May 16, 2017 Issue 33
Author Sam Quinones to Discuss Kentucky's Opioid Epidemic at "Meet the Mandates"

In 2015, 1,248 people died from drug overdoses in Kentucky, a big jump over the 1,088 deaths in 2014. Fentanyl, a powerful painkiller, drove the increase in overdose deaths, according to the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy.

Kentucky isn't alone in battling this epidemic, which cuts across all socioeconomic lines but primarily affects white people, according to Sam Quinones, the acclaimed author of "Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic." Quinones is the keynote speaker at KMA's "Meet the Mandates" discussion of House Bill 1, which will be held Aug. 25 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Louisville. 

Sam Quinones will be the keynote speaker at KMA's "Meet the Mandates" Aug. 25



President's Message
Affordable Care Act Part II

Last month, we listed the goals and success measurements. The two goals of the Affordable Care Act were expanding health insurance and reforming the health care delivery system. In this article, we will look at the second goal to see where the ACA is on the road to the success of achieving this goal.
Member Spotlight
Dr. Couch Recognized for Work
on Front Lines of Drug Epidemic

Over three decades in Louisville's emergency rooms, Robert Couch, M.D., has seen the scourge of drug abuse run the gamut from heroin to powder cocaine to PCP to meth and back to heroin again. Couch has been on the front lines in the battle against heroin addiction in Kentucky and that has brought a lot of attention to his recent experiences.



Robert Couch, M.D. 
Learn about New Rules on Post-Operative Data Reporting 

Kentucky physicians, along with those in eight other states, will be required to report the number of post-operative visits they provide under a new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) policy that takes effect July 1. Learn more about the rules in a webinar hosted by the American College of Surgeons at 7 p.m. EDT Tuesday, May 23. 


Epic Insurance Solutions --Superheroes in Community Service 
Don't be surprised if you see a grown man in tights show up at your office in the coming weeks dressed in superhero garb.

It's just Epic Insurance Solutions President Don Thompson, also known as "Epic Man." He dresses this way for a good reason-to raise money for kids with cancer to go to camp for a week.




In Case You Missed It
Health News for Your Patients

If you regularly share health care news with your patients on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, check out @KYMedAssoc for useful informational graphics and health care updates.
 
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Member News
Scholtz Joins Norton

KMA member Ana Scholtz, M.D., has joined Norton Children's Medical Associates Springhurst, Louisville.
Doctors Join Baptist Health Group

KMA members Danielle Mann, D.O., Matt McDanald, M.D., Amy Richardson, M.D., and Timothy Spaulding, M.D., have joined Baptist Health Medical Group .
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