April 25, 2019 Issue 79
A Tragic Ending

During his testimony before the Kentucky Legislature a few weeks ago, Dr. Mike Kalfas, a family medicine physician, recalled seeing a young man on a Friday afternoon who was suffering from opioid addiction and writing a prescription for buprenorphine to help block the opioid cravings of his patient. After his office closed, the insurance company denied the medication because it required prior authorization. When Dr. Kalfas returned to his office on Monday morning, he learned that the insurance company had denied the medication so he completed the required paperwork and the health plan approved the medication. When the office staff called to notify the patient, they learned that the young man had died from an apparent overdose. 

Legislative Final Report Now Available for Successful 2019 Session

Last month KMA wrapped up one of its most successful legislative sessions in years, with major wins in the form of legislation addressing prior authorization and public health.

A detailed Final Report that includes a summary of bills receiving passage is available here . KMA has also produced a comprehensive Voting Record outlining where each elected official stood on KMA priority issues.

KMA President Bruce Scott, M.D. also addresses the session’s victories and thanks members for their advocacy in this short Legislative Minute . 
April Public Health Minute: Vaccines

In this month’s Public Health Minute, Commissioner Jeffrey Howard, M.D. discusses the importance of vaccinations and the vaccine safety practices. 

Click here to view video.
Father/Daughter Outing Set Natalie Clark on Path to Becoming a Physician

Natalie Clark was just five years old when a day spent with her father determined her future career. They did the typical father/daughter activities like going to a movie and to a fair, but it was what happened later that day that made the biggest impact on her life.

Call for New Members: KMA Physical Education and Medical Aspects of Sports Committee 

KMA is seeking member physicians who are interested in serving on the Committee on Physical Education and Medical Aspects of Sports.

The Committee works on the improvement and overall health of the school-age child. It advises the Kentucky Department of Education, other interested agencies and physicians of Kentucky, through the Board of Trustees, of programs that would result in the development of stronger bodies, both mentally and physically, and in preventive programs that would eliminate and/or correct matters that might be detrimental to the health of the student athlete.

The Committee currently meets twice per year: in Louisville during the Spring, and in Lexington during the Fall, as well as at the discretion of the Chair. The deadline to apply is May 10. Interested physicians should contact Cory Meadows, meadows@kyma.org . 
MEMBER NEWS
Six Baptist Health Medical Group Physicians Featured in MD-Update

KMA members Mini Das, M.D., Rebecca McFarland, M.D., Sreedevi Gondi, M.D., Bianca Ummat, M.D., Jennifer Lash, M.D., and Jamie Kemp M.D ., all with Baptist Health Medical Group Louisville Cardiology, were featured in MD-Update magazine and were included on the cover of the publication.
Falcone Recognized for Excellence in Teaching Future Surgeons

KMA member John Falcone, M.D. , Owensboro Health, was recognized for excellence in teaching future surgeons.
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