JULY / AUGUST 2011 | Volume 17 | Number 4
Sccma Incoming President William Lewis, Md, Receives the Gavel From Sccma Past President Thomas Dailey, Md
Page 3 Inside: James Ramseur, Jr, MD, Starts His New Term as Mcms President
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d/b/a in CA Seabury & Smith Insurance Program Management • CA Ins. Lic. #0633005 2 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
MCMS Past President John Jameson, MD, Passes the Gavel to MCMS Incoming President James Ramseur, Jr, MD JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 3
The Santa Clara County Medical Association Officers President William Lewis, MD President-Elect Rives Chalmers, MD Past President Thomas Dailey, MD VP-Community Health Cindy Russell, MD VP-External Affairs Howard Sutkin, MD VP-Member Services Scott Benninghoven, MD VP-Professional Conduct Eleanor Martinez, MD Secretary Sameer Awsare, MD Treasurer James Crotty, MD
AMA Trustee - SCCMA
Councilors
James G. Hinsdale, MD
El Camino Hospital of Los Gatos: Arthur Basham, MD El Camino Hospital: Lynn Gretkowski, MD Good Samaritan Hospital: Jeff Kaplan, MD Kaiser Foundation Hospital - San Jose: Seham El-Diwany, MD Kaiser Permanente Hospital: Anh Nguyen, MD O’Connor Hospital: Michael Charney, MD Regional Med. Center of San Jose: Elaine Nelson, MD Saint Louise Regional Hospital: John Huang, MD Stanford Hospital & Clinics: Peter Cassini, MD Santa Clara Valley Medical Center: John Siegel, MD
Tanya W. Spirtos, MD (Alternate)
SCCMA/CMA Delegation Chair James Crotty, MD (District VII)
CMA Trustees - SCCMA Martin L. Fishman, MD (District VII) Susan R. Hansen, MD (Solo/Small Group Physician) James G. Hinsdale, MD (President) Randal Pham, MD (Ethnic Member Organization Societies)
Chief Executive Officer
Tanya Spirtos, MD (District VII)
William C. Parrish, Jr.
Debbi Ricks (Alliance)
BULLETIN
THE MONTEREY COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY
Editor
OFFICERS
THE
Official magazine of the Santa Clara County Medical Association and the Monterey County Medical Society
Printed in U.S.A.
Joseph S. Andresen, MD
Managing Editor Pam Jensen
Opinions expressed by authors are their own, and not necessarily those of The Bulletin or the Santa Clara County Medical Association and the Monterey County Medical Society. Acceptance of advertising in The Bulletin in no way constitutes approval or endorsement by the Santa Clara County Medical Association or the Monterey County Medical Society of products or services advertised. Address all editorial communication, reprint requests, and advertising to: Pam Jensen, Managing Editor 700 Empey Way San Jose, CA 95128 408/998-8850, ext. 3012 Fax: 408/289-1064 pjensen@sccma.org © Copyright 2011 by the Santa Clara County Medical Association.
4 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
President James Ramseur, Jr, MD President-Elect John Clark, MD Past President John Jameson, MD Secretary Eliot Light, MD Treasurer Steven Vetter, MD
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER William C. Parrish, Jr.
DIRECTORS Paul Anderson, MD
R. Kurt Lofgren, MD
Valerie Barnes, MD
Jeff Keating, MD
Ronald Fuerstner, MD
Kelly O'Keefe, MD
David Holley, MD
Patricia Ruckle, MD
BULLETIN THE
Official magazine of the Santa Clara County Medical Association and the Monterey County Medical Society
700 Empey Way • San Jose, CA 95128 • 408/998-8850 • www.sccma-mcms.org
MEMBER BENEFITS Legal Services/On-Call Library
Past President John Jameson, MD, 3 MCMS Passes the Gavel to MCMS Incoming President James Ramseur, MD
Discounted Insurance
the Editor’s Desk 6 From Joseph Andresen, MD 8 Message From the New SCCMA President William S. Lewis, MD 12 Member Benefit: CMA Provides Valuable Monthly CPR Bulletin at No Cost
Referral Services With
Reimbursement Advocacy/ Coding Services Billing/Collections
Membership Directory/Website
County Medical Society’s Annual 20 Monterey Meeting and Installation Dinner
Membership Directory iAPP for
the iPhone Legislative Advocacy/MICRA House of Delegates Representation
22 MCMS Alliance News 24 Medical Times From the Past: America’s Greatest Surgeon?
Gerald E. Trobough, MD; Leon P. Fox Medical History Committee
Santa Clara County Medical Association 26 2011 Award Presentations and Installation
Professional Development
32 SCCMA Has History…. 35 SCCMA Awards Banquet Photos 40 CMA President James G. Hinsdale, MD, Elected to Serve on AMA Council on Medical Service
Health Information Technology
Practice Management Resources and Education Financial Services
Transformative Experience in Medicine 42 Stanford (STEM) Program
Resources
Publications
CME Tracking Physicians’ Confidential Line Verizon Discount Human Resources Services
Article/Photos by Shawn Lin and Isabella Lai
New Members in 2011… And More to 46 Welcome Come!
48 Classified Ads 50 Conference: No More Diversion, What Do Hospitals Do Now?
53 In Memoriam JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 5
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
Joseph Andresen, MD Editor, The Bulletin
Summertime Blues By Joseph Andresen, MD How have you been enjoying your summer? I will wager that we have been having a better time than our politicians in Washington, D.C. “Debt ceiling,” “job-killing bills,” “no tax increases,” “balanced approach,” “reducing the deficit” are phrases that have filled the airways. We live in challenging times where rancor and discord seem more commonplace than ever before. Perhaps this has always been a part of our history when our nation has faced difficult challenges. However, I ask, is this the true mark of democracy where ideologies battle openly or the actions of some who put politics before country? The standoff resulted in an agreement in the eleventh hour to raise the national debt ceiling, thus averting a default of the United States in paying its bills. Unfortunately, the consequence was a downgrade in the United States’ credit rating by Standard & Poor’s for the first time in our nation’s history. A “super-committee” of 12 congressional representatives is soon to be appointed to decide on specific cuts totaling $1.2 to $1.5 trillion to offset the $1.2 trillion hike in the debt ceiling. Their recommendations will be due in November and voted on by December 23, with passage possible by a simple majority vote in both Houses of Congress. Interestingly, a July Kaiser Family Foundation poll revealed that 50% of Americans support deficit reduction by cuts of spending on government programs and services. However, there is strong opposition to cutting entitlements. Twothirds of those surveyed feel that the budget crises can be solved without cutting Medicare and 48% don’t want cuts in Medicaid. President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner failed to reach a farreaching agreement on the nation’s deficit, but they have 6 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
introduced a new paradigm in the debate over Medicare. By both accepting the idea of raising the Medicare eligibility age to 67, this controversial idea now has gained more legitimacy and will certainly reappear in future debates. Proponents point to the fact that our life span has increased dramatically since Medicare was enacted in 1965. However today, 50- to 65-year-olds are the most likely age group to be without health insurance. Furthermore, the Congressional Budget Office concluded that reduction in costs would be “partially” offset by new spending on Medicaid and insurance subsidies to cover the uninsured 65- to 67-year-old. This debate will certainly continue. The Independent Panel Advisory Board (IPAB) will be created under the health reform law to recommend ways to control Medicare spending. Advocates of the IPAB now see renewed justification as to why it is needed, when Congress stumbles badly when forced to make politically difficult decisions. On the other hand, Rep. Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) is sponsoring a bipartisan bill to repeal the advisory panel. “That’s democracy…and that’s what we’re elected to do. Yes, it is watching sausage being made, but it’s being made,” he exclaimed. The AMA and our CMA oppose the IPAB. This will be an important topic for physicians to watch. Of more immediate concern is the impending expiration of the sustainable growth rate formula for physician Medicare payments at the end of this year. This would result in a slashing of payments by as much as 30%. With the immense political and budgetary pressures on the “super-committee” to cut further spending, both physicians and hospitals face reductions in reimbursement that will not cover the cost of care. The results will be catastrophic for our aging population. If you haven’t already, this is the time to contact your representative and make sure your voice is heard. Despite these turbulent political times, may you continue to enjoy your summer of sun-filled days and good company with family, friends, and colleagues. This month’s issue of The Bulletin includes a message from the new SCCMA President, award presentations, member news, and much, much more.
Joseph Andresen, MD, is the editor of The Bulletin. He is board certified in anesthesiology and is currently practicing in the Santa Clara Valley area.
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JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 7
MESSAGE FROM THE SCCMA PRESIDENT
william s. lewis, MD President, Santa Clara County Medical Association
Passion and Participation By William S. Lewis, MD President, Santa Clara County Medical Association By far, the most dangerous foe we have to fight is apathy—indifference from whatever cause, not from lack of knowledge, but from carelessness, from absorption in other pursuits, from a contempt bred of self satisfaction. Sir William Osler You probably heard the world, as we all know it, was predicted to end on May 21. Of course, it didn’t. Supposedly, the unmistakable signs were misinterpreted. But don’t get your hopes up. After further review, the same prophet now predicts the world will end on October 21. Seems silly, doesn’t it? But do we have the same mentality when it comes to medicine and health care? Think about it. Are you happy with federal health reform? Are you satisfied with health insurance red tape and reimbursement? Do you think Medicare and Medi-Cal pay you enough? Do you trust your family’s health to allied health providers working independently without physician supervision? Do you want
8 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
your local hospital to employ physicians to compete with your practice? Do you find EMR meaningful use rules and looming penalties for non-compliance appropriate and fair? I doubt it. You, like I, probably sometimes feel like the world of medicine is coming to an end. But are we too apathetic to do something about it? Most physicians in California have not joined their county or state medical associations, let alone the American Medical Association. And most of those that have joined contribute relatively little to organized medicine in time or money. Nevertheless, our local, state, and national organizations remain our best hope for influencing regulations and reforms. When was the last time the president, the governor, or a federal or state legislator asked for your opinion? And if they did, how much weight do you think it would carry? What we need, then, is more passion and participation. From primary care to tertiary care, from solo and small groups to large groups, we must promote and protect
our profession from rules and regulations that interfere with the doctor/patient relationship. In my ENT practice, services are subject to restriction by bogus requirements. Insurance companies now want a potentially harmful CT scan and documentation of two years of failed therapy, even though it takes no more than two or three months to establish the futility of medical treatment, and you don’t need a CT scan to see a septal deviation. As a result, the insurance company profits and the patient suffers. These stories, both large and small, are commonplace, and yet many physicians sit idly by, feeling overmatched and defeated. It is my goal, as president of the Santa Clara County Medical Association, to encourage action. I recently attended a Kaiser-sponsored seminar featuring Dan Heath, a Stanford professor of Business, and author of Switch, a
book about changing when change is difficult. As an aside, you should know that I am in private practice, but my wife is a dermatologist with The Permanente Medical Group. So, I see the practice of medicine from both sides of the aisle, and I sometimes hear one side criticize the other. While we can and should be proud of our achievements, we can’t build our future if we keep undermining each other’s foundations. That has to change. And that brings me back to the observations of Professor Heath. The human mind has a rational side and an emotional side; change must appeal to both. He uses the analogy of an elephant and its rider. The rider is the rational component, which analyzes and plans. The elephant is the emotional component, providing the energy to get things done. The rider may think he is in control, but the elephant has the final word. For change to succeed, you must direct the rider and motivate the elephant. How do you motivate an elephant? It seems our emotional elephant is prone to laziness and easily discouraged, so you need to make change look easier. One way to accomplish this is to make the elephant feel bigger. As applied to medicine, this involves appealing to our professional identity. Our profession enjoys a level of public respect and trust like no other, based on a long history of dedicated service to individual patients by individual physicians. Unrivaled credibility is a source of great strength. We must preserve and promote it. Another way to motivate the elephant is, as Professor Heath puts it, to rally the herd. To rally the herd, you show the elephants that haven’t changed the example of elephants that have. One example in our medical association is the Millennium Club, which recognizes physicians that have donated $1,000 or more to support CMA legislative advocacy. In our entire association, we have only four Millennium Club members: Drs. Jim Hinsdale, Tanya Spir-
tos, Marty Fishman, and Ken Blumenfeld. They deserve special recognition for their commitment to our cause. So, how does that make your elephant feel? Meanwhile, the rider has his own problems, according to Professor Heath. The rider likes to over-analyze. Until he’s sure of what direction to go, he’ll lead the elephant in circles. To direct the rider, we need to point to a destination and overcome unproductive skepticism. One way to direct the rider is to find “bright spots” or examples of success. Fortunately, our medical association has numerous bright spots. In this Bulletin, we celebrate the stories of eight extraordinary ones. I am no prophet, and I can make no promises about the future of medicine. But this I know: ours is one of the largest and most influential county medical associations in California, and the CMA is one of the leading state associations in the country. So our opinions have real potential to ripple across the state and beyond, if we overcome our collective apathy. Our awardees are great examples of what passion and participation can achieve. Hopefully, these individuals and their accomplishments will inspire the rider and rally the elephant in the rest of us. William S. Lewis, MD, is the 2011-2012 President of the Santa Clara County Medical Association. He is a board certified ENT physician and is currently practicing in the Los Gatos area. JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 9
FREE
A Risk Management CME Presentation Presented by NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company A Jointly-Sponsored CME Seminar With
Santa Clara County Medical Association/ Monterey County Medical Society 12:00 – 2:00 PM (Lunch included)
“Feats and Failures of EHR Implementation” When MCMS: September 21, 2011 (Location, TBD) SCCMA: September 22, 2011 at 700 Empey Way, S.J., CA 95128, 2nd Floor Conf.
Who Should Attend Medical Association physician members, as well as health care extenders, office managers, and other staff involved with implementation of electronic health records.
Educational Objectives This presentation will support your ability to:
Transition to an electronic health record with no increased patient safety risks or exposure to liability, and minimal impact on employee morale and productivity.
Faculty/Presenter Kirsten Padgett Manager, NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company
CME Information and Disclosure This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company, the Santa Clara County Medical Association, and Monterey County Medical Society. NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. The faculty member—Kirsten Padgett—has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. The planners for this activity have no financial relationships to disclose: Jo Townson (Supervisor, Continuing Medical Education, NORCAL) and Jean Cassetta (Membership Director, Santa Clara County Medical Association and Monterey County Medical Society.)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To RSVP FAX-back this form by 9-14-11 to 408/289-1064, Attn: Jean in Membership.
Circle Class
SCCMA-September 22, 2011
or
MCMS-September 21, 2011
Name(s): ______________________________________________________________________ Fax: _______________________________________ Phone: ____________________________ *If you require reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please make arrangements when you enroll.
10 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
MONTEREY COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY/ SANTA CLARA COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION and
Certified Medical Coder Course and Exam The Monterey County Medical Society (MCMS) and the Santa Clara County Medical Association (SCCMA) are pleased to announce a 5-day/5-Tuesdays coding and certification course for qualified physician’s office staff. The Certified Medical Coder (CMC)® is a certification designed for intermediate-level professionals with at least one-year physician-based coding and reimbursement experience. Experienced individuals, able to demonstrate by exam a superior level of physician-based coding knowledge, are awarded the CMC certification. The certification becomes a currency that validates personal achievement, demonstrates a person's commitment to the profession, improves employer confidence, and can help guard the practice against fraud and abuse.
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. each day
(You may bring a lunch or leave the premises during the 1 hr. lunch break)
When & Where: 5 Tuesdays; September 13, 20, 27 & October 4, 11 (Exam) MCMS/SCCMA Conference Room, 700 Empey Way, S.J., CA 95128
What to Bring: must bring current editions of CPT, ICD-9-CM, HCPCS manuals, and a medical dictionary to each class. CEUs: 29 CEUs for PMI-certified professionals.
Curriculum Material: Medical Terminology for Diagnostic/Procedural Coding ICD-9-CM Diagnostic Coding CPT Procedural Coding Ancillary Services & Advanced Coding -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REGISTRATION FORM
Space Is Limited Register Early!
Please keep a copy for your records.
PROGRAM
5 Tuesdays, Sept. 13, 20, 27 - Oct. 4, 11, 2011
PROGRAM FEES:
MCMS/SCCMA/CMA Member Staff @$699/per person Non-member Staff @$999/per person TOTAL $
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION Registrant 1 _______________________________ Registrant 2 _______________________________
Confirmation will be faxed upon receipt of payment Select form of payment: Visa MasterCard Amex Check (payable to MCMS or SCCMA)
Registrant 3 _______________________________ PAYMENT INFORMATION
Card#__________________________________________
Practice Name ______________________________
Total Amount: ____________ Exp. Date:______________
Address
Security Code:
City/State/Zip
Cardholder Name: ________________________________
Phone(
)
Fax
Billing Zip Code:
___
Cardholder Signature: _____________________________
Reservation Deadline: Tuesday, August 30, 2011
FAX BACK: 408/289-1064 REGISTRATION METHOD
Mail with payment to: MCMS/SCCMA
700 Empey Way San Jose, CA 95128
Phone Jean at 831/455-1008 Ext. 3010 408/998-8850 Ext. 3010 Please include payment information
Cancellation Policy: A $25 processing fee will be deducted for refunds. No refunds for cancellations after Tuesday, August 30, 2011. No refunds for no-shows.
JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 11
Is Your Office Manager or Staff Utilizing CPR?
CMA Provides Valuable Monthly Bulletin at No Cost The CMA Practice Resources (CPR) Bulletin was launched last year to rave reviews and is available on a monthly basis, but surprisingly only a handful of members are utilizing it. For this issue, we decided to insert the entire August Bulletin so you could see an actual copy. This free monthly email bulletin from the reimbursement experts in CMA’s Center for Economic Services is full of tips and tools to help physicians and their staff improve practice efficiency and viability. Physicians, administrators, office managers, billing personnel, and others can subscribe (at no cost) online at http://www.cmanet.org/newsletters. If you have any questions or comments, contact Santa Clara County Medical Association and Monterey County Medical Society’s very own Reimbursement Specialist Sandie Becker, who is here to assist you or your staff with reimbursement challenges, coding, and advocacy issues. She is always here to offer you the support and assistance you need. Sandie can be reached at 408/998-8850, 831/455-1008, or via email at sandie@sccma. org. FOR SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ABOUT CMA’S NEW CPR BULLETIN, CONTACT AILEEN WETZEL AT 916/551-2037 OR AWETZEL@ CMANET.ORG.
12 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
SANDIE BECKER Reimbursement Specialist (408) 998-8850 or (831) 455-1008 sandie@sccma.org
July/August 2011
In this issue:
CMA Practice Resources (CPR) is a free monthly bulletin from the California Medical Association’s Center for Economic Services. This bulletin is full of tips and tools to help physicians and their office staff improve practice efficiency and viability.
Unfair Payment Practice: Request for refunds
1
CMA asks DMHC to investigate improper overpayment refund requests
2
SUBSCRIBE TO CPR OR ANY OTHER CMA NEWSLETTERS: To say up to date, sign up
Anthem Blue Cross fee schedule changes take effect September 1
2
SPREAD THE WORD: Please forward this bulletin to your coworkers and colleagues.
CMS proposes new exemptions for 2012 e-prescribing penalty
3
5010 is six months away. Will you be ready?
3
Unfair Payment Practice: Request for refunds
Operating Engineers fails to pay claims in a timely fashion
3
CMA publishes Medicare enrollment guide
4
Health insurer report card finds increasing inaccuracy in claims payment
4
Updated payor profiles now available
4
Payor Updates
4
CMS to provide overview of new Medicare benefit
5
Health plan provider newsletters
5
Save the Date
5
for free subscriptions at www.cmanet.org/newsletters.
Physicians and their staff often contact the California Medical Association (CMA) Center for Economic Services (CES) because managed care plans ask them to return monies allegedly overpaid on their claims. Physicians should understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to health plan refund requests. Check to see if the overpayment demand was requested timely and clearly. Managed care plans may seek recovery of an overpayment within 365 days of the original payment, unless the overpayment was caused in whole or in part by provider fraud or misrepresentation. Such requests must be in writing and must clearly identify the patient, date of service, the nature of the services, and the reason for the overpayment (28 C.C.R. §1300.71(b) (5); Insurance Code §10133.66.). continued on page 2
CMA resources
When you see this icon, that means there are additional resources available free to California Medical Association (CMA) members at the CMA website. To access any of these resources, visit www.cmanet.org/ces.
Medical-Legal Library (Formerly CMA On-Call)
In this publication, you will find references to “medical-legal” documents. The California Medical Association’s (CMA) online medical-legal library contains over 4,500 pages of medicallegal, regulatory, and reimbursement information. Medical-legal documents are free to members and can be found in CMA’s online resource library, www.cmanet.org/resource-library. Nonmembers can purchase medical-legal documents for $2 per page.
CMA Center for Economic Services 1201 J Street, #200, Sacramento, CA 95814 economicservices@cmanet.org • 916/551-2061
$2.7 million reasons to be a CMA member Last year, CMA’s practice management experts recouped over $2.7 million from insurance carriers on behalf of physician members. CMA provides members with one-on-one assistance to identify, prevent and fight unfair payment practices.
Payor problems? CMA can help! CMA’s Reimbursement Helpline: 888.401.5911 or economicservices@cmanet.org
JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 13
If you disagree with an overpayment request, you must dispute the request in writing within 30 working days. Physicians who wish to contest the overpayment must notify the payor in writing within 30 working days of receipt, identifying the portion of the alleged overpayment that is contested and the specific reasons for contesting the supposed overpayment. For a sample letter of appeal, see medical-legal document #0135, “Plan Requests for Refunds from Physicians.” If you agree that you are not legally owed, you must issue a refund. If the plan has requested the refund within 365 days of the original payment and the amount is legally owed, physicians must refund the plan within 30 working days of receipt of the notice of overpayment. Uncontested overpayments will accrue interest at the rate of 10 percent per year. Recoupment/offsetting permitted under limited circumstances. Health plans and their contracting medical groups/IPAs may only offset an overpayment of an uncontested request for refund against a physician’s current claim when: 1.
The physician fails to reimburse the plan for an uncontested overpayment within 30 working days; and
2.
The physician’s contract with the payor specifically authorizes the payor to offset an uncontested overpayment from the physician’s current claim submissions.
Requests for refunds from a health plan Special Investigations Unit (SIU) must be carefully reviewed and promptly addressed. To help physicians understand their rights and responsibilities when a refund request is received as the result of an audit from a health plan’s SIU, CMA has prepared a “Special Investigations Unit Audit Guide.” If you believe a health plan or insurer is not complying with California law, contact CMA’s Center for Economic Services at (888) 401-5911 or economicservices@cmanet.org and consider filing a formal complaint with the appropriate regulator. CMA RESOURCES: “Special Investigations Unit Audit Guide;” medical-legal documents #0135, “Plan Requests for Refunds from Physicians,” #1047, “Office Audits: Managed Care,” and #0180, “Health Plan Special Claims Review;” “Know Your Rights: Filing a Formal Complaint with the Regulator;” On-demand webinar, “Implementing a Compliance Program: A Practical Perspective” all of which can be found at www.cmanet.org/resource-library.
CMA asks DMHC to investigate improper overpayment refund requests The California Medical Association (CMA) has heard complaints from several physicians who have received overpayment refund requests from the Anthem Blue Cross Special Investigations Unit outside the 365-day period allowed by California law. As a result, CMA has filed a formal complaint with the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) and asked it to quickly investigate these potential violations. State law allows health plans to pursue recovery of any type of overpayment made to providers within 365 days of the date the claim was paid. For claims older than 365 days, plans can seek to recover overpayments only if the alleged overpayment was “caused in whole or in part by fraud or misrepresentation on the part of the provider.”
CMA believes that Blue Cross is using an overly broad definition of “misrepresentation” to seek recoupment on claims older than one year. The insurer appears to define “misrepresentation” as any untrue material fact or error, whether deceitfully or innocently made. “Adopting Blue Cross’s apparent construction of ‘misrepresentation’ to include inadvertent or reasonable mistakes would eviscerate the purpose of the recoupment laws and effectively nullify the 365-day limitation period,” CMA wrote in a letter to DMHC. “That is because virtually any alleged overpayments can be described at least as a misrepresentation based on an inadvertent mistake. There would be no time limitation on a plan’s overpayment demands, which is clearly contrary to the purpose and intent of the recoupment laws.” DMHC has referred CMA’s complaint to its Enforcement Division. To help physicians understand their rights and options when it comes to health plan refund requests, CMA has published a “Special Investigations Unit Audit Guide.” This document is available free to members in CMA’s online resource library. CMA RESOURCES: “Special Investigations Unit Audit Guide;” medical-legal documents #0135, “Plan Requests for Refunds from Physicians,” # 1047, “Office Audits: Managed Care,” and #0180, “Health Plan Special Claims Review.”
Anthem Blue Cross fee schedule changes take effect September 1 Anthem Blue Cross recently notified physicians of changes to its Prudent Buyer physician fee schedule that will take effect September 1, 2011. In a letter to physicians on May 23, Blue Cross informed physicians that it would be increasing payment levels for many evaluation and management (E/M), preventive care, ER, after-hours, and chemotherapy administration services. While Blue Cross will continue recognizing consultations codes, the insurer will be decreasing payment levels for those codes. The notice also advises of changes to the number of Payment Areas statewide, reducing the total from 11 to nine, changes to reimbursement methodology for obstetric anesthesia and therapy services, and changes to the multiple procedure payment reduction for the technical component of diagnostic imaging. Additionally as part of the fee schedule update, workers’ compensation claims will be reimbursed at the lesser of the Prudent Buyer fee schedule or the Workers’ Compensation Official Medical Fee Schedule. Physicians can obtain a complete copy of the new fee schedule on the Blue Cross website (log in and select the “Prudent Buyer Fee Schedule Update” link under the “What’s New” section). The California Medical Association (CMA) urges physicians to assess the impact this fee schedule update will have on their practice as soon as possible. If you find that the new fees are not acceptable or sustainable and wish to exercise your right to terminate, you must do so in writing no later than August 5 (approximately 45 business days from the date of receipt of the notice from Blue Cross) to be effective on September 1. CMA has created a financial impact worksheet to help physicians assess the impact the fee schedule changes will have on their practices based on their most commonly billed CPT codes. This worksheet is available to members only. continued on page 3 CPR • July/August 2011 • Page 2 of 5
14 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
To help physicians understand their rights when a health plan has sent notice of a material change to a contract, CMA has published “Contract Amendments: an Action Guide for Physicians.” The guide includes a discussion of options available to physicians when presented with a material change to a contract. If you have questions about the new contract terms, call Blue Cross Provider Relations at (855) 238-0095 or email networkrelations@wellpoint.com. CMA RESOURCES: “Contract Amendments: an Action Guide for Physicians,” Financial Impact Worksheet, and “Taking Charge: Steps to Evaluating Relationships and Preparing for Negotiations.”
CMS proposes new exemptions for 2012 e-prescribing penalty The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that makes significant changes to the e-prescribing penalty program by adding more exemptions categories so that physicians are not unfairly penalized. The previous rules required physicians in individual practices to submit at least 10 Medicare Part B claims with the electronic measure code eRx G8553 and an eligible encounter code by June 30, 2011, or face a claims payment reduction of 1 percent in 2012. Physicians are still required to e-prescribe using a qualifying system and electronic measure code; but will have an opportunity to show eligibility for one of the following exemptions: • Physician’s practice is located in a rural area without high speed internet access • Physician’s practice is located in an area without sufficient available pharmacies for electronic prescribing • Physician is registered to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid electronic health record incentive (EHR) program and has adopted certified EHR technology • Physician is unable to electronically prescribe due to local, state or federal law or regulation (e.g., prescribes controlled substances) • Physician infrequently prescribes (e.g., prescribe fewer than 10 prescriptions between January 1, 2011, and June 30, 2011) • There are insufficient opportunities to report the e-prescribing measure due to program limitations Physicians will have to apply for an exemption from the 2012 e-prescribing penalty via an online web-portal, if available in time, or by mail submission of an application by October 1, 2011. Additional information on applying for an exemption will be published when it becomes available. The proposed rule can be viewed at the Office of the Federal Register website, www.ofr.gov. It was published in the Federal Register on June 1, 2011. The comment period closes July 25, 2011.
5010 is six months away. Will you be ready? The deadline for transitioning electronic transactions to the updated 5010 version of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) transactions standards is January 1, 2012. You will be required to conduct electronic transactions such as claims submissions, eligibility verification, claims status, remittance advice, and referral authorizations using the updated transaction standards. continued on page 4
Operating Engineers fails to pay claims in a timely fashion
The California Medical Association (CMA) has received several complaints that Operating Engineers Health & Welfare Fund, a Southern California self-funded benefit plan leasing the Anthem Blue Cross Prudent Buyer network, is not paying claims in a timely manner. As a self-funded plan, Operating Engineers is mandated by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to pay claims within 30 calendar days of receipt. Operating Engineers has approximately 17,000 covered lives in California. In discussions with Operating Engineers, CMA has learned that the plan is funded by contributions made based on hours worked by its enrollees. Operating Engineers reports that the construction industry has experienced a significant decrease in the average hours worked, which has affected its ability to pay claims in a timely manner. CMA has also received reports of extended hold times from physicians who tried to contact Operating Engineers directly to resolve their claim issues. While Operating Engineers had previously made available an email portal for the purposes of escalating and resolving outstanding claims, the portal has since been taken down. CMA is inquiring as to whether Operating Engineers will make this escalation process available again. The other option available to physicians is to seek payment from the patient. Section 4.17 of the standard Blue Cross Prudent Buyer agreement allows physicians to seek payment from the patient up to the Blue Cross Prudent Buyer rates if Operating Engineers or any “other payor” fails to make required payments. Physicians are prohibited from collecting from the patient at the time of service, as the contract requires physicians to first submit a claim to the other payor and allow 30 days for payment. Physicians, however, are encouraged to review the language in their specific contracts. Physicians may also wish to get their legislators involved by calling or writing them with their concerns regarding Operating Engineers nonpayment of services and the need to maintain adequate patient access to medical care. Physicians are reminded that one of the symptoms of an insolvent payor is the failure to pay claims in a timely manner. Another indication of financial distress is a payor that cuts checks within the statutory time frames but does not release the checks in a timely manner. To help physicians monitor the financial health of their contracted payors, CMA has put together a “Payor Solvency Checklist,”available free to members in CMA’s online resource library. This checklist includes instructions on how to research and monitor the financial solvency of your contracted medical groups/IPAs and discusses the options available to physicians in the event that a payor stops paying claims. CMA RESOURCE: ”Payor Solvency Checklist.”
CPR • July/August 2011 • Page 3 of 5
JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 15
To avoid rejected claims and cash flow interruptions, physicians should prepare for the transition by working with their vendors, clearinghouses, billing services, and payors to upgrade and test their systems to ensure that they are able to successfully implement the new standards prior to the compliance date. Multiple resources to assist with the transition are available from the California Medical Association (CMA), the American Medical Association, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. These resources are spelled out in a new publication, “Preparing for the New HIPAA 5010 Standards: A Guide for Physicians,” available in CMA’s online resource library. CMA is also conducting a brief survey of physician practices to assess 5010 readiness and help us determine how we can further assist you. Take the survey online at http://cal.md/5010survey. CMA RESOURCES: “Preparing for the New HIPAA 5010 Standards: A Guide for Physicians,” “Are you ready for the Transition to HIPAA Version 5010?” resource sheet; CMA medical-legal document #1606, “HIPAA Electronic Transaction Rule.”
CMA publishes Medicare enrollment guide Medicare enrollment processes have changed considerably over the years, and even more so with the introduction of national provider identifiers. The enrollment application process for individual physicians can be complex and burdensome. CMA has published a new resource, “Medicare Enrollment Guide for Individual Physicians,” to guide new physicians through the enrollment process and to assist enrolled physicians who are making changes or who must revalidate their enrollment. Topics covered include: • Enrollment requirements • Revalidation • Deactivation • Enrolling in PECOS • EFT CMA RESOURCES: “Medicare Enrollment Guide for Individual Physicians;” “Medicare Internet-based PECOS Enrollment Guide for Individuals;” CMA on-demand webinar – “PECOS and Medicare Provider Enrollment.”
Health insurer report card finds increasing inaccuracy in claims payment The nation’s largest health insurers committed errors on nearly 20 percent of claims payments this year, up 2 percent from a year ago, according to the American Medical Association’s (AMA) fourth annual National Health Insurer Report Card. AMA said the increase in overall inaccuracy represents an extra $3.6 million in erroneous claims payments compared to last year. AMA estimates that eliminating health insurer claim payment errors would save $17 billion. The AMA report card provides an annual assessment of how health insurers manage, process and pay claims. The findings are based on factors such as insurer non-payment to physicians, denials for medical treatment, prior authorization requirements, accurate contract fees to doctors and timeliness of claim payments. UnitedHealthcare scored the best among the seven leading commercial health insurers with an accuracy rating of 90.23
Updated payor profiles now available
We’ve done the research for you...find out everything you need to know about a payor by downloading the California Medical Association’s (CMA) payor profiles. CMA’s Center for Economic Services has recently updated profiles on each of the major payors in California, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, CIGNA, Health Net, United Healthcare, and Medicare/ Palmetto. Each profile includes key contact names and addresses for medical directors, provider relations and claims inquiries, in addition to up-to-date information on market penetration, links to reimbursement and medical policies, and instructions for accessing the plan’s provider dispute process. Members can download CMA’s Payor Profiles at no cost at www.cmanet.org/ces.
Payor Updates
AETNA: Aetna recently notified physicians through Aetna OfficeLink Updates that as of July 1, 2011, precertification is required for the following outpatient procedures: bronchoscopy, colonoscopy, upper gastrointestinal, cystoscopy, hysteroscopy, knee and shoulder arthroscopy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. For more information visit the Aetna website at www.aetna.com. ANTHEM BLUE CROSS: Blue Cross recently notified physicians of changes to its Prudent Buyer physician fee schedule that will take effect September 1, 2011. For more information, see “Anthem Blue Cross fee schedule changes take effect September 1” on page 2. BLUE SHIELD OF CALIFORNIA: Blue Shield recently announced new and updated medication coverage policies, effective June 16, 2011. For more information, download the Second Quarter Formulary and Medication Coverage Policy Updates at the Blue Shield website, www.blueshieldca.com. UNITED: United Healthcare recently announced that the PacifiCare name and logo will no longer be used as of June 30, 2011. PacifiCare HMO is now known as UnitedHealthcare Signature Value/United Healthcare WEST. PacifiCare PPO is now doing business as United Healthcare of California. For more information and to view copies of the new patient ID cards, see PacifiCare Branding Transition Frequently Asked Questions.
percent, while Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield scored the worst with an accuracy rating of 61.05 percent. A copy of the National Health Insurer Report Card can be downloaded from the AMA website, www.ama-assn.org.
Did you know?
The practice management experts in CMA’s Center for Economic Services provide members with one-on-one help to identify, prevent and fight unfair payment practices. For more information, call CMA’s reimbursement help line, (888) 401-8911, or email economicservices@cmanet.org.
CPR • July/August 2011 • Page 4 of 5
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CMS to provide overview of new Medicare benefit Since 2005, newly enrolled Medicare beneficiaries are covered for an Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE), commonly known as the “Welcome to Medicare” visit. As the result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Medicare beneficiaries are now also covered for an Annual Wellness Visit (AWV). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is hosting a national provider call, “The ABCs of the Initial Preventive Physical Examination and Annual Wellness Visit,” on Thursday, July 21, 2011, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pacific time to provide an overview of both the IPPE and the AWV. The call will include an overview of the expanded coverage and include a discussion of coding and billing requirements. Physicians and their office staff are encouraged to participate. Interested physicians must register by 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2011. To register visit, www.eventsvc.com/palmettogba/072111.
Health plan provider newsletters To make sure that you are aware of important news from your contracting health plans, we encourage you to regularly read plans’ provider newsletters and bulletins. Follow the links below to access the current issues. AETNA: www.aetna.com. Click on “Health Care Professionals” in the main menu, then on “News for Providers” in the left sidebar. CIGNA: www.cigna.com. Click on “Health Professionals” under “Customer Care” in the main menu. Then, scroll down and click on “Newsletters.” ANTHEM BLUE CROSS: www.anthem.com/ca. Click on “Providers” in the main menu, then on “Professional Network Update” under “Spotlight.” BLUE SHIELD: www.blueshieldca.com. Click on “I’m a Provider,” then on “Announcements” under “News and Features.” HEALTH NET: www.healthnet.com. Click on “I’m a Provider” and then “California.” Enter username and password, and then click “Online News.” MEDI-CAL: www.medi-cal.ca.gov. Click on “Publications” in the main menu, then on “Provider Bulletins.” MEDICARE/PALMETTO GBA: www.palmettogba.com/j1b. Click on
“Publications” in the left sidebar, then on “Medicare Advisory.” UNITED HEALTHCARE: www.unitedhealthcareonline.com. Click on “Tools & Resources” in the main menu, then on “Network Bulletin.” CMA RESOURCE: Find up-to-date profiles on each of the
major payors in California at www.cmanet.org/ces.
Tell us what you think The California Medical Association (CMA) is interested in your feedback. Let us know which topics you would like to see addressed in future issues. Contact CMA’s Center for Economic Services at (916) 551-2061 or economicservices@cmanet.org.
Save the Date Upcoming CMA events August 2011 The California Medical Association (CMA) offers our Save the Date:
members free programs to educate physicians and
Aug 10 “Medicare: Developing and Adopting staff on a range of practice management issues. Policies” 12:15-1:15pm Space isMedical limited, so register soon. -Events marked with & an asterisk (*) are PMI CEU Credit Approved. 6:15-7:15pm For a complete list of upcoming events visit the CMA event calendar, Webinar: Dr. Arthur Lurvey from Palmetwww.cmanet.org/events. to GBA will lead this informative webinar. Upcoming CMA webinars *7/20: Writing Effective at Appeals Register www.cmanet.org/events. 12:15 - 1:15 pm
Aug 17 “HIPAA Update - 12:15-1:15pm Sunjanel Avecilla from Practice2011” Management Institute will teach how to appeal insurance claims efficiently Seminar: CMA attorney Lisa Matsubara and effectively, and how to enhance the overall reimwillcycle. provide members with the latest inbursement *7/27: EHR:formation Selecting the on RightHIPAA, System for the Your Practice Health Insur12:15 - 1:15 pm and 6:15 - 7:15 pm ance Portability and Accountability Act. CMA’s David Ford will guide physician practices through Register at www.cmanet.org/events. the process of selecting an electronic health record system, including things to consider before getting started.
Aug Every Physician Needs to This23 “What webinar is intended for practices at the very early stages ofKnow considering making the transition to EHR. About Their Practice” Practices Liability Issues *7/28: Employment Seminar: CMA’s Frank Navarro will What Medical Offices Need to Know teach 12:15 - 1:15 pm physicians and their staff how to This webinar will be presented by CMA’s business control costs, maintain quality staff and partner, Marsh Affinity. Scheduled speakers are Martin improve patient experiences to help enLaPointe, Esq., Employment Law Attorney of Burke Warren McKay & Serritella, PC,ofand Ribble,Hosted sure the success theKevin practice. Executive Vice President, Edgewater Holdings, Ltd. by Merced-Mariposa Medical Society. Upcoming CMA conferences and seminars Callfor(209) 723-2976 for information and 7/9: Workshop Physician Health Committees Californiaregistration. Patient Protection and Physician Health, Inc. is launching regional educational workshops on physician
Aug 24 “Legislative Update” – 12:15-1:15pm well-being for hospital medical staff committees and others involved in physician health activities. The next willGov Webinar: CMA’s Vice President of be at the Alameda Contra Costa Medical Association. Relations JodiTheir Hicks will proWhat Everyernment Physician Needs to Know About Practice videwill members with the information This seminar teach physicians andlatest their staff how to control costs, maintain quality staff and way improve patient the on the bills making their through experiences to help ensure the success of the practice. StateBarbara Legislature thisSociety year. Register at 7/13: Santa County Medical Call (805) 683-5333, for information www.cmanet.org/events. and to register. 7/19: Tulare County Medical Society
Call (559) 627-2262, for information and to – register. Aug 31 “EHR: Meaningful Use” 12:158/9-11: Los Angeles County Medical Association 1:15pm & 6:15-7:15pm Call (213) 226-0313, for information and to register. For more information *OPEN orWebinar: to register for CMA’s any of these David events, visitFord www.cmanet.org/events. will guide physician practices through Education networking theand process of opportunities selecting an Electronic There are numerous educational and networking Health Record system, including things opportunities for office managers and administrators to California. considerMany before you get started. throughout county medical societies This host forums for practice managers and are an excellent webinar is intended for practices at the resource. The California Chapter of the Medical Group veryAssociation early stages of considering Management (CAMGMA) also offers a making broad range of the practice leadership, development, transition to professional EHR. Register at www. educational opportunities, and networking activities. For cmanet.org/events. more information or to register for upcoming CAMGMA events, visit www.camgma.com/calendar.cfm.
CPR • July/August 2011 • Page 5 of 5
JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 17
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Superior Physicians. Superior Protection. JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 19
MEMBER NEWS & HAPPENINGS
Monterey County Medical Society's Annual Meeting and Installation Dinner
The Monterey County Medical Society held its annual meeting and installation dinner on Tuesday evening, June 28, 2011, at the Monterey Beach Resort. Over 80 members and special guests attended to hear keynote speaker James Hay, MD, president-elect of the California Medical Association, present an update on the CMA. Award honoree Kurt Sligar, MD, received a posthumous award for “Physician of the Year,” and honoree Valerie Barnes, MD, received an award from the MCMS Alliance for “Dedicated County Alliance Member of the Year.” John Jameson, MD, 2010-2011 MCMS president, was honored as the outgoing president and James Ramseur, MD, was welcomed as MCMS’s incoming president for 2011-2012. Serving in the current fiscal year with Dr. Ramseur are: John Clark, MD, as president-elect; John Jameson, MD, as past president; Eliot Light, MD, as secretary; and Steven Vetter, MD, as treasurer. The MCMS board of directors are Paul Anderson, MD; Patricia Ruckle, MD; Valerie Barnes, MD; Ronald Fuerstner, MD; David Holley, MD; R. Kurt Lofgren, MD; Kelly O’Keefe, MD; and Jeff Keating, MD. The MCMS CMA Delegates are John Jameson, MD; James Ramseur, MD; William Khieu, MD; and CMA Alternate Delegate is Valerie Barnes, MD. The annual meeting was a great success! MCMS members, their families, and special guests enjoyed a fantastic meal, comraderie, and program to wrap up the evening.
William Parrish, MCMS CEO; James Hay, MD, CMA President-Elect; and James Ramseur, MD, Incoming MCMS President.
Patricia O’Keefe, MCMS Alliance President, and Kelly O’Keefe, MD, MCMS Director.
William Parrish, MCMS CEO; Patricia O’Keefe, MCMS Alliance President; Debbi Ricks, CMA Alliance Past-President; and John Jameson, MD, MCMS President 2010-11.
Eliot Light, MD, MCMS Secretary, speaks at the meeting.
20 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
Valerie Barnes, MD, received the award for “Dedicated County Alliance Member of the Year.”
James Ramseur, MD, MCMS President 201112, and wife Eleanor.
Our special thanks to the following sponsors for contributing to the success of this event: MCMS CEO William Parrish presents Presidential Appreciation Plaque to MCMS President John Jameson, MD.
PLATINUM Comerica Wealth Management NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company
GOLD Natividad Medical Center John Jameson, MD, MCMS President 201011, and his family.
SILVER Community Health Plan Monterey County Medical Society Alliance OfficeWorks
BRONZE Alvarez Technology Group, Inc John Jameson, MD, MCMS President 2010-11, presents the posthumous award for “Physician of the Year� to Mary Jane Sligar, on behalf of her late husband Kurt Sligar, MD.
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula Legacy Wealth Advisors, LLC Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice *Also, a special thanks to Debra Phairas at Practice and Liability Consultants for a special contribution. JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 21
monterey county medical society alliance
Charter Presented at Annual Dinner, June 28, 2011 Monterey, CA –The newly reactivated Monterey County Medical Society Alliance was presented with a charter from the CMA Board of Trustees at the Monterey County Medical Society’s Annual Installation Dinner. Reactivated in the summer of 2010 thanks to the determination of Dr. Valerie Barnes, the CMAA Board, the Monterey/Santa Clara
Medical Association staff and current Alliance officers, Patricia O’Keefe, president and Sharon Jensen, secretary/treasurer, the MCMS Alliance is once again a valuable asset to the medical community in Monterey County. You may view photos of the event by going to: http://gallery. me.com/cmaa#100932&bgcolor=black&view=grid
Dr. Valerie Barnes, MCMS & MCMSA Member, Patricia O’Keefe, MCMS Alliance President, Debbi Ricks, CMA Alliance Past President, Bill Parrish, MCMS CEO, Dr. James Hay, CMA President-elect, Dr. John Jameson, MCMS President 2010-11
Monterey County & Santa Clara County Alliance Members Back row: Jean Cassetta, SCCMA Membership Director Melinda Lofgren, MCMSA Member Sharon Jensen, MCMSA Secretary/Treasurer Sharon De St. Jeor, MCMSA Member and CMAA VP of Programs & Events Front row: Patricia O’Keefe, MCMSA President Dr. Valerie Barnes, MCMS and MCMSA Member Debbi Ricks, CMAA Past President 22 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
Santa Clara County Medical Association Alliance Annual Membership Dues July 2011-June 2012
Membership in the Alliance is very important to our continued efforts to promote quality health in our community. Your membership or that of your spouse/partner increases the Alliance’s ability to speak with a stronger voice to the health concerns in our community. Alliance membership allows you to be directly involved in our projects, activities, and events. Even if you do not have time to actively participate in our projects, or can only participate occasionally, your dues are very important as they support our ongoing projects and grants.
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Regular Member: Physician, spouse, domestic partner, divorced spouse: Dues: $105.00
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Sustaining Member: Retired physician or spouse, domestic partner, divorced spouse of a part-time, retired or deceased physician: Dues: $80.00
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Physician-in-Training: Medical student, resident, or spouse, domestic partner of a medical student or resident: Dues: $15.00
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Friend of Medicine: Neither a physician, medical student nor spouse, domestic partner of a physician or medical student. Must be sponsored annually by an Alliance Member: Dues: $55.00
Name
Spouse/Domestic Partner’s Name
__________________________________________________________________________________________ ( As you wish it to appear in the roster. Please print.)
Address:___________________________________________________________________________________ Street City ST Zip Contact Phone_________________________________ FAX Number__________________________________ Email Address:_______________________________________
Regular Membership Dues Sustaining Membership Dues Physician-in-Training Dues Friend of Medicine
$105.00 $ 80.00 $ 15.00 $ 55.00
$_________ $_________ $_________ $_________
Sponsor’s Name______________________________________
Total
$_________ $_________
www.sccmaa.org You are encouraged to go to our website and pay your dues online. This is a secure site.
Pay Dues by Mail
.
CALPAC Membership $ 25.00 Contribution to SCCMAA Health Promotions
Pay Dues Online
Send dues to: Debbi Ricks, Membership Chair 17480 High Street Los Gatos, CA 95030
$_________
____ My check is enclosed payable to SCCMAA ____ I prefer to charge my credit card: ____Visa____MC____AExp Card #_______________________________________ Exp____/____
Pay Dues Through the Medical Association
Pay your Alliance dues directly through the invoice from the Medical Association.
Signature________________________________________________
Santa Clara County Medical Association Alliance 700 Empey Way, San Jose, CA 95128 408-998-8850 www.sccmaa.org
medical times from the past
America's Greatest Surgeon? By Gerald E. Trobough, MD; Leon P. Fox Medical History Committee Many American surgeons have contributed knowledge and new techniques to improve medical and surgical care in the past 150 years. Many believe that the greatest contributor was Dr. William Stewart Halsted. As one of the “Big Four” founding professors at Johns Hopkins Medical School, Halsted was credited with significant surgical achievements during his lifetime. Following medical school at Columbia University in 1877, Halsted studied in Europe under Dr. Billroth, Europe’s preeminent surgeon. He learned antiseptic and hemostatic techniques and later brought them to the United States. Dr. Halsted went into private practice in New York City in 1880. In 1881, Halsted made medical history by performing the first blood transfusion. He was called to see his sister after she had given birth. She had a massive postpartum hemorrhage and was moribund from blood loss. He withdrew his own blood with a syringe and injected it into his sister’s vein. (ABO blood types were not identified until 1900.) The amount of blood transferred was not recorded, but she survived. The following year, Halsted was notified that his mother was critically ill. Her condition mystified her physicians. He examined his mother and determined she had cholecystitis. He operated on her immediately atop the kitchen table. Halsted opened the gall bladder and removed six stones and drained the purulent material. His mother recovered uneventfully. This marked one of the earliest successful gall bladder surgeries. Other great accomplishments by Halsted include: 1. Use of cocaine for local anesthesia. 2. The development of “Halsted Surgical Principles” that are still espoused today, as well as aseptic technique, gentle handling of tissue, scrupulous hemostasis, tension-free closures, and anatomically proper alignment. 3. Pioneered the use of surgeon caps, scrub suits, and latex surgical gloves. Before Halsted, street clothes were worn and ungloved hands were common practice while performing surgery. 4. Developed the first radical mastectomy for breast cancer in 1889. His en-bloc technique resulted in decreased local recurrences and many patients were cured or had longer disease-free intervals than prior surgical techniques. 5. Developed a new technique for hernia repair. Prior to 1889, there was a 100% recurrence rate. The rate after Halsted’s procedure was .8%. 6. Developed techniques for safe thyroid surgery and arterial aneurysm surgery. 7. Developed the first surgical residency program in the United States. 8. Created a humane and scientific experimental laboratory that trained medical students and residents in new techniques that advanced the science of surgery. 24 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
9. Halsted’s residents included such notables as Harvey Cushing, “the father of Neurosurgery;” Walter Dandy, who developed pneumoventriculography and was known as “most important neurosurgeon in the world;” Hugh Young, known as “the father of urology;” and Joseph Bloodgood, “the father of surgical pathology.” William Halsted was often called the “father of modern surgery.” What is most amazing, Halsted realized all of these accomplishments as a drug addict. He became addicted to cocaine in 1885 while studying its use as a local anesthetic. In 1886, in an attempt to cure cocaine addiction, morphine was used as a substitute. This treatment failed and Halsted subsequently became addicted to both cocaine and morphine. Despite taking massive doses of morphine (195 mg/d), only two or three of his closest friends ever knew of his addictions.
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MEMBER NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
2011 Santa Clara County Medical Association Award Presentations and Installation The Fairmont Hotel’s Club Regent, in San Jose, provided the setting this year for Santa Clara County Medical Association’s Annual Awards Banquet. Thomas Dailey, MD, 2010-2011 SCCMA President, following his outgoing president’s speech, presented William Lewis, MD, with the presidential gavel for 2011-2012. Serving in the current fiscal year with Dr. Lewis are: Rives Chalmers, MD, as President-Elect; Cindy Russell, MD, as Vice President of Community Health; Howard Sutkin, MD, as Vice President of External Affairs; Scott Benninghoven, MD, as Vice President of Member Services; Eleanor Martinez, MD, as Vice President of Professional Conduct; Thomas Dailey, MD, as Past President; James Crotty, MD, as Treasurer; and Sameer Awsare, MD, as Secretary. The SCCMA Councilors are: Arthur Basham, MD (El Camino Hospital Los Gatos); Lynn Gretkowski, MD (El Camino Hospital); Jeff Kaplan, MD (Good Samaritan Hospital); Seham El-Diwany, MD (Kaiser Foundation Hospital – San Jose); Anh Nguyen, MD (Kaiser Permanente Hospital); Michael Charney, MD (O’Connor Hospital); Elaine Nelson, MD (Regional Medical Center); John Huang, MD (Saint Louise Regional Hospital); Peter Cassini, MD (Stanford Hospital & Clinics); and John Siegel, MD (Santa Clara Valley Medical Center). The evening’s festivities culminated with the recognition of those who have dedicated their lives to furthering the high quality of medical care. Dr. Lewis made the following presentations:
Senator Elaine Alquist
Thomas Dailey, MD
Special Recognition Award
Presidential Appreciation Plaque
Appreciation in recognition of his extraordinary service and leadership to the Santa Clara County Medical Association. Dr. Dailey is an amazing individual. He is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary disease, and critical care medicine. He is a fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians. He is a member of the American Thoracic Society and the California Thoracic Society. He is an associate 26 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
clinical professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine. When he’s not at the Medical Association doing his presidential duties, he is working as chief of Pulmonology at Kaiser Santa Clara. If he’s not saving a life in the ICU, you might find him at a hearing of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, where he serves as a board member. And if he’s not there, perhaps it’s because he is also serving on the board of directors of the American Lung Association of Santa Clara County. Which leaves me with one question: how many of you are there? Dr. Dailey has served this Medical Association with dedication and distinction for the past 10 years. He has served on the Bioethics and Environmental Health Committees since 2001. He has served as a CMA delegate since 2002. He has chaired the Membership Committee. He served three years as councilor for the Kaiser Santa Clara region and five years as secretary of our Executive Committee. During this period, I have observed and appreciated his efforts to balance the divergent interests of our membership with wisdom and diplomacy. As president, he has refocused our Council meetings to emphasize education and action on topics of interest to organized medicine, and he has sharpened our advocacy with legislators. Dr. Dailey has been a distinguished and effective leader of this Medical Association, so it is an honor to present to him the Presidential Plaque of Appreciation.
This award is given in recognition and appreciation for many years of dedication and service to the physicians of Santa Clara County, their patients, and our community. In the midst of a cholera outbreak in Sacramento, the California Medical Association was born with a mission “to promote the science and art of medicine, the care and well-being of patients, the protection of the public health, and the betterment of the medical profession.” Over the past 150 years, our mission, our cause has
not wavered. But to pursue this mission, we need legislators who will make our cause, their cause. We need politicians who will recognize that ours is not a special interest, but a public interest. We are fortunate to have such a legislator. After several years of teaching and PTA involvement, Senator Elaine Alquist began her public career on the Cupertino Union School Board. After eight years on the Board, including service as its president, she set her sights on the California Assembly, where she served from 1996-2002 as representative for the 22nd District. In 2004, she was elected to the State Senate, representing the 13th District. No district represents a larger share of Santa Clara County residents. She was re-elected in 2008, and will serve until 2012. Throughout her career, but particularly as chair of the Senate Committee on Health in the last legislative session, Senator Alquist has been a powerful force behind the protection of MICRA and the corporate bar on the practice of medicine. She has challenged the for-profit health insurance industry to limit their greed and maximize dollars spent on patient care. She has fought the practice of rescission, in which a patient’s insurance policy is cancelled only after they get sick. She helped establish the California Health Insurance Exchange, which hopefully will make insurance for individuals and small businesses more affordable and understandable. She has supported environmental health policies to protect the public, including a ban on food and beverage containers made with BPA. This list goes on and on. So tonight, in acknowledgment of her invaluable support of our shared cause to protect and promote public health and well-being, the Santa Clara County Medical Association wishes to honor Senator Elaine Alquist with its Special Recognition Award.
Philipp Lippe, MD Robert D. Burnett, MD Legacy Award
The Robert D. Burnett, MD Legacy Award is the highest award this Medical Association can bestow upon one of its members. It has been granted only once in our history, to Dr. Burnett himself. The Legacy Award is reserved for a member who has demonstrated extraordinary visionary leadership, tireless effort, selfless long-term commitment, and success in challenging and advancing the health care community, the well-being of patients, and the most exalted goals of the medical profession. This is, in essence, the Nobel Prize of our Medical Association. Tonight, we proudly recognize Dr. Philipp Lippe for this exceptional award. Dr. Lippe has had a distinguished career as a practicing neurosurgeon, has always been well respected by his colleagues, and has served as president of this very Medical Association. This would have been more
than enough for most of us. But instead of coasting, Dr. Lippe had the vision, the energy, the patience, the intellect, and the audacity to embark upon an effort to establish the specialty of pain medicine. He is now generally recognized as developing, defining, and establishing this specialty in the United States. He is a past president of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, and he is the executive vice president of the American Board of Pain Medicine. Do you know what the American Academy of Pain Medicine calls its award for outstanding contribution to pain medicine? That’s right: the Philipp M. Lippe, MD Award. Dr. Lippe continues to be involved in organized medicine. He has been a delegate to the CMA House of Delegates for 33 years, and he served on the CMA Board of Trustees for eight years. Last year, the CMA bestowed upon Dr. Lippe the Gary Krieger Speaker’s Recognition Award. This award is given to one physician, each year, in recognition of outstanding leadership. Locally, Dr. Lippe continues to serve on the medical executive committee at Good Samaritan Hospital, where he has been on staff for the past 40 years. He is Good Samaritan’s perennial representative to the organized medical staff sections at the CMA and AMA. His peers are in awe of his wealth of knowledge in matters of organized medicine, the clarity of his presentations, and the power of his persuasion. He is an extraordinary physician leader and role model. Therefore, it is with great esteem and gratitude that we present the Santa Clara County Medical Association’s Robert D. Burnett, MD Legacy Award to Dr. Philipp Lippe.
Robert Armstrong, MD Outstanding Achievement in Medicine Award
The Outstanding Achievement in Medicine Award is given to a physician who, during his medical career, has made unique contributions to the betterment of patient care, for which he has achieved widespread recognition. It is, in a sense, bestowed upon a physician’s physician. Tonight, we recognize Dr. Robert Armstrong for this award. Dr. Armstrong practices in internal medicine and infectious diseases. He has been a senior attending physician at Valley Medical Center since 1973, and his appointments at Stanford University have risen from clinical instructor to clinical professor, a title he has held since 1988. He has headed the in-patient consultation service at Valley Medical Center. At Los Gatos Community Hospital (now El Camino-Los Gatos), he chaired the Infectious Disease Committee, the Medical Audit CommitJULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 27
2011 SCCMA Award Presentations and Installation, from page 27 tee, and the ICU Committee, and he served as medical director of the ICU. At Good Samaritan Hospital, he has also served as chairman of the Infection Control Committee and medical director of Infection Control for nearly 40 years. He also organized and directed the rapid response and critical care programs for shock at Good Samaritan. While working for the Centers for Disease Control from 1966-1968, Dr. Armstrong led the investigation of a fatal illness affecting infants in the nursery of a small hospital. He determined that this mysterious, acute illness was not an infection, but rather poisoning from pentochlorophenol, a mildew inhibitor that was being misused in the hospital laundry and winding up in the diapers. In 1996, this investigation was sited as one of five seminal investigations in a commemorative article celebrating the 50th anniversary of the CDC. According to an editorial note written by the CDC, “the approach to this outbreak underscored the public health benefits of basic ‘shoe leather epidemiology’ for solving problems regardless of their etiology.” Honest, modest, and vigorous “shoe leather epidemiology” epitomizes the career of Dr. Armstrong. For his brilliant and methodical diagnostic abilities, he is known as the “Columbo” of infectious disease. His consultations are legendary. His commitment and dedication to advancing patient care are unparalleled. So, it is with great regard, and a sense of indebtedness, that we, the Santa Clara County Medical Association, award Dr. Robert Armstrong the Outstanding Achievement in Medicine.
Tanya Spirtos, MD Outstanding Contribution to the Medical Association
This award is given to a physician member of the Association who has exhibited sustained interest and participation in one or more activities of the Association over and beyond that expected of the membership atlarge. With so many talented, engaged physicians making meaningful contributions to this Association, one might think it would be difficult to pick just one for the Outstanding Contribution to the Medical Association Award. But this year, the Awards Committee had no trouble, whatsoever, because one candidate stood out, and tonight we have the pleasure of honoring her, Dr. Tanya Spirtos. I expect you are familiar with Dr. Spirtos and her dedicated history of service to our Medical Association. In addition to her many committee assignments, she has served in the capacity of councilor, secretary, and, of course, president of our Association. She has been a CMA delegate for 17 years, and she was our District VII chairperson for three years. She is 28 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
currently one of our District VII CMA trustees and an AMA delegate. The list of her appointments and service is extensive and undeniably worthy of this award, but that is not what makes her contributions so outstanding. Because it’s not so much what she’s done, but how she’s done it that is most impressive. Our Medical Association is diverse. Our members come from many different modes of practice and come with many different points of view. Often, it seems the term “organized medicine” is itself an oxymoron. It takes an exceptional individual to lead effectively a group of physicians, and Dr. Spirtos is truly exceptional. She is always well prepared and organized. She is respectful, reasonable, professional, and diplomatic. She guides debate without suffocating it and gets things done without pushing things through. In short, Dr. Spirtos is a superlative role model and mentor. She’s a joy to work with, which in turn motivates the rest of us to participate and contribute to the Medical Association. That’s why her contributions to the Medical Association are so invaluable, and why, with great admiration and enduring gratitude, we present the award for Outstanding Contribution to the Medical Association to Dr. Tanya Spirtos.
Dennis Siegler, MD Outstanding Contribution in Medical Education
This award is given to a physician member of the Association who has exhibited sustained interest and participation in one or more medical education activities over and above that expected of the membership at-large. “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops”— Henry Adams If medicine is a noble profession, then medical education may be the noblest of all. That’s why it is so important to demonstrate our appreciation with this award, the Outstanding Contribution in Medical Education. Tonight, we recognize Dr. Dennis Siegler. Dr. Siegler completed his training at Stanford University in 1993. He then spent 15 years in practice with the Palo Alto Medical Clinic while also serving as a clinical assistant professor at Stanford. For the past two years, he attended full-time at Valley Medical Center as a clinical associate professor. Nearing the completion of his residency, he recognized a need for additional surgical experience and made a decision that has shaped his life, and the life of countless others, including physicians and patients. While still a resident, he convinced Dr. Burt Johnson, his clinical professor at Stanford, to take him on a medical mission to the Hospital de
la Familia, in the mountain coffee country of Guatemala. He was the first resident Dr. Johnson ever took to Guatemala. Thereafter, he became involved with organizing these trips through the La Familia Foundation, based here in the Bay Area. Under his guidance, his teams have expanded to include residents, fellows, and medical students. For the last 12 years, he has taken the responsibility for putting these teams together, and not only for gynecology, but also ophthalmology, general and plastic surgery. In 2009, his teams performed over 400 surgical cases in two weeks, and they did it without any serious complications, in a third world hospital with no ICU or blood bank. His enthusiasm and ability to motivate and mentor physicians in-training is truly remarkable. The Awards Committee was inundated with recommendations for Dr. Siegler. He is obviously loved and respected by his students. He has been awarded the Outstanding Clinical Professor in Resident Education at Stanford four times. With his selfless devotion to teaching and to serving the poor, he has also impressed his peers. Dr. Johnson states that “Dennis is one of the finest men I have ever had the privilege of teaching,” and Dr. Johnson has been teaching them for over 50 years. So, it is with great admiration and pleasure that we award Dr. Siegler with Santa Clara County Medical Association’s award for Outstanding Contribution in Medical Education.
Gary Silver, MD Outstanding Contribution in Community Service
T h i s award is given to a physician member of the Association who has exhibited sustained interest and participation in one or more activities of the community over and above that expected of the membership at-large. “Being good is commendable, but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful”—Anonymous Humanitarian service is the heart and soul of medicine. The Outstanding Contribution in Community Service Award celebrates members of our Medical Association with great hearts. Tonight, we honor Dr. Gary Silver. Dr. Silver is a cardiothoracic surgeon, so having a great heart is, perhaps, no coincidence. After training at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Silver co-founded the open heart surgery program at O’Connor Hospital in 1974, and he maintained a busy and successful private practice there for 30 years. Amazingly, despite devotion to his practice, his marriage, and his children, Dr. Silver had more to give. So he joined the Rotary Club of
San Jose in 1980. As a Rotarian, he has assumed leadership roles on the board of directors and as president, he has helped grow the club, and he has participated in numerous community service activities. On top of all this, Dr. Silver co-founded the Adult Gift of Life Program, a joint project between the San Jose Rotary Club and O’Connor Hospital. This program identifies individuals from third world countries who are in desperate need for cardiac surgery, but would not otherwise receive it. Program doctors review medical information with the candidate’s local doctor and, if approved, the Rotary assists with all transportation, housing, food, and physical and emotional support for the patient and companion while here for surgery. O’Connor Hospital donates all medical care, and individual doctors from O’Connor donate their valuable time and professional services. Since 1985, the Adult Gift of Life Program has helped 40 individuals undergo heart repair and lead healthier and more productive lives. Dr. Silver continues to co-chair this project. Between his surgical expertise and his record of humanitarian service, Dr. Silver has combined being good and doing good like few others. His service to our community and beyond is both laudable and inspirational. So, on behalf of the Santa Clara County Medical Association, and with deep admiration and boundless respect, I present the Outstanding Contribution in Community Service Award to Dr. Gary Silver.
Kathleen King Citizen’s Award
With the Citizen’s Award, the Medical Association recognizes a nonmember who has achieved public recognition for a significant contribution in the health field. Tonight, we recognize Ms. Kathleen King for this award. Ms. King graduated from Santa Clara University with a bachelor’s degree in business, and judging from the number of careers she’s had since graduation, she must have received a fabulous education. She worked for Applied Materials for 25 years and became a successful senior executive. She served on the City of Saratoga city council for eight years and was elected twice as mayor. And in her spare time, she had a family and raised five children.
Continued on page 30
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2011 SCCMA Award Presentations and Installation, from page 29 Her passion for health care was sparked by personal experience. One of her sons was born with a rare genetic deficiency. With no local children’s hospital in San Jose, she had to travel to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital for her son’s treatment. Faced with the same situation, most of us would respond by investing in a hybrid, but not Ms. King. She invested her energies into founding and chairing the Silicon Valley Children’s Hospital Foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to create “a local, easily accessible community-based hospital dedicated to providing for the health care needs of all children.” To that end, she successfully brought together a coalition of physicians and community and business leaders to pursue her dream. For now, her vision remains a dream, but that does not diminish her contribution to the effort. Edward Everett Hale once said, “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” So how do you think Ms. King responded to the failure to close a deal on a children’s hospital? She dedicated herself to a new cause: the Santa Clara Family Health Foundation, for which she is the executive director. This nonprofit organization raises millions of dollars every year to support programs of the Children’s Health Initiative in Santa Clara County. The goal of the Children’s Health Initiative is to secure health coverage for every needy child in the county through a combination of local, state, and federal programs. It seems, one way or another, Ms. King is determined to do what she can to provide every child in our county with accessible, affordable, high quality health care. As such, her contributions are not merely significant, they are truly life changing. It is, therefore, a great honor to present the Santa Clara County Medical Association’s Citizen’s Award to Ms. Kathleen King.
William Ricks, MD Dedicated County Alliance Member of the Year
The Santa Clara County Medical Association Alliance is fortunate to have Dr. William B. Ricks as an active member of the Alliance, since bylaws changed in the 1990s to include physicians as regular members. He actively supports the Alliance by regularly attending local, state, and national meetings, by participating in Alliance events, and by encouraging his wife Debbi to remain involved. Dr. Ricks is an invasive cardiologist in a small five-physician group in the San Jose area and has been in practice for 34 years. He has spent his career dedicated to the best quality of care for all of his patients. He attended Northwestern University undergraduate and medical schools, 30 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
did his internship and residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, senior residency at UCSF, and cardiology fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he and Debbi met. During his career, Dr. Ricks has held numerous volunteer positions including clinical instructor/associate clinical professor, Division of Cardiology at Stanford University Medical Center; president of the Santa Clara County Heart Association; chairman of the Division of Cardiology; secretary-treasurer of the Medical Staff; on the Board of Trustees; chairman of the ECG Committee and on the Executive Committee for the Department of Cardiovascular Services for Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. He is currently the chair of the California Chapter of the American College of Cardiology PAC, a member of the American College of Cardiology Environmental Scanning Work Group, and is a member of the CMA Foundation’s Review Board for its Diabetes Project. Volunteering is important to Dr. Ricks. He participates in the Stanford Medical Student and SCCMA’s Transformative Experience in Medicine Program (STEM), a program where physicians work with and inspire low-income high school students to pursue professions in the medical field. Dr. Ricks is also well known for his numerous presentations to community organizations and to the Alliance on “Heart Healthy Tips for Women,” “Women and Cardiovascular Disease,” “What’s New in Cardiology,” “Health, Physical Activity and Mental Well Being,” and “Healthy Eating: Punishment or Prevention.” Often included in his presentations are tastings of his favorite heart healthy foods, recipes to take home, and “Red Dress” pins representing women’s heart health. This honor is very well-deserved!
California Medical Association Political Action Committee
Fighting for you! CALPAC needs your help to support candidates and legislators who understand and embrace medicine’s agenda.
Our top priorities are: 1. Protect MICRA 2. Preserve the ban on the corporate practice of medicine 3. Provide solutions to our physician shortage crisis!
Please visit www.calpac.org for more information
Corporate Code: frightnights2011
JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 31
SCCMA Has History‌ A great evening was had by SCCMA past presidents and incoming and outgoing presidents. Left to Right: Thomas Dailey, MD (Outgoing President); Past Presidents Anthony Nespole, MD, Martin Fishman, MD, Fred Armstrong, MD, Tanya Spirtos, MD, James Hinsdale, MD (also CMA President), Steve Jackson, MD, Philipp Lippe, MD (also SCCMA Award Honoree), Robert Burnett, MD, Donald Prolo, MD, William Lewis, MD (Incoming President), and John Longwell, MD.
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T H A N K
Y O U !
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Our special thanks to the following sponsors for contributing to the success of this event:
GOLD
SILVER BRONZE
Law Offices of Hinshaw, Marsh, Still & Hinshaw
Thanks to Debra Phairas at Practice Liability and Consultants for a Special Contribution 34 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
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2011 Annual Awards Banquet June 7, 2011
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SCCMA Award Honoree Gary Silver, MD, and family/ friends appreciated the elegant atmosphere of the Fairmont Hotel.
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William Parrish (SCCMA CEO) presents a thank you gift to outgoing president Thomas Dailey, MD.
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2011-12 SCCMA President, William Lewis, MD, presented Mary Hayashi with flowers for serving as SCCMA Alliance’s President.
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SCCMA Award Honoree Philipp Lippe, MD, enjoys the evening with his wife Gail and Robert Burnett, MD.
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SCCMA Award Honoree Philipp Lippe, MD, enjoys the special evening with his family.
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Gold sponsor attendees: Dr. Jeff Anderson (O’Connor Hospital), Dustin Shaver (NORCAL), Steve Farber (NORCAL), and Paul Gable (NORCAL).
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L to R: Rishi Bhatnagar, Madhur Bhatnagar, MD, Erika Sutkin, SCCMA Past President Howard Sutkin, MD, David Tran, Mike Johnson (CEO, Regional Medical Center), Debbie Mackey, Margaret Brown, Art Brown, MD, and Suzanne Regul, MD.
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Thomas Dailey, MD (2010-11 SCCMA President), and Tanya Spirtos, MD (SCCMA Award Honoree and Past President).
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Steven Schwartz, MD’s guest, Steven Schwartz, MD, Kenneth Blumenfeld, MD, Ellen Blumenfeld, and SCCMA President William Lewis, MD, enjoy the camaraderie.
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SCCMA Award Honoree Kathleen King, Gladys Armstrong, SCCMA Award Honoree Robert Armstrong, MD, Janet La Rochelle, and SCCMA Past President Frederick Armstrong, MD.
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Gold sponsor Kaiser attendees: Marty Wong, MD, Sameer Awsare, MD, Susan Smarr, MD, Sheryl Sun, MD, Jonathan Blum, MD, Anh T. Nguyen, MD, and Todd Dray, MD.
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Head Table: L to R clockwise: William Lewis, MD (SCCMA President 2011-12), Elias Eleftheriades, Tanya Spirtos, MD (SCCMA Award Honoree), Thomas Dailey, MD (SCCMA President 201011), Rosemary Kamei, Luanne Parrish, William Parrish (SCCMA CEO), Bonnie Hinsdale, and James Hinsdale, MD (CMA President and SCCMA Past President).
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SCCMA Award Honoree Dennis Siegler, MD, celebrates his honor with wife Faye and colleagues/friends.
Don Prolo, MD (SCCMA Past President), Joanne Prolo, Katrin Walsh, Chad Walsh, Esq., Suzanne Jackson, and Steve Jackson, MD (SCCMA Past President).
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L to R: Genevieve Strutner, Leo Strutner, MD, Rachana Palnitkar, MD, SCCMA Award Honoree Robert Armstrong, MD, Janet La Rochelle, Neela Majumder, Sumit Majumder, MD, Rosemary Adamson, and David Adamson, MD, enjoy the camaraderie.
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L to R: Ellen Blumenfeld, Kenneth Blumenfeld, MD, Rebecca Powers, MD, Physician Guest name unknown, Steven Schwartz, MD, Phuong Nguyen, MD, Ngai Nguyen, MD, Cathleen Ligman, MD, and Adella Garland, MD.
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Mary Benninghoven, SCCMA VP for Member Services Scott Benninghoven, MD, Bob Sakai, SCCMA President-Elect Rives Chalmers, MD (standing), Ann Chalmers, Jennifer Chalmers, and Art Basham, MD, enjoying good food, wine, and good company.
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SCCMA Treasurer Jim Crotty, MD, SCCMA President (2010-11) Thomas Dailey, MD, and Rosemary Kamei enjoy the evening.
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SCCMA’s Staff/Spouses L to R: Frank Yrigoyen, Maureen Yrigoyen, Jean Cassetta, Sharon Jensen, Marty Jensen, Pam Jensen, William Parrish (CEO), Sherin Varghese, Shannon Landers, and Mark Christiansen.
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William Ricks, MD (Dedicated County Alliance Member of the Year), celebrates his special honor with family and SCCMA Alliance friends.
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Gold sponsor attendees from O’Connor Hospital L to R: Hugh Walsh, MD, Ron Galonsky, Steve Germany, MD, Mario Cordero, MD, Jeff Anderson, MD, and Terry Sullivan, MD.
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CMA President James G. Hinsdale, MD, Elected to Serve on AMA Council on Medical Service At the annual American Medical Association’s House of Delegates meeting in Chicago, James G. Hinsdale, MD, president of the California Medical Association, was elected to the Council on Medical Service. The elected or appointed members of the seven AMA Councils concentrate their efforts on developing an expert understanding of specific issues related to such matters as ethics, science, and medical education, so that they can make recommendations on policy. “This is a great honor. At a time when we need to be focusing on patient access to care and quality medical services, I am pleased to have been elected to the Council on Medical Service,” said Dr. Hinsdale. “In California, we’re facing serious cuts that would hugely affect access to care and the time that physicians are able to spend with their patients. Being part of the AMA council that recommends policy decisions is a job that I take very seriously and look forward to being part of.” Dr. Hinsdale is the director of trauma at Marin General Hospital and executive director of trauma at Regional Medical Center in San Jose. He is a board-certified surgeon and the founder and president of the Northern California Trauma Medical Group, which includes 18 practicing trauma surgeons. The Councils of the American Medical Association play a key role with the House of Delegates in the establishment of health policies – statements with the purpose of promoting the art and science of medicine and the betterment of the public health. “Dr. Hinsdale has been a huge asset to the California Medical Association (CMA),” Dustin Corcoran, CEO of the California Medical Association, said. “He is an excellent physician and a community leader with an understanding of the problems that need addressing in health care today. The American Medical Association’s Council on Medical Service is lucky to have his insight and knowledge.” Through its reports, the Council on Medical Service recommends AMA policies and actions for consideration by the AMA House of Delegates on the socioeconomic factors that influence the practice of medicine. Council re40 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
ports cover a wide range of topics, including: • Physician payment reform • Medicare & Medicaid • Health insurance • Covering the uninsured and expanding choice • Consumer-driven health care • Health care costs • Hospitals & hospital-based services • Pharmaceutical coverage & spending • e-Health • Allied health professionals Council members are elected for a fouryear term – maximum of two terms –by the AMA House of Delegates. Dr. Hinsdale joins former CMA President Robert Hertzka, MD, on the council.
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member news and happenings
Thank You for Supporting the Monterey County Medical Society's Resident Fund This year, in April, Monterey County Medical Society purchased “CORE CONTENT” for the Residents of Natividad and sponsored a luncheon, where John Jameson, MD, president of the MCMS, presented the check to Becky Kroll, MD, chief resident.
MCMS Residents Dinner In June, MCMS was also able to pay for a relaxing Residents dinner at the Crow’s Nest in Santa Cruz, after the Residents’ retreat. This event included the Residents and their families. JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 41
member news and happenings
Stanford Transformative Experience in Medicine (STEM) Program Article/Photos by Shawn Lin and Isabella Lai Earlier this year, the SCCMA/CMA/AMA Stanford medical student chapter partnered with SCCMA to implement the second year of the Stanford Transformative Experience in Medicine (STEM) program. The STEM program was started by a group of medical students from Stanford, and is designed to introduce disadvantaged Bay Area high school students to the option of going into the field of medicine. High school participants were selected based upon essays demonstrating their motivation and interest in learning about the medical field, as well as their academics and extracurricular experiences. The application cycle was extremely competitive, with over 130 applications for just 35 spots. The first day of this year’s program was held on campus at Stanford. Participants were taken to the anatomy lab, where medical students gave high-schoolers their first experience with human body dissections of cadavers. Afterwards, students embarked on a campus tour and spoke with medical students about their motivations to enter the field of medicine. The subsequent four Saturdays were held at the SCCMA office and featured physician guest speakers (listed below) and provided hands-on activities to expose students to skills they would someday use as physicians. Activities included: sheep heart and cow eye dissections, physical exam and vital signs, CPR, a session on surgical knots and suturing, and a panel of medical students who shared college and medical school admissions strategies.
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A special thank you to the SCCMA Council/board for providing funding and support and to everyone involved for helping to inspire the next generation of doctors!
SCCMA Coordinator Jean Cassetta Stanford Medical Student Leaders Duy Dao (Founder) Shawn Lin (Founder) Jennifer Decoste-Lopez Grace Kim Isabella Lai Cesar Lopez Physician Speakers PRIMARY CARE - Michael Stein, MD CARDIOLOGY - David Hyun, MD, and Anh-Quan Nguyen, MD SURGERY/PLASTIC - Howard Sutkin, MD, FACS, and Lynn Smolik, MD OPHTHALMOLOGY – Martin Fishman, MD, and Brian Ward, MD
JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 43
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919 Fremont Ave, Los Altos Turn-key dental suite, fully plumbed, gorgeous, must see! 5+1 Operatories included. $3.00/SF NNN
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80 Saratoga Ave, Santa Clara Fantastic Location near Stevens Creek & Hwy 280. Ti’s available. call For priciNG
2,500 SF AVAILABLE
1301 Sunnyvale-Saratoga Sunnyvale Newer office/medical project on corner of Fremont and Sunnyuvale-Saratoga Rd. Divisible to 1,000 SF $2.85/SF NNN
2,589 SF AVAILABLE
14777 Los Gatos Blvd, Los Gatos Newer Class-A medical property at gateway of Los Gatos Blvd. Great visibility & location! $2.75/SF NNN
1,400-2,886 SF AVAIL.
393 Blossom Hill Road San Jose Modern Class A medical building. Easy access to 85 and 101, and great promotional rate! $2.25/SF Full-Service!
800-2,500 SF AVAILABLE
4155 Moorpark Ave, San Jose Great medical location at Saratoga & Moorpark Ave. Convenient freeway access, excellent price! $2.45/SF GroSS
1,300-4,485 SF AVAILABLE 788-1,632 SF AVAILABLE 650-4,400 SF AVAILABLE
15899 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd, Los Gatos
743 S. Winchester Ave, San Jose
825 Pollard Rd, Los Gatos
Corner of National Ave. and Los GatosNewer medical/retail center near Santana Great medical building, steps away from Almaden Rd. Excellent & clean interiors Row & freeways. New building, must see! El Camino Hospital. Ground floor unit, Ti with great location near Good Samaritan dollars available. Hospital. $2.40/SF GroSS $2.25/SF NNN $2.35 GroSS
1,607-1,792 SF AVAILABLE
1757 Blossom Hill Rd, San Jose Newer dental property, great location & signage. Ideal for pediatric dentist. Infrastructure included. $1.95/SF NNN
2,387 SF AVAILABLE
2550 Samaritan Drive, San Jose Great medical building, Class-A, steps away from Good Samaritan Hospital. Ground floor unit, Ti dollars available. $2.55 NNN
330-2,933 SF AVAILABLE
2255 South Bascom Ave Campbell Close to Pruneyard with easy access to Good Sam and O’Connor. Medical improvements to suit your needs. $2.45 MG
membership
Welcome 283 New Members in 2011... And More to Come! Santa Clara County Medical Association Arman Abdalkhani Palo Alto Iype Abraham San Jose Danielle Acosta San Jose Winifred Adams Stanford Mala Adhikari Santa Clara Arshanoush Ahmadi Santa Clara Mark Ahn Gilroy Michael Ahn Santa Clara Patti Allen-Colevas Sunnyvale Thomas Alloggiamento San Jose David Alyono Santa Clara Anna Anderson Mtn View Swati Andhavarapu San Jose Cesar Atienza Santa Clara Myo Aung Santa Clara Shiva Avari Santa Clara Lakshmi Avula San Jose Sarah Azad Mtn View Sangeetha Balasubramanian San Jose William Barnard Santa Clara Adam Baseman Santa Clara Marcelina Behnam Santa Clara Rachel Bensen Santa Clara Louai Bilal Santa Clara Lilia Blanco Gilroy Michelle Blanco Gilroy Jerome Booker San Jose Clarence Braddock Stanford Anna Brittain Santa Clara Lynn Bui Santa Clara Elisabeth Calvelli San Jose Jennifer Cato Campbell Allison Chan Mtn View Grace Chan Fremont Erick Chan Palo Alto Neha Chandra San Jose Wayne Chang Milpitas Ananya Chattopadhyay San Jose Allen Chen Santa Clara Chwen-Yuen Chen Union City Jonathan Cheng Santa Clara Tina Cheng Milpitas Dora Chin Santa Clara Teresa Chiu Santa Clara Jordan Cloyd Stanford Allison Collins Santa Clara Michael Conklin Santa Clara Benedicto Cortez Santa Clara
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46 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
Benjamin Craycraft Santa Clara Yvonne Crites Santa Clara Karen Cruz-Breneman Santa Clara Sean Curry Santa Clara Dan Dang San Jose Tram Dao Santa Clara Alex Dimitriu Santa Clara Ly Do San Jose Graham Dresen Mtn View Leigh Durlacher Palo Alto Kier Ecklund Mtn View Stephanie Eden Santa Clara Zachary Edmonds Mtn View Bogdan Eftimie Santa Clara John Elliott Santa Clara Soo Eng Santa Clara Emelina Fa Santa Clara Morteza Farr San Jose Lilia Fatemi Santa Clara Helen Feng San Jose Abdullah Feroze Stanford Christopher Fowler San Jose Joseph Fuentes San Jose Spencer Fung Santa Clara Faezeh Ghaffari Santa Clara Parastoo Ghafouri Daryani Santa Clara David Ghilarducci San Jose Amy Gilliam Palo Alto Erin Gillis Santa Clara Deborah Goddard San Jose David Goya Santa Clara Kathy Gu Mtn View Jennifer Haggerty San Jose Iris Hanna Mtn View Harpreet Hansra San Jose Sanaz Hariri Los Gatos Travis Heining Los Gatos Ulf Hemprich San Jose Mary Hernandez-Zhang Santa Clara Bradley Hill Santa Clara David Hiroshima Santa Clara Oscar Ho Santa Clara Huck Holz Santa Clara Lawrence Hou San Jose George Hsieh San Jose Thomas Hsu Santa Clara Virginia Hsu Santa Clara Heather Iezza Santa Rosa
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Danagra Ikossi San Jose Neeta Jain Palo Alto Sonali Jain Santa Clara Stephanie Jeske Santa Clara Anjali Jindia San Jose Thaichan Jobalia Mtn View Tessa Johung Stanford Vadim Kagramanov Sunnyvale Michael Kan Los Gatos Sunitha Kandavara Milpitas Thoranage Kankanam Gamage Santa Clara Ming-chih Kao Stanford Jed Katzel Santa Clara Harrup Kaur Los Gatos Gary Kawesch San Jose Arunasri Kelleti San Jose Amid Keshavarzi Santa Clara Vladimir Khapchik Santa Clara Nahrin Khoshaba San Jose Rahul Khurana Mtn View Janet Kim San Jose Pearl Kim Santa Clara Yuri Knauer Santa Clara Ann Kodani Santa Clara Andreas Kogelnik Mtn View Sridevi Kolla Santa Clara Ganesh Krishna Mtn View Jan Kwong Santa Clara Marie-Eve Laden Stanford Ian Lam Mtn View Albert Lau San Jose Ava Lee San Jose Chai Lee Santa Clara Hyojik Lee Santa Clara James Lee Santa Clara Jay Lee Palo Alto Jennifer Lee Palo Alto Keane Lee Santa Clara Melissa Lee Santa Clara Patricia Lee Sunnyvale Kathleen Leonard Palo Alto Henry Lin San Jose Tom Liu Los Altos Margaret Lo Los Altos Hongh Du Ly Santa Clara Elsie Madrid San Jose Nichole Mahnert Santa Clara Jeffrey Margolis San Jose
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H. Duncan Mason Brian McBeth Cameron McClure Kevin Merrill Michael W. Moore John Murao Jenny Murase Karrie Murphy Deepu Nair Holly Nath Kavita Nayak Karry Ngai Adrienne Nguyen Cong Nguyen John Nguyen Steve Nguyen Barbara Nicol Ryan Niederkohr David Nix Sara Nouri Blanca Ochoa Steve Ong Daniel Ouyang Rachana Palnitkar Mary Parman Manjari Patel Mittal Patel Brandon Patton Claudia Pena Mark Penner Caroline Perry Surat Phonsombat Corinna Pokorny Kimberely Pruett Poonam Puri Amritha Raghunathan Daljeet Rai Lisa Rapoport Pavani Reddy Glenn Rennels Katherine Reyes Roseanne Rogers Linda Rosenband Sayema Saifullah Stephanie Saket Prabhjot Sandhu Larisa Sandler Eric Sandoval Priscilla Sarinas
Santa Clara San Jose Santa Clara Campbell Santa Clara Palo Alto Mtn View Santa Clara Palo Alto Mtn View Santa Clara Santa Clara Santa Clara San Jose Mtn View Santa Clara Santa Clara Santa Clara Santa Clara Santa Clara San Jose Santa Clara Santa Clara Los Gatos Palo Alto Santa Clara San Jose Santa Clara San Jose San Jose San Jose Mtn View San Jose Santa Clara Santa Clara Santa Clara San Jose Santa Clara Santa Clara Santa Clara San Jose Campbell Santa Clara San Jose Santa Clara Santa Clara Santa Clara Santa Clara Sunnyvale
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Raymond Shaheen Karen Shih Aaron Sin Deepinder Singh Navneet Singh Shailender Singh Kerry-Ann Stewart Diane Suchet Karen Suskiewicz Darrell Sutijono James Tang Amanuel Teklu Judy Thai Sarah Torres Choung Tran Yuhjung Tsai Anthony Tsao Adrienne Tuch Elizabeth D. Turner Albert Umphrey Alec Uy Katherine Vega Jennifer Yi-Wen Wang Edan Wernik Janet Whang Karen White Aaron Williams Deidre Williams F. C. Alan Wong Lara Wong Kirstin Woo Rochelle Woods Assefa Worku Ying Wu Wilson Yan Thomas Yang Wendy Yang Gennie Yee Regina Yee Anne Yered Joshua Young Michael Young Michelle Young Kenneth Yu Lisa Yu Eric Yun Pezhman Zadeh Mia Zaharna April Zhu
Mtn View Sunnyvale Stanford Santa Clara San Jose Santa Clara Menlo Park Palo Alto Mtn View Santa Clara Santa Clara San Jose Santa Clara Palo Alto San Jose San Jose San Jose Mtn View Santa Clara San Jose San Jose Palo Alto San Jose San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale Santa Clara Santa Clara Santa Clara Mtn View Palo Alto San Jose San Jose Santa Clara San Jose Cupertino Santa Clara Santa Clara Milpitas Santa Clara Santa Clara San Jose Santa Clara Santa Clara Gilroy San Jose San Jose San Jose Campbell
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Monterey County Medical Society David Altman Monterey David Ang Seaside Sheetal Ankoleka Salinas Ian Atkinson Salinas German Baldeon Salinas John Bennetts Monterey Carlo Bernardino Monterey Candice Blagmon-Weaver Salinas Debra Bright Salinas Elaine Chiu Salinas Steve Darmawan Salinas Caroline Davis Salinas Victor Delgado Salinas Jose Espinosa Salinas Herbert Estiu Salinas Timothy Friederichs Salinas Aurelio Gonzalez Salinas Gary Gray Salinas Tyler Hensel Salinas Cynthia Hill Salinas Reza Iranmanesh Salinas Roya Javid Carmel Catherine Johnson Salinas Scott Landis Salinas Stefano Lee Salinas Christine McCuistion Salinas Lynette Mendoza Salinas Ma Cristina Mercado Salinas Neftali Nevarez Salinas Alison Palacios Salinas Angel Parker Salinas Bennett Robin Salinas Angelica Salazar Salinas Yanli Tao Monterey Jennerfer Tiscareno Salinas Chuyen Trieu Salinas Nicholas Urrutia Salinas Jeannine Wahl Salinas Jason Wasche Salinas Alison Wilson Salinas Kyle Youngflesh Salinas
ADMD *GE *IM IM IM IM IM *FP *ADM *OPH US *PD EM PD FP FP US FP FP IM *FP US FP OPH *D IM IM US *PD IM *PD IM US US FP IM *PD FP PD IM US IM FP FP
* - Board Certified | US - Unspecified JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 47
Classifieds office space for rent/lease PRIMARY CARE/LOS GATOS SPACE FOR LEASE Part- or full-time physician sought to join existing practice to share rent and staff. 3,400 sq. ft. recently remodeled space with onsite lab. Currently, we have one full-time MD and one part-time MD. Concierge practice setting. Very light call schedule, approximately one weekend in 17. Hospital work by choice only, close to Good Samaritan Hospital. If interested, or for further details, please call 408/829-3033. MEDICAL SUITES • LOS GATOS – SARATOGA Two suites, ranging from 1,000 to 1,645 sq. ft., at gross lease cost. Excellent parking. Located next door to Los Gatos Community Hospital. Both units currently available. Call 408/355-1519. MEDICAL OFFICE FOR LEASE/SUBLEASE/SALE Office in close proximity to O’Connor Hospital for lease/sublease/ sale. Please call 408/923-8098 for more information. OFFICE SUITE AVAILABLE
MEDICAL OFFICE TO SHARE • SUNNYVALE One exam room plus one large office, shared waiting room and front office. Newly built, 1,280 sq. ft. Call 408/438-1593. ELEGANT AND SPACIOUS LOS GATOS MEDICAL OFFICE Available to share with prominent aesthetic dermatologist. This upscale office has seven exam rooms, a lab, two large administrative offices, and a marble and granite waiting room with comfortable seating for eight patients. Call Irene at 408/358-5757 to schedule your private showing. Price is negotiable. MEDICAL SUITES • GILROY First class medical suites available next to Saint Louise Hospital in Gilroy, CA. Sizes available from 1,000 to 2,500+ sq. ft. Time-share also available. Call Betty at 408/848-2525. DOWNTOWN MONTEREY OFFICE FOR SUBLEASE Spacious, recently remodeled, excellent parking, flexible terms. Call Molly at 831/644-9800.
Location is highway 85 at De Anza. One suite available. Currently configured with six Tx rooms/offices, entry, large master office with balcony. Street signage to 100,000 cars a day. Marble entry. Zoned medical/office. No variance required. Looking for established business/practice that values prime location in beautiful building. Please be qualified. No start ups. Contact Dr. Newman at 408/996-8717. Brokers welcome if you have a client. $2.00 per sq. ft. plus 3N. Located at 1196 South De Anza at Rainbow.
MEDICAL OFFICE TO SHARE • SAN JOSE
MEDICAL OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE • SANTA CLARA
Medical/Professional office 2,600 sq. ft, ground floor near Santana Row. $2.00 sq. ft. Available now. Email at sksiddiqui@yahoo.com.
Medical space available in medical building. Most rooms have water and waste. Reception, exam rooms, office, and lab. X-ray available in building. Billing available. 2,500–4,000 sq. ft. Call Rick at 408/2280454.
Conveniently located off The Alameda near Hwy 87 and 880, with quick access to both O’Connor Hospital and Regional Medical Center of San Jose. Excellent parking, recently remodeled suite with two dedicated exam rooms and private office, shared reception, and waiting area. Please email: nel1958@yahoo.com. MEDICAL/PROFESSIONAL OFFICE FOR LEASE
OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE OR PURCHASE • SAN JOSE For lease or purchase. 900 sq. ft. space in a medical/dental office building opposite Regional Medical Center. Please call 408/926-2182.
OFFICE/LAB SPACE FOR LEASE • MTN VIEW
PRIME MEDICAL OFFICE FOR LEASE • SAN JOSE
One room space. Office/lab – upstairs. Located at 2500 Hospital Dr, Bldg I, Mtn View. Call 831/375-6105.
Excellent location. Westgate area. 1,584 sq. ft. West Valley Profes-
MEDICAL/DENTAL OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE • MTN VIEW
Pajaro Dunes
Medical/dental office space located at 2500 Hospital Dr, Bldg I, Mountain View. Call 831/375-6105.
Beachfront Condo
MEDICAL OFFICE FOR LEASE • SALINAS 4,816 sq. ft. Class “A” medical office for lease/ sublease – all or part. Modern professional office in sought after medical office area on Abbott Street in Salinas. The office space has nine exam rooms, two waiting rooms with two patient entrances. There is A/C, emergency power, travertine floors, and granite counters. Lease a third, two-thirds, or all. $2.75/sq. ft. Not triple net. Call 831/238-9001. 48 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
Shorebirds #58 2 Bedroom -- 2 Bath Top Level -- Great Ocean View Great for Families Owners Bill & Debbi Ricks 408-354-5613
Rental Agent Pajaro Dunes Company 1-800-564-1771
sional Center, 5150 Graves Ave. Suite 2/ stand-alone unit. Private office, reception area, exam rooms with sinks. Available 2/1/11. Call owner at 408/867-1815 or 408/221-7821. SANTA CLARA OFFICE • HOMESTEAD AND JACKSON Plumbed for Dental/Medical, or other use. 1,200 sq. ft. Downtown across from post office and weekly farmers market. Excellent Location! Dentist on site, please do not disturb. Don’t miss! Come see! Call 408/838-8191 or 408/741-1956. MEDICAL/PROFESSIONAL OFFICE SPACE • SAN JOSE Located off The Alameda near Race Street, conveniently accessible to both O’Connor Hospital and Regional Medical Center of San Jose. 1,100 sq. ft. suite with excellent parking. Asking $1.25 per sq. ft. with no triple net. Please email: tgallo@svmsmg.com or call 408/410-7533.
PRIVATE PRACTICE/OFFICE for sale
OPHTHALMOLOGIST WANTED Part-time, board certified General Ophthalmologist to compliment dynamic MD/OD group. Oculoplastic specialist a plus. Must have superb communication, clinical, and warm interpersonal skills. Offering a competitive salary. Located in Sunnyvale. Send CV to lbeem@eyelink.com. PHYSICIAN OPPORTUNITY Established Internal Medicine group is searching for new partner or group to consolidate with private practice in Los Gatos. Opportunity is available immediately. Practice has in-house lab and ancillary testing; no HMO accepted. Please forward CV to fax 408/358-0261 or email cristine.lrpg@yahoo. com.
FOR SALE
METRO MEDICAL BILLING, INC. • • • • • •
Full Service Billing 25 years in business Book Keeping ClinixMIS web based software Training and Consulting Client References
Contact Lynn (408) 448-9210 lynn@metromedicalbilling.com Visit our Website www.metromedicalbilling.com
WANTED PEDIATRIC PRACTICE Will buy Pediatric practice in South Bay. Call 408/455-2959.
BEAUTIFUL PALMILLA TOWNHOME • CABO 2 Bedroom/2.5 bath/1,600 sq. ft.; golf, beach. Villa Diamonte D403. Call 408/309-8457. http://bit.ly//caboforsale.
PRIVATE PRACTICE FOR SALE IM/FP/GP. Primary care practice for sale, including inventory and equipment. Close to O’Connor Hospital. If interested, please call Stacy at 408/297-2910.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE PHYSICIANS • PRIMARY CARE, ORTHOPEDICS, & PHYSIATRY Our occupational medical facilities offer a challenging environment with minimal stress, without weekend, evening, or “on call” coverage. We are currently looking for several knowledgeable and progressive primary care and specialty physicians (orthopedist and physiatrist) interested in joining our team of professionals in providing high quality occupational medical services to Silicon Valley firms and their injured employees. We can provide either an employment relationship including full benefits or an independent contractor relationship. Please contact Dan R. Azar MD, MPH at 408/790-2907 or e-mail dazar@allianceoccmed.com for additional information.
Tracy Zweig Associates A
REGISTRY
&
PLACEMENT
FIRM
Physicians
Nurse Practitioners ~ Physician Assistants
Locum Tenens ~ Permanent Placement V oi c e : 8 0 0 - 9 1 9 - 9 1 4 1 o r 8 0 5 - 6 4 1 - 9 1 4 1 FA X : 8 0 5 - 6 4 1 - 9 1 4 3
tzweig@tracyzweig.com w w w. t r a c y z w e i g . c o m
JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 49
THE SANTA CLARA COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION PRESENTS A jointly-‐sponsored CME Presentation With The California Society of Addiction Medicine expertise
No More Diversion, What Do Hospitals Do Now?
The Medical Board of California has terminated its Physician Diversion Program. In a poll of all member hospitals represented on the Physician Well Being Committee of Santa Clara County, only two have successfully implemented programs to replace it. JCAHO mandates (Standard MS.11.01.01) that all medical staffs implement a process to identify and manage matters of individual health for licensed independent practitioners which is separate from actions taken for disciplinary purposes.
When + Where
Saturday, September 10, 2011, 8:15 am – 2:00 pm (Breakfast and lunch are provided) Santa Clara County Medical Association 700 Empey Way (2nd Floor) San Jose, CA 95128
Faculty
Rebecca A. Powers, M.D., M.P.H. Rebecca Powers, MD, is the chair of the Santa Clara County Medical Association’s Physician Well Being Committee. She is also on the committee at Stanford. Dr. Powers is a psychiatrist in private practice in Campbell and on the adjunct clinical faculty at Stanford. David Pating, M.D. David Pating, MD, San Francisco, Chief of Addiction Medicine and chair of the Physician Well Being Committee at Kaiser Medical Center, San Francisco. Dr. Pating is a psychiatrist specializing in addiction psychiatry. As a member of the Permanente Medical Group, Dr. Pating is regional chair of Addiction Medicine and chair of the Chemical Dependency Quality Improvement Committee. Dr. Pating is past president of the California Society of Addiction Medicine, an assistant clinical professor at UCSF School of Medicine, and site-‐ director of the joint UCSF VAMC-‐Kaiser fellowship in Addiction Medicine. Karen A. Miotto, M.D. Karen A. Miotto, MD, is a clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UCLA. She is the medical director of the UCLA Addiction Medicine Service. Dr. Miotto also serves as the chairman of the Physician’s Wellness Committee at the UCLA Medical Center.
50 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
James M. Tracy, D.D.S., CADCII James M. Tracy, DDS, CADCII, has been conducting professional and family interventions for over 20 years. He is a nationally recognized speaker and educator in the areas of impaired health care professionals, prescription drug abuse, chronic pain and addiction, and systemic family interventions. He is an expert in providing extensive monitoring services and family case management. He has experience in program development and facilitating family programs for some of the most respected treatment centers in the country. Norman T. Reynolds, M.D. Norman T. Reynolds, MD, performs comprehensive psychiatric fitness-‐for-‐duty evaluations of impaired professionals, with expertise in chemical dependency and disruptive behavior. Leadership positions include: vice-‐chair of the Federation of State Medical Board’s Workgroup to develop the 2011 “Policy on Impaired Physicians;” chair of the Liaison Committee with the Medical Board’s former Physician Diversion Program; chair of the California Society of Addiction Medicine “Best Practices Series on Impaired Physicians;” representative of the U.S. government at international meetings of the World Health Organization and the United Nations on issues related to substance abuse. Susan Cady Susan Cady has worked for the Medical Board of California Enforcement Program since 1994. Susan managed the Board’s Complaint Intake Unit for 14 years and now oversees the Complaint Intake Unit, the Probation Unit, and the Discipline Coordination Unit.
Educational Objectives
Physicians who participate in this program should be able to: • Design effective intervention procedures. • Select appropriate referrals for evaluation and treatment. • Recognize and respond to signs of impairment. • Design a comprehensive treatment plan and monitor its implementation.
Who Should Attend
Hospitals/Medical Groups are encouraged to send teams. There is no limit to the number who can attend from one organization. These are recommended: • Chief of Staff • Members of Governing Board • Chief Elect • Department Chairs • Administration • Chair of Credentials Committee • Physicians’ Well-‐Being • Medical Staff Manager Committees
CME Information and Disclosure
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the California Society of Addiction Medicine (CSAM) and Santa Clara County Medical Association. The California Society of Addiction Medicine
Continued on page 52
JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 51
No More Diversion, What Do Hospitals Do Now?, from page 51 (CSAM) is accredited by the Institute for Medical Quality/California Medical Association (IMQ/CMA) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. CSAM takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.
CSAM designates this educational activity for a maximum of 5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Seating Is Limited! Register Today!
There is no fee to attend the workshop, but advance registration is required. Complete this form and fax it to SCCMA at 408/289-‐1064 or mail to SCCMA, 700 Empey Way, San Jose 95128. Name: __________________________________________________ Degree/Title: ____________________________ Hospital/Organization: _______________________________ Phone: ___________________________________ Fax: ____________________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________ Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________ If you want to receive a certificate of attendance for your continuing education records, there is a fee of $25 to be paid with advance registration. Please mail a check for $25 payable to SCCMA with this form or provide credit card info below. We will mail the certificate to the mailing address you indicate above. Visa/Master Card/AMEX # __________________________________ Exp. Date________________________ Security Code _________________ Signature _________________________________________ Name on card________________________________
Deadline is September 2, 2011
Thank you to the following contributors for supporting this event: Good Samaritan Hospital, El Camino Hospital, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford Hospital & Clinics, NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company, and Monterey County Medical Society Alliance.
52 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
In Memoriam John W. Boswell, MD
Jack D. Herring, MD
Psychiatry 5/26/35 – 4/18/11 SCCMA member since 1965
Obstetrics & Gynecology 9/8/31 – 6/7/11 SCCMA member since 1963
Wendell E. Brown, MD
Micheline Kaempfer, MD
*Family Practice 2/13/20 – 4/1/11 SCCMA member since 1949
*Pathology 1/1/26 – 3/11 SCCMA member since 1970
Mary H. Gable, MD
Albert Lorincz, MD
Pediatrics 5/14/36 – 4/8/11 SCCMA member since 1992
* Obstetrics & Gynecology 9/6/22 – 6/2/11 SCCMA member since 1971
Thomas J. Gray, MD
Donald A. Peck, MD
General Practice Administrative Medicine 7/7/16 – 1/26/11 SCCMA member since 1968
*General Surgery Colon & Rectal Surgery 1/1/29 – 3/26/11 SCCMA member since 1968
Kurt Sligar, MD *Neurology Administrative Medicine 11/5/40 – 3/3/11 MCMS member since 2005
John J. Wall, MD *Orthopaedic Surgery 3/9/31 – 2/2/11 SCCMA member since 1963
Paul C. Robbins, MD Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism 6/9/37 – 4/13/11 SCCMA member since 2004
When someone in your family gets sick, it feels like you are going walking by yourself. But when hospice comes, you feel like somebody is guiding you and you are not alone. Thank God there’s a program like this that picks you up and helps prepare you for the journey you and your loved ones are going to take. Hospice of the Valley helps everyone prepare for that. — Carmen V. Gary Bertuccelli, social worker Pam Nates, chaplain
When patients and families are coping with serious, life-limiting illness,
they require expert care, compassion and personal attention. Whether it is spending time with loved ones, fulfilling dreams, or simply remaining comfortable and independent for as long as possible, Hospice of the Valley guides patients and their families to meet their goals. • The hallmark of hospice care is that it serves patients wherever they live—be it in their home, nursing home, hospital or assisted-living facility • Hospice of the Valley team members consist of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, hospice aides, volunteers, and grief counselors who are experts in palliative and hospice care and are available to assist in the management of your patient’s needs Margarita Vizcaya, hospice aide
Jeanne Fabricius, RN, case manager
• For those dealing with grief and loss, the Community Grief and Counseling Center at Hospice of the Valley provides families and individuals with one-on-one counseling and loss-specific support groups to adults, teens and children • Since 1979, Hospice of the Valley‘s legacy of compassionate palliative and hospice care, community education, advocacy and outreach has set the standard for quality hospice care state wide and nationally, and our organization is a locally-based, operated, and supported non-profit organization Monique Kuo, MD, medical director
4850 Union Avenue, San Jose, CA 95124 408.559.5600 l hospicevalley.org
JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 53
Law Offices of
Michael J. Khouri Michael J. Khouri
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
ATTORNEY AT LAW FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY OVER 29 YEARS ExPERIENCE ADMITTED IN ALL CALIFORNIA STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS
PROFESSIONAL BOARD DISCIPLINE DEFENSE MEDI-CARE AND MEDI-CAL AUDIT AND FRAUD DEFENSE
OFFICE: (949) 336-2433 CELL: (949) 680-6332 4040 BARRANCA PARKWAY SUITE 200 IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92604 www.khourilaw.com 54 | THE BULLETIN | JULY / AUGUST 2011
gloEMR™ 6.0 was one of ONC-ATCB 2011/2012
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A Certified Success! The facts speak for themselves: • gloEMR™ is proven to have all of the functionality you need to show Meaningful Use and collect your Stimulus funds. • gloEMR™ comes with a Stimulus Guarantee. If it doesn’t help you achieve Meaningful Use, we’ll refund the purchase price of your software.* • gloEMR™ is the only locally supported EMR with Microsoft® It’ s familiar, powerful and easy to use. • gloStream™ is the only EMR company with a 100% implementation success rate. • SCCMA / MCMS has selected gloStream™ as a new member benefit.
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JULY / AUGUST 2011 | THE BULLETIN | 55
BULLETIN THE
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID San Jose, CA Permit No. 503
Address service requested
Official magazine of the Santa Clara County Medical Association and the Monterey County Medical Society
700 Empey Way, San Jose, CA 95128-4705
35 $416 m
30 25
$416 million
15
in declared dividends to our policyholders since 1975.
10 5 Years
Dividends Declared
20
Trust is something you earn from your patients. For 36 years NORCAL Mutual has earned the trust of our insureds. Industry-leading risk management programs, outstanding claims defense and a total of $416 million in declared policyholder dividends are just a few of our strengths. We value your trust at NORCAL Mutual. NORCAL Mutual is proud to be endorsed by the Monterey County Medical Society and the Santa Clara County Medical Association as the preferred medical professional liability insurer for their members.
To learn more about our products and services, please contact: > Ken Stacey, Senior Account Executive License #: 0A00400 Fax: 415-735-2353
Phone: 800-652-1051, ext. 2054 E-mail: kstacey@norcalmutual.com
Our passion protects your practice