May 5, 2017 – Many Object to ACA Repeal


PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Charles Rothberg. MD
May 5, 2017
Volume 17
Number 17

MLMIC Insurance

Dear Colleagues:

This week, I traveled to Rochester to speak to the Monroe County Medical Society.

Although I had prepared a speech—mercifully, I cut it short. The physicians were very eager to talk about the AHCA bill and what it meant to medicine and their practices. I told them that I had been interviewed recently by Crain’s Health Pulse and they mistitled the article, “State Doctors’ Group Stays Neutral on AHCA.”

Doctors are NOT neutral on this topic. However, we are divided.

It is unfortunate that the newest health bill would have the effect of watering down existing protections for pre-existing conditions as the means to reduce premiums.  As to our physician community, any state or national health care legislation should provide better solutions that are less burdensome on our profession, our patients and their health outcomes. Let us not be divided on these essentials.

Moe Auster, VP of MSSNY Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, has provided us with an overview how the ACA affects New York.

House of Representatives Approves ACA Repeal Legislation Objected to by Many
By a 217-213 vote, the US House of Representatives passed an amended version of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) that was objected to by many patient and health care provider associations across the country and here in New York State.  Several media outlets have reported that the prospects for passage in the Senate are uncertain, as several GOP Senators have expressed concerns with various provisions.

MSSNY Issued Concerns

MSSNY had previously issued statements that expressed significant concerns about the impact to New York patients and the State Budget as a result of this legislation. Last week, MSSNY joined with nearly two dozen patient advocacy organizations in a letter to New York’s Congressional delegation that noted that “while the Affordable Care Act (ACA) can be improved, replacing it with the AHCA would have significant adverse consequences to millions of New Yorkers”  Instead, the letter urged that New York’s Congressional Delegation fight to: “Ensure uninterrupted healthcare coverage for the 24 million Americans, including the 850,000 New Yorkers who gained coverage under the ACA; Do not harm New York State’s budget and do not shortchange New York’s Medicaid program; and Protect the more than 600,000 New Yorkers who gained coverage under the Essential plan.”

AMA President Dr. Andrew Gurman issued a statement expressing great concerns with the bill that passed the House:

“The bill passed by the House … will result in millions of Americans losing access to quality, affordable health insurance and those with pre-existing health conditions face the possibility of going back to the time when insurers could charge them premiums that made access to coverage out of the question. Action is needed, however, to improve the current health care insurance system … while preserving the safety net for vulnerable populations.”

As has been previously reported, the AHCA would maintain some provisions from the ACA, such as required coverage for pre-existing conditions, and requiring dependent coverage up to age 26.   It also contains components supported by MSSNY, such as significantly expanding the amount of funds that a person could direct to their Health Savings Account and delaying for several years implementation of the “Cadillac Tax” on comprehensive health insurance coverage.

Bill Would Jeopardize Available Options

However, the bill would jeopardize the availability of affordable health insurance coverage options for many in New York. While the expanded eligibility for Medicaid (up to 138% FPL) would be available through the end of 2019, starting in 2020 such expanded coverage would only be continued for those who had such coverage prior to the end of 2019.  The AHCA would also repeal the tax credits currently provided to help cover cost-sharing amounts for coverage for individuals who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.  Instead, tax credits of $2,000-$4,500 (depending upon age) would be provided to enable the purchase of health insurance coverage.   Tax credits will be available in full to individuals earning less than $75,000 and households earning less than $150,000, but they will be capped for higher earners.  The AHCA would also completely eliminate funding for New York’s Essential Plan, which provides low-cost insurance coverage with little cost-sharing responsibilities for over 600,000 New Yorkers who make between 138% -200% FPL.

How They Voted

All 18 Democrats in New York’s Congressional delegation opposed the bill, as did Republicans Dan Donovan (Staten Island) and John Katko (Syracuse).  New York Republicans supporting the bill include Chris Collins (Western New York), John Faso (Hudson Valley), Peter King (Nassau County), Tom Reed (Southern Tier), Elise Stefanik (Northern New York), Claudia Tenney (Mohawk Valley), and Lee Zeldin (Suffolk County).

Sincerely,
Charles Rothberg, MD
MSSNY President

Please send your comments to comments@mssny.org




House of Representatives Approves Partial ACA Repeal Legislation Objected to by Many Patient Advocacy Organizations
By a 217-213 vote, the US House of Representatives passed an amended version of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) that was objected to by many patient and health care provider associations across the country and here in New York State.  Several media outlets have reported that the prospects for passage in the Senate are uncertain, as several GOP Senators have expressed concerns with various provisions.

MSSNY had previously issued statements that expressed significant concerns about the impact to New York patients and the State Budget as a result of this legislation. Last week, MSSNY joined with nearly two dozen patient advocacy organizations in a letter to New York’s Congressional delegation that noted that “while the Affordable Care Act (ACA) can be improved, replacing it with the AHCA would have significant adverse consequences to millions of New Yorkers”  Instead, the letter urged that New York’s Congressional Delegation fight to: “Ensure uninterrupted healthcare coverage for the 24 million Americans, including the 850,000 New Yorkers who gained coverage under the ACA; Do not harm New York State’s budget and do not shortchange New York’s Medicaid program; and Protect the more than 600,000 New Yorkers who gained coverage under the Essential plan.”

AMA President Dr. Andrew Gurman issued the following statement expressing great concerns with the bill that passed the House:

The bill passed by the House today will result in millions of Americans losing access to quality, affordable health insurance and those with pre-existing health conditions face the possibility of going back to the time when insurers could charge them premiums that made access to coverage out of the question. Action is needed, however, to improve the current health care insurance system. The AMA urges the Senate and the Administration to work with physician, patient, hospital and other provider groups to craft bipartisan solutions so all American families can access affordable and meaningful coverage, while preserving the safety net for vulnerable populations.

As has been previously reported, the AHCA would maintain some provisions from the ACA, such as required, availability of coverage for those with  pre-existing conditions, and requiring dependent coverage up to age 26.   It also contains components supported by MSSNY, such as significantly expanding the amount of funds that a person could direct to their Health Savings Account and delaying for several years implementation of the “Cadillac Tax” on comprehensive health insurance coverage. However, the bill would jeopardize the availability of affordable health insurance coverage options for many in New York.

While the expanded eligibility for Medicaid (up to 138% FPL) would be available through the end of 2019, starting in 2020 such expanded coverage would only be continued for those who had such coverage prior to the end of 2019.  The AHCA would also repeal the tax credits currently provided to help cover cost-sharing amounts for coverage for individuals who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.  Instead, tax credits of $2,000-$4,500 (depending upon age) would be provided to enable the purchase of health insurance coverage.

Tax credits will be available in full to individuals earning less than $75,000 and households earning less than $150,000, but they will be capped for higher earners.  The AHCA would also completely eliminate funding for New York’s Essential Plan, which provides low-cost insurance coverage with little cost-sharing responsibilities for over 600,000 New Yorkers who make between 138% -200% FPL. All 18 Democrats in New York’s Congressional delegation opposed the bill, as did Republicans Dan Donovan (Staten Island) and John Katko (Syracuse).  New York Republicans supporting the bill include Chris Collins (Western New York), John Faso (Hudson Valley), Peter King (Nassau County), Tom Reed (Southern Tier), Elise Stefanik (Northern New York), Claudia Tenney (Mohawk Valley), and Lee Zeldin (Suffolk County).
(AUSTER)                               


Bills That Would Raise The Purchasing Age For Tobacco And Restrict E-Cigarettes Moving In The NYS Legislature
Two tobacco related pieces of legislation are advancing in the NYS Legislature and physicians are urged to contact their legislators to support both measures.  S.2543/A.516, which would include the use of electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes under the Clean Indoor Air Act, is now on the calendar in both houses and can be voted on at any time.   S.3978/A.273, which would increase the purchasing age for tobacco products from eighteen to 21 years of age, is in the Senate Finance Committee.

The Medical Society of the State of New York strongly supports both these measures and urges physicians to contact their legislators to vote in support for both bills.  Physicians can send a letter to their legislators by clicking on the link: here.                                                                                                                       (HARRING, CLANCY)

Collective Negotiation Bill Advances – Get Active and Contact Your Legislators
With the legislative session expected to end June 21st.MSSNY is currently advocating for various pieces of legislation to better enable physicians to be able to continue to assure their patient are able to receive timely and quality care.  This week, one of MSSNY’s priority bills just moved through the Senate Health Committee to the Finance Committee. The bill (S.3663, Hannon / A.4472, Gottfried ) would allow independently practicing physicians to collectively negotiate patient care terms with market dominant health insurers under close state supervision.

Its Assembly counterpart has advanced to the Assembly Ways & Means Committee. It is very important that you send a letter to your legislators so that we can inform our legislators how important the bill is for physicians. Physicians can send a letter  here. The Legislature is scheduled for a three day session next week, covering Monday through Wednesday. You can call your legislator’s directly in their legislative offices in Albany to speak about the issues impacting your ability to treat patients including this issue.

Senate- 518-455-2800
Assembly- 518-455-4100
(BELMONT)


Your membership yields results and will continue to do so. When your 2017 invoice arrives, please renew. KEEP MSSNY STRONG!


Please Contact Your Legislators to Reject CRNA Scope Expansion Bill
Physicians are urged to contact their legislators to urge defeat of legislation (A.442/S.1385) which purports to statutorily recognize the title of a nurse anesthetist, but would potentially empower CRNAs to work beyond the scope of their training and work independently of physician supervision.  The legislation was advanced from the Assembly Higher Education Committee to the Assembly Ways & Means Committee this week.  MSSNY and the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists oppose this legislation.  Physicians can send a letter  here.
(AUSTER) 

IPRO CME Webinar on MAPPP App
Alex C Spyropoulos, MD, FACP, FCCP, FRCPC and Jessica Cohen, MD will serve as faculty for an IPRO CME webinar entitled “Management of Anticoagulation in the Peri-Procedural Period (MAPPP) App:  Overview, Instructions and Case Studies.”  The webinar will be held on Friday, 5/12/17, 11-12am ET.  Registration is required.  The registration and webinar connection information can also be found under “Event” at this link:  http://mappp.ipro.org.

Program flyer may be accessed here.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of The Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) and IPRO.  MSSNY is accredited by 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 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

For more information contact: Anne Myrka, IPRO Director, Drug Safety (518) 320-3591 anne.myrka@area-i.hcqis.org. (HARDIN)

MSSNY Pain Management, Palliative Care and Addiction Online Program Available
The Medical Society of the State of New York Pain Management, Palliative Care and Addiction modules are now available on-line here. 

These modules are being offered free of charge to all MSSNY members.  Physicians who are new users to the MSSNY CME site will be required to register as a new user.  As a new user, physicians and non-physicians will be required to enter fields that include: position; name (the name should be what you want to appear on the CME certificate); email address; and then create a password.  MSSNY members who encounter a payment page or have difficulty registering, please email cme@mssny.org for technical support.  Directions for creating a new account/or logging in can be found here..  Non-MSSNY physicians will be charged $50 per module. 

The MSSNY CME is a new site and while many MSSNY members have an account with mssny.org a MSSNY member may not necessary have an account with cme.mssny.org   If in doubt, try to create an account and if it tells you that the email address is unavailable or in use,  an account exists.   Passwords can be reset if you don’t know it.  Physicians who have previously had an account at the MSSNY CME site will need to log into the site using their email and password.

The MSSNY CME site provides the ability for physicians and other prescribers to view the archived webinar at their leisure, take the required test, and download their certificate. The online program covers all eight topics required in the New York State statute. MSSNY developed the program with the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS).  MSSNY is listed as an accrediting organization by the NYS DOH Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement.   Information on the three CME modules is available here.  Additional information or technical support may be obtained by contacting cme@mssny.org.

DOH Attestation Process for Pain Management CME Must Be Completed by July 1, 2017
The New York State Department of Health has announced the attestation process for prescribers required to complete Pain Management CME . Prescribers must attest to the completion of the pain management, palliative care and addiction course work or training by July 1, 2017, and again every three years thereafter. The prescriber should only attest after completion of at least three hours of course work or training covering all eight topics. A prescriber with a Health Commerce System (HCS) account will attest online using the Narcotic Education Attestation Tracker (NEAT) application.  Complete the steps to access the NEAT (Narcotic Education Attestation Tracker) application in the NYS Health Commerce System (HCS):

  1. Log into the HCS
  2. Under “My Content” click on “All Applications”
  3. Click on “N”
  4. Scroll down to NEAT (Narcotic Education Attestation Tracker) and double click to open the application. You may also click on the “+” sign to add this application under “My Applications” on the left side of the Home screen.

Complete the steps to ATTEST to the completion of the education requirement.   A full set of instructions can be found here.

Prescribers that do not have access to a computer can request a paper attestation form by calling the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE) toll-free at 1-866-811-7957. They may then complete the form and return it by mail to the address provided in the form. The Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement has also released a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the prescriber mandate.   A copy of the FAQs can be found here. In certain limited circumstances, the New York State Department of Health may grant an exemption to the required course work or training to an individual prescriber who clearly demonstrates to the department that there is no need to complete such training.

Exemptions will be granted only in very limited circumstances, and not solely on the basis of economic hardship, technological limitations, prescribing volume, practice area, specialty, or board certification.  Prescribers may applied for an exemption through the Health Commerce System. Further information may be obtained by contacting BNE at 1-866-811-7957 or narcotic@health.ny.gov.             (CLANCY)

Rep. Crowley Re-Introduces Bi-Partisan Resident Physician Reduction Shortage Act
House Democratic Caucus Chair Joseph Crowley (D-Queens) and Representative Ryan Costello (R-Pennsylvania) announced this week the reintroduction of legislation to increase the current cap on the number of Medicare-supported training slots for doctors, to help meet the growing demands for physicians as our nation faces a looming doctor shortage.

The legislation would increase the number of Medicare-supported hospital residency positions by 15,000 (3,000 slots per year, over five years), bringing the total number of slots available to 105,000 and opening up significant new opportunities for future physicians and for the teaching hospitals that train them.  The press release noted that the U.S. is expected to face a shortage of up to 104,900 physicians by 2030, including shortages in both primary and specialty care, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.  MSSNY has policy, adopted at its 2011 House of Delegates, calling for elimination of the cap on the number of Medicare funded residency programs.  This legislation would go a long way towards addressing the goals of this resolution. Rep. Crowley noted in the press release: “A doctor shortage is something we just can’t ignore.

This is a nationwide problem and the path to ensuring all Americans have access to high-quality, well-trained physicians is through the strengthening of GME programs.” Rep. Costello noted in the press release “A strong physician workforce is vital to ensuring all Americans have timely access to essential and quality healthcare.  This legislation would allow Congress to address concerns about physician shortages by providing teaching hospitals with the necessary resources to support increased residency openings.”        (AUSTER)

Register Now For Upcoming Medical Matters 2017 CME Webinar Series
Registration is now open for the next Medical Matters webinar on Wednesday, May 7, 2017 at 7:30 a.m.  “Exercise Response to Novel Influenza Strains” will be conducted by Pat Anders, MS, MEP, Manager, Health Emergency Preparedness Exercises, New York State Department of Health, Office of Health Emergency Preparedness.  Registration is now available at this link. The educational objectives are: 1)  Understand preparedness and response actions of public health and healthcare to a novel pandemic influenza, simulated in full-scale exercise.  2)  Describe two delineated strategies in which public health and office-based physicians would interact in a pandemic influenza.  Registration is also open for Mosquito Borne Diseases” on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 7:30 a.m.  Faculty for this webinar are William Valenti, MD chair of MSSNY’s Infectious Disease Committee and member of the MSSNY’s Emergency Preparedness and Disaster/Terrorism Response Committee and Elizabeth Dufort, MD medical director, Division of Epidemiology from the New York State Department of Health.  Registration is now available at this link.

The educational objectives are: 1) Identify the most prominent mosquito borne diseases, including chikungunya, dengue, West Nile virus, yellow fever and zika.  2)  Describe the epidemiology of mosquito borne diseases.  3)  Review modes of transmission and methods of prevention of infection.  Additional information or assistance with registration may be obtained by contacting Melissa Hoffman at mhoffman@mssny.org.  Medical Matters is a series of CME webinars sponsored by MSSNY’s Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster/Terrorism Response.  

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

MSSNY 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.
(CLANCY, HOFFMAN)

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 jbelmont@mssny.org

enews large


More than 6,000 New York Organ Donors Signed Up in One Week
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that 6,326 people enrolled in the New York State Donate Life Registry in the week ending April 27th.

Cuomo signed legislation last year requiring the health department to add the organ donation component to its health insurance application.

Anyone 16 or older completing an application, renewing a plan, or making a life status change is now asked if they would like to be added to the Donate Life Registry.

Organ donors also enroll at the websites for the Department of Health, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Board of Elections, and when applying for the NYC Identification Card.

HCS Will Discontinue Access for Computers Running Windows XP and Internet Explorer9 (IE9)
The Health Commerce System (HCS) will be discontinuing access for computers running Windows XP and Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) and older web browsers as they pose a security risk to HCS applications.  Windows XP users must upgrade their operating system and IE9 users must upgrade their browser by June 1, 2017 to continue using the HCS, as the HCS will block connections from computers running Windows XP and IE9 browser and older.

  • What:  The HCS will discontinue access for PCs using Windows XP and Microsoft IE9 and older web browsers. Upon implementation of this change, any computer running Windows XP or IE9 or older will not be able to connect to or open https://commerce.health.state.ny.us.
  • When:  This change is scheduled for June 1, 2017.
  • Why:  Due to NYS application and data security requirements, HCS access will be discontinued for unsecured IE9 and older web browsers and Windows XP operating system on June 1, 2017.
  • What is at stake:  Inability to access the HCS will affect your ability to: comply with New York State Public Health and Education laws; access critical information and data; and receive HCS technical support.

Specifically, you will not be allowed access to the following applications:

  • Patient narcotic histories (i-STOP/PMP);
  • E-Prescribing waivers;
  • Your Physician Profile;
  • The New York State Immunization Information System;
  • Environmental Health EHCitrix Platform;
  • Evacuation of Facilities in Disasters System (eFINDS);
  • The Health Electronic Response Data System (HERDS); and
  • Other mission-critical applications.

What to do next:  If you are using Windows XP or IE9, you must upgrade your PC to a modern, secure operating system as soon as possible, and upgrade your IE9 or older web browser.  It is suggested you perform the following actions to upgrade your PC and browser:

1.      OPERATING SYSTEM: To upgrade to a current Windows operating system please visit http://www.microsoft.com to determine if your computer can be upgraded.  To upgrade, follow the instructions on the Microsoft website. Please note that Windows 10 users will still need to use Microsoft Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome as most HCS applications do not yet support the Microsoft Edge browser, which is the default browser for Microsoft 10.

2.      BROWSER: If you are not sure which Internet browser you are using, please visit http://whatsmybrowser.org to determine your browser and version.

On the Windows platform, the HCS currently supports Microsoft Internet Explorer and Google Chrome, and offers partial support for Mozilla Firefox. You may download the latest version of these browsers from the following links:

Microsoft Internet Explorer:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/download-ie
Google Chrome:
https://www.google.com/chrome/browser/desktop/
Mozilla Firefox:
https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/

User of MacOS, OSX, Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 and users of Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 or newer, or Safari on the Mac platform, are not affected by this change.Please contact hcsxpeol@health.ny.gov for questions or assistance.

NRMP 2017 Main Residency Match Report: Record-High 31,554 Positions Filled
The National Resident Matching Program® (NRMP®) has released the Results and Data Book for the 2017 Main Residency Match®, the system through which U.S. and international medical school students and graduates obtain residency positions in United States teaching institutions. The Match included a record-high 43,157 registered applicants and 31,757 positions. When the matching algorithm was processed 30,478 positions were filled, and of the 1,177 positions offered through the Match Week Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program® (SOAP®), 1,076 were filled. Only 203 positions remained unfilled at the conclusion of SOAP, resulting in an overall fill rate of 99.4 percent. 

Other Highlights

  • Although the number of Match registrants was the most ever, the increase was due primarily to growth in U.S. allopathic medical school seniors (increase of 362) and students/graduates of U.S. osteopathic medical schools (increase of 722).
  • The number of U.S. citizen and non-U.S. citizen international medical school students and graduates (IMGs) who submitted program choices declined; however, their match rates of 54.8% and 52.4% respectively were the highest in more than a decade.
  • In the six years since implementation of the All In Policy in 2013, the primary care specialties of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Pediatrics have added a combined 2,900 positions, a 25.8 percent increase.
  • Since 2012, the number of U.S. allopathic seniors matching to Family Medicine has increased every year from 1,322 to 1,513.

The Results and Data Book is widely recognized as the most comprehensive data and analysis resource about the Main Residency Match. The report documents matches by specialty and applicant type, applicant preferred specialty, trends in specialty competitiveness, and positions per active applicant.

View and download the report Match by the Numbers

Poll: Lowering Prescription Drug Costs a High Priority for Many Americans
Six in 10 Americans identify lowering the cost of prescription drugs as a “top priority” for President Trump and Congress when it comes to health care, according to a recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation. When asked about specific proposals to hold down drug costs, a majority of adults support allowing the federal government to negotiate with drug companies to lower prices for Medicare beneficiaries (92%); making it easier for generic drugs to come to market (87%); requiring drug companies to release information on how they set prices (86%); limiting what drug companies can charge for certain high-cost drugs (78%); allowing Americans to buy drugs imported from Canada (72%); and creating an independent group to oversee drug pricing (72%).

US Health Officials Concerned That Puerto Rico Not Reporting All Zika Cases
Health officials claim that Puerto Rico is downplaying the extent of its Zika problem and have struggled to get a grasp on the issue because of a protracted dispute with health officials in the territory, according to a document obtained by STAT.

The rift was so contentious that, at one point, health leaders in Puerto Rico refused to meet with their counterparts from the CDC. The multipage document suggests that the dispute has obscured the extent of the territory’s problem for more than half a year.

The focus of the dispute centers on Puerto Rico’s handling of a surveillance system set up to track pregnant women and identify infants and fetuses with Zika-related birth defects — and concerns that officials there are undercounting cases. The registry is called ZAPSS (the Zika Active Pregnancy Surveillance System) and the CDC awarded Puerto Rico’s Department of Health $9.5 million in grants to establish and operate it on the island.

New York RX Card Can Help Patients with Prescription Costs
With healthcare costs rising, many of your patients need assistance. The New York Rx Card can help with those prescription costs and is a free program available to all New York residents. There are no eligibility requirements or forms to fill out. Tell your patients to simply take the card into the pharmacy to get savings of up to 75% on prescription medications for their whole family. New York Rx Card is a proud supporter of Children’s Miracle Network. A donation will be made to your local CMN hospital each time a prescription is processed through the New York Rx Card. Your patients can find and print their FREE card here!

CMS is Accepting Measure Submissions for the Advancing Care Information Performance Category until June 30
There’s still time to submit measures for the Advancing Care Information performance category of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Annual Call for Measures and Activities ends June 30, 2017.

CMS encourages providers to identify and submit measures for the MIPS Advancing Care Information performance category. To be considered, proposals must include specific criteria including, but not limited to, measure description, measure type and numerator and denominator descriptions.

CMS requests that stakeholders consider outcome-based measures, patient safety measures, and measures are cross cutting which use certified EHR technology to support the improvement activities and quality performance categories of MIPS.

How to Submit

Please use the Advancing Care Information Submission Form to propose measures for inclusion, and send the form to CMSCallforMeasuresACI@ketchum.com. 

For More Information

To learn more about the process for submitting measures, please visit the Call for Measures webpage, and review the Call for Measures and Activities fact sheet.

Applications(RFA) for Doctors Across New York Ambulatory Care Training Program
The New York State Department of Health’s Office of Primary Care and Health Systems Management (OPCHSM), Center for Health Care Policy and Resource Development, Division of Workforce Transformation, has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) for Doctors Across New York Ambulatory Care Training Program.  Information is available on the Department website at:  www.health.ny.gov/funding/ and the RFA is available on the New York State Grants Gateway at:  Doctors Across New York Ambulatory Care Training Program.To apply, eligible applicants must submit applications via the Grants Gateway.  The link to the site is as follows:  https://grantsgateway.ny.gov.

Written questions must be submitted to GME@health.ny.gov by May 22nd 2017 and they should note in the subject line: “DANY Ambulatory Care RFA Question”.  Questions, answers and updates will be posted on or about June 1st 2017. Proposals are due via the Grants Gateway by June 22nd 2017 by 4:00 PM EST.

Physician Foundation “Practice of Medicine” Series in Health Affairs May Issue
The Physicians Foundation, of which MSSNY is a Charter Member, is proudly sponsoring a new Health Affairs series, “The Practice of Medicine.” The second study of the series, “The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act and the Corporate Transformation of American Medicine,” was published this week in the Health Affairs May issue. The full article is attached and available to read through http://bit.ly/2p1RwtL ifyou have a Health Affairs subscription.



CLASSIFIEDS


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Physician Opportunities


Paging Primary Care MDs Who Love Technology
98point6 is a Seattle startup who wants your input. We’re seeking practicing physicians to join our council and help shape the next generation of primary care. If the fusion of health care and technology inspires you, please apply here.


Ophthalmologist Part Time
Ophthalmologist needed to work at multiple nursing homes in all 5 boros except Staten Island. Part time or full-time position available.  Generous salary and incentives.Ttech provided. Opportunity to perform surgery, but not required. Please email cv to privacyssw@gmail.com


Multiple Physician Positions with DOHMH Office of School Health
Office of School Health is the largest program of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). This bureau is responsible for managing the health issues and promoting the well-being of the over 1.3 million children and adolescents enrolled in New York City’s 1700 school buildings.

Positions with the Office of School Health (OSH) combine clinical skills and public health training. OSH focuses on child health, asthma prevention, obesity and nutrition, vision screening, dental care, mental health, reproductive health, and childhood disability. We collaborate with various city and community based agencies to provide social and academic services to address the needs of all New York City school children, especially those facing the most significant social, economic, and health challenges.

The Office of School Health is currently undergoing expansion. There is an immediate need for physicians with an expertise in pediatric, adolescent, or family medicine, with the capacity to utilize primary care skills set through a public health lens. OSH is also  interested in public health and preventive medicine graduates with programmatic, analytic, and social medicine skills.

The NYC DOHMH is reaching out to identify candidates for this recruitment. We are enlisting your help to nominate medical professionals who are committed to contributing their talents to improve health and academic outcomes in our schools. Please consider applying for these positions or passing these opportunities on to talented physicians among your own personal networks.

Attached are the American Academy of Pediatrics position statements on the role of the School Physician as well as the job description and recruitment flyers:

  • Adolescent School Health Physician, Family and Child Health/SH Reproductive/City Medical Specialist, Level: 01/Part-time/Flexible Work Schedule (20-35 hrs/week) To learn more about this position & apply, please submit your resume & cover letter to:https://a127-jobs.nyc.gov/ In the Job ID search bar enter: Job ID: 277208
  • Field Doctor, Bureau of School Health/SH Medical (pre-K-8 Programs or High School) City Medical Specialist, Level: 01/Part-time/Flexible Work Schedule (20-35 hrs/week) To learn more about this position & apply, please submit your resume & cover letter to:https://a127-jobs.nyc.gov/ In the Job ID search bar enter: Job ID: 265869
  • Supervising Medical Doctor,Bureau of School Health/SH Reproductive Health, City Medical Specialist, Level: 02/Part-time (35 hrs/week) To learn more about this position & apply, please submit your resume & cover letter to: https://a127-jobs.nyc.gov/ Job ID:  277026

Please list in your cover letter how you heard about this position (including name of the professional association, website, or individual who referred you). If you have questions, please contact Caroline Volel, MD, MPH at OSH@health.nyc.gov.


CALL FOR RATES & INFO. CHRISTINA SOUTHARD: 516-488-6100 ext. 355