The Reporter

A recent article written by David Wenner, published April 27 in the Patriot News, asks, “Has the malpractice crisis been cured?” During the years 2000-2002, the state averaged 2,732 malpractice lawsuits per year. In 2007, there were 1,641 and in 2008 there were 1,602, a drop of approximately 40% from the earlier years. There were 46 suits filed in Dauphin County and only one in Cumberland County. As these suits can take several years to get through the legal process, the number going to trial can be expected to decrease in the coming years. In 2008, Pennsylvania had 164 jury and non-jury trials. Of these trials, 132 were decided in favor of the health care provider being sued.

Is this a cure? Hardly. Is this progress? Yes, although it is a difficult concept for “immediate result/immediate gratification" physicians. Our rallies, lobbying, and behind-the-scenes efforts of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, DCMS and other such organizations are finally producing some tangible results.

Is there more to do? Absolutely. The elimination of the unfunded liability of the Mcare Fund will be a step in the right direction. Total reform of the malpractice insurance system, which should result in lower malpractice rates, is another one.

What has been accomplished? People filing malpractice suits must now get a certificate of merit from independent medical experts before the suit can ever reach a courtroom. Lawyers may no longer practice venue shopping in an effort to have a case tried where payouts have been proven to be larger. Clearly, some of the frivolous lawsuits are being weeded out and most of the cases making it to court are settling in favor of the physician. As we all know, many lawsuits don’t actually involve “error” but are cases that end up with bad outcomes.

What do the malpractice lawyers think? Some medical malpractice lawyers contend that the decline in suits shows that the legal system has erected barriers that prevent “victims” from filing lawsuits. They use information from the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority’s confidential reports to suggest that not enough justifiable lawsuits are filed. Perhaps they don’t see the conflict of interest between their financial benefit and overall improvement in patient safety.

Where do we go from here? We must continue to maintain and develop our relationships with our legislators. We must also continue to support DCMS and the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Finally, we need to financially support PAMPAC and other specific political friends who have helped to accomplish this stabilization of medical malpractice. The cure is still in the future.

Real Time Adjudication
David Amato, MD, DCMS Board Member and local dermatologist

One of the major problems for the solo and smaller medical practices has been the administrative burden of accepting insurance. The time and manpower needed to monitor and collect dollars from outstanding claims can be prohibitive.

The administrative expense involved in participating in many insurance plans, has been one of the main reasons I have chosen to be a non participating physician for the past five years. As a solo practitioner, it’s simply not cost effective to have manpower in place tracking down insurance payments, and co-pays which often are less than $10.00. Labor costs are more than what the claim often pays.

Relief may be in sight. Reviewing this situation with a physician working at Independence Blue Cross, I found out that a mandate is in place to provide doctors with real time access to patient insurance information and claims processing within five years. Looking further I contacted Highmark Blue Shield and found that they are at present in the beta testing phase of offering real time capabilities to physicians. I’ve offered my practice as a site. As such, I will participate in the Highmark network, and in return, will be able to access patient profiles, coverages, deductible status and co-pays, and be able to print an explanation of benefits and completely adjudicate a claim before the patient leaves the office.

Like most all other aspects of the relationships between doctors and insurers, I remain skeptical. It sounds too good to be true, but it’s worth it to me to find out if this will truly be offered to our profession. It will certainly be helpful to my patients now, and many former patients who feel they can’t afford an out of network physician.

Stay tuned.

Regularly Attend A House of Worship
Jaan Sidorov, MD, DCMS Board Member

Good. I have your attention. While that’s a controversial title in this age of political correctness, the logic underlying that faith-based advice could also be applied to becoming involved in organized medicine.

Organized medicine needs you. While physicians may be busy, feel demoralized, and disagree with many of the policies of many of the local and national physician organizations, staying uninvolved is the worst option of all. Organized medicine, even without your membership, is looked to by many government leaders, policy makers and regulators as important sources of information and guidance. While you may think that a single physician’s ability to change that guidance is very limited, I’ve personally witnessed individual doctors sway their organizations’ public stance on several important issues. However, even if a physician organization remains committed to a particular approach to an issue despite your advice, there is no shortage of other opportunities to further influence the process through letters, calls and emails to the organizations’ leadership, participation in various committees and giving feedback during elections and surveys.

In addition, you’ll be a better physician. While organized medicine could use your input, it’s important to recognize that the relationship is a two way street. By joining an organized medicine association, you’ll be contributing to your own professional development. These organizations are filled with individuals no smarter than you who are also struggling with the same issues that deal with quality patient care, health insurance coverage, physician reimbursement, the role of government, physician liability tort reform, patient safety, hospital-physician staff relations and public health. If you become engaged with your colleagues, you’ll personally learn about these issues in meaningful ways – even if you disagree with many of the points of view being expressed. Those ways are far more interesting and fun than listening to a canned continuing medical education lecture, reading a piece in an academic medical journal or listening to a talking head on a nightly newscast.

If the term “house of worship” seems generic, it is meant to be. While the Dauphin County Medical Society suggests it is the best “house” (along with the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the American Medical Association), joining any one of the many organized physician associations on the basis of specialty or ideology is what is critical for individual physicians nowadays. Much like religious leaders would prefer you join their particular congregations, the one point they all agree on is that you should be actively occupying a pew somewhere. Pick an organization. Listen. Learn. Participate. Grow. If the physician organization you join is found wanting, pick another to focus on. The point is that this is - that YOU are - too important to be ignored.

Last but not least, you owe it to your patients and your community to get involved. By giving your money, your time and yourself, you’ll be contributing to the greater public good. Organized medicine is part of the social fabric that makes Central Pennsylvania and the surrounding area the vibrant community it is today. Help keep it that way.

If you are a member of a physician organization, congratulations. If you are completely uninvolved, we at the DMCS want you to take a look at us. You could try joining for one year. We have many opportunities for you to give your input and for you to learn. Come sit in our pew and take us for a test drive.

50 Years of Dedicated Service


	Andrew Richards, MD, Richard Baltz, MD, Robert Ettlinger, MD

DCMS recognized three area physicians for reaching the milestone of 50 years of service since their graduation from medical school at a recent meeting of the Board of Directors. This is a long held tradition of both the state and county medical societies. Andrew Richards, MD, president of the Society, presented each recipient with a lapel pin and a handsome plaque that provides “testimony to their faithful performance in the traditional ideals of the medical profession.”

One of the honorees was able to accept the recognition in person. Richard D. Baltz, MD, a retired pediatrician and 43-year member of the Society, lives in Camp Hill. Notably, Dr. Baltz was president of Dauphin County Medical Society in both 1985 and 1991, the only member to have served as president twice.

Dr. Richards also recognized two members who were unable to attend the meeting. James E. Gildea, MD, has been a Society member for 39 years. He is a retired anesthesiologist and resides in Hummelstown. Frank W. Jackson, MD, is a retired gastroenterologist living in Mechanicsburg and has been a member of the Society for 45 years.

Student Chapter Updates
Amanda Mallonee, Penn State Student AMA Chapter Secretary

The Penn State College of Medicine AMA chapter has been busy in these last few months of the spring semester. In early March, we hosted a lunch lecture on tort reform and other malpractice insurance legislation issues, given by Larry Light, a Pennsylvania Medical Society lobbyist. On March 31, a group of students traveled to Harrisburg to participate in Advocacy Day. We had the chance to meet with a handful of legislators to discuss our thoughts on various healthcare bills currently under debate in the House and Senate. It was a very informative experience both for our students and for the legislators with whom we had the opportunity to speak.


Advocacy Day

In early April, we held elections for the executive board that will run the chapter during the upcoming academic year. We are very excited to have a new group of enthusiastic students to lead the chapter. Finally, in early May, we hosted a Pig Roast and BBQ for the entire student body in order to celebrate the end of another productive and successful year.

Alternative and Complementary Medicine Seminar a Success

On Saturday, April 4, DCMS hosted a patient safety seminar focusing on Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Our quality speakers presented a variety of topics, including herbal remedies and potential drug interactions, chiropractic medicine, acupuncture, ayurveda medicine, massage therapy and the use of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer patients. We would like to acknowledge our sponsors, Highmark, who provided an educational grant and our exhibitor, The Hetrick Center. Thanks to all who attended this informative seminar and a special thanks to Program Chair Virginia Hall, MD, and the Education Task Force for their help in planning this event!

Congratulations!

Congratulations Drs. Barbara Ostrov and James Yates, nominated by Central Penn Parent's Healthcare Heroes for Physician of the Year!

Save the Date!
Doc Talk VII
DCMS will host its seventh annual Doc Talk public health education event on Saturday, November 14, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Harrisburg Mall. This event offers participants free exposure for their practice or organization, and provides members with an opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise with those who might not have ready access to medical care. To reserve your space early, call the DCMS office at 558-7849. Doc Talk VI was a great success, and we are looking forward to building on that success this year.

DCMS Website

DCMS has recently updated their website, www.dauphincms.org, to make it more interactive and beneficial for our members. We have added a Members Only section which includes a membership directory. Take a moment and log on today!

Classified Ad - Medical Director Highmark Blue Shield

Medical Director
Job Opening ID# 57935

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the following:
The Medical Director plays a crucial role within the corporation’s success and works closely with all divisions and departments within the corporate structure to provide clinical consultation and support with regard to program development, compliance with accepted medical standards, and practitioner/provider education.
The Medical Director is an integral part of the utilization management team and assists utilization management staff by direct supervision or as otherwise appropriate to ensure delivery of quality and cost–effective care, member/provider satisfaction, and quality outcomes.
The Medical Director acts as a liaison for Highmark with all practitioners/providers through ongoing communications and monitoring of services utilized. As such, the Medical Director’s role is to provide clinical input into health care management services’ related activities including, for example, care and case management initiatives, clinical program development, and network management.
Medical Director activities include interfacing with many different aspects of the corporation. Daily functions involve activities completed by specific task-oriented directives with assigned responsibility for execution and implementation. In addition, the Medical Director assists operations/programs to comply with accreditation and regulatory standards, including but not limited to NCQA, Pennsylvania Department of Health regulations, URAC, CMS, and Highmark corporate and medical policies.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Five (5) years Medical staff leadership experience, significant prior experience in health care management roles, and involvement with formal quality and utilization management programs are required.

Five (5) years of experience as a primary care physician or other valuable medical expertise and current knowledge of the clinical practice concerns and issues.
Board certification in a primary medical specialty and a current, unrestricted PA medical license is required.

Credentialed in the KHPW or Highmark Blue Shield network.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
Professional UR/QI training and certification is preferred.
Proven ability to manage a project in order to accomplish previously agreed upon desired goals within a reasonable time period and through the use of developed organization and leadership skills.
Excellent communication and public speaking skills, well-developed interpersonal skills, and ability to interact effectively with members, practitioners/providers, colleagues, and local State and Federal agencies.

Contact: gina.woodward@highmark.com

Alliance Updates
By Kathy Darowish, DCMS Alliance Past President

Spring was a very busy time for the Alliance. We recognized outstanding science students in grades four and eight. Fourth graders received a certificate of recognition and two tickets to the State Planetarium. Eighth graders also received a certificate and were treated to a day at the Hershey Medical Center. They heard from three different types of doctors who are involved in the medical field. This is our "sneaky" way of letting people know that you do not have to be a physician to be in the medical field. The children were told that medicine needs engineers, chemists, biologists, veterinarians, nurses, and computer specialists along with a "grocery list" of other kinds of skills. The message we hope they received, was that whatever you do, make sure you love it, because you work too hard to be unhappy.

Our major fund-raiser was a fashion show held at the West Shore Country Club. We hosted two hundred people who purchased raffle tickets, ate a luscious lunch, and saw great jewelry and fashions. Three attendees won Coach purses. In all, we grossed over $20,000 and hope to net a major amount.

Several years ago, we decided to help Harrisburg’s Lincoln Elementary to develop a Parent Teachers Association (PTA). We did this through a program we call, Family Night at Lincoln. This year, the PTA was able to lead a big part of the night. The evening included a stroke/heart health program from the Hershey Medical Center for the adults, a children’s program, and dinner for everyone! There were approximately 30 parents and 40 children in attendance.

The Bylaws Committee has been very busy rewriting the structure for the DCMSA. This proposal was introduced to the Executive board in April, was discussed, and was presented to the general membership at the May meeting. Our new Officers were also installed at that time and Lisa Mosher is the newly-elected DCMSA President.

This year has gone by very fast for me and I am very lucky to have a terrific group of volunteers working with me and for the Alliance. It was a successful year. We have directly touched over 600 people with our mission to keep the community healthy and educated. We additionally awarded $10,000 in grants, and, thanks to the family of Ellie Hasselhuhn, awarded another $1,300 to the AMES fund and the Lincoln and Foose school libraries. We did have some setbacks, namely the loss of some members and the loss of revenue from the DCMS. We are working on both problems and if passed, the bylaws should help us address some of the membership problems. We are being proactive with thinking of new fund-raising possibilities, but hopeful that the DCMS will remember us when those coffers are stronger (hint hint). Thank you for a wonderful experience.

Your County Medical Society in Action

At the annual meeting of the American Medical Association (AMA) held earlier this month, the PA Delegation introduced Resolution 230, entitled, "Mandated Unnecessary Care for Group Residents."

DCMS Education Task Force Chair, Virginia Hall, MD, argued the resolution from the floor of the AMA House of Delegates.

Though not immediately adopted, the resolution was well-considered and has been referred for study. DCMS commends Dr. Hall for her work on behalf of Dauphin County physicians.

Welcome New & Reinstated Members
January 12 - April 24
Active Members
Tania E. Anderson, MD, Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine Assoc Harrisburg

Patricia A. Barry-Lane, MD, Radiology
Quantum Imaging & Therapeutic Associates

Atul Bhardwaj, MD, Internal Medicine
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Edward C. Brennan Jr., DO, Cardiovascular Disease
Associated Cardiologists PC

Elena R. Dailey, MD, Internal Medicine
Heritage Medical Group

Charles Arthur Ehlenberger, MD, Diagnostic Radiology
Quantum Imaging & Therapeutic Associates

Jeffrey S. Fugate, DO,Cardiovascular Disease
Associated Cardiologists PC

Mark A. Knaub, MD, Orthopedic Surgery
Milton S Hershey Medical Center Dept of Ortho & Rehab

John F. McGurrin Jr., MD, FACS, General Surgery
Quantum Imaging & Therapeutic Associate

Shawn C. Murphy, DO, Anesthesiology
Riverside Anesthesia Associates

Janet A. Neutze, MD, Diagnostic Radiology
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Div Of Radiology

Stephen Michael Ostroff, MD, Internal Medicine
Health and Welfare Building

David B. Peisner, MD, Maternal & Fetal Medicine
Maternal Fetal Medicine of Central PA PC

Lisa L. Sherwood, MD, Internal Medicine
University Physician Group Hope Drive

Robert A. Skotnicki, DO, Cardiovascular Disease
Associated Cardiologists PC

Christopher L. Spizzieri, DO, Cardiovascular Disease
Associated Cardiologists PC

William J. Wenner, MD, Pediatric Gastroenterology
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Associate Member
Desmond J Reilly, MD

Administrative Members
Mary L. Brady, Stuart H. Goldberg MD PC
Colette Lynn Brown, ENT Surgery Group PC
Angela Bryner, Neurology Center PC
Debra Garcia, Center for Women's Health Ob/Gyn

Resident Members
Stacey Lynn Clardy, MD
Ravinder Singh Dhatt, MD
Andrew Robert Eckert, DO
Larissa Viktorovna Sachs, MD

Student Members
Callie T. Dagen
Megan Sippey

Calendar of Events

2009 Calendar of Events
Board of Governors Meetings
September 2, and December 2
6:15 PM at Society headquarters

Executive Committee (Officers)
July 1, August 5, October 7, and November 4
6:30 PM at Society headquarters

PA Medical Society Annual Business
Meeting - House of Delegates
October 24-25, 2009
at the Hershey Lodge

DCMS Doc Talk VII
November 14, 2009
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Harrisburg Mall

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