eNewsline
April 5, 2019
Vol. 26, No. 7
MSDC Wins Major Victories for Physicians in Prior Authorization, CME Requirements
The NCAA tournament was not the only March madness in the District last month. Physicians in the District saw two major victories that built upon years of advocacy and work, as well as lay the foundation for future wins.

First, on March 27, the District Board of Medicine formally voted to end the requirement for 3 hours of HIV/AIDS CME in the physician licensure process. In addition, they announced the Director of DC Health, LaQuandra Nesbitt, MD, would be releasing more information on the changes to CME that would allow 10% of the required 50 hours to now be selected from a list of key topics, not simply HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ cultural competency. This was an issue that the MSDC Board of Directors brought to DC Health’s attention at a December meeting with the Director’s leadership team and has worked closely with the department for years. MSDC will continue to advocate for common-sense requirements in the physician licensure process.

A second victory came last week with the details of the Mayor’s Live.Long.DC. plan . In the detailed business plan to implement the strategy for reducing the scourge of opioid abuse in the District, the Mayor announced the Department of Health Care Finance would waive prior authorizations for buprenorphine and vivitrol at certain levels for medication assisted treatment (MAT). MSDC and its members have long advocated for this common-sense step to help reduced unnecessary paperwork in treating opioid addiction. We applaud DHCF, the mayor’s office, and partnering organizations that advocated for this important step.

In other advocacy news, the budget hearings in the Council are proceeding. Next Tuesday , the Committee on Health budget oversight hearing will occur; physicians interested in testifying may contact MSDC for information on details and learn how to testify. MSDC is working on its own statement that reflects the updated Live.Long.DC. plan. In the Committee on Health hearings, Chairman Gray has repeatedly emphasized the need for more available healthcare in Wards 7 and 8, including maternal healthcare. He is pushing the Mayor and her administration to continue planning to build a new hospital on the St. Elizabeth’s campus, to be available as soon at 2021.
AMA and MSDC Applaud DC For Action to Reverse Opioid Epidemic
In a release issued today , the AMA joined MSDC in recognizing the mayor’s office for removing prior authorization for medications to treat opioid use disorder. The decision from the D.C. Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) applies to patients receiving Medicaid and is effective immediately.

“This action will save lives,” said Patrice A. Harris, M.D., MA, president-elect of the American Medical Association and chair of the AMA Opioid Task Force. “Now it’s time for commercial health insurance companies to follow suit and remove prior authorization for medication assisted treatment.”
Food Deserts, and Other Social Determinants of Health, To Be Addressed in New Diagnosis Codes
A new collaboration between the AMA and UnitedHealthcare is working to address the social and environmental factors that affect patients’ health by standardizing data collection on their social determinants of health to help address individuals’ unique needs that often go unmet. Among the social determinants being included are access to nutritional foods, an issue that impacts many DC residents. MSDC has been a vocal advocate on this issue, steering resolutions at the AMA and working at the local level to address access to nutritional foods.

In total, the collaborative effort supports the creation of 23 new ICD-10 codes related to social determinants. Other social determinants that the new codes would capture include:
  • Adequate and safe housing.
  • Available transportation.
  • Financial ability to pay for medications.
  • Financial ability to pay for utilities.
  • Caregiver needs.

Forbes writes that "The new codes and system to address social determinants could be an industry standard by the end of next year.” Read more in the AMA Wire .
MSDC News and Community
Member Recognition
Congratulations to MSDC President Dr. Raymond Tu
MSDC congratulates MSDC President Raymond Tu, MD, for receiving the Physician of the Year award from United Medical Center, where he is Chair of Radiology. In addition, Dr. Tu has been selected for 2019 Hispanic Health Leadership Award by the National Hispanic Medical Association. He will receive the award at the NHMA Awards Gala in Crystal City on April 13, 2019.
MSDC eNewsline
Editor
Pia R. Duryea
202-355-9414 (direct)
202-466-1800 (main)
For previous editions, visit eNews Archives

MSDC Media
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2018-2019 Board of Directors
Susanne Bathgate, MD
Chair of the Board, At-large

Raymond Tu, MD, MS
President, AMA Alternate Delegate

J. Desiree Pineda, MD
President-elect, AMA Alternate Delegate

Barry L. Lewis, MD, MBA
Immediate Past President

Joseph E. Gutierrez, MD
Treasurer, AMA Delegation Chair

Peter E. Lavine, MD
AMA Delegate

Laurie Duncan, MBBS, MS
At-large

E.W. Emanuel, MD
At-large

Alice Fuisz, MD
At-large, Secretary

Kirstiaan Nevin, MD
At-large

Marc Rankin, MD
At-large

Carla C. Sandy, MD
At-large

Robert Hay Jr., CAE
Executive Vice President
Meet a Member
Shlomit Halachmi, MD PhD, completed her undergraduate education at MIT, majoring in chemical engineering and biology. She then attended Harvard Medical School, were she completed MD and PhD studies. Her thesis and publications on gene regulation by steroid receptors, in addition to her exposure to lasers in dermatology, led her to pursue a career in dermatology, with residency training at the combined Boston University / Tufts University Dermatology Program. Read her full bio .

DC Derm Docs is pleased to announce that Dr. Shlomot Halachmi, MD, PhD, is its newest dermatologist and is currently accepting patients. In addition to providing medical and aesthetic dermatology services at DC Derm Docs, s he is a Medical Officer and Senior Staff Fellow at the US Food & Drug Administration, where she has worked in pre-market evaluation of medical devices since 2013 . She can be contacted at 202-822-9591.
MSDC Events
Join MSDC and DC ACP on May 4 for a Bright Young Docs Social
MSDC and the DC Chapter of American College of Physicians are partnering to hold a joint social for early career physicians. The social will be at 1:30 PM on Saturday afternoon, May 4 at Circa (Foggy Bottom).

Register on the MSDC Events page .
Practice Management Event Taking Place on May 9
MSDC will hold a Practice Management Roundtable on Thursday evening, May 9 at 2021 K Street NW.

Practice managers who would like to attend should RSVP to Pia Duryea.
MSDC's Annual Meeting Date Set for October 25, 2019 - Save the Date!
MSDC will be holding its 2019 annual meeting on Friday, October 25, 2019, from 6:00 to 9:30 PM. The meeting will take place at the AAMC Learning Center, located at 655 K Street NW. The event will feature ample time to catch up with physician colleagues from across metropolitan Washington DC. For information on how to participate, contact Pia Duryea .
Leadership Opportunities
The Medical Society is seeking members to participate on the MSDC Nominating Committee. Committee members will help develop the ballot for the 2019 Leadership Election. For more information on the requirements or to join, please contact Robert Hay Jr. ( hay@msdc.org ).

If you are interested in serving on the Medical Society Board of Directors, MSDC is seeking nominations for the 2019 ballot for President-elect, Members at-large, and AMA Delegate. Nominees must be active MSDC members in good standing. To nominate yourself or someone else, email CV and a brief message to Robert Hay Jr. ( hay@msdc.org ).

Recognize a Physician Leader with an MSDC Award
Do you know someone deserving of recognition by the medical community? Then nominate them for an MSDC Special Award! Nominations for the awards listed below are due on May 15, 2019. Contact Pia Duryea ( duryea@msdc.org ) for information and instructions.
* Certificate of Meritorious Service. Presented to a physician in recognition of distinguished service to the medical
profession.
* Dr. Charles H. Epps, III Community Service Award . Presented to a physician for outstanding public service to the
community.
* Distinguished Service Award . Presented to a physician member for outstanding service to your Medical Society of the District of Columbia.
* John Benjamin Nichols Award . Presented to a lay person, organization, or both, in recognition of outstanding contributions toward improving the health of the community.
Thank You To Our Corporate Supporters
MSDC 1817 Society
Public Health
Measles Cases at Second-highest Level Since the Disease Was Eradicated
The number of measles cases reported in the first quarter of 2019 has already surpassed the entirety of cases reported for all of 2018, according to the CDC . Everyone without a medical contraindication should get immunized. The AMA is urging physicians to talk to patients and it is calling on tech platforms to rein in vaccine misinformation. 

DC physicians should review important local guidance on testing and reporting measles in the District of Columbia. This can be found in a recent DC Health notice . No cases have been reported in DC as of yet, but cases have been reported in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.
The CDC suggests several reasons behind the outbreak. In a given year, more measles cases can occur for any of the following reasons:
  • an increase in the number of travelers who get measles abroad and bring it into the U.S., and/or
  • further spread of measles in U.S. communities with pockets of unvaccinated people.
CDC: Influenza Season Continues with an Increase in Influenza A(H3N2) Activity
The CDC issued a Health Alert Network ( HAN 419 ) advisory to notify clinicians that influenza activity remains high in the United States, with an increasing proportion of activity due to influenza A(H3N2) viruses, continued circulation of influenza A(H1N1) viruses, and low levels of influenza B viruses. Influenza should be considered as a possible diagnosis for patients with respiratory illness while local influenza activity remains elevated. Because influenza A(H3N2) viruses may be associated with severe disease in older adults, the advisory serves as a reminder that early empiric treatment with influenza antiviral medications is recommended for hospitalized and high-risk patients, especially those 65 years and older. Read the full Advisory .
Corporate Partners
End the Epidemic: Opioid-related Resources and News
IMPORTANT NEWS ABOUT DC PDMP REGISTRATION!!!!
The following is from a DC Health notice:

There is pending legislation that will require Prescribers and Pharmacists licensed in the District of Columbia to register with the District of Columbia Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (DC PDMP). DC Health would like to encourage Prescribers to be proactive and register early to avoid delays.

If you are already registered with DC PDMP, no further action is required.

DC Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
Enroll and participate in the District of Columbia Prescription Drug Monitoring Program at https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/prescription-drug-monitoring-program .
AMA "End the Epidemic" Website
See the AMA's End the Epidemic website , with resources and recommendations from the AMA Opioid Task Force
Early Career Physicians
AMA: How To Get Time Off for Professional Development During Residency
As a resident or fellow, organized medicine events, hosted by the AMA and Medical Society of DC, are a resource for you, your colleagues and patients. Learn tips to secure PTO to attend them. Some residents elect to use that time to grow professionally and serve the future of medicine by attending advocacy-related meetings. Read more in the AMA Wire .
Events
April 6, 2019
9:00 AM–4:30 PM | Breakfast at 8:30 AM
The University Club of Washington, DC (1135 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC)
This all-day Presidential Symposium will explain and illustrate how the increasing streams of information available to the clinician in the computer age is expanding and enriching the modern practice of Psychiatry. The morning session will focus on the use of “big data” derived from the growing body of electronic health record, pharmacy, and population demographic data to understand service use and treatment response across psychiatric diagnoses. Newer models of clinical practice reviewed in the afternoon session will include discussions of collaborative and integrative care, telepsychiatry, and the rapid rise of smartphone and Web-based apps as adjuncts in diagnosis and symptom tracking. Register by March 18 to get the early bird rate. Learn more or register here .
ProAssurance Loss Prevention Seminars
April 9, 2019 (DC)
April 25, 2019 (MD)
May 9, 2019 (DC)
July 25, 2019 (MD)
September 19, 2019 (DC)
Registration opens at 5:30 PM, Seminar runs 6:00 - 8:00 PM
DC: American College of Cardiology (2400 N Street, NW, Washington, DC)
MD: Bethesda Marriott (5151 Pooks Hill Road, Bethesda, MD)
This year, ProAssurance, MSDC's 1817 Society Member and partner for medical professional liability insurance, will offer a sports-themed loss prevention seminars titled, Out-of-Bounds: Previous Claims Under Further Review .  Participation in this seminar will better enable participants to:
·    Explain the relationship between physician-patient boundaries and professional liability risks
·     Identify a previous encounter where expectations were not met
·     Recognize the need to apply an internal or external boundary in a patient scenario

Whether you are competing for a championship sports title or practicing medicine, there are consequences for crossing the line. In this course, physicians and other healthcare professionals will hear the professional liability considerations associated with personally and professionally stepping out of bounds. The information and examples will help you stay in the game. Register online at proassurance.com/OutofBounds
May 11, 2019
MSNVA Conference Center (8609 Westwood Center Dr, Vienna, VA 22182)
The Medical Society of Northern Virginia is hosting a Physician Wellness Day on Saturday, May 11, 2019 to learn more about reducing clinician burnout, promoting physician engagement, and cultivating a support community. There will be a brief and interactive demonstration on utilizing yoga to strengthen the consciousness and awareness of the mind. The evening will end with drinks, appetizers, art display and concert performance. Learn more or register here .
June 6-8, 2019
Grand Hyatt Washington (1001 H Street NW, Washington, DC)
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is pleased to announce Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (AWR) Conference taking place on June 6 to 8, 2019. This comprehensive conference will offer evidence-based discussion on all aspects of AWR through lectures and case presentations to address the growing rate of hernia repairs and updates in technology and procedures. We will also cover the high overall complication rate as well as the association of ventral hernia repair as the cause of the second highest postoperative readmission rate. The agenda is constructed to provide an in-depth understanding of the complexity of AWR. 

To register please visit AWRConference.com
Medical Real Estate Listings
Brought to you by MSDC Corporate Partner GZ Medical Realty. Contact Pete Papantoniou for your real estate needs.  
Office Sublet Available
600 square foot sublet available on 19th Street NW between Farragut North and Dupont Circle Metro. Brand new build out with separate suite number, entrance, waiting area. One office and one exam room with large window. One smaller office without windows. Sublet space is connected to an established private internal medicine practice. Price negotiable . Contact Dr. Alice Fuisz if interested. alicefuiszacp@gmail.com .

University Medical Building
2141 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
University Medical Building is conveniently located in the heart of DC with easy access to Metro stations. Please contact Peter Papantoniou at 301-961-1941 or see the online listing for more information
Part Time/Full Time Office Space Available
3 Washington Circle
Washington, DC 20037
Part time/full time office space available immediately at 3 Washington Circle. This includes a large consultation room, fully equipped examination room, lab drawing facility onsite, EKG machine, space for receptionist, space for medical records, shared use of copier, telephone system, wireless internet and waiting room. Ideal for general internist, medical subspecialist or surgeon. If interested, please call Mark Sklar, MD. 202-887-4769 or email mmsklar@gmail.com .
Boutique Townhouse Medical Office for Rent Across From GWU Hospital/ Medical School
900 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20037
Boutique townhouse medical office for rent across from G.W.U. Hospital & School of Medicine. Very close to Foggy Bottom Metro. Three rooms, one on entry level with powered table/chair & overhead surgical light. Consultation room, reception/waiting room, & possibility of 2 additional rooms. Two-car driveway. Call/text Sheldon K. Gottlieb, MD, 301-509-3319, or email skgottliebmd@comcast.net .
Woodburn Medical Park
3229 Woodburn Road
Merrifield, VA 22003

Woodburn Medical Park is located within walking distance of INOVA hospital directly off Capital Beltway. Common area has recently been upgraded. Contact Peter Papantoniou at 301-961-1941 or see the online listing for more information .
Full Time/ Part Time Office Space Available
Well-designed and attractively decorated office of three general internists has additional consulting room/exam room suite available. Looking for another general internist to share space and overhead in fully staffed and equipped internal medicine office. Shared call coverage is possible. Contact Alan Stone, MD, 202-466-8118 or aws.md@verizon.net . 
Medical Resources and Announcements
Barnard Medical Center Seeking Doctor
 The Barnard Medical Center is seeking a board certified/eligible medical doctor (in internal medicine, family medicine, or other relevant specialty) to see patients at our clinic in Washington, DC. If you are a physician with a strong interest in plant-based nutrition and preventive medicine, apply today!
Get Over $66,000 Towards Loan Repayment
DC’s Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) provides loan repayment (up to $66,809.92) to eligible providers practicing in underserved areas of the District for at least two years. Eligible participants include licensed and certified physicians, dentists, dental hygienists, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors practicing at HPLRP-certified Service Obligation Sites (SOS). A certified SOS must be either a nonprofit or a public entity that provides primary care, mental health and/or dental services to District residents regardless of their ability to pay and is located in a federally-designated Health Professional Shortage or Medically Underserved Area within the District that corresponds to the services the entity provides.  Applicants must be already employed or have a signed employment contract with a certified SOS at the time of application. Read more about the HPLRP or get a list of approved site on DC Health's website .
 The DC Medical Reserve Corp (MRC) is actively recruiting for medical and public health professionals. The MRC is a network of local medical volunteers who are willing to donate their time during emergencies and other times of community need like parades or inaugurations. All volunteers receive comprehensive instruction in areas of emergency response. Learn more here .
Contribute to New AMA-RAND Research on Integrating Behavioral Health
The RAND Corporation and American Medical Association are conducting research to better understand and describe how physician practices in a variety of specialties and practice arrangements (independent, IPA, health system, etc)  that have integrated behavioral health care into the range of services they offer. If you’ve integrated behavioral health care in your practice, whether you’re in the early stages or have a well-established program, the AMA is asking for your participation in this research project. This phone interview-based research will enable the AMA to provide physicians with training and resources needed to effectively implement and manage behavioral health care in their practices. If you’re interested and available to participate, please contact Mark Friedberg, MD, MPP, RAND Senior Physician Policy Researcher, at mfriedbe@rand.org .
Medical Society of the District of Columbia
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Washington, DC 20037
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