MSSNY Pulse: September 30, 2022
Message from MSSNY President Parag Mehta, MD:
In a Gentle Way, You Can Shake the World
Colleagues:
In a gentle way, you can shake the world is one of my favorite quotes from Mahatma Gandhi.
I enjoyed my inspiring trip to Gandhi Ashram during my recent visit to India. Gandhi was a great leader, a compassionate human, and an exemplary visionary. He touched millions of hearts and achieved incredible success by following certain principles. Gandhiji was born on October 2nd; Gandhi Jayanti is also celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence. Let us learn a few of his teachings.
Non-Violence:
Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction. Anger is the enemy of non-violence, and pride is a monster that swallows it up.
Truth and Honesty:
Being honest could generate trust and confidence in the minds of people. Truth alone triumphs. Speak the truth even if you are in the minority. Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
Forgiveness:
An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind. The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
Perseverance:
A river cuts through the mountains, not because of its strength but because of its perseverance.
Mindfulness:
Mindfulness is a process of being aware and non-judgmental. You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
As Ghandi said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
Women in Medicine
As Women in Medicine Month comes to a close today, I want to again recognize and thank all MSSNY’s exemplary women leaders, including Dr. Linda Clark, Dr. Lisa Eng, Dr. Janine Fogarty, Dr. Melissa Grageda, and Dr. Jocelyn Young.
 Dr. Jocelyn Young |
 Dr. Lisa Eng |
 Dr. Melissa Grageda |
Parag Mehta, MD
MSSNY President
NYS Sees Increase in Medical Exemptions for School Age Children
According to a published report this week in POLITICO-NY, New York State has seen an increase in the number of medical exemptions issued to school-age children from vaccination requirements. This followed the NYS Legislature 2019 law that removed religious exemptions from the law. Medical exemptions are now the only type of exemption allowed for children from the school-based immunizations requirements and are issued by physicians. According to POLITICO, the medical exemptions were issued for students in religious and private schools. Physicians are reminded that medical exemptions must follow the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) available in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publication, Guide to Vaccine Contraindications and Precautions. This guide can be found at the following website: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/vac-admin/contraindications.htm. The New York State medical exemption form must be completed and attested to by the physician: https://www.health.ny.gov/forms/doh-5077.pdf .
Falsely certifying a medical exemption form could result in a review of licensure for the physician by the New York State’s Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC). The Medical Society of the State of New York, which led the coalition of medical groups in 2019 in securing that medical exemptions were the only exemptions allowed for school-based immunizations, strongly encourages physicians to follow the CDC guidance when issuing a medical exemption.
Changes in Burnout and Satisfaction with Work-Life Integration in Physicians Over the First 2 Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Physicians’ emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores were worse in 2021 than in 2020, according to a study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings on Sept. 13. The 2021 surveyed 2,440 U.S. physicians about work-life integration, burnout, depression, and professional fulfillment.
The pandemic’s longevity has “taxed healthcare delivery systems to their limits,” according to the study’s authors. Its chronic nature has “depleted healthcare workers’ emotional reserves,” and political skepticism toward vaccines and science has taken a toll on patient-provider relationships.
Five takeaways:
- 62.8 percent of physicians experienced at least one manifestation of burnout in 2021, compared to 38.2 percent in 2020.
- Physicians’ mean emotional exhaustion was 38.6 percent higher in 2021 than in 2020.
- Physicians’ mean depersonalization was 60.7 percent higher in 2021 than in 2020.
- Burnout for physicians was 25 percent more prevalent in 2021 than in 2020.
- Satisfaction with work-life integration declined from 2020 to 2021, but depression scores showed little difference — indicating distress is work-related, according to the study’s authors.
Changes in Burnout and Satisfaction With Work-Life Integration in Physicians Over the First 2 Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic (Shanafelt, Mayo, 9/13).
Latest Information on Poliovirus in New York State
The latest update regarding Poliovirus in New York State contains updated guidance on enhanced surveillance for non-paralytic polio (non-specific viral symptoms or meningitis) in New York State. This advisory includes updated recommendations for adult polio vaccination based on updated CDC recommendations as of September 22, 2022.
We Need Your Input on New MSSNY Website
Have you taken our website survey yet? We are building a brand new MSSNY website and want it to meet your needs.
Your input is critical. Our goal is to create a website that helps you to easily find the information that you—and your physician colleagues throughout New York State—are looking for.
To help us make the new website the best it can be, please take our MSSNY website survey before October 15. It will take less than two minutes of your time.
Join Us on October 9, 2022, and Learn How to Ace your Residency Interview
Our newest seminar series hosted by MSSNY’s IMG and Ethnic Medical Association Sections continues Sunday, October 9 at 9:30 am. Please join us to learn how to ace your next interview for your residency application. Leaders in the medical field will teach you how to ensure your statement stands out. Register now.
Efforts Continue to Urge Governor Hochul to Veto Bill That Will Prompt Drastic Liability Rate Hikes
This week, an ad from the Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York ran in amNY urging Governor Hochul to veto an drastic piece of legislation that could drive up liability insurance costs by nearly 40%. The bill would greatly expand the types of damages in wrongful death actions.
In numerous op-eds across the State, including Medical society leaders: NY’s new liability law threatens access to care (Your Letters) – syracuse.com, the medical community has warned that premium increases approaching this level will harm patient access to care, given the already grossly excessive liability insurance costs facing physicians in New York. Therefore, physicians are urged to continue to contact Governor Hochul to urge that the bill be vetoed. Urge Governor to Veto Wrongful Death Liability Expansion (p2a.co).
Since the impact of the bill goes far beyond healthcare, MSSNY has been working with a number of varied groups to urge a veto, including groups representing hospitals, businesses, insurers and municipalities. The ad also previously ran in the Buffalo News and Daily News.
Please Urge Congress to Prevent Steep Medicare Cuts for 2023
Physicians are urged to contact their respective Congressional representative and Senators Schumer and Gillibrand (Stop Medicare Cuts (p2a.co) to urge that they act to prevent an 8.5% cut to their Medicare payments proposed by CMS for 2023.
This week, MSSNY joined the AMA and 120 other state and specialty societies in a letter to Congressional leaders to prevent the cut. It notes that: “According to an AMA analysis of Medicare Trustees data, Medicare physician payment has been reduced 20% adjusted for inflation from 2001–2021. The Medicare physician payment system lacks an adequate annual physician payment update, unlike those that apply to other Medicare provider payments. Physicians are the only Medicare provider not receiving an inflationary update in 2023.”
Specifically, the letter asks Congress to:
- Extend the Congressionally enacted 3% temporary increase in the Medicare physician fee schedule scheduled to expire at the end of 2022.
- 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
If these changes were not going cause enough damage to community physician practices, MSSNY is raising the alarm to CMS regarding a provision in the 2023 Medicare payment rule that would further reduce Medicare payments to New York physicians by decreasing the regional adjustments to Medicare payments arising from New York’s excessively high rents costs and liability insurance costs. MSSNY has been working with the AMA and the Physicians’ Advocacy Institute to ensure that this concern was reflected in the comments these groups submitted to CMS about the Medicare payment rule. MSSNY also submitted its own comments to CMS protesting these proposed cuts and shared the letter with several members of New York’s Congressional delegation.
Again, you can send a letter to your members of Congress from here: Stop Medicare Cuts (p2a.co)
Healthcare Worker Bonus Program Application Portal Opens Again October 1
For the month of October, physician practices eligible to participate in the New York State Healthcare Worker Bonus Program will be able to submit requests for bonuses for their eligible employees who worked during Vesting Period 1 (October 1, 2021 -March 31, 2022) and Vesting Period 2 (April 1, 2022-September 30, 2022).
Please consult the frequently updated FAQ Frequently Asked Questions (ny.gov) from the New York State Department of Health for important information to assist physicians in navigating this important program. MSSNY has been working closely with county medical society physician leaders and staff across the State to answer questions from physicians and their staffs regarding the State’s Health care worker bonus program enacted in the State Budget earlier this year.
As a reminder, only physician practices with at least 20% Medicaid patient population are eligible to submit for the bonuses on behalf of eligible employees (listed in the FAQ). The “20% Medicaid” threshold includes patients enrolled in Medicaid fee for service, Medicaid Managed Care and where Medicaid is secondary, but not other state funded insurance plans. It is important to note that those that are eligible to participate are also required to participate.
There is a defined formula in the statute for the bonus level for the eligible employees, based upon the number of average hours worked during a 6-month vesting period.
- 20-30 hours = $500 bonus/vesting period
- 30-35 hours = $1,000 bonus/vesting period
- 35 hours or more = $1,500 bonus/vesting period
An eligible employee may not receive a bonus for more than 2 vesting periods, with a maximum bonus of $3,000 cumulatively.
With regard to medical residents and fellows, the updated FAQ also clarifies that the “the Qualified Employer that employed the Resident during vesting period 1 is responsible for claiming and paying the bonus”, even if the resident changed positions after the end of Vesting Period 1.
Again, please consult the frequently updated FAQ Frequently Asked Questions (ny.gov) from the New York State Department of Health for important information to assist physicians in navigating this important program.
MSSNY Fights for Dense Breast Screening Coverage
MSSNY members and our Director of Physician Payment and Practice, Heather Lopez, met with the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Dr. Shari Ling and her team to discuss the reevaluation of national coverage determination (NCD) regarding the non-coverage of screening breast ultrasounds for women with dense breasts.
Currently, this is a non-covered service by Medicare. The best practices based on the guidelines set forth by multiple organizations/associations are that when a woman is diagnosed with dense breasts based on mammography, supplemental screening, most commonly with breast ultrasound, is recommended in addition to annual mammograms.
Based on the meeting, we are very optimistic that steps will be taken to provide women across the country with the appropriate coverage, particularly regarding breast health. MSSNY would like to thank our members, Dr. D’Alessio, Dr. Eng, and a couple of other ProHealth Physicians, for being a part of the meeting and providing critical information and valuable feedback.
Lifelong Learning: A Look from the Rear View Mirror and a Peek Ahead
Save the Date! On October 25 at 7 pm, please join Harvard Medical School Professor of Medicine Dr Sanjiv Chopra for a one-hour webinar entitled Lifelong Learning: A Look from the Rear View Mirror and a Peek Ahead.
Additional details will be provided next week.
What Are FDA-Approved “Biosimilar” Therapies & What Physicians Need to Know When Treating Patients with These New Therapies
Patients living with chronic or complex diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and others, have benefited in recent years from innovative biological medicines, commonly known as “Biosimilars”, which are manufactured from living cells and highly effective for many patients. Biosimilars are biological medicines approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as “highly similar” to an original biologic therapy.
Like many states, New York enacted a law that permits a pharmacist to substitute an FDA-approved biosimilar for an original biologic therapy, provided there is notice to the prescribing physician within five days of the substitution. The state legislature renewed the law during the 2022 legislative session. To help physicians better understand what Biosimilars are, how the law works and what it means for patients, MSSNY is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 7:30am via Zoom. The webinar will feature health policy experts who will share information on this important issue and answer physicians’ questions about the potential impact on their patients. Register Here!
Influenza 2022-2023: Focusing on When the Flu is not the Flu
Annual flu season is upon us and based on flu season in Australia concerns about a potential “twindemic” have arisen. Learn more about causes for this concern and best practices on recognizing flu and other viral infections by registering for Influenza 2022-2023: Focusing on When the Flu is not the Flu on October 19th at 7:30 am. William Valenti, MD chair of the MSSNY Infectious Diseases Committee, will serve as faculty for this webinar. Register now View the flyer for this webinar here.
Additional information or assistance with registration may be obtained by contacting Melissa Hoffman at mhoffman@mssny.org.
STI COMPUTER SERVICES – Practice Management, Medical Billing, Electronic Medical Records, Revenue Cycle Management Services
STI Computer Services specializes in the development, sales, installation, and support of computer systems for medical practices. STI is the author of the ChartMaker Go Medical Suite, a modular set of software for Billing, Scheduling, Practice Management, and Electronic Medical Records. The system has been installed in over 3,000 medical practices since 1979. ChartMaker is available in client/server, cloud-based, or Revenue Cycle Management options. STI also provides credentialing and enrollment, coding, chart auditing, hardware, installation, training (both on-site and web-based), Dragon Medical One Voice Recognition systems, electronic faxing, VOIP telephone systems, and hardware managed services.
For more information, call Matt Ross: 1-800-487-9135 extension 1169 or by email at mross@sticomputer.com
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.
Hollywood Beach, FL 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo Direct Ocean View
One of a kind two-bedroom two bath condo directly on Hollywood Beach and boardwalk. Terrace overlooking the ocean is cruise ship-like, with unobstructed views of the ocean and intercostal. Penthouse unit without neighbors above or adjacent. Features white 24-inch tile floors, two bedrooms with queen beds, two marble tiled bathrooms, central air conditioning and building just upgraded. Edgewaters Beach Towers, 400 North Surf Rd., Hollywood Beach. $779,000. Call 917-861-8273 / CenedeseLuis@gmail.com
30 Central Park South Office for Lease or Sale
Prime ground floor office, two AAAHC accredited operatories plus four exam rooms lab, large reception and secretarial areas and two full bathrooms. Four rooms with external windows. Will help with building to suit. Lease $16500/month with option to buy $3.3mil. Contact CenedeseLuis@gmail.com or 917-861-8273
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@msny.com for more info.
Medical Office with Ample Patient Parking + 1 Family For Sale in the Most Desired Area of Hollis Hills. Priced to Sell!
One of a kind medical office investment opportunity and growth in the most desirable areas of Hollis Hills! This property is an S1 zoning that allows a medical practice, located within proximity of LIJ and Manhasset hospital, Lake Success Pro Health Medical offices with ample patient parking and much more, this unique property features a residential space split level style with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths living room, dining room with a wood burning fireplace, kitchen, oversized sunroom/den, 1 car garage and laundry room.
The Lower level has a separate entrance, 4 exam rooms, a doctor’s private office, filling rooms and endless closet storage.
Conveniently located near schools, worship houses, transportation, GCP, LIE, Cross Island & Clearview Expressway, restaurants, shopping centers and much more! To inquire, please call Claudia (917-554-4158) or Bella at (718-344-2153).
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.
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.