Last Chance to Register for MMA's 163rd Annual Meeting in Bar Harbor this Weekend
Maine physicians will gather for the 163rd meeting of the Maine Medical Association this coming weekend in Bar Harbor.  The theme of the meeting is Renewing the Joy & Passion in Medicine.  Register today and join your professional colleagues for a stimulating discussion of what needs to be done to allow you to again be the kind of physician you aspired to be.

MMA Board to Meet on Friday, Sept. 9

The 25 member MMA Board of Directors will meet on this coming Friday, Sept. 9, as part of the MMA Annual Session. The meeting will be held at the Bar Harbor Club in Bar Harbor at 2:00pm and any MMA member is welcome to attend. Priority topics for the meeting include a review of the Resolutions to be introduced at the Annual Meeting on the following day, proposed amendments to the MMA bylaws, the proposed 2017 MMA budget and approval of two new grants submitted for funding to the Maine Health Access Foundation and the Maine Community Foundation.

MMA Endorses DrFirst for Electronic Prescribing of Opioids Required July 1, 2017

The Maine Medical Association has selected DrFirst as its exclusive partner in providing electronic prescribing of controlled substances solutions to MMA members. DrFirst will market its products to MMA members in partnership with the Association and MMA will be paid a royalty in connection with each successful sale. 

The new state law limiting prescribing of pain medication requires the electronic prescribing of opioid medication as of July 1, 2017 and DrFirst is one of the vendors certified by the DEA to meet the federal regulatory requirements for sending a prescription for a controlled substance to a pharmacy.

Members wishing to receive a call or visit from representatives of the company may contact Rick Friedman at (301) 231-9510  ext. 2975, or rfriedman@drfirst.com . Representatives of the company will also be exhibiting at the MMA Annual Session Sept. 9-11 in Bar Harbor.

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Maine Obesity Rate at 30%

Maine's self-reported adult obesity rate, at 30%, is 24th highest in the country, according to new figures released September 1st by the US CDC. That makes Maine and Pennsylvania the only two states in the Northeast at or above 30%.

Four states (Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and West Virginia) have rates over 35%, while six states (Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, California, Massachusetts, and Utah) and the District of Columbia are below 25%.

2015 rates were up in Kansas and Kentucky when compared to 2014, but there is some good news: rates were down in four states: Minnesota, Montana, New York, and Ohio. [return to top]

It's "Women in Medicine" Month!

Each September, the AMA Women Physicians Section (WPS) honors physicians who have offered their time, wisdom and support to advance women in medicine. This year's theme, "Women in Medicine: Leaders in Medical Education and Practice," reaffirms the AMA's commitment to increasing the influence of women physicians and advocating for women's health issues.

Here are 10 ways you can become involved in the celebration:

1. Register to attend the first-ever Women in Medicine Symposium from 12:30 – 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 22 at the AMA Headquarters in Chicago.

2. Explore the decade-by-decade timelines featuring remarkable accomplishments that affect us as physicians and women.

3. Meet the honorees of this year’s AMA-WPS Inspirational Physicians Recognition Program, who have offered their time, wisdom and support throughout their professional journeys.

4. Visit our website on Sept. 14 when we will announce the 2016 research grant winners of the Joan F. Giambalvo Fund for the Advancement of Women.

5. Follow the AMA on Facebook and Twitter to see inspiring stories about women in medicine all month long—and how they promote healthy living for everyone.

6. If your medical society is not already involved, join the AMA-WPS Associates Network. The AMA-WPS Associates are responsible for identifying emerging issues and concerns of women in medicine as well as exchanging relevant information between the AMA-WPS and the Associates organizations.

7. Learn more about AMA-WPS leadership opportunities and advocacy for women’s health issues.

8. Work with your medical society or hospital to organize a Women in Medicine Month outreach event.

9. Volunteer to speak to local medical students or resident physicians about getting involved in organized medicine.

10. Get your organization or medical society to sponsor a youth mentoring program. [return to top]

Surgeon General's Opioids Mailing to Physicians

Check your mailbox over the next two weeks—there should be a letter from U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, MD, calling on all physicians throughout the nation to raise awareness and further efforts to end the opioid misuse epidemic.

Physicians are in a unique position of leadership when it comes to this epidemic—they are on the front lines witnessing the impact every day from emergency department overdoses to substance use disorder treatment. The letter asks directly for physicians' help to solve and bring an end to the opioid misuse epidemic.

"We will educate ourselves to treat pain safely and effectively," Dr. Murthy said in the letter, suggesting physicians examine the many resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guideline.

"We will screen our patients for opioid use disorder and provide or connect them with evidence based treatment," he said. "We can shape how the rest of the country sees addiction by talking about and treating it as a chronic illness, not a moral failing."

Awareness can make a difference
This style of raising awareness has worked before. In 1988, U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, MD, sent a seven-page brochure, "Understanding AIDS," to all 107 million households in the country. The mailing raised awareness that the AIDS epidemic affected every one and not just a small group of Americans. The opioid epidemic the country now faces similarly affects those of all ages, races and economic status.

Dr. Murthy earlier this month launched TurnTheTideRx.org, where physicians can take a pledge and make a commitment to end the opioid crisis.

"Years from now, I want us to look back and know that, in the face of a crisis that threatened our nation, it was our profession that stepped up and led the way," he said in the letter.

Physician efforts already underway
Steven J. Stack, MD, AMA immediate-past president, in May issued an open letter to America's physicians calling on them to take re-examine prescribing practices and help reverse the epidemic. "We must accept and embrace our professional responsibility to treat our patients' pain without worsening the current crisis," he said.

The AMA Task Force to Reduce Prescription Opioid Abuse has been working to raise awareness of the crisis for almost two years. The task force put forth recommendations for physicians to register for an use state prescription drug monitoring programs, educate themselves on pain management and safe prescribing, support increased access to naloxone, reduce the stigma of substance use disorder and enhance access to comprehensive treatment. [return to top]

CHO Continues Financial Recovery, Withdraws from NH Market

After a $31 million loss in 2015, Maine-based health insurer Community Health Options (CHO) appears to be on a solid track to financial recovery. On August 31, CHO reported a second quarter 2016 loss of $3.3 million following a first quarter loss of $8.4 million. It still has reserves of over $45 million.

As reported in the Portland Press Herald, CHO had a total of 77,031 members at the end of the second quarter, down from 82,813 members at the end of the first quarter, and up from 74,981 members at the end of 2015. As of June 30, 2016, total net assets were $146.4 million and total net liabilities were $100.8 million.

Because of a very successful 2014, CHO filed for a rate increase of less than 1 percent early in 2015, for the calendar year 2016. Due to significant increases in both membership and utilization, along with significantly increased costs for prescription drugs, those rates proved to be seriously inadequate. In the spring of 2016 CHO sought a rate increase of 25.5 percent for 2017, an increase approved by the Maine Bureau of Insurance on August 16, 2016. Many of CHO's insureds benefit from rate subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. In addition, the company. It also stopped accepting individual enrollments in December 2015. Small and large group policies will remain in effect until their next renewal date. Many of those policies have policy years which do not coincide with the calendar year.

On September 1st CHO announced it will be withdrawing from New Hampshire as of January 1, 2017 to focus on its core Maine business. Existing individual policies will remain in effect through the end of 2016 but will not be renewed for 2017. Individuals currently insured by CHO will have until December 31, 2016 to enroll in a new plan.

New Hampshire memberships currently constitute 15% of CHO's business. The move has been approved by the Maine Bureau of Insurance, the New Hampshire Insurance Department, and CMS. CHO will retain its license and its provider contracts in New Hampshire.

Community Health Options (Health Options) is a non-profit, Member-led health plan providing comprehensive, Member-focused health insurance benefits for individuals, families, and businesses. Health Options is a Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP) licensed in Maine and New Hampshire that is dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality health benefits through productive partnerships with Members, businesses, and a broad network of providers. For more information about Health Options, visit the website: HealthOptions.org.

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Learn How to Market Your Practice Online

Would you like to learn how to better market your practice online? Rank higher at the search engines? Engage your audience on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter? Master mobile marketing? 

If you answered “yes!” to any of these questions, join us at The 5th Annual Agents of Change Digital Marketing Conference on Friday, 9/23/2016, in Portland, Maine. This is a full day, educational conference that’s all about search, social, and mobile marketing.

Marketing experts from around the country are coming to Maine to share some of their best tips, tricks, and strategies to help you generate more business online. You’ll discover the secrets of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SEO, online advertising, and more. You’ll find great networking opportunities. Your ticket includes breakfast, lunch, and a networking event with free pizza and beer. All that and an after party, too!

And as a member Maine Medical Association, we’ve been able to secure a special discount for you. Just enter "mma" when you checkout and save an additional $25 off already discounted prices. 

You can see the full agenda, watch a highlight reel from last year’s event, and grab your tickets at http://www.agentsofchangecon.com/mma

Don’t miss out, and don’t spend more than you need to. Grab your tickets today! [return to top]

State Organ Donor Rate 54% for 2016

Figures released by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles for 2016 show that 54% of driver's license applicants have signed up to be organ donors through the BMV's program. The online renewal system, InforME, shows a 60% rate of volunteering, while the local and mobile units show a range for 2016 from 35% for the Stacyville mobile unit to 60% for the Topsham branch office.

Statewide rates have been 55% for the most recent three months, thanks in large part to the work of the New England Organ Bank and the Maine Organ Donation Advisory Council. [return to top]

Upcoming Events

MPCA HPV Summit: Improving Rates to Reduce Cancer in Maine 

August 24, 2016 

10:00am - 2:00pm 

Bangor Saving Bank (Dirigo Conference Room) - Augusta, ME

We hope you will join us for a half day summit to discuss promising practices in completing the HPV series through collaboration between state agencies, schools, medical providers and community partners. We are excited to showcase the work in Rhode Island for their Vaccinate Before you Graduate program, in addition to sharing the most up to date evidence around the HPV vaccine and its effectiveness in preventing cancers in both men and women.  

Registration: http://www.cvent.com/d/pvqj10                   Fee: $25

Agenda

10:00-10:30:    Welcome, CDC “You Are the Key Presentation”  

   - Jessica Reed, GNP-C, American Cancer Society

10:30-11:00:    What to know about HPV Related Cancers

11:00-12:00:    Perspectives from the Field: Practice-based strategies for improving HPV rates

-  Theresa Knowles, FNP-C, Penobscot Community Health Care

-  Jessica Reed, GNP-C, American Cancer Society 

12:00-12:45:        Lunch (provided)

12:45- 2:00:         Innovative Programs in New England: Vaccinate Before You Graduate – Rhode Island

-   Randall Linn, CEO, The Wellness Company

-   Lesa Volpe, Vaccinate Before You Graduate, The Wellness Company

2:00 PM                Thank You and Evaluations

This Summit is being offered through a partnership of the American Cancer Society and the Maine Primary Care Association, with support from the Maine AHEC Network.

The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and the Maine Medical Association’s Council on Continuing Medical Education and Accreditation (MMA CCMEA) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. UNECOM has requested that the AOA Council on Continuing Medical Education approve this program for 3.25 hours of AOA Category 1B CME credits.  Approval is currently pending. 

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163rd Annual Session

  September 9-11, 2016

Harborside Hotel - Bar Harbor, Maine

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Risk Adjustment Documentation & Coding Seminar

  September 15-16, 2016

Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel - Portsmouth, NH

Do you contract with a Medicare Advantage Organization or other payer using a risk adjustment methodology? Are your coders accurately capturing chronic health conditions? Does the thought of risk adjustment coding keep you up at night?

Join the Baker Newman Noyes (BNN) revenue cycle team, including certified risk adjustment coders (CRC™), for a two-day seminar for healthcare professionals interested in risk adjustment documentation and coding. While risk adjustment has been around for a long time, a solid understanding is essential for proper documentation of a patient's overall health status. BNN has put together a hands-on program to ensure an understanding of risk adjustment coding, the importance of documentation, how to optimize and improve overall risk scores, and much more.

We are excited to offer this comprehensive two-day workshop that will also help in preparation for the Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC™) examination offered through the AAPC.

   For more information and to register click here. Act now to take advantage of early bird pricing.

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15th Annual Downeast Ophthalmology Symposium

Topics include Glaucoma, Cataract, and Uveitis.  Michael X. Repka, MD, MBA will deliver the Keynote address on Ophthalmology in an Era of Health Care Evolution.  There will also be time to enjoy the beautiful area!

For more information and to register visit: https://maineeyemds.com/symposium-home or contact Shirley Goggin at 207-445-2260 or sgoggin@mainemed.com.

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MaineGeneral Medical Center's 2016 Geriatric Symposium

October 6, 2016 

7:45am - 4:30pm

Alfond Center for Health - Augusta, ME

MCMI Training Programs - Level 1 and Level 2

October 25, 2016

When and where held:  On October 25, 2016, the Maine Concussion Management Initiative will present Level 1 and Level 2 Training as the Youth Concussion Track at the Brain Injury Association of America-Maine Chapter's 7th Annual Conference on Defining Moments in Brain Injury in Portland at USM.

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: 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: Conference - 7:30pm to 4:30pm

MCMI Level 1: 9:30am to 1:00pm

MCMI Level 2: 1:30pm to 4:30pm                                                   

Registration:

Fee: $100 for all participants for the entire day

How to register: online atwww.biausa.org then click on BIAA-Maine (in the menu on the left)

CMEs will be provided. Exact contact hours not determined at this time

For more information contact:

Jan Salis, PT, ATC, MCMI - Membership and Education Committee - Chair

jsalis@aol.com or (207) 577-2018

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Maine Health Management Coalition and Maine Medical Association's 2016 Symposium

Thursday, October 27 

Holiday Inn By The Bay, Portland

About the Symposium

For this year's symposium we will be continuing to highlight and explore actionable strategies that each of us can take to help improve health and lower costs.  Our keynote speaker, David Blumenthal, MD, President of The Commonwealth Fund, will share examples of how organizations around the country are getting more value from their health care dollars, and breakout sessions will dive into the details to highlight individual efforts that organizations in our state can emulate.  There will be presentations on tackling prescription drug abuse for providers and employers, alternative payment arrangements being tested through employer/provider partnerships, and overview of how MACRA will impact the payment landscape in our state, and more!

When: Thursday, October 27, 2016, 8am - 5pm

Where: Holiday Inn By The Bay, 88 Spring Street, Portland ME 04101

Register at  https://www.cvent.com/events/mhmc-mma-annual-symposium/registration-2518042715b34604b410c658a1a32973.aspx

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) 661-7383 or nathaa@mainehealth.org.

9/5/16

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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