INSIDE THIS EDITION We Are Family

MSEPS
ON THE
ROAD
is a publication of the
Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons
President
Patrick J. Droste, MD
President-elect
W. Scott Wilkinson, MD
Treasurer
Arezo Amirikia, MD
Secretary
A. Luisa Di Lorenzo, MD
Immediate Past President
Robert J. Granadier, MD

Coming to your region! Contact the MSEPS office

or visit the web site at www.miseps.org

for more information.


Region I Director
Petra von Kulajta, MD
Region II Director
Ralph P. Crew, DO
Region III Director
Gregory Fitzgerald, MD
Region IV Director
Lance Lemon, MD
Region V Director
Evan H. Black, MD
Region VI Director
Nauman R. Imami, MD
AAO Councilor
Robert J. Granadier, MD
Michigan Society of Eye
Physicians and Surgeons
120 W. Saginaw
East Lansing, MI 48823
JUNE 2007
Service ~ Education ~ Advocacy
We Are Family
I frequently turn to baseball to learn some of the
important meanings of life. In the latter part of the
1960s and early 1970s, the Pittsburgh
Pirates were one of the lowliest teams
in baseball. They had a new stadium
that was almost always empty and many
new, young players that were fresh from
the minor leagues. Slowly, but surely,
these young players began to bond
together both on and off the field. They
started making double plays to help
their pitchers out of tough innings.
They stretched singles into doubles and
stole more and more bases as the season
Patrick J. Droste, MD,
moved along.
President
By mid-June the Pirates were out of the cellar and
moving up in the standings. The young players
were led by a journeyman left fielder by the name
of Willie Stargell. “Pops,” as the younger players
called him, used to hold barbecues in his backyard
for the teammates and their families. He invited the
children, aunts, uncles, and anyone who was affiliated
with the Pittsburgh organization to his cookouts. He
constantly talked to his younger teammates about
the importance of “baseball family.”
Before long, Willie Stargell’s enthusiasm spread
to the entire Pittsburgh/Allegheny Community.
Three Rivers Stadium began to fill to capacity on a
regular basis. The Pirates continued to win games
throughout the summer of 1970 and the World
Series in 1971 and 1979. When Willie Stargell was
asked by the national media to explain the reason for
the Pirates’ rise to the top of the baseball world, he
replied with three words: “We are family.”
As we enter the MSEPS Outreach season (MSEPS
on the Road Program 2007), we are going to stress
the same principles of “family” in the profession
of ophthalmology in our state and in our nation.
We want our meetings to be attended by spouses,
children, practice administrators and, in short,
all people who are bullish about preserving our
profession and expressing our enthusiasm to the
elected leaders in Lansing and Washington, DC.
We are going to invite legislators to our meetings with
the hope that everyone, including children, spouses,
ophthalmologists, and office staff will take time to
take care of their commitment to ophthalmology
with these elected officials and discuss the issues
challenging our profession today. These issues
include, but are not limited to Medicare and Medicaid
reimbursement, scope of practice expansion by nonphysicians, professional education, pending tort
reform, and many other topics.
We are hoping that the synergy created by many
people with one common focus will help create the
“Michigan Ophthalmological Family.”
AAO Councilor
A. Luisa Di Lorenzo, MD
Executive Director
Penny Englerth
Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons
120 West Saginaw
East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: 517-333-6739
Fax: 517-336-5797
Email: [email protected]
Web address: www.miseps.org
INSIDE THIS EDITION
2
Advocacy Watch
3
Calendar of Events
6
Special Resident Report
8
Annual Conference Co-chairs Announce
the Annual Conference Program
10 Michigan Doctors Paying Less for
Medical Malpractice Insurance
Advocacy Watch
PATIENT SAFETY DEALT A BLOW IN
NEW MEXICO
On April 5, Governor Bill Richardson signed legislation that
expands the New Mexico scope of practice for optometrists.
Now included in their scope are: “non-laser removal and
destruction” of eyelid lesions and cysts and anterior corneal
puncture. The scalpel is to be applied only on the skin
surrounding the eye. The law also now allows optometrists to
perform the following procedures:
• removal of superficial foreign bodies
• removal of lashes
• placement of punctual plugs
• diagnostic dilation and irrigation of the lacrimal
And, yes, this is the same Governor Bill Richardson who is
planning to run for president of the United States in the next
election.
AAO MID YEAR FORUM A VALUABLE
MEETING
The AAO MidYear Forum is an important meeting in many
respects. As Doctor Granadier noted in his Councilors Report,
the Michigan delegation has a notable presence at the Council.
In addition to Doctors Granadier, Di Lorenzo, Hessburg,
Fecko, and Droste, several other Michigan ophthalmologists
participated. David D. Gossage, DO represented the American
Osteopathic Colleges of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology.
Gary Abrams, MD was Councilor for the Association for
Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). Michigan
docs there to participate in the AAO Leadership Development
Program were Arezo Amirikia, MD representing MSEPS and
Thomas Aaberg, MD representing the American Society of
Retina Specialists.
Advocacy Ambassadors
This year’s resident Advocacy Ambassadors were Chris
Chambers, MD and Stephen Verb, MD of Kresge Eye
Institute; Garrett Scott, MD of Kellogg Eye Center; and
Aaron Cohn, MD of Beaumont Eye Institute. The Advocacy
Ambassadors participated in all the meetings and hearings
and accompanied the Michigan delegation on visits at Capitol
Hill. Ambassadors are expected to share what they’ve learned
with their fellow residents when they return.
Hearings and Symposia
In addition to the governance of the Academy through the
Advisory Council, several educational meetings or hearings
were held. One of the most important of these was “Surgery
by Surgeons - Successes and Challenges.” Several medical
specialties are facing scope of practice challenges by allied
health professionals. Guest speakers at this session outlined
the history of optometric scope initiatives through the Indian
Page 2 • June 2007
MidYear Forum was again very informative. Hearings and mini-symposia focused on many topics, including the Physician
Health Service, the military, and the Veteran’s Administration.
Updates were given on the recent legislation in New Mexico
and the ongoing fight in Oklahoma, as well as a description of
the AMA Scope of Practice Partnership (SOPP).
The SOPP, formed in January 2006, is a collaborative effort
consisting of 47 state societies and 11 national medical
associations. The SOPP will accomplish its goals through
legislative, regulatory, and judicial avenues, and through
educational programs. Currently, the SOPP is working on the
Scope of Practice Data Series that will provide in-depth data
modules on the qualifications of 10 non-physician professions.
The SOPP geographic mapping initiative overlaps the locations
of physicians and non-physician providers in any given state.
SOPP workgroups include Doctors in Nursing Practice (DNP),
truth-in-advertising legislation, and naturopaths. The SOPP
has adopted the definition of surgery promulgated by the
American College of Surgeons. You can see the definition on
the MSEPS web site, www.miseps.org.
In “Is Your Practice Wired and Ready? - Electronic Medical
Records are Here to Stay,” speakers discussed what the Academy
is doing to assist with the development of EMR technology.
The five areas include education, advocacy, development,
demonstration, and research. The Academy is promoting
interoperability and fostering the development and use of
standards in terminology (SNOMED), imaging (DICOM),and
device interface (IHE Eye Care). The goals are to facilitate
implementation of improved workflows and billing efficiency,
reduce costs, increase the quality of care, and improve the
efficiency of care.
The Academy previewed its planned public awareness campaign,
due to start this summer in a hearing titled “Delivering the
Right Message, at the Right Time, to the Right Audience.”
The focus will be on four age-related eye diseases: AMD,
cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma as a platform for
differentiating ophthalmologists from optometrists. Target
audiences will be women ages 40 to 65 and other medical
providers, such as family practice physicians. The campaign
will kick off in New York with a media blitz including morning
shows, women’s magazines, and other traditional outreach
activities. Additional elements of the campaign will include
a web site with a branded URL, an opt-in patient education
newsletter, online advertising, search engine optimization, and
informational outreach to health sites and blogs.
MSEPS will be participating in this campaign in addition to a
state campaign targeted toward family physicians, internists,
and OB-GYNs. Watch for paid ads in selected county medical
society bulletins. Additional paid advertising will appear in
publications of the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians
and the Michigan Osteopathic Association. A quarterly news
bulletin will be implemented by direct mail to family practice
Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI), what was previously termed P4P. Other topics included electronic medical records, preparing
young ophthalmologists for the future, AAO public relations activities, the future of ophthalmic ambulatory surgical centers, Surgery
by Surgeons, and scope of practice. For more information on any of these topics, please contact Penny Englerth for detailed summaries
of each session.
Finally, the Council meeting was informative, even for many who have participated in the past. The Council acts as an
advisory body for the Board of Trustees, which is the policy making body of the Academy. Issues discussed at this meeting included
the projected physician shortage, state society membership as a requirement to serve on an AAO committee, and qualifications
for participation in the Council. Michigan submitted 4 of the 11 Council Advisory Recommendations (CARs) discussed at this
meeting.
In summary, it was not only a very active meeting for Michigan, but it was one of the very best Council meetings ever. Next year, plan
on joining us in Washington, DC. It is a wonderful opportunity to see the Capitol in the spring and get active in your society.
What’s Up, Doc?
Charles Colombo, MD was profiled in the March issue
of the BCBSM RECORD. He was recognized for his
use of the most advanced techniques to treat cataracts,
glaucoma, and low vision and “high-tech” diagnostic
equipment. Doctor Colombo’s practice has had an
electronic medical records system since 1987.
Lylas G. Mogk, MD was recognized in Health Care
Weekly Review for her appointment as chair of the
Vision Rehabilitation Committee of the American
Academy of Ophthalmology.
Martin Pearlman, MD recently accepted a 2007
Entrepreneurial Award on behalf of Lansing
Ophthalmology PC and its 175 employees. The
“Socially Responsible Entrepreneur” award was in
recognition of the charitable work LOPC does through
the Justin Sleight/Lansing Ophthalmology Endowment
to provide food and shelter to Lansing’s homeless; the
Barbara Perrin Glaucoma Fund, which helps to provide
glaucoma drugs to those who could not otherwise afford
them; the Paul Linnell Award that gives scholarship
money to Michigan State University; and Mikey’s Fund,
a permanent endowment that covers free services, such
as operating room charges, for the needy.
Arezo Amirikia, MD was re-elected to the position
of Alternate AMA delegate at the MSMS House of
Delegates meeting on April 28.
EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE
Optician available – 32 years of
experience as an optician/contact lens technician
in ophthalmology offices. Spectacle and contact
lens fitting and management of related duties;
expertise in rigid and soft contact lenses; lab
experience; preliminary exam experience;
expertise in spectacle fitting, dispensing, and
repairs.
Contact Michael DeJulian at 734-671-0748 or
[email protected].
••••••
Seeking a full-time position in a
clinical ophthalmology practice.
Medical degree from Medical College of Ohio;
ophthalmology residency at Kresge Eye Institute;
currently completing a fellowship in glaucoma at
UC Irvine under Doctor George Baerveldt.
Contact Saif Hafeez, MD at
1555 Mesa Verde Drive East, #54E or
248-342-1529 or [email protected].
••••••
Experienced general
ophthalmologist seeks employment
for 1 or 2 days per week doing medical
ophthalmology anywhere in the metropolitan area
of SE Michigan.
For more information, contact the MSEPS Office
at 517-337-6739 or [email protected].
June 2007 • Page 11
O
U
NCIL
The American Academy of Ophthalmology MidYear Forum (MYF) took place in Washington,
DC, April 18-21. It was the most well-attended MYF ever in the history of the AAO and it took place
CO
RS
in conjunction with Congressional Advocacy Day and the AAO Council meeting. A large delegation of
Michigan ophthalmologists participated in each of these activities, including the MSEPS Councilors to the
AAO, Doctors Di Lorenzo and Granadier, our Alternate Councilors, Doctors Hessburg and Fecko, MSEPS
President Doctor Pat Droste, and many other Michigan ophthalmologists representing MSEPS and other
medical, osteopathic, and subspecialty groups.
Attendance at all activities related to the MYF is open to all members of the AAO. One of the unique
by Robert J. Granadier, MD
programs recently instituted in conjunction with the MidYear Forum is the AAO Ambassador Program.
The program is used to help attract and train young ophthalmologists, specifically residents, as leaders and advocates for the future.
In doing so, the AAO, state ophthalmology societies, and residency programs sponsor representative residents. In return, residents
are expected to return to their programs and share what they have learned with the rest of their co-residents. For young practicing
ophthalmologists interested in leadership positions, the AAO offers the Leadership Development Program for individuals sponsored
by their state society or subspecialty society. Michigan had four residents participate in the Ambassador program and three
participants in the Leadership Development Program this year.
R E P O RT
physicians, internists, emergency physicians, and OB-GYNs.
At the banquet on Thursday night of the Midyear Forum,
the Michigan delegation was honored to take the stage with
Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow as she received the 2007
Visionary Award from the Academy. Senator Stabenow
has a long history of serving our state beginning as county
commissioner, then state legislator and then as a member of
the U.S House of Representatives. Senator Stabenow made
history in 2000 by becoming the first female from Michigan
to be elected Senator. After her re-election in 2006, Senator
Stabenow was appointed to the powerful Senate Finance
Committee with jurisdiction over our nation’s tax and health
care policies.
Senator Debbie Stabenow receives the 2007 Visionary Award
from Executive Director Dunbar Hoskins, while the Michigan
delegation applauds.
Congressional Advocacy Day was a great success. Michigan ophthalmologists had 11 meetings with legislators and their
assistants from Michigan. Issues that were discussed included 1) the Medicare physician fee fix; 2) the Children’s Access to Vision
Care Act, H.R. 2328; 3) Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Modernization, H.R. 1823; and 4) NIH/NEI funding. To top it all off,
our own Senator Debbie Stabenow (D) was honored by the AAO for her support of organized medicine. She has championed our
cause for fair and equitable physician compensation.
Michigan Doctors Paying Less for Medical Malpractice Insurance
The cost of medical malpractice coverage has been steadily declining for most Michigan doctors over the past several years. American
Physicians Assurance Corporation, the state’s leading provider of medical liability insurance, reports that the annual average premium
collected for Michigan policyholders as of March 31, 2007, is 10% less than what was reported two years earlier. (See sidebar.)
The lower cost, which resulted in a savings of more than
$3 million for Michigan’s doctors in 2006, is credited to the
company’s focus on insuring only
American
the best doctors. “Our sophisticated
approach to underwriting, proactive
risk management, and the intelligent Physicians’ Annual
way our claims department is
Average Michigan
handling claims have resulted in
an improved loss ratio,” said Kevin
Premium:
Clinton, President and CEO. “We are
happy to be able to pass this success
3/31/2005 on to our Michigan policyholders
through lower rates.”
$14,334.75
In January of 2006, American
Physicians reduced premiums by
5% overall – and they plan to keep
rates at their current level for 2007.
The company also increased the total
discounts available for Michigan’s
best doctors.
Exclusively Endorsed by the
June 2
Saturday
Visually Impaired Sports and Activities Day
Grand Rapids
July 13
Friday
MSEPS on the Road, Region IV
Ann Arbor – Mediterrano, Ann Arbor
June 2
Saturday
“A Night for Sight” International Wine Auction
Ford Center, Dearborn
July 19
Thursday
MSEPS on the Road, Region III
Temple Theater, Saginaw
June 15
Friday
Kellogg 23rd Annual Research Day
For more information, contact Jennifer Burkheiser
at 734-763-2357 or [email protected]
August 10-11, 2007 39th Annual Conference
Thursday - Saturday Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
Michigan Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons
Quality professional
liability insurance
June 20
Wednesday
MSEPS Board Meeting via teleconference
June 21
Thursday
MSEPS on the Road, Region I
Trattoria Stella, Traverse City
backed by excellent
customer service
and support.
3/31/2006 -
To find out how
$13,435.79
you can benefit,
3/31/2007
MSEPS Calendar of Events
June 22
Friday
June 23
Saturday
call 800-968-4929.
- $12,839.88
For more information, contact
American Physicians at 800-748- (10% less than 2005)
0465, or visit their website at www.
apassurance.com.
June 25
Monday
MSEPS on the Road, Upper Peninsula
Capers in the Landmark Inn, Marquette
“Current Controversies in the Management of
Retinal Disease 2007: a Diabetes and Diabetic
Retinopathy Symposium”
Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids 7:00 a.m. - 2:00
pm. No fee. For information, contact Nancy
Jasinski at 616-942-2406
September 8
Friday
Administrative Staff Day
Frankenmuth
September 19
Wednesday
MSEPS on the Road, Regions V & VI
Dearborn Inn, Dearborn
October 24-26
MSMS Annual Scientific Meeting
Wednesday - Saturday Somerset Inn, Troy
November 10-13 AAO Annual Conference
Saturday - Tuesday New Orleans, LA
2008
August 7-9, 2008 40th Annual Conference
Thursday - Saturday Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
Focus Hope Eye Evaluation Day.
To volunteer, contact the MSEPS office.
American Physicians Assurance Corporation (American
Physicians) is the exclusively preferred professional liability
insurer of the Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons.
If your organization has an upcoming event that you’d like listed on the MSEPS Calendar, please contact the editor at [email protected] or 517-333-6739.
June 2007 • Page 10
June 2007 • Page 3
Kresge Hosts William Rich
O
n April 25, Kresge Eye Institute hosted William H.
Rich III, MD, FACS, the American Academy of
Ophthalmology’s Medical Director of Health Policy. Doctor
Rich spoke to an audience of residents, Kresge staff, and
invited guests during Grand Rounds on three topics: “Practice
Options for Residents and Fellows (see the Special Resident
Section on page 6),” “Life on the Treadmill: Economic and
Manpower Issues,” and “Pay for Performance, PQRI.” While
the program’s purpose was to educate residents, there was
something for everyone to learn.
In “Life on the Treadmill,” Doctor Rich cited some interesting
statistics on physician productivity that reflect ophthalmic
practices today (see below). Although there has been a
15% increase in absolute numbers of ophthalmologists,
that represents a decrease in relative numbers because the
increase hasn’t kept up with population growth. And, due to
the aging population of “baby boomers,” there will be a 20%
increase in Medicare recipients by 2010 and a 40% increase
in surgery by 2040. Although technology is the largest
determinant in the demand for services, says Dr. Rich, it
does not decrease the demand for manpower. To meet the
demands of this maturing workforce, more technicians and
paraprofessionals will be needed.
Some statistics from Doctor Rich
Ophthalmologists who employ OD’s - 43%
Ophthalmologists with an equity interest in an ASC - 32%
Ophthalmologists who dispense eyewear - 51%
Ophthalmologists who are comprehensive - 51%
Ophthalmologists who are pure subspecialists - 29%
Ophthalmologists in group practices - 50%
Ophthalmologists in solo practices - 32%
Ophthalmologists who work full-time - 88%
Average number of hours worked per week - 39.3
Median income - $249,000
Average time breakdown - 70% in the office, 14% in
surgery, 10% on administrative duties.
Average number of employees per physician - 5.5
Average number of patients seen per week - 114
Percentage of surgery that is laser - 40%
Average patient wait for an exam - 14 days
Average patient wait for surgery - 18 days
Page 4 • June 2007
Strategies for Meeting the Ophthalmic
Physician Shortage
Doctor Rich outlined strategies for reducing the
ophthalmologist shortage. On the reimbursement side, the
government must fix the update formula and the profession
must oppose the push to Medicare Advantage, which is an
HMO model. While the HMOs are receiving rates higher
than “fee for service,” physicians are being paid less. Practice
patterns must also become more productive, including
increased use of paraprofessionals and moving more surgery
to freestanding ASCs. Ophthalmology must also advocate
for changes in office visit documentation requirements,
educate young ophthalmologists about the current economic
environment, and support evidence based medicine (EBM)
evaluation of new technology and drugs.
Due to the aging population of “baby
boomers,” there will be a 20% increase in
Medicare recipients by 2010 and a 40%
increase in surgery by 2040.
P4P - PQRI
Pay for Performance (P4P) is the latest mechanism to
promote higher quality while avoiding unnecessary costs.
The belief is that preferred practice patterns (PPP) has failed,
CME has failed, and maintenance of certification (MOC) is
untried, but monetary stimuli do work. Congress will not
fix Medicare, says Doctor Rich, without the commitment of
medicine to tie reimbursement to quality measures.
While there are four main types of measures, the Performance
Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) currently includes only
process measures. Process measures include interval of visits,
timing of diagnostic testing, and indications for therapeutic
intervention. The other types of measures are Information
Technology (IT), Outcomes, and Efficiency. While few valid
outcomes measures yet exist, the definition of “efficiency”
for this purpose is when a given level of quality of care is
achieved at the lowest possible cost. Under this definition,
physicians who use more resources are paid less, which
could lead to avoidance of complicated or severe cases.
While reporting is voluntary for 2007, there is a bonus for
reporting that is equal to 1.5% of covered Medicare charges
- not including Medicare HMOs or PPOs. Of 74 currently
approved quality measures, eight apply to ophthalmology.
Identity Theft Compliant? It’s the Law!
Written by Frank R. Mitchell, CITRMS, Thomas Glanville, CITRMS, and iDntity Theft LOSS Prevention, LLC
What is Identity Theft?
Compliance Requirements
According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft
is America’s fastest growing white collar crime. Identity theft
occurs when someone knowingly transfers or uses, without
lawful authority, another person’s means of identification with
the intent to commit an unlawful activity.
The legislation cited here requires three things of a business:
Identity thieves use their victims’ information in a number of
different ways:
1. Financial
2. Character / Criminal
3. Medical
4. Social Security / Cloning
5. Driver’s License
1.The appointment of an “Information Security Officer.”
2.The adoption of a written “non-public information policy.”
3.Mandatory trainings for employees who have access to nonpublic information.
In an article entitled “Stolen Lives,” in the
March 2006 ABA Journal, Betsy Broder of
the Federal Trade Commission states, “The
FTC will act against companies that don’t
protect customers’ data . . . all business
should look to the law for guidance on
how to protect consumer data. At a basic
level, she says, that means businesses need
to have a written plan for securing customer data and an officer
on staff responsible for implementing that plan.
Businesses need to have a written
plan for securing customer data
and an officer on staff responsible
for implementing that plan.
Due to the recent spike in identity thefts in the US, and the
damage that the crimes have caused businesses and individuals,
the government has become involved with the methods in which
organizations handle “non-public information.” As a business,
there are three pieces of federal legislation that may impact you.
Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA): Applies to
every organization and individual who maintains, or otherwise
possesses, consumer information for a business purpose.
HIPAA Security Rule: Applies to any organization or individuals
who retain or collect health information.
Gramm, Leach, Bliley Safeguard Rule: Applies to any organization
or individual that maintains financial information regarding its
clients, customers, or employees.
Failure to comply may result in hefty fines and class action
lawsuits with no statutory limitation. Furthermore, executives
can be held civilly and criminally responsible for lost non-public
information.
MSEPS now offers a new benefit to its members through iDentity
Theft LOSS Prevention, LLC (ITLP). ITLP will provide training
for your staff plus privacy plan documents for your policy manual
at no charge. MSEPS will also be offering this training on a group
basis as part of Administrative Staff Day in September, 2007.
For more information about this new member benefit, contact
the MSEPS office at 517-333-6739 or [email protected].
ANNUAL MEMBER SURVEY
Results are in for the annual
95 surveys that were returned.
86% listed Legislative Advocacy
54% said Third Party Payer Advocacy
53% Annual Conference
37% Earning CME
33% Communications
23% Regional Meetings
12% YOS
General
Practice Management
member survey that was sent out
with the 2007 dues billing. Here
are some of the highlights of the
71% of respondents like the
organization’s new name and seal.
62% of respondents have optometrists
working in their practices.
To the question: What are the most
important MSEPS benefits:
62% of respondents said they would send
administrative staff to training at the
annual conference or throughout the year
with the most popular topics being, in this
order:
• Billing/coding
• Front Desk/Customer Service
• Risk Management
• Managing People
• Accounts Receivable/Collections
• Maximizing Revenue from the Optical Shop
• Advocacy
• Writing Employee Manuals
Political Activity
26% of respondents said they would be
willing to act as a liaison with a legislator
13% have contributed to O-PAC
53% have contributed to OPHTHPAC
20% to MDPAC
40% contributed directly to a candidate
June 2007 • Page 9
THE GRAND HOTEL, MACKINAC ISLAND • AUGUST 9-11, 2007
Doctor Rich with Gary Abrams, MD at Kresge
Annual Conference Co-chairs Announce
the Program
Annual
Communication with the Physician Managing Ongoing
Diabetes Care. These measures were developed with the
input of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Conference
This year’s conference on Mackinac Island August 9-11
promises to equal last year’s in quality and interest. The
lineup of speakers includes six out-of-state speakers and
four Michigan department chairs. Here’s a look at the
preliminary schedule.
Friday
Saturday
Update in Glaucoma
Update in Cataract Surgery
Louis Cantor, MD, University of Indiana
Jason Yonker, MD, Michigan Glaucoma Specialists
Nauman R. Imami, MD, Henry Ford Hospital
Doug Rhee, MD, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Update in Pediatric Ophthalmology
Michael X. Repka, MD, Wilmer Eye Institute
Jack Baker, MD, Detroit Children’s Hospital
Monte DelMonte, MD, Kellogg Eye Center
Steve Higgins, MD, Kalamazoo Ophthalmology
Selected speakers to be announced
Update in Oculoplastics
Adam Hassan, MD, Kellogg Eye Center
Hakan Demirci, MD, Henry Ford Hospital
Melissa Meldrum-Aaberg, MD, Plastic and
Reconstructive Eye Surgery of Grand Rapids
Lawrence Handler, MD, Clinton Township
Evan H. Black, MD, Kresge Eye Institute
Vitreoretinal Surgery Update
Gary Abrams, MD, Kresge Eye Institute
John Heckenlively, MD, Kellogg Eye Center
Paul Edwards, MD, Henry Ford Hospital
Thomas Aaberg, Sr., MD, Emory University
David Zacks, MD, PhD, Kellogg Eye Center
Update in Corneal and Refractive Surgery
Terrence P. O’Brien, MD, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Stephen C, Kaufman, MD, PhD, Henry Ford Hospital
Thomas Cowden, MD, Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Luis Gago, MD, Henry Ford Hospital
Roni Shtein, MD, Kellogg Eye Center
John W. Cowden, MD, University of Missouri
June 2007 • Page 8
They are Primary Open Angle Glaucoma: Optic Nerve
Evaluation, Age-related Macular Degeneration: Dilated
Macular Examination, Cataracts: Assessment of Visual
Function Status, Cataracts: Documentation of Pre-Surgical
Axial Length, Corneal Power Measurement and Method
of Intraocular Lens Power Calculation, Cataract: PreSurgical Dilated Fundus Evaluation, Diabetic Retinopathy:
Documentation of Presence or Absence of Macular Edema
and Level of Severity of Retinopathy, Diabetic Retinopathy:
Physicians who choose to report, must report on 80%
of at least three measures. Doctor Rich recommends
reporting on the three measures representing the largest
portion of the practice. In 2008, CMS will send progress
reports. Beginning in 2009, reporting will be mandatory
and results will be made available to the public.
Reports must be made using the CPT Level II codes, not the
G codes and a National Provider Identifier is required.
For more information about P4P and PQRI, watch the
Academy website at www.AAO.org. Information about
process measures can be found at www.cms.hhs.gov/pqri/.
MSEPS ANNOUNCES
NEW MEMBER
BENEFITS
The board of directors has approved
an exciting new package of member
benefits, which can be used by
members, their families, and their
employees. They include discounts on:
• Gasoline
• Automobile maintenance services
• Groceries
• Office products
• Printing/copying/binding
• Promotional items of all kinds
• Computers and software
• Electronics
• Plus free training for your staff on
employee privacy compliance.
Watch Eye on Michigan, the
weekly email blasts, your mail, and
the MSEPS web site for detailed
information about these programs and
enrollment instructions.
www.vigamox.com
www.travatanZ.com
www.azopt.com
Licensed to Alcon, Inc. by
Bayer HealthCare AG.
www.nevanac.com
©2006 Alcon, Inc.
www.pataday.com
11/06
MIX06506JA
June 2007 • Page 5
T
R
L
O
A
CI REP
E
SP ENT
“Reality 101”
ID
S
According
to William H. Rich III, MD, FACS,
E
R
AAO Medical Director of Health Policy, finding
the right position after residency is like courtship and
marriage. He likens the relationship within a practice to
a marriage, the interviewing process to “the dance,” and the
employment contract to the “pre-nup.”
Doctor Rich says there are several things to look for when
considering joining a group practice. The attributes of a
successful group are:
• there is a well-defined culture
• the contract benefits the group as a whole, not just a
particular subset of partners
• there is clear governance
• there is stability of key staff and associates
• the group has a solid reputation
• the overhead is reasonable
• productivity and revenues are increasing
When investigating a group, make sure to get copies of the
corporate bylaws, three years of corporate tax returns, three
years of audited financial statements, a listing of corporate
liabilities, a detailed explanation of corporate governance,
and independent legal advice. Make sure it is a growing
practice. Consult an attorney. But, says Doctor Rich, you
should always use your attorney’s advice as a decision making
tool, not a “hammer.”
MSMS HOUSE OF DELEGATES HELPS SHAPE MICHIGAN HEALTH POLICY
Keep in mind that, if a group has done well for many years
with their contract and governance system, they’re not going
to change it because your attorney doesn’t like it. Oh, and
never take your attorney, spouse, or anyone else with you to
the first interview!
Because the employment agreement is your “pre-nup,” several
things need to be spelled out in specific terms. It should
include (but is not limited to):
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
the length of the trial period
renewal period of the contract
exclusivity
compensation
who owns the records
benefits - health and life insurance, disability, vacation,
educational leave, CME
maternity leave
sick leave
assignment of duties
non-compete clause, if applicable
termination terms
retirement terms
satellite offices
• Free membership. Membership for all residents and
fellows is free. After graduation, dues are on a sliding
scale of $150 for the first year, $300 for the second year,
and $550 per year after that.
• Free registration to all meetings and educational events
• Opportunities to present scientific papers and posters
• The Young Ophthalmologists Section (YOS), which
hosts special events throughout the year. YOS is open to
residents, fellows, and attendings in practice 10 years or
less.
asymptomatic children has not shown to be an effective use of
health care dollars; and
“Whereas the American Academy of Ophthalmology and
The American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology
and Strabismus, and the American Academy of Pediatrics
have endorsed pre-school vision screening and well-child
ophthalmic evaluations as the primary methods of vision
screening in infants and children; therefore be it
RESOLVED: That MSMS support the American Academy of
Ophthalmology and the American Association of Pediatric
Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and the American Academy
of Pediatrics to encourage vision screening by primary care
physicians and established vision screening programs.”
Doctors Droste and Cooney testified before the reference
committee and were surprised to hear from pediatricians
and family practice physicians that vision screening isn’t
universally being done as part of the well-child exam. The
resolution was approved by the reference committee, but more
research needs to be done into the issue of vision screenings
during well-child exams.
Theresa Cooney, MD and Patrick J. Droste, MD at the MSMS
House of Delegates.
Two other resolutions of interest to ophthalmologists were
resolutions 1-07A and 21-07A, both related to immunity for
physicians who certify a patient fit to drive. Doctor Cooney
testified on these two resolutions.
For more about life after residency, get your free copy of
the “MSMS Guide to Residency Completion” from your
residency program director or contact the MSEPS office at
517-333-6739 or [email protected].
Benefits of MSEPS Membership to Residents and Fellows
Yes, your residency is a busy time, but don’t put off
involvement in organized medicine. It’s important to your
present and to your future. The Michigan Society of Eye
Physicians and Surgeons offers several advantages to resident
members.
MSEPS was active in the MSMS House of Delegates again
this year. MSEPS president, Patrick J. Droste, MD served
on Reference Committee B – Legislation. MSEPS Delegate
Theresa Cooney, MD introduced Resolution 46-07A
“Children’s Vision Screening,” authored by Doctor Droste as
follows:
“Whereas, early screening for vision problems in infants
and children has always been the purview of primary care
physicians or established pre-school vision programs; and
“Whereas, the cost for mandatory eye exams by eye
care providers (optometrists and ophthalmologists) for
• Public policy leadership.
MSEPS advocates for
ophthalmologists with legislators to maintain quality
patient care in Michigan.
• Relationships within organized medicine at many levels –
the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Michigan
State Medical Society, and many other specialty societies
– to address issues such as scope of practice and fair
contracting.
• Communications – monthly Eye on Michigan and weekly
html broadcast to keep you abreast of news you need to
know
• Opportunities for community service, such as the annual
Focus: Hope Eye Evaluation Day.
If you’re not a MSEPS member or aren’t sure whether
you are, contact the MSEPS office at 517-333-6739 or
[email protected].
http://mieyemd.myfundrazor.org
SUPPORT MSEPS
COMMUNITY PROJECTS!
SAVE: time and energy
AVOID: traffic, crowds, and
shopping hassles
Shop at more than 400 stores at the
MSEPS virtual mall,and generate
commissions
that go directly to MSEPS.
If you’re not a MSEPS member or aren’t sure whether you are, contact the MSEPS office at 517-333-6739 or [email protected].
Page 6 • June 2007
June 2007 • Page 7