Volume 120, No. 3: March 2024 Edition | |
|
They Said It...
“It was a place not only to commiserate and communicate, but to inspire one another to improve and excel. The best part was that there was no pressure or formality to these lounges, and the topics discussed were what the physicians in the lounge needed to hear at that time. This is what I hope to recreate - at least, to some extent - in our Doctors' Lounge events: a place where we mix socializing, food and drink, and casual conversations that might inspire us to maximize our skills as physicians." Dr. John Vasudevan, PCMS President, discussing the Doctors' Lounge, a series of live, in-person events presented by PCMS and The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. The third Doctors' Lounge will be held on April 11. You can read more of Dr. Vasudevan's comments in our Winter 2024 Edition of Philadelphia Medicine.
| |
If you are interested in writing an article for Philadelphia Medicine, please contact us at stat@philamedsoc.org. We are accepting articles for both the newsletter and magazine. | |
Things you should know... | |
Healthcare cybersecurity attacks | |
|
The US Health and Human Services Department (HHS) announced Tuesday it would help doctors and hospitals find alternate claims processing platforms in order to help reboot the flow of business after a cyberattack on a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary crippled operations of a large swath of America's health systems for the past two weeks. Some estimates suggest that healthcare providers are losing over $100 million each day. On March 9, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that they would be considering applications for advance payments for Medicare Part B suppliers in addition to Part A providers in response to the cyberattack.
PAMED staff recently met with Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys and his team to learn about the role Pennsylvania is able to play in this national incident. While the Insurance Commission is unable to implement requirements, they are encouraging financial relief, timely solutions, and a commitment to do their part to assist the health care system as a whole. To learn more please check out this PAMED notice.
| |
2024 Block Captains Rally | |
PCMS recently participated in the 2024 Block Captains Rally held at the Please Touch Museum this past Saturday, March 9 from 9:00 am to noon. There were over 1,000 Block Captains from all over the city. The society used this to engage new Block Captains on our Health Care Advisory Council. This Council was started back in October 1998 and continues to coordinate citywide initiatives regarding the promotion of physical activity, nutrition, chronic disease management, healthy behaviors, and better communications regarding the prevalence of asthma, diabetes, obesity, smoking, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. If you are interested in getting involved or to learn more, just email us at Stat@philamedsoc.org. | |
|
Independence Blue Cross (IBX) and its non-Medicaid affiliates are now in the process of moving to a new claims processing and payment platform. The change will occur over the next two years.
IBX aims to provide a smooth transition for doctors, hospitals, and health care facilities within its network, with the same level of service and stability that providers rely on. IBX is providing communications, tools, resources, training, and support to help keep providers informed of changes and updates.
Below are some key sources for information and updates during the transition:
You can also reach IBX’s Provider Customer Service at 1-800-ASK-BLUE (1-800-275-2583) with any questions.
| |
Health Advisory: Ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid) for Non-hospitalized Adults | |
|
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health issued a health advisory on Paxlovid which is being underutilized and should be prescribed based on risk factors rather than severity of patient presentation. Paxlovid has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization in older adults and those with medical conditions, regardless of vaccination status. Drug-drug interactions may be managed by pausing or dose adjusting a medication during Paxlovid treatment.
Paxlovid will be available free of cost through December 31, 2024 for those with Medicare or Medicaid or those who are uninsured. Patients with commercial insurance are eligible for cost savings though the PAXCESS program.
You can view the full health advisory here. (PDF)
Click here for an information sheet on Paxlovid Eligibility and Effectiveness.
Click here for a COVID-19 Therapeutics Decision Aid. (PDF)
| |
Latest resources from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health | |
-
Updated mpox public education materials: PDPH has updated a suite of mpox materials for community members to distribute. Find translated, printable and digital flyers, and more here.
-
PDPH Resource hubs: Free resources such as COVID-19 test kits, condoms, masks, and HIV test kits are available for the community. Select sites also offer on-site health screenings and STI testing. For more information, click here.
-
Free COVID test kits and masks: If you’d like to pick-up test kits and masks for your organization, complete this form. Pick-up is at the PDPH warehouse in South Philly. If you are looking for a bulk delivery, email Rachel at Rachel.giatras@phila.gov.
-
Reach out and connect: Visit www.healthymindsphilly.org, for ideas, screenings, trainings, resources and more to support your well-being while dealing with COVID.
-
Walk up mpox vaccine clinics: Mpox vaccines are available through a network of health centers, community providers, and pharmacies. To learn more, click here. Mpox vaccines are also available at certain Rite Aid locations, which you can find here.
| |
Gun violence prevention efforts in Pennsylvania: Advances, delays, and advocacy | |
|
Little legislation regarding gun violence prevention has been passed in the state of Pennsylvania for many years, but there was some slight movement towards progress in 2023. In April of 2023, after the first House Judiciary Committee hearing on gun violence in over a decade, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee approved four important gun violence prevention bills which were called the Common Agenda to End Gun Violence. The four bills addressed potentially life-saving issues:
- A requirement to report lost and stolen firearms;
- A requirement to store guns safely in the home;
- The creation of Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) to help prevent suicides by firearms and mass shootings; and
- Universal background checks, eliminating the loophole that has allowed long guns to be purchased privately or transferred without background checks.
In May of 2023, with bipartisan support, the full House of Representatives did pass items #3 and 4 noted above, but those bills have languished and not yet been taken up for consideration by the state Senate Judiciary Committee. With great frustration, CeaseFirePA along with the Common Agenda to End Gun Violence coalition of more than 130 organizations have begun a “Not One Day More” campaign to urge the Senate to pass those two bills. As part of the campaign, a physical clock has been placed in the Capitol building noting how many days have taken place since those bills were passed by the House.
A positive gun violence prevention action that did occur in Pennsylvania in 2023 was the investment of $40 million in community violence intervention efforts. There are many initiatives that are being supported or under consideration.
Another significant success for those advocating for gun violence prevention occurred this year on February 16, 2024 when the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania did uphold the authority of the City of Philadelphia to enforce its ban on ghost guns. Ghost guns are typically homemade firearms which can be assembled from a kit and do not have a serial number. They are quickly becoming a growing threat to public safety. The ban, which originally passed in 2021, prohibits the possession, use, transfer or manufacture of raw materials or component parts into ghost guns. It is anticipated that other regions in Pennsylvania will propose similar bans, and manufacturers of these kits will be subject to legal requirements.
CeaseFirePA organizes with communities most vulnerable to gun violence and holds those in power accountable. The organization welcomes volunteers: to learn more, email info@ceasefirepa.org.
| |
AHRQ Safety Program for Telemedicine: Improving Antibiotic Use | |
|
Is your practice interested in improving appropriate use of antibiotics in telemedicine? The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is currently recruiting practices for a no-cost, 18-month program beginning in June 2024 to promote appropriate antibiotic use while maintaining patient satisfaction and reducing potential side effects in patients seen via telemedicine. Practices will receive training and one-on-one expert coaching to implement sustainable improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of infections in the telemedicine environment. Practices will learn how to improve workflow efficiencies and participants will be eligible for CME credits. Click here to learn more and sign up for an informational webinar.
| |
13th Annual Clinical Update in GI | |
|
PCMS is holding its annual Clinical Update in Gastroenterology on Saturday, April 27. This year’s topics include GERD, IBD, Liver Disease and IBS. This program is free and will be held via Zoom. All members are welcome to attend and CME credits are available. Click here to register and learn more!
| |
Recording available for Contract Review Program | |
|
Missed our Contract Review Program with Karen Davidson on February 27? A recording is available on our YouTube channel here. This webinar focuses on key employment contract areas, analyzes specific contract terms, explains legal terms in a practical sense, addresses common questions and offers practical advice on how to approach the contracting process.
| |
CONTRACT CORNER BRIEFS
by Karen E. Davidson, Esquire
| |
NON-COMPETES AGAIN: IMPACT OF MARKET CONSOLIDATION AND ANTICIPATED FTC ACTION: As mentioned in last month’s CCB, the consolidation trend in the healthcare industry is altering the landscape of physician employment contracting including a broadening of the impact of noncompete covenants. As healthcare organizations (including large medical practices) merge and expand their reach, physicians find themselves further constrained geographically by their restrictive covenant clauses. That is, many physicians are now boxed-out of larger geographic areas post-employment because more locations fall under their employer’s larger entity umbrella. We have seen first-hand how this has adversely impacted physicians’ lives and the hardships they must endure. Some have had to relocate their families, commute to far flung places or take temporary positions outside of the restricted geographic area spending significant time away from their families while they wait-out the non-compete (often 1-2 years).
Unfortunately, we cannot say with any certainty whether there will be any relief from the non-compete ban proposed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) last year although we anticipate a Final Rule in April 2024. That said, there is no legal requirement or time-frame within which the FTC must finalize the rule, nor is the FTC restricted by the published Proposed Rule or any comments. (As a reminder, any such ban would not apply to non-profits.) And, even if the FTC publishes a Final Rule, there is consensus that it will be challenged on several fronts including that the FTC exceeded its rule-making authority. All of this leads to continuing uncertainty and an atmosphere where physicians must still be cautious in taking post-employment opportunities restricted by their non-compete. Regardless of whether the FTC Final Rule takes effect, it is imperative that policymakers take the well-being of physicians into consideration, so they are not unduly restricted.
| The content of “Contract Corner Briefs” has been prepared by Karen E. Davidson, Esq. for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information in this e-newsletter shall not be construed as an offer to represent you, nor is it intended to create, nor shall the receipt of such information constitute, an attorney-client relationship. We hope that you will find the information informative and useful, and we would be delighted to connect you with Karen Davidson. | |
|
Exploring the Latest Treatment Options for T2D With a Weight Focus
Date: Wednesday, March 27
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
The Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center, Clinical Care Options, and Practicing Clinicians Exchange are holding a CME/CE-certified live webinar covering updated guideline recommendations and evidence for type 2 diabetes treatment with a focus on weight management.
Click here to register and learn more.
| |
|
Understanding the Military Experience
Date: Friday, April 5
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Star Behavioral Health Providers is providing training to help health care providers better understand the needs of service members, veterans and their families. The training is free and comprised of three tiers that must be taken sequentially. Multiple dates are available.
To Register:
Visit: https://starproviders.org/providers-tier-training/
- To narrow the search, under Search Available Trainings in the Training drop-down menu select the tier (i.e., One, Two, Three or Sustainment) that you want to attend, and you will be able to search available trainings for just that tier.
- Registration is a two-part process. Part 1: complete the online registration form; Part 2: complete the pre-training survey. The link will be provided on the last page of the registration form. Note: Your registration is not complete, and your seat is not reserved until both parts of the process have been completed.
- You will not be able to register for Tiers Two, Three or Sustainment until you have completed the prerequisites for each.
| |
|
PAMED Group Practice Administrator Meeting
Date: Wednesday, April 10
Time: 1:00 PM
Join PAMED's expert health care operations team and other guest speakers for vital information on topics such as:
- CMS Final Rule
- Payor Updates
- Legislative Happenings
- Regulatory Updates
Learn More and Register Here
| |
|
Doctors Lounge: How to Improve Your Community Engagement Without an MPH
Date: Thursday, April 11
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Place: The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 19 S 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Our next Doctors Lounge covers the topic of community engagement and will feature guest speakers Dr. Val Arkoosh, Pennsylvania Secretary of Human Services, and Dr. René Najera, Susan and Stanley Plotkin Chair in Public Health at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
Click here to RSVP.
| |
|
Serving Medicine and Humanity: The Role of the Standardized Patient
Date: Friday, April 12
Time: 11:00 AM
The Free Library of Philadelphia is holding a webinar focusing on the role of volunteer actors who help to train medical students, residents and young doctors in the art of diagnosing diseases. Guests for this program are Mr. John Repasch, who runs this program at the Drexel University College of Medicine and Ms. Lee Fishman, a former FLP administrator, who is now a Standardized Patient herself.
Click here to register.
| |
|
DREAM Expo
Date: Saturday, April 20
Time: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Place: St. Joseph's University, University City Campus, 730 S 43rd St (43rd and Woodland), Philadelphia, PA 19104
Health Educated, Inc. is seeking volunteers for the DREAM (Diversifying Representation and Enriching Aspiring Minds) Expo on April 20. This event is designed to inspire Black and Hispanic middle school students to pursue advanced careers in healthcare. The expo will feature a healthcare provider meet and greet, youth workshops with college students, interactive sessions for parents/guardians, a dance party and games, and other attractions. Breakfast and lunch is provided.
Learn More and Register Here
| |
|
The 13th Annual Clinical Update in Gastroenterology
Date: Saturday, April 27
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:50 PM
You’re invited to hear Philly’s Top Docs discuss the latest in the field of Gastroenterology! This year's update will include topics such as GERD, Liver Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This program is free and will be held via Zoom.
Learn More and Register Here
| |
|
Hepatitis B Provider Training
Date: Thursday, May 16
Time: 12:00 PM
The Hepatitis B Foundation is hosting monthly provider trainings using the Project ECHO model. The ECHO model has four core components: using technology to leverage scarce resources, training on core professional development topics, case presentations and ongoing mentorship, and outcome measurement. The first program will start in May during Hepatitis Awareness Month and will run for five monthly sessions through September, held on the third Thursday of each month beginning May 16 at noon.
Learn More and Register Here
| |
AHRQ Safety Program for Telemedicine: Improving Antibiotic Use
This is a free 18-month program, beginning in June 2024, that seeks to promote appropriate antibiotic use while maintaining patient satisfaction and reducing potential side effects in patients seen via telemedicine. The program consists of brief educational presentations about best practices to optimize antibiotic prescribing in the telemedicine environment. Participants will have access to technical assistance, coaching, webinars, and practical tools to implement improvements in their practice. CME credits will be offered at no charge for participants.
Learn More and Register Here
| | | | |
