The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) has created a physician's organization to help MOA members navigate the complexities of independent medical practice.   

DOs Together will give members direct access to a network of experts providing guidance on issues affecting quality of care, patient access, and medical reimbursement. As a member benefit, DOs Together will provide services that can cut through bureaucracy, get answers, save time and minimize lost revenue.

DOs Together will provide:

• Infrastructure and technology support, including EHR and telehealth, to develop and sustain high performing, independent practices focused on patient health and wellness

• A voice of leadership and support in the broader healthcare community, liaising with payors, health systems and policy makers

• In office, multi-disciplinary clinical care teams that follow an advanced primary care approach to treat chronic conditions and teach self-management skills 

• Outcomes data and quality improvement strategies, including a focus on population health 

• An open system with no mandated health system affiliations - you choose the health system that best fits your patients' needs

To learn more about DOs Together, call the MOA: 517/347-1555 or visit:  www.domoa.org/dostogether

Attendees of the recent MOA 118th Annual Spring Scientific Convention in Southfield held May 18-21, 2017 will receive an additional 3 AOA Category 1-A CME credits for completing the Outcomes Measurement Survey.
 
As per requirement of the AOA, the deadline for submitting the survey is:

Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QWGXCFW

Making the Diabetes Heart Connection Event
The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease hosted an event to highlight the co-occurance of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) joined the collaboration in an effort to raise awareness of the impact of chronic diseases have on our communities and the drain on the state budget. Dr. Lawrence Prokop, DO, President-Elect of the MOA, introduced the program as legislators, staff and stakeholders assembled in the Speaker's Library in the Michigan State Capitol.

The statistics were startling:

• Diabetes affects 36 million people nationally
• Nearly 86 million people have pre-diabetes
• More than 25% of the cost of treating diabetes relates to cardiovascular complications

The event was designed to raise awareness and to urge the stakeholders to do their part in informing the public. The Diabetes Heart Connection has a solid social media presence and asked attendees to share, "Like" and repost the information they share on Facebook, Twitter and their website.

Attendees were invited to join in on a heart-smart lunch and free health screenings were offered for blood pressure and body mass composition, provided by Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital.


The message was clear. The complications of diabetes and heart disease are taking a toll on community health and the overall healthcare budget. By raising awareness we can instill healthy habits and how diabetes can complicate chronic diseases. 

Links:
Diabetes Heart Connection Website: www.diabetesheartconnection.org
Diabetes Heart Connection Social Media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DiabetesHeart
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DiabetesHeart

Video of the Making the Diabetes Heart Connection Event
https://www.facebook.com/ThePFCD/videos/10158782362475076/

Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease
http://www.fightchronicdisease.org/states/michigan

Diabetes Heart Connection
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DiabetesHeart
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DiabetesHeart

In the last Pulse we urged our members to contact their legislators in regards to House Bills 4134 and 4135 that would end the burdens of Maintenance of Certification (MOC) for physicians in Michigan.

In response to that call to action, physicians have come forward to offer their story on how MOC requirements are hurting their ability to treat patients. We heard from physicians with many compelling stories about themselves and their colleagues. Particularly compelling was an email we received from Daniel Kulick, DO, from Brown City, Michigan:

To: The Michigan Osteopathic Association From: Daniel Kulick, DO Date: June 13, 2017 As the past chief of staff of a critical access hospital and family physician in a rural setting, the loss of one physician makes a huge impact on the community. In the last 3 years we have seen over 50% reduction in family physician's within a 30 mile radius. One might asked why this is so and how could we prevent this from becoming worse. The answer is simple. We have lost a number of physicians and we will lose more physicians in this area because of this increased work load imposed on us by the same people that are supposed to represent us. Maintenance of Certification and re-certification has placed undue stress on physicians. Physicians are now turning to other means for income and also are retiring early. I myself have trained residents in family medicine. And one in particular stands out in my mind that would have been a excellent candidate to practice medicine in this rural setting. However, after practicing medicine for less than 6 months He found he could make more money driving a semi truck than practicing medicine. We have already seen the devastating affect of undue stress on family doctor's in the State of Oklahoma. The State of Oklahoma acted quickly. There has been two large studies, one done by the VA that shows there is no improved outcome for the patient with respects to maintenance of certification and re-certification of the board examination. It is so obvious that this maintenance of certification and re-certification has no place at this time. At this time I would urge you to support the bill authored by Dr. Canfield. At least listen to the majority of the physicians in the State of Michigan and you will see that the vast majority over 90% are against this maintenance of certification and re-certification. This bill supports initial board certification and continued medical education. If you can and have the time to speak with your local family physician about this matter please do so. If not, then I would suggest you make plans to make a longer drive to establish with a new physician when your present physician retires early. Sincerely, Daniel Kulick, DO,

 

Links:

 

McLaren Lapeer Region receives MPRO's 2017 Governor's Award of Excellence in five quality and safety categories

McLaren Lapeer Region has been honored for exceptional quality and safety in five categories with MPRO's 2017 Governor's Award of Excellence. The awards are given to health care providers that "have achieved, maintained and continually improved in specific rigorous milestones related to the award they received."

"McLaren Lapeer Region is pleased to have achieved this distinction among hospitals in Michigan," said Chris Candela, PT, MBA, president and CEO of McLaren Lapeer Region. "We are truly committed to quality care and the safety of our patients on a minute-by-minute basis and this recognition reaffirms that commitment."

The categories for which McLaren Lapeer Region received a Governor's Award of Excellence are:

• Outstanding achievement in effective reporting and measurement: Ambulatory surgery centers, critical access hospitals and inpatient psychiatric facilities.
• Outstanding achievement in effective reporting and measurement: Hospital value-based purchasing acute care hospitals.
• Outstanding achievement in effective reporting and measurement: Hospital value-based purchasing acute care hospitals-Enhanced Award.
• Outstanding achievement in effective reporting and measurement: Outpatient quality reporting acute care hospitals.
• Outstanding achievement in lowering the risk of infection: Hospitals.

"As a quality and safety professional, receiving such prestigious awards indicates to me we are doing something right," said Colette Stearns, MSA, RHIA, director, quality management and case management at McLaren Lapeer Region. "In health care, nothing can be more important than quality and safety, so we are proud to be acknowledged for our diligence."

MPRO's Governor's Award of Excellence was developed in 2003 and the most recent awards are based on information from 2015-2016. Facilities across the state are considered for the awards including hospitals, physician practices, nursing homes, inpatient psychiatric facilities, ambulatory surgery centers, home health agencies and community-based organizations.

MOA Past Presidents Endowed Scholarship Fund