MSSNY eNews: May 12, 2021 – MSSNY Launches Disaster Relief Fund

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An Appeal for Donations to MSSNY’s Disaster Relief Fund
The Medical Society of the State of New York has established three separate funds for disaster relief donations under our Medical Educational and Scientific Foundation (MESF).
Proceeds will go directly to organizations providing direct aid in areas of need. Please click on a link below to direct your donation:

COVID-19 India Relief Fund
Donations will be sent to organizations assisting India with urgent needs, including oxygen equipment, medications, PPE, testing supplies, and ventilators.

COVID-19 General Relief Fund
Donations will be sent to US or international organizations where the need is greatest.

General Disaster Relief Fund
Donations will be held and distributed when needs arise.


AMA Analysis Shows Most Physicians Work Outside of Private Practice
The majority of patient care physicians worked outside of physician-owned medical practices in 2020, according to a newly released biennial analysis of physician practice arrangements by the American Medical Association (AMA). This is the first time the share of physicians in private practices has dropped below 50% since the AMA analysis began in 2012.

Although data collected by the AMA from 3,500 U.S. physicians through the 2020 Physician Practice Benchmark Survey show the continuation of shifts toward larger medical practices and away from physician-owned practices,  the magnitude of change since 2018 suggest these trends have accelerated. The survey was conducted from September to October 2020, roughly six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore may not reflect the full impact the pandemic will have on physician practice arrangements.

The AMA survey data show 49.1% of patient care physicians worked in physician-owned practices, down from 54% of physicians in the 2018 AMA survey. The drop of nearly five percentage points is the largest two-year change measured since the AMA survey began in 2012. The ongoing shift toward larger practice size also appears to have accelerated between 2018 and 2020. The share of physicians in practices with at least 50 physicians increased from 14.7% in 2018 to 17.2% in 2020, also the largest two-year change measured by the AMA survey since 2012.

“There are several contributing factors to the ongoing shifts in practice size and ownership that include mergers and acquisitions, practice closures, physician job changes, and the different practice settings chosen by younger physicians compared to those of retiring physicians,” said AMA President Susan R. Bailey, M.D. “To what extent the COVID-19 pandemic was a contributing factor in the larger than usual changes between 2018 and 2020 is not clear. Physician practices were hit hard by the economic impact of the early pandemic as patient volume and revenues shrank while medical supply expenses spiked. The impact of these economic forces on physician practice arrangements is ongoing and may not be fully realized for some time.”

The new AMA analysis illustrates the wide variety of practice types, sizes, and ownership arrangements in which physicians work. Due to this diversity, no single practice type, size, or ownership structure can or should be considered the typical physician practice, according to the analysis. Key findings on the shifting distribution of physician practice arrangements are compiled by:

Employment Status
Employed physicians were 50.2% of all patient care physicians in 2020, up from 47.4% in 2018 and 41.8% in 2012. In contrast, self-employed physicians were 44% of all patient care physicians in 2020, down from 45.9% in 2018 and 53.2% in 2012. The percentage of physicians who were independent contractors has been steady, fluctuating in the narrow band between 5% (2012) and 6.7% (2018).

Practice Ownership
With the steady decline since 2012 in the share of physicians working in private practices, there has been a concurrent increase in the share of physicians working directly for a hospital or for a practice at least partially owned by a hospital or health system. Almost 40% of patient care physicians worked either directly for a hospital or for a practice with at least partial hospital or health system ownership in 2020, up from 34.7% in 2018 and 29% in 2012. Physicians working directly for a hospital were 9.3% of all patient care physicians, an increase from 8% in 2018 and 5.6% in 2012. Physicians working in practices at least partially owned by a hospital or health system were 30.5% of all patient care physicians, an increase from 26.7% in 2018 and 23.4% in 2012. For the first time the AMA survey included an option for private equity and found 4% of patient care physicians worked in practices owned by private equity firms.

Practice Size
Despite the trend toward larger practices, most physicians (53.7%) still work in small practices of 10 or fewer physicians. This share has fallen continuously from 61.4% in 2012. The survey found that physicians age 55 and older were significantly more likely to work in small practices than physicians under the age of 40. The large difference between age groups suggests that one reason for the shift in practice size is that retiring physicians who leave small practices are not being replaced on a one-for-one basis by younger physicians. The same reason also appears to be a factor in the shift in practice ownership.

Business Structure
New in the 2020 AMA survey, physicians in private practice were asked about their business structure. The type of business structure has tax and liability implications for the practice owners. Together, two business structures accounted for over half of physicians in private practice: limited liability companies (27.8%) and S corporations (24.7%). Fifteen percent of physicians in private practice indicated that their business was a C corporation. The shares of physicians in partnerships and in sole proprietorships were similar, each around 10%.

The new analysis is the latest addition to the AMA’s Policy Research Perspective series that examines long term changes in practice arrangements and payment methodologies. The new AMA study, as well as previous studies in the Policy Research Perspective series, are available to download from the AMA website.


NYS Moving to “Universal Dose” Administration for Multi-Dose COVID-19 Vaccine
Beginning on May 11th, New York State is moving to a “Universal Dose” administration process for all multi-dose COVID-19 vaccine types.  All doses are now considered universal doses, which means that doses can be used for a first dose or a second dose, irrespective as to whether they were originally shipped to providers as a first dose or a second dose. First and second doses may also be drawn interchangeably from the same vial. With all doses being a universal dose, please utilize a first in, first out rule to manage inventory. This includes storing newly received vaccine in the freezer until it is needed.  COVID-19 vaccine providers should continue to follow their jurisdiction’s (NYC or NYS) vaccine ordering and inventory guidance to request their weekly vaccine allocations.

These changes also will be reflected in the next update to the NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Program Guidance.

If you have any questions, please contact COVIDvaccinenotused@health.ny.gov.


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NYS Department of Health May 13 COVID-19 Update for Physicians
Join the NYS DOH for a COVID-19 update on Thursday, May 13th at 1 – 2 PM.  To accommodate the large number of participants, the webinar will stream via YouTube Live (and available for viewing immediately thereafter) on the NYSDOH COVID website for providers:
Audio number and code: 844-512-2950 Access code 8526377#
These changes will be reflected in the next update to the NYS COVID-19 Vaccine Program Guidance. Contact COVIDvaccinenotused@health.ny.gov with questions.


New COVID 19 Volunteer Physician App for Recruitment in India and US
Face2Face Health is a digital telehealth and education platform run by longtime MSSNY member and New York County Medical Society Board member Dr. Ami Shah.  The organization has created a COVID-19 volunteer app to sign up physicians to provide free advice to thousands of Indians in need and urgently needs physician volunteers.

Visit f2fhealth.com/helpindia for more information and to download the app. Volunteer Physicians control their volunteer time and will be automatically matched by the system algorithm. All disclaimers that this is ADVICE ONLY will be in place.


New Analysis Shows Benefits of Electronic Prior Authorization
America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) | March 2021
A study conducted by RTI International, working with AHIP and six health insurers, followed 40,000 prior authorizations and then surveyed 300 providers and staff members using electronic prior authorization.

  • 71% of providers surveyed who used electronic means for most prior authorizations reported faster time to patient care.
  • 24% of manual requests took more than 48 hours before a decision was made by the insurer compared to 15% of those prior authorization requests submitted electronically.
  • 54% of experienced providers (those familiar with using electronic methods of prior authorization) reported fewer phone calls with the use of electronic prior authorization and 62% indicated less time spent on the phone overall. These providers also reported sending fewer faxes and less time was spent sending documents via fax.
  • Click here to view the full report.

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Save an Extra 10-15% with MLMIC Preferred Saving Programs
MLMIC Insurance Company has collaborated with groups and organizations across the state to help physicians get New York’s #1 medical professional liability insurance at an even lower cost. Save an additional 10-15% for up to 30% in total savings. Learn more.


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Classifieds

Classified Ads Available for:

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

For help, information or to place your ad, call Roseann Raia at 516-488-6100 ext. 302 • fax 516-488-2188

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


MSSNY Director of Membership and Marketing – Apply Now


Great Neck office to sublet

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

 

Albany Medical OfficeProfessional Office Space For Sale – Albany, NY
319 S. Manning Blvd, Suite 308A. Albany NY. Located on the St. Peter’s Hospital Campus. 2000 SF. Bright, 3rd floor location. Office is in move in condition. Waiting room, front reception area for 3 staff, 2 consult rooms, 4 exam rooms, 1 large procedure room, eat in break room, storage room, walk in storage closet. 369K. Contents negotiable. Please contact 518-222-4956 / email perrotmi@yahoo.com


 

 

 


Office Rental 30 Central Park South
Two fully equipped exam, two certified operating, bathrooms and consultation room.  Shared secretarial and waiting rooms.  Elegantly decorated, central a/c, hardwood floors. Next to Park Lane and Plaza hotels. $1250 for four days a month. Available full or part-time. 212.371.0468 / drdese@gmail.com.


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

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


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


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


 

NYS Jobs LogoReview Vacancy

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

Position Information 

Agency Health, Department of
Title Health Program Director 2 -TBD
Occupational Category Other Professional Careers
Salary Grade 665
Bargaining Unit M/C – Management / Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary Range From $122092 to $154253 Annually
Employment Type Full-Time
Appointment Type Permanent
Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class
Travel Percentage 10%

Schedule 

Workweek

Hours Per Week

Mon-Fri

37.5

Workday

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

Location 

County Albany
Street Address CCH; Division of Family Health

Corning Tower, ESP

City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12237

Job Specifics 

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

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


Dir 3 position ad



NYS Jobs Ad LogoReview Vacancy

Date Posted: 04/09/21 Applications Due: 05/10/21 Vacancy ID: 85840

Position Information

Agency Health, Department of
Title Director Public Health – 601
Occupational Category Administrative or General Management
Salary Grade NS
Bargaining Unit M/C – Management / Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary Range From $149004 to $149004 Annually
Employment Type Full-Time
Appointment Type Temporary
Jurisdictional Class Exempt Class
Travel Percentage 20%

Schedule

Workweek

Hours Per Week

Mon-Fri

40

Workday

From 9 AM
To 5 PM
Flextime allowed? No
Mandatory overtime? No
Compressed workweek allowed? No
Telecommuting allowed? No

Location

County Albany
Street Address Office of Public Health

ESP, Corning Tower OR Metropolitan Area Regional Office (MARO) Church Street

City Albany OR New York

 

State NY
Zip Code 12237

Job Specifics

Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor’s degree and eleven years* of professional level government or non-profit experience, five of which must have included managerial, decision-making and/or oversight responsibilities for a major public health-related program or in the direction of a major administative function of a large health-related organizaton. Substitution – JD or Master’s degree may substitute for one year of the general experience, a PhD may substitute for two years of the general experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Track record of strong analytical and organizational skills; excellent written and verbal communication; ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced and confidential environment under tight deadlines is essential; experience in a managerial role, interacting with state and federal government officials is preferred;
View full listing