MSSNY Pulse: December 2, 2022

Message from MSSNY President Parag Mehta, MD:
Urge Governor Hochul to Veto Wrongful Death!

Colleagues:
As we approach the end of 2022, we anticipate that the Wrongful Death lawsuit expansion legislation passed by the Legislature earlier this year will be sent to Governor Hochul for her consideration within a few weeks.  Thank you to the many of you who have sent her letters raising concerns about the huge adverse impact to patient care in our communities if this bill is signed into law, but we are now at a critical juncture where many more physicians must take this step.

MSSNY’s advocacy on this issue includes working with other groups similarly concerned with the adverse impact of this bill, as well as working with county medical societies on op-eds in newspapers across the State regarding the patient care consequences of a 40% increase in your liability premiums:

Please visit wrongful death liability issues to urge the Governor to veto this legislation through letters and tweets to Governor Hochul. Rejecting this legislation is the right thing to do for the patients of New York State. Profoundly untenable consequences to patient care will result if signed into law by the Governor.

And as a final note, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the victims of the earthquakes in Indonesia, the tornado outbreak in our Southern Plains, and the most preventable of disasters—the recent shootings in Colorado and Virginia.

Parag Mehta, MD
MSSNY President

HHS Cybersecurity Center Warns of New Ransomware Threat
Ransomware incidents are rising in the healthcare industry as attackers eye the vast stores of patient data that providers collect.  Attacks on healthcare organizations doubled in the last year and cybersecurity firms are finding that threats are increasing in complexity and impact. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center is cautioning the healthcare industry that Venus ransomware operators are targeting remote desktop services to encrypt Windows devices.

One of the country’s largest healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health, is still working to identify the ransomware that gained access to its system. CommonSpirit Health is still attempting to restore some functions lost in the attack.

Learn more about the Venus ransomware targeting health providers, and register for our Cyber Security Webinar here.

HHS cybersecurity center warns of new ransomware threat (Kelly, 11/14, Healthcare Dive).

The Clock is Ticking for Steep Medicare Physician Cuts for 2023 – Congress Must Act!
With just a few weeks left until CMS implements a drastic 8.5% cut to Medicare physician payments for 2023, physicians are again urged to contact their Respective Congressional representative and Senators Schumer and Gillibrand (Stop Cuts to Medicare Payments (p2a.co) to urge that they act to prevent this staggering cut

Please let them know that any cut, let alone the cut of this magnitude, is intolerable as many physician practices attempt to recover from the pandemic can barely keep their doors open to continue delivering patient care and employing staff.

The cuts are based upon a variety of provisions that will expire at the end of 2022. Late last year, MSSNY worked together with the AMA and state and specialty societies across the country to successfully persuade Congress to delay a “perfect storm” of Medicare payment cuts totaling 10% that, if permitted to be implemented, would have severely impeded patient access to care.

MSSNY is again working with the federation of medicine as part of a group effort to prevent the cut.  Before the end of the year, we are asking Congress to:

  • Extend the Congressionally enacted 3% temporary increase in the Medicare physician fee schedule
  • Provide relief for an additional 1.5% budget neutrality cut that is planned for 2023
  • End the statutory annual freeze and provide an inflation-based update for the coming year
  • Waive the 4% PAYGO sequester necessitated by passage of legislation unrelated to Medicare

Please let your legislators know that their constituents – your patients – will suffer from access issues if this cut is not prevented by the end of the year.  Again, you can send a letter to your members of Congress from here: Stop Cuts to Medicare Payments (p2a.co).

Join Us for MSSNY’s Lobby Day on March 14th, 2023
Please plan to put aside Tuesday, March 14th, 2023, for MSSNY’s annual Physician Advocacy Day. To register, click here: Physician Advocacy Registration.

For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, MSSNY’s lobby day will be held in person! It will take place at the Empire State Plaza (The Egg) in Albany from 7:45-11:00am. Physicians and their allies will hear from legislative leaders in the morning, and in the afternoon, they will meet with their respective legislators in meetings organized by county medical societies.

This year, we will be advocating for policies that address public health threats, remove barriers to patients accessing needed care, and reduce prior authorization and claim payment hassles. At the same time, we will voice our opposition to policies that will increase medical liability insurance costs and inappropriately expand the scope of practice for non-physicians.

Please plan to join hundreds of colleagues from around the state in Albany on March 14th!

ASPR One Dose Vial Information
On November 14, HHS opened ordering to jurisdictional and federal entity administration partners for a limited amount of the updated (bivalent) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for people 12 years of age or older in single-dose vials. Deliveries will begin several days later. This vial presentation is in response to widespread requests from our vaccine administration partners for the greater flexibility this presentation provides.

This limited introduction of single-dose vials is designed to allow partners to offer the updated COVID-19 vaccines in more places, such as physicians’ offices or mobile clinics that may not have the capacity or demand to keep multi-dose vials of COVID-19 vaccine on hand. It is the latest step in improving ease of access for COVID-19 vaccines and creates the potential for more equitable availability of this lifesaving product.

The U.S. government will continue distributing multi-dose vials of the updated Pfizer vaccine for people 12 years of age or older through our distribution network that reaches more than 70,000 vaccine administration sites.

Advisory: Updates to COVID-19 Treatment Recommendations
This announcement is to make you aware of updates to COVID-19 treatment recommendations. Emerging omicron subvariants (e.g., BQ.1 and BQ.1.1) are resistant to the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) bebtelovimab and Evusheld (authorized for pre-exposure prophylaxis). On November 30, 2022, the FDA updated the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) fact sheet for the COVID-19 monoclonal antibody bebtelovimab. Due to the prevalence of Omicron sub-variants such as BQ.1/BQ.1.1, bebtelovimab is not currently authorized for emergency use in the U.S.

MSSNY 16th Annual Poster Symposium
MSSNY Medical Students and Resident/Fellow members are invited to submit abstracts that will be considered for poster presentation at this year’s House of Delegates. Deadline for abstract submission: 4 pm, Monday, January 16, 2023.

Please note that medical student membership requires enrollment in an LCME or COCA-accredited school. However, non-LCME/COCA students doing rotations in New York hospitals may participate without membership.  Click here for more details.

Abstract Reviewers Needed
MSSNY will once again hold a Residents/Fellows and Medical Students’ Poster Symposium during the 2023 MSSNY House of Delegates.  We are seeking volunteers to serve as reviewers of abstracts for the symposium. January 16, 2023 is the deadline for submission of abstracts and abstract review will take place between January 20 and February 20.

If you are interested in reviewing abstracts, please contact Kathy Rohrer at krohrer@mssny.org

Governor, Citing Costs, Vetoes Numerous Bills to Create Health Care Workgroups
Governor Hochul vetoed nearly 40 bills this week that would have required various state agencies to create various Task Forces and commissions, including bills relating an array of health care issues.  According to the Governor’s veto message, the bills “would collectively cost the State approximately forty million dollars, none of these costs are accounted for in the State Financial Plan” and that “because of the ongoing work of state agencies and authorities, a number of the proposals would result in duplication and unnecessary bureaucracy.”

Among the bills that were vetoed include bills that would have:

  • Created a maternal mental health workgroup
  • Created a primary reform commission
  • Created a fentanyl abuse and overdose prevention task force; and
  • Created a sickle cell disease detection and education program

Governor Signs Bill to Require CMV Risk Notification to Pregnant Patients
Just before Thanksgiving, Governor Hochul signed into law legislation (6287-B, Mannion) that will require OB-GYNs and midwives to provide information to their pregnant patients regarding the risks, transmission and prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) on their first visit during the pregnancy.  The materials to be shared with pregnant patients will be developed by the New York State Department of Health.  The requirement will take effect on or about May 22, 2023.

Governor Signs Bill to Limit Tactics for Collecting Medical Debts
Governor Hochul has signed into law legislation (A7363-A, Gottfried) that prohibits a hospital, physician, or any other health care provider from placing a lien on patient’s home or garnishing their wages to collect a medical debt. The law took effect on November 23, 2022.  In the press release announcing the signing of the bill into law, the Governor noted “No one should face the threat of losing their home or falling into further debt after seeking medical care”, and that “With medical debt a burden for far too many, this is an important step to address this crucial issue.”  The sponsors of the bill noted that “Over 50,000 New York patients have been sued for medical debt by non-profit hospitals in the past five years-4,000 during the COVID-19 pandemic”.

Opposition to Wrongful Death Statute Continues to Mount
This week, opposition to the pending Grieving Families Act continued to mount with the NY Post and Center Square calling on Governor Hochul to veto this legislation.

An op-ed opposing the bill from Dutchess County Medical Society President Dr. Adele El Kareh also ran in the Times Union, as well as one from Orange County Medical Society President Mandes Kates, PhD, MD, and Past President Mark Stamm, MD in The Warwick Advertiser.

Did You Miss Our No Surprises Act Webinar?
Did you miss the No Surprises Act Webinar on 11/30/22? No problem, we recorded it for you. This webinar, presented by the CMS team, addresses the formal processes since the law went into effect on 01/01/22. There was a lengthy Q&A with many provider-specific questions addressed. We thank CMS and its team for taking the time to provide this information and for taking the concerns of our Physicians and bringing them back to CMS leadership.

Physician Addiction: A Health Care Crisis Webinar December 6
The New York County Medical Society Cordially invites you to a CME program,  Physician Addiction: A Health Care Crisis, on Tuesday, December 6 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. with Steven Mandel, MD and the Physician Wellness Committee: Jill Baron, MD, Harris Stratyner, MD, Stuart Gitlow, MD, Paul Earley, MD, Jeffrey Selzer, MD and Chris Bundy, MD. To register, Click Here  

Addiction in physicians is an extremely serious problem. It is estimated that up to 15% of physicians will develop a substance use disorder (SUD) during their lifetime. Job stress and comorbidities, especially post–COVID symptoms, have led many to turn to drugs and other substances to alleviate their anxiety. This program aims to provide education and a safe platform for physicians who may be struggling with substance use and to educate our physician members about the signs and symptoms for substance use and addiction so they can better identify patients with these conditions.

The program is the work of Steven Mandel, MD, and is supported through the Physician Wellness Committee, with Jill Baron, MD. Other participants include Harris Stratyner, MD; Stuart Gitlow, MD; Paul Earley, MD; Jeffrey Selzer, MD; and Chris Bundy, MD.

Accreditation Statement:
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Accreditation Requirements and Policies of the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) through the joint providership of the Westchester Academy of Medicine and the New York County Medical Society. The Westchester Academy of Medicine is accredited by MSSNY to provide Continuing Medical Education for physicians.

The Westchester Academy of Medicine designates this live webinar activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category I Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The Society thanks the Clifford L. Spingarn, MD, Memorial Education Fund for support of this program.

Salary Data and Contract Review: What You Need to Know with Resolve CEO Kyle Claussen Tuesday, December 6
Resolve has empowered over 10,000 physicians in their employment agreements leading to national recognition with various state and national physician societies. Kyle Claussen is the CEO of Resolve and a partner in the law firm of Morgan Theeler, LLP. He received his undergraduate degree from North Dakota State University, his law degree from the University of La Verne College of Law, and his LL.M. in Taxation from Boston University. He is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association and is one of the leading experts in physician employment agreements. Kyle has been featured on a variety of physician focus media sources including ZdoggMD, White Coat Investor, Physician Side Gigs, Physician Moms Group, Beyond Medicine, The Physician Philosopher, and others. Register Today!

Cybersecurity: Locking the Back Door Webinar Wednesday, December 14
In this webinar, STI will introduce you to Cybersecurity Trends that are affecting the Healthcare industry. The cybersecurity landscape keeps evolving as bad characters continue to get more creative. Over the last year, they have come up with new attack vectors and adjusted their tactics to circumvent ways that had been implemented to prevent them in the past.

STI’s Director of Technical Services, Al Toper, is an Air Force veteran with over 40 years in the technology field. Please join him as he shows you these new attack vectors and things you can do to help prevent you from being the next victim. Register Today

Registration Now Open Medical Matters CME Webinar Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): An Evolving Story December 14th
Like influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) began surging unseasonably in 2022.  Learn more about the current RSV outbreak, and why experts are concerned about a “tripledemic” by registering for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): An Evolving Story on December 14th at 7:30am.  Faculty for this webinar are Edward Walsh, MD, Professor of Medicine at the University of Rochester, and Head of Infectious Diseases at the Rochester General Hospital, and William Valenti, MD, chair of MSSNY’s Infectious Diseases Committee.

Educational Objectives are:

  • Describe the 2022-2023 RSV season
  • Outline history and epidemiology of RSV infection
  • Identify strategies for prevention and treatment, including vaccine prospects

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.

Check Out Adirondack Records Management.for All of Your Business Records Needs
Announcing a new member benefit with Adirondack Records Management. Adirondack specializes in business record storage and management, document scanning and conversion, confidential document destruction, and management programs that ensure retiring physicians’ records are in good hands for future needs. Pricing discounts for MSSNY members. Start saving today by calling (518) 465-3377/(518) 366-5531 or at ataball@msn.com.


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.

Concierge Practice for Sale  Boca Raton Florida
FOR SALE: Established Independent Concierge Internal Medicine Practice in Boca Raton, Florida. Stable turnkey operation in a pleasant work environment. Ideal for someone with the desire to transition to a better approach to medical practice. Financing available.
Contact planahead2023@gmail.com.

Rheumatology Practice Sublet – Great Neck, NY
Sublet opportunity available at an established medical office in Great Neck, NY. Prime location near LIJ, Northshore University and St. Francis Hospitals. Fully equipped office with onsite parking and proximity to mass transit. Contact 516-972-2986/susanrita1@msn.com for more info.

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


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

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