Maine Medicine Weekly Update - October 23, 2017
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Patients Pay for Ending Cost-sharing Reduction Payments

Federal cost-sharing reductions (CSR) payments, which helped lower health insurance deductibles and co-payments for millions of low-income Americans obtaining coverage in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, will be discontinued this month, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced Oct. 12.

[from the AMA Advocacy Update]

The move followed the White House's statement that referred to CSRs as "unlawful payments" and a "bailout of insurance companies" that were being funded without a Congressional appropriation. AMA President David O. Barbe, MD, MHA, said the AMA "is deeply discouraged" by the president's decision because it "creates more uncertainty" in the individual insurance marketplace and threatens "access to meaningful health insurance coverage for millions of Americans" just as an abbreviated open-enrollment period is about to begin.

"Republicans and Democrats alike have expressed concern about the affordability of health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act, and bipartisan efforts have been underway in Congress to provide the specific authorization and funding for CSR payments to address the legal issues involved," Dr. Barbe (@DBarbe_MD) said. "Our patients will ultimately pay the price. We urge Congress to accelerate its efforts to reinstate these payments before further damage is done."

It is estimated that at least 6 million people had their costs of care lowered by a CSR, at an annual cost to the federal government of around $7 billion.

The AMA joined a coalition of organizations representing family physicians, hospitals, health insurers and employers in urging Congressional leaders to "take action now to fund" CSR benefits. The joint letter notes the Congressional Budget Office's determination that ending the funding that supports CSR benefits will:

• Drive up premiums, increasing average premiums for benchmark silver plans—the most popular plans on the exchanges—by 20 percent in 2018, and by 25 percent in 2020.
• Deny choices for consumers and greatly increase the risk that some places will have no coverage options at all.
• Increase the federal budget deficit by $194 billion over the next 10 years.

Less Wealth Means Greater Disability, Shorter Life

A JAMA Internal Medicine study, reported in Reuters Health, suggests that people with fewer savings, investments, retirement accounts, and other assets have a higher likelihood of disability and premature death than those with greater wealth.

The study, which looked at 12,173 older adults in the U.S. and 7,599 in England, found, “[T]hose in the lowest wealth quintile had significantly higher risk of death and disability than their highest wealth counterparts at all ages studied.” While there have been other studies focused on income levels, this one was based on the idea that, because of retirement, wealth may be a better marker of financial resources than income among older adults.

The study concluded that low wealth was associated with death and disability in both countries, despite the differences in safety-net health care systems. It appears that “access to health care may not attenuate wealth-associated disparities in older adults.” Results were similar in the 54-64 cohort and the 66-76 cohort, which would theoretically have greater access to social support programs. There was a “strong inverse relationship” between wealth and disability, which in turn is a strong predictor of quality of life.

The greatest improvements in health outcomes were seen between the lowest and second lowest wealth quintiles.

The article may be found at: http://in.reuters.com/article/us-health-wealth-outcomes/less-wealth-tied-to-higher-odds-of-disability-and-premature-death-idINKBN1CS2P1. The study is reported at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2659324 .

Congress Continues CHIP Negotiations

Discussions are continuing in Congress over how to pay for the reauthorization of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and other expired health care programs.  

[from AMA Advocacy Update]

On Oct. 4, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce reported two bills, the Helping Ensure Access for Little Ones, Toddlers, and Hopeful Youth by Keeping Insurance Delivery Stable (HEALTHY KIDS) Act (H.R. 3921) and the Community Health And Medical Professionals Improve Our Nation (CHAMPION) Act (H.R. 3922). Taken together, the bills would reauthorize CHIP for five years and extend for two years funding for community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education and other programs.

While all these programs enjoy broad, bipartisan support, there remain disagreements over how the cost will be offset. The CHIP bill, H.R. 3921, included provisions related to Medicaid third-party liability, the treatment of Medicaid beneficiaries whose income is affected by lottery winnings, and further income relating of Medicare Part B and D premiums.

H.R. 3922 includes provisions to effectively shorten the grace period for non-payment of premiums under the ACA from 90 days to 30 days, unless a state chooses a different period, and to eliminate $6.35 billion from the ACA's Prevention and Public Health Fund over 10 years.

Continued disagreement over how to finance the bills add uncertainty to the timing of a House floor vote, although the consensus view is that CHIP will be reauthorized before the end of the year. In the meantime, the administration has made special funding available to some states that are facing an immediate funding shortfall.  

Free Personalized Assistance to Help You Prepare for Quality Payment Program

Join us on November 2 at the MMA for light refreshments and personalized assistance to help you develop your strategy for successful MACRA Quality Payment Program (QPP) implementation in your practice. Register Now

November 2, 2017 5:30pm - 8:00pm

Maine Medical Association - 30 Association Drive, Manchester, ME  04351

The program includes Managing the Madness of MIPS, which outlines reporting requirements and timelines. It is designed for providers who are MIPS eligible and required to report for 2017 (check here for your MIPS participation status).

The session will be led by Andrew MacLean, JD, Deputy Executive Vice President and General Counsel at MMA, and Rachel Crowe, MPH, BSN, RN, Senior Program Coordinator at Healthcentric Advisors. 

Please note, the event is FREE, however, space is limited. Please register by October 26.

Your registration should include at least one clinician and one colleague/team member responsible for reporting. Although not required, we strongly encourage you to bring a laptop. 

MMA Senior Section Meets Wednesday, Topic is Mental Health Services with AMHI Consent Decree Court Master

Former Chief Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court and current Court Master under the AMHI Consent Decree, Daniel Wathen, will address the group.  The "Chief" is an engaging storyteller, so don't miss it!

The MMA Senior Section is a vibrant community of retired Maine physicians (and their spouses or "significant others") who gather at the MMA headquarters in Manchester several times a year for lunch, conversation, and a presentation on a topic relevant to medicine today.  Retired OB-GYN Buell Miller, M.D. is the founder of the Section and remains the strong energy behind it.

The next meeting of the Senior Section is this Wednesday, October 25, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. to about 1 p.m.  Lunch is available at 11:30 a.m., so you can arrive, get settled, and network with your colleagues over lunch between 11:30 a.m. and noon.  The presentation will begin at noon and end about 1 p.m.  All are welcome, but please RSVP to Lisa Martin, who staffs the Senior Section, so we can make sure we have enough lunch for all!  You can reach Lisa at lmartin@mainemed.com.

 Our presenter for the meeting on Wednesday is Daniel Wathen, an Augusta lawyer with a distinguished career in Maine.  Dan is an attorney with the Augusta office of Pierce Atwood, LLP, who is the Court Master appointed by the Maine Judiciary to oversee the State's compliance with the so-called AMHI Consent Decree, a court order settling litigation over conditions at the Augusta Mental Health Institute (AMHI) in the late 1980s.  The Court Master has one of the best perspectives from which to observe the adult mental health services system in Maine and his observations on Wednesday should be fascinating.

AMA Outlines Next Steps for Health Reform

Earlier this year, the AMA put forward its vision for health system reform consisting of a number of key objectives reflecting AMA policy. Building off the objectives contained in AMA's vision for health reform, the AMA has developed a policy document containing recommendations that outline next steps for health reform.

Congress, the administration and the states can use these policy recommendations to achieve AMA's longstanding coverage objectives, including: taking steps in covering all Americans; maintaining key insurance market reforms; stabilizing and strengthening the individual market; improving health insurance affordability; and protecting Medicaid and CHIP. The AMA also believes that next steps for health reform should: reduce regulatory burdens; provide greater cost transparency; incorporate common-sense medical liability reforms; and continue advancement of delivery reforms and new physician-led payment reform models.

Legislative Calls to Resume When Legislature Returns

The Maine Legislature is in recess at present. Should they return for a special session in the fall of 2017 (which the Governor has said will happen), the Weekly Update will feature articles concerning aspects of that work of interest to medicine. Otherwise, legislative report articles will resume, and Legislative Committee calls will begin, when the Legislature returns to Augusta in January 2018.

The Maine Legislature is in recess at present. Should they return for a special session in the fall of 2017 (which the Governor has said will happen), the Weekly Update will feature articles concerning aspects of that work of interest to medicine. Otherwise, legislative report articles will resume, and Legislative Committee calls will begin, when the Legislature returns to Augusta in January 2018.

Hamilton Confirmed as DHHS Commissioner

A. Ricker Hamilton, acting commissioner of the Maine Department of Health & Human Services, has been confirmed as commissioner by the Maine Senate.

The 25-9 Senate vote, during the October 23 special session, followed a confirmation hearing last Friday in the Legislature's Health & Human Services Committee, where the vote to recommend confirmation was 10-1. Hamilton has worked in the department many years and was nominated for the position by Governor Paul LePage after the former Commissioner, Mary Mayhew, resigned recently to run for governor.

Hamilton vowed to maintain open communications with the committee about the operations of the department, including monthly meetings where he would be available to answer the committee's questions. He also promised to recruit strenuously to comply with the legislature's mandate that all 50 public health nursing positions be filled. At present there are approximately 12 public health nurses in the field, and no supervisors.

Rep. Stanley Proposes Bill on Closure of Hospital Services

Representative Stephen Stanley (D-Medway) seeks to introduce a bill to require public hearings and an impact report whenever a hospital is considering closing a major service.

WFVX in Bangor reports that the bill, supported by the nurses' union, is intended to require a hospital to report to its community when it is considering closing a service, including the reasons such a decision is being considered. The nurses say the bill would add "accountability" to the process.

 The Maine Hospital Association opposes the bill. Jeffrey Austin, spokesperson for the MHA, is quoted in the article as saying, "It's really impossible for us to see how legislative interference on that and legislative regulation of private businesses making these decisions is going to make it any better."

 The article may be found here:  http://www.foxbangor.com/news/item/22144-bill-proposes-healthcare-protection-for-patients-in-rural-areas

SAVE THE DATE: MMA Legislative Committee Meets December 11th to Prepare for Next Legislative Session

The MMA Legislative Committee Co-Chairs Katherine Pope, M.D. and Stephen Meister, M.D. invite you to participate in the MMA's legislative advocacy work.  The MMA Legislative Committee will hold an organizational meeting for the Second Regular Session of the 128th Maine Legislature on Monday, December 11th from 6 p.m. to approximately 8:30 p.m.  Please plan to attend and RSVP to Sarah Lepoff at slepoff@mainemed.com.

The Second Regular Session of the 128th Maine Legislature will begin on the first Wednesday after the New Year and is scheduled to end in mid-April.  The Legislative Council, the 10 members of the bipartisan leadership of the legislature are scheduled to meet this Thursday to begin the process of reviewing bill requests for the second session.  Unlike the First Regular Session when legislators may submit bills without limitation, during the Second Regular Session, bill requests are limited to those of a fiscal or "emergency" nature and must be admitted by majority vote of the Legislative Council.  During the second session, the legislature also will consider bills carried over from the first session and bills submitted by the Governor.

You can find a list of bill requests by sponsor on the legislature's web site here. 

The general effective date for legislation is 90 days after adjournment, though bills passing with an emergency preamble take effect immediately upon the Governor's signature and some bills have an effective date specified within the body of the bill.  For the First Regular Session of the current legislature, the general effective date is November 1st.  You can find the MMA's PowerPoint summary of the First Regular Session of the 128th Maine Legislature here. 

University of New England Opioid Use Disorder and Medication Assisted Treatment Workshop October 28th

The University of New England’s Center for Excellence in Health Innovation is pleased to announce an opioid use disorder (OUD) and medication assisted treatment (MAT) workshop.

Date: Saturday, October 28, 2017

Time: Breakfast and registration 8:00 – 9:00am. Program will 9:00 - 3:00 with lunch provided.

Location: Innovation Hall, UNE Portland Campus, 772 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME

Cost: Free (paid for by a federal grant and UNE funds)

This workshop will host experts discussing the current climate in Maine concerning the opioid epidemic and its impact on the state. Attendees will gain knowledge in areas including OUD diagnosis, prevention and treatment, and emphasizing MAT. This event is free and open to all health professions. Continuing education credits of at least 5 credit hours will be offered, including fulfilling the 3 CME credit requirement for opioid medication education found in P.L. 2015, Chapter 488, Maine’s recent legislation to address the opioid drug abuse crisis.

Register here if you are a UNE student or employee.

Register here if you are not a UNE student or employee.

For more information regarding speakers and continuing education credits, please visit the registration page.

York County Drug Takeback Day October 28th

The "Choose to be Healthy Coalition" is sponsoring a drug takeback day in Kittery on Saturday, October 28, at several locations around southern York County.

Improving Opioid Prescribing and Patient Safety: 3-hour presentation in Wells on November 1

 Registration is open for the November 1 presentation at Village By The Sea in Wells, Maine.

Improving Opioid Prescribing and Patient Safety

Wednesday, November 1, 5:00 – 8:30 pm at Village By The Sea, Wells

Presenters: Elisabeth Fowlie Mock, MD, MPH and Peter Michaud, JD, RN 

FREE program - advanced registration is required.

This 3-hour education session will feature an update on Chapter 488 and clinical content with a compassionate, patient-centered perspective, and will include “blitz” didactics, multi-media components, case-based studies and small group discussions. Presented by the Maine Independent Clinical Information Service (MICIS), a program of the Maine Medical Association.

 The topics covered at this session will be:

• The Genesis of the Opioid Crisis: “How We Got Here”

• Opioid Basics: MMEs & Tapering

• Legal and Regulatory Requirements for Opioid Prescribers

• Practice Transformation & QI for Opioids/Chronic Pain

• Harm Reduction: Naloxone & MAT 

This MICIS presentation activity qualifies for a maximum of 3 CME credits of the 3 CME credit requirement for opioid medication education found in P.L. 2015, Chapter 488, Maine’s recent legislation to address the opioid drug abuse crisis.

9th Canadian Conference on Dementia - November 2-4, 2017

The Canadian Conference on Dementia (CCD) is a biennial national conference dedicated to advance knowledge on dementia in scientific research and clinical care.  Over 2 and half days participants will engage with eminent researchers and renowned scholars on cutting edge topics in dementia.

REGISTRATION AND CALL FOR ABSTRACTS OPEN!

EVENT:          9^th Canadian Conference on Dementia

DATE:            November 2-4, 2017

LOCATION:   Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 
Phone: 416-597-3422 ext. 3448
Email: conferences@uhn.ca  

Website: www.canadianconferenceondementia.com

Call for abstracts: https://events.decorporate.ca/ccd2017/abstract/login.php

HIGHLIGHTS:

The Canadian Conference on Dementia (CCD) is a biennial national conference dedicated to advance knowledge on dementia in scientific research and clinical care.  Over 2 and half days participants will engage with eminent researchers and renowned scholars on cutting edge topics in dementia. The 9th CCD will focus on the theme of prevention and will offer interactive discussions, workshops, plenary sessions (including a lively debate), exhibitors, poster abstracts, entertainment, receptions and a gala dinner and dance!

Turquoise & Tapas With the Lung Association November 9th

The American Lung Association invites all to join them in honoring Senator Susan Collins and local Lung Force Hero Lisa Eid Thursday, November 9th, at Cellardoor at The Point in Portland beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Enjoy cocktails, entertainment, and tapas while showing your support alongside 100+ health professionals, physicians, and advocates of lung health. Tickets are $35 per person, $60 per couple, or $350 for a table of 10. To purchase tickets go to Go.LungNE.org/METapas . Questions may be addressed to Kathryn Libby at kathryn.Libby@Lung.org or 307-624-0307.

Emerging Technologies - Advances in Diagnosis & Laboratory Testing: Annual Conference November 15 in Augusta

Maine CDC, Division of Disease Control, DHHS Annual Infectious Disease Conference - November 15, 2017 at the Augusta Civic Center.  Topics will focus on a range of infectious diseases, immunizations, and emerging technology.

The annual Infectious Disease Conference targets public health issues of emerging concern. Continuing Education is available for continuing medical/nursing education, pharmacy, AAFP, and general education.

Join your colleagues to discuss emerging issues in this remarkable year for our field. Visit the event website to view the agenda and additional details.

Register Here

The annual conference is organized by the Maine CDC, Division of Disease Control, DHHS. Conference supported by AdCare Educational Institute of Maine, a Maine CDC Partner.

Online Learning Opportunities Offering CME Credits - from the Northern New England Practice Transformation Network

Take Advantage of Online Learning Opportunities Offering CME Credits - Available 24/7 now from the Northern New England Practice Transformation Network (NNE-PTN)

Take Advantage of Online Learning Opportunities Offering CME Credits - Available 24/7 now from the Northern New England Practice Transformation Network (NNE-PTN)

The Northern New England Practice Transformation Network, led by Maine Quality Counts in collaboration with the Citizens Health Initiative at the University of New Hampshire's Institute for Health Policy and Practice, and Vermont Program for Quality in Healthcare, Inc., is funded through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative to provide technical assistance to support you, your practice, and your consumers in the transition to value-based payment. The QC Learning Lab has been designed to support health care practitioners and professionals, and practice teams with a wide range of continuing education offers including online courses, webinars, and learning sessions.

Topics include:

• Improving Patient Outcomes with Cost of Care Conversation in the Clinical Practice
• How to Transform Practice Finances for Success with Advanced Payment Models
• Seamless Care
• Get a Grip on Change

New Free CME on Alzheimer's Risk, Detection, and Management

Discussing memory concerns with your patients can be difficult. Alzheimer's and other dementias are complex, and patients often have many questions and concerns.

To help you prepare for these visits, the Alzheimer's Association® presents Challenging Conversations About Dementia. In this free course, you'll receive information to confidently approach the detection, diagnostic and care-planning process for your patients with cognitive impairment and dementia.

For more information and to complete this course, go to www.alz.org/FreeCME. Other tools on the website include the Cognitive Impairment Toolkit.

Improving Opioid Prescribing and Patient Safety: October 25 & November 18 at EMMC

Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor has scheduled two presentations of Improving Opioid Prescribing and Patient Safety on Wednesday, October 25 and Saturday, November 18.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017     Mason C/R  5:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Saturday, November 18, 2017     Mason C/R  8:00 am – 11:30 am 

Register by sending an email to Cindy Witt at cwitt@emhs.org with a subject line of “opioid registration” and the date you wish to attend.  There is no cost for these sessions.

Presented by the Maine Independent Clinical Information Service (MICIS), a program of the Maine Medical Association.  Presenter: Elisabeth Fowlie Mock, MD, MPH

This MICIS presentation activity qualifies for a maximum of 3 CME credits of the 3 CME credit requirement for opioid medication education found in P.L. 2015, Chapter 488, Maine’s recent legislation to address the opioid drug abuse crisis.  Attendees should only claim credit for the hours they attend. 

BC/BE Physician - C.A. Dean Memorial Hospital

C.A. Dean Memorial Hospital seeks a BC/BE physician to join their Emergency Department/Hospitalist team.  Current members of the team are Board Certified in Family Medicine and/or Emergency Medicine, but any combination of relevant training and experience will be considered.

C.A. Dean Memorial Hospital seeks a BC/BE physician to join their Emergency Department/Hospitalist team.  Current members of the team are Board Certified in Family Medicine and/or Emergency Medicine, but any combination of relevant training and experience will be considered.  Physicians have a unique, highly flexible full time flexible schedule working 24-hour shifts that allows for extended time off.  The compensation and fringe benefits package is highly competitive. 

CA Dean Memorial Hospital is a Critical Access Hospital on the shore of Moosehead Lake in the heart of Maine’s Lakes and Mountains region.  Physicians enjoy the quality of life afforded by a low-volume, Community-centered rural hospital in an idyllic setting.  Suitable candidates are comfortable working independently to manage the breadth of problems presenting to a “front line” hospital.

CA Dean is a member of the Eastern Maine Healthcare System, which provides access to an integrated EMR, access to tertiary specialty services through a “one call” transfer system, and selected telemedicine services.  CA Dean is also served by a Regional Trauma Service, Lifeflight of Maine, utilizing helicopter and fixed-wing resources.

For confidential consideration, please contact Sherry Tardy, DASPR at stardy@emhs.org or call at 207-487-4085. 

11/20/17

VA Psychiatrist

VA Maine taking care of those who have served. We are seeking a Psychiatrist to join our VA team.

VA Maine taking care of those who have served. We are seeking a Psychiatrist to join our VA team.

As a VA psychiatrist, you’ll serve as a core member of an interdisciplinary team responsible for assessing and treating mental illness through a combination of psychotherapy, hospitalization and medication to treat several of today’s most urgent mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Nationwide job transfer opportunities
• Competitive salaries and pay differential
• Generous vacation, personal and sick leave,  as well as 10 Federal holidays
• Stable health and retirement benefits

For more information, contact Troy Hall at troy.hall@va.gov or call 207-620-4514.

11/20/17

Chief Executive Officer

The CEO is the primary liaison to MPCA’s Board.  S/he also sets MPCA business development, member relations, and staff performance expectations.

Time Commitment: 1.0 FTE

Reports to: Maine Primary Care Association Board of Directors

Direct Reports: Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Assistant

Job Description Summary: The CEO is the primary liaison to MPCA’s Board.  S/he also sets MPCA business development, member relations, and staff performance expectations.  The CEO works closely with the senior leadership team of the organization to determine the allocation of resources and s/he also sets the plans to leverage new resources to successfully attain the goals and objectives of the organization.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume to apply@yccac.org

Inquiries can be directed to Chair, MPCA CEO Search Committee at jdavis@pineshealth.org

BE/BC Family Practitioner - Lewiston, ME

Central Maine Medical Center, a growing regional referral center in Lewiston, is looking for a BE/BC Family Practitioner to join their expanding practice.

Central Maine Medical Center, a growing regional referral center in Lewiston, is looking for a BE/BC Family Practitioner to join their expanding practice.  We offer:

• Substantial Medical Student Loan Repayment
• Generous Sign On Bonus
• Ample Moving Allowance
• Very Attractive Outpatient-Only Call Schedule Providing Healthy Work/Life Balance

Our practice site is within easy access to the coast for boating and the mountains for hiking and skiing and all kinds of outdoor activities.  We've got an amazing arts and restaurant scene, too, all in a very safe state to live and raise a family.  To join our growing team, contact Gina Mallozzi, Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240;  fax: 207-344-0696, E-mail: MallozGi@cmhc.org , call: 800/445-7431; or visit our website: http://recruitment.cmmc.org/.  Not a J1 opportunity.

12/11/17

Primary Care Physician - Eastern Maine Medical Center

Eastern Maine Medical Center seeks a primary care physician, board-certified/board-eligible in internal medicine, to join our well-established, quality-driven, outpatient practice. 

Eastern Maine Medical Center seeks a primary care physician, board-certified/board-eligible in internal medicine, to join our well-established, quality-driven, outpatient practice. Husson Internal Medicine is one of seven primary care practices operated by Eastern Maine Medical Center. Our practice was the second in the nation to achieve “Patient-Centered Medical Home” status with NCQA. All physicians are NCQA-certified in diabetes and cardiac care. Our primary care network, largest in our area, has adopted a new practice model to include teams of one physician, one nurse practitioner, two registered nurses, and two medical assistants.

Eastern Maine Medical Center is a 411-bed, regional, tertiary care and level II trauma center serving the more than 500,000 residents living in central, eastern, and northern Maine We offer a collegial atmosphere, cutting-edge EMR, generous vacation and CME benefit, flexible work schedule, and reasonable call schedule. No hospital call required. We also offer a relocation bonus and sign-on bonus in addition to our generous educational loan repayment program.

Candidates in need of J-1 visa waivers welcome to apply.

For confidential consideration, please contact:

Amanda Klausing, AASPR, Physician Recruiter

Eastern Maine Medical Center

Phone: 207-973-5358

emmccvs@emhs.org

Chief Executive Officer

Health Access Network, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Lincoln, Maine, is seeking a dynamic seasoned leader to provide overall direction and administration of health center operations, assuring the center and staff meets the goals and objectives of the health center’s mission. 

Health Access Network, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Lincoln, Maine, is seeking a dynamic seasoned leader to provide overall direction and administration of health center operations, assuring the center and staff meets the goals and objectives of the health center’s mission.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: strategic planning, budgeting, financial management, and oversight of clinic policies and procedures. Must be familiar with laws and regulations related to FQHCs and have experience with grant programs and Board governance.  Must have exceptional verbal and written communication skills, and possess compassion, innovation, integrity, and excellence which are the health center’s values.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Health, Public Health, Health Care Administration, Business Administration or other related field.  A Master’s degree is preferred.  Must have at least 5 years of related leadership experience.  Experience working in a Federally Qualified Health Center preferred.

We are a multi-disciplinary community health center with sites in Lee, Lincoln, Medway, Millinocket, and W. Enfield serving patients in Northern Penobscot County. 

Interested candidates may forward a resume and cover letter to: Sonia Maxwell, HR Director, P.O. Box 99, Lincoln, ME 04457, smaxwell@hanfqhc.org,www.hanfqhc.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer & Program

Relocate to Beautiful Southwestern Maine - Medical Director/Family Practice Physician

Sacopee Valley Health Center has a position available for a Medical Director/Family Practice Physician for our multi-service, progressive, rural federally qualified community health center located in a medically underserved area.

Sacopee Valley Health Center has a position available for a Medical Director/Family Practice Physician for our multi-service, progressive, rural federally qualified community health center located in a medically underserved area. This position allows for the medical director to apply leadership skills while partnering with health center staff and colleagues to provide optimal health care for our patients on a daily basis. Services on site include integrated primary care, dental services, family planning, mental health counseling, psychiatry, nutritionist, optometry, podiatry, social services support, sliding fee coverage, care management, radiology and lab services. NextGen EMR. Practice is outpatient only with no OB. On-call rotation is 4-5 times per month. NCQA Level III PCMH. Competitive salary and benefits package; physicians are eligible to apply for NHSC loan repayment. We are located in Porter, ME, between Portland and the White Mountains. Area is known for terrific four season recreational activities. Just two and one-half hours from Boston. Submit CV to: Linda Watson, Director of Operations or, (lwatson@svhc.org), Sacopee Valley Health Center, 70 Main Street, Porter, ME 04068. EOE. www.svhc.org Sacopee Valley Health Center is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

12/25/17

Outstanding full-time opportunity for an experienced Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner with Central Maine Heart Associates in Auburn, Maine

Central Maine Medical Center, a 250-bed hospital with a 440 provider well-established medical group, seeks an experienced Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner to support the recently created transitions of care heart failure clinic. 

Central Maine Medical Center, a 250-bed hospital with a 440 provider well-established medical group, seeks an experienced Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner to support the recently created transitions of care heart failure clinic.  Working collaboratively with a team of cardiologist and nurses, this Associate Professional Provider will proactively manage heart failure patients recently discharged from the hospital setting to optimize cardiac function and improve patient care outcomes.  The NP/PA will have access to heart failure specialists at Massachusetts General Hospital to co-manage advanced heart failure patients.

This role also will manage general cardiology patients providing assessment, management and treatment of individuals with coronary artery disease.  Onsite stress test and stress ECHO will be performed. Office hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday with 1:6 inpatient weekend hospital call coverage at Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston, Maine.  Enjoy the professional challenge offered in a sophisticated medical community along with the wonderful recreational opportunities and quality of life in Maine.

Minimum Requirements: Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner Program, two (2) or more years of experience preferred. This candidate must be licensed by the State of Maine as a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.  American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS and ACLS certification required. 

Contact: Donna Lafean, CMMC Medical Staff Recruiter

Phone: 888-832-4057

Fax: 207-344-0658

E-mail: lafeando@cmhc.org

11/20/17

Palliative Care Provider

Mid Coast Hospital is searching for a part-time (20 hours/week) Physician, Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to join the Palliative Care Program.

Mid Coast Hospital is searching for a part-time (20 hours/week) Physician, Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant to join the Palliative Care Program. The successful candidate must be licensed in Maine. Experience in Palliative Care/Hospice preferred.  Must have or be willing to work toward certification in Hospice and Palliative Care.

The Mid Coast Palliative Care Program is a consultation service available to all hospital inpatients and functions in the role of supporting patients and families who are facing life-limiting illnesses or end of life, helping patients and families access resources in the hospital and after discharge, and providing education on care options when appropriate.

Part of the Mid Coast–Parkview health family of services, Mid Coast Hospital offers competitive benefits and compensation package, along with an excellent work environment. Please send CV to Melanie Crowe, Physician Recruiter, at mcrowe@midcoasthealth.com or call (207) 406-7872, for more information.

12/25/17

Gastroenterologist - Brunswick, ME

Mid Coast Medical Group is seeking a full time BC/BE Gastroenterologist to join an established Gastroenterology practice with two Physicians and two Nurse Practitioners.

Mid Coast Medical Group is seeking a full time BC/BE Gastroenterologist to join an established Gastroenterology practice with two Physicians and two Nurse Practitioners. Position includes outpatient and operative work, conveniently located adjacent to Mid Coast Hospital and the state-of-the-art Digestive Health Center. New graduates and experience candidates are encouraged to apply.

The Coastal location, thriving downtown, historic neighborhoods and Bowdoin College campus make this part of Maine a very desirable place to live.

Mid Coast offers competitive benefits and compensation package, along with an excellent work environment.

For more information or to submit CV, contact Melanie Crowe, Physician Recruiter: mcrowe@midcoasthealth.com, Phone 207-406-7872.

Visit our website at www.midcoasthealth.com.

12/25/17

Hospitalist - Brunswick, ME

Mid Coast Hospital is seeking a full time Hospitalist to join its established hospitalist service, which is expanding due to growth. The candidate should be BC/BE in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine.

Mid Coast Hospital is seeking a full time Hospitalist to join its established hospitalist service, which is expanding due to growth. The candidate should be BC/BE in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine. Procedures are not required. Excellent Intensivist and subspecialist support is available. New graduates and experienced candidates are encouraged to apply. Part-time and per diem applications will be considered.

Part of the Mid Coast–Parkview health family of services, Mid Coast Hospital offers competitive benefits and compensation package, along with an excellent work environment. Please send CV to Melanie Crowe, Physician Recruiter, at mcrowe@midcoasthealth.com or call (207) 406-7872, for more information.

 12/25/17

Family Medicine Physician - Winthrop, ME

Winthrop Family Medicine in Winthrop, Maine is recruiting a Family Medicine Physician!

Winthrop Family Medicine in Winthrop, Maine is recruiting a Family Medicine Physician! We are a MaineGeneral Health hospital-owned outpatient practice with four MD/DOs, three NPs, a PA, and integrated behavioral health with an LSW and LCSW. We are one of the original practices in Maine’s Patient Centered Medical Home pilot. We deliver team-based care to a full range of patients spanning newborns to geriatrics, including two local nursing homes, home visits, osteopathic manipulation and functional medicine consultation. There are lab, imaging and physical therapy services on site. We also routinely teach and precept medical, nurse practitioner, physician assistant and medical assistant students. Our patients are admitted by the hospitalist team at MaineGeneral’s Alfond Center for Health, Maine's newest hospital, completed in November of 2013. There are 192 private rooms at the Augusta facility. Generous benefits package offered.

11/13/17

DO or MD Physician - Augusta, ME

Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency (MDFMR), a community of allopathic and osteopathic physicians in Augusta, Maine who love to teach, is seeking a DO or MD Physician to join our faculty.

Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency (MDFMR), a community of allopathic and osteopathic physicians in Augusta, Maine who love to teach, is seeking a DO or MD Physician to join our faculty. Come teach and practice family medicine in a community and hospital system where you will be well supported! Ideal candidate has strong clinical skills and a passion for teaching. Must be willing to practice in both inpatient and outpatient settings and practice of full spectrum family medicine is a plus. We are looking for an enthusiastic, flexible candidate dedicated to high quality patient care. Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency is a successful and innovative dually accredited, community based, thirty-resident program. MDFMR is a mission-driven organization that provides healthcare to patients of all ages, with an emphasis on underserved and rural people. Our graduates go on to practice in Maine and across the country. Generous benefits package offered. 

11/13/17

Outpatient Opportunities – Loan Repayment, Sign-On & Relocation

Live and Work in Coastal Maine! Choose the right fit from 3 Outpatient Opportunities in Machias and Jonesport.

Live and Work in Coastal Maine! Choose the right fit from 3 Outpatient Opportunities in Machias and Jonesport. We welcome Family Practice, Internal Medicine, and Pediatric Physicians with experience to share as well as new graduates looking to start their career. 

We offer:

• Sign On & Relocation
• Loan Repayment
• Comprehensive Benefits
• Aggressive incentive plans
• Four Day workweek

Whether you’re a weekend wanderer or an avid outdoorsperson, our community oriented county in Downeast, Maine has a lot more to offer than sailing craggy coastlines, hiking to spectacular vistas, sensational skiing, and fishing vast river systems and lakes. Discover endless opportunities to explore a rich historical past, art galleries, antique shops, traditional cultures, artisanal foods, and performing arts – all without traffic or stoplights.  

 10/30/17

Family Medicine Physician - Pittsfield, ME

Sebasticook Valley Hospital is seeking a full time Family Medicine physician to join Sebasticook Valley Family Care a modern practice located just off I-95 in Pittsfield.

Sebasticook Valley Hospital is seeking a full time Family Medicine physician to join Sebasticook Valley Family Care a modern practice located just off I-95 in Pittsfield.  Be part of a ten member collegial medical staff providing primary care services in a rural community. Work schedule is 4 days per week, with limited telephone call from home.  This position comes with competitive compensation, fringe benefits, assistance with medical education debt, signing/relocation bonus negotiable. 

11/20/17

Outpatient Only - Internal Medicine with Loan Repayment & Sign-on Bonus

The Central Maine Medical Group seeks BE/BC Internal Medicine physician to join cohesive, well-established, hospital-employed practice in Lewiston, Maine. 

Family Medicine Physician/Clinician Leader

The Maine Medical Center (MMC) and Maine Medical Partners (MMP) are seeking an outstanding clinician-educator to serve as the physician leader for the Portland Family Medicine Center and as Associate Medical Director over both the Portland Family Medicine Center and the Falmouth Primary Care Practice.  

The Maine Medical Center (MMC) and Maine Medical Partners (MMP) are seeking an outstanding clinician-educator to serve as the physician leader for the Portland Family Medicine Center and as Associate Medical Director over both the Portland Family Medicine Center and the Falmouth Primary Care Practice.  

The Portland Family Medicine practice is the location for the main outpatient clinical sites for MMC’s Family Medicine Residency Program, as well as a Sports Medicine fellowship, Integrated Medicine fellowship and a Preventive Medicine residency within the department of family medicine.  The Associate Medical Director has a key role on the primary care leadership team working with Maine Medical Partner’s Primary Care Director and Senior Director to set priority and direction for primary care and help maintain the operational aspects of the practice, including quality metrics and financial performance.   

The successful candidate will be Board Certified in Family Medicine with at least 3 years of experience.  Candidates should be able to demonstrate leadership, organizational, and mentoring skills.  Past practice management experience and knowledge of performance improvement is required. 

The position will also entail serving as the Medical Director for MMC’s Family Medicine Residency, a key leadership role in the program and the successful candidate will provide direct clinical supervision of Family Medicine residents and Tufts University School of Medicine-Maine Track students, and will participate in residency didactic teaching, advising and recruiting.

Interested candidates may submit a cover letter and CV to:  Alison C. Nathanson, Director, MaineHealth Physician Recruitment at (207) 661-7383 or nathaa@mainehealth.org.

10/16/17

Opportunities at the VA for Volunteer Physicians

Take advantage of this opportunity with the Veterans' Administration to thank our veterans in a concrete way for their service and their sacrifices.

The Physician Ambassador Program was created by the Department of Veterans Affairs as a best practice recruitment and placement initiative seeking fully licensed physicians and clinicians to enhance health care services for Veterans.

The Physician Ambassador Program is a without compensation program that provides civilian physicians and clinicians an opportunity to give back to the Veteran community by serving in a volunteer role to deliver health care services to Veterans. 

If you are interested in participating in this program at VA Maine Healthcare System, please contact Jonathan Barczyk at (207) 621-4886.