MSSNY Pulse: July 15, 2022

July 13, 2022 admin

Message from MSSNY President Parag Mehta, MD:
Promoting Self-Care and Wellness

Colleagues:
There is a great deal of unrest and turbulence around the world, from Japan and Sri Lanka to England. However, these moments are also shared with significant advances in science and technology. NASA released stunning photos of stars born and dying, landscapes of “mountains” and “valleys” speckled with glittering stars. Captured in infrared light by NASA’s new James Webb Space Telescope, these images reveal previously invisible areas of star birth for the first time.

I hope you all are taking time for yourself and enjoying the summer with your loved ones. Practicing self-care and encouraging others to do the same is crucial to maintaining our ability to support those in need. Keeping a gratitude journal, reading, exercising, and practicing mindfulness help keep mental peace. Forgiveness is another virtue that can help us overcome our resentment. Though it is not easy, it may bring peace to the soul. Share your thoughts about forgiveness at mssnypresident@mssny.org.

Vulnerability, Courage and Creativity
We all face uncertainty, often causing our anxiety level to increase in various ways. When I feel vulnerable, I remember Brené Brown (author of Dare to Lead)’s interpretation of vulnerability. Vulnerability is a universal human emotion we feel when we expose ourselves to others during times of risk or uncertainty. When we open ourselves up to vulnerability, we open ourselves up to courage and creativity. When we let go of our perfectionist tendencies and our fear of failure, we find the bravery to improve ourselves and to have difficult, important conversations with our colleagues. In other words, we need all our emotions on board if we’re going to become daring leaders. I encourage you all to follow these principles to lead with vulnerability during difficult times.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equity
Diversity of thoughts, ideas, gender, and ethnicity enhances innovations and corporate profitability. While overall sentiment on diversity is positive, sentiment on inclusion-equality, openness, and belonging needs attention. The work environment’s openness, which encompasses bias and discrimination, remains a significant concern. Please join MSSNY’s webinar on implicit bias, Introduction to Unconscious Bias for the Health Professions on Tuesday, July 19th at 7:30 a.m.

To strengthen DEI, McKinsey suggests that we must:

Ensure the representation of diverse talent.
Strengthen leadership accountability and capabilities for I&D.
Enable equality of opportunity through fairness and transparency.
Promote openness and tackle microaggressions
Foster belonging through unequivocal support for multivariate diversity

Please share your views about these diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and how we can conquer our associated implicit biases at mssnypresident@mssny.org.

Physicians in Congress
It’s more important than ever for physicians to get involved in public service. Two physicians presently serve as representatives in the US Congress, Dr. Michael Burgess, Texas (R), and Dr. Ami Bera, California (D). And MSSNY member Dr. Michael Goldstein is currently running for Congress in the 4th Congressional District of Connecticut.

Parag Mehta, MD
MSSNY President

Monkeypox Cases Not Associated with Travel to Areas Where Monkeypox is Enzootic
Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that does not usually cause serious illness. However, it can result in hospitalization or death. That’s why health officials in New York, the U.S., and around the world are monitoring cases of monkeypox in areas that do not usually report monkeypox infections, including in New York State.

While New Yorkers should not be alarmed, everyone should stay informed about monkeypox by understanding the symptoms, how it is spread, and what to do if exposed. For further information.

MSSNY Member Dr. Tracey Straker Appointed to White House Committee
The Medical Society of the State of New York congratulates member Tracey Straker, M.D., M.S., M.P.H., C.B.A., FASA, for her appointment as chairwoman of the White House National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA). The NCFMEA is authorized to evaluate the standards of accreditation applied to foreign medical schools and to determine the comparability of those standards to standards applied to medical schools in the United States. Dr. Straker will be responsible for signing off on the accreditation of foreign medical institutions. Dr. Straker is an attending anesthesiologist at Montefiore Medical Center, the vice-chair of Anesthesiology Clinical Operations, and a professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York.

Do Children’s Hospitals Provide Higher Value Care for Routine Surgical Procedures Compared with Non–Children’s Hospitals?
A recent JAMA study looks at the association of children’s hospital status with value for common surgical conditions. The primary objective of the study was to determine the value of children’s hospitals for routine surgical procedures by assessing clinical outcomes and payment data. Although children’s hospitals comprise less than 5% of hospitals in the United States, they account for 40% of pediatric inpatient days and 50% of costs for pediatric care. Children’s hospitals often provide high-volume, specialized, and resource-intensive care to children who require highly trained clinicians and innovative technologies.

The study’s findings suggest that for routine surgical procedures, children’s hospitals have comparable clinical outcomes but higher payments, and thus lower value, compared with non–children’s hospitals.

Association of Children’s Hospital Status with Value for Common Surgical Conditions (JAMA, 6/24, Raval).

Comparison of Cancer-Related Spending and Mortality Rates in the US vs 21 High-Income Countries
For decades, the United States of America has spent more per capita on health care than any other country. Health care expenditures in the USA have almost doubled from $1.9 trillion in 2000 to $3.8 trillion in 2019. Spending on cancer care in the USA has followed a similar pattern, surpassing $200 billion in 2020. These expenses impose a substantial burden on patients, with annual out-of-pocket spending on cancer care estimated at $16 billion.

Furthermore, an estimated 12% to 62% of cancer survivors report being in debt because of their treatment. The substantial USA expenditure in cancer care raises the question of its value: are the high expenditures on cancer care in the USA accompanied by lower cancer mortality rates, particularly in comparison with other high-income countries?

Comparison of Cancer-Related Spending and Mortality Rates in the US vs 21 High-Income Countries. (JAMA, 5/27, Chow).

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Launches Campaign to Help Prevent Colon Cancer
Nearly one in three adults in the US aren’t getting screened for colon cancer as recommended. Yet, colon cancer has a 90% survival rate when detected early. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has embarked on an educational campaign to raise awareness among primary care physicians and patients on the importance of screening, particularly, using the appropriate screening test for the risk group each patient is in.

Physicians, please visit ASGE.org/Screening-Physicians to download the patient education resources, including practice/office posters, patient letters, and articles that can be submitted to local newspapers to encourage screening for early detection and prevention of colon cancer.

Nassau County Medical Society Elects New Officers for 2022-23
Qualified leadership is essential to the success of our county medical societies as elected officers shape future policies and programs in the exciting years ahead. MSSNY congratulates the newly elected officers of the Nassau County Medical Society for 2022-23: President David Podwall, M.D., President-Elect Robert T. Schreiber, M.D., Vice President Ellen J. Braunstein, M.D., Joel E. Portnoy, M.D., and Treasurer Bernadette Riley, D.O. Under Dr. David Podwall’s guidance, NCMS will continue to unite and advocate for physicians. His current role as MSSNY’s membership chair will allow the society to work closely with MSSNY to elevate physicians throughout the state.

Please Help to Prevent Drastic Increases in Your Liability Premiums!
Physicians are continued to be urged to contact Governor Hochul Reject Expansion of Liability (p2a.co) to request that she veto legislation (S.74-A, Hoylman/A.6770, Weinstein) that could cause drastic increases in physician medical liability premiums by significantly expanding the types of damages awardable in a wrongful death action. The bill was passed over the strenuous opposition of numerous and varied groups, including MSSNY, specialty societies, hospital associations, FQHCs, the Business Council of New York, medical liability and property & casualty insurers, The New York State Association of Counties, and the New York Conference of Mayors.

Specifically, the legislation would increase the already expansive damages awardable in such actions to include compensation for grief or anguish, the loss of love and companionship, loss of services and support, and the loss of nurture and guidance. One actuarial study has suggested that this bill has the potential to increase New York’s already outrageously high medical liability premiums by over 30%.

MSSNY has argued that legislation like this should only be considered in the context of a comprehensive effort to address New York’s excessive liability costs, which are likely to be increased for the 2022-23 policy year even without the enactment of this legislation. While some advocates claim that over 40 states have laws that permit recoveries similar to what is proposed in this legislation, they do not mention that most of these other states have adopted provisions to contain excessive medical liability insurance costs, including limits on damages. New York has no such law, which is why our medical liability insurance and payout costs far exceed every other state in the country. This is one of the major reasons why New York regularly receives the dubious distinction of being one of the worst states in the country to be a doctor (Best & Worst States for Doctors (wallethub.com)).

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

MSSNY Joins AMA, VMS, and CSMS in Brief Filed in Support of Valentini Family
MSSNY’s position was mentioned in an article in Medscape, “Insurer Delays Prior Authorization, Patient Loses Leg and Pelvis, Then Dies,” the heartbreaking story of Kathleen Valentini. Due to insurance delays after prior authorization, the latter lost her leg, pelvis, and life. Physicians at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York stated that had Valentini come to them a month sooner, and oncologists could have proceeded with chemo alone.

The American Medical Association, along with the New York, Vermont, and Connecticut Medical Societies offer an alternative “duty” argument to the Second Circuit. In their brief, the physician associations contend that eviCore’s website indicated the company would act on the patient’s behalf to ensure the patient would receive proper medical care.

The case is expected to be heard in late fall or early winter 2022. If the Valentini’s win, this case would force health insurance companies to exercise greater care in rejecting or delaying payment for medical care through the prior authorization process. Insurance companies would also face more accountability if their prior authorization processes delay or impede diagnoses and treatment.

MSSNY Quoted in HR Drive Article Regarding SCOTUS Decision
In the HR Drive briefing, “SCOTUS won’t hear challenge to health worker vaccine mandate,” in regards to the Supreme Court Decision to not hear a challenge brought by healthcare workers to New York’s statewide vaccine mandate that doesn’t include a religious exemption. The briefing cited the joint statement between the AMA and MSSNY from September 2021, further reiterating the position of the two associations. “The American Medical Association (AMA) and Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) strongly support Governor Hochul’s efforts to require health care workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The path to ending the pandemic must be based on science, and vaccination is an indispensable part of the solution. AMA, MSSNY, and the physicians we represent understand that there are many who are confused and uncertain. We remind everyone with questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine to turn to their trusted physicians to guide them. We will continue to work with Governor Hochul and her Administration to help promote vaccination for all as a key to ending this pandemic.”

Cigna Delays New Modifier 25 Policy
Following advocacy efforts by MSSNY and other medical societies, Cigna announced that it plans to delay the implementation of their reimbursement policy requiring the submission of office notes with claims submitted with E/M codes 99212, 99213, 99214, or 99215 and modifier 25 when a minor procedure is billed. The policy was scheduled to take effect on August 13. While Cigna remains committed to ensuring appropriate usage and reporting of modifier 25, they have acknowledged that the policy does not comply with clean claims laws in 24 states. Cigna has not provided a new potential implementation date for the policy. MSSNY will continue its ongoing advocacy to ensure that future iterations of this policy do not negatively impact patient care by placing a significant administrative burden on otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons.

MSSNY believes a more collaborative approach to identifying alternative methodologies for cost containment, will prove more effective and less costly in the long term. With the shift to value-based care, this is a time where plans and physicians should be identifying ways to work together. MSSNY welcomes that opportunity.

How Long Should You Be Storing Patients’ Medical Records?
In April 2022, the Medicare Learning Network published “Medical Record Maintenance & Access Requirements” to educate and inform physicians on the updated requirements. Ensuring you apply the best practices to all where applicable will make it clear and cause less confusion throughout the office. Do not vary your practices depending on the insurance plan. Learn more to ensure you are compliant.

MSSNY Free Webinar: Introduction to Unconscious Bias for the Health Professions
MSSNY is pleased to host a free webinar entitled Introduction to Unconscious Bias for the Health Professions on Tuesday, July 19th at 7:30 a.m. Penny Stern, MD, MPH, FACPM, FACOEM, will present this program for MSSNY. The objectives of this webinar are to:

Understand the science of unconscious bias\identify how bias and the processes of the unconscious mind can impact critical decisions
Become aware of your own background and its impact on your perceptions so you are better able to advocate for inclusion on your team
Apply new strategies for practicing conscious awareness individually and organizationally

Register now to learn more about the science of unconscious bias and the ways in which it affects nearly every interaction.

Discounted Long-Term Care Insurance
Members and their spouses can now obtain a 5% discount on long-term care insurance from Mutual of Omaha, through Charles J. Sellers & Co. Mutual of Omaha’s MutualCare Custom Solution policy allows you to get the care you need in the setting that’s right for you, whether that’s at home or in a care facility, while helping to protect the assets you’ve worked so hard for. Contact Sellers & Co. at 800-333-5440 or insurance@sellersinsurance.com for more information and a customized proposal.

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.

Recruiting for Full or Part time (20 hours per week Chief of Medical Services). Salary is negotiable.
Oversees and directs the planning, implementation, and supervision of health and medical services for residents at the NYS Veterans Home at St Albans. Develops, implements, and evaluates medical treatment standards and procedures; and provides technical and operational guidance and direction to medical and health care staff. Serves as a medical consultant and liaison; and develops recommendations for medical assessments, treatments, and care. Implements and monitors contract agreements and the provision of contracted medical and health related services. Participates in program audits and reviews. Supervises the credentialing and privileging process to ensure that medical staff possess appropriate credentials and maintain appropriate levels of continuing education; and participates in the development of recruitment programs and hiring and selection processes. Provides clinical and administrative supervision and guidance to physicians and other health care professionals. Possession of a license and current registration to practice medicine in New York State and six years of post-licensure medical practice experience, two years of which must have been in an administrative or supervisory capacity. Must be fully COVID 19 vaccinated.

Send CV to: RecruitmentStAlbans@nysvets.org

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

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

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

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

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

Responsibilities include care for, diagnosing and managing patients.

Please send Curriculum Vitae to drg2555@yahoo.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please send resumes to nikkoh@manhattancardiology.com.

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

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

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com.

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

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

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

Please send resumes to nikkoh@manhattancardiology.com.

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

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

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

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com

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

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

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

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com

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

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

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

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com

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

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

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

Please send resumes to nikko@momnyc.com

tagged with July 15 2022 Pulse