MSSNY Pulse: June 17, 2022
Message from MSSNY President Parag Mehta, MD:
MSSNY Celebrates Juneteenth and Father’s Day
Colleagues:
This Sunday is Juneteenth, when the country commemorates the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865. Two months after the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, Union troops arrived in Texas to take control of the state and enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. Let us join in efforts to address hate, racism, and inequality.
We will also celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday. We honor our MSSNY fathers as they love and guide their children during these challenging times. So many physician dads have gone above and beyond during the ongoing pandemic as they provide care to their patients while simultaneously managing home life and raising children. We wish all MSSNY fathers a joyful Father’s Day.
I’d like to conclude by acknowledging the retirement of Evangeline “Vangie” Rosado-Tripp, the out-going Executive Director of the Queens County Medical Society. Vangie has ably and cheerfully served MSSNY and Queens County for the last nine years. All of us here at MSSNY will miss Vangie’s spirit and wish her a long and happy retirement.
And, finally, I’d like to hear from you—our MSSNY members. Please email me your comments and suggestions at MSSNYpresident@mssny.org.
Parag Mehta, MD
MSSNY President
MSSNY Participates in AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago
MSSNY’s NY delegation, led by Dr. Charles Rothberg and Dr. Joseph Sellers, participated in the AMA’s 175th House of Delegates meeting in Chicago June 10-15. Congratulations to MSSNY’s Joshua Cohen, MD, who was elected as a member of Council on Science and Public Health.
During the meeting, the AMA addressed several important topics ranging from gun violence, abortion and criminalization, climate control, equity, childcare, and physician payment reform.
Following are a few key policies enacted at the meeting:
- Supporting telehealth to maintain coverage and payment
- Reforming Medicare payment to promote thriving physician practices and innovation
- Stopping scope creep that threatens patient safety
- Fixing prior authorization to reduce the burden on practices and minimize care delays for
patients - Reducing physician burnout and address the stigma around mental health
Jack Resneck, MD was inducted as the new AMA President. In his inaugural address, he noted that physicians must be guided by hope, not fear.
In addressing gun violence, AMA Immediate Past President Gerald E. Harmon, MD said “This cannot be our new normal. Gun violence is out of control. Enough is enough.”
“Ignoring the problem will only lead to more bloodshed—to more senseless deaths and grieving families,” added Dr. Harmon, a family physician in South Carolina.
Disparities in Health Care Spending and Utilization Among Black and White Medicaid Enrollees
Black enrollees generated lower spending and used fewer services, including recommended care for acute and chronic conditions, but had substantially higher emergency department use, according to a new study published in JAMA Network. These differences remained large after adjusting for enrollee-level confounders and persisted when comparing enrollees treated by the same health care professionals or medical institutions.
Despite lower utilization, Black enrollees had higher rates of Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) preventive screenings than White enrollees. These findings were broadly consistent for adults and children, across all 3 of the study states, in rural and urban regions, and across zip codes that varied by residential racial segregation and socioeconomic deprivation.
In this cross-sectional study of US Medicaid enrollees in 3 states, Black enrollees generated lower spending and used fewer services, including recommended care for acute and chronic conditions, but had substantially higher emergency department use. The study results suggest that additional efforts are needed to understand and promote equitable access within Medicaid.
Disparities in Health Care Spending and Utilization Among Black and White Medicaid Enrollees. (JAMA Network, 6/10, Wallace, Lollo, Duchowny, Lavallee, Ndumele).
New York Medical Liability: The Road We’re On
Join MLMIC Insurance Company on June 24th for a unique webinar presentation and panel discussion on how the pandemic impacted our industry, and where experts see medical liability and the courts moving forward. This Non-CME Informational/Educational presentation will feature experts from underwriting, claims, actuarial services, risk management, regulatory, and legal, so we can better understand the road we’re on — together.
This presentation will cover:
- Healthcare trends and their effect on medical professional liability
- The pandemic and changes to the medical and legal landscape
- Uncertainty in healthcare and underwriting challenges
- NYS Legislative changes impacting healthcare
- The prognosis for medical professional liability
Educational Outcomes of Childhood Survivors of Critical Illness
Over the past decade, research on post-intensive care syndrome has highlighted the consequences many survivors experience after critical care, affecting emotional, mental, psychomotor, and cognitive functions. Survival for critically ill children has continuously improved, with current mortality rates as low as 2.18%. As life expectancy improves, so do the effects of childhood trauma. The Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society’s recent statewide population-based study assessed educational outcomes in the third year of primary school in 5,017 children admitted to PICU before their fifth birthday.
The researchers found that one in seven survivors did not meet the national minimum standard in the school assessment performed during year 3 of primary school. The subjects failed to meet minimal academic requirements, which are likely to derail educational and occupational trajectories well into adulthood, affecting survivors and society. Their findings indicate a substantial long-term cognitive burden related to critical illness, warranting research on rehabilitation and school support for survivors of critical illness.
Educational Outcomes of Childhood Survivors of Critical Illness—A Population-Based Linkage Study*(6/1, Tomaszewski, Ablaza, Straney).
MSSNY Joins Physicians Foundation and AMA in Telehealth Initiative
MSSNY and the AMA will work together to develop relevant educational content, resources, measurement tools, and evaluation support to help practices with telehealth implementation. MSSNY will be part of a national network to establish and maintain strong relationships with physicians, practices, and health systems interested in implementing, optimizing, or sustaining telehealth. In addition to providing ongoing support, this year’s program will emphasize the importance of realizing the true value of virtual care.
As a collaborating partner, team leaders will participate in a “kick-off” meeting with leaders from practice sites in New York and in other states. Each practice site will be participating in completing the Return on Health Framework with aims at assessing practice/physician experience using telehealth. There is the option for practice sites to measure across time which can demonstrate either change across time within a value stream or expanding measurement of value more comprehensively. On the backend, the AMA will monitor data submitted and pull submissions to share with practices and the cohort 2. Access to educational resources from the AMA, expert mentoring to discuss optimization and sustaining telehealth into practice, virtual events and discussions for physicians and care teams to share experiences will be provided to all participants.
If you are interested in becoming a practice site and partnering with MSSNY on this important initiative which can be used to drive legislative policy, please email clauder@mssny.org.
MSSNY worked with Hudson Headwaters Health Network, a leader in the telehealth realm in NYS, to create a CME program around their success using telehealth. This program discussed evidence-based strategies to implement and optimize telehealth programs, recognize resources to ensure physician practice sustainability and payment, and identify solutions that are available to alleviate systemic challenges to telehealth implementation, and is available to our members, as well as the practice sites involved in this initiative.
Nutritional Support for Pediatric Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
In critically ill children with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI), nutrition may help facilitate optimal recovery. Ongoing research regarding nutritional practices in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) focus on identifying a patient’s most appropriate energy goal, the mode and timing of nutrient delivery that results in improved outcomes, and balancing these goals against inherent risks associated with nutrition therapy.
Within the PICU population, children with sTBI experience complex physiologic derangements in the acute post-injury period that may alter metabolic demand, leading to nutritional needs that may differ from those in other critically ill patients. Currently, there are few studies examining nutrition practices in PICU patients, and even fewer studies focusing on pediatric sTBI patients.
Available data suggests that contemporary neurocritical care practices may largely blunt the expected hypermetabolic state after sTBI, and that early enteral nutrition may be associated with lower morbidity and mortality. In concordance with this data, the most recent guidelines for managing pediatric sTBI released by the Brain Trauma Foundation recommend the initiation of enteral nutrition within 72 hours to improve outcomes.
Nutritional Support for Pediatric Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (5/17, Elliot, Shoykhet).
Law to Require Co-Prescribing Naloxone for Certain Patients Taking Opioid Medications Takes Effect June 27
As previously reported, at the end of 2021, Governor Hochul signed into law a bill that requires physicians and other health care practitioners to co-prescribe an opioid antagonist for the first opioid prescription of the year to a patient where the patient 1) has a history of substance abuse disorder; 2) has concurrent use of a benzodiazepine or non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics or 3) is taking at least 90 MME per day in prescribed opioids. The requirement does not apply to patients in a hospital, nursing home, mental health facility, or hospice.
The law takes effect June 27, 2022.
Ask Governor Hochul to Sign “Clinical Peer Review” Legislation Into Law
Please contact Governor Hochul and urge her to sign into law A.879 (Gottfried)/S.8113 (Cleare). This is an important patient protection bill that seeks to ensure that those who make “medical necessity” determinations on behalf of a health insurance company are appropriately qualified to make those decisions.
Under current law, the only qualification required for a person who, on behalf of a health plan, may contradict the treatment recommendation of the patient’s treating physician is that such reviewer be a licensed physician. There is no requirement that the reviewing physician have the same qualifications as a physician who would typically render or facilitate the treatment that is being recommended for the patient. Shockingly, the physician does not even need to be licensed to practice in New York State and may not have the sufficient training or experience necessary to decide whether the treatment or prescription medication that has been recommended is appropriate, which can result in unnecessary care delays for patients.
This bill would ensure that a health plan may not deny a request for needed patient care unless the reviewing physician is adequately qualified to review the treatment requested or provided, by requiring that such reviewing physician be board-certified or board eligible in the same or similar specialty as the physician who typically recommends the treatment or manage the condition that is under review. It would also require that such physician have a New York license to practice medicine and provide much-needed, additional protections to ensure that these patients will have coverage for the care they are expecting and entitled to receive.
Urge Governor Hochul to Sign Copay Accumulator Bill
Legislation has passed the Senate and Assembly to assist patients by ending so-called “co-pay accumulators”. The practice forbids any payment from a third party, which goes directly to the health plan, to count towards the patient’s maximum out-of-pocket limit. This practice can be especially challenging for patients that have health insurance plans with high deductibles or high copayment requirements. Please take a moment to send a letter to Governor Hochul urging her to sign A1741-A/S.5299-A into law to protect patients by ending the use of “co-pay accumulators” by health insurers!
Newsday Spotlights MSSNY’s Newly Elected Leadership
Newsday’s People on the Move featured announcements for newly elected President Parag Mehta, MD, President-Elect Paul A. Pipia, MD and Assistant Treasurer Frank Dowling, MD. Dr. Mehta’s announcement was also featured in Long Island Business News’ New Hires and Promotions on Long Island (6/10, Bolger), as well as in the New India Times, South Asian Times and Desi Talk.
MSSNY Podcast on Monkeypox
Dr. William Valenti, chair of MSSNY’s Infectious Diseases Committee has recorded a podcast on the monkeypox outbreak currently spreading globally. Listen here to learn more about this infectious outbreak. And be sure to stay posted for more information as the situation unfolds.
MSSNY Helps Buffalo Practice Navigate Insurance Hassles
Buffalo NMM is a Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine specialty practice in Western New York. It is a small one-provider office with over a thousand patients and handles its billing like many small practices. Four major insurance companies accepted at Buffalo NMM were denying half of their submitted codes with little to no explanation, making the appeals process extremely difficult and leaving the practice with some serious decisions. The small Neuromusculoskeletal practice considered dropping the four insurance companies or switching to cash only. A MSSNY member physician at Buffalo NMM called on Heather Lopez, MSSNY’s Director of Physician Payment & Practice. Heather guided the billing department of the small practice through the roadblocks set by the insurance companies. Since her involvement, Buffalo NMM has now received explanations for the denials, guidance on how to enter the claims in the future, and support from local representatives closely following the appeal process.
“Since working with Heather, we feel more confident about the issues we were having, as she gave us larger insight into the bigger picture. She advised us on the proper steps to take, both small and large,” said the NMM billing manager. “She encouraged us to continue working with her to raise our office’s issues to the national level, as they were issues that offices similar to our specialty were having as well. Heather provided clear guidance on how to inquire with these companies and receive the explanations and information we needed to move forward. Heather’s knowledge and experience is of great value.”
Nuclear Radiation & Chemical Agents: An Update
Did you know that effects of radiation exposure can show up within a few hours or within a few months depending on the extent of exposure? Additionally, while treaties are in place prohibiting the use of chemical weapons and calling for the destruction of stockpiles, it is unknown how many of these weapons of mass destruction remain. To learn more, register for “Nuclear Radiation & Chemical Agents: An Update” on June 22 at 7:30a.m. Arthur Cooper, MD will serve as faculty for this webinar.
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.
CareClix Offers Members Assistance with Virtual Health
CareClix provides access to all the capabilities and benefits of virtual health. You can set your schedule, collect co-payments, and conduct telephone, message, and real-time video consults through your own patient portal at a price you can afford. Sign up today!
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.
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 62nd 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 62nd – 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