NYCHSRO/MedReview Newsletter Volume 17

A Publication of
NYCHSRO/MEDREVIEW
VOLUME 17, NO. 2
July - December 2014
www.medreview.us
NYCHSRO/MedReview 40th Anniversary
N
NYCHSRO Celebrates NYCHSRO/MedReview
40th Anniversary
40th Anniversary
YCHSRO/MedReview, the oldest health care peer review
organization in New York,
celebrated its 40th anniversary on September 15th at the Down Town Association near Wall Street. Hundreds of wellwishers joined a celebratory reception
in honor of the occasion. The Organization honored longtime employees, 11
of whom worked there for more than 20
years and another 25 who had been
there for more than 10 years. Joseph
Stamm, the organization’s CEO and
President, stated MedReview evaluates
the cost and quality of health services
paid for by
its clients,
who
in- “We have laid a solid,
clude labor
strong, sustainable
union, govfoundation and are
ernment
agencies
ready to start building
and managed-care for the next 40 years.”
companies. It now
operates in 15 states and has saved
its clients more than $1 billion “postreview” since 1974.
Stamm dedicated the evening’s celebration in memory of Dr. Lowell Bellin,
who was the NYC Commissioner of
Health and Chairman of the School
of Public Health at Columbia University. Dr. Erin Bellin, Lowell’s son, told
the gathering that his father had been
inspired to fight Medicaid fraud when
he read a patient’s chart and found the
doctor had prescribed an expensive set
of orthotics for “foetida pedibus”,Latin
for “smelly feet”.
Other speakers included Mitra Behroozi, Director of Local 1199 SEIU’s
National Benefit Fund; Spencer Young,
Senior Vice President for Clinical Operations at HDI (Health Data Insights);
Arnold Saperstein, M.D., President and
CEO of MetroPlus Health Plan; and
Rabbi Joseph Potasnick of the New York
Continued on page 5
NYCHSRO/MedReview 40th Anniversary
(Above): Spencer Young (left), Senior Vice President f
Data Insights, speaks at the reception; at right is M
Joseph Stamm.
(Above): Spencer Young (left), Senior (Left,
Vice President
for Clinical
Operations
at Health
l-r): New
York State
Assembly
Members Richard
Data Insights, speaks at the reception; at right is MedReview CEO and President
Alec Brook-Krasny and Denny Farrell present Stamm
Joseph Stamm.
(Left, l-r): New York State Assembly Members Richard Gottfried, Steven Cymbrowitz,
Alec Brook-Krasny and Denny Farrell present Stamm with a proclamation.
(Above): Spencer Young (left), Senior Vice President
Clinical Operations
at Health
butions fortowards
ensuring
that
Data Insights, speaks at the reception; at right is MedReview CEO and President
New Yorkers receive the quality
Joseph Stamm.
health care they deserve.”
(Left, l-r): New York State Assembly MembersThe
Richard
Gottfried,
Steven
Cymbrowitz,
reception
was
attended
by a
Alec Brook-Krasny and Denny Farrell present Stamm with a proclamation.
wide range of elected officials; a
number of them presented the
organization with proclamations.
They included New York State
butions towards
that
Assembly
Membersensuring
Alec BrookNew Yorkers
receive the quality
Krasny,
Steven Cymbrowitz,
Denny
health care
they deserve.”
Farrell,
Gottfried,
Rhoda Jacobs
reception
was Also
attended
by a
andThe
Linda
Rosenthal.
in attenwide range
elected officials;
dance
were ofBrooklyn
Borougha
number
of
them
presented
the
President Eric Adams; Queens
organization
with Melinda
proclamations.
Borough
President
Katz;
They
included
New
York
State
City Council Members David
Assembly Members
Alec
Greenfield,
Andy King
andBrookMark
Krasny, Steven
Levine;
formerCymbrowitz,
State and Denny
City
(Clockwise from above): Mitra Behroozi, director of Local 1199 SEIU’s National Benefit Fund, with Stamm; Dr. Arnold Saperstein, president and CEO of MetroPlus Health Farrell, Gottfried, Rhoda Jacobs
H. Carl McCall and
Plan, with Stamm; Richard N. Gottfried, Chair of the New York State Assembly Committee on Health, with Stamm; Dr. Eran Bellin speaks at the event; and Comptrollers
and Linda
Rosenthal.
in attenBill
Thompson;
and Also
former
City
musical performance by Nina Bogomas.
dance were Michael
Brooklyn
C. .Borough
Nelson.
Top row: (L-R) NYS Assemblymembers Richard Gottfried, Steven Cymbrowitz, Alec Brook-Krasny Councilman
and Denny Farrell
President
Eric
Adams;
Queens
(Clockwise from above): Mitra Behroozi, director of Local 1199 SEIU’s National Benefit Fund, with Stamm; Dr. Arnold Saperstein, president
and
CEO
of
MetroPlus
Health
Additional
were
Spencer
Young
, Senior
VPofatthe
HDI.
iddleState
rowAssembly
: (L-R) MCommittee
itra Behroozi
, Director
at Local
SEIU’
sproclamations
NBF,
Borough
President
Katz;and
Plan, with Stamm;
Richard
N. Gottfried,
Chair
NewMYork
on Health,
with Stamm;
Dr. 1199
Eranreceived
Bellin
speaks
at Melinda
the
event;
from
NYS
Comptroller
Dr. Arnold Saperstein, President and CEO of MetroPlus.
City
Council
Members
David
musical performance by Nina Bogomas.
Tom DiNapoli and NYC Public
Greenfield,
AndyJames.
King
Bottom Row (L-R): Musical performance by Nina Bogomas, Dr. Erin Bellin, Assemblyman Richard
GLetitia
ottfried
. and Mark
Advocate
Levine;
State individuals
and City
Among former
the numerous
(Clockwise from above): Mitra Behroozi, director of Local 1199 SEIU’s National Benefit Fund, with Stamm; Dr. Arnold Saperstein, president and CEO of MetroPlus Health
ComptrollersMedReview’s
H. Carl McCall
and
Plan, with Stamm; Richard N. Gottfried, Chair of the New York State Assembly Committee on Health, with Stamm; Dr. Eran Bellin speaks at the event; and recognizing
“leaderBill Thompson;
City
musical performance by Nina Bogomas.
ship,
commitmentand
andformer
dedication
Councilman
Michael
C.
Nelson.
to improving the quality and cost
Additional proclamations
were
effectiveness
of health care” were
received
fromCharles
NYS Schumer
Comptroller
U.S.
Senators
and
Tom
DiNapoli
and
NYC
Public
Kirsten Gillibrand of New York
Advocate
Letitia James.
and
Mark Warner
of Virginia; many
Amongof
theCongress;
numerous New
individuals
members
York
recognizing
MedReview’s
“leaderBill de
Blasio; New
York
YCHSRO/MedReview, the dent, stated, “We have laid a solid, celebration in memory of Dr. Behroozi, director of Local 1199 Mayor
ship,
commitment
and
dedication
oldest health care peer review strong, sustainable foundation and Lowell Bellin, who was the NYC SEIU’s National Benefit Fund; State Senate Majority Co-Leader,
to improving
quality
cost
Skelos; the
New
YorkandState
organization in New York, celebrat- are ready to start building for the Commissioner of Health and Spencer Young, Senior Vice Dean
effectiveness
of health
care”Silver;
were
Speaker
Sheldon
Chairman of the School of Public President for Clinical Operations at Assembly
ed its 40th anniversary on Sept. next 40 years.”
U.S.
Senators
Charles
Schumer
and
MedReview evaluates the cost Health at Columbia University. HDI (Health Data Insights); New York City Council Speaker
15th at the Down Town Association
Kirsten Mark-Viverito;
Gillibrand of New
York
New York
near Wall Street. Hundreds of well- and quality of health services paid Dr. Eran Bellin, Lowell’s son, told Arnold Saperstein, M.D., president Melissa
and
Mark
Warner
of
Virginia;
many
wishers joined a celebratory recep- for by its clients, who include the gathering that his father had and CEO of MetroPlus Health City Comptroller Scott Stringer;
members
of other
Congress;
various
State New
and York
City
tion in honor of the occasion. The labor unions, government agen- been inspired to fight Medicaid Plan; and Rabbi Joseph Potasnik of and
Mayor officials.
Bill
de Blasio;
New York
Behroozi,
director
ofof Local
celebration
in read
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of Dr. the
dent,the
stated,
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laidcompaa solid,
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inNew
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N
N
NInside
This Issue....
w NYCHSRO Celebrates 40th Anniversary...1
w Healthcare Headline Summaries....2
w Congressional Ceremony Honoring
Raoul Wallenberg...3
w Joseph Stamm CEO Honored by NY
Academy of Medicine...4
w Special Anniversary Supplement...5-15
w NYCHSRO/MedReview Hosts Letitia James...16
w Political Roundup...4 than $1 billion “post-review” orthotics
w Organization
Farewell
to Rhoda on
Jacobs...17
Health, said,
for “foetidaBids
pedibus”
— Committee
“Joseph Stamm and his executive
Latin for “smelly feet.”
more than 10 years. Joseph Stamm, since 1974.
w
News
in
Review
Profile:
Annevictoria
Palumbo...5
w
2014
Summer
Outing...17
Other speakers included Mitra team have made enduring contriStamm dedicated the evening’s
the organization’s CEO and presi-
14
JEWISH
• OCTOBER
10-16, for
2014
another
25WORLD
who had
been there
14
JEWISH
WORLD • Joins
OCTOBER
10-16, 2014BOD...3
w Bill
Thompson
NYCHSRO
w Year End Holiday Party 2014...18
w Joseph Stamm CEO Invited to White House...4
w 2014 Year in Review...19
w Client Relation Activities...20
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Bracing for the Falls of an Aging Nation –
NY- Times 10/30/2014 - As the population
ages and people live longer in bad shape,
the number of older Americans who fall and
suffer serious, even fatal, injuries is soaring. In
response, the retirement communities, assisted
living facilities and nursing homes where millions of Americans live are trying to balance
safety and their residents’ desire to live as they
choose.
Those who study and manage retirement
facilities and nursing homes say there is heightened attention to preventing falls. Trying to
anticipate hazardous conditions, retirement
facilities like The Sequoias hire architects and
interior designers, some of whom wear special
glasses that show the building as an old person would see it. The dangers are real. The
number of people over 65 who died after a fall
reached nearly 24,000 in 2012, the most recent year for which fatality numbers are available — almost double the number 10 years
earlier, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention
The rate of severe falls has been increasing
for Americans over the age of 65. Researchers
say that there has also been a rise in diseases
linked to falls: diabetes, heart disease, stroke,
arthritis and Parkinson’s disease. In some
cases, the medication to treat the disease can
increase the risk of falling. More than 2.4 million people over 65 were treated in emergency
departments for injuries from falls in 2012
alone, an increase of 50 percent over a decade. All told, in the decade from 2002-2012,
more than 200,000 Americans over 65 died
after falls. Falls are the leading cause of injuryrelated death in that age group.
According to the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services, nearly 17 percent of nursing home residents in the United States, or
220,000 people, experience a fall. Of those,
70,000 are injured. Medicare currently will
not pay to treat an injury resulting from a fall
in a hospital, and many health policy experts
believe the agency should institute the same
policy for nursing homes.
A Debatable Fix for Young Eyes With Myopia
– NY Times – 11/3/2014- Myopia has become something of a minor epidemic: More
than 40 percent of Americans are nearsighted,
a 16 percent increase since the 1970s. People
with so-called high myopia - generally, blurry
vision beyond about five inches - face an increased likelihood of developing cataracts and
glaucoma, are at higher risk for retinal detachments that can result in blindness.
Some research indicates that “near work”:
reading, computer work, playing video games,
and using tablets and smartphones, is contributing to the increase. A number of other studies
show that children who spend time outdoors
are less likely to develop high myopia. Beyond
corrective eyeglasses and contact lenses, there
has been little parents can do for nearsighted
children. Now optometrists are offering a treatment called orthokeratology- ortho-k, for short.
Myopia occurs when the eyeball elongates.
Ortho-k contact lenses apply pressure to the
cornea, flattening it. After wearing the lenses
all night, patients have clear vision that lasts for
one full day, after which the cornea returns to
its natural shape. The lenses have been around
since the 1940s but caught on only recently in
the United States, partly because of long-term
clinical trials demonstrating that they may slow
down the progression of myopia. Ortho-k is
not just for children: adults can wear the lenses
too, but the long-term benefits are limited. Because myopia tends not to progress after patients reach their early 20s, the lenses are not
really preventive.
But some clinicians are skeptical of the lenses and worry that the risks may not be worthwhile. “The studies do show that it seems to
slow the progression, but it’s not a slam dunk,”
said Dr. David Hunter, an ophthalmologist at
Harvard University and Boston Children’s Hospital, “especially in young children, where the
risk of infection is high.”
Low Vitamin D Tied to Higher Death Risk - NY
Times – 11/24/2014 - Many observational
studies suggest that low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk for disease, but
it is not clear if low vitamin D is a cause or an
effect of poor health. Now a new study, using
a technique called Mendelian randomization,
provides persuasive evidence that low serum
vitamin D itself increases the risk of death.
For the study, published in BMJ, researchers used data from Danish government health
records on 95,766 subjects. All were tested for
a genetic variant that reduces their vitamin D
levels, and 35,334 also had their vitamin D
serum levels measured. There were 10,349
deaths over the course of the study, from 1981
to 2013.
By studying two large populations, of which
one has the genetic variant for low vitamin D
and the other does not, researchers were able
to virtually eliminate the impact of confounding
factors like other diseases, habits and behaviors that might be contributing to poor health.
These traits would be evenly distributed in the
populations studied, leaving only the genetic
difference between them. The scientists found
that having the genes associated with lifelong
low vitamin D increases the risk of cancer
death by more than 40 percent and the risk
of death from any cause by more than 30 percent. They found no effect on cardiovascular
disease death.
Antibiotics May Not Raise Asthma Risk-NY
Times – 12/8/2014 - Studies have suggested
that antibiotic use in pregnancy and childhood
may increase the risk for asthma, but a large
Swedish study has found strong evidence that
there is no such connection.
Researchers followed 493,785 children, including 180,894 siblings, from the start of their
mothers’ pregnancies to school age. More than
20% had been exposed to antibiotics in utero
and 62% during childhood. Overall, 6% had
asthma.
The study, published in BMJ, initially found
an apparent link between antibiotic use and
later asthma, but the association disappeared
when researchers looked at siblings. They
found no difference in asthma development between siblings who had taken antibiotics and
those who had not, suggesting that other environmental or genetic factors are at work.
Asthma, they write, may be misdiagnosed
as a respiratory disease and then treated with
antibiotics. When asthma later appears, the
antibiotics are incorrectly identified as the cause.
Poor Sleep Tied to Brain Changes of Dementia
– NY Times – 12/15/2014 - Poor sleep in older adults may be linked to brain changes associated with dementia, a new study has found.
Researchers studied 167 men who underwent
sleep tests in 1999 and died by 2010. The
study in Neurology recorded sleep duration,
periods of waking up and episodes of apnea,
and used pulse oximetry to measure oxygen
saturation of their blood.
On autopsy, they found that those in the
highest one-quarter for duration of sleep at oxygen saturation of less than 95% were almost
4x as likely to have higher levels microinfarcts,
small areas of dead tissue caused by deprivation of blood supply, as those in the lowest
one-quarter. Compared with those in the lowest
25% for duration of slow-wave (deep) sleep,
those in the highest one-quarter were about a
third as likely to have moderate or high levels
of generalized brain atrophy.
“Prior studies have shown an association
between certain types of sleep disturbance and
dementia,” said the lead author, Dr. Rebecca
P. Gelber, an epidemiologist with the Veterans
Administration in Hawaii. “These lesions may
help explain the association.”
2
Joe Stamm Attends Congressional Ceremony
Honoring Raoul Wallenberg
N
YCHSRO/MedReview CEO, Joseph Stamm,
attended a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol
where Leaders of the U.S. House and Senate posthumously presented a Congressional Gold
Medal to Raoul Wallenberg in honor of his heroism
during the Holocaust.
A luncheon was held prior to the ceremony, attended by Senators Blumenthal, Cardin, Cruz,
Franken, Gillibrand, Graham, Isakson, Kirk, Levin,
and Members of Congress Goodlatte, Harper, Hultgren, McDermott, McGovern, Meeks, Paulsen, Pittenger, Schakowsky, Schneider and Van Hollen.
The ceremony was attended by House Speaker
Boehner, Majority Leader Cantor, Senate Majority
Leader Reid, Republican Leader McConnell, and
Democratic Whip Hoyer. Nina Lagregen, Raoul
Wallenberg’s sister accepted the medal on his behalf.
Mr. Joseph Stamm CEO noted that “It was a moving ceremony, and afforded people the opportunity
to see Raoul Wallenberg’s remaining family, and
some of the survivors that were saved by Wallenberg. His legacy is that at great risk to himself, he
did the right thing and saved tens of thousands of
lives.”
The Raoul Wallenberg Centennial Celebration
Commission was established by Ezra Friedlander,
CEO of The Friedlander Group which advocated for
the Bill’s passage.
William (Bill) Thompson Joins the Board of Directors of
NYCHSRO/MedReview Inc.
N
YCHSRO/MedReview
is proud to announce
the election of former
New York City Comptroller,
William C. Thompson, Jr. to its
Board of Directors. Bill Thompson is a dedicated advocate for
innovation, diversity and progress in the public and private
sectors – a proven Chief Executive with a long-term record of
success leading complex organizations in finance, Board and
government roles. He joined the
Board of Directors of NYCHSRO/MedReview at the end of
2014. Mr. Thompson has served
as an active member on a number of for profit,
not-for-profit and government Boards. In February 2010, New York State Governor David Paterson named him to serve as Chairman of the
Board of The Hugh L. Carey Battery Park City
Authority, a position he held
until 2012. He also serves as
a Trustee Emeritus at Tufts University, and was a Board Member of the Bedford-Stuyvesant
Restoration Corporation. Governor Andrew Cuomo selected
Mr. Thompson to Chair his
MWBE (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises) Task Force and to serve on
the New York State Gaming
Facility Location Board. Born
in Brooklyn, Mr. Thompson resides in Harlem with his wife,
Elsie McCabe Thompson, and
their children.
“Bill’s experience in profit, nonprofit and
government will be an enormous asset to
NYCHSRO/MedReview Inc. We’re honored
to have him join our board.” said Mr. Joseph
Stamm, President and CEO.
News In Review Profile:
Annevictoria Palumbo,
RN,BSHS,CCM
Our News
In Review Profile this edition
features NYCHSRO’s Director
of
Utilization
Management,
A n n evi c t o ri a
Palumbo. Ms.
Palumbo joined
NYCHSRO/MedReview in 2013, serving as the Assistant Director of Utilization
Management. A little over a year into
her tenure, she was promoted to Director.
As Director, Ms. Palumbo is responsible
for overall operations of NYCHSRO/
MedReview’s URAC accredited Health
Utilization Management program. This
includes supervising and managing the
staff of UM and Case Management nurses, performing quality assurance of all departmental activities, working closely with
clients, reviewing and monitoring appeals
and participating in Quality Management
activities.
Annevictoria received her RN degree from St. Vincent’s Medical Center of
Richmond - School of Nursing and subsequently earned a Bachelor’s of Science
in Human Services (BSHS) from Thomas
Edison State College. Her role as Director
of Utilization Management puts her in the
center of NYCHSRO/MedReview’s URAC
accreditation activities. Her attention to
detail and close supervision help the organization maintain the outstanding quality
standards required by URAC.
Prior to coming to NYCHSRO/
MedReview, Ms. Palumbo served as the
Manager of Utilization Management for
Healthfirst. Her previous experience also
included serving as the Assistant Director
of Case Management at Staten Island University Hospital and working as the Clinical Manager for Medical management
at Touchstone Health. Since assuming
the position of Director, Ms. Palumbo has
revamped staff training and processes to
ensure that the program continues to meet
quality standards as it undergoes a period
of growth. The organization looks forward
to the continued growth of the Utilization
Management program under Annevictoria’s guidance.
3
NYCHSRO/MedReview CEO Invited to Chanukah Party
O
n Wednesday, December 17, the
President and Mrs. Obama welcomed members of the American
Jewish community including NYCHSRO/
MedReview C.E.O. Joseph Stamm, to the
White House to celebrate Chanukah. Guests
at the ceremony represented the breadth
of the Jewish community, including leaders
from a wide range of local and national Jewish organizations, state and local elected officials, Administration officials, Members of
at the White House
Congress, academics, musicians, authors,
and other prominent members of the Jewish
community. The President and Mrs. Obama
joined guests in the Grand Foyer for the ceremonial candle lighting program on the first
day of Hanukkah. The President delivered remarks celebrating the story of Hanukkah. The
President took the opportunity to announce
that in the spirit of Hanukkah miracles, U.S.
aid worker Alan Gross had been released
after five years in a Cuban prison.
The President allowed men in attendence
to use the Red Room for afternoon prayer
services. Mr. Stamm summed up the special
event noting “It was a special and unique
opportunity to be a part of the Chanukah celebration in the White House, participating
with such an esteemed gathering and lighting Chanukah candles with the President of
the United States. It was a memorable event
for all who attended.”
Joseph Stamm Honored by The New York Academy Of Medicine
O
n November 6, 2014 NYCHSRO/MedReview CEO, Joseph
Stamm was honored as a 30 Year Fellow by the New York
Academy of Medicine at its Annual Meeting of the Fellows
and the 167th Anniversary Discourse and Awards.
The presentation recognized Mr. Stamm for reaching this milestone
and thanked him for all of the support that he provided to NYAM over
the years. In response Mr. Stamm thanked Academy President, Jo
Ivey Boufford, MD and The New York Academy of Medicine for the
special honor. He also thanked Dr. Boufford for her contributions to
the organization, suggesting that she and her administration are the
soul of the organization, and ended by saying that “I am honored to
be a 30 year fellow of this prestigious organization and I reaffirm my
commitment to the organization and its’ guiding principles of:
• reducing racial disparities in health care,
• disease prevention and
• creating an environment that is sensitive to healthy aging.”
The program was held at the magnificent NYAM auditorium and
attended by many of NYCHSRO/MedReview’s senior staff and Board
members. The program also featured a keynote address on “The
State of the Academy” by Dr. Boufford, discussing the institution’s
future direction and the substantial progress in the strategic planning
process. A reception followed the award
ceremony.
(L-R) Key Staff with Joseph and Anne Stamm. Dr. Jo Ivey Boufford and Joseph Stamm. NYCHSRO Board Members with Joseph Stamm.
Joseph Stamm Receiving his award.
4
special supplement
Clients and Friends Acknowledge
NYCHSRO/MedReview on its 40th Anniversary
“NYCHSRO/MedReview is a key leader in
keeping down health care cost and protecting the
benefits of working men and women. Mr. Joseph
Stamm, president of MedReview, is an innovator
deploying strategic audits often saving thousands
of dollars for families who have been hit with unreasonable hospital charges.”
-Lou Gordon, Director of BALCONY
“Teamster Center Services congratulates our
partners at NYCHSRO/MedReview on the celebration of your 40th anniversary. Congratulations
on 40 years of clinical excellence in helping your
clients keeping their medical cost down while
never compromising care.”
-Andy Johnson, Fund administrator
TEAMSTER CENTER SERVICES
“Over the years we have seen your organization morph forward to keep abreast with the
changing technologies that so rapidly occur and
to provide timely and accurate services to meet
our needs. Your company’s ability to provide us
Continued from page 1
with services is exemplary and a model for others.”
-Gary Klein, Managing Attorney
WEITZ & LUXENBERG
“During these past 40 years, NYCHSRO
and MedReview have worked hard to establish
a sterling reputation and to be respected for its
countless activities over the years that have enhanced the quality of health care in our country.
It is an accepted fact that the health care industry
is no longer a small and modest enterprise. These
challenges have to be met with hard work and
dedication to doing what’s right. NYCHSRO/
MedReview has raised the bar for the health care
community by delivering, competent, honest and
caring results.”
-Arthur Jerry Kremer, President
Empire Gov’t Strategies
“The word CONGRATULATIONS would
generally be the appropriate sentiment for your
contribution to the Healthcare arena, but truly not
strong enough to adequately THANK YOU. You
have set the tone for cost effective, quality care
in the New York marketplace and beyond. Your
forward thinking and action has truly impacted
our world in the most positive of ways.”
-Joel Landau, Chairman, CARE TO CARE
“Since the earliest days of the Professional
Standards Review Organization enabling legislation and implementation, the New York County
Health Services Review Organization (NYCHSRO) has served as a national exemplar of the
highest standards and practice of clinically based
medical review services that have protected individual patients and assured the responsible payment of health benefit dollars. The organization’s
record of steady growth and achievement and
its reputation for unassailable integrity assure a
bright future.”
-Michael R. McGarvey, MD,
Board of Directors
NYCHSRO Celebrates 40th Anniversary
New Yorkers receive the health care they deserve.”
The reception was attended by a wide range
of elected officials; a number of them presented the organization with proclamations. They
included NYS Assemblymembers Alec BrookKrasny, Steve Cymbrowitz, Denny Farrell, Richard Gottfried, Rhoda Jacobs and Linda Rosenthal. Also in attendance were Brooklyn Borough
President Eric Adams, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, City Councilmembers David
Greenfield, Andy King, and Mark Levine; former
State and City Comptrollers H. Carl McCall and
Bill Thompson; and former City Councilman Michael C. Nelson. Additional proclamations were
received from NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli
and NYC Public Advocate Letitia James.
Among the numerous individuals recognizing MedReview’s leadership, commitment and
dedication to improving the quality and cost
effectiveness of health care were U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand of
New York and Mark Warner of Virginia; many
members of Congress; NY Mayor Bill deBlasio;
New York Senate Majority Co-Leader Dean Skelos; New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon
Silver; New York City Council Speaker Melissa
Mark-Viverito; New York City Comptroller Scott
Stringer; and various other State and City elected officials.
A congratulatory journal of more than 135
letters were presented to all in attendance. For
more information visit www.medreview.us.
5
NYCHSRO/MedReview Staff
NYCHSRO
Early Days
The following NYCHSRO/MedReview staff members have
served for 10 years or more with the organization.
EmployeeYear of Service
“Congratulations to you and the entire NYCHSRO/MedReview organization on the celebration of your 40th Anniversary! What a remarkable landmark representing years of pioneering work and accomplishments in evaluating the quality and monitoring the cost of medical
care. You initiated processes that are the standard in the industry and
have developed a model of honesty, integrity and excellence unsurpassed.”
-Anthony C. Mustalish, MD, MPH, Board of Directors
“As an observation, your company is well known for instilling
confidence in each employee. As a result, your entire team wants to
pursue excellence in everything they do, by completing the job well,
and on time; in a positive environment of teamwork, and energizing by
a can-do approach. In fact, for forty years, in an industry with constant
shifting and rules changes, you are a steady model for success. You
personally commit that everyone in your company reflects an intrinsic
high character, with a focus on values. This formula works, and stands
the test of time.”
-Patrick L. O’Malley, President, VEE TECHNOLOGIES USA
“For the last four decades, NYCHSRO/MedReview has been a
leader in the fight to maintain high-quality healthcare services while
controlling cost. Through innovative programs such as ambulatory precertification review, coding validation, and readmission review NYCHSRO/MedReview has saved its client over $1 billion dollars. This distinguished record has improved both healthcare outcomes and cost
savings.”
-Scott M. Stringer, NEW YORK CITY COMPTROLLER
Joseph Stamm, CEO/President
37
Linda Patterson, SVP/COO
36
Helen Mutchler, EVP/CFO
31
Rudolph Moise, Assistant Director 29
Louisa Noel, Bookkeeper
26
Deborah Greenberg, DRG Reviewer
25
Edward Prunier, Local Medical Director 24
Robert Stoller, Local Medical Director 24
Patricia Black, Receptionist
22
Irwin Katz, Sr. Director
21
Danielle Moise, Administrative Assistant 20
Deborah Coyne, Sr. Director
19
Robert Rosenbloom, Vice President
19
Marina Shamis, Sr. Programmer
19
Martin Bharath, Local Medical Director 19
Mildred Lecoin, Assistant Director
19
Cesar Reyes, Local Medical Director
19
Patricia Butler, Supervisor
18
Rafaela Rosario, Assistant Director
16
Anita Aisner, Medical Director
15
Margaret Mitchell, Vice President
15
SylviaTillery, Administrative Assistant
15
Harriet Starr, Vice President
14
Denise Patterson-Kerr, Director
13
Marian Cohn, Report Coordinator
13
Mary Jones, Administrative Assistant
13
Diane Raghunanan,
Document Coordinator 12
Debra Poenisch, Supervisor
12
Juanita Evereteze, VP/Medical Director 11
Rita Fredell, Nurse Investigator
11
Nancy Garcia, Nurse Investigator
11
Angela Puglisi, Social Worker Inspector 11
Mariya Safyanovskaya, Bookkeeper
11
Steven Rush, Physician Reviewer 11
Joan Winstock, Director
11
Lesli Cutler, Social Worker Investigator 10
Rosalind Marcus, Review Clerk
10
Susan Mejias, Special Review Nurse
10
Ihab Girgis, Supervisor
10
6
NYCHSRO
1980S
“The oldest health-care peer-review organization
in New York, the NYCHSRO/MedReview has saved
labor unions and other organizations more than $1
billion since 1974, by monitoring the cost and quality
of the health-care services they pay for.”
“NYCHSRO and MedReview continue to develop new services to address the needs of a rapidly
changing industry, while striving to maintain their
reputation for integrity and innovation.”
-Neal Tepel, Publisher of LABORPRESS
-Thomas P. DiNapoli,
NEW YORK STATE COMPTROLLER
7
NYCHSRO
1990S
“The contribution of you and your team of dedicated
professionals has profoundly impacted the healthcare experience of millions of people not only in New York, but across
our great country. I can only imagine all of the individual
lives your services have touched through your numerous audits and medical reviews, and how that interaction has benefited our health system through the improvement of quality,
enhancement of access, and management of costs. Your
company has truly made a positive difference.
-Joel Portice, Division President , HMS
“NYCHSRO/MedReview has conducted well
over 1 million chart reviews for our Medicaid,
HIV SNP, Medicare and other lines of business.
They have also assisted us by providing Concurrent Review Services, Coding Validation Audits,
and Cost Outlier evaluation services.” -Dr. Saperstein,
President /CEO, MetroPlus Health Plan
8
NYCHSRO/
MedReview
2000S
“Over the years, the Benefit Funds have utilized many
of the professional services provided by NYCHSRO/
MedReview and we have consistently received criteriabased, clinically sound reviews that help us ensure that our
members receive the highest quality of care while preserving their benefit dollars.”
-Mitra Behroozi, Executive Director,
1199SEIU BENEFIT AND PENSION FUNDS
“As NYCHSRO/MedReview celebrates
this milestone anniversary, its reputation for
quality, fairness and integrity is truly well
deserved. I wish you continuing success in
the years to come.”
-Richard N. Gottfried,
Chair of New York State Assembly,
Committee on Health
9
Congratulatory Letters - 40th Anniversary
NameCompany
NameCompany
Alan Abramson
Abramson & Morak Attorneys at Law
Bruce D. Agins, MD, MPH NYS Dept. of Health AIDS Institute
Edgar Altcheck, MD
Board Member
Tony Avella
The New York Senate State
Scott W. Barnes
Intergrated Computing Services, LLC
Mitra Behroozi
1199 SEIU Benefit & Pension Funds
Eran Bellin, MD
Montefiore Information Technology
Peter Berg, MD
Downstate Ophthalmology Associates
Keith Berkowitz, MD PC The Center for Balanced Health
Robert J. Bishop
Pitta Bishop Del Giorno & Giblin, LLC
Richard J. Bonforte, M.D. Board Member
Jo Ivey Boufford, MD
The New York Academy of Medicine
John G. Bowen
Careers Nationwide, LLC
Pamela Brier
Maimonides Medical Center
Christopher Burgher
Sungard Availability Services
Collwyn A. Butler
Home Attendant Contract Services
Karim Camara
The New York State Assembly
Thomas H. Canty
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
Pat Celli
UnitedHealthCare of New York, Inc.
Wm Lacy Clay
The United States Congress
James E. Clyburn
The United States Congress
Andrew Cohen
The New York City Council
Joseph Crowley
The United States Congress
Michael J. Cusick
The New York State Assembly
Holly Cunningham
OPTUM
Steven H. Cymbrowitz
The New York State Assembly
Joseph E. Davis, MD, MPH Board Member
Bill de Blasio
The Mayor of the City of New York
Charles H. Debrovner
NYS Department of Health
Ruben Diaz Jr.
Bronx Borough President
Inez E. Dickens
The New York City Council
Thomas P. DiNapoli
The NY State Comptroller
David N. Dinkins
Columbia University
Daniel Dromm
The New York City Council
Michael Eisner
Medyear
Embelm Health
Embelm Health
Eliot L. Engel
The United States Congress
Mathieu Eugene
The New York City Council
Herman D. Farrell, Jr.
The NY State Assembly
Daniel L. Feldman
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Steven M. Fink
The Fink Law Firm, P.C.
John J. Flanagan
The New York State Senate
Daniel R. Garodnick
The New York City Council
Kirsten Gillibrand
The New York State Senate
Terry Gipson
The New York State Senate
Lou Gordon
BALCONY
Richard N. Gottfried
The New York State Assembly
David G. Greenfield
The New York City Council
Aileen M. Gunther
The New York State Assembly
Colleen W. Hanabusa
The United States Senate
Dov Hikind
The New York State Assembly
D. Bernard Hoenig
Hoenig and Hoenig Attorneys at Law
David Hoos
David Hoos, MD, MPH
Pascal James Imperato
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Rhoda S. Jacobs
The New York State Assembly
Letitia James
The NYC Public Advocate
Andy Johnson
Teamster Center Services Fund
Melinda Katz
Queens Borough President
Barbara Kelman
Care to Care
Joe Kennedy III
The United States Congress
Peter T. King
The United States Congress
Gary Klein
Weitz & Luxenberg
Jeffrey D. Klein
The United States Senate
Brian M. Kolb
The New York State Assembly
Peter Koo
The New York City Council
Karen Koslowitz
The New York City Council
Arthur Jerry Kremer
Empire Government Strategies
Norman H. Kupferstein,MD Norman H. Kupferstein, MD
Joel Landau
Care to Care
William J. Larkin, Jr.
The New York State Senate
“Congratulations on NYCHSRO/MedReview, Inc.
being recognized for their consistently high quality of
service. We appreciate the opportunity we have had to
do business with you over the years, and offer our best
wishes for your continued success.”
-Pat Celli, President/CEO,
UNITED HEALTHCARE
COMMUNITY & STATE
“You and your team have been excellent colleagues and consistently demonstrated professional
standards in your work, showing adaptability in
managing a diverse portfolio of work in the HIV
field.”
-Bruce Agins, M.D. Medical Director
-Richard E. Birchard Admin. Director
NY STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
10
Congratulatory Letters - 40th Anniversary
NameCompany
NameCompany
Alan Levin
Marvin Lieberman
Nina M. Lowey
Chad A. Lupinacci
Carolyn B. Maloney
Melissa Mark-Viverito
Stefanie Mazlish, MBA
H. Carl McCall
John T. McDonald III
Donovan Richards
Samuel D. Roberts
Michael R. McGarvey
Norman B. Medow, MD
Mike Miller
Lin H. Mo, MBA, MPH
Don L. Morchower
Anthony C. Mustalish,MD
Michael C. Nelson
Michael New
Daniel O’Donnell
Patrick L. O’Malley
Kevin Parker
David A. Paterson
Amy R. Paulin
Richard N. Pierson, MD
Joel Portice
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik
David C. Pulver, MD
Kenneth E. Raske
Mark Ravesloot
Linda B. Rosenthal
Donald Rubin
C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger
Alan J. Saperstein
Arnold Saperstein, MD
Neil J. Savasta
Diane J. Savino
Bradley S. Schneider
Michael D. Schoffman
Charles E. Schumer
Paul Shainheit
Sheldon Silver
Michael Simanowitz
Dean G. Skelos
David Smith
David B. Snow, Jr.
Daniel Squadron
Toby Ann Stavisky
Kive I. Strickoff, CPA
Scott M. Stringer
Neal Tepel
Matthew J. Titone
Bill Thompson
Les S. Thompson
Eric A. Ulrich
Chris Van Hollen
Mark R. Warner
Jerry Weissman
David I. Weprin
Mark Weprin
Robert Wittman
Dorothy A Wolfe
Spencer Young
Lee M. Zeldin
Humana
Board Member
The United States Congress
The New York State Assembly
The United States Congress
New York City Council
The Solution Lab, Inc.
The State University of New York
The New York State Assembly
New York City Council
The New York State Assembly
Board Member
Montefiore Hospital Medical Center
The New York State Assembly
Mount Sinai Beth Israel Brooklyn
DLM Associates
Board Member
The New York City Council
Sephardic Nursing & Rehab Center
The New York State Assembly
Vee Technologies USA
The New York State Senate
Governor of the State of New York
The New York State Assembly
St. Luke’s Hospital
HMS Holdings, Inc.
New York Board of Rabbis (NYBR)
The IMA Group
Greater NY Hospital Association
Commercial Real Estate Service (CBRE)
New York State Assembly
The Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation
The United States Congress
Four Seasons Nursing & Rehab. Center
MetroPlus
“Over the years, I have seen firsthand how NYCHSRO’s comprehensive services have helped your clients
improve the appropriateness, quality, and cost-effectiveness of their health care delivery services. And as
NYCHSRO’s Chief Executive Officer/President since
1985, you have played an indispensable role in the
organization’s remarkable growth and success.”
-Kenneth E. Raske, President,
GREATER NEW YORK HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
Savasta and Company, Inc.
The United States Senate
The United States Congress
Michael D. Schoffman Att. at Law
The United States Senate
Emvision Strategic Financial, LLC
The New York State Assembly
The New York State Assembly
The New York State Senate
TekScape
Cedar Gate Partners
The New York State Senate
The New York State Senate
Strickoff Financial Services, LLC
The New York City Comptroller
LaborPress
The New York State Assembly
Siebert, Brandfork, Shank & Co.
Les S. Thompson & Co. LLP
The United States Congress
The United States Congress
The United State Senate
Omni Managed Health
The New York State Assembly
The New York City Council
The United States Congress
Health Benefits Program for NYC
Health Data Insight (HDI)
The United States Senate
“I applaud NYCHSRO and MedReview for its
strong commitment and dedication to providing
health care assessment services that assist clients
in improving the appropriateness, quality, and
cost-effectiveness of health care.”
- US State Senator Kirsten E.
GIllibrand
11
“NYCHSRO and MedReview have developed many
outstanding services over the years and now operate in
14 states, assisting a diverse client base that includes government agencies, labor unions, and insurance companies. With headquarters here in New York, these organizations have also helped to strengthen the five boroughs,
creating jobs and other opportunities for our residents.”
-Bill deBlasio,
MAYOR OF NEW YORK CITY
This is a formal acknowledgement to you
and your dedicated staff for the special attention you have given over the years to ensure
quality services, in the appropriate settings,
for the intended cost.
-Alan J. Saperstein,
FOUR SEASONS Nursing &
Rehabilitation Center
12
“NYCHSRO has effectively contributed to improving
and strengthening health care services. In the past
four decades those of us who manage hospitals and
provide healthcare services have witnessed revolutionary changes to the delivery or healthcare, and
yet, we were always able to rely on NYCHSRO and
MedReview to guide our delivery systems for care.”
-Lin H. Mo, President
MOUNT SINAI - BETH ISRAEL BROOKLYN
“For the past several years, I have been Medical
Coordinator at the New York State Department of
Health Office of Professional Conduct. I have personally utilized NYCHSRO and MedReview reports in
the course of my own investigations. I have found
them to be excellent and extremely helpful.
-Charles H. Debrovner, MD
Medical Coordinator, NYS DOH
13
NYCHSRO/
MedReview
2010S
“In my previous role at UnitedHealthCare,
MedReview was the leading provider of cost containment programs related to Coding Validation, Cost
Outlier Review and Readmission Reviews for the Medicaid line of business. Your ability to provide these
services on both a prospective and retrospective basis
separated you from the other companies that perform
work in this space.”
-Spencer Young, SVP Clinical Operations
Health Data Insights
“Over the past four decades you have expanded your business capabilities, breadth of operations and geographical reach. You have built a
world-class peer review organization- and you
have done this with determination, confidence
and talent.”
-Thomas H. Canty, VP and GM
Gov’t, Labor and Special Accounts
EMPIRE BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD
14
NYCHSRO/
MedReview
Current
“I’m writing to congratulate you and everyone at
NYCHSRO on your 40th anniversary as the oldest healthcare services peer review organization in New York State.
As the market and environment impacting health care delivery evolves, the importance of high quality and effective health care delivery cannot be underestimated. We
are happy to have you as our partner in these efforts and
look forward to our continued work together.”
-Pam Brier, President,
Maimonides Medical Center
“Congratulations NYCHSRO/MedReview on
40 years! Your collaboration & partnership with
UnitedHealth Group over the last 8 years speaks to
the level of excellence your organization represents.
As a valued vendor partner, we look forward to
many more years of continued growth & success with
NYCHSRO/MedReview!”
-Holly Cunningham, Manager Vendor
Management,OPTUM
15
n
NYCHSRO/MedReview Year End
Holiday Party 2014
Once again, NYCHSRO/MedReview was
determined to bring the year to a close on a
high note. We had a lot to celebrate; the organization was entering its 40th year, and the
anniversary celebration was still fresh in our
minds, and it was the end of another successful
year. Unfortunately our regular party spot, Moran’s, had a conflict and so we shifted venue
to the very prestigious private club at the India House (Garden View Room) at 1 Hanover
Square, which also had the added advantage
of being a five minute walk from the office. The
event hit all the marks and was a rousing success.
The India House hosts went out of their way
to make the event special. The music was lively, the food was good and the ambiance was
serene. They even had a fireplace to enhance
the holiday spirit and remind us of Moran’s.
As usual, the room was packed with staff
members from the main office and all the City
and State offices as well as clients and friends.
NYCHSRO/MedReview guests included many
of the organization’s-public service friends including Public Advocate Letitia James and the
speaker of the Assembly Sheldon Silver. Also
in attendance were State Senators Martin
Golden, Kevin Parker, and Assemblymembers
Steven Cymbrowitz, Rhoda Jacobs, Alec BrookKrasny, and Walter Mosley as well as New
York City Councilmen David Greenfield and
Mike Nelson.
While dinner was being served, and the
drinks were flowing the D.J. kept the entertainment going and it wasn’t long before the
dance floor was packed. A good time was
had by all and we look forward to next year’s
holiday party.
n
6 16
A
NYCHSRO/MedReview Bids farewell
to Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs
ssemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs recently retired
after 36 years of representing her Brooklyn
community, the 42nd Assembly District which
includes Flatbush, Ditmas Park and Midwood.
Assemblywoman Jacobs said that she’s proud of
her role as a lawmaker who fought for issues including health care, education,
affordable housing and economic justice.
On behalf of NYCHSRO/MedReview, CEO, Joseph Stamm and Chairman
of the Board of Directors, Dr.
Norman Medow presented a
plaque to Assemblywoman
Jacobs on her retirement,
recognizing her major contribution to the Assembly, to
her constituents and to entire
State of New York. Mr. Stamm expressed gratitude
for her friendship over the last many years and for the
special relationship she had with him personally and
with the entire organization.
J
The plaque read:
“On the occasion of your retirement from
the New York State Assembly after 36 years
of outstanding service to the community and
your constituents.
The organization recognizes your leadership in the Assembly, serving as Assistant
Speaker, and thanks you for your initiatives,
particularly in the healthcare arena that
have improved the lives of all New Yorkers and for your friendship throughout your
years in public service.” Presented December 15th 2014
Ms. Jacobs was a regular guest at the
NYCHSRO/MedReview offices and a regular attendee at organization events. She was
always available to discuss the concerns of
our clients and address the critical healthcare related
issues presented. The entire organization wishes her
well in her retirement. She will be missed in Albany
but hopefully will continue to attend NYCHSRO/MedReview events. Subsequently the community honored
Rhoda Jacobs for her years of service as well.
Summer Outing 2014
uly 10th 2014,“We had a great time! The weather was beautiful and everyone was very happy!” proclaimed Johanny Torres, Director of HR and Summer Outing Coordinator.
That was the consensus as the entire staff of NYCHSRO/
MedReview returned to Chelsea Piers to circle lower Manhattan for
a luncheon cruise. The weather was ideal and the NYCHSRO/
MedReview staff enjoyed it to the fullest. Once again the World
Yacht team sang, danced and fed us for three hours. There was even
a roving photographer provided disguised as Joe Stamm.
The summer outing is always one of the bright spots for the NYCHSRO/MedReview staff. We knew what to expect and we weren’t
disappointed. The luncheon cruise allows us to have fun together
away from the stress of a typical work day and is an invaluable way
to build unity and morale. It also takes full advantage of the organization’s home city of New York, allowing everyone to appreciate the
spectacular views in and around New York. The staff experienced the
full range of activities and services provided.
Some people preferred sitting on the open air top deck to take full
advantage of the beautiful weather and the spectacular New York
City views. Others made themselves at home on one of the interior
decks where the buffet was served and where the entertainment was
provided. There was constant music and dancing with a DJ and when
everyone was done eating and needed a break from dancing, the
ship’s staff put on a show. When we returned to port, staff members
lined up for their photos and their chocolate chip cookies, already
anticipating next year’s outing.
17
O
NYCHSRO/MedReview Hosts
Public Advocate Letitia James
n October 28, 2014 NYCHSRO/
MedReview was honored to host a
lunch meeting featuring New York
City’s Public Advocate, Letitia James. The luncheon was attended by numerous clients, board
members and senior staff of the organization.
NYCHSRO/MedReview CEO, Joseph Stamm
thanked Ezra Friedlander, CEO of “The Friedlander Group” for arranging the meeting, and
welcomed the Public Advocate to the office. Mr.
Stamm presented Ms. James’ biography, noting
that she was born and raised in Brooklyn and
began her career in public service, starting as
a public defender in the Legal Aid Society. She
was elected to the City Council in 2003 where
she distinguished herself as a fearless and effective advocate for social and economic justice.
As a member of the New York City Council,
Ms. James introduced and helped pass the Safe
Housing Act, which became City law in 2007.
This ground-breaking bill ensured that thousands
of families in rental buildings receive prompt
and full repairs to their apartments. Ms. James
also helped preserve afterschool programs and
childcare slots. In the General Election, Ms.
James won the most votes of anyone running for
office in New York, making her the fourth Public
Advocate of New York City.
Mr. Stamm then briefly introduced the organization to Ms. James and touched on some of
the organization’s highlights as it celebrates its
40th anniversary. Ms. James described her personal history and then discussed her vision and
dreams for New York City. She had time for
questions and answers and for a few pictures
before she left. The event was very warmly received by all in attendance.
Public Advocate Letitia James with NYCHSRO/MedReview Staff and Board Members
MedReview Sponsors Agudath Israel
Pre-Election Legislative Breakfast
M
edReview was co-sponsor of the
November 2014 Agudath Israel
Pre-Election Legislative Breakfast.
MedReview CEO, Joseph Stamm had the honor and privilege to introduce a good friend of
MedReview, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz.
Mr. Stamm told the attendees about the
outstanding record compiled by Ms. Katz,
noting that she has been a dedicated public
servant for nearly 20 years, serving in key governmental positions on both the city and state
level. During her tenure, Melinda authored and
helped pass 16 laws, including requiring HMO’s to provide women
with direct access to critical gynecological services. As
an Assembly Member, she also served as Chair of the
Assembly’s Urban Health Sub-committee, and was responsible for bills that increased penalties for various
forms of domestic abuse. Melinda also sponsored and
passed the historic Kendall’s Law, which helps prosecutors pursue cases of long-term, repeated child abuse.
Mr. Stamm added that Melinda Katz served as
a City Council Member where she rose to Chair the
influential Land Use Committee. As head of the Land
Use Committee, she championed zoning measures that
would pave the way for major redevelopment projects
in neighborhoods in all five boroughs, while safeguarding communities from over development.
18
Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico,
New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas,
Washington and Wisconsin.
A number of other memorable events occurred in 2014:

Senior Executive staff participated in inaugural festivities for
newly elected Mayor Bill de Blasio, Public Advocate Letitia
James, and New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer.

Senior Executive staff were invited to attend several significant
political events including: The State of the State address by New
York Governor Andrew Cuomo, the100 day in office Address
he year 2014 will undoubtedly go down in as one of the most
by NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and a Town Hall meeting with
memorable years in NYCHSRO/MedReview’s history. The year
Councilman Jumaane Williams chaired by Joe Stamm.
included several unique special events which stand out:

The organization gave a farewell tribute to retiring Assistant

The celebration of the organization’s 40th anniversary- HunSpeaker of the Assembly, Rhoda Jacobs at the company’s holidreds of people including many notable dignitaries came to
day party.
pay tribute to this remarkable achievement (see News In Review
MedReview also participated in a number of
special 40th anniversary supplement).
trade shows and professional business organi
NYCHSRO/MedReview’s President/CEO,
zation events in 2014 which included the IFEB,
Joseph Stamm was invited to the White
(International Foundation of Employee Benefits
House by President Obama to celebrate
Plans) in Boston, Massachusetts, the Teamsters
the achievement of the Affordable Care
Center Services Health Benefits Expo, The
Act and to join the President and First Lady
LaborPress, and Balcony Business and Labor
in celebrating the holiday of Hanukkah.
Coalition featuring New York State Comptroller

Congress paid tribute to Mr. Stamm at the
Tom DiNapoli.
Jewish American Heritage Month event
In keeping with its practice of maintaining
with a presentation being given to him by
a close, hands on relationship with its clients,
United States Senator John McCain.
NYCHSRO/MedReview held meetings with

Mr. Stamm was invited to attend two adNYCHSRO/MedReview’s expansion
many client groups both in New York and
ditional special events in the U.S. Concontinued reaching a total of 25 States
around the country. Among others, meetings
gress- the presentation of two Congreswere held with 1199 National Benefit Fund,
sional Gold Medals, one to the President
of Israel, Shimon Peres, and the second one posthumously to The New York City Office of Labor Relations/Municipal Labor ComRaoul Wallenberg for the role he played in saving a hundred mittee and Optum Health in Minneapolis.
Additional meetings were held with City and State public officials
thousand Jews in Europe.

The New York Academy of Medicine bestowed honors on Jo- to advocate on behalf of our clients. Key issues addressed included
seph Stamm for becoming a 30 year fellow at this prestigious transparency in relation to healthcare review activity and attempts to
restrict utilization management reviews.
institution.
Year 2014 could not officially end without the organization’s two

NYCHSRO/MedReview was honored to host New York City
Public Advocate Letitia James for a meet and greet luncheon in major events; its annual summer outing and of course its holiday
party. It will be hard to match a 40th anniversary celebration but
the office.
In 2014, NYCHSRO/MedReview’s expansion continued, reach- 2015 is already shaping up to be an even greater year than 2014
ing a total of 25 States where the organization performs review if that is possible.
activities. The states Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii,
T
year in review
19
C
NYCHSRO/MedReview Client Relations
lient Relations is always a critical concern at
NYCHSRO/MedReview. The second half of
2014 saw a flurry of client activity which allowed
the organization to introduce itself to potential new clients as well as meet with existing clients to ensure that
their ongoing needs are being met.
On October 12-14, 2014 NYCHSRO/MedReview
participated in the 60th Annual Employee benefits Conference held by the International Federation of Employee
Benefits in the Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts. The conference brings together numerous health
benefit fund leaders from across the country to discuss
critical issues relating to the delivery of health care benefits. NYCHSRO/MedReview had a booth at the event,
giving it the opportunity to meet with health benefit fund
representatives in attendance. NYCHSRO/MedReview
also conducted a raffle, awarding Kindle Fires to the
lucky winners, Michael W. Smith from the Great Plains
Labor District Council and Monette Carranceija from the
City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
On October 24, 2014 NYCHSRO/MedReview also
participated in the 21st Annual Health Benefits Expo
at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City. The Expo
provides a forum for; Business, Labor, and Healthcare
vendors to exchange current and new approaches to enhance the delivery of healthcare services. Once again,
NYCHSRO/MedReview had a booth at the event, giving
it the opportunity to meet with representatives from leading labor groups and insurance providers in the New
NYCHSRO/MEDREVIEW
199 Water Street, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10035
York area. NYCHSRO/MedReview also conducted another raffle and awarded another Kindle Fire.
Senior management continued its efforts to maintain
ongoing contact with its client base. Meetings included
a field trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota to meet with United Health Group and Optum. There was also a local
meeting with New York City’s Office of Labor Relations
to reintroduce the organization to Claire Levitt, previously
of Alicare, who recently assumed the position of Deputy
Commissioner of Health Care Cost Management.
There were also meetings with key staff
from 1199SEIU- National Benefit Fund, HDI,
MetroPlus, Care to Care and VNS. These meetings are important to the clients and the organization allowing us to keep in touch with their
needs in the ever-changing healthcare environment.
NYCHSRO/MedReview also conducted its
2014 Clients Survey. The organization was
pleased to once again receive scores from its
clients on the survey that validated the efforts of
its review and administrative staff. The survey
has proven to be a useful tool for understand
ing the issues and concerns that impact on clients in normal review activity.
The past few months were busy but the future promises to be even busier as NYCHSRO/
MedReview has a full slate of client meetings
and activities scheduled for 2015.