ESCAMBIA COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY
JANUARY/FEBRUARY2012 Volume 42, No. 1
President’s Message
Starting A New Year by George A.W. Smith, MD
Upcoming Events February 28, 2012
General Membership Meeting 1.5 AMA Category 1 CreditsTM Offered “Risk Management” Cactus Flower 5:30 pm February 29, 2012
The Florida Health Care Law Firm Round Table Q&A ECMS Office 6:30 am-9:00 am March 24, 2012
Doctors Day Pensacola Ice Flyers Game 7:05 pm
RSVP: 478-0706
ECMSinfo@bellsouth.net Founded in 1873
As we begin another year in the Escambia County Medical Society, it is an honor to serve as your president. I would like to thank past and present members of the board who have devoted their time in serving our members and have been role models and an inspiration for me. We have a talented, hardworking board and I am looking forward to working with them. I would like to welcome Erica Laxson as executive director and to thank Holly Strickland for all she has done for our society over the past years. The year started with the inaugural banquet at the Pensacola Country Club. The theme was tropical and the menu reflected my Jamaican heritage. During the cocktail hour we were serenaded by “Pensacola Steel” as hors d’oeuvres were passed. The ceremony started with the observation of a moment of silence in memory of Dr. Michael Redmond and in honor of the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces. Pastor Buford Lipscomb, Senior Pastor of Liberty Church then delivered the Invocation. After the introduction of family and special guests, Dr. Brandhorst gave the outgoing president’s final remarks. She mentioned that the medical society was fiscally sound and that membership was at an all time high. The We Care Doctor of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Norman W. Haines, Jr. of Gastroenterology Associates who donated over $100,000 in medical care. Dr. John Lanza who made the presentation thanked all four area hospitals and the over 300 physicians for their support. He stated that in 2011 the Escambia County We Care program delivered over $8.5 million in uncompensated care. He once again made a plea for the continued participation of Medical Society physicians and reminded us that participants were eligible for sovereign immunity, could claim continued medical education
credits and would have their medical license Dr. George A.W. Smith renewal fee waived. Dr. Mary Jane Benson of The Surgery Group received the 2012 Presidents Award in appreciation of her time, service and care to the citizens of Escambia County. The induction of the 2012 slate of officers and presidents oath of office was administered by FMA President Dr. Miguel Machado. Highlights of my inaugural address included statistics of the aging population in the United States and its impact on our healthcare system. I also shared pictures from my recent medical mission trip to Nepal and made references to the uncertainty of our healthcare system. After dinner we danced to the music of “SoulBiz” It was a wonderful evening and we have our sponsors to thank for this. They were Ballinger Publishing, Baptist Healthcare, Covenant Hospice, Emerald Coast Hospice, Escambia Community Clinics Inc., The West Florida Area Health Education Center, O’Sullivan Creel, Regions Bank, Sacred Heart Health System, Saltmarsh Cleaveland and Gund, University Partners and Virginia College. With the festivities over it is now time to get down to the business of the Medical Society. The legislative session is now in full swing and there are several bills that are being followed closely by the FMA including sovereign immunity for emergency care and multiple bills pertaining to the prescribing of controlled substances. We have several interesting topics and events lined up for this year; Changes in Pain Management Laws and Risk management, to name a few. I am open to your ideas and suggestion to increase membership and to make our Society more relevant for you, and I look forward to your participation.
ECMS Bulletin The Bulletin is a publication for and by the members of the Escambia County Medical Society. The Bulletin publishes six times a year: Jan/ Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec. We will consider for publication articles relating to medical science, photos, book reviews, memorials, medical/legal articles, and practice management. Editors Christopher Burton, MD Erica Laxson, Executive Director
AD PLACEMENT Contact Erica Laxson at 478-0706 Ad Rates ¹∕₈ page: $100 • ¼ page: $150 • ½ page: $300
2012 ECMS Officers President George A.W. Smith, M.D. President-Elect Wendy Osban, D.O. Vice President Susan Laenger, M.D. Secretary /Treasurer Christopher Burton, M.D.
Pages 4 2012 ECMS Events Calendar Page 5 2012 ECMS Slate of Officers Pages 6-7 2012 ECMS Inaugural Ball Pages 8-9 The Dangers of Going Bare Vision for the Bulletin: -Appeal to the family of medicine in Escambia and Santa Rosa County and to the world beyond. - Collaborate with the Alliance to bring together Escambia and Santa Rosa County medical families. To know the needs of the community and promote the healthcare needs. - A powerful instrument to attract and induct members to organized medicine. Views and opinions expressed in the Bulletin are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the directors, staff or advertisers.
We proudly announce that First Professionals Insurance Company and The Doctors Company have united. Together, we set a higher standard. We aggressively defend your name. We protect good medicine. We reward doctors for their loyalty. We ensure members benefit from our combined strength. We are not just any insurer. We are the nation’s largest insurer of physician and surgeon medical liability. The Doctors Company and First Professionals Insurance Company (FPIC) have officially joined forces. With the addition of FPIC, we have grown in numbers, talent, and perspective—strengthening our ability to relentlessly defend, protect, and reward our 71,000 members nationwide. To learn more about how we can protect your livelihood and reputation with our medical professional liability program, call (800) 352-0320 or visit us at www.thedoctors.com.
We relentlessly defend, protect, and reward the practice of good medicine.
Membership Welcome New Members Elise T Gordon, MD
Primary Care Sports Medicine Medical School: Dartmouth - Brown Program in Medicine, Providence, RI Residency: Naval Hospital, Pensacola, FL Board Certified: American Board of Family Medicine Certificate of Additional Qualification - Sports Medicine 1040 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Suite 203 Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 850-916-3700
Leonardo Villegas, MD Sacred Heart Medical Group
Medical School: Universidad of Buenos Aires Residency: University of Missouri Kansas City Fellowship: Duke University Board Certified: American Board of Surgery 5153 North Ninth Avenue, Suite 207 Pensacola, FL 32503 850-416-2671
Victor Hultstrand, MD
Kristin L. Davis, MD
Advanced Women’s Care Medical School: FSU College of Medicine Residency: Florida State University 525 Brent Lane Pensacola, FL 32503 850-471-2221
Steven D. Eilen, MD, FACC
Cardiology Consultants Medical School: Medical College of Georgia Residency: Tulane University Fellowship: Tulane University and University of Texas Health Science Center Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine 5151 North 9th Avenue, Suite 200 Pensacola, FL 32504 850-857-1700
Hani A. Razek, MD, FACC
Pensacola Pathologists, P.A. Medical School: University of Loma Linda Residency: University of Florida Fellowship: University of Florida Board Certified: AP/CP 5149 North Ninth Avenue, Suite 122 Pensacola, FL 32504 850-416-7780
Cardiology Consultants Medical School: Alexandria University, Egypt Residency: Jersey Shore Medical Center Fellowship: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences & Detroit Medical Center Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine 1118 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Suite 102 Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 850-932-1775
Rosanny Espinal-Witter, MD
Joshua G. Hackel, MD
Christopher Dadisman, MD
Pensacola Pathologists, P.A. Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Residency: Weill Cornell-New York-Presbyterian Hospital Fellowship: Weill Cornell-New York-Presbyterian Hospital Board Certified: American Board of Pathology 5149 North Ninth Avenue, Suite 122 Pensacola, FL 32504 850-416-7780
Patrick Blanchard, MD
Naval Hospital Pensacola Medical School: University of Kansas Residency: University of Kansas Board Certified: American Board of Family Medicine 6000 West Highway 98 Pensacola, FL 32512 850-505-6732
Vicki Roy, MD
Baptist Medical Group Internal Medicine Gulf Breeze Medical School: Loma Linda University Residency: Kettering Medical Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine 1118 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Suite 101 Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 850-916-3680
Jay Hospital Medical School: American University of the Caribbean Residency: Colombus Regional Medical Center Fellowship: American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) Board Certification: American Board of Family Medicine 14114 Alabama Street Jay, FL 32565 850-916-8700
Irfan M. Ahmed, MD
Woodlands Medical Specialties Medical School: University of Mysore, India Residency: H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine 4724 North Davis Highway Pensacola, FL 32503 850-696-4000
Medical Center Clinic Medical School: Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine Residency: Medical College of Georgia Fellowship: Medical College of Georgia Board Certification: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology 8333 North Davis Highway Pensacola, FL 32514 850-474-8353
Logan T. Porter, MD
Santa Rosa Medical Group Medical School: Duke University School of Medicine Residency: Middlesex Memorial Hospital, Connecticut Board Certification: American Board of Family Practice 4225 Woodbine Road, Suite A Pace, FL 32571 850-994-6575
Lee A. Savoia-McHugh, MD Naval Hospital Pensacola 6000 West Highway 98 Pensacola, FL 32512 850-505-6732
Clarence J. Louis, MD
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine Residency: University of Louisville Board Certification: 30 Escalona Avenue Pensacola, FL 32503 850-429-2738
Leslie M. Barnes, MD
Baptist Medical Group – Ortho Trauma Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine Residency: Louisiana State University Fellowship: University of Alabama 1717 North “E” Street, Suite 208 Pensacola, FL 32501 850-469-7771
Logan M. Richards, MD
Baptist Medical Group – Internal Medicine Medical School: University of South Alabama Residency: Medical University of South Carolina Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine 1118 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Suite 101 Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 850-916-3680
Medical Students Shannon Scott
FSU College of Medicine
Roxanne Samuels FSU College of Medicine
Reminder
We are currently accepting new applications for 2012 members and please don’t forget that membership dues for 2012 are due by January. We look forward to another great year at the Escambia County Medical Society in conjunction with Santa Rosa County.
Membership Wishing you Success & Happiness in the New Year Attention Members! It is now time to send in your updated information for the 2012 ECMS Pictorial Directory. Our Medical Society directory is very beneficial for many reasons with use by members, non-members, and other health community providers. As a benefit to our members, the directory will list the physicians alphabetically and by specialty. The directory will contain the physician name, address, phone number, specialty, NPI, picture, and website address if applicable. Our 2012 ECMS Directory will be distributed to each member at no cost.
The purpose of this directory is to promote the concept of members doing business with both members and supporters, as well as to provide a comprehensive, easy to use reference and referral guide. Thank you to our friend Malcolm Ballinger and his team for all of their hard work in putting our Pictorial Directory together. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to call me, 4780706 ext 2. Sincerely,
Erica Laxson Executive Director
ESCAMBIA COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY 2012 EVENTS CALENDAR Date/Sponsor Location/Time Meeting/Information Thursday January 26, 2012 Sanders Beach Community Center Purdue Pharma [2 AMA Category 1 CreditsTM] MECOP, CDAC, SHHS, ECMS 5:30p Panel Discussion “Changes in Pain Management Controlled Substance Dissemination and How It Will Affect Your Practice” Tuesday February 28, 2012 Cactus Flower General Membership Meeting [1.5 AMA Category 1 CreditsTM] Social Hour: Express Employment Professionals 5:30p The Florida Healthcare Law Firm Dinner Sponsor: MAG Mutual Speaker: Jeff, Al, Linda Topic: Risk Management Wednesday February 29, 2012 ECMS Office The Florida Health Care Law Firm 6:30a Round Table Breakfast Q&A Saturday March 24, 2012 Ice Flyers Hockey Game DOCTORS DAY Baptist Health Care & Virginia College Cocktails, appetizers & hockey This event is open to family & guest 7:00p
Tuesday April, 10, 2012 Social Hour Sponsor: BBVA Compass
McGuire’s Irish Pub 5:30p
Tuesday May 8, 2012 Regions Bank, Express Employment Professionals, BBVA Compass, MAG Mutual
Tuesday July 10, 2012
Representative Doug Broxson: New Florida Regulation MINI HEALTH FAIR General Membership Meeting
Friday-Sunday July 27-29
Boca Raton, Fl
FMA CONFERENCE
Tuesday August 14, 2012 Social Hour Sponsor: BBVA Compass
Heritage Hall 5:30p
General Membership Meeting
Sunday September 23, 2012 Sponsor(s): Baptist Health Care & Virginia College
WOMEN IN MEDICINE
Tuesday October 9, 2012 Social Hour Sponsor: Express Employment Professionals
General Membership Meeting
Tuesday November 13, 2012
General Membership Meeting
Saturday January 12, 2013
INAUGURAL BALL
** Schedule is subject to change; please check the website escambiacms.org for updates
Inaugural Ball 2012 Escambia County Medical Society 2012 Inaugural Ball Installation of Officers Pensacola Country Club January 14, 2012 2012 President: George A.W. Smith, MD & Escambia County Medical Society Slate of Officers 2012 Executive Committee Voting Member* OFFICERS
George Smith, M.D.* President 2200 N. Palafox Street Pensacola, FL 32501 OFFICE 436-4630
Wendy Osban, D.O.* President - Elect 1549 Airport Blvd, Ste 31 Pensacola, FL 32504 OFFICE 416-7008
Susan Laenger, M.D.* Vice-President 1395 El Rito Dr Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 OFFICE 932-9251
Christopher Burton, M.D.* Secretary/Treasurer 8333 N. Davis Highway Pensacola, Fl 32514 OFFICE 969-2563
THREE MEMBERS AT LARGE Thomas Westbrook, M.D.* 6160 N Davis Hwy, Ste. 3 Pensacola, FL 32504 OFFICE 473-1121
Brent Videau, M.D.* 5151 North 9th Ave, Ste 200 Pensacola, FL 32504 OFFICE 857-1700
Suzanne Bush, M.D.* 4900 Grande Dr Pensacola, FL 32504 OFFICE 476-3696
LIAISON MEMBERS (Non voting privilege) John J. Lanza, M.D. Mary Foscue, M.D. Chair, Public Health/We Care Sr. VP SHHS, Medical Affairs Dir., Escambia Co. Health 5151 N. 9th Avenue Department Pensacola, FL 32504 1295 W. Fairfield Drive OFFICE 416-7284 OFFICE 595-6557
Mike Oleksyk, M.D. Sr. VP BHC, Medical Affairs 1000 W. Moreno Pensacola, FL 32501 OFFICE 469-2317
NINE DELEGATES TO THE FMA 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Michelle Brandhorst, M.D. Wendy Osban, D.O. Jill Prafke, M.D. Kurt Jones, M.D. John Lanza, M.D.
6. 7. 8. 9.
Christopher Burton, M.D. Crawford Cleveland, M.D. Michael Riesberg, M.D. Wayne Willis, M.D.
W. Terry Stallings, M.D. Sr. VP WF, Medical Affairs 8383 North Davis Highway Pensacola, FL 32514 OFFICE 494-3439
Paul A. McLeod, M.D. Sr. Associate Dean of Regional Campuses 8880 University Parkway, Suite A Pensacola, FL 32514 OFFICE 494-5939
ALTERNATE DELEGATES TO THE FMA (Invited by numerical order) 1. Crawford Cleveland, M.D. 2. Kurt Krueger, M.D. 3. Thomas Westbrook, M.D. 4. Mary Mehta, M.D.
2012 Inaugural Ball Escambia County Medical Society 2012 Inaugural Ball
A Very Special Thanks To Our Event Sponsors:
L to R: 2012 ECMS Officers George Smith, MD (President); Wendy Osban, DO (President-Elect); Susan Laenger, MD(VicePresident); Christopher Burton, MD (Secretary-Treasurer)
Regions Bank Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund O’Sullivan Creel Sacred Heart Health Systems Baptist Health Care University Partners Virginia College Escambia Community Clinic Ballinger Publishing Covenant Hospice Area Health Education Centers and Emerald Coast Hospice
The Smith Family
L to R: George Smith, ECMS President and Miguel Machado, FMA President L to R: Pastor Lipscomb, Maxine Smith, Ann Lipscomb
L to R: Maxine Smith, Michelle Brandhorst, MD, George Smith, MD, Jill Prafke, MD
L to R: Norman Haines, MD and Susan Haines
L to R: George Smith, MD and Maxine Smith First Dance
Dancing to Soul Biz
January 14, 2012 Special Awards and Acknowledgements 2011 We Care Doctor of the Year
2011 Presidents Award
Norman W. Haines, Jr., M.D.
M. Jane Benson, M.D.
2011 Life Membership Awards Dennis Peters, MD
Adelaida Torres, MD
Dewey Torres, MD Troy Tippett, MD
William Whibbs, MD
Robert Snowden, MD
L to R: Sr Chief Joe Bartell, Constance Bartell, and Vishnu Behari, MD L to R: Wendy Osban, DO, Mike Osban, Michelle Brandhorst, MD, Suzan Laenger, MD, Dietmar Laenger, Erica Laxson, Travis Huffman, Christopher Burton, MD
L to R: Jill Prafke, MD, Michelle Brandhorst, MD, Kim Lein, Marty Picker, Cathy LaPaugh, and Bart Byrd
L to R: Kris Edwards and Erica Laxson
Inaugural Ball 2012
Enjoying the festivities at the 2012 Ball
Medical/Legal The Dangers of Going Bare by Robert E. White, Jr., Sr. Vice President, Regional Operating Officer, The Doctors Company/FPIC/APAC Yet another large verdict has been rendered against a bare Florida doctor. Most recently, in September 2011, a jury found an OB/GYN and his professional association responsible for failing to detect physical disabilities of a child before it was born and awarded $4.5 million to the parents. In the past few years, several Florida physicians have been involved in trials that resulted in multi-million dollar plaintiff awards. Six of those medical malpractice trial verdicts were in excess of $30 million. Jury awards continue to escalate, creating increased incentive for attorneys to aggressively target doctors in Florida. While a recent national study found that 20 percent of malpractice claims against doctors lead to a payment to the patient, claims against doctors in Florida result in a payment to the patient in over 50 percent of claims. Each year about 1 in 14 doctors is the target of a claim, and most physicians and virtually every surgeon will face at least one claim in their careers. Clearly, the probability of a claim is high, and purchasing malpractice coverage should always be a serious consideration. Many physicians and surgeons don’t fully understand the dangers of going bare, and several popular myths need to be dispelled. Myth number one. Carrying malpractice insurance will make me a target for a lawsuit. Florida’s plaintiff’s bar is fully aware of the monster it created. Its old habit of only suing doctors with insurance is a thing of the past. Several years ago, the plaintiff’s bar began suing bare physicians and trying the case against the bare doctor if he or she refused to settle. Many bare doctors have paid six-figure amounts to settle cases, on top of sixfigure legal bills to their defense lawyers. In many cases, the amounts paid add up to decades of insurance premiums for the bare doctor involved. Myth number two. Florida’s cap on medical malpractice awards protects me from paying an excessive plaintiff award. The cap applies only to non-economic awards. The cap does not apply to economic awards. Economic awards are often multiples of non-economic awards rendered. Further, in McCall v. USA, a case scheduled for oral argument in Florida’s Supreme Court in February 2012, physicians face the prospect that the cap on non-economic damages they have enjoyed since 2003 will be declared unconstitutional, and the cap will be rendered null and void. Myth number three. If I get sued and the outcome results in a plaintiff award that is greater than the amount of my ability to pay, I can declare bankruptcy to protect my personal assets. If a bare physician qualifies for
“Keeping Physicians in Since 1950”
B P for ulletrionud EC Ove Sp MS r 30 onso Touch Yea r rs
certain bankruptcy laws, those laws impact the applicability of the important homestead exemption for the physician’s personal residence. Under the law, full exemption has specific requirements that could be significantly limited. Bankruptcy laws make planning difficult and limit your ability to discharge debts. Even with bankruptcy, the judgment is in place for 10 years, so any asset obtained within the 10 years can be transferred to the plaintiff. In many cases, the 10-year obligation can be extended for an additional 10 years. Myth number four. If I lose the case, my existing practice will allow me to maintain future income. On the contrary, judgment obligations have the potential to negatively impact your income indefinitely. All of your professional association’s account receivables could be attached to pay a judgment if not properly leveraged. If you don’t pay a court judgment, arbitration award or settlement arising from a malpractice judgment, you risk suspension of your medical license by the Florida Board of Medicine. “Bare Insurance”—Adequate Protection? A reputable carrier hires defense attorneys to represent you throughout the entire length of the claims process regardless of whether the costs of that defense exceed a potential settlement or policy limit amount. There are some defense attorneys who specialize in defending bare doctors through a retainer contract or insurers that provide “defense costs Continued on next page
Banking built for your practice or organization. Put our team of specialist to work for you. Healthcare Banking Team 850-857-5082
The Doctor’s Directory, Inc.
Jefferson Office Park 3298 Summit Boulevard - Suite #3 Pensacola, FL 32503 850-438-9622
1-800-COMPASS • bbvacompass.com
PAUL R. MORRIS BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank, Member FDIC.
399 - Healthcare ad-Pensacola.indd 1
1/4/12 1:19 PM
Medical/Legal Dangers of Going Bare, continued from page 8 only” policies as an alternative to purchasing medical malpractice insurance. They argue that exposure can be reduced by paying a pre-paid defense retainer as a way to reduce significant attorney fees. They also argue that buying “bare insurance” may reduce the amount of a judgment against a physician. Although they admit that it is not a cap on liability, they hold the belief that Florida doctors are savvy when it comes to their personal assets, thereby protecting the doctor from the obligation to pay an award in excess of $250,000. Those attorneys have overlooked important consequences of a large judgment against a bare doctor: • Although the retainer reduces significant attorney’s fees, unlike full professional liability insurance, the pre-paid defense retainer and the defenseonly policy have a limit that may not cover all of the expenses associated with the defense for a case that goes all the way to trial. The physician is responsible for the balance. • Even if a physician has protected all of his or her personal assets, the first $250,000 of the plaintiff award must be paid within 60 days. Defense Costs It’s very common for physicians and surgeons to equate insurance simply with paying a claim. However, in addition to the indemnity payment, defense costs must also be considered. A top-quality, well-financed defense through a two-week trial will cost approximately $150,000 to $200,000. Defense costs can, and frequently do, exceed the amount paid to the plaintiff. It is not uncommon for defense costs to exceed the policy limits. Additionally, Florida physicians now have the right to consent to settlement in the insurance policies of some insurance carriers.
Significant costs can also be incurred after the trial, even if the case is not appealed. If the lawsuit results in a verdict for the plaintiff, the plaintiff’s attorney has the right to file a motion to recover some of the costs the plaintiff incurred as a result of trying the case. Those costs are generally in the range of $50,000 and can exceed $100,000 in some cases. Non-Payment of a Claim—Another Potential Consequence Payment on the judgment or arbitration award must be made within 60 days after the date the judgment was made. For bare physicians who have endured the costs of a trial, bond obligations, and potential appeal, making such a payment on the judgment within the 60-day requirement may be extremely difficult, if not impossible. Conclusion Without medical professional liability insurance, a physician carries the full responsibility for the costs associated with a claim, regardless of whether the claim is arbitrated, settled, defended in a trial, or subsequently appealed. Even the reversal of a plaintiff award could have a significant, if not devastating, impact on the doctor’s financial status, including personal assets. Those who decide to go bare and believe purchasing bare insurance is sufficient need to be aware that bare insurance most likely will not adequately cover all of the costs associated with a claim. They also must consider that the provider of prepaid legal services or a defense-only policy may have economic incentive to take short cuts in the defense since the provider does not have to face the financial consequences of a large plaintiff’s award. While the bare doctor can sue the provider for a less-thanadequate defense (at the doctor’s ongoing expense), the outcome of that lawsuit will still be uncertain, and relief, if any, will be years away. The ability to afford the expenses related to a claim is only one of many challenges for bare physicians. There is almost always an emotional toll; physicians are committed to providing the best possible care for patients. When a patient is harmed or perceives there has been inadequate care, the stress associated with the lengthy claims resolution process can be overwhelming. Going bare is a significant professional and personal risk. A reputable professional liability insurance company is not only your best protection against a claim, but it also reduces the emotional toll because you have the peace of mind of knowing that you have a knowledgeable ally directing and financing your defense.
Important Information by Linda A. Keen, MSN, JD, LHCRM,
from the law office of Linda A. Keen, Tallahassee FL. • Approved Counterfeit Proof Pad Vendors http://www.doh.state.fl.us/ppv_search/default.asp • Florida on Line Sunshine www.leg.state.fl.us • Controlled Substance Prescriber Registration http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/controlledsubstance_rxreg.html To designate oneself as a controlled substance prescribing practitioner as provided in s.456.44, Florida Statutes: 1. Visit the secure “online services” website at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/ mqaservices/login.asp 2. Log in using your MQA services user ID and password. This is the same user ID and password used to renew your license online.
Practice Management The Doctors Company Acquires FPIC Insurance Group, Inc. The Doctors Company announced today that it has completed its acquisition of FPIC Insurance Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:FPIC), the parent company of First Professionals Insurance Company, Inc.; Advocate, MD; Intermed; and Anesthesiologists Professional Assurance Company. FPIC is a major provider of health care liability insurance in Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Arkansas. With the completion of the merger and the addition of 18,000 insureds, The Doctors Company solidifies its position as the nation’s largest insurer of physician and surgeon medical liability, with 71,000 member physicians. “Combining our two physician-founded companies strengthens our ability to defend, protect, and reward the practice of good medicine,” said Richard E. Anderson, MD, FACP, chairman and CEO of The Doctors Company. “We are pleased by the enhanced value that The Doctors Company will be able to offer physicians, including unparalleled service, exceptional financial strength, and outstanding member benefits. Among those benefits is our unrivaled Tribute® Plan, which rewards physicians for their loyalty to The Doctors Company and for the practice of good medicine.”
Case Pro
Upon renewal with The Doctors Company, physicians insured by FPIC and its subsidiaries will automatically participate in the Tribute Plan. In connection with the closing of the transaction, FPIC’s common stock is being deregistered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and delisted with NASDAQ, and public trading of FPIC securities will cease at the close of market today. FPIC will function as a wholly owned subsidiary of The Doctors Company, and its operations are being integrated with the company’s existing operations. The company will maintain FPIC’s offices, including its Jacksonville, Florida headquarters, and Advocate, MD’s office in Austin, Texas. About The Doctors Company Founded by doctors for doctors in 1976, The Doctors Company (www.thedoctors.com) is relentlessly committed to advancing, protecting, and rewarding the practice of good medicine. The Doctors Company is the nation’s largest insurer of physician and surgeon medical liability, with 71,000 members, $4 billion in assets, and an A rating from both A.M. Best Company and Fitch Ratings.
ADVERTISEMENT
Family Medicine Physician Opening at Navy Hospital, Pensacola, FL CasePro, a Federal Contract employer, is hiring a Family Medicine Physician for fulltime practice. The Physician will be an employee of CasePro. You will not be required to sign a contract, rather an offer of employment.
The patient population will be active duty Navy personnel. • • • • •
Compensation range: $189,000 and $196,500 (gross/annual) Six weeks of paid time off per year is accrued in this position 80 hours of paid Federal holiday time off 40 hours per week Clinic hours are 7:30AM – 8:00PM, and 7:30AM – Noon Saturday, Sundays and Holidays (hours are rotated equitably between all the Family Medicine Physician staff)
Qualification requirements: • Graduation from an LCME accredited medical school, or accredited by the AOA, or certified by the ECFMG • Successful completion of a residency program approved by the ACGME or AOA accreditation • Current, unrestricted U.S. license from any U.S. State • Board certified in Family Medicine • No experience requirement
We are accepting CVs as application for the position. A Navy job description is available. Submit CV to warren@caseproinc.com, or call Warren Larson at 888-999-5415, Ext 34.
InThe Community Hospital News
Sacred Heart News
Baptist Health Care News Baptist Hospital Initiates Emergency Department Construction Baptist Hospital, the flagship facility for Baptist Health Care, has initiated a $1,897,000 construction project for its Emergency Department that will allow the department to care for more patients while reducing wait times. The Baptist Hospital Emergency Department construction project includes four phases and when complete the new department will feature 41 patient rooms. The main emergency department will have 29 fully functional, monitored rooms, including two trauma resuscitation rooms, plus one imaging room; six rooms dedicated for heart and vascular; and six rooms dedicated for behavioral medicine. The new design focuses on efficiency. Centralized workstations for physicians and staff will improve productivity, staff morale and patient satisfaction. New triage areas will also support helping patients more quickly receive the medical care they need. In addition, the new design will offer aesthetic improvements for patients and families. “While Baptist Hospital has been undergoing campus wide construction over the past 18 months, the Emergency Department renovations are very exciting,” states David Wildebrandt, Administrator, Baptist Hospital. “For many patients, this is their first impression of our hospital and we want it to be a great one.” The Baptist Hospital Emergency Department cares for an average of 60,000 patients each year and has achieved outstanding recognition for heart attack care, stroke care and trauma care. Emergency Department construction began June 2011 and is expected to be complete by April 2012. The Baptist Hospital campus-wide construction began in July 2010 and is expected for completion in early 2012.
Tower Construction Will Bring Parking, Entrance Changes Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola expects to begin construction in May on a new five-story tower to be constructed on top of the hospital’s existing Heart and Vascular Institute (HVI) building. The expansion will add 112 private patient rooms and is scheduled for completion Spring 2014. Several changes to parking areas and entrances will be necessary during construction. The HVI entrance will be closed, and the east entrance of the Payne Building will become the primary entrance from the HVI parking area, which will have only limited parking available. Most of the lot will be closed while it is used for construction materials and equipment. The physician-only parking area will be relocated to the front of the hospital near the Conference Center. Clinical Staff Prepares for eOrders By the end of 2012, practitioners’ verbal and written patient-care orders will be replaced by eOrders, Sacred Heart’s computerized provider order entry (CPOE) system. The easily accessible system will be used for all patient-care orders, including pharmacy, admissions, lab, radiology and ancillary services. Physician training will begin in August and go-live dates will be staggered between September and December.
THE FLORIDA HEALTHCARE LAW FIRM The Law Offices of Jeff Cohen, P.A.
ECMS MEMBER BENEFIT! The Healthcare Attorney On Call Members can call after hours with a specific legal issue or question and receive a response no later than noon the next business day.
A loan that’s good for your business is also good for your peace of mind. James Ferreira, Community Banker 70 North Baylen Street | Pensacola, FL 32502 | 850.444.1210
regions.com/yourbusiness
© 2011 Regions Bank. All loans subject to credit approval.
FL-SW111095 EscambiaMedSociety.indd 1
12/9/11 11:36 AM
This Service is now available for all members at no charge. Hotline number is (561)306-5699 No Access Code Needed!
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #258 PENSACOLA, FL
8880 University Pkwy., Suite B Pensacola, FL 32514 Ph: 850-478-0706 Fx: 850-474-9783 Email: ECMSinfo@bellsouth.net Executive Director: Erica Laxson
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Member Benefit: The Health Care Attorney On Call Hotline (561) 306-5699 View and opinions expressed in the Bulletin are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the board of directors, staff or advertisers. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit or reject any submission.
We defend. There’s a guiding philosophy To Mag MuTual’s efforTs to defend your reputation: Whatever it takes. Claims committees staffed 100% by physicians. An exhaustive review and medical opinion for every claim filed. Outside help, when needed, to prepare a physician for deposition. Deep exploration of the best available expert witnesses. A detailed game plan weeks before trial. Testing the defense with focus groups. Mock trials. Continuous involvement of MAG Mutual’s claims specialists. Much of the above represents an “expense” to other carriers – an expense they often don’t want to pay. We invest in the best interest of the physician, whose reputation, life and livelihood are at stake.
MAG Mutual... a clear advantage. A.M. Best A (Excellent) rating • $16.5 million dividend declared for 2011* Call Mag Mutual’s staige hoffman at 1-800-741-0611 or arlene gardner, fisher-Brown inc., at 1-800-487-2973 or visit us at www.magmutual.com. *Dividend effective June 1, 2011. Dividend payments are declared at the discretion of the MAG Mutual Insurance Company Board of Directors.