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Medigram - November 13, 2008


NEWS

  • WCMEW report: Physician shortage deepens across state
  • Reminder: IPFCF lawsuit update November 20 in Pewaukee
  • AMA survey highlights need to improve Medicare’s PQRI
  • Joint Commission seeks information to improve influenza vaccine rates among health care professionals
  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield approves pilot project for procedures in India
  • Newsmakers: Durkee, Reardon elected as AMA delegates

FEATURES



TOP STORY

WCMEW report: Physician shortage deepens across state

At press conferences held Monday in Madison, Milwaukee and Wausau, the Wisconsin Council on Medical Education and Workforce (WCMEW) released an updated physician workforce report titled “Who Will Care for Our Patients?”

One of the report’s most alarming findings is that Wisconsin is short nearly 374 primary care physicians across 31 counties. Milwaukee alone currently needs 20 additional primary care physicians to meet inner city demands. Experts say this shortage, which is expected to worsen, can create a bottleneck in the health care system.

Speakers at the press conference in Madison included Society members Tim Bartholow, MD, Wisconsin Medical Society senior vice president of Member Services, Policy Planning and Physician Professional Development, and WCMEW Chair Carl Getto, MD, senior vice president of medical affairs and associate dean for hospital affairs at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics. In Milwaukee, speakers included Society members Jonathan Ravdin, MD, dean of the Medical College of Wisconsin, and George Schneider, MD, an assistant clinical professor of internal medicine with the Medical College of Wisconsin, who practices with the College’s Primary Care Clinic. Speakers in Wausau included Society members Charles Shabino, MD, Wisconsin Hospital Association senior medical advisor and Thomas Stoffel, MD, a family physician who practices in Edgar, Wis.

The Society is one of seven WCMEW members. Others include the Wisconsin Hospital Association, the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, the Medical College of Wisconsin, the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative, the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians, and the Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants.

Statewide media outlets covered the release of the report. The links below include a sample of the coverage. Additionally, Dr. Bartholow was the featured guest Tuesday on Wisconsin Public Radio’s “At Issue with Ben Merens.” To listen to the program, click here and scroll down to the program notes for 4 p.m. Tuesday, November 11.

Click here for more information about the report.

NEWS BRIEFS

Reminder: IPFCF lawsuit update November 20 in Pewaukee

A special meeting to update members and others about the Society’s lawsuit to restore the $200 million raided from the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund will be held at the Country Springs Hotel in Pewaukee on Thursday, November 20 at 5:30 p.m.

The agenda will feature a video presentation about the suit, a legal and financial update, and key messages to assist you in talking to your patients, community members and local media, followed by a Q&A. The event begins with a social featuring hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, followed by the presentation at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP to communications@wismed.org by November 14, 2008 if you plan to attend. If you have questions, e-mail Kendi Parvin.


AMA survey highlights need to improve Medicare’s PQRI

A key element of Medicare’s Physician Quality Reporting Initiative must be improved so that physicians can successfully participate and use the information to increase the quality of patient care, according to a study released recently by the American Medical Association. Just over 60 percent of physicians who participated in PQRI in 2007 rated the program difficult; the same amount said they earned no bonus payment or did not know if they earned a bonus; overall, many were “discouraged” by the experience.

Over 400 2007 PQRI participants completed the AMA survey, which was conducted in September to help determine how Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) can improve the program. As a result, the AMA is urging CMS to develop an effective educational and outreach program for physicians; furthermore, the AMA says CMS needs to train contractors about PQRI so that they may answer physicians’ questions about the program. Click here to read an AMA news release about the study, and click here to read a summary of results.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Provider Communications Group will host the eighth in a series of national provider conference calls on the 2008 PQRI Thursday, November 20 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Following a short presentation, phone lines will be opened to allow participants to ask questions of CMS PQRI subject matter experts. Educational products are available on the PQRI dedicated Web page on the CMS Web site, in the Educational Resources section. Participants can download the resources prior to the call to better be able to ask questions of presenters Dr. Michael Rapp and Dr. Daniel Green.

The call is free, but to receive call-in information, you must register for the call by 12:30 p.m. November 19. Click here to register. If you cannot participate in the call, a replay will be available shortly after the call, through November 27. To listen to the replay, call 800.642.1687 and enter passcode 69793299. If you require services for the hearing impaired, e-mail Medicare.TTT@PalmettoGBA.com.


Joint Commission seeks information to improve influenza vaccine rates among health care professionals

The Joint Commission, with funding from sanofi-pasteur, is seeking examples of influenza immunization programs that have successfully increased immunization rates among health care personnel. Strategies might include a description of how you created an environment to improve immunization rates, how you successfully delivered immunizations, or other innovations you adopted that increased immunization rates. Upon completion, an educational monograph will be available to health care personnel and organizations free of charge. If you have instituted such a program and are willing to share your experience with others, please complete this on-line survey by December 1, 2008.


Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield approves pilot project for procedures in India

A recent article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel announced that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin will be conducting a pilot project that will allow certain elective medical procedures to be done in designated hospitals in India.

The pilot project will include employees of Serigraph Inc., a specialty printing company in West Bend. Employees may begin using this option in January, receiving this care for lower out-of-pocket costs.

Michael Jaeger, managing medical director for Anthem in Wisconsin, said in a news release. “Increasingly, our employer clients have expressed interest in accessing foreign providers as a means to reduce their claim expenditures, because they see medical tourism as a promising option for improving access to affordable, quality health care.”

NEWSMAKERS

Durkee, Reardon elected as AMA delegates

At the American Medical Association (AMA) 2008 Interim Meeting of the House of Delegates (HOD), two Wisconsin representatives were elected to the House of Delegates.

Second year medical student Ben Durkee of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health (UWSMPH) was elected Medical Student Section (MSS) Region 2 delegate to the AMA HOD. Durkee is one of two delegates from the region, which includes Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. Durkee also serves as one of the AMA co-chairs from UWSMPH.

Claudia Reardon, MD, was elected as a delegate to the HOD from the Resident and Fellows Section (RFS). Reardon is currently a psychiatry resident at UW Hospital and Clinics and serves on the Wisconsin Medical Society Board of Directors as a representative for the Resident and Fellow Section.

QUALITY & EFFICIENCY

A Perspective: Why physician satisfaction must matter to WHIO

The just-released report, “Who Will Care for Our Patients?” indicates that Wisconsin is short nearly 374 primary care physicians across 31 counties. The research conducted by the Wisconsin Council for Medical Education and Workforce (WCMEW), of which the Society is a member, also indicated the demand for physicians will grow by nearly 30 percent in the next 10 years alone, and that the supply will fall far short of demand.

So why do efforts like WHIO matter to the growing and real concerns regarding physician shortages in Wisconsin? Click here to read more.

CAPITOL INSIDER

Legislators pick leaders for 2009-2010

One of the first orders of business for state legislators following November's elections is selecting leaders for the next biennium. On Wednesday afternoon, Assembly Democrats selected Rep. Mike Sheridan (D-Janesville) as Speaker for 2009-2010. Taking a page from a national-level Democratic victor, Sheridan promised to “change politics as usual” in the Capitol, describing his leadership style as “one of teamwork, problem-solving and cooperation.” Read Speaker-elect Sheridan’s statement following the caucus election here.

Democrats will hold a 52-46-1 majority in the Assembly, allowing Democratic leadership—led by Rep. Sheridan—to establish committees and chairpersons as well as decide what legislative bills will receive a full Assembly vote during floor sessions.

Earlier in the week Senator Russ Decker (D-Weston) was named Senate Majority Leader for the next session, continuing in the position he assumed in late 2007. Decker will preside over an 18-15 majority, the same margin as last biennium.

Senator Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) will once again serve as Senate Minority Leader. His younger brother, Rep. Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon), was selected as Minority Leader by Assembly Republicans. Former Assembly Speaker Rep. Michael Huebsch (R-West Salem) chose not to run for a leadership position.

For more information, contact Mark Grapentine, JD, Jeremy Levin, or Beth Alvin.


Democratic leaders lay out initial policy agenda amid budget deficit growth

As Democratic leaders prepare for unified control in both state legislative houses, initial agenda highlights are beginning to emerge. According to an article in The Capital Times on-line newspaper, Democrats intend to pass items that previously failed due to ideological differences between the political parties. Those items include:
  • A statewide smoking ban (although not all Democrats are united on the issue)
  • Domestic partner health care benefits for University of Wisconsin employees
  • Hospital tax designed to capture federal Medicaid matching funds
  • Mandate health insurance coverage for autism
  • An increase in the minimum wage and indexed for inflation
Meanwhile, Governor Doyle indicated that the state’s fiscal condition could be even worse than previously feared. During a meeting with Capitol reporters Tuesday Doyle said the state deficit through 2011 could be “at least” $5 billion. While the right-leaning Wisconsin Policy Research Institute raises some interesting questions as to whether the deficit is truly that severe and if the state’s budgeting practices put the state in a hole even before the national economy weakened, it is clear that money will be an issue in 2009. Some within the Democratic caucuses are saying as much, whether privately or in more public forums.

For more information, contact Mark Grapentine, JD, or Jeremy Levin.


Medical Examining Board takes action

Responding to concerns raised by the Society and others, the Medical Examining Board (MEB) took action Wednesday to continue efforts to streamline the initial licensing process (see previous editions of Medigram for other MEB actions). In its latest move, the MEB unanimously voted to start the administrative rule process to remove the current requirement that physician applicants submit a verified copy of the applicant’s medical school diploma to the Department of Regulation and Licensing (DRL). Current rules require submission of both the diploma copy and documentary evidence of graduation; the Board has decided that requiring both is needlessly duplicative.

Until the rule change passes, the current requirements for proof of successful medical school experience remain in effect.

In another MEB development, DRL Secretary Celia Jackson informed the Board that she is considering holding MEB meetings around the state. These meetings would allow license holders, hospital and clinic officials and the public to share any concerns with the Board, Jackson said. Stay tuned to future editions of Medigram for information on where and when any such meetings are scheduled.

For more information, contact Mark Grapentine, JD.

YOUR PRACTICE. YOUR FUTURE.

Milwaukee clinics will be affected by mandatory paid sick leave ordinance

City of Milwaukee voters passed a referendum on Election Day mandating that private-sector employees located within the boundaries of the city must be provided with paid sick leave. The ordinance is scheduled to take effect in early February 2009.

Under the ordinance, all employers must provide any person who is “employed within the geographic boundaries of the city” with one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 72 hours (or nine days) per calendar year, unless the employer has fewer than 10 employees, in which case it is considered a “small business” and must provide 40 hours (or five days) of paid sick leave per calendar year. The ordinance expressly includes temporary and part-time employees. Employees are eligible to use their paid sick leave allotment after 90 days of employment. Paid sick leave must be compensated at the employee’s regular hourly rate of pay.

Click here to read more.

FOUNDATION FOCUS

Help us benefit your community

Do you have a project or know of a community need that is worthwhile, but lacks appropriate staff to complete? You can help us make a difference.

The Foundation’s Summer Fellowship in Government and Community Service program offers medical students the opportunity to increase their knowledge of how community organizations and/or government works with the medical profession to address health issues in Wisconsin. By connecting a medical student with a project or organization in your community, you can play a significant role in shaping a medical student’s career direction and, at the same time, provide valuable research or programs in communities around the state.

The value of these fellowship experiences cannot be overstated. It extends well beyond the hands-on education that medical students receive. It also impacts communities, individual patients and potentially you, as a physician who provides guidance.

Medical students are already exploring opportunities for next summer. For more information on how to bring a fellow to your community, contact Eileen Wilson at 866.442.3800.


Your donation helps address physician shortages in the state

With support from physicians like you, the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation can play a key role in reducing current and projected physician shortages in Wisconsin as detailed in the new report “Who Will Care for Our Patients?”

With tuition costs increasing, medical students today graduate with a staggering $150,000 or more in debt. Research suggests that these students consider debt as a factor when making decisions about specialty and location of practice. Our goal is to lessen the effect of debt by increasing scholarships and other support for those who are most likely to practice in Wisconsin, especially in areas of shortage. We need your help to make that happen.

Please consider making a gift to the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation when renewing your Society dues or as part of your year-end giving. Your generosity combined with that of your peers can have a significant impact on the burden that increasing debt places on medical school graduates, their career choices, and ultimately, Wisconsin families.

To make a tax-deductible donation, mail your check payable to the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation to 330 E. Lakeside Street, Madison, WI 53715 or contact the Foundation at 866.442.3800.


Newsletter available on-line

The Foundation Focus Fall 2008 Newsletter is now available and contains a special report on medical education. To view it on-line, click here.

QUALITY CORNER

In chronic condition: Experiences of patients with complex health care needs, in eight countries, 2008

A new Commonwealth Fund survey of chronically ill adults in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States finds major differences among countries in access, safety and care efficiency. U.S. patients were at particularly high risk of forgoing care because of costs and of experiencing inefficient, poorly organized care or errors. The Dutch, who have a strong primary care infrastructure, report notably positive access and coordination experiences. Still, deficits in care management during hospital discharge or when seeing multiple doctors occurred in all countries. Findings highlight the need for system innovations to improve outcomes for patients with complex chronic conditions. To read the report, click here.

FAQ

Question:
How do I log in to the “Members-only” section of the Society Web site?

Answer:
If you are a Society member and you’ve forgotten your username and password, you’ll need to reset your password. To do so, follow these simple steps:

  1. From the left menu bar, click “Log in”
  2. Click the “Request New Password” tab
  3. Enter your e-mail address
  4. Click “E-mail new password”
  5. You will receive an e-mail message from it@wismed.org
  6. Click the link in that e-mail message. (Your username is on the first line and in the subject)
  7. Click “Log in”
  8. Enter new Password (twice)
  9. Click “Submit”
To confirm the new password is working:
  1. Click “Sign Out”
  2. Click “Log in”
  3. Enter your username (NOT your e-mail address) and password
  4. Click “Log in”
If you have questions about this, e-mail communications@wismed.org.