Harmony, Wellness, Empowerment

While we cannot predict our future, we can help to create one through our actions. We need to know who we are, including our principles and beliefs, and the culture we aspire to. As physicians, I believe that we are healers, leaders, educators and change agents. As I begin my year as president of MSSNY, my guiding principles are harmony, wellness, and empowerment. Together we will create a culture of confidence and trust, opportunities to learn and grow, and an atmosphere in which we encourage new leadership.

Memorable, fun-filled, and action-packed House of Delegates

For the first time since 2019, we met in person in Tarrytown for the 215th MSSNY House of Delegates (HOD). It was a great feeling to see everyone in person. I salute all of you for your resilience, courage, and compassion for tirelessly treating the people of NY. Thank you to MSSNY’s Speaker and Vice Speaker, the reference committee chairs, the Delegates and staff for working tirelessly to make the HOD the success it was. I’d like to extend my personal congratulations to the elected officers and AMA delegates.

Graduation season

Many universities are getting back to celebrating commencement ceremonies in person this year. Congratulations to all graduating students. The youth of this nation can change the world. We need our youth to address misinformation, hatred, gun violence, and equity. As Mahatma Gandhi so appropriately said, “In a gentle way you can shake the world.”

In an inspirational commencement address at Harvard University last weekend, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said “those of you who will dedicate a part of your lives to community service can stitch back together the fabric of our civil society…We must persuade our neighbors and our communities to reject the idea that violence or threats of violence are acceptable. We must work to dissipate the hatred that fuels such violence…. Democracy cannot survive if its citizens forsake the rule of law in favor of violence or threats of violence. We are all in this together. We must protect each other.”

As the Attorney General so aptly said, we are all in this together.

Parag Mehta, MD
MSSNY President


MSSNY Tip of the Week:
Having Issues Getting Workers’ Comp Deposition Fees Paid?

Under Part 301 of Title 12 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules, and Regulations of New York, medical witnesses are entitled to witness fees. If you or your practice do not receive a payment within ten days of the completed deposition, you need to send a letter to the insurer’s claim administrator. The letter should include the workers’ compensation case number, the deposition date, and a request for payment within ten days of the letter.

Suppose the insurer’s administrator does not make payment within ten days after the letter. In that case, you should send correspondence to the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board requesting assistance via hard copy or email. In each correspondence, be sure to include the following (otherwise the Board will be unable to take any action): a cover letter addressed to the Workers’ Compensation Board, laying out the date(s) of the testimony given, the date(s) you requested payment, a statement that you still have not received compensation for your testimony and copies of any demand letters sent to the carrier informing the carrier of over-due compensation. At least one of these demand letters should have been sent to the carrier after October 2018 and should specifically indicate that: your testimony was given on a particular date or dates; there was a direction for payment within ten days of the testimony, but payment still has not been made, and asking for payment within ten days of the receipt of the letter.

If you send the correspondence to the Board via email, you must include your cover letter as an attachment to your email; if you have your cover letter only in the body of the email, it will not be adequately processed. Please email wcbclaimsfiling@wcb.ny.gov. If you send the correspondence via hard copy, it must be addressed to the Board’s centralized mailing address:

NYS Workers’ Compensation Board
Centralized Mailing Address
PO Box 5205
Binghamton, NY 13902-5205

If it is substantiated, the Board will issue an Administrative Determination directing the standard witness fee payment. If the claim administrator still has not made payment 30 days after the Administrative Determination, the health care provider may contact the Board by mail or email to request further action. For more details, please visit the Workers’ Compensation Board website.

If you have questions about this or any other insurance concern, contact MSSNY’s Director of Physician Payment and Practice, Heather Lopez, at 518.465.8085 X332 | hlopez@mssny.org



Senate and Assembly Pass Bills to Limit Insurer Interference with Patients Receiving Needed Care
The Senate and Assembly passed several important measures prior to the end of Session to help patients overcome health insurer restrictions that impose needless hassles interfering with obtaining needed treatment and prescription medications.  MSSNY will be urging Governor Hochul to sign these bills into law.

  • 879 (Gottfried)/S.8113 (Cleare), would prohibit a health insurer from denying a claim or pre-approval request for patient care unless the reviewing physician is board-certified or board eligible in the same or similar specialty as the physician who typically recommends the treatment or manages the condition that is under review. It would also require that the reviewing physician have a New York license to practice medicine.
  • 1741 (Gottfried)/S.5299 (Rivera), would prohibit health insurers from preventing patients from using copay cards or coupons to help meet their often- enormous deductibles. Enactment of this legislation would help patients, particularly those on chronic medication therapies, to realize the full benefit of these discount cards and help them meet their deductible requirements earlier in a calendar year.  MSSNY has been working with a number of patient and physician advocacy groups to support this important legislation, including the American Cancer Society, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Bleeding Disorders Coalition.  Read the joint press release here: Joint Press Release (fightcancer.org)
  • 3276 (Gunther)/S.5909 (Kaminsky), would prevent health insurers from imposing step therapy or fail first protocols on coverage for prescription medications to address mental health conditions. In 2016, MSSNY worked with a number of patient advocacy groups to enact a law that established strict criteria to better enable a physician, on behalf of their patient, to override a health insurer step therapy/fail first protocol.  This legislation would go a step further, ensuring that these health insurer step therapy protocols would not apply to mental health medications in the first place.  Read MSSNY’s memo in support here: S5909-A3276 support (mssny.org)


Legislature Passes De-Stabilizing Expansion of Wrongful Death Awards; Please Urge Governor Hochul to Veto
Despite strenuous opposition from MSSNY, specialty societies, hospital associations, FQHCs, medical liability and property & casualty insurers, counties, and mayors, the Senate and Assembly passed legislation (S.74-A, Hoylman/A.6770, Weinstein) that would significantly expand the types of damages awardable in a wrongful death action and expand who could bring such lawsuits.  Specifically, the legislation would increase the already expansive damages awardable in such actions to include compensation for grief or anguish, the loss of love and companionship, loss of services and support, and the loss of nurture and guidance.

Because actuarial studies have suggested that this bill has the potential to increase New York’s already outrageously high medical liability premiums by nearly 40%, MSSNY is urging Governor Hochul to veto this short-sighted legislation.  Physicians can send a letter to Governor here:   Reject Expansion of Liability (p2a.co)

MSSNY has argued that legislation like this should only be considered in the context of a comprehensive effort to address New York’s excessive liability costs. While some advocates claim

that New York’s existing wrongful death law is an outlier compared to other states, they do not mention that most of these other states have adopted provisions to contain excessive medical liability insurance costs, including limits on damages. New York has no such law, which is why our medical liability insurance and payout costs far exceed every other state in the country. This is one of the major reasons why New York regularly receives the dubious distinction of being one of the worst states in the country to be a doctor (Best & Worst States for Doctors (wallethub.com)).

Again, please contact Governor Hochul here: Reject Expansion of Liability (p2a.co) to make sure that we #DontChasePhysiciansOutofNY.



Women’s Reproductive Rights Package Passes NYS Legislature
The New York State Legislature passed a series of bills aimed at protecting women’s reproductive freedom, as well as protecting physicians from some of the legal consequences of providing health care services that are legal in New York State but could become illegal in other states (based upon potential future Supreme Court decisions).   The following measures were passed:

  • Freedom from Interference with Reproductive Health Advocacy and Travel Exercise: S9039A/A10094-A, sponsored by Senator Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblymember Chris Burdick. Would protect the rights of individuals seeking abortion care or gender-affirming care in New York State.
  • Extradition and Discovery Non-Cooperation: S9077/A10372, sponsored by Senator Liz Krueger and Assemblymember Charles Lavine. Forbids New York State from cooperating with out-of-state legal cases involving abortion except in limited circumstances.
  • Prohibiting Medical Misconduct Charges for Performing Reproductive Health Care: S9079A/A.9687, sponsored by Senator Anna Kaplan and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal. Prohibits professional misconduct charges against licensed medical professionals for providing legal abortion and reproductive health services to patients who reside in states where such services are illegal. MSSNY is supportive of this measure.
  • Protection of Malpractice Coverage: S9080B/A.9718 B, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal. Prohibits medical malpractice insurers from taking adverse action against a healthcare provider in New York State for performing legal healthcare reproductive services, protecting providers, and ensuring that people can safely access abortion and other related services in New York State. MSSNY is supportive of this concept.
  • Address Confidentiality Program: S9384A/A9818A, sponsored by Senator Cordell Cleare and Assemblymember Amy Paulin. Would expand the eligibility of the Address Confidentiality Program to include reproductive health care services providers, employees, volunteers, patients, or their immediate family members.
  • Study of the Impact of Limited-Service Pregnancy Centers: S470/A5499, sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman and Assemblymember Deborah Glick. Directs the Commissioner of Health to assemble a temporary task force to study and issue a report examining the unmet health and resource needs facing pregnant people in New York State, as well as the impact of limited-service pregnancy centers on the access and quality of care pregnant people receive.

These measures now go to Governor Kathy Hochul for her signature.


Health Care Mandate Bills Pass the Legislature
Despite expressed concerns from MSSNY together with several specialty societies about legislating the practice of medicine, a handful of bills requiring physicians and other health care providers to take specific actions in various patient care situations have passed both Houses of the Legislature. MSSNY will be urging the Governor to request that chapter amendments be adopted to reduce the additional documentation burden, necessary to prove compliance, these bills will impose at a time when physicians are already drowning in excessive paperwork that is contributing to physician burnout.  These bills include:

  • 2521-C, Rivera/A.3470-C, Gottfried would require hospitals and other health care providers to inform patients of facility fees not covered by insurance. This bill also requires employed health care providers to disclose in advance if their employer health system is charging a facility fee. While MSSNY and several specialty societies strongly objected to the aspect of the legislation that would require an employed physician to disclose fees charged by their employer, the C-print of this legislation was a significant improvement over an earlier, untenable, version which would have required physicians and hospitals to jointly bill.
  • 4640, Rivera/A.273, Gottfried would require physicians and other care providers, prior to writing an initial prescription for an opioid medication to treat neuromusculoskeletal pain, to “consider and discuss with the patient” non-opioid treatment alternatives. These alternatives include, but are not limited to, non-opioid medications, physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, and exercise.  The bill provides that such steps would not be required for post-surgical pain management, treating patients with cancer, for end-of-life care, or in an emergency.
  • 6287-B, Mannion/A.7560-A, Rosenthal would require OB-GYNs and midwives to provide information to their pregnant patients regarding the risks of cytomegalovirus (CMV) on their first visit during the pregnancy. The materials to be shared would be developed by the New York State Department of Health.

The Legislature also gave passage to legislation (S.67-A, Hoylman/A.3298-A, Epstein) that would require physicians treating a patient for their epilepsy and at elevated risk of sudden unexpected death due to epilepsy (SUDEP) to provide the patient with written materials about the risk of SUDEP.  Importantly, the final version of the legislation was a significant improvement over earlier versions by exempting those providing emergency care from the requirement, narrowing the cohort of patients for when the requirement would apply, ensuring the materials to be distributed would be developed by non-profit organizations with expertise in neurology and epilepsy, and ensuring that there would no penalties for an initial non-willful violation of the requirement.  MSSNY and the New York State Neurological Society worked with Senator Hoylman’s office in an effort to improve the bill.



Legislature Passes Bill to Require Health Insurers to Implement Real Time Benefit Tool
Both Houses have passed a bill (A5411-D, McDonald/S.4620-C, Breslin) that would require health insurers to implement a system that will enable real-time, patient specific, prescription drug out-of-pocket cost details to be provided to physicians at the point of prescribing.  The information to be provided in a real time benefit tool (RTBT) would include:

  • patient-specific eligibility information;
  • patient-specific prescription cost and benefit data, such as applicable formulary, benefit, coverage, and cost-sharing data for the prescribed drug and clinically appropriate alternatives, when appropriate;
  • patient-specific cost-sharing information that describes variance in cost-sharing based on the pharmacy dispensing the prescribed drug or its alternatives, and in relation to the patient’s benefit (such as the out-of-pocket maximum);
  • information regarding lower cost clinically appropriate treatment alternatives; and applicable utilization management requirements.

If signed into law, the requirement would take effect July 1, 2023.  MSSNY indicated its support for the concept of this type of administrative simplification mechanism but also raised questions regarding the logistics and potential cost for physician electronic medical record vendors to implement these new RTBT interfaces.


Living Donor Bills Pass the NYS Legislature
Legislation, sponsored by Assemblymember Richard Gottfried and Senator Gustavo Rivera, has passed the NYS Legislature and would increase living organ, tissue, and body parts donation by removing financial barriers and educating the public about living donation. Entitled the NYS Living Donor Support Act, A. 146/S. 1594, would also provide a mechanism for reimbursing expenses for living donors who are residents of the state.  Eligible expenses include financial costs incurred by living donors such as lost wages, sick and vacation days, childcare, travel, lodging and/or medical expenses.  MSSNY has long-standing policy calling for employers to provide support for the needs of employees who become living donors.  The bill does require a nephrologist or primary care physician treating a patient for end stage renal disease to provide information to that patient regarding transplantation if they are a candidate for a transplant.  The measure moves onto Governor Hochul for her signature.



Firearm Safety Package Passed by NYS Legislature
In recognition of the mass shooting in Buffalo that killed 10 people and the shooting in Uvalde, Texas shooting that killed 19 children and 2 teachers, the New York State Legislature took action during the closing days of the legislative session to tighten various provisions of the state’s gun laws.   These measures include:

  • 1023-A/S.4970-A, sponsored by Amy Paulin and Senator Brian Kavanagh. Would require all state and local law enforcement agencies to report seized or recovered guns to the criminal gun clearinghouse; participate in ATFs collective data sharing program; test-fire seized or recovered guns for the national integrated Ballistic Information Network; and enter the make, model, caliber, and serial number of the gun into the national crime information center. The measure would also require gun dealers to implement a security plan for securing firearms, rifles, and shotguns; prohibit persons under eighteen and not accompanied by a parent from certain locations of a gun dealer’s premises; provide training to all employees on the conduct of firearm, rifle, and shotgun transfers, including identification of and response to illegal purchases; adhere to record keeping requirements; and require the state police to conduct inspections of gun dealers every three years.
  • 6716-A/S89-B, sponsored by Assemblymember Monica Wallace and Senator Todd Kaminsky. Makes threatening mass harm a criminal offense.
  • 7926-A/S.4116-A, sponsored by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and Senator Brad Hoylman. Requires the DCJS to certify or decline to certify that microstamping-enabled pistols are technologically viable, and if certified as viable, to establish programs and processes for the implementation of such technology. This bill also establishes the crime of an unlawful sale of a non-microstamping-enabled firearm
  • A7865-A/S.4511-A, sponsored by Assemblymember Patricia Fahy and Senator Anna Kaplan. Requires social media networks in New York to provide a clear and concise policy regarding how they would respond to incidents of hateful conduct on their platform and maintain easily accessible mechanisms for reporting hateful conduct on those platforms.
  • 10428-A/S.9229-A, sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader Crystal People-Stokes and Senator Brad Hoylman. Would eliminate the grandfathering of large capacity ammunition feeding devices that were lawfully possessed prior to the enactment of the Safe Act or manufactured prior to 1994.
  • 10497/S.9407-B, sponsored by Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson and Senator Brian Kavanagh. Would make it unlawful to purchase and sell body vests to anyone who is not engaged in an eligible profession.
  • 10501/S.9465, sponsored by Assemblymember Demond Meeks and Senator Jamaal Bailey. Would create a new Task Force on Social Media and Violent Extremism in the Attorney General’s office to study and investigate the role of social media companies in promoting and facilitating violent extremism and domestic terrorism online.
  • 10502/S.9113-A, sponsored by Assemblymember Kevin Cahill and Senator James Skoufis. Would expand who may file an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) petition to include health care practitioners who have examined the individual within the last six months; requires police and district attorneys to file ERPO petitions upon credible information that an individual is likely to engage in conduct that would result in serious harm to himself, herself, or others; requires the State Police and the Municipal Police Training Council to create and disseminate policies and procedures to identify when an ERPO petition may be warranted; amends the firearm licensing statute to make it clear that when an individual has been reported by a mental health practitioner, and a county mental health commissioner has concurred with such practitioner that the individual is likely to engage in conduct that would result in serious harm to themself or others, such report is considered in determining whether or not to issue a firearm license to the individual; and, expands the mental health practitioners who can make such reports.
  • 10503/S.9458, sponsored by Assemblymember Chantel Jackson and Senator Kevin Thomas. Would require an individual to obtain a license prior purchasing a semiautomatic rifle. This is prospective and applies to purchases made on and after the effective date.
  • 10504/S.9456, sponsored by Assemblymember Kenny Burgos and Senator Luis Sepulveda. Would expand the definition of a “firearm” to include any weapon not defined in the penal law that is designed or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by action of an explosive.

The measures now go to Governor Kathy Hochul for signature.


Bill Passes to Create Primary Care Reform Commission
Among the flurry of health care bills that passed both Houses at the end of Session was legislation (A7230-B, Gottfried/S.6534-C, Rivera) (A7230 | (nyassembly.gov) to create a “Primary Care Reform Commission” to make recommendations to increase  spending on primary care and to strengthen primary care infrastructure.  As noted in the sponsor’s memo, representation for the group would include: experts on health care financing, reimbursement, and regulation from primary care providers, federally qualified health centers and professional practice groups, as well as representatives with relevant expertise from businesses operating within New York, public and commercial health plans including managed care plans, and primary care professional and advocacy organizations.

MSSNY had written a letter on the legislation that supports the concept of the bill to increase primary care spending, but requested that there be some designated representation by specialty care physicians as they regularly coordinate patient care with primary care physicians and other primary care providers.  The version of the bill that passed the Legislature deleted a provision with which MSSNY had raised concerns. This version would have directed the Commission to arrive at recommendations whereby primary care spending would be at least 12.5% of health care spending by 2026.  As with our advocacy in support of fair Medicare payment, MSSNY has argued that we need to increase spending on community-based physician health care altogether, not re-distribute spending, given the enormous practice struggles facing physicians of all specialties.


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Legislature Passes Bill to Provide Some New Protections Against OMIG Audits
The Senate and Assembly have passed legislation (A.7889-A, Gottfried/S.4486-B, Harckham) to provide some additional due process protections to health care providers audited by the Office of Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG).  Specifically, the bill would:

  • Require the OMIG to wait at least 60 days after issuing a final audit report before starting a recovery action on any overpayments, and to provide a minimum of 10 days advance written notice to the affected provider.
  • Prohibit OMIG from making a recovery from a provider based solely on an administrative or technical defect without any intent to falsify or defraud, except where OMIG has informed the provider of the error and given the provider 30 days to correct it, and the provider did not correct the error.
  • Require OMIG to provide an exit conference or detailed written explanation of any draft audit findings to the provider.
  • Require OMIG to only use statistically reasonable and valid extrapolation methods for audits in circumstances where extrapolation is permitted.
  • Prohibit repeating a review or audit of the same contracts, cost reports, claims, bills, or expenditures unless the OMIG has new information, good cause to believe the previous audit was erroneous, or a significantly different scope of investigation.
  • Require OMIG to apply all laws, regulations, policies, guidelines, standards, and interpretations that were in place at the time the claim or conduct occurred.


Medical Matters CME Webinars: The Relationship Between Medicine & Government During a Public Health Emergency
The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated many intricacies in the relationship between government and medicine.  Learn more about EUA’s, the Incident Command System (ICS), and executive orders by registering for The Relationship Between Medicine & Government During a Public Health Emergency on Wednesday June 15, 2022, at 7:30 a.m.  Wajiha Kazmi, Esq., attorney at New York State Department of Health, with serve as faculty for this webinar.

Educational objectives are:

  • Examine the role of executive orders during a public health emergency.
  • Discuss emergency use authorizations (EUA’s) and how they expedite resolution of public health emergencies.
  • Analyze the Incident Command System (ICS) and its relevance to planning and preparing for a public health emergency.
  • Illustrate and define the relationship between medicine and government during a public health emergency.


Webinar – Nuclear Radiation & Chemical Agents: An Update
Did you know that effects of radiation exposure can show up within a few hours or within a few months depending on the extent of exposure?  Additionally, while treaties are in place prohibiting the use of chemical weapons and calling for the destruction of stockpiles, it is unknown how many of these weapons of mass destruction remain.  To learn more, Register now for “Nuclear Radiation & Chemical Agents: An Update” on June 22, 2022 at 7:30a.m.  Arthur Cooper, MD will serve as faculty for this webinar.

Additional information or assistance with registration may be obtained by contacting Melissa Hoffman at mhoffman@mssny.org.

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.                                           



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 Roseann Raia at 516-488-6100
ext. 302

For the MSSNY 2022 Ad RateSheet, please click here.


 

Board Certified Internal or Family Medicine Physician
Join our caring team and our mission to provide the highest standard of healthcare to each of our patients. Medical office in Eastern Nassau County looking a for a hard-working, responsible Physician to join our team.

Responsibilities include care for, diagnosing and managing patients.

Please send Curriculum Vitae to drg2555@yahoo.com.


MANHATTAN MEDICAL SUITE FOR SALE –Prestigious Coop on 45 East 62nd St. between Madison & Park!!
https://www.nestseekers.com/2122082/coop-manhattan
This approximately 1100 square foot medical suite has a grand reception area that is large enough for 2 or 3 people to work from. There is an additional nook area currently used for paper chart files that could also be utilized to update charts online or for bookkeeping.  The waiting room has approximately 10 ft ceilings and a marble fireplace. The mahogany veneered office also has high ceilings. The reception area and hallway have a drop ceiling that was installed to accommodate duct work for air conditioning.  There are 1.5 bathrooms. Medical equipment is also available for sale. The property needs a cosmetic renovation update.

To schedule a showing: melissaA@nestseekers.com or Call: Melissa Alonso with Nestseekers International: 646.403.7311

IDEAL LOCATION: 45 East 62nd – Prime Lennox Hill
PRICE: $1,100,000 with 50% Financing Permitted
Monthly Maintenance: $4775


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Medical Office for Rent (Poughkeepsie) and Share (Tuckahoe)
Poughkeepsie Office Suite 1100+ sq ft, w/ five office consult-exam rooms, waiting and receptionist area, restroom & private restroom, 1 block away from MidHudson Regional Hospital. Tuckahoe office 2 1500+ sqft suites for share, 3 exam rooms with procedure room, storage room. 1 block away from train station.

Please call or text 646-302-3085 or email peter200058@yahoo.com


Medical Office Suite for Rent (Downtown, New York City) – Ready to Move In!
On Canal Street, NYC : near Mulberry and Mott Street. Busy area near Subways. In a professional 7day/week concierge building . Office Suite 1002+ sq ft, beautiful & bright w/ five office consult-exam rooms, Spacious waiting and receptionist area, utility room & private restroom. MUST SEE! Please Call for showing at: 917-378-2699 or email: cnyc2828@gmail.com. Ask for Sammie.



Rendr – Transforming Healthcare – Leadership Opportunity: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) preferred Job Position: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health in this role, you will lead and provide a wide range of support through population health, quality measures, practice transformation, Rendr360 department, House Calls, and other projects. Please send resumes careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering leadership opportunities to Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicineunder the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.


Board Certified Cardiologist Position
Exceptional private practice cardiology employment opportunity. Manhattan Cardiology is a state-of-the-art cardiology practice located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The position is 100% outpatient cardiology with minimal call and excellent compensation structure and benefits. The practice is looking to add an enthusiastic and hardworking cardiologist to join our team.

Board certification is preferred in general cardiology, echocardiography, and ideally RPVI.

Job Type: Full Time with a very competitive salary and excellent benefits awaits the qualified candidate.

Please send resumes to nikkoh@manhattancardiology.com.


Board Certified Internal or Family Medicine Physician
Be a part of our care team and join our mission to provide the highest standard of healthcare to each one of our patients. Medical Offices of Manhattan is looking for a full time enthusiastic, hard-working and responsible Board-Certified Internal or Family Medicine Physician.

Responsibilities include caring for, diagnosing and managing patients. Board certification is a must. The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and an excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com.


Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
A growing multispecialty practice in Manhattan, Medical Offices of Manhattan and Manhattan Cardiology is seeking for an enthusiastic, hardworking Board Certified Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.

Responsibilities include caring for, diagnosing, and managing patients in both the primary care and cardiology setting. The Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner will collaborate with the team in diagnosing and creating plans for each patient.

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikkoh@manhattancardiology.com.


GI Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
Medical Offices of Manhattan, a multi-specialty medical office is seeking for immediate hiring for an experienced and hardworking GI Physician Assistant.

Responsibilities includes managing Adult Gastroenterology patients with varying disease processes, including but not limited to GERD, IBD, bowel pattern changes, abdominal pain, and diseases related to the liver, pancreas, GI tract, and gallbladder; develops, implements, and manages therapeutic treatment regimens in collaboration with the Gastroenterologists and must possess excellent communication skills, with a focus on a team approach to patient-centered care

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com


Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Medical Offices of Manhattan, a multi-specialty medical office is seeking our newest team member, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to join our fast-growing team of mental health professionals.

Responsibilities includes managing both complex psychiatric and common medical problems, assess and diagnose illness states and initiate psychotropic medication (as needed) and other therapeutic interventions and collaborate with the team in diagnosing and creating plans for each patient.

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com


In Network Registered Dietician
A growing multispecialty practice in Manhattan, Medical Offices of Manhattan is seeking an In Network Registered Dietician to join our care team for immediate need.

Responsibilities includes but not limited to conducting nutritional assessment, developing and implementing patient specific care plans and recommending nutrition care plans to patients as well as recommending therapeutic diet modifications and /or supplemental feedings to patients. Must have a degree in Nutrition or Dietetics, should be RD license, Registration by the Commission on Registration (CDR) as a Registered Dietitian (RD) in New York State plus specialized certifications as needed.

The position is 100% outpatient with excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com


Board Certified Gastroenterologist Position:
Exceptional private practice gastroenterologist employment opportunity. Medical Offices of Manhattan, a multi-specialty medical office is seeking for immediate hiring for a board certified, experienced and hardworking Gastroenterologist.

Responsibilities includes managing Adult Gastroenterology patients with varying disease processes, including but not limited to GERD, IBD, bowel pattern changes, abdominal pain, and diseases related to the liver, pancreas, GI tract, and gallbladder; develops, implements, and manages therapeutic treatment regimens and must possess excellent communication skills, with a focus on a team approach to patient-centered care

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com

 

MSSNY eNews: May 27, 2022

Senate and Assembly Pass Bills to Limit Insurer Interference with Patients Obtaining Needed Medications
The New York State Senate passed two important measures this week supported by MSSNY to help patients overcome health insurance restrictions that may interfere with patients obtaining needed medications. Both bills were passed by the Assembly earlier this Session, so they will be sent to Governor Hochul later in the year for her signature.

The first bill, A.1741/S.5299, would prohibit health insurers from preventing patients from using copay cards or coupons to help meet their often-enormous deductibles and cost-sharing requirements.  This legislation would help patients, particularly those on chronic medication therapies, to realize the full benefit of these discount cards and help them meet their deductible requirements earlier in a calendar year.  MSSNY has been working with a number of patient and physician advocacy groups to support this important legislation, including the American Cancer Society, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Bleeding Disorders Coalition.  Read the joint press release: Joint Press Release (fightcancer.org)

The second bill, A.3276/S.5909, would prevent health insurers from imposing step therapy or fail first protocols on coverage for patient prescriptions to address mental health conditions.  In 2016, MSSNY worked with a number of patient advocacy groups to enact a law that established strict criteria to better enable a physician, on behalf of their patient, to override a health insurer step therapy/fail first protocol.  This legislation would go a step further, ensuring that these step therapy protocols would not be imposed at all for medications to treat mental health conditions.  Read MSSNY’s memo in support: S5909-A3276 support (mssny.org)


Do Not Wait. Please Urge Your Legislators to Reject Drastic Liability Expansion Bill that May Drive Up Your Premiums by Over 40%!!
Physicians are urged to immediately contact their legislators to request that they reject legislation (S.74-A/A.6770) strongly opposed by MSSNY, hospital associations, municipalities, and numerous other groups. This legislation would create untenable increases in New York’s already gargantuan medical liability insurance costs by exponentially increasing the types of damages awardable in all wrongful death actions, including lawsuits against physicians. A letter and/or tweet can be sent from here: Don’t Chase Physicians out of NY! (p2a.co).

The bill has advanced to the Assembly floor and to the Senate Finance Committee.  There is substantial pressure being placed on the Legislature to pass this bill in the remaining days of the 2022 Session.

One recent actuarial estimate indicated that passage of this legislation could require a liability premium increase of over 40%, which translates to tens of thousands of dollars in new costs for physicians, many of whom already pay tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars per year in their insurance costs. Under ordinary circumstances, these kinds of increases would be unsustainable and could have huge negative consequences on patient access to care at community hospitals and physician offices.  However, with so many physician practices only beginning to recover from the huge drop in patient visits and revenue during the pandemic, legislation to impose such premium increases would be unconscionable.  It could prompt significant disruptions in patient access to care.

While some say New York is an outlier compared to other states by not having this type of law, what they neglect to mention is that most of these other states also have enacted comprehensive   medical liability insurance reform, including limits on damages, that contain the enormous costs this proposal would impose.  New York has no such laws, which is why our medical liability insurance and payout costs far exceed every other state in the country, making New York regularly ranked as one of the worst states in the country to be a physician. Best & Worst States for Doctors (wallethub.com)Best & Worst States for Doctors (wallethub.com)

Please let your legislators know that comprehensive legislation is needed to bring down New York’s excessively high medical liability premiums, which far exceed every other state in the country, instead of stand-alone bills that would drive up these costs.



Podcast: The End of the 2022 NYS Legislative Session, Challenges and Successes.
Listen to MSSNY’s May 27th podcast as Senior Vice-President & Chief Legislative Counsel Moe Auster discusses the end of the 2022 NYS Legislative Session, challenges and successes.


Health Care Mandate Bills Pass the Legislature This Week
Despite concerns expressed by MSSNY together with several specialty societies about legislating the practice of medicine, a handful of bills requiring physicians and other health care providers to take specific actions in various patient care situations have passed both Houses of the Legislature.

  • 2521-C/A.3470-C would require enhanced disclosure by hospitals and other health care providers to patients of facility fees not covered by insurance, including requiring employed health care providers to disclose in advance if their employer health system is charging a facility fee. While MSSNY and several specialty societies have strongly objected to the aspect of the legislation to require an employee physician to disclose fees charged by their employer, the C-print of this legislation was a significant improvement over an earlier, untenable, version which would have required physicians and hospitals to jointly bill.
  • 4640/A.273 would require physicians and other care providers, prior to writing an initial prescription for an opioid medication to treat neuromusculoskeletal pain, to “consider and discuss with the patient” non-opioid treatment alternatives. These alternatives include but are not limited to non-opioid medications, physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture and exercise.  The bill provides that such steps would not be required when opioid prescriptions are written to treat post-surgical pain management, treating patients with cancer, for end-of-life care, or in an emergency.
  • 6287-B/A.7560-A would require OB-GYNs and midwives to provide information to their pregnant patients regarding the risks of cytomegalovirus (CMV) on their first visit during the pregnancy. The materials to be shared would be developed by the New York State Department of Health.

MSSNY will be reaching out to the Governor’s office to urge that these bills either be vetoed, or that chapter amendments be adopted, to reduce the additional documentation burden, necessary to prove compliance, these bills will impose at a time when physicians are already drowning in excessive paperwork that is contributing to physician burnout.

There are countless other practice mandate bills still under active consideration in the Session’s final days.



Legislature Passes Bill to Provide Some New Protections Against OMIG Audits
The Senate and Assembly passed legislation (A.7889-A, Gottfried/S.4486-B, Harckham) this week to provide some additional due process protections to health care providers audited by the Office of Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG).  Specifically, the bill would:

  • Require the OMIG to wait at least 60 days after issuing a final audit report before starting a recovery action on any overpayments, and to provide a minimum of 10 days advance written notice to the affected provider.
  • Prohibit OMIG from making a recovery from a provider based solely on an administrative or technical defect without any intent to falsify or defraud, except where OMIG has informed the provider of the error and given the provider 30 days to correct it, and the provider did not correct the error.
  • Require OMIG to provide an exit conference or detailed written explanation of any draft audit findings to the provider.
  • Require OMIG to only use statistically reasonable and valid extrapolation methods for audits in circumstances where extrapolation is permitted.
  • Prohibit repeating a review or audit of the same contracts, cost reports, claims, bills, or expenditures unless the OMIG has new information, good cause to believe the previous audit was erroneous, or a significantly different scope of investigation.
  • Require OMIG to apply all laws, regulations, policies, guidelines, standards, and interpretations that were in place at the time the claim or conduct occurred.


Colorectal Cancer Insurance Screening Bill Passes New York State Legislature
Legislation has passed the New York State Legislature that would require health insurance providers to provide coverage for colorectal cancer screening(s) in accordance with American Cancer Society guidelines for average risk individuals. As of May 2021, the guidelines recommend beginning screening at age 45 for such individuals. A20985A/S906B, sponsored by Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz and Senator Sanders, will now go to Governor Kathy Hochul for signature. The Medical Society of the State of New York supported this measure and joined with various public health organizations and specialty societies in support.


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Measure to Establish Cultural Competence Training for Medical Professionals Passes NY State Senate
A measure (S.1352, Serrano) to establish cultural awareness and competence training for medical professionals has passed in the New York State Senate.  The Assembly companion bill (A.9828A, Cruz) remains in the Assembly Higher Education Committee. The Medical Society of the State of New York has policy that generally supports 50 hours of continuing medical education for all physicians, but that is based on the physician specialty and choice to meet their practice needs.


Bill Allowing Pharmacists to Administer Injectable Medicines Advances in NYS Legislature
A bill that would allow pharmacists to administer some injectable medications for substance use disorders and mental health is advancing in the state Legislature. This measure, A. 3040B/S. 4080B, is in the Assembly Rules Committee and is on the calendar in the Senate. Sponsored by Assemblymember John McDonald and Senator Neil Breslin, the measure would allow pharmacists to inject medications into the deltoid muscle for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorder, upon receipt of a prescription for such medication. The Medical Society of the State of New York appreciates that this bill has been improved from past versions to limit where the injection can occur to the deltoid muscle and ensuring that it only pursuant a prescription by a prescriber. However, MSSNY is concerned that this legislation would set a significant new precedent of pharmacists providing medical treatment.   While improvements to access of mental health and substance use treatment is an urgent matter, patients must still be seen on a regular basis for medication management. Much of the medication management for mental health has to do with titration of medications, reassurance of the importance of continuing medications, and changing medications when they are not being effective or patient noncompliance due to side effects. A pharmacist neither has the training nor the ability to manage mental health medications, including, including physical diagnosis and history taking.


 


Sepsis Summit to Be Held June 15 in Albany NY
The Home Care Association of NYS will host a Sepsis Summit on June 15, 2022, at the Hilton Hotel in Albany.  The summit, which will run from 9:00AM -3:15 PM, is open to physicians throughout the state.  Sepsis impacts individuals across the entire continuum of care, with 80-90% of sepsis related infections occurring in home and community.  Sepsis deaths are preventable, but the solution requires participation and collaboration across the entire health care system.  Register for the summit at: https://hca-nys.org/the-statewide-call-to-action-all-sector-sepsis-summit/

State and national officials, as well as industry leaders, will present the most current developments, innovations, and vision addressing sepsis research, interventions, new models, and directions. This year’s summit focuses on sepsis across the health care system, in special needs populations and settings, and strategies for collaborative response. Leading the discussion will be co-founders and leaders of ENDSEPSIS – Rory Staunton Legacy and Sepsis Alliance.   As a partner in this statewide initiative and the summit, the Medical Society of the State of New York encourages physicians to attend this time program.


The Relationship Between Medicine & Government During a Public Health Emergency
The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated many intricacies in the relationship between government and medicine.  Learn more about EUA’s, the Incident Command System (ICS), and executive orders by registering for The Relationship Between Medicine & Government During a Public Health Emergency on Wednesday June 15, 2022, at 7:30 a.m.  Wajiha Kazmi, Esq., attorney at New York State Department of Health with serve as faculty for this webinar.
Educational objectives are:

  • Examine the role of executive orders during a public health emergency.
  • Discuss emergency use authorizations (EUA’s) and how they expedite resolution of public health emergencies.
  • Analyze the Incident Command System (ICS) and its relevance to planning and preparing for a public health emergency.
  • Illustrate and define the relationship between medicine and government during a public health emergency.

Additional information or assistance with registration may be obtained by contacting Melissa Hoffman at mhoffman@mssny.org

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. 


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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 Roseann Raia at 516-488-6100
ext. 302

For the MSSNY 2022 Ad RateSheet, please click here.


MANHATTAN MEDICAL SUITE FOR SALE –Prestigious Coop on 45 East 62nd St. between Madison & Park!!
https://www.nestseekers.com/2122082/coop-manhattan
This approximately 1100 square foot medical suite has a grand reception area that is large enough for 2 or 3 people to work from. There is an additional nook area currently used for paper chart files that could also be utilized to update charts online or for bookkeeping. The waiting room has approximately 10 ft ceilings and a marble fireplace. The mahogany veneered office also has high ceilings. The reception area and 3 exam rooms have a drop ceiling that was installed to accommodate more electricity for the current owner’s use for laser machines. There are 1.5 bathrooms. Medical equipment is also available for sale. The property needs a cosmetic renovation update. To schedule a showing: melissaA@nestseekers.com or Call: Melissa Alonso with Nestseekers International: 646.403.7311
IDEAL LOCATION: 45 East 62nd – Prime Lennox Hill
PRICE: $1,100,000 with 50% Financing Permitted
Monthly Maintenance: $4775


Medical Office for Rent (Poughkeepsie) and Share (Tuckahoe)
Poughkeepsie Office Suite 1100+ sq ft, w/ five office consult-exam rooms, waiting and receptionist area, restroom & private restroom, 1 block away from MidHudson Regional Hospital. Tuckahoe office 2 1500+ sqft suites for share, 3 exam rooms with procedure room, storage room. 1 block away from train station.

Please call or text 646-302-3085 or email peter200058@yahoo.com


Medical Office Suite for Rent (Downtown, New York City) – Ready to Move In!
On Canal Street, NYC : near Mulberry and Mott Street. Busy area near Subways. In a professional 7day/week concierge building . Office Suite 1002+ sq ft, beautiful & bright w/ five office consult-exam rooms, Spacious waiting and receptionist area, utility room & private restroom. MUST SEE! Please Call for showing at: 917-378-2699 or email: cnyc2828@gmail.com. Ask for Sammie.



Rendr – Transforming Healthcare – Leadership Opportunity: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) preferred Job Position: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health in this role, you will lead and provide a wide range of support through population health, quality measures, practice transformation, Rendr360 department, House Calls, and other projects. Please send resumes careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering leadership opportunities to Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicineunder the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.


Board Certified Cardiologist Position
Exceptional private practice cardiology employment opportunity. Manhattan Cardiology is a state-of-the-art cardiology practice located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The position is 100% outpatient cardiology with minimal call and excellent compensation structure and benefits. The practice is looking to add an enthusiastic and hardworking cardiologist to join our team.

Board certification is preferred in general cardiology, echocardiography, and ideally RPVI.

Job Type: Full Time with a very competitive salary and excellent benefits awaits the qualified candidate.

Please send resumes to nikkoh@manhattancardiology.com.


Board Certified Internal or Family Medicine Physician
Be a part of our care team and join our mission to provide the highest standard of healthcare to each one of our patients. Medical Offices of Manhattan is looking for a full time enthusiastic, hard-working and responsible Board-Certified Internal or Family Medicine Physician.

Responsibilities include caring for, diagnosing and managing patients. Board certification is a must. The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and an excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com.


Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
A growing multispecialty practice in Manhattan, Medical Offices of Manhattan and Manhattan Cardiology is seeking for an enthusiastic, hardworking Board Certified Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.

Responsibilities include caring for, diagnosing, and managing patients in both the primary care and cardiology setting. The Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner will collaborate with the team in diagnosing and creating plans for each patient.

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikkoh@manhattancardiology.com.


GI Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
Medical Offices of Manhattan, a multi-specialty medical office is seeking for immediate hiring for an experienced and hardworking GI Physician Assistant.

Responsibilities includes managing Adult Gastroenterology patients with varying disease processes, including but not limited to GERD, IBD, bowel pattern changes, abdominal pain, and diseases related to the liver, pancreas, GI tract, and gallbladder; develops, implements, and manages therapeutic treatment regimens in collaboration with the Gastroenterologists and must possess excellent communication skills, with a focus on a team approach to patient-centered care

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com


Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Medical Offices of Manhattan, a multi-specialty medical office is seeking our newest team member, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to join our fast-growing team of mental health professionals.

Responsibilities includes managing both complex psychiatric and common medical problems, assess and diagnose illness states and initiate psychotropic medication (as needed) and other therapeutic interventions and collaborate with the team in diagnosing and creating plans for each patient.

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com


In Network Registered Dietician
A growing multispecialty practice in Manhattan, Medical Offices of Manhattan is seeking an In Network Registered Dietician to join our care team for immediate need.

Responsibilities includes but not limited to conducting nutritional assessment, developing and implementing patient specific care plans and recommending nutrition care plans to patients as well as recommending therapeutic diet modifications and /or supplemental feedings to patients. Must have a degree in Nutrition or Dietetics, should be RD license, Registration by the Commission on Registration (CDR) as a Registered Dietitian (RD) in New York State plus specialized certifications as needed.

The position is 100% outpatient with excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com


 

 

MSSNY eNews: May 25, 2022

MSSNY Statement on Texas Shooting
MSSNY sent the following statement to the press today:

Statement Attributable to:
Parag Mehta, MD
President, Medical Society of the State of New York

“Less than two weeks after the heartbreaking mass shooting in our own community of Buffalo, we are again distraught by yet another mass shooting. MSSNY offers our deep condolences to the victims’ families. The horrific event in Texas yesterday—this time causing the unimaginable deaths of 19 innocent children and two teachers—reminds us of the urgent need for a waiting period and background checks for firearms purchases.

“MSSNY supports legislation that requires a waiting period and background checks prior to the purchase of all firearms, including the person-to-person transfer, internet sales, and interstate transactions of all firearms. In addition, MSSNY supports a ‘red flag’ concept in New York State.

“As a father, I say enough is enough.  These measures must be enacted as soon as possible to help prevent further tragedies from occurring.”


MSSNY’s House of Delegates Highlights

MSSNY’s 215th House of Delegates meeting was held at the Westchester Marriot in Tarrytown last weekend. Check back in next week’s edition of eNews for a summary of the resolutions that were passed during the proceedings. In the meantime, following is the new slate of officers elected over the weekend, followed by some photos highlighting the weekend events. Check MSSNY’s social media channels for more photos and highlights from the weekend: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Officers (Each for term of 2022-2023)
President Parag H. Mehta, MD, Kings
President-Elect Paul A. Pipia, MD, Nassau
Vice-President Jerome C. Cohen, MD, Broome
Secretary Howard H. Huang, MD, Jefferson
Assistant Secretary Joshua M. Cohen, MD, New York
Treasurer Mark J. Adams, MD, Monroe
Assistant Treasurer Frank G. Dowling, MD, Suffolk
Speaker William R. Latreille, MD, FACP, Franklin
Vice-Speaker Maria A. Basile, MD, Suffolk
Councilors (Four for term 2021-2024)
First District Penny Stern, MD, Queens
Second District Daniel Choi, MD, Suffolk
Third District Jose David, MD, Albany
Ninth District Daniel Gold, MD, Westchester

OMSS Councilor (Term 2022-2025) – L. Carlos Zapata, MD, Queens
RFS Councilor (One year term 2022-2023) – Randall Porter, MD, Monroe
MSS Councilor (One year term 2022-2023) – Leanna Knight, Monroe

Trustees (One Five Year Term 2022-2027) – Bonnie L. Litvack, MD, Westchester

 


 


Congratulations to MSSNY’s Poster Symposium Winners!


MSSNY Immediate Past President Quoted in Buffalo News Following Buffalo Mass Shooting
The Buffalo (NY) News (5/20, Scanlon) reports, “The mass shooting in Buffalo last weekend provided yet another example why many in the health field – frustrated that gun safety debates all too often start and end with talk of more background checks and renewed automatic weapons bans – look to reframe the gun-violence conversation as one focused on finding a broader array of data-driven solutions.” Medical Society of the State of New York President Joseph Sellers, MD, FAAP, FACP, said, “We have a crisis in racism, a crisis in gun violence, but also a crisis in the lack of services, including a lack of access to mental health care.” Dr. Sellers “believes a regional approach…would be a great first step to build more consensus nationwide.”



State’s Highest Court Rules MLMIC Policyholder Entitled to Dividend Over Employer
Last week, the New York State Court of Appeals issued a decision Columbia Memorial Hospital v. Hinds: Justia that upheld several Appellate Court decisions that concluded that a MLMIC policyholder is entitled to the proceeds of MLMIC’s de-mutualization, absent contrary terms in their contract of employment, insurance policy, or separate agreement, that the proceeds belong to the employer or entity that paid the premiums.  There had been several disputes across the state whether the dividends should be paid to the policyholder or to the employer or entity that paid the premium.  Physician policyholders whose dividends were placed into escrow due to a dispute over entitlement to these funds should reach out to their legal counsel or to MLMIC at Conversion_coordinator@mlmic.com to determine next steps.


MSSNY Collaboration Featured in ACCME Academy Course
On May 23, 2022, the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) released a new course on their learning management system, ACCME Academy, based on a collaboration between MSSNY, the Texas Medical Association (TMA), and Washington State Medical Association (WSMA).  MSSNY’s CME Manager, Miriam Hardin, PhD, had teamed up with Casey Harrison, MBA, Director of Physician Education at TMA and Kendra Peterson, Associate Director, Education and Accreditation at WSMA to lead a working group for the ACCME 2021 Meeting. The working group produced a “CE Mentorship” toolkit, which can be used to administer mentorship programs within or across organizations.

ACCME has included an announcement about the course in the May 24, 2022 issue of their email Newsletter.  ACCME has designed the course to orient CME professionals on how to navigate and leverage the mentorship toolkit.

The collaboration has continued in 2022, with a mentorship pilot program open to CME providers accredited by MSSNY, TMA, and WSMA.  In April of 2022, Casey, Kendra, and Miriam led an “Inspire and Teach” online session for the ACCME 2022 Meeting, reporting on the pilot program.  The session has generated interest from other State Medical Society Accreditors, for a potential expansion of mentorship program in 2023.


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MSSNY Member’s Letter to Editor Published in New York Times:
The following letter was published in the New York Times on May 20:

Re “Adams Resists New Mandates as Covid Rises

We just don’t get it. Every time we “open up” and remove protective measures, Covid soars. Over a million Americans have died from the virus, depriving their loved ones of their presence. And needless hospitalization costs more than prevention and taxes the health system, already enormously overwhelmed.

As physicians, we aim to prevent disease. New York City’s mayor thinks that it is better to treat Covid (with expensive drugs that don’t always work and can cause serious side effects) than to take the necessary steps to avoid it. And it may be more than just the mayor’s “tickle in my throat” if you wind up in the I.C.U. or get long Covid.

Yes, the economy is vital, but more disease makes fewer people able to shop or eat out or go to work. And we don’t yet know the long-term effects on the brain and body. So prevention is key, and we need to follow the advice of public health experts who should be in control of this, not politicians.

It is not a burden to get vaccinated and boosted and wear a good-quality mask. It is a responsibility to our fellow citizens and ourselves. We used to care about each other. Taking these steps would help us finally emerge from this scourge.

Stephen Danziger, Brooklyn
The writer, a physician, is a member of the Covid-19 Task Force of the Medical Society of the County of Kings (Brooklyn)


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 Roseann Raia at 516-488-6100
ext. 302

For the MSSNY 2022 Ad RateSheet, please click here.


MANHATTAN MEDICAL SUITE FOR SALE –Prestigious Coop on 45 East 62nd St. between Madison & Park!!
https://www.nestseekers.com/2122082/coop-manhattan
This approximately 1100 square foot medical suite has a grand reception area that is large enough for 2 or 3 people to work from. There is an additional nook area currently used for paper chart files that could also be utilized to update charts online or for bookkeeping.  The waiting room has approximately 10 ft ceilings and a marble fireplace. The mahogany veneered office also has high ceilings. The reception area and 3 exam rooms have a drop ceiling that was installed to accommodate more electricity for the current owner’s use for laser machines. There are 1.5 bathrooms. Medical equipment is also available for sale. The property needs a cosmetic renovation update. To schedule a showing: melissaA@nestseekers.com or Call: Melissa Alonso with Nestseekers International: 646.403.7311
IDEAL LOCATION: 45 East 62nd – Prime Lennox Hill
PRICE: $1,100,000 with 50% Financing Permitted
Monthly Maintenance: $4775


Medical Office for Rent (Poughkeepsie) and Share (Tuckahoe)
Poughkeepsie Office Suite 1100+ sq ft, w/ five office consult-exam rooms, waiting and receptionist area, restroom & private restroom, 1 block away from MidHudson Regional Hospital. Tuckahoe office 2 1500+ sqft suites for share, 3 exam rooms with procedure room, storage room. 1 block away from train station.

Please call or text 646-302-3085 or email peter200058@yahoo.com



Medical Office Suite for Rent  (Downtown, New York City) – Ready to Move In!
On Canal Street, NYC : near Mulberry and Mott Street. Busy area near Subways. In a professional 7day/week concierge building . Office Suite 1002+ sq ft, beautiful & bright w/ five office consult-exam rooms, Spacious waiting and receptionist area, utility room & private restroom.  MUST SEE!  Please Call for showing at: 917-378-2699 or email: cnyc2828@gmail.com. Ask for Sammie.


Rendr- Transforming Healthcare – Leadership Opportunity: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) preferred
Job Position: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health in this role, you will lead and provide a wide range of support through population health, quality measures, practice transformation, Rendr360 department, House Calls, and other projects.  Please send resumes careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering leadership opportunities to Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicineunder the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.


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Board Certified Cardiologist Position
Exceptional private practice cardiology employment opportunity. Manhattan Cardiology is a state-of-the-art cardiology practice located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The position is 100% outpatient cardiology with minimal call and excellent compensation structure and benefits. The practice is looking to add an enthusiastic and hardworking cardiologist to join our team.

Board certification is preferred in general cardiology, echocardiography, and ideally RPVI.

Job Type: Full Time with a very competitive salary and excellent benefits awaits the qualified candidate.

Please send resumes to nikkoh@manhattancardiology.com.


Board Certified Internal or Family Medicine Physician
Be a part of our care team and join our mission to provide the highest standard of healthcare to each one of our patients. Medical Offices of Manhattan is looking for a full time enthusiastic, hard-working and responsible Board-Certified Internal or Family Medicine Physician.

Responsibilities include caring for, diagnosing and managing patients. Board certification is a must. The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and an excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com.


Physician Assistant/ Nurse Practitioner
A growing multispecialty practice in Manhattan, Medical Offices of Manhattan and Manhattan Cardiology is seeking for an enthusiastic, hardworking Board Certified Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.

Responsibilities include caring for, diagnosing, and managing patients in both the primary care and cardiology setting. The Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner will collaborate with the team in diagnosing and creating plans for each patient.

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikkoh@manhattancardiology.com.


GI Physician Assistant/ Nurse Practitioner
Medical Offices of Manhattan, a multi-specialty medical office is seeking for immediate hiring for an experienced and hardworking GI Physician Assistant.

Responsibilities includes managing Adult Gastroenterology patients with varying disease processes, including but not limited to GERD, IBD, bowel pattern changes, abdominal pain, and diseases related to the liver, pancreas, GI tract, and gallbladder; develops, implements, and manages therapeutic treatment regimens in collaboration with the Gastroenterologists and must possess excellent communication skills, with a focus on a team approach to patient-centered care

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com


Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Medical Offices of Manhattan, a multi-specialty medical office is seeking our newest team member, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to join our fast-growing team of mental health professionals.

Responsibilities includes managing both complex psychiatric and common medical problems, assess and diagnose illness states and initiate psychotropic medication (as needed) and other therapeutic interventions and collaborate with the team in diagnosing and creating plans for each patient.

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com


In Network Registered Dietician
A growing multispecialty practice in Manhattan, Medical Offices of Manhattan is seeking an In Network Registered Dietician to join our care team for immediate need.

Responsibilities includes but not limited to conducting nutritional assessment, developing and implementing patient specific care plans and recommending nutrition care plans to patients as well as recommending therapeutic diet modifications and /or supplemental feedings to patients. Must have a degree in Nutrition or Dietetics, should be RD license, Registration by the Commission on Registration (CDR) as a Registered Dietitian (RD) in New York State plus specialized certifications as needed.

The position is 100% outpatient with excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com


 

 

MSSNY eNews: May 18, 2022

MSSNY Continuing Push for Passage of Copay Accumulator Legislation by End of Legislative Session
Physicians are urged to contact (take action) their legislators to urge the passage of legislation (A.1741/S.5299) that would prohibit health insurers from preventing patients from using copay cards or coupons to help these patients meet their often enormous deductibles.

Importantly, the bill passed the New York State Assembly this afternoon, and is on floor of the Senate where hopefully it will be taken up next week. MSSNY has been working with several patient and physician advocacy groups to support this important legislation.  Read our joint press release here.

Last week, MSSNY President Dr. Joseph Sellers, MD, joined the bill sponsors and various patient advocacy groups urging action on this legislation before session ends on June 2nd.


Urge Your Legislators to Reject Untenable Measures to Drive Up Physician Liability Premiums by Over 40%
Physicians are urged to contact their legislators to request that they reject legislation (S.74-A/A.6770) that is strongly opposed by MSSNY, hospital associations, and numerous other groups. This legislation would create untenable increases in New York’s already excessive medical liability costs by greatly expanding the types of damages awardable in all wrongful death actions, including lawsuits against physicians. Please visit our Grassroots Action Center (GAC) to take action and let your legislators know to oppose this legislation. A letter and/or tweet can be sent from here: Don’t Chase Physicians out of NY! (p2a.co).

The bill has advanced to the Assembly floor and to the Senate Finance Committee.

One recent actuarial estimate indicated that passage of this legislation could require a liability premium increase of over 40%, which translates to tens of thousands of dollars in new costs for physicians, many of whom already pay tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars per year in their insurance costs. This could make it impossible for many physicians to stay in practice in New York.  Under ordinary circumstances, these kinds of increases would be unsustainable and could have huge negative consequences on patient access to care at community hospitals and physician offices.  However, with so many physician practices only beginning to recover from the huge drop in patient visits and revenue during the pandemic, legislation to impose such premium increases would be unconscionable. It could prompt significant disruptions in patient access to care.

While some advocates have claimed that New York’s existing wrongful death law is an outlier compared to other states, what they do not mention is that most of these other states also have comprehensive provisions to contain excessive medical liability insurance costs, including limits on damages.  New York has no such law, which is why our medical liability insurance and payout costs far exceed every other state in the country, making New York regularly ranked as one of the worst states in the country to be a physician. Best & Worst States for Doctors (wallethub.com)Best & Worst States for Doctors (wallethub.com)

Please let your legislators know that comprehensive legislation is needed to bring down New York’s excessively high medical liability premiums, which far exceed every other state in the country, instead of stand-alone bills that would drive up these costs.


 


Are You Having Issues with Empire/Anthem Claims?
Have you found yourself having issues specific to claims? Please see below information from Empire/Anthem to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding how to escalate your concerns in the proper order.

Did you know?

Provider Relations is not the first point of contact for billing/claims issues and cannot accept inquiries that have not first gone through the following escalation process: Claims and billing inquiries must be processed in the Provider Services Call Center per the numbers indicated above. (Note that you should allow 30-45 days for resolution/response.)

If the Call Center Representative does not sufficiently address your issue, please request to speak to a supervisor or manager. If the manager cannot assist you immediately, you will receive a call-back within two business days, excluding holidays and weekends. If the manager’s response does not resolve the issue, you may escalate your concerns and fill out a web form to the Provider Experience Team link below. You must include the inquiry number/reference number, Provider Services response, name of the manager/supervisor you spoke with, member name, ID and prefix, DOS, claim number, and details on the issue to Provider Experience.

For more complex matters, contracted medical providers should email the Provider Experience Team and complete the Provider Maintenance form. A representative will be assigned to you and will make contact within 48 hours.

Log in or register for Availity here. Availity can be used to verify member benefits and eligibility, accept claims, view claims status, and submit and view prior authorization requests. You can also live chat with a representative in Availity. Login to the Availity Portal and select Anthem from the payer spaces drop-down menu. Then select Chat with Payer and complete the pre-chat form to start your chat.

If you have questions about this or any other insurance concern, contact MSSNY’s Director of Physician Payment and Practice, Heather Lopez, at 518.465.8085 X332 | hlopez@mssny.org


Numerous Physician Mandate Bills Under Consideration in the Final Weeks of Session
As we head into the final 2 weeks of the legislative session, physicians are urged to contact their legislators (Oppose Mandates (p2a.co)) to request that they reject the array of bills under active consideration in the Senate and Assembly that would impose requirements on physicians delivering care to their patients.

MSSNY has been working together with numerous affected specialty societies (Letter) to highlight their collective concerns that, while each of these proposals may have good intentions, in totality they are creating significant new documentation requirements that place the physician’s licensure in jeopardy if there is an instance where they fail to document that they completed a task.

Despite expressed concerns from MSSNY and various specialty societies, one of these objectionable bills (S.2521-C/A.3470-C) passed both Houses this week to require enhanced disclosure by hospitals and other health care providers to patients of facility fees not covered by insurance, including requiring employed health care providers to disclose in advance if their employer health system is charging a facility fee. While MSSNY and several specialty societies have strongly objected to the aspect of the legislation to require an employee to disclose fees charged by their employer, the C-print of this legislation was a significant improvement over an earlier, untenable, version which would have required physicians and hospitals to jointly bill.

Some of the remaining mandate bills under consideration include:

  • S.213/A.1615 – Requires physicians to obtain the school attended by their pediatric patients.
  • S.2103-B/A.5841-B – Requires physicians to obtain a detailed patient/family member consent for a nursing home resident prior to the receipt of a psychotropic medication, or detailed documentation of the need to provide such medication without consent.
  • S.2736/A.217 – Requires physicians and other maternal care providers to provide information to pregnant patients regarding the risks of a caesarean section to patients scheduled to have a C-section.
  • S.4640/A.273 – Requires physicians and other care providers to document that they considered and discussed numerous alternatives to opioid treatment prior to writing an opioid prescription for a patient.
  • S.6287-B/A.7560-A – Requires OB-GYNs to provide information to their pregnant patients regarding the risks of cytomegalovirus (CMV).
  • S.7865/A.5976-A – Requires physicians and other maternal care providers providing pre- and post-natal care or pediatric care to invite the mother to fill out a questionnaire to detect maternal depression.
  • S.8455/A.9380 – Requires physicians and other maternal care providers to provide information to patients about the potential consequences of an episiotomy.

Please remain alert for further updates on these issues.



CMS-1500 Form: Important Reminders for Physicians
Are you ready for the July 1, 2022CMS-1500 form implementation? The Workers’ Compensation Board (Board) is transitioning to the CMS-1500 form, which will streamline the medical billing process and reduce the paperwork requirements in the workers’ compensation system. The more straightforward billing process will require health care providers to use the CMS-1500 form for all workers’ compensation medical billing, including the medical narrative attachment of the injured worker’s temporary impairment percentage, work status, and the casual relationship of the injury. The report is at risk of being legally defective if you do not prominently include the medical narrative. You will not receive payment, and you will be leaving the injured worker unable to receive benefits and treatment. To ensure forms are submitted promptly, it is encouraged to use an XML submission partner.

Bills for ancillary services such as radiology, anesthesiology, or surgery have unique attachment requirements.

You must first sign up for the medical portal to register for XML Submissions. You must then apply for electronic submission of medical bills to payers and the Board. Now discuss the submission details with an approved XML submission partner. Begin reaping the benefits of quicker payments, confirmation of invoices within seven days, and submission assistance.

On July 1, 2022, the following forms will be discontinued:

  • Doctor’s Initial Report (Form C-4, Form EC-4)
  • Continuation to Carrier/Employer Billing Section (Form C-4.1)
  • Doctor’s Progress Report (Form C-4.2, Form EC-4.2)
  • Ancillary Medical Report (Form C-4AMR, Form EC-4AMR)
  • Doctor’s Narrative Report (Form EC-4NARR)
  • Occupational/Physical Therapist’s Report (Form OT/PT-4, Form EOT/PT-4)
  • Psychologists Report (Form PS-4)
  • Ophthalmologist’s Report (Form C-5)

Pursuant to 12 NYCRR 325-1.25(b)(1), effective July 1, 2022, bills submitted on any of the above forms shall not be eligible for an award issued through the medical dispute process under the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Law.

For more information, please visit the Board’s website or email CMS1500@wcb.ny.gov. For clinical feedback and questions, email provider@wcb.ny.gov.


New York State Department of Health Updated COVID-19 Advisory
New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) updated its advisory on the infection prevention and control recommendations that all healthcare settings in New York should follow during the COVID-19 pandemic. Except for when alternate NYSDOH guidance is available, NYSDOH recommends that all healthcare settings adhere to the infection prevention and control guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

Healthcare facility personnel are advised to regularly and frequently review the NYSDOH website, the New York State Health Commerce System, the CDC Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic and, for nursing homes, the Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations to Prevent SARS-CoV-2 Spread in Nursing Homes for updates to NYS and CDC guidance.

General questions or comments about this advisory can be sent to: covidhospitaldtcinfo@health.ny.gov, covidnursinghomeinfo@health.ny.gov, or icp@health.ny.gov.


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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 Roseann Raia at 516-488-6100
ext. 302

For the MSSNY 2022 Ad RateSheet, please click here.


Medical Office Suite for Rent  (Downtown, New York City) – Ready to Move In!
On Canal Street, NYC : near Mulberry and Mott Street. Busy area near Subways. In a professional 7day/week concierge building . Office Suite 1002+ sq ft, beautiful & bright w/ five office consult-exam rooms, Spacious waiting and receptionist area, utility room & private restroom.  MUST SEE!  Please Call for showing at: 917-378-2699 or email: cnyc2828@gmail.com. Ask for Sammie.


Rendr- Transforming Healthcare – Leadership Opportunity: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) preferred
Job Position: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health in this role, you will lead and provide a wide range of support through population health, quality measures, practice transformation, Rendr360 department, House Calls, and other projects.  Please send resumes careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering leadership opportunities to Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicineunder the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.



Board Certified Cardiologist Position
Exceptional private practice cardiology employment opportunity. Manhattan Cardiology is a state-of-the-art cardiology practice located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The position is 100% outpatient cardiology with minimal call and excellent compensation structure and benefits. The practice is looking to add an enthusiastic and hardworking cardiologist to join our team.

Board certification is preferred in general cardiology, echocardiography, and ideally RPVI.

Job Type: Full Time with a very competitive salary and excellent benefits awaits the qualified candidate.

Please send resumes to nikkoh@manhattancardiology.com.


Board Certified Internal or Family Medicine Physician
Be a part of our care team and join our mission to provide the highest standard of healthcare to each one of our patients. Medical Offices of Manhattan is looking for a full time enthusiastic, hard-working and responsible Board-Certified Internal or Family Medicine Physician.

Responsibilities include caring for, diagnosing and managing patients. Board certification is a must. The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and an excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com.


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Physician Assistant/ Nurse Practitioner
A growing multispecialty practice in Manhattan, Medical Offices of Manhattan and Manhattan Cardiology is seeking for an enthusiastic, hardworking Board Certified Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.

Responsibilities include caring for, diagnosing, and managing patients in both the primary care and cardiology setting. The Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner will collaborate with the team in diagnosing and creating plans for each patient.

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikkoh@manhattancardiology.com.


GI Physician Assistant/ Nurse Practitioner
Medical Offices of Manhattan, a multi-specialty medical office is seeking for immediate hiring for an experienced and hardworking GI Physician Assistant.

Responsibilities includes managing Adult Gastroenterology patients with varying disease processes, including but not limited to GERD, IBD, bowel pattern changes, abdominal pain, and diseases related to the liver, pancreas, GI tract, and gallbladder; develops, implements, and manages therapeutic treatment regimens in collaboration with the Gastroenterologists and must possess excellent communication skills, with a focus on a team approach to patient-centered care

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com



Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Medical Offices of Manhattan, a multi-specialty medical office is seeking our newest team member, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to join our fast-growing team of mental health professionals.

Responsibilities includes managing both complex psychiatric and common medical problems, assess and diagnose illness states and initiate psychotropic medication (as needed) and other therapeutic interventions and collaborate with the team in diagnosing and creating plans for each patient.

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com


In Network Registered Dietician
A growing multispecialty practice in Manhattan, Medical Offices of Manhattan is seeking an In Network Registered Dietician to join our care team for immediate need.

Responsibilities includes but not limited to conducting nutritional assessment, developing and implementing patient specific care plans and recommending nutrition care plans to patients as well as recommending therapeutic diet modifications and /or supplemental feedings to patients. Must have a degree in Nutrition or Dietetics, should be RD license, Registration by the Commission on Registration (CDR) as a Registered Dietitian (RD) in New York State plus specialized certifications as needed.

The position is 100% outpatient with excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com


 

 

MSSNY eNews: May 13, 2022

Message from MSSNY President Dr Joseph Sellers:
Looking Forward to Our In-Person HOD Meeting Next Week

Colleagues:
Next week’s House of Delegates meeting—our first in-person meeting since the beginning of the pandemic—will mark the end of my term as MSSNY President. I have thoroughly enjoyed my term and am proud of the work that we have collectively done to improve the lives of both our members and the patients in our care.

I attended my first HOD in 1990 as the delegate chosen to represent the newly formed young physician section. I quickly learned that this gathering of physicians and medical students from across the state and from the full breadth of medical specialties offers us an opportunity to develop the policies and priorities that will shape our medical society for the coming year. Our profession and our patients will once again benefit from the hard work of our dedicated delegates as we meet in Westchester next Saturday.

I am delighted to be turning over the president’s gavel and medallion next week to Dr. Parag Mehta. Dr. Mehta brings wisdom, experience, and energy to the presidency. I pledge to him my support for the coming year in any way that he needs.

In addition to Dr. Mehta, our Officers, our Counselors, and our Trustees are all ready and able to carry forward the work of MSSNY as directed by the delegates at our annual meeting. We have much to accomplish but have the team in place to achieve our goals.

One of the privileges of being MSSNY president has been the ability to work with our outstanding EVP, Troy Oechsner, our division leaders and our staff. Their enthusiasm and knowledge are unmatched among professional organizations in our state. The success of MSSNY in supporting our physicians and our patients is a result of having these dedicated allies.

In closing, I wish to extend special thanks to Julie Vecchione, MSSNY’s Vice President of Communications, who has helped me express my thoughts in the eNews introduction each Friday this past year. I hope that our readers have found our words informative.

Joseph Sellers, MD, FAAP, FACP
MSSNY President


MSSNY Members Invited to Participate in “Stories from Physicians on the Front Line”
MSSNY members are invited to participate in an initiative by The Physicians Foundation: America’s Health: Stories from Physicians on The Frontline. America’s Health is a platform that allows physicians to share personal stories on the front lines of medicine in the form of short videos. The goal for this initiative is to help inspire other physicians to share their experiences and create an open dialogue within the physician community.

Any physicians are welcome to share their experiences and/or perspectives on issues that are facing physicians, such as reducing health disparities, improving physician wellbeing, the future of the practice post COVID-19 and more!

If you’re interested in participating, share a video to be featured as part of the America’s Health initiative. While we try to keep the videos to approximately 90 seconds long, please film as much or as little as you like. The Physicians Foundation can edit the content into snippets for multiple uses, if applicable.

This document outlines best practices for filming your video, with some tips on how to get the best quality video.



Deadline Extended to Complete Provider Relief Fund Late Reporting for Period 2 – May 18, 2022
The deadline for providers to request to submit a late Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Reporting Period 2 (RP2) has been extended to May 18th at 11:59 pm ET.

Physicians who received more than $10,000 in provider relief funds and did not submit their Period 2 report must act immediately by submitting a late Reporting Period 2 report request by Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 11:59 pm ET. Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Period 2 spanned from July 1, 2020, thru December 31, 2020, and included physicians who see patients with Medicaid and CHIP coverage. Attached is an overview of the information needed to request to report late. If a provider did not submit a Period 2 report and does not hear from HRSA, click here to learn more about the late reporting request form or call (866) 569-3522.

When completing the late reporting request, a provider must choose an extenuating circumstance(s) that prevented compliance with the original reporting deadline. HRSA has released the following as allowable extenuating circumstances:

  • Severe illness or death– a severe medical condition or death of a provider or key staff member responsible for reporting hindered the organization’s ability to complete the report during the Reporting Period.
  • Impacted by natural disaster – a natural disaster occurred during or in close proximity of the end of the Reporting Period damaging the organization’s records or information technology.
  • Lack of receipt of reporting communications – an incorrect email or mailing address on file with HRSA prevented the organization from receiving instructions prior to the Reporting Period deadline.
  • Failure to click “submit”– the organization registered and prepared a report in the PRF Reporting Portal but failed to take the final step to click “submit” prior to deadline.
  • Internal miscommunication or error – Internal miscommunication or error regarding the individual who was authorized and expected to submit the report on behalf of the organization and/or the registered point of contact in the PRF Reporting Portal.
  • Incomplete Targeted Distribution payments – the organization’s parent entity completed all General Distribution payments, but a Targeted Distribution(s) was not reported on by the subsidiary.

While attesting to an extenuating circumstance is required, no supporting document or proof is required. More information and a step-by-step guide from the AMA are available here.

If HRSA approves the extenuated circumstances form, the provider will receive a notification to proceed with completing the Reporting Period 2 report shortly thereafter. The AMA will continue to advocate for greater flexibility and more information to ensure physician practices have an adequate opportunity to come into compliance. 


Podcast: Upcoming CME Opportunities for Physicians on May 20th and How You Can Help to Defeat Numerous Adverse Bills in Albany
Listen to MSSNY’s May 13th podcast as Senior Vice-President & Chief Legislative Counsel Moe Auster discusses Upcoming CME Opportunities for Physicians on May 20th and How You Can Help to Defeat Numerous Adverse Bills in Albany.



MSSNY Continuing Push for Passage of Copay Accumulator Legislation by End of Legislative Session
MSSNY continues to work with several patient and physician advocacy groups to push for passage of legislation (A.1741, Gottfried/S.5299, Rivera) that would prohibit health insurers from preventing patients from using copay cards or coupons to help meet their insurer-imposed deductibles. Read our joint press release here.

These coupons are tremendously important for helping patients, particularly those on long term medication therapies, meet their out-of-pocket health care costs.  Please take a minute to visit our Grassroots Action Center (GAC) to take action and let your legislators know you support for this important patient-protection legislation.

The bill is on the floor of both Houses awaiting a vote.  Last week, MSSNY President Dr. Joseph Sellers, MD, joined the bill sponsors and various patient advocacy groups urging action on this legislation before session ends on June 2nd.


Urge Your Legislators to Reject Untenable Measure to Drive Up Physician Liability Premiums by Over 40%
Physicians are urged to contact their legislators to request that they reject legislation (S.74-A/A.6770) that is strongly opposed by MSSNY, hospital associations, and numerous other groups. This legislation would create untenable increases in New York’s already excessive medical liability costs by greatly expanding the types of damages awardable in all wrongful death actions, including lawsuits against physicians. Please visit our Grassroots Action Center (GAC) to take action and let your legislators know oppose this legislation. A letter and/or tweet can be sent from here: Don’t Chase Physicians out of NY! (p2a.co).

The bill has advanced to the Assembly floor and to the Senate Finance Committee.

One recent actuarial estimate indicated that passage of this legislation could require a liability premium increase of over 40%, which translates to tens of thousands of dollars in new costs for physicians, many of whom already pay tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars per year in their insurance costs. This could make it impossible for many physicians to stay in practice in New York.  Under ordinary circumstances, these kinds of increases would be unsustainable and could have huge negative consequences on patient access to care at community hospitals and physician offices.  However, with so many physician practices only beginning to recover from the huge drop in patient visits and revenue during the pandemic, legislation to impose such premium increases would be unconscionable.  It could prompt significant disruptions in patient access to care.

While some advocates have claimed that New York’s existing wrongful death law is an outlier compared to other states, what they do not mention is that most of these other states also have comprehensive provisions to contain excessive medical liability insurance costs, including limits on damages.  New York has no such law, which is why our medical liability insurance and payout costs far exceed every other state in the country, making New York regularly ranked as one of the worst states in the country to be a physician. Best & Worst States for Doctors (wallethub.com)

Please let your legislators know that comprehensive legislation is needed to bring down New York’s excessively high medical liability premiums, which far exceed every other state in the country, instead of stand-alone bills that would drive up these costs.


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Numerous Physician Mandate Bills Under Consideration in the Final Weeks of Session
As we head into the final 3 weeks of the legislative session, physicians are urged to contact their legislators (Oppose Mandates on Physicians (p2a.co)) to request that they reject the numerous bills under active consideration in the Senate and Assembly that would impose requirements on physicians (and other providers) delivering care to their patients.

MSSNY has been working together with numerous affected specialty societies (Letter) to highlight their collective concerns that, while each of these proposals may have good intentions, in totality they are creating significant new documentation requirements that place the physician’s licensure in jeopardy if there is an instance where they fail to document that they completed a task.  This could have a significant impact on decisions made by physicians, including whether or not to practice in New York. Some of these bills include:

  • 213/A.1615 – Requires physicians to obtain the school attended by their pediatric patients.
  • 2103-B/A.5841-B – Requires physicians to obtain a detailed patient/family member consent for a nursing home resident prior to the receipt of a psychotropic medication, or detailed documentation of the need to provide such medication without consent.
  • 2521-C/A.3470-C – Requires employed health care providers to disclose if their employer health system is charging a facility fee.
  • 2736/A.217 – Requires physicians and other maternal care providers to provide information to pregnant patients regarding the risks of a caesarean section to patients scheduled to have a C-section.
  • 4640/A.273 – Requires physicians and other care providers to document that they considered and discussed numerous alternatives to opioid treatment prior to writing an opioid prescription for a patient.
  • 6287-B/A.7560-A – Requires OB-GYNs to provide information to their pregnant patients regarding the risks of cytomegalovirus (CMV).
  • 7865/A.5976-A – Requires physicians and other maternal care providers providing pre- and post-natal care or pediatric care to invite the mother to fill out a questionnaire to detect maternal depression.
  • 8455/A.9380 – Requires physicians and other maternal care providers to provide information to patients about the potential consequences of an episiotomy.

Please remain alert for further updates on these issues.


Bills Under Consideration to Protect Physicians Providing Legal Reproductive Services
With uncertainty regarding the legality of providing reproductive health care services in several states across the country, the New York State Legislature is advancing legislation that would protect physicians and other healthcare providers that provide these health services. S.9709/A. 9687, sponsored by Senator Anna Kaplan and Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, would prohibit disciplinary actions against licensed medical professions for providing abortion and reproductive health services for patients who reside in states where those services are illegal.  This measure is currently in the Higher Education committee in both houses.  S.9080/A. 9718, sponsored by Senator Michele Hinchey and Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, would prohibit medical malpractice insurance companies from taking any adverse action against a health care provider who provides reproductive health care.  This measure is in the Insurance Committee in both Houses.   MSSNY is supportive of both these concepts and is in regular communication with many legislators about these, and other measures, to protect access to reproductive healthcare.

Earlier this week, MSSNY President Dr. Joseph Sellers, MD, issued a statement on MSSNY supporting reproductive health care for all individuals:

“The Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) recognizes the fact of legalized abortion and supports the right of all women to safe and legal abortion and direct access to obstetric and gynecologic services. MSSNY believes that reproductive choice, as any medical decision, is one of an informed consent between the patient and his/her physician. Abortion is a medical procedure and should be performed only by a duly licensed physician in conformance with standards of good medical practice.  MSSNY opposes legislative proposals that use federal or state health care funding mechanisms to deny established and accepted medical care to any segment of the population and opposes any legislation that criminalizes the exercise of clinical judgment in the delivery of medical care.”


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MSSNY Urging Assembly Insurance Committee to Take Action on Important Legislation to Curb Use Prior Authorization by Insurance Companies
Physicians continue to urge key members of the Assembly to take action on two critically important prior authorization reform bills before the end of the 2022 legislative session.  Please take a minute to visit MSSNY’s Grassroots Action Center (GAC) to take action and urge your state Senator and Assembly member to support passage of both bills.

Both bills have advanced to the Senate floor but remain stuck in the Assembly Insurance Committee.

The first bill, A.9908-A, McDonald/S.8299 Breslin, establishes a “Gold Card” program in which insurers exempt physicians, and other care providers, from Prior Authorization (PA) requirements if they receive at least 90% approval for PAs for specific health care treatments. The legislation is similar to a law enacted last year in Texas, which was designed to prevent unnecessary roadblocks to patient care and reward the following of evidence-based treatment guidelines.

The second bill, A.7129-A, Gottfried/S.6435-A, Breslin, also addresses the crushing burden of the prior authorization process by requiring health plan utilization review criteria be evidence-based and peer reviewed, reducing the insurer timeframe for reviewing prior authorization requests, and limiting when an insurer can withdraw or repeat a previously granted prior authorization. The standards within this bill are based on recommendations made by several respected health care advocacy organizations to improve patient care.

Excessive Prior Authorization hassles continue to be a major impediment to patient care.  The American Medical Association (AMA) recently released an updated survey which showed that more than 9 in 10 physicians (93%) reported care delays while waiting for health insurers to authorize necessary care, and 82% said patients abandon treatment due to authorization struggles with health insurers. Moreover, more than half (51%) of physicians reported that prior authorization had interfered with a patient’s job responsibilities, and more than one-third (34%) of physicians reported that prior authorization led to a serious adverse event such as hospitalization, disability, or even death, for a patient in their care.


Legislature Passes Bill to Limit Liens/Garnishments for Medical Debt Judgments
Both the New York State Senate and Assembly have passed legislation (S.6522-A/A.7363-A) that would prohibit a hospital or health care provider from placing a lien against a person’s primary residence in an action arising from medical debt judgments, as well as prohibiting wage garnishment for medical debt judgments.  It was reported in Crains Health Pulse this week that an analysis from the Community Service Society of NY stated that, between 2015 and 2019, 139 hospitals across the state filed nearly 31,000 lawsuits against patients for outstanding payments owed to the hospital.  The bill has not yet been delivered to the Governor for her consideration.


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NYS Department of Financial Services Issues New Guidance for Pharmacy Benefit Managers
The NYS Department of Financial Services (DFS) recently issued guidance for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). The purpose of this guidance is to provide information regarding the implementation of legislation enacted last year, supported by MSSNY, which requires PBMs to register with the NYS DFS and file annual reports. Governor Hochul also issued a press release noting that, with the passage of the enacted 2023 State Budget, there was a $5 million appropriation for DFS to fund and staff a new Pharmacy Benefits Bureau.

According to the new guidance, the deadline for PBMs to obtain registration with DFS is June 1, 2022. As long as the PBM submits an application on or before this date, including payment of the registration application fee, the PBM will hold a temporary registration valid from June 1, 2022, and expiring seven days after the NYS DFS Pharmacy Benefits Bureau makes a determination on the application.

Every PBM operating in the state is required to file a registration application with NYS DFS. Under Insurance Law §§ 2902-2904, a PBM is defined as “any entity that performs pharmacy benefit management services for a health plan.” Since the law only applies to entities acting “for a health plan,” registration requirements do not apply to individual employees of a PBM or employees of a health plan which perform PBM services for that health plan.

The PBM regulation defines their services as “the management or administration of prescription drug benefits for a health plan, directly or through another entity.” For a full list of functions which constitute PBM services, click here.  They include claims processing or payment of claims to pharmacies for dispensing prescription drugs; clinical or other formulary or preferred drug list development or management; and drug utilization review or prior authorization for drug benefits.

MSSNY will continue to monitor the implementation of this important new law with the goal of ensuring that patients are protected from arbitrary and cumbersome limitations on access to necessary prescription medications that are recommended by their physicians.


Virtual CME at MSSNY 2022 House of Delegates-Registration Now Open
MSSNY is offering four CME webinars during the 2022 House of Delegates on Friday May 20th from 7:30am-12:00pm.  View the flyer for these programs here.

7:30-8:30am
Medical Matters: What’s Your Diagnosis? Infectious Diseases
Faculty: William Valenti, MD
Educational Objectives:

  • Identify the modes of transmission of infectious agents.
  • Discuss presumptive treatment of infectious diseases in advance of diagnostic testing results.
  • Describe two scenarios and review questions and answers.
    (This program is supported in whole by a DHHS grant entitled New York State Hospital Preparedness Program)

8:40-9:40am
Women in Medicine 2022: Up the Down Staircase
Faculty: Carol Ann Bernstein, MD
Educational Objectives:

  • Identify significant stressors contributing to burnout as they specifically impact women physicians in the era of Covid.
  • Increase knowledge of potential strategies that can be used to support women physicians, especially when working in dynamically changing and stressful clinical environments.
  • Identify potential systemic solutions, as well as practical techniques, that promote growth and resilience in women physicians.

9:50 – 10:50am
The Health of Sexual and Gender Minorities
Faculty: Carl Streed, MD, MPH, FACP
Educational Objectives:

  • Identify disparities in health care access among SGM persons.
  • Identify disparities in health care outcomes among SGM persons.
  • Examine minority stress as a contributor to health disparities.
  • Identify opportunities to meet the health care needs of SGM persons.

11:00am-12:00pm
Veterans Matters: COVID-19 and its Impact on Veterans
Faculty: Frank Dowling, MD
Educational Objectives:

  • Identify the wide ranging medical and mental health impact of COVID on veterans.
  • Discuss of veterans who have experienced COVID related post-traumatic stress
  • Recognize the role of physicians in assessing the impact of the pandemic in veteran patients.
    (This program is supported in whole by a grant from the New York State Office of Mental Health.)

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 each 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.


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Mental Health Awareness Month: Peer to Peer (P2P) Program
Stress and burnout among physicians have been well documented for years. The COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating the public health problem of physician burnout in New York state. Throughout the pandemic, physicians and other health professionals have faced concerns about safety, overworking, and feelings of loss. Without an intervention, it is possible that a high number of physicians over the next few years may develop chronic stress reactions, anger, clinical depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidality.

Mental Health Awareness Month is a great reminder to prioritize an environment of support and wellness within your organization. Reviewing EAP policies to minimize barriers to care-seeking, identifying risk factors and warning signs for suicide, and forming a crisis response team and plan of action before a suicide occurs are just a few of the steps your practice can take to help prevent physician suicide and improve professional well-being.

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!

If someone you know is struggling with life stressors, reach out to the P2P program to connect them to a peer supporter!

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


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 Roseann Raia at 516-488-6100
ext. 302

For the MSSNY 2022 Ad RateSheet, please click here.


Medical Office Suite for Rent (Downtown, New York City) – Ready to Move In!
On Canal Street, NYC : near Mulberry and Mott Street. Busy area near Subways. In a professional 7day/week concierge building . Office Suite 1002+ sq ft, beautiful & bright w/ five office consult-exam rooms, Spacious waiting and receptionist area, utility room & private restroom. MUST SEE! Please Call for showing at: 917-378-2699 or email: cnyc2828@gmail.com. Ask for Sammie.



Rendr – Transforming Healthcare – Leadership Opportunity: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) preferred Job Position: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health in this role, you will lead and provide a wide range of support through population health, quality measures, practice transformation, Rendr360 department, House Calls, and other projects. Please send resumes careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering leadership opportunities to Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicineunder the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.


Board Certified Cardiologist Position
Exceptional private practice cardiology employment opportunity. Manhattan Cardiology is a state-of-the-art cardiology practice located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The position is 100% outpatient cardiology with minimal call and excellent compensation structure and benefits. The practice is looking to add an enthusiastic and hardworking cardiologist to join our team.

Board certification is preferred in general cardiology, echocardiography, and ideally RPVI.

Job Type: Full Time with a very competitive salary and excellent benefits awaits the qualified candidate.

Please send resumes to nikkoh@manhattancardiology.com.


Board Certified Internal or Family Medicine Physician
Be a part of our care team and join our mission to provide the highest standard of healthcare to each one of our patients. Medical Offices of Manhattan is looking for a full time enthusiastic, hard-working and responsible Board-Certified Internal or Family Medicine Physician.

Responsibilities include caring for, diagnosing and managing patients. Board certification is a must. The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and an excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com.


Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
A growing multispecialty practice in Manhattan, Medical Offices of Manhattan and Manhattan Cardiology is seeking for an enthusiastic, hardworking Board Certified Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.

Responsibilities include caring for, diagnosing, and managing patients in both the primary care and cardiology setting. The Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner will collaborate with the team in diagnosing and creating plans for each patient.

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikkoh@manhattancardiology.com.


GI Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
Medical Offices of Manhattan, a multi-specialty medical office is seeking for immediate hiring for an experienced and hardworking GI Physician Assistant.

Responsibilities includes managing Adult Gastroenterology patients with varying disease processes, including but not limited to GERD, IBD, bowel pattern changes, abdominal pain, and diseases related to the liver, pancreas, GI tract, and gallbladder; develops, implements, and manages therapeutic treatment regimens in collaboration with the Gastroenterologists and must possess excellent communication skills, with a focus on a team approach to patient-centered care

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com


Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Medical Offices of Manhattan, a multi-specialty medical office is seeking our newest team member, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to join our fast-growing team of mental health professionals.

Responsibilities includes managing both complex psychiatric and common medical problems, assess and diagnose illness states and initiate psychotropic medication (as needed) and other therapeutic interventions and collaborate with the team in diagnosing and creating plans for each patient.

The position is 100% outpatient with minimal call and excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com


In Network Registered Dietician
A growing multispecialty practice in Manhattan, Medical Offices of Manhattan is seeking an In Network Registered Dietician to join our care team for immediate need.

Responsibilities includes but not limited to conducting nutritional assessment, developing and implementing patient specific care plans and recommending nutrition care plans to patients as well as recommending therapeutic diet modifications and /or supplemental feedings to patients. Must have a degree in Nutrition or Dietetics, should be RD license, Registration by the Commission on Registration (CDR) as a Registered Dietitian (RD) in New York State plus specialized certifications as needed.

The position is 100% outpatient with excellent salary with benefits.

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com


 

 

MSSNY eNews: May 6, 2022

Message from MSSNY President Dr Joseph Sellers:
Word to the Wise When Considering Malpractice Insurance Options

Colleagues:
As renewal season approaches, please allow me to provide a few words of advice regarding our trusted and exclusive partner at MLMIC. Formed under the auspices of the Medical Society of the State of New York in 1975 when all commercial carriers left the State because of declining profits, MLMIC, now a Berkshire Hathaway Company, has remained incomparably committed to New York.

Here are some things that I suggest you consider when choosing your malpractice coverage:

  • What is the company’s familiarity with the state of New York?
  • What is the company’s New York track record in defending their clients against claims?
  • Does the company have decades of commitment to New York for your peace of mind knowing that the company won’t fold up and leave the state like so many companies have through the years?

There is a reason that MSSNY continues to proudly to exclusively endorse MLMIC Insurance Company. To this day, MLMIC has successfully defended more New York physicians than any other New York insurer. For over 45 years, MLMIC has been a strong, tireless advocate for New York physicians and has effectively lobbied for legislative reform to address those issues that continue to plague healthcare professionals in the state of New York. Also, MLMIC has made the most consistent and significant contributions of any malpractice insurer to MSSNY’s Physician’s Wellness Program and the Committee for Physicians Health which provide confidential assistance for medical professionals suffering from substance abuse and other psychiatric disorders while protecting public safety.

Now, MLMIC is also a Berkshire Hathaway company with an A+ financial rating by A.M. Best, giving me peace of mind knowing that MLMIC will remain in the state of New York supporting our healthcare heroes – as they have for more than 45 years. We strongly encourage you to contact MLMIC (800-ASK-MLMIC or LHertz@mlmic.com) and gain the details regarding their Preferred Savings Programs and other MLMIC discounts which can save qualifying physicians up to 30% in Medical Professional Liability.

Joseph Sellers, MD, FAAP, FACP
MSSNY President


Why I Am a MSSNY Member



Provider Relief Fund Late Reporting for Period 2 Due by May 13
Physicians who received more than $10,000 in provider relief funds and did not submit their Period 2 report must act immediately by submitting a late Reporting Period 2 report request by Friday, May 13, 2022 at 11:59 pm ET. Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Period 2 spanned from July 1, 2020, thru December 31, 2020, and included physicians who see patients with Medicaid and CHIP coverage. Attached is an overview of the information needed to request to report late. If a provider did not submit a Period 2 report and does not hear from HRSA, click here to learn more about the late reporting request form or call (866) 569-3522.

When completing the late reporting request, a provider must choose an extenuating circumstance(s) that prevented compliance with the original reporting deadline. HRSA has released the following as allowable extenuating circumstances:

  • Severe illness or death – a severe medical condition or death of a provider or key staff member responsible for reporting hindered the organization’s ability to complete the report during the Reporting Period.
  • Impacted by natural disaster – a natural disaster occurred during or in close proximity of the end of the Reporting Period damaging the organization’s records or information technology.
  • Lack of receipt of reporting communications – an incorrect email or mailing address on file with HRSA prevented the organization from receiving instructions prior to the Reporting Period deadline.
  • Failure to click “submit” – the organization registered and prepared a report in the PRF Reporting Portal but failed to take the final step to click “submit” prior to deadline.
  • Internal miscommunication or error – Internal miscommunication or error regarding the individual who was authorized and expected to submit the report on behalf of the organization and/or the registered point of contact in the PRF Reporting Portal.
  •  Incomplete Targeted Distribution payments – the organization’s parent entity completed all General Distribution payments, but a Targeted Distribution(s) was not reported on by the subsidiary.

While attesting to an extenuating circumstance is required, no supporting document or proof is required. More information and a step-by-step guide from the AMA are available here.

If HRSA approves the extenuated circumstances form, the provider will receive a notification to proceed with completing the Reporting Period 2 report shortly thereafter. The AMA will continue to advocate for greater flexibility and more information to ensure physician practices have an adequate opportunity to come into compliance.


Altfest Launches YouTube Channel “Wealth Matters for Physicians” to Promote Physician Financial Wellness
Altfest Personal Wealth Management, selected 14 times as one of Barron’s Top 100 Financial Advisors, is pleased to announce the launch of its financial wellness YouTube channel dedicated to educating and empowering physicians to optimize their financial lives.

Wealth Matters for Physicians features timely and actionable investment and personal financial planning videos. The topics, chosen by their relevancy and interest to physicians, will cover the full spectrum of investment and personal financial planning subjects – including market outlooks and which investment areas are currently appealing, leading tax reduction strategies, business succession and retirement planning, estate planning, student debt management, and many more.



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Podcast: Areas of Focus for Remainder of Legislative Season
Listen to MSSNY’s May 6th podcast as Senior Vice-President & Chief Legislative Counsel Moe Auster discusses areas of focus for the remainder of legislative session.


MSSNY Partners with Specialty Societies and Groups in Support of Prior Authorization Reform and Other Key Issues
Physicians are urged to continue to contact their legislators to express their support for multiple legislative initiatives to address prior authorization hassles.  You can send a letter here: Prior Authorizations hassles must be fixed!  (p2a.co).

On May 3rd, MSSNY participated in an advocacy day with the New York State Radiological Society (NYSRS). Key issues included the “Gold Card” bill (S.8299, Breslin/A.9908-A, McDonald) to exempt physicians from health insurer prior authorization requirements if the physician receives at least 90% approval by that insurer for pre-authorizations for a particular health care treatment, and legislation (A7129-A Gottfried/S6435-B Breslin) to prohibit repeat prior authorization requirements and require that health review criteria be peer reviewed and evidence-based.

On May 4 and May 5, MSSNY joined the New York Cancer & Blood Specialists for several advocacy meetings with key legislators in support of the two prior authorization bills above.  For all of these meetings, physician leaders and MSSNY staff emphasized the extraordinary number of treatments now subject to prior authorizations, and the hassles associated with obtaining these authorizations, that are interfering with patients obtaining the care they need.


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MSSNY President Joins Patient and Other Physicians Organizations at News Conference to Push for Passage of Copay Accumulator Legislation
This week, MSSNY President Dr. Joseph Sellers joined several legislators, as well as patient and physician organizations, for a news conference in the State Capitol to urge passage of Copay Accumulator legislation (A.1741, Gottfried/S.5299, Rivera) as soon as possible. The Senate Insurance Committee voted to advance the bill to the full Senate at its last meeting on Monday, April 25.  The identical Assembly bill is on the Assembly floor.

This important bill would prohibit health insurers from preventing patients from using a copay card or coupon to count towards their out-of-pocket deductibles.  Many patients, particularly those on long-term therapies, rely on financial assistance programs, such as a copay coupons or cards, to reduce the cost of their medication. However, insurers are employing this new tactic to undermine these financial assistance programs by preventing their application towards meeting the enormous deductibles patients face. MSSNY strongly supports policy to ensure that third party financial support will help patients to meet the cost of their medications.

Please visit MSSNY’s Grassroots Action Center (GAC) to take action and let your legislators know that you support passage of this important legislation!


Urge Your Legislators to Reject Legislation That Would Drive Huge New Increases in Medical Liability Insurance
Physicians are urged to contact their legislators to request that they reject legislation (S.74-A/A.6770) strongly opposed by MSSNY, hospital associations, and numerous other groups. This legislation would create untenable increases in New York’s already excessive medical liability costs by greatly expanding the types of damages awardable in wrongful death actions. A letter and/or tweet can be sent from here: Don’t Chase Physicians out of NY! (p2a.co). This week, the Assembly Codes Committee advanced this legislation to the full Assembly, and next week the Senate Judiciary Committee is considering the legislation.

One recent actuarial estimate indicated that passage of legislation such as this could require a liability premium increase of over 40%, which translates to tens of thousands of dollars in new costs for physicians who already pay thousands of dollars per year in their insurance costs. This could make it impossible for many physicians to stay in practice in New York.  Under ordinary circumstances, these kinds of increases would be unsustainable and could have hugely negative consequences on patient access to care at community hospitals and physician offices.  However, with so many physician practices only beginning to recover from the huge drop in patient visits and revenue during the pandemic, legislation to impose such premium increases would be unconscionable.

While some advocates have claimed that New York’s existing wrongful death law is an outlier compared to other states’ laws, what they do not mention is that most of these other states also have comprehensive provisions to contain excessive medical liability insurance costs, including limits on damages.  New York has no such law, which is why our medical liability insurance and payout costs far exceed every other state in the country, making New York regularly ranked as one of the worst states in the country to be a physician. Best & Worst States for Doctors (wallethub.com)

Please let your legislators know that comprehensive legislation is needed to bring down New York’s excessively high medical liability premiums, which far exceed every other state in the country, instead of stand-alone bills that would drive up these costs.


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MSSNY Participates in Lobby Day on Immunizations
The Medical Society of the State of New York participated in virtual meetings with lawmakers from across the state as a member of the Let’s Get Immunized NY (LGINY) campaign.  These meetings reinforced the importance of immunizations and urged legislators not to roll back New York State’s strong vaccine policy and access. MSSNY and LGINY also called for passage of S75A, Hoylman/A279A, Gottfried which would establish a more robust vaccination registry for New York adults aged 19 and older across the state.  Individuals will have the ability to opt out of the registry if they so choose. Physicians are encouraged to read MSSNY’s memo on S. 75A/A279a and to communicate support of this measure.


Numerous Physician Mandate Bills Under Consideration in the Final Weeks of Session
As we head into the final 4 weeks of the legislative session, there are numerous bills under active consideration in the Senate and Assembly that would impose requirements on physicians (and other providers) delivering care to their patients, as well as countless other mandates on medical practice in New York.  MSSNY has been working together with affected specialty societies to highlights its concerns that, while each of these proposals may have good intentions, in totality they are creating significant new documentation requirements that place the physician’s licensure in jeopardy if there is an instance where they fail to document that they completed a task.  This could have a significant impact on decisions made by physicians, including whether or not to practice in New York. Some of these bills include:

  • 67/A.3298 – Would require physicians treating a patient for epilepsy to provide information regarding the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.
  • 213/A.1615 – Requires physicians to obtain the school attended by their pediatric patients.
  • 2103-B/A.5841-B – Requires physicians to obtain a detailed patient/family member consent for a nursing home resident prior to the receipt of a psychotropic medication, or detailed documentation of the need to provide such medication without consent.
  • 2521-C/A.3470-C – Requires employed health care providers to disclose if their employer health system is charging a facility fee.
  • 2736/A.217 – Requires physicians and other maternal care providers to provide information to pregnant patients regarding the risks of a caesarean section to patients scheduled to have a C-section.
  • 4640/A.273 – Requires physicians and other care providers to document that they considered and discussed numerous alternatives to opioid treatment prior to writing an opioid prescription for a patient.
  • 6287-B/A.7560-A – Requires OB-GYNs to provide information to their pregnant patients regarding the risks of cytomegalovirus (CMV)
  • 7865/A.5976-A – Requires physicians and other maternal care providers providing pre- and post-natal care or pediatric care to invite the mother to fill out a questionnaire to detect maternal depression.
  • 8455/A.9380 – Requires physicians and other maternal care providers to provide information to patients about the potential consequences of an episiotomy.

Please remain alert for further updates on these issues.


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Virtual CME at MSSNY 2022 House of Delegates-Registration Now Open
MSSNY is offering four CME webinars during the 2022 House of Delegates on Friday May 20th from 7:30am-12:00pm.  View the flyer for these programs here.

7:30-8:30am
Medical Matters: What’s Your Diagnosis? Infectious Diseases
Faculty: William Valenti, MD
Educational Objectives:

  • Identify the modes of transmission of infectious agents
  • Discuss presumptive treatment of infectious diseases in advance of diagnostic testing results
  • Describe two scenarios and review questions and answers
    (This program is supported in whole by a DHHS grant entitled New York State Hospital Preparedness Program)

8:40-9:40am
Women in Medicine 2022: Up the Down Staircase
Faculty: Carol Ann Bernstein, MD
Educational Objectives:

  • Identify significant stressors contributing to burnout as they specifically impact women physicians in the era of COVID-19.
  • Increase knowledge of potential strategies that can be used to support women physicians, especially when working in dynamically changing and stressful clinical environments.
  • Identify potential systemic solutions as well as practical techniques that promote growth and resilience in women physicians.

9:50 – 10:50am
The Health of Sexual and Gender Minorities
Faculty: Carl Streed, MD, MPH, FACP
Educational Objectives:

  • Identify disparities in health care access among SGM persons
  • Identify disparities in health care outcomes among SGM persons
  • Examine minority stress as a contributor to health disparities
  • Identify opportunities to meet the health care needs of SGM persons

11:00am-12:00pm
Veterans Matters: COVID-19 and its Impact on Veterans
Faculty: Frank Dowling, MD
Educational Objectives:

  • Identify the wide ranging medical and mental health impact of COVID-19 on veterans
  • Discuss growing number of veterans who have experienced COVID-19 related post-traumatic stress
  • Recognize the role of physicians in assessing the impact of the pandemic in veteran patients
    (This program is supported in whole by a grant from the New York State Office of Mental Health.)

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 each 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.


Physician Suicide:  Reconceptualizing “Do No Harm”
Upstate University Hospital will host a virtual Healthcare Transformation Grand Rounds presentation entitled “Physician Suicide:  Reconceptualizing “Do No Harm” on Wednesday, May 11, from noon – 1:30 pm.  All professions and specialties are invited to attend.

The presentation will include a showing of the film “Do No Harm” followed by a panel discussion featuring:

  • Jarrod Bagatell, MD – Director, Employee/Student Health
  • Leslie Kohman, MD, FACS – Chief Wellness Officer
  • Seethalakshmi Ramanathan, MD, MPA – Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
  • Kaushal Nanavati, MD – Assistant Dean for Wellness
  • Thomas Schwartz, MD – Chair, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

In the United States, the rate of death by suicide among physicians is higher than the general population.  It is estimated that 300-400 physicians die by suicide every year.  Despite the high prevalence of suicide, mental illness and suicide among physicians and healthcare workers remain under-recognized.

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Recognize the prevalence of suicide risk among current and future physicians
  • Describe risk factors for suicidal crises among physicians
  • Discuss mitigation strategies and local resources that are available for physicians experiencing mental health problems.

CME credits are being offered.  Advance registration is required.


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 Roseann Raia at 516-488-6100
ext. 302

For the MSSNY 2022 Ad RateSheet, please click here.


Medical Office Suite for Rent (Downtown, New York City) – Ready to Move In!
On Canal Street, NYC : near Mulberry and Mott Street. Busy area near Subways. In a professional 7day/week concierge building . Office Suite 1002+ sq ft, beautiful & bright w/ five office consult-exam rooms, Spacious waiting and receptionist area, utility room & private restroom. MUST SEE! Please Call for showing at: 917-378-2699 or email: cnyc2828@gmail.com. Ask for Sammie.



Rendr – Transforming Healthcare – Leadership Opportunity: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) preferred Job Position: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health in this role, you will lead and provide a wide range of support through population health, quality measures, practice transformation, Rendr360 department, House Calls, and other projects. Please send resumes careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering leadership opportunities to Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicineunder the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.


Rendr – Transforming Healthcare – Primary Care Opportunity: Internal or Family Medicine Physician, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese)
Job Position: Internal Family Medicine Physician please send resumes to: careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering employment opportunities to Internal or Family Medicine Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicine under the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.


Rendr – Transforming HealthcareLeadership Opportunity:Clinical Operations Medical Director, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) preferred
Job Position: Clinical Operations Medical Director in this role, you will provide clinical oversight and help lead our team of providers to assure high standards of care for our patients. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve and will be a practicing physician as well as an established medical leader with proven experience improving clinical operations and building strong teams. Please send resumes careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering leadership opportunities to Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicine under the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.

 

 

MSSNY eNews: April 29, 2022

Message from MSSNY President Dr Joseph Sellers:
Measles Cases on the Rise Worldwide

Colleagues:
This week, UNICEF and WHO warned of a “perfect storm” of conditions for measles outbreaks in children. As physicians, we know—and as I told Fox News in an interview—the concern is that when measles cases rise, we worry not only about measles outbreaks. I explained to the reporter that physicians worry that the children who are not vaccinated against measles are likely not vaccinated against other childhood illnesses as well. Measles—which is so contagious—is the first sign of an under-vaccinated population.

The UNICEF and WHO report is concerning indeed. Worldwide measles cases increased by 79 percent in the first two months of 2022, compared to the same period in 2021. Almost 17,338 measles cases were reported worldwide in January and February 2022, compared to 9,665 during the first two months of 2021.

There are so many contributing factors to this situation, including pandemic-related disruptions and increasing inequalities in access to vaccines. In addition, conflicts and crises around the world that cause disruptions in immunizations and lack of clean water and sanitation increase the risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks.

MSSNY has been a leader in immunization campaigns and is a strong proponent of individual vaccinations in both children and adults. Vaccination has been—and continues to be—the most important public health measure of our lifetime.

Joseph Sellers, MD, FAAP, FACP
MSSNY President


Hassles with Insurance Companies? MSSNY’s Director of Physician Practice and Payment Can Help!
Following is a note we received recently from a member:
Twice over the past few months I have asked MSSNY’s Director of Physician Payment and Practice Heather Lopez for help resolving issues that my staff and I were unable to resolve on our own.  The first was regarding my need to get clarification of an ambiguous general billing policy of an insurance company, which she was able to get the answer for me rather quickly.  The second problem she solved for me was a miracle.  For over a year now, my staff and I have been fighting an insurance company, which denied payment for a rendered service for a reason that was completely unfair, but despite all our arguments and pleas, we could not get the insurance company to reverse their non-payment decision.  I contacted Ms. Lopez about this case and she went to work on it promptly and got the insurance company to reverse their decision and make payment to me—all within a month. 

If you have questions about this or any other insurance concern, contact MSSNY’s Director of Physician Payment and Practice, Heather Lopez, at 518.465.8085 X332 | hlopez@mssny.org



Do You Have Unanswered Questions for CMS? Join Open Forum
On the second Tuesday of each month, CMS holds a monthly call for physicians—an opportunity to bring your questions to an open forum. The next call is Tuesday, May 10 at 6 pm.

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MSSNY Member’s Letter to the Editor Published in Wall Street Journal
Ms. Finley’s op-ed (California’s Medical ‘Misinformation’ Crusade Could Cost Lives)  understates the danger of California’s legislation. Every innovation in medicine goes against existing standards of care. Today’s standard becomes substandard as new treatments develop. Medicine progresses when doctors have the freedom to practice their profession without interference from political agendas.

In my field of ophthalmology, millions of patients undergo the implantation of an intraocular lens. These surgeries often result in better vision than patients had before developing their cataracts. Yet until the mid-1970s, inserting a foreign body inside the human eye was considered well outside the standard of care. Without innovative surgeons willing to go against accepted thinking, patients would not have benefited from these lenses.

Any proposed law against innovation will end progress. California’s law must be defeated.

Michael T. Goldstein, M.D.


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Senate Insurance Committee Advances Three Bills to Increase Patient Access
At its most recent committee meeting on Monday, April 25th, the Senate Insurance Committee reported to the Senate floor three bills strongly supported by MSSNY that will remove barriers and increase patient access to the most appropriate treatment.

The first, S.8299 (Breslin)/A.9908-A (McDonald), establishes a “Gold Card” program in which physicians, and other care providers will be exempted from Prior Authorization requirements from a health insurer for a specific health care treatment if they receive at least 90% approval for their prior authorizations for that treatment. The legislation is similar to a law enacted last year in Texas, which was designed to prevent unnecessary roadblocks to patient care and reward the following of evidence-based treatment guidelines.  Physicians are urged to a letter in support here: Take Action (p2a.co)

The second bill S.5299 (Rivera)/A.1741 (Gottfried) prohibits insurers from preventing patients from using a copay card or coupon to cover count towards their out-of-pocket deductibles.  Many patients rely on financial assistance programs, such as a copay coupon or card, to reduce the cost of their medication. However, insurers are employing this new tactic to undermine these financial assistance programs by preventing their application towards meeting the enormous deductibles patients face. Physicians can send a letter in support here: Take action!

The third bill, S.5909 (Kaminsky)/A.3276 (Gunther), would exempt mental health medications from health insurer step therapy requirements.


Physician Associations Team Together to  Advocate that Medical Residents and Fellows Are Eligible for Bonuses
MSSNY is working together with several specialty societies and medical residents to urge the Commissioner of Health to exercise her discretionary authority to ensure that physician residents and fellows are deemed eligible for the frontline health care worker bonuses established as part of the recently enacted State Budget.  A letter and tweet in support can be sent from the MSSNY Grassroots Action Site here: Allow Residents and Fellows to be Eligible for Frontline Healthcare Worker Bonuses (p2a.co)

The issue arises from the fact that the State Budget included a provision that funds one-time bonus payments of up to $3,000 for front line health care workers employed by hospitals and certain other Medicaid enrolled health care providers, who have a base salary of less than $125,000, and have worked for 6 months straight for one employer during the “vesting” period.  It included several types of health care job titles, but importantly also gave discretion to the Commissioner to add additional job titles.

As a result, several thousand medical residents across the State of New York joined in a communication to Governor Hochul asking for their inclusion in the bonus pool.

MSSNY also joined together with several specialty societies in submitting a letter to Commissioner of Health Dr. Mary Bassett stating that the lack of express inclusion of residents and fellows in the bonus pool is inconsistent with the stated goal of the bonuses.  In urging the Commissioner to include residents and follows, the letter notes the Legislature’s intent that the bonuses apply generally to all members of the health care workforce who “…have seen us through a once–in–a–century public health crisis and turned our state into a model for battling and beating COVID–19.  To attract talented people into the profession at a time of such significant strain while also retaining those who have been working so tirelessly these past two years, we must recognize the efforts of our health care and mental hygiene workforce and reward them financially for their service…”

Please remain alert for further updates on this important issue.


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Several Categories of Physician Medicaid Fees Being Increased Starting July 1
Physician Medicaid fees for Evaluation & Management and Medicine CPT codes will be increased to 70% of Medicare, for services July 1, 2022, and after, as announced by the NYS Department of Health during a webinar this week detailing changes enacted in the. While this is low when compared to the growth in the costs of delivering patient care, many of these patient services provided by physicians are currently paid at below 50% of Medicare.

As part of the webinar, the DOH also announced that the enacted Budget  removed the requirement for physicians and other care providers to request DOH to increase beneficiary benefit limits.  DOH indicated the reason for the change was to reduce some of the administrative burdens that physicians and other care providers have with the Medicaid program.

The DOH webinar also discussed several other important changes arising from the recently enacted State Budget, including expanded eligibility for the State Essential Plan and increasing eligibility for no-cost Child Health Insurance Plus coverage.


Numerous Physician Mandate Bills Under Consideration in the Final Weeks of Session
As we head into the final 5 weeks of the legislative session, there are numerous bills under active consideration in the Senate and Assembly that would impose requirements on physicians (and other providers) delivering care to their patients, in addition to the other countless mandates on medical practice in New York.  MSSNY has been working together with the affected specialty societies to highlights its concerns to the Legislature that, while each of these proposals may have good intentions, in totality they are creating significant new documentation requirements that place the physician’s licensure in jeopardy if there is an instance where they fail to document that they completed a task.  This could have a significant impact on decisions made by physicians including whether or not to practice in New York. Some of these bills include:

  • 67/A.3298 – Would require physicians treating a patient for epilepsy to provide information regarding the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.
  • 213/A.1615 – Would require physicians to obtain the school attended by their pediatric patients.
  • 2521-C/A.3470-C – Would require employed health care providers to disclose if their employer health system is charging a facility fee.
  • 2736/A.217 – Requires physicians and other maternal care providers to provide information to pregnant patients with information regarding the risks of a caesarean section to patients scheduled to have a C-section.
  • 4640/A.273 – Would require physicians and other care providers to document that they considered and discussed numerous alternatives to opioid treatment prior to writing an opioid prescription for a patient.
  • 6287-B/A.7560-A – Would require O-GYNs to provide information to their pregnant patients regarding the risks of cytomegalovirus (CMV).
  • 7865/A.5976-A – Would require physicians and other maternal care providers providing pre- and post-natal care or pediatric care to invite the mother to fill out a questionnaire to detect maternal depression.
  • 8455/A.9380 – Requires physicians and other maternal care providers to provide information to patients about the potential consequences of an episiotomy.

Please remain alert for further updates on these issues.


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MSSNY, Family Physicians Raise Concerns with Legislation to Permit PAs to Directly Bill Medicaid Managed Care
MSSNY, the  NYS Academy of Family Physicians, and the NY Chapter of the American College of Physicians have written to the NYS Assembly to raise strong objections with legislation that would permit physician assistants (PAs) to be designated as a primary care practitioner under Medicaid Managed Care.  While the bill does not in and of itself change statutory supervision requirements for PAs, it would potentially give them the ability to directly bill insurers for patient health care services, despite the fact that PAs typically practice as an employee in a hospital or in a physician practice.  Since PAs do not practice independently, they should not be allowed to bill an insurance company independently from their employer.

The bill advanced from the Assembly Ways & Means Committee to the Assembly floor this week.  The legislation passed the State Senate earlier this session.  Physicians can send a letter to their
Assembly members Preserve Physician-led, Team-based Healthcare (p2a.co) to express concerns with legislation (A.6056/S.5956).

While they are essential components of the health care team, including in the delivery of primary care, PAs are not authorized under law to practice without physician supervision. Current executive orders have provided for a temporary waiver of some supervision requirements (which MSSNY has strongly opposed).  However, the goal of these EO provisions was to provide greater flexibility in hospitals for the management of excess patient load due to COVID-19, not to provide independent practice on a permanent basis.

In its memo, MSSNY raised concerns that this legislation was creating a potential pathway for PAs to practice independently without physician oversight, which has been rejected in numerous states because of the need to protect physician-led team-based care for patients.  Furthermore, numerous studies have shown that advanced care practitioners provide more costly care, including.


MSSNY Raises Concerns with Legislation to Require Health Care Employee Disclosure of Health System Facility Fees
Last year, legislation which would have required hospitals and hospital-based physicians to submit consolidated bills was significantly revised to delete this very concerning provision.  This was a significant development, as MSSNY together with several other specialty societies, had raised significant concerns to the Senate and Assembly that this joint billing requirement would have put non-employed physicians at the mercy of the hospitals since the legislation does not specify how payments to hospitals from this “single bill” would then be distributed to these physicians.

This week, the pared-down legislation (S.2521-C/A.3470-C) was reported from the Senate Health Committee to the Senate floor.  This version would require a health care provider who enters into “a business relationship with a hospital or health system that will result in the provider’s patients being subject to facility fees”, to notify its patients of the change and that facility fees will now be applicable to services received from the health care provider. MSSNY, together with several specialty societies, submitted a letter raising concerns with this revised legislation, urging that this disclosure requirement should be placed on the health system charging the facility fee, instead of the physician providing the service.  The letter notes the concern is that these types of charges imposed by a health system are often not known by the physician employee delivering patient care.  


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NYS Department of Health Updates County Health Indicators by Race and Ethnicity
The NYS Department of Health has announced updates to  three major dashboard applications, as well as the County Health Indicators by Race and Ethnicity and the County Perinatal Data Profiles. These resources present data at the state, county, and sub-county level where available. They  mark the completion of updates for county-level dashboards and resources intended to assist in planning and use for the current round of County Health Assessments.

The County Health Indicators by Race/Ethnicity (CHIRE):
These tables use the most recent data from NYS Vital Statistics, SPARCS and the Cancer Registry, and from the US Census, to present 46 indicators about general population description, birth, death, hospitalization, and cancer, by race/ethnicity, for New York State, New York City, and for each county. Each region and county have their own set of tables.

The Leading Causes of Death Dashboard: 
NYS vital statistics data was used to produce ten-year trends of deaths and death rates for leading causes of death and leading causes of premature death, in New York State, New York City, and in counties. For the state, data is  available by gender, age and race/ethnicity. For the regions, data is  available by gender and age. For the counties, data is available by gender. The dashboard also includes ten-year trends in life expectancy, for the state by gender.

The Maternal and Child Health dashboard:
Federal and statewide data systems were analyzed to update maternal, infant, child, and

adolescent health at the state and county-level, on the Maternal and Child Health dashboard. This dashboard is an interactive visual presentation of indicators tracking maternal, infant, and child health data at state and county levels. The state dashboard homepage displays a quick view of the most current data for 41 indicators and compares them with data from previous time periods to assess progress. State level historical (trend) data can be easily accessed, and data for many state level indicators is  also available by socio-economic status. County data (maps, tables and bar and trend charts) is  also available for 13 indicators.

The Asthma Control Program Data Dashboard:
The state asthma dashboard homepage displays a quick view of the most currently available data as compared to the previous year for the 40 tracking indicators. It provides users with easily accessible historical (trend) data, drill-down data to county and sub-county (ZIP code) levels, and visualizations for major socio-demographic factors (e.g., age group, race/ethnicity, sex, region, income, education). Each of the 62 counties have

their own dashboard with data for 31 indicators, including sub-county (ZIP code) level data for 8 indicators.

An export tab has been added to easily output data at the state, county, and subcounty levels, and by demographic group.

The County/ZIP Code Perinatal Data Profiles:
Vital statistics data from a three-year period is  used to produce ZIP Code based tables of commonly requested perinatal data, such as total births, premature births, low birth weight births, births to unmarried parents, infant deaths, teen birth, and pregnancy rates. The tables are available for the state, regions, county, and ZIP Codes within each county. NYSDOH has worked diligently to update and improve these applications and resources, which make data easily accessible to program partners, practitioners, health officials, and the public. Please direct questions and requests for additional information to phiginfo@health.ny.gov.


NYS Arthritis Program to Host Webinar on Improving Arthritis Management
The NYS Department of Health Arthritis Program will conduct a webinar, “Prescribing Physical Activity to Improve Arthritis Management” on Monday, May 9, 2022 from 9-10 a.m. The webinar can be viewed at https://livestream.com/wmht/phl0509. Handouts and the link for the evaluation and post-test for continuing education credits are located at the School of Public Health website.  Email coned@albany.edu or call 518-402-0330 if assistance is needed.


Join MSSNY in Kicking Off Wellness
MSSNY will be hosting a series of physician wellness webinars covering various topics within the realm of wellness over the next few months.
Women in Medicine 2022: Up the Down Staircase: May 20, 8:40-9:40am
Carol Bernstein, MD will serve as faculty. Register now!

Educational objectives:

  • Identify significant stressors contributing to burnout as they specifically impact women physicians in the era of Covid.
  • Increase knowledge of potential strategies that can be used to support women physicians, especially when working in dynamically changing and stressful clinical environments.
  • Identify potential systemic solutions as well as practical techniques that promote growth and resilience in women physicians.

Additional information or assistance with registration may be obtained by contacting Cayla Lauder at clauder@mssny.org.

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.


Peer to Peer (P2P) Program
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 peer24/7 . 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!

A training session to become a peer supporter will be scheduled for the coming month. If you wish to become a trained peer supporter, please reach out to Cayla Lauder, MPH, Public Health Associate, at clauder@mssny.org.

If someone you know is struggling with life stressors, reach out to the P2P program to connect them to a peer supporter!

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


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 Roseann Raia at 516-488-6100
ext. 302

For the MSSNY 2022 Ad RateSheet, please click here.


Medical Office Suite for Rent (Downtown, New York City) – Ready to Move In!
On Canal Street, NYC : near Mulberry and Mott Street. Busy area near Subways. In a professional 7day/week concierge building . Office Suite 1002+ sq ft, beautiful & bright w/ five office consult-exam rooms, Spacious waiting and receptionist area, utility room & private restroom. MUST SEE! Please Call for showing at: 917-378-2699 or email: cnyc2828@gmail.com. Ask for Sammie.



Rendr – Transforming Healthcare – Leadership Opportunity: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) preferred Job Position: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health in this role, you will lead and provide a wide range of support through population health, quality measures, practice transformation, Rendr360 department, House Calls, and other projects. Please send resumes careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering leadership opportunities to Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicineunder the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.


Rendr – Transforming Healthcare – Primary Care Opportunity: Internal or Family Medicine Physician, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese)
Job Position: Internal Family Medicine Physician please send resumes to: careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering employment opportunities to Internal or Family Medicine Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicine under the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.


Rendr – Transforming HealthcareLeadership Opportunity:Clinical Operations Medical Director, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) preferred
Job Position: Clinical Operations Medical Director in this role, you will provide clinical oversight and help lead our team of providers to assure high standards of care for our patients. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve and will be a practicing physician as well as an established medical leader with proven experience improving clinical operations and building strong teams. Please send resumes careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering leadership opportunities to Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicine under the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.

 

 

MSSNY eNews: April 27, 2022

Are Physicians Prohibited from Responding to Online Patient Reviews?
Numerous websites provide information about clinicians and organizations from which patients seek health care. Some of these sites provide user-submitted reviews about practices and clinicians from patients or members of the public. Unfortunately, patient reviews are not always positive, and can sometimes be negative, inflammatory, or false. Negative or false reviews can adversely, and sometimes seriously, affect a physician, their practice, reputation, and their career. To avoid these potential consequences, physicians may feel compelled to respond to reviews to address concerns or rectify problems but are fearful they will run afoul of the law and patient privacy protections if they do.

Debunking the Myth

There are no federal laws or regulations prohibiting physicians or practices from responding to online patient reviews; however, unlike other businesses that may respond to online reviews in any way they deem appropriate, physicians are limited in what and how they can communicate with a patient reviewer in a public forum.

Acknowledgement of a patient’s relationship with the provider might risk violating patient privacy protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and applicable state laws. It is important to note that HIPAA does not explicitly prohibit physicians from responding to online reviews; physicians are free to respond and contribute to an online review forum, but they must maintain the privacy of the patient’s protected health information (PHI), even if the patient has already revealed personal information. While a patient is free to share any information about their experience in an online forum, physicians are prohibited from disclosing any patient-specific information.

Most, if not all, online review sites have openly published community review guidelines or standards. Physicians and practices do have the option to contact the review sites directly to dispute false or inflammatory reviews, especially if they believe the reviews violate the site’s community standards.

Physicians are encouraged to consider these suggestions when deciding whether and how to respond to online reviews…Read more


Several Categories of Physician Medicaid Fees Increase July 1
Physician Medicaid fees for Evaluation & Management and Medicine CPT codes will be increased to 70% of Medicare, for services July 1, 2022 and after, as announced by the New York State Department of Health during a webinar this week detailing significant changes enacted in the recently enacted 2022-23 State Budget.  2022-23 Executive Budget Briefing and Questions & Answers (ny.gov) Many of these patient services provided by physicians are currently paid at below 50% of Medicaid.

As part of the webinar, the DOH also announced that the enacted Budget also removed the requirement for physicians and other care providers to request DOH to increase beneficiary benefit limits.  DOH indicated the reason for the change was to reduce some of the administrative burdens that physicians and other care providers have with the Medicaid program.

The DOH webinar also discussed several other important changes arising from the recently enacted State Budget, including expanded eligibility for the State Essential Plan and increasing eligibility for no-cost Child Health Insurance Plus coverage.


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MSSNY’s Dr. Bonnie Litvack Elected American College of Radiology State Government Relations Chair
Congratulations to MSSNY Immediate Past President Dr. Bonnie Litvack, the incoming chair of State Government Relations Committee for the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR’s primary purpose is to advance the science of radiology, improve radiologic services to patients, study the socioeconomic aspects of radiology, and encourage continuing education for radiologists. This week, Dr. Litvack moderated a lively session at ACR 2022 Annual Meeting that included ACR Radiology Advocacy Network incoming committee chair Dr. Amy Patel, Kristin Brackemyre Director, PAC and Government Relations at the Public Affairs Council, and Dr. Tilden Childs, the Howard Fleishon Radiology Advocacy Network Advocate of the year and Texas Radiological Society Gold medalist.  MSSNY wishes Dr. Litvack success in her newest endeavor.

MSSNY Immediate Past President Dr. Bonnie Litvack


Questions about Virtual Credit Cards (VCC) & Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)?
Many insurance companies are turning to paying via EFT or VCC. There has been a lot of confusion when it comes to this and what the CMS regulations are. The AMA has set up a tool kit that provides all the information you need to know.

If you have questions about this or any other insurance concern, contact MSSNY’s Director of Physician Payment and Practice, Heather Lopez, at 518.465.8085 X332 | hlopez@mssny.org



MSSNYPAC at the HOD
MSSNYPAC Chairs Dr. Thomas Lee and Dr. Rose Berkun invite local physicians, medical students, delegates and guests who will be attending the MSSNY House of Delegates or will be in the Tarrytown area on Friday, May 20 from 5pm-6pm to attend the MSSNYPAC membership meeting at the Tarrytown Marriot. We will discuss the recent legislative accomplishments, legislative priorities for the remainder of the 2022 Legislative Session and the essential role MSSNYPAC plays in supporting physician relationships with candidates seeking election or re-election to the NYS Senate, NYS Assembly and statewide offices. Contact Jennifer Wilks at mssnypac@mssny.org or call/text 914-933-7722 for further information or to RSVP. Donate online today at www.mssnypac.org.


Helping Private Practices Navigate Non-Essential Care During COVID-19
The American Medical Association has released updated guidance for private practice physicians navigating the provision of care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resource emphasizes ways physicians and practices should protect their employees, patients, and visitors while also operating within the constraints of a national healthcare staffing crisis. The guide includes recommendations to review COVID-19 federal and state guidelines to ensure patient and staff safety and to assist in adjusting workflows to support both staff and patients.


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Federation Health Equity Exchange May 5
The AMA Federation Health Equity Exchange will be held on May 5 at 3 pm ET. Register Here. In addition to a presentation from Bill Jordan, MD, AMA Health Equity Policy Director, Carla Brathwaite of the American College of Radiology will share their experience with forming the Radiology Health Equity Coalition. There will be time for questions and discussion as well. The intent of these calls is for Federation and AMA staff to share information, learn from each other and foster discussion.


OnBoard: Limited Release – Phase Three Starting Next Week!
The final phase of OnBoard: Limited Release will be available Monday, May 2 and will include Treatment/Testing prior authorization requests.

For more information, visit the OnBoard webpage. There you’ll find stakeholder-specific training and resources for health care providers, medical suppliers, payers and attorneys.

Phase Three Q&A webinars will be announced soon—so stay tuned!

If you have any general OnBoard questions, email OnBoard@wcb.ny.gov.


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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 Roseann Raia at 516-488-6100
ext. 302

For the MSSNY 2022 Ad RateSheet, please click here.


Medical Office Suite for Rent  (Downtown, New York City) – Ready to Move In!
On Canal Street, NYC : near Mulberry and Mott Street. Busy area near Subways. In a professional 7day/week concierge building . Office Suite 1002+ sq ft, beautiful & bright w/ five office consult-exam rooms, Spacious waiting and receptionist area, utility room & private restroom.  MUST SEE!  Please Call for showing at: 917-378-2699 or email: cnyc2828@gmail.com. Ask for Sammie.


Rendr- Transforming Healthcare – Leadership Opportunity: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) preferred Job Position: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health in this role, you will lead and provide a wide range of support through population health, quality measures, practice transformation, Rendr360 department, House Calls, and other projects.  Please send resumes careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering leadership opportunities to Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicineunder the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.



Rendr- Transforming Healthcare – Primary Care Opportunity: Internal or Family Medicine PhysicianBilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese)
Job PositionInternal Family Medicine Physician please send resumes to: careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering employment opportunities to Internal or Family Medicine Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicine

under the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.


Rendr- Transforming Healthcare – Leadership Opportunity:Clinical Operations Medical Director, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) preferred
Job Position: Clinical Operations Medical Director in this role, you will provide clinical oversight and help lead our team of providers to assure high standards of care for our patients. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve and will be a practicing physician as well as an established medical leader with proven experience improving clinical operations and building strong teams. Please send resumes careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering leadership opportunities to Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice  medicine under the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.

 

 

MSSNY eNews: April 22, 2022

Message from MSSNY President Dr Joseph Sellers:
Have Prior Auth Hassles Hindered Care for Your Patients?

Colleagues:
With the New York State Budget now behind us, it’s time to refocus our efforts on the six remaining weeks in the legislative session.

The “Gold Card” legislation, which was introduced in the Assembly by Assemblymember John McDonald (D-Albany) and in the Senate by Senator Neil Breslin (D-Albany), would establish a program in which insurers will exempt physicians from a health insurer’s Prior Authorization (PA) requirements for a specific treatment if they receive at least 90% approval for PAs for that specific health care treatment.  With the Senate Insurance Committee to consider the legislation next week, all physicians are urged to contact their Senators to express support: Take Action!

As physicians, we are all too familiar with how excessive prior authorization hassles can impede patient care. In fact, a recent AMA survey showed that more than 9 in 10 physicians (93%) reported care delays while waiting for health insurers to authorize necessary care, and 82% said patients abandon treatment due to authorization struggles with health insurers. More than half (51%) of physicians reported that prior authorizations had interfered with a patient’s job responsibilities, and more than one-third (34%) of physicians reported that prior authorization led to a serious adverse event such as hospitalization, disability, or even death, for a patient in their care.

The bill is a new and important part of MSSNY’s ongoing advocacy efforts to confront excessive prior authorization requirements that interfere with patient care delivery and access to the most effective treatments.

It’s time for us to take action. Please share any examples you have of prior authorization hassles that have hindered necessary patient care so that we can bring your anecdotes to the legislators and to regulators with authority to stem the abusive practices of health insurers.

Again, please take a minute to visit MSSNY’s Grassroots Action Center (GAC) to urge your state Senator and Assemblymember to sign on in support of A.9908-A, McDonald/S.8299, Breslin: Take Action!

Joseph Sellers, MD, FAAP, FACP
MSSNY President


Urgent Reminder: Provider Relief Fund Requests for Late Reporting Due AT MIDNIGHT
Physicians who received more than $10,000 in provider relief funds and did not submit their Period 1 report must act immediately by submitting a late Reporting Period 1 report request by Friday, April 22, 2022 at 11:59 pm ET. HRSA has informed the AMA that there are approximately 16,000 providers in this situation, accounting for about 2% of Provider Relief Funds disbursed in Period 1. While physician practices should have received information about how to submit a request directly from HRSA via email and US postal mail, we are aware many providers have not been contacted. The emails were sent from UHG_HRSA@ProviderEmail.uhc.com. If a provider did not submit a Period 1 report and does not hear from HRSA, click here to learn more about the late reporting request form or call (866) 569-3522.

When completing the late reporting request, a provider must choose an extenuating circumstance(s) that prevented compliance with the original reporting deadline. HRSA has released the following as allowable extenuating circumstances:

  • Severe illness or death – a severe medical condition or death of a provider or key staff member responsible for reporting hindered the organization’s ability to complete the report during the Reporting Period.
  • Impacted by natural disaster – a natural disaster occurred during or in close proximity of the end of the Reporting Period damaging the organization’s records or information technology.
  • Lack of receipt of reporting communications – an incorrect email or mailing address on file with HRSA prevented the organization from receiving instructions prior to the Reporting Period deadline.
  • Failure to click “submit” – the organization registered and prepared a report in the PRF Reporting Portal but failed to take the final step to click “submit” prior to deadline.
  • Internal miscommunication or error – Internal miscommunication or error regarding the individual who was authorized and expected to submit the report on behalf of the organization and/or the registered point of contact in the PRF Reporting Portal.
  • Incomplete Targeted Distribution payments – the organization’s parent entity completed all General Distribution payments, but a Targeted Distribution(s) was not reported on by the subsidiary.

While attesting to an extenuating circumstance is required, no supporting document or proof is required. More information and a step-by-step guide from the AMA are available here.

If HRSA approves the extenuated circumstances form, the provider will receive a notification to proceed with completing the Reporting Period 1 report shortly thereafter. Providers will have 10 days from the notification receipt date to submit the late Period 1 report in the PRF Reporting Portal. The AMA will continue to advocate for greater flexibility and more information to ensure physician practices have an adequate opportunity to come into compliance.


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10 Most Diverse Medical Schools: US News & World Report
As part of its annual best graduate schools lists, U.S. News & World Report worked with the Robert Graham Center, a division of the American Academy of Family Physicians, to rank the most diverse medical schools.

The rankings, released March 29, are based on fall 2021 medical and osteopathic school-level race and ethnicity enrollment information reported to U.S. News in fall 2021 and early 2022 by the schools. The rankings include 126 medical and osteopathic schools and consider the percentage of each medical school’s fall 2021 total enrollment who are underrepresented minority students and how that percentage compares with state and national race-ethnic-group proportions. Access more information about the methodology here.

Note: The list includes ties.

  1. Howard University College of Medicine (Washington, D.C.)
  2. Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University (Miami)
  3. The UC Davis School of Medicine (Sacramento, Calif.)
  4. The Robert Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont (Burlington)
  5. University of New Mexico School of Medicine (Albuquerque)
  6. Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine (Pasadena, Calif.)
  7. Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (Philadelphia)
  8. University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine (Miami)
  9. Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University (Greenville, N.C.)
  10. Pritzker School of Medicine at University of Chicago

–Gooch, Becker’s Hospital Review


MSSNY Supporting Copay Accumulator Legislation
The Senate Insurance Committee will vote on legislation at its next meeting on Monday, April 25th to  prohibit insurers from preventing patients from using a copay card or coupon to count towards their insurance deductibles through a relatively new insurance benefit design known as “Copay Accumulators”.

Many patients rely on financial assistance programs, such as a copay coupon or card, to reduce the cost of their medication. But insurers are employing a new tactic — called a copay accumulator adjustment — to undermine these financial assistance programs. Copay Accumulators prevent patients from using a copay card or coupon to cover their out-of-pocket expenses. Under this practice, when a patient uses a copay coupon or card, the health plan receives the payment from the card or coupon, yet the amount of the support provided by the coupon/card does not count towards the patient’s maximum out-of-pocket limit. This legislation would ensure these payments benefit the patient rather than insurers.

Despite New York State’s strong record in providing affordable access to health insurance, many New Yorkers still struggle to pay for their prescription drugs and for those battling chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and others, the burden is often overwhelming.

Patients taking medications to help recover from illness or to manage life-threatening and chronic medical conditions often face significant out-of-pocket cost-sharing requirements such as high deductibles, health insurer-imposed Copay Accumulators have a significant adverse affect upon patients living with chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, and a host of others.

MSSNY strongly supports policy to ensure that third party financial support will help patients to meet the cost of their medications. Please take a minute to visit our Grassroots Action Center (GAC) to take action let your legislators know that you support passage of this important legislation!


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Biosimilars Awareness and Patient Access Assessment
Patients living with chronic or complex diseases have benefited in recent years from innovative biological medicines, which are manufactured from living cells and highly effective for many patients. Today, there are even more options on the market with so-called Biosimilars, which are biological medicines approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as “highly similar” to an original biologic therapy.

Like many states, New York enacted a law that permits a pharmacist to substitute an FDA-approved biosimilar for an original biologic therapy, provided there is notice to the prescribing physician within 5 days of the substitution. With that law expiring in 2022, and the State Legislature likely to consider an extension or changes to that law, there is a great need for MSSNY to learn about physicians’ experiences with the application of this law, as well as their experiences regarding health insurers’ similar or disparate coverage of innovator and biosimilar therapies.

To help us better understand this growing area of medicine from your perspective as physicians, we need your help and less than 5 minutes of your time by taking this very brief survey today.


MSSNYPAC at the HOD
MSSNYPAC Chairs Dr. Thomas Lee and Dr. Rose Berkun invite local physicians, medical students, delegates, and guests who will be attending the MSSNY House of Delegates or in the Tarrytown area on Friday, May 20 to attend the MSSNYPAC membership meeting at the Tarrytown Marriot.  We will discuss the recent legislative accomplishments, legislative priorities for the remainder of the 2022 Legislative Session and the essential role MSSNYPAC plays in supporting physician relationships with candidates seeking election or re-election the NYS Senate, NYS Assembly and statewide offices. Contact Jennifer Wilks at mssnypac@mssny.org or call/text 914-933-7722 for further information or to RSVP.  Donate online today at www.mssnypac.org.


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Join Healthcare Appreciation Week at Yankee Stadium
Baseball season is off and running! Healthcare Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium will be held the week of May 6th– May 11th. Healthcare workers and their families may take advantage of a special offer for these nights that includes 20-45% discounted tickets, a commemorative scrub top, as well as a complimentary hot dog and drink. Purchase tickets.


CDC Issues Health Advisory About Cluster of Children with Hepatitis
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory notifying clinicians about a recently identified cluster of children with hepatitis and adenovirus infection.


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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 Roseann Raia at 516-488-6100
ext. 302

For the MSSNY 2022 Ad RateSheet, please click here.


Medical Office Suite for Rent (Downtown, New York City) – Ready to Move In!
On Canal Street, NYC : near Mulberry and Mott Street. Busy area near Subways. In a professional 7day/week concierge building . Office Suite 1002+ sq ft, beautiful & bright w/ five office consult-exam rooms, Spacious waiting and receptionist area, utility room & private restroom. MUST SEE! Please Call for showing at: 917-378-2699 or email: cnyc2828@gmail.com. Ask for Sammie.


HOD Banner



Rendr- Transforming Healthcare – Leadership Opportunity: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) preferred Job Position: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health in this role, you will lead and provide a wide range of support through population health, quality measures, practice transformation, Rendr360 department, House Calls, and other projects. Please send resumes careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering leadership opportunities to Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicineunder the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.


Rendr- Transforming Healthcare – Primary Care Opportunity: Internal or Family Medicine Physician, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese)
Job Position: Internal Family Medicine Physician please send resumes to: careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering employment opportunities to Internal or Family Medicine Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicine under the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.


Rendr- Transforming HealthcareLeadership Opportunity:Clinical Operations Medical Director, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) preferred
Job Position: Clinical Operations Medical Director in this role, you will provide clinical oversight and help lead our team of providers to assure high standards of care for our patients. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve and will be a practicing physician as well as an established medical leader with proven experience improving clinical operations and building strong teams. Please send resumes careers@rendrcare.com. We are offering leadership opportunities to Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicine under the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.

 

 

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