The 12th Annual Autumn Scientific Convention will be Nov. 4-6, 2016 at the beautiful Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Registration is available, click HERE
Exhibitor Prospectus is available, click HERE

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) hosted a live Town Hall event from their House of Delegates (HOD) in Chicago, IL. The live event featured White House Drug Policy Director Michael Botticelli speaking on opioid abuse in America. For the first time, the AOA used the Facebook social media platform to "broadcast" the event live.

Botticelli thanked the AOA for their efforts and cooperation in fighting the opioid epidemic, noting the AOA has been a great partner with the White House. His comments reflected a growing urgency that is expanding among legislators and government officials. The director pointed out the recent legislative success is hollow, as the funding has not been agreed upon by Congress. Botticelli also noted that currently only 12% of the people who need treatment are receiving it.

The event was successful as Botticelli fielded questions, from both the audience and people online, ranging from issues about over prescription behavior to how DO's can treat people with pain with Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) and still get a fair reimbursement.  

The director has a perspective most government officials lack: he openly admits to being in recovery. Botticelli asked that others in recovery be open about their addiction as way to reduce the stigma that is associated with addicts.

Using social media was an excellent way to let others watch the Town Hall, as Tweets and Facebook posts were part of the conversation. The AOA employed the hashtag #AOAHOD on Facebook and Twitter. While the live broadcast was informative, the comments on social media were interesting as some sentiments raised in the discussion seemed to be repeated more than others. A consistent message was that the drug abuse stigma has created bad public policy.  

After Botticelli spoke, panelists took turns giving their perspectives and took questions from the audience. The panelists were
Clean Cass, DO, FAAFP, FAAHPM, Director of Community Care and Education, Hospice of Dayton Ohio
Anita Gupta, DO, Pharma, Vice Chair and Associate Professor, Drexel university
Ray Quintero, AOA Senior Vice President, Public Policy

Resource Links:

MOA MOA Safe Opioid Use and Addiction Treatment>

AOA's The DO page - Prescribing Opioids> 
CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain>

The Medicare Access and CHIP Re-authorization Act (MACRA) is designed to reward quality, rather than quantity, of care. While the changes will be rolled out gradually, the complexity can be daunting. The AOA has created a webpage with MACRA information and links to several valuable resources. The "Road Map to New Medicare System," offers a timeline of payment changes. While the changes can be confusing, the AOA is working hard to educate DO's on how to stay ahead of the changes. To visit the AOA MACRA page, click HERE.

On July 14, 2016, Kristy Malter, a 21 year old senior at Central Michigan University and Macomb County resident died from a case of bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord that leads to inflammation which requires immediate treatment and can be deadly. Often those who survive have brain damage or other disabilities. We at the MOA strongly encourage our members to keep all patients on vaccination schedules, adults included.

At this time of the year it is also crucial to make sure any of your patients who may be headed off to college in the fall are up to date on the meningitis vaccines.
"The bacteria are spread by exchanging respiratory and throat secretions (saliva or spit) during close (for example, coughing or kissing) or lengthy contact, especially if living in the same household" according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
This means your patient's chances of contracting bacterial meningitis is high living in such close contact with others in a dorm setting.

	Adult Vaccinations Matter

In 1994, Michigan had an immunization rate that ranked as the lowest in the nation. In response, a coalition of public and private sector organizations was formed - the Alliance for Immunizations in Michigan (AIM). AIM provides a number of online resources for both patient and provider.
For the AIM Tool Kit, click HERE.

Make sure all your patients are protected and on immunization schedules.

To learn more about bacterial meningitis check out the CDC Meningitis page 

2017 MOA Dues Notices

Reminder: 95% of your MOA dues are tax deductible

News & Resource Links

MSUCOM students Esther Liu and Adam Bezinque took home first and second place awards, respectively, in the student division of the third annual Statewide Campus System (SCS) Research Poster day. More>

If you have an article or online resource you would like to share with the DO Family, please contact: Todd Ross, Manager of Communications 517.827.0615 - [email protected]

Did you know the Michigan Osteopathic Association is on Twitter? Join over 1,300 followers in getting all the information you need about DOs and healthcare in Michigan by following them on their account, " @MichiganDOs". See original MOA content as well as content from our strategic partners like Sparrow, McLaren and Beaumont. Content focuses on issues like the opioid crisis, digitalization of healthcare, vaccination advocacy, MACRA and much more. The Twitter feed is also available on the MOA website, domoa.org on the right hand side, so you do not even need an account to stay up to date and informed.