MMA Loan & Trust Committee Awards $400,000+ in Loans to Medical Students from Maine

MMA's Loan & Trust Committee approved more than $400,000 in low interest loans to medical students from Maine at the annual meeting of the Maine Medical Education Foundation last week.  The Foundation was established more than 50 years ago for the exclusive purpose of loaning funds to promising students of medicine from Maine.

The committee reviewed applications from 45 MD candidates and 8 DO candidates.  Students entering their first year were awarded loans of $5,000 with 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year students receiving $7500, $10,000, and $12,500 respectively.  A total of $419,000 was awarded.  

Medical Boards Propose Rule Governing Telemedicine

The Board of Licensure in Medicine and the Board of Osteopathic Licensure recently released a proposed joint rule governing the use of telemedicine in the state. 

HealthInfoNet Celebrates 10th Anniversary

HealthInfoNet celebrated its 10th Anniversary at a reception at the Portland Country Club last Thursday, June 16th. Executive Director & CEO Dev Culver and Board Chair Richard White recognized existing and former board members who had served the organization during its first decade.  MMA representatives attended the reception and congratulated HIN staff and board members on the many successes achieved since the establishment of the company in 2006.  Among these are:

Caring for ME: Offering Tools for Responding to the Opioid Crisis

Providers across Maine are asking what they can do to help alleviate the opioid and heroin crisis.  Responding to their call for tools and information, MMA and Maine Quality Counts have created Caring for ME, an initiative to help improve the management of chronic pain, the safety of opioid prescribing, the identification of addiction, and referral for substance abuse treatment services.  The current home of Caring for ME is a web page on the QC website that contains links to resources and information addressing many of the challenges providers face in effectively responding to the crisis.  We urge you to visit the Caring for ME page and also attend our monthly Caring for ME webinars. 

Last week, Lisa Letourneau, M.D., M.P.H. and MMA EVP Gordon Smith, Esq. presented the elements of the Caring for ME initiative to the Board of Licensure in Medicine.  The Board voted to ask for $32,000 in their upcoming budget to contract with Maine Quality Counts in support of three of the Caring for ME initiatives including continuing the webinar series.

Three Maine Health Insurers Apply for Medicare CPC + Initiative

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and Community Health Options have applied to be part of Medicare's Comprehensive Primary Care Plus program.  The announcement was made at last week's meeting of the SIM Medicare Proposal Oversight Committee.   MMA has been participating in the regular meetings of the Oversight Committee.

Maine's ACA Enrollment Up 12.37% Over 2015

The federal government reports that enrollment in Maine's Affordable Care Act Marketplace during the 2016 open-enrollment period was 84,059, a 12.37% increase over 2015's 74,801 enrollment.  See the following article in MaineBiz.

http://www.mainebiz.biz/article/20160606/NEWS01/160609973/1092?utm_source=enews&utm_medium=Daily%2BReport&utm_campaign=Monday

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Nominations for the 2016 Mary F. Cushman Award Due By August 1st

Nominations for MMA's Mary F. Cushman Award for Exceptional Humanitarian Service as a Medical Volunteer are due by August 1st.  The award will be announced at the Association's Annual Session in September.   Additional information about the award is available on the nomination form and brochure on the Annual Session webpage. [return to top]

2016 PQRS Group Practice Reporting Option Open until June 30th

Practices consisting of two or more eligible professionals (EP) that would like to participate in 2016 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) under the group practice reporting option (GPRO) have until June 30th to register as a GPRO.   Practices with two or more EPs do not have to participate in PQRS as a GPRO and may participate as individuals in the program—individual participation may be a better option for certain practices.

Upon GPRO registration, a practice must indicate whether it plans to participate in PQRS under the following options:

• Qualified PQRS registry.
• Qualified clinical data registry (new 2016 GPRO option).
• Electronic health record (EHR).
• Web interface (for groups with 25 or more EPs only).
• Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems (CAHPS) for PQRS survey via a CMS certified survey vendor (as a supplement to another GPRO reporting mechanism). A GPRO with 100 or more EPs must report CAHPS. See "CAHPS for PQRS made simple" for complete details.

If a practice would like to participate as a GPRO and submit data via its EHR, it is highly recommended that the practice consult with its EHR vendor before registration as there are some that will not support the PQRS GPRO EHR option, only the individual PQRS EHR option.

Qualified Clinical Data Registry participants should also check with their vendor to determine if they will support the GPRO option.  The AMA recommends that all practices considering GPRO in 2016 weigh all their options because practices cannot change their GPRO designation with CMS once the registration period closes.  Physicians who are participating in PQRS as an individual do not need to register.

The registration system can be accessed using a valid Enterprise Identify Management (EIDM) account. Instructions for obtaining an EIDM account with the correct role are provided on the PQRS GPRO Registration Web page. Instructions for registering to participate in the 2016 PQRS GPRO are provided in the 2016 PQRS GPRO registration guide.

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National Academies Call for Integrated, National Approach to Trauma Care

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine have released a report calling for a national trauma care system.  Pointing out that that nearly a fifth of the US deaths resulting from trauma, the leading cause of death (47%) for people under the age of 45, are preventable, the authors of the report state that that military advancements in treating battlefield trauma could be better used in US hospitals to improve care.  Those advances have not been adequately or evenly adopted by civilian hospitals.

Particularly noteworthy among non-fatal traumatic injury cases is the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder. The National Study on the Costs and Outcomes of Trauma found that 20.7% of injury victims tested positive for PTSD.

While significant progress toward coordinated care has been made on both military and civilian sides since the 1966 National Academy of Sciences report, "Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society," the report's authors argue for an enhanced use of military medical knowledge in civilian hospitals.  We must, they say, make use of the experience of "the most experienced and successful medical force" in military history to improve trauma care, particularly hemorrhage control, and system design in the civilian sector.

The vision for the future is a "paradigm shift" that views military and civilian trauma care as "tightly interconnected--not two systems, but one."

Oncologists Seek to Increase HPV Vaccine Use

An article in the Washington Post reports an initiative by leading oncologists to encourage pediatricians' promotion of HPV vaccines by "rebranding" them to focus on cancer prevention.  Sexually transmitted infections related to the human papilloma virus have been linked to at least six different cancers, "including more than 90 percent of anal and cervical cancers; 70 percent of vaginal, vulvar and oropharyngeal, or middle throat, cancers; and 60 percent of penile cancers." 

Only 40% of girls and 22% of boys in their teen years have received the full course of three vaccinations, according to the US CDC.  The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly urges its members to use the vaccine.  At present, only two states and the District of Columbia mandate the vaccine. [return to top]

AMA Urges increased Access to Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently released a proposal to increase the number of patients a physician can treat with buprenorphine for opioid use disorder to 200 from the current limit of 100.

In its comments to SAMHSA, the AMA applauded the administration's effort to improve patients' access to comprehensive treatment in physicians' offices.  But the AMA also expressed concern that the SAMHSA proposal will not be sufficient to close the widening gap between the estimated 2.5 million patients who need treatment for opioid use disorder and the fraction of that number who currently have access.

The letter outlined concerns about the lack of payment models to support comprehensive treatment, urging the agency to broaden its definition of physicians eligible for the higher patient caps and to help provide access to new formulations of buprenorphine as they are developed.   [return to top]

Job Openings

Maine Medical Partners is seeking a PT BC/BE internal medicine physician for their Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. 

The Clinic is the primary outpatient teaching site for Maine Medical Center’s Internal Medicine Residency Program and is the medical home for a culturally diverse population.  The ideal candidate will have an interest in residency education and international/immigrant patient care.  The clinical portion of the position involves a mix of direct patient care and the precepting of Internal Medicine Residents. 

Maine Medical Center has 637 licensed beds and is the state’s leading tertiary care hospital, with a full complement of residencies and fellowships and an integral part of Tufts University Medical School. 

For more information please contact Alison C. Nathanson, Director, MaineHealth Physician Recruitment Center at (207) 396-8683 or nathaa@mainehealth.org.

7/4/16

PHYSICIAN/MEDICAL DIRECTOR - Nasson Health Care 

Nasson Health Care is seeking a qualified clinical leader to work collaboratively with a team of health and administrative professionals to provide comprehensive primary care to patients while utilizing the Patient-Centered Medical Home model of care delivery.  

The Physician/Medical Director: 

• Provides advice and counsel regarding a broad range of clinical, clinical policy, programmatic and strategic issues required to achieve the short and long-term strategies and objectives of Nasson Health Care; 
• Provides direct clinical services and oversees physicians and advanced practice nurses; works in partnership with members of the practice team to manage the care of patients, assuring a high standard of medical care; 

  Qualifications include:

• A minimum of three years’ experience as a Medical Director of a primary care medical practice;  A degree from an accredited medical school in the U.S.,
• Board certification in Family or Internal Medicine;  An unrestricted Maine license to practice medicine, as well as a U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency license;
• Working knowledge of the core concepts of evidence-based practice, social and behavioral determinants of health, population-based care, integration of medical, behavioral health and dental care, and Meaningful Use of health information technology.

Visit http://www.nassonhealthcare.org for an application. Completed cover letter, resume, and employment application will be accepted until position is filled.

6/27/16

E.M. BC/BP PHYSICIANS

St. Joseph Hospital is recruiting E.M. BC/BP physicians for its dedicated group.  Collegial, nurturing workplace with latest technology and just-completed expansion.  Members support each other and know patient satisfaction is achieved through staff satisfaction.  Leadership development and participation in policies and direction available. 

Equitable scheduling based on 1440-1472 clinical hours per year; more flexible arrangements available. 

Staffing: 51 hours per day, mostly physicians, for 27,000 visits.  We have great E.D. nurses.   

Area offers many cultural attractions, including the University of Maine, natural and organic food producers, pleasant pace, low crime, friendly people, great public schools and affordable housing.  Acadia National Park, Baxter, scenic towns and harbors, Sugarloaf,  I-95 and Bangor International Airport are right here or close.

Highly competitive package includes relocation, signing bonus, loan repayment, retirement and protected vacation and CME time with allowance.

Contact: Charles F. Pattavina, MD, F.A.C.E.P., Chief, Emergency Medicine at 207.907.3350  or cpattavina@sjhhealth.com

7/18/16

FAMILY MEDICINE/OUTPATIENT INTERNAL MEDICINE PHYSICIAN  

The Maine Highlands offers great outdoor adventures, historic and cultural experiences, many culinary delights and unexpected entertainment opportunities.  KVHC’s newest clinic, Brownville, is located in the Maine Highlands and Katahdin Region.  As a result of this continuous growth, Katahdin Valley Health Center is recruiting a Family Medicine/ Outpatient Internal Medicine Physician that is committed to providing quality health care services to the people in the Brownville/Millinocket Maine regions.   KVHC’s clinics are outpatient only and offers a four day work week with a competitive salary and benefit package which includes: a 10% of first year salary sign on bonus, generous amounts of paid time off and $2500 annually toward CME. Physicians who join KVHC are eligible to apply for NHSC Loan Repayment.  

To learn more about KVHC and Practitioner Opportunities, please contact Michelle LeFay at mlefay@kvhc.org or visit our website at www.kvhc.org.  KVHC is an equal opportunity employer.

8/29/16

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Upcoming Events
 

MCMI Training Programs – Level 1 and Level 2

General Information for 2016

When and where held:

                October 25, 2016 in Portland in conjunction with the Maine Brain Injury Conference

                                (Registration and fees will be through the Maine Brain Injury Conference for October 25)

               June and October programs will be Level 1 in the morning and Level 2 in the afternoon.

Training Programs:             

              Level 1 – An Introduction to Concussions and Concussion Management

                            Speaker: Deb Nichols, CPNP or Peter Sedgwick, MD or Bill Heinz, MD

                           Level of Difficulty: beginner

                           Content: The Diagnostic and Return to Play Dilemma

                                           How Concussion Occurs and Pathophysiology            

                                           Concussion Signs and Symptoms

                                           Concussion Evaluation Tools

                                           Concussion Treatment

                                           Recovery Epidemiology

                                           Return to Function – Academics and Play

                                           Risk Factors and Protective Equipment

                                           Short and Long Term Sequelae

                                           Neurocognitive Testing

                                           Concussion Sideline Assessment

                                           Key Points

              Level 2 – Advanced Concussion Management (Level 1 is a prerequisite for taking Level 2)

                           Speaker: Mike Rizzo, FNP-C, CIC or Paul Berkner, DO

                           Level of Difficulty: intermediate

                           Content: Updates from Zurich 2012       

                                           Using ImPACT Testing in Concussion Management

                                           Interpreting ImPACT Test Results

                                           Concussion Case Reviews

Schedule:

              June – Level 1:

                           7:45am – 8:00am           Registration

                           8:00am – noon               Training Program

                           Level 2:

                           12:15pm-12:30pm          Registration

                           12:30pm – 4:30pm         Training Program

Registration Fee:           

              For morning only training programs: March 11 and April 8

              $100 for Health Care Professionals (MD, DO, NP, PA, Neuropsychologist, AT, RN, PT, OT, SLP)

              $40 for school personnel and all other attendees

                           (School nurses, coaches, school athletic directors, administrators, parents, etc.)

              $20 for students – currently enrolled in a college program

              For morning and afternoon training program: June 10

              $100 for Health Care Professionals (MD, DO, NP, PA, Neuropsychologist, AT, RN, PT, OT, SLP)

              $175 for Health Care Professionals taking Level 1 and Level 2 - Only June 10

              $40 for school personnel and all other attendees                                                                                                              (School nurses, coaches, athletic directors and administrators, etc.)

              $70 for school personnel taking Level 1 and Level 2 - Only June 10

              $20 for students currently enrolled in a college program            

              $35 for students taking Level 1 and Level 2- Only June 10

CME/CEU contact hours: 3.50

Registration Confirmation will be sent by email.

Refund / Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel contact Jan Salis, PT, ATC. You can choose to apply your registration fee to another training program or have your check returned.

For more information contact:

              Jan Salis, PT, ATC

              MCMI - Membership and Education Committee - Chair

              jsalis@aol.com

              (207) 577-2018

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2nd Annual Maine LGBTQ+ Health Conference
Exploring the Intersections

The Green Ladle
156 East Ave.
Lewiston, ME 04240

Monday, June 27th 2016 2015 - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

**CMEs and CEUs available**

TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

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This day-long LGBTQ+ Health Conference has been organized by the Health Equity Alliance and the QCHA, an LGBTQ+ Community Health Initiative. The 2016 LGBTQ+ Conference highlights lived experiences of community members to explore how multiple, complex identities impact health outcomes.

This conference will explore questions like:

How can a harm reduction approach improve queer health?
What are the unique health needs of elders who are LGBT?
Why are STIs and HIV still on the rise for gay and bisexual men?
How can providers make transition-related care more accessible?

This year's keynote address, "Not Because Our Bodies Are Different: LGBT Cancer Health Disparities" will be delivered by Liz Margolies:

Liz Margolies, LCSW, is the founder and executive director of the National LGBT Cancer Network, the first and only national program addressing the needs of LGBT people with cancer and those at risk. Based in NYC, the Network focuses on education, training, advocacy and support. Liz is also a psychotherapist in private practice, specializing in trauma, loss, health disparities and sexuality. In addition, she is a regular blogger for the Huffington Post. In 2014 Liz was chosen as one of the OUT100 for her work in the LGBT community.

Special thanks to our sponsors: AARP Maine, SAGE Maine, and the New England AIDS Education and Training Center

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Who Should Come

Health Care Providers: Physicians, Family Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses

Social Workers and Public Health Professionals: Social Workers, Prevention Providers, Outreach Workers, Epidemiologists, Youth Workers, Counselors, Clinicians

LGBTQ+ Community Members Welcome

TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

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