Doctors v Pharma Pricing

Thomas J. Madejski, MD MSSNY President
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Thomas J. Madejski, MD
MSSNY President
MAY 18, 2018
Volume 18
Number 19

Dear Colleagues:

Last Friday, President Trump promised to “derail the gravy train” in the health-care system in a speech in which he unveiled his much-anticipated strategy to lower drug prices. The 44-page blueprint, called “American Patients First,” proposes a laundry list of policy ideas — but no specific timeline for implementation. He said he wanted to “promote competition; get generic drugs to market faster; lower fees paid to so-called middlemen…; and to block foreign countries from negotiating lower prices for their state-run health plans.”

A March 2018 Kaiser Family Foundation Health Tracking Poll found that 80 percent of Americans think prescription drug prices are unreasonably high. Slightly more than half responded that enacting policies to lower them should be our government’s top policy priority. One of the other hats that I wear, and welcomed in anticipation of becoming your President, is as a member of the AMA Council on Medical Service. Our Council has taken a deep dive into the escalating cost of insulin at the request of our AMA members. We have come up with some specific strategies that the practicing physician can use to help their patients now, and some suggestions to improve general affordability moving forward.

I anticipate after presentation (and hopefully, approval) at the AMA Annual meeting in June, that our Council will explore additional strategies to help make medication more available and affordable for our patients.

Additional information for your consideration:

 

• Physicians (and many patients) know that that US drug prices are the highest in the world. Americans spend $1,100 per person per year on prescription drugs. Public outrage over drug costs has been growing for years, because patients are being squeezed in a number of ways—new medicines for cancer and other life-threatening diseases often launch with prices exceeding $100,000 per year. Drugs for common ailments like diabetes and asthma routinely see price hikes around 10 percent annually. Meanwhile, some companies have been buying up once-cheap older drugs and raising prices by 1,000 percent or more.

• While private insurers and government programs pick up the biggest share of the bill, high drug costs are ultimately passed down to the public through premiums and taxes. Lawmakers have probed how they set prices, and the Justice Department is investigating possible price collusion by more than a dozen companies that make generic drugs.

• In 2016, the AMA set a new policy that established guiding principles for advocacy efforts aimed at changing the fundamentals of prescription drug pricing without compromising patient outcomes and access. The 2016 policy acknowledges the carte blanche approach to drug pricing needs to change to align with the health system’s drive for high-quality care based on value.

• Unlike other nations, the U.S. doesn’t directly regulate medicine prices. In Europe, governments negotiate directly with drugmakers to limit what their state-funded health systems pay. For most outpatient drugs reimbursed through Medicaid, drugmakers must provide the government rebates. But most medicine costs are paid for by Medicare or by private insurers. When prescription-drug benefits were added to Medicare under a 2003 law, the pharmaceutical industry successfully lobbied to prohibit the federal government from using its huge purchasing power to negotiate drug prices. Private payers typically rely on third-party pharmacy-benefit managers, such as Express Scripts, to negotiate discounts. Patients directly pay about 17 percent of prescription medicine costs out of their own pockets.

We have a crisis in drug prices in this country, where pharmaceutical companies, distributors and PBMs are able to charge whatever they want hiding their costs and legitimate profit through a labyrinth of pricing schemes, kickbacks, and special considerations.  I have remarked to my fellow Council members that looking at drug prices is like peeling an onion.  Each layer stinks and makes me cry!

We need political leaders that are willing to stand up to the power of the pharmaceutical industry.  We need physicians to call upon our elected officials to create a healthcare system that serves our patients, not middlemen and hedge fund managers, who like Don Fanucci in The Godfather, need to “wet their beak” at our patients’ expense.

Please send your thoughts to comments@mssny.org.

Thomas J. Madejski, MD 
MSSNY President


MLMIC Insurance

Capital Update

MSSNY Physician Participates in Senate Roundtable on Tick Borne Diseases—Senate Passes Package of Bills Addressing Tick Borne Diseases
Dr. William Valenti, chair of the Medical Society of the State of New York Infectious Diseases Committee, participated this week in a Senate Roundtable sponsored by the Senate’s Task Force on Lyme and Tick Borne Diseases.  The roundtable included representatives from the NYS Department of Health, SUNY at Stonybrook; Cornell University, and SUNY Adirondack.  Dr. Valenti discussed with members of the Senate the need to coordinate better laboratory testing and the need to continue to provide educational programing for physicians and other providers.   The New York State Senate also passed legislation this week which includes:

  • 2588, sponsored by Senator Susan Serino, would provide homeowners with vital and reliable information on the best way to protect their property from ticks.
  • 7242, sponsored by Senator Serino, directs the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to install and maintain tick warning signs at all state-managed parks, including trail entryways and campgrounds.
  • 7169, co-sponsored by Senator Serino and Senator Kemp Hannon, would establish a pilot program for Lyme and tick-borne disease testing in children under the direction of the Commissioner of Health.
  • 8534, sponsored by Senator Serino, would direct the Commissioner of Education and the Commissioner of Health to promulgate and review rules and regulations related to pupils who have a tick removed from them during school or a school-sponsored activity.
  • 8539, sponsored by Senator Serino, would require the Department of Financial Services, in consultation with the DOH Commissioner, to conduct a study considering the current scope of health insurance coverage for Lyme and tick-borne diseases. The study would also examine initiatives in other states and the fiscal implications of various proposals.
  • 6926, sponsored by Senator Hannon, directs the Commissioner of Health to establish a standard protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. This legislation requires the commissioner to work with health care providers and experts to develop a standard protocol process and patient notification of related symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and other information relating to Lyme and TBDs. During the roundtable, Dr. Valenti did discuss having a “standard protocol” but indicated that much more work needs to be done to establish what type of protocol is suitable and that work also needs to be done to develop a standard for each of the laboratories to follow.
  • 7168, co-sponsored by Senators Serino and Hannon, requires a coroner, pathologist, medical examiner or other qualified examiner that discovers Lyme and tick-borne disease infections during an examination of a deceased person to report the case to the DOH.
  • 7208, co-sponsored by Senators Serino and Hannon, would require that the Council on Human Blood and Transfusion Services review current medical research and guidance regarding the donation of blood by patients with a history of Lyme or tick-borne illnesses.
  • 3816, sponsored by Senator Kenneth LaValle, would allow Town of East Hampton to establish a tick control district.

The bills are now before the NYS Assembly for further action.                                        (CLANCY, AUSTER)

State Senate Advances DMV Reporting Mandate Legislation
The State Senate advanced a bill (S.3569 – Young / A. 10094 – Carroll) from the Transportation committee to the Senate floor that would require a licensed physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner to report patients that have a chronic condition which cause or may cause unconsciousness or unawareness to the Department of Motor Vehicles.  The conditions include a convulsive disorder, epilepsy, fainting, dizzy spells, coronary ailments or other health conditions that may impair the ability to operate a motor vehicle.  While MSSNY has adopted a comprehensive policy on impaired drivers that supports the ability of a physician to voluntarily report certain patients to DMV whom the physician believes should not operate a motor vehicle, this bill goes too far by mandating physician reporting.  MSSNY has great concerns over the ambiguity of the bill language and the fact that it encompasses a number of medical conditions where there may only be a remote chance that unconsciousness and unawareness may occur.  This bill is also opposed by the Epilepsy Foundation and the New York State Trial Lawyers Association.

Please click here to contact your legislator to express your concerns with this legislation.                                                                                 (BELMONT)

Governor Cuomo Announces Multi-agency Effort To Combat Maternal Depression
Under a directive from Governor Andrew Cuomo, the New York State Department of Financial Services will now require all New York commercial health insurance policies to cover maternal depression screenings, including screening for the mother under the child’s policy.   Additionally, the NYS Department of Health and Office of Mental Health will launch a strategic awareness campaign to provide critical information about symptoms and treatment options for maternal depression. Finally, the Office of Mental Health will open the first state-operated intensive outpatient clinic focused on maternal depression. The new regulations will require health insurance policies issued in New York to include coverage for maternal depression screenings by both adult and pediatric primary care providers, as well as speedy referrals to treatment specialists.   Insurance policies that cover the child but not the mother must provide coverage for maternal depression screening.

The new regulations will take effect 60 days after publication in the State Register.   The Department of Health and the Office of Mental Health’s awareness campaign will provide critical information about symptoms and treatment options, and to more broadly remove the stigma associated with maternal depression. There will be a joint letter to all health care providers reminding them of the seriousness of the issue as well as encouraging expansion of treatment options.                           (CLANCY)

MSSNY Urges for Extension of Committee for Physicians Health Program
MSSNY continues to advocate for legislation (A.10221-A, Gottfried, S.8093-A, Hannon) that would extend for an additional 5 years the continued operations of the MSSNY Committee for Physicians Health (CPH) program.  Authorization for several key components of the program expired on March 31, 2018.   The bill, amended this week to clarify its retroactive applicability to March 31, has advanced to the Senate floor, and likely will be considered at the next meeting of the Assembly Health Committee.

The CPH is a program designed to confront and assist physicians thought to be suffering from alcoholism, substance abuse or mental illness.   Since the inception of this program, CPH has assisted thousands of physicians in returning healthy to medical practice.  The work of the CPH program is an important public service both to our health care system as well as the general public. As a result, the State Budget annually includes an appropriation of $990,000 for the program, which is generated from a $30 assessment on all physicians’ biennial registration fees.

The program has traditionally been extended by the Legislature in 3 or 5 year “demonstration programs” with the most recent extension in 2013.  The recently enacted State Budget included a provision to create another “demonstration program” until 2023.  However, it omitted other provisions historically extended at the same time that are essential to its functioning that could greatly impair its operations unless immediate action is taken.  These includes provisions that set forth the CPH program’s reporting requirements to the Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC), provisions to ensure liability protections for the physician Committee members for work performed in the scope of CPH, and necessary confidentiality protections for the program given the sensitivity of the work they perform.   These protections are absolutely essential to the continued functioning of the program to ensure that physicians with the appropriate expertise are willing to serve on the Committee, as well as to assure that the program has the ability to report sensitive information to OPMC when warranted by the circumstances. (DIVISION OF GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS)

Governor, AG Announce Potential Lawsuit Against Opioid Manufacturer
New York Governor  Cuomo and Acting Attorney General Barbara Underwood announced this week that New York State would be initiating a lawsuit against opioid drug manufacturer Purdue Pharma.  To read their joint statement, click here.

Acting AG Underwood stated “We are committed to holding opioid manufacturers and distributors accountable for the damage they’ve wrought on New York’s towns, communities, and families.  After a lengthy investigation, we are preparing a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma for its alleged deception and reckless disregard for the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers. It is clear to us that Purdue profited by deliberately exploiting New Yorkers’ addictions, and by pushing healthcare providers to increase patients’ use and dependence on these potentially fatal drugs. In addition to our impending lawsuit against Purdue, our office will continue to lead the multi-state investigation of opioid manufacturers and distributors across the country.”

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo stated: “In New York, we will not sit idly by as big corporations fuel the opioid epidemic and ignore the consequences of their actions.  We said we would sue to hold opioid manufacturers and distributors responsible, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. By taking Purdue Pharma to court, we are taking this significant step forward to hold corporations accountable and put an end to the opioid crisis once and for all. Too many innocent lives have been lost and too many families destroyed.”

As reported in numerous media outlets, Purdue Pharma responded: “We are disappointed that after months of good faith negotiations working toward a meaningful resolution to help the state of New York address the opioid crisis, the attorney general has unilaterally decided to pursue a costly and protracted litigation process.  We vigorously deny these allegations and look forward to the opportunity to present our defense.”  (AUSTER)

NYSDOH AIDS Institute Launches New Online Provider Directory
The NYSDOH AIDS Institute has launched a new online provider directory.  This new online directory will allow providers and consumers easier access to information regarding HIV, HCV, Buprenorphine, PEP, and PrEP service providers across New York State. This new directory will replace the former HIV and HCV provider directories located on the NYSDOH Health Commerce System (HCS). It will also replace the former PrEP/PEP Provider Voluntary Directory.  A copy of the directory can be found at this link: please click here.                                                                                  (CLANCY)

Medical Society of the State of New York Announces May and June CME Webinar Schedule
The Medical Society of the State of New York is pleased to announce its free Continuing Medical Education (CME) webinars for May and June.  Participation in the webinars will earn physicians one CME credit free of charge.  The webinar schedule for May and June is as follows: 

May 24th at 7:30amCurrent Concepts in Concussion for Pediatric and Adult Patients

Register for this webinar here.
Faculty: Deborah Light, MD & John Pugh, MD, PhD

Educational Objectives:

  • Identify signs and symptoms indicative of concussion as well as red flags that indicate alternate or more severe pathology;
  • Outline an appropriate management plan for a patient presenting with concussion including a return to “normal life” protocol;
  • Describe methods for the primary and secondary prevention of concussion;
  • Identify patients who would benefit from referral to a concussion specialist

June 20th at 12:30pmMedical Matters: Children’s Mental Health After Disaster

Register for this webinar here.
Faculty: Linda Chokroverty, MD

Educational Objectives:

  • Enhance physician’s understanding of the impact of disaster on children’s and family mental health
  • Improve physician skills to address potential psychiatric problems in children and families following a disaster

To view all of MSSNY’s scheduled programs, click here and select “Training Center” and “Upcoming”.

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 of these live activities 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. 

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

Ebola Webinars Available on CME Website
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has now spread to Mbandaka city, and urban area with nearly 1.2 million residents.  There have now been 19 deaths and 39 patients infected with Ebola.  Additionally, 393 individuals are being monitored as contacts of Ebola patients.  Previous Ebola outbreaks proved stressful for healthcare providers in New York largely owing to uncertainty and media hype.  The Medical Society has two CME courses available that help to address these concerns regarding Ebola virus.

Please click here to view MSSNY’s free CME courses on this timely and relevant topic.  Ebola: A Perspective from the Field offers a firsthand description of the challenges surrounding Ebola virus.  And Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers with an Ebola Virus Update offers a comprehensive analysis of diagnosis and treatment for Ebola and other viral hemorrhagic fevers.                                                                                                  (HOFFMAN)

Bending the Diabetes Curve CME Course Available Online
Bending the Diabetes Curve webinar is now available to view online; please click here. By educating physicians and connecting more patients to evidence-based lifestyle change programs, this diabetes initiative will help bridge the gap between clinical care settings and communities to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes.

Webinar: Bending the Diabetes Curve

Faculty: Geoffrey Moore, MD & Sarah Nosal, MD

Educational Objectives:

  • Describe the trends in Type 2 diabetes and implications for clinical practice
  • Review evidence that supports referring patients with prediabetes to lifestyle change program
  • Outline the considerations for implementing a diabetes prevention initiative in a physician practice
  • Describe NYS specific incidents of prediabetes and diabetes in adult population
  • Understand the reimbursements mechanisms for DPP

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 of these live activities 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.

Additional information or assistance with registration may be obtained by contacting Carrie Harring at  charring@mssny.org.                                                                                  (HARRING)

Please Join Us on July 28th for Physicians’ Day at the Races
Please join your friends and colleagues for a great event to benefit your profession.  MSSNY PAC uses its resources and mobilizes support to help elect candidates for state office who will stand and fight for us, regardless of what party they are from.  MSSNYPAC allows us to pool our resources and together, make a difference against other special interests that continue to try to undermine the delivery of quality health care.  MSSNY PAC continues to develop new fundraising opportunities for our physicians to become more active.

Please RSVP today. The Physicians’ Day at the Races will take place on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Ticket prices are:

$500/physician,

$300/guest,

$250/guest under 21

Ticket price includes clubhouse admission, post parade programs, a gourmet buffet lunch at your own trackside table, unlimited open bar, private viewing of the horses as they bring them from the paddock and private betting windows. click here for further details.

Contact Jennifer Wilks at 518-465-8085 or by email at jwilks@mssny.org to secure tickets.  (BELMONT)


For more information relating to any of the above articles, please contact the appropriate contributing staff member at the following email addresses:

pschuh@mssny.org   mauster@mssny.org  pclancy@mssny.org  


eNews

$750,000 Fine for Billing Medicaid when Physicians Were Not Enrolled in Program
Here is a cautionary New York tale –

MSSNY has recently heard from the U.S. Department of Justice that a medical practice has agreed to pay a large sum of money to settle a False Claims Act Suit for alleged improper billing practices.  The allegations were brought to the government’s attention through the filing of a complaint pursuant to the qui tam provisions (the whistleblower) of the False Claims Act.  Under the Act, private citizens can bring suit on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery.

The medical group agreed to pay $750,000.00 to resolve allegations that they billed the Medicaid Program for services provided by physicians who were not enrolled in the program.  The government’s investigation revealed that, from July 1, 2004 through December 31, 2010, the medical group employed a number of physicians who were not enrolled in the Medicaid Program who provided care to Medicaid patients.  Because the physicians were not enrolled in the program, the medical group should not have sought reimbursement from Medicaid for the services provided by these non-enrolled physicians.  Regardless, the medical group submitted requests for payment under the Medicaid provider identification numbers of the practice’s Medicaid enrolled physicians, thereby misrepresenting the identities of the individuals who were actually providing treatment to the group’s Medicaid beneficiaries.  This improper billing practice occurred at many of the medical group’s locations.

To avoid any impropriety, physicians must be enrolled in plans to treat and receive payment for a plan’s insured members. 

NY’s Acting AG to Sue Purdue Pharma for Exploiting Addictions
New York’s acting attorney general, Barbara Underwood, announced Wednesday that the state is preparing to sue the maker of the prescription painkiller OxyContin, making New York the seventh state to announce a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma this week.

In a press release, acting Attorney General Barbara Underwood said the state is readying its litigation against the opioid manufacturer for “its alleged deception and reckless disregard for the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers.”

“It is clear to us that Purdue profited by deliberately exploiting New Yorkers’ addictions, and by pushing healthcare providers to increase patients’ use and dependence on these potentially fatal drugs,” she said in a statement.

In its own statement, Purdue said the company “vigorously” denies the allegations and looks “forward to the opportunity to present our defense.”
Over the past year, the number of lawsuits filed against opioid manufacturers and distributors has substantially increased. Many of the suits claim companies aggressively marketed opioids whiledownplaying the risk of addiction and shipped suspiciously large quantities of painkillers without alerting authorities.

Three Firms Account for Over Half of All Medicare Part D Enrollees in 2018 Pending

Mergers Would Further Consolidate the Marketplace

In 2018, three Medicare Part D plan sponsors—UnitedHealth, Humana, and CVS Health—account for more than half of the program’s 43 million Part D enrollees (55 percent) and two-thirds of all stand-alone drug plan enrollees, indicating a marketplace that is dominated by a handful of major insurers, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of Part D enrollment, premiums and cost-sharing data.

The proposed mergers of CVS Health and Aetna, and Cigna and Express Scripts would result in further consolidation of the Part D marketplace. If these mergers go through, four firms—the two merged firms plus UnitedHealth and Humana—would cover 71 percent of all Part D enrollees and 86 percent of stand-alone drug plan enrollees, based on 2018 enrollment.

New Yorkers Do Not Eat Enough Fruits, Vegetables, Analysis Finds
The 2018 American Fitness Index analysis indicates “that while New York City ranked 52 out of 100 American cities when it comes to overall health, it is weak in key dietary areas,” particularly in that only “18.4 percent of New Yorkers eat three or more vegetables a day and 31.9 percent eat two or more fruits a day.”

FDA Names Companies “Gaming” Drug Laws to Block Competition
The FDA has followed through on its promise to publicly name companies it says may be gaming drug laws to block generic competition.

The act comes as part of the Trump administration’s recently announced effort to bring down the price of pharmaceuticals. The list  — posted on the FDA’s website May 17— includes dozens of both generic and brand-name companies that the agency said appear to have refused to give up samples of their product to generic companies seeking to make copies. Without the samples, generic manufacturers can’t conduct bioequivalence testing and apply to the agency for approval, said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, in a statement.

The agency has received more than 150 pleas for help from generic drugmakers who have not been able to get samples from brand companies, said Gottlieb. “We’re also notifying the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — the agency responsible for addressing anticompetitive business practices — about these inquiries,” he said.

According to the list, the largest numbers of inquiries have been for problems getting copies of isotretinoin (14 inquiries), bosentan (14), lenalidomide (13), thalidomide (10), and ambrisentan (10).

Among the companies that appear to be multiple offenders:

  • Actelion Pharmaceuticals, listed for potentially blocking access to macitentan (Opsumit), bosentan (Tracleer), epoprostenol sodium (Veletri), and miglustat (Zavesca);
  • Celgene, for lenalidomide (Revlimid), thalidomide (Thalomid), and pomalidomide (Pomalyst); and
  • Novartis, for everolimus (Afinitor), deferasirox (Exjade), nilotinib hydrochloride monohydrate (Tasigna), and everolimus (Zortress). 

Please Answer Physicians Foundation’s Biennial Survey
This is the Physicians Foundation’s sixth biennial physician survey. Its purpose is to examine the morale, career plans, and practice metrics of today’s physicians – and to give physicians a voice! The goal is to produce a “state of the union” of the medical profession that can have a significant impact on both policy and public perceptions. The survey is expected to take around 10 minutes to complete. It will be open through June 5th and can be accessed here.

Reminder: MSSNY is a Charter Member of the Physicians Foundation.

The Physicians Foundation will make a $5,000 contribution to the state medical society generating the most survey responses and a $5,000 contribution to the state medical society that generates that most responses per-capita.

New PTSD Definition Would Exclude Many Patients, Study Says
A proposed change in how post-traumatic stress disorder is diagnosed could exclude as many as 57% of the people with moderate—and more easily treatable—PTSD worldwide, according to a study led by researchers at NYU School of Medicine.

The study appear May 17 in the journal Psychological Medicine. It looked at almost 4,000 people from six countries to see how changes in the upcoming 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases would affect their diagnoses.

Most of the patients studied were survivors of traffic accidents, who underwent the Clinically Administered PTSD Scale.

When patients were diagnosed using the revised code, it boosted the incidence of severe PTSD by up to 35%, but the number of moderate cases decreased by more than half.

Proposed changes in the diagnostic tool could negatively affect successful treatment for many victims of PTSD because early treatment leads to the best outcomes, said senior author Dr. Arieh Shalev, the Barbara Wilson Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine.

Shalev also expressed concerns that insurers might not cover cases where patients clearly have symptoms consistent with PTSD but don’t meet the new criteria for diagnosis.

The revised code uses just six criteria for assessing PTSD: dissociative flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, avoidance of external reminders, and avoidance of thoughts and feelings associated with the traumatic event. The current code includes 13 conditions, including sleep disturbances and irritability, which also can be associated with other disorders.

House Passes Bill to Expand Veterans’ Healthcare Access Outside of VA
The AP (5/16) reports that on Wednesday, the US House “voted to give veterans more freedom to see doctors outside the Veterans Affairs health system” although some Democrats “cast it as a risky step toward dismantling the struggling agency.” The plan would “fulfill President Donald Trump’s promise to expand private care to veterans” who feel VA healthcare is inadequate by allowing them to seek care from private physicians. Legislators passed the $5 billion bill in a 347-70 vote.

Congressional Quarterly (5/16) reports the vote comes as “a major overhaul to a veterans’ health care program just two weeks before funds dry up.” The $5.2 billion funding will extend the Veterans Choice Program “before combining the program with other community care programs offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2019.”

IPRO Hosting 34th Annual Membership Meeting at Garden City Hotel

When:   Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Time:    12:30 p.m.—3:30 p.m.
Where:  The Garden City Hotel – 45 Seventh Street, Garden City, NY

For further information, click here.

 

Classified

RENTAL/LEASING SPACE

For Sale-Outpatient Mental Health Clinic
Started in 1998 and located in the NYC metro area, this multi-location business is a well-established, highly reputable, mental health clinic providing outpatient psychotherapy and counseling services.
Revenues 2017 $1.2 mil.
Profits: 2017 $326k
Asking Price: $970k
Terms are available. The clinic’s market consists of Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens Counties. The 25 clinician practice specializes in group, women’s and psycho-educational therapy as well as parenting groups, court mandated services, domestic violence victims groups, anger management and supervised visitation programs. There are 250+ weekly patients and the business accepts most insurances. Buyer must be a NYS licensed physician, NYS licensed mental health consultant, NYS licensed social worker, psychologist or PhD. The owner is retiring.

Direct All Inquiries to:
Steve Epstein, V.P.
Gottesman Company
O: 201-750-9605
C: 201-704-8051


Thriving Internal Medicine Practice for Sale by the Physician.
Has been growing exponentially, with number of patients doubling over last two years.
Has the visits-volume and the potential space & hours to keep expanding
The physician will stay to overlap for at least one year to personally transition all the practice’s patients, to seamlessly transfer all insurance account and to assist with acquirement of hospital privileges

Well established location at street level, with dedicated handicap entrance, easy access to public transportation, a parking lot and within one mile from all three leading local hospitals.
Fully credentialed as a medical practice site with all health insurances in the market, and compliant with Americans with Disability Act requirements. Office space lease guaranteed for extended period of time. Call 917-596-8936


Are You Trying to Lease Your Medical Office or Sell Your Medical Practice? Trying to Sell New or Used Medical Equipment?
Clineeds, the new online platform designed for medical providers. With Clineeds you can lease your medical officeshared your office spacebuy and sell used medical equipment, or post healthcare job opportunities. LISTING IS FREE! Why wait? Click here to sign-up: www.clineeds.com/sign-up


Beautiful NYC Medical Office — Long-term Share
Bright, big consultation room and one or two exam rooms in large,  tastefully furnished office in first-rate building. 58th Street between Park and Lexington. Near transportation.  Smaller, windowed consultation room and exam room also available. Rent by the day or week, beginning June 1 or sooner. $180 per day or $5500 per months. Perfect for internist, rheumatologist, physical medicine, ob-gyn and others. Superb front desk and office management available, along with many amenities including internet, ultrasound, EMG, kitchen, optional C-arm. Call Carol: 917-856-6402.


For Rent – Medical Office 715 W 170 Street New York
Ground floor just completed build out 4 exam rooms with sinks and wall cabinets
Waiting and reception areas, windows throughout.
Street and private entrances, two bathrooms and storage/lab/staff room.
One block to bus and two blocks to Presbyterian Medical Center and subway.
$1900-$7900/ month for one to 4 exam rooms.
Drdese@gmail.com or 917.8618273


For Share – Plastic Surgeon’s Office Facing Central Park Ground Floor Lobby Entrance/Private exit
One to three exam rooms, consult/private office and procedure room for full or part time use.
Elegant, modern and spacious secretarial, waiting and two exam rooms.
Accredited operating rooms and recovery rooms on site.
One block to bus and 20 feet to subways.
$1275-$3750/day monthly for one to three exam rooms.
Drdese@gmail.com or 917.861.8273


Office Space – Sutton Place
Newly renovated medical office. Windows in every room looks out to a park like setting on the plaza level. 2-4 exam rooms/offices available, possible procedure room or gym. Separate reception and waiting area, use of 3 bathrooms and a shower. Central air and wireless. All specialties welcome. Public transportation nearby. Please call 212-772-6011 or e-mail: advocate@medicalpassport.org


PHYSICIAN OPPORTUNITIES


Paging Primary Care Doctors Who Love Technology
98point6 is a healthcare technology startup that needs your input.  We’re seeking practicing physicians to join our Primary Care Council to help shape the future of primary care.  If the fusion of healthcare and technology inspires you, please join us and apply today. Visit: www.98point6.com/about/pcc/


Private Multidisciplinary Medical Group Seeking Full Time or Part Time Podiatrist and Full Time or Part Time Internal Medicine/Family Practice/Allergy & Immunology Physicians.
Midtown, Union Square & Lower Manhattan locations. Attractive base salary plus comprehensive benefits package. E-mail CV to tsrgexpress@gmail.com. No recruiters please.


Chief of Medical Services
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a license and current registration to practice medicine in New York State, plus six years of experience in the practice of medicine, two years of which must be in an administrative or supervisory capacity. Appointee must be eligible for and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in Medicaid and Medicare programs. Appropriate certification by an American Medical Specialty Board and one year of post certification experience in that specialty can be substituted for four years of general experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Board certification in Geriatric Medicine and/or Certification as a Medical Director (AMDA), and experience in a long-term care facility.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Serve as Medical Director of a 242-bed skilled nursing facility for veterans and their dependents. Provide medical leadership and oversight ensuring the delivery of quality health care services while also ensuring compliance with clinical, statutory and regulatory standards.Send resume to:  NYS Veterans Home, Attn: Human Resources, 4207 State Highway 220, Oxford, NY 13830

The New York State Veterans Home at Oxford is a 242-bed skilled nursing facility operated by the NYS Department of Health located in Chenango County. It is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. 


Family Practice Physician – Schenectady/Amsterdam, NY
Hometown Health Centers is a Federally Qualified Community Health Center in the Upstate, Schenectady and Amsterdam, NY areas. Bi-lingual in English/Spanish is a plus.  Excellent total compensation package.  No hospital rounding. Flexible and part-time schedules available.  Sign-on bonus. For additional information please send inquiries or resumes to href=”mailto:jobs@hhchc.org”>jobs@hhchc.org. www.hometownhealthcenters.org


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