Maine Medicine Weekly Update : February 26, 2018

Maine experienced 418 drug-induced deaths in 2017, according to figures released last week by Attorney General Janet Mills, representing an 11% increase from the 386 overdose deaths in 2016. There was a 27% increase in deaths due to illegal fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, while heroin deaths actually decreased. In addition, 2017 saw an increase in both cocaine and meth deaths and a decrease in deaths caused by benzodiazepines.

The data was collected and analyzed by Marcella H. Sorg, PhD, of the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at the University of Maine, under a contract with the Office of the Attorney General.

As noted by the Attorney General, while the overall increase is not as significant as the nearly 40% increase in deaths in 2016 over 2015, the increase is still very alarming. "Fentanyl has invaded our state," Attorney General Mills noted, "killing 247 people last year alone. Five of these deaths were due to the lethal drug carfentanyl. When people ingest this powerful powder, they often believe it is heroin, and have been told it's heroin. But no one should take a chance with these substances. Even as dangerous as heroin is, fentanyl is hundreds times more likely to kill you...."

Illicit fentanyl and its analogs are manufactured in labs in China and often shipped into the United States through other countries and into Maine through Massachusetts and other other states. Traffickers often ace heroin with fentanyl and sell fentanyl as heroin because fentanyl is cheaper to make and the profit margin for dealers is so much higher.

Most of the drug deaths in 2017 in Maine were caused by two or more drugs, and the average cause of death involved three drugs. The vast majority of overdose deaths (85%) were caused by at least one opioid, including pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical (illegal) opioids. Most of the pharmaceutical opioids were not prescribed for the decedent. Naloxone (Narcan) was detected in 31% of the decedents, which indicates that someone attempted to revive the individual but the attempt was too late.

MMA EVP Gordon Smith, Esq., who recently served as one of the members of the Legislature's Task Force to Address the Opiate Crisis, expressed disappointment with the figures released. "We had hoped that the figures were be about the same as 2016, as the first six months of the year the deaths were slightly declining, but the last six months the deaths ticked up significantly and tragically," Smith noted. While the medical community has done an admirable job in decreasing the number of opioid pills prescribed, these latest figures demonstrate the hold the epidemic has on the state."

MMA continues its educational programming to health professionals on the epidemic and also continues at the State House to call for more resources to be devoted to prevention, treatment and harm reduction. Several relevant bills are still pending before the Second Regular Session of the 128th Legislature.

MMA Board to Address Several Critical Issues at Annual President's Retreat in March

The 29 member Physician Board will hold its Annual President's Retreat at the Regency Hotel in Portland March 9-11, 2018.

Among the topics to be discussed during the retreat portion of the weekend are the following:

Potential renovations to the Frank Stred Building in Manchester, which houses the MMA offices and conference rooms. One purpose of the renovations would be to make the building handicapped accessible and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Succession planning in advance of EVP Smith's retirement at the end of 2019.
Increasing the engagement of board members.
Increasing the engagement of MMA members.

An optional session regarding physician health and wellness will take place on Saturday afternoon.

The retreat will be facilitated by Derek Ahl of the Hanley Center for Health Leadership. Current MMA President Robert Schlager, M.D. will lead the weekend. Dr. Schlager is a family physician serving as Senior Physician Executive at Sebasticook Valley Hospital in Pittsfield.

Center for American Progress Unveils "Medicare Extra for All"

The National think tank Center for American Progress launched a new proposal last week called "Medicare Extra for All" that many observers believe could attract support from individuals supporting universal coverage but wary of single-payer approaches.

The plan would allow employers and individuals to join Medicare Extra, but it would not be required, preserving a role for employer coverage and the health insurance industry.

The Center is an independent nonpartisan policy institute that is dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans, through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action. Their aim is not just to change the conversation, but to change the country. Former U.S. Senator Thomas Daschle is the chair of the group.

"Medicare Extra for All" is modeled on the Medicare program, but it would be available to everyone regardless of income, health status, age or insurance status. It would also preserve employer coverage as an option for those Americans satisfied with their current coverage. It would include enhancements to the current Medicare program including an out-of-pocket limit, coverage of dental care and hearing aids, and integrated drug benefits. Medicare Extra would eliminate underinsurance, offering coverage with zero or low deductibles as well as no-cost preventive care, generic drugs, and treatment for chronic disease. Premiums would be capped based on income to ensure affordability and handled automatically through the tax system.

Payment rates for medical providers would reference current Medicare rates and employer plans would be able to take advantage of these savings. Medicare Extra would negotiate prescription drug prices by giving preferences to drugs whose prices reflect value and innovation.

Purdue Pharma Announces Cessation of Marketing Oxycontin to Prescribers

Oxycontin manufacturer Purdue Pharma LP announced last week that it has cut its sale force in half and will stop promoting opioids to prescribers.

The privately held company based in Stamford, Ct. made the announcement following criticism of the way that opioid manufacturers market controlled substances. The company's remaining sales force of 200 detailers will now focus on Symproic, a drug for treating opioid-induced constipation and other potential non-opioid products.

Purdue and other manufacturers have been fighting lawsuits by state, counties and cities that have alleged that the companies deceptively marketed their opioid products. Purdue and three executives pleaded guilty in 2007 to federal charges related to the misbranding of oxycontin and paid $634.5 million to settle charges brought about by a U.S. Justice Department investigation. Purdue also reached a $19.5 million settlement that same year with 26 states and the District of Columbia. It agreed in 2015 to pay $24 million to resolve a lawsuit in Kentucky.

In an interview with Maine Public radio one week ago, MMA President Robert Schlager, M.D. noted that while the action by the company was a good step, it was one that should have taken place many years ago and expressed concern that the company has arrangements with companies marketing their product internationally and that those companies are allegedly using the same marketing tactics as were used in this country. Family physician Noah Nesin, M.D. of Bangor in the same story noted that the company begin this marketing over 20 years ago and that as a result hundreds of thousands of patients developed opioid use disorder and many have been victims of overdose deaths.

3 Ways to Maximize Employer Diabetes Prevention Tools for Your Patients

For many of your patients, work makes up—and takes up—a great deal of their lives. In fact, it’s probably where they spend most of their time. So it only makes sense that their jobs would support them in their health, especially when it comes to type 2 diabetes prevention.

Type 2 diabetes is looming large over your patient population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 84 million U.S. adults have prediabetes, elevated blood sugar levels, not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Nine out of 10 people don’t know they have the condition, but with prevention efforts, prediabetes is reversible.

An effective prevention tool is the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP), an evidence-based lifestyle change program that reduces disease progression by promoting healthy eating and increased physical activity.

Getting patients enrolled in the program, however, can be a challenge so providing proper support can have a major impact. Here are three ways physicians can work with patients to encourage enrollment through the workplace and provide additional support after enrollment.

In as little as five years, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes. So an important first step is to screen your patients to determine if they have prediabetes [1] .

To make the process easier, the American Medical Association, along with the CDC, has developed the Prevent Diabetes STAT toolkit, which provides resources that help physicians screen and refer patients to a National DPP provider.

● Fact sheets that provide case study evidence on the effectiveness of lifestyle change programs

2. Encourage them to sign up for an employer-sponsored diabetes prevention program.

Once it’s been determined that a patient has prediabetes, the next step is ensuring that they enroll in a National DPP to make lifestyle adjustments to prevent type 2 diabetes. Participation in a National DPP reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 58 percent, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Employers typically bear much of the costs of type 2 diabetes for their employees. According to a 2017 study in Population Health Management of commercially insured adults, during the first three years an individual progresses from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes, the average medical cost incurred is $8,000.

The toolkit offers information on where patients may be able to find a National DPP in their community. However, encouraging patients to talk with their companies about an employer-sponsored National DPP could increase their likelihood of enrolling.

The AMA recently launched the National DPP Employer Toolkit to provide helpful information to employers about offering the program to their employees. Employers may cover the cost of programs and build in incentives for enrollment and completion as well.

3. Provide additional support for patients when they do sign up for a National DPP.

When patients have enrolled in the program, it’s important that they complete it. As a physician, you can serve as a motivator and provide additional support and counseling to help ensure patients follow through the program to completion.

Without lifestyle changes, many patients with prediabetes will fall prey to type 2 diabetes, which can lead to other life-threatening conditions including heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. Now is the time to support your patients in making a change in support of their health.[2]

Notes from the American Medical Association

A few notes, with links to longer articles, from the AMA's Morning Rounds publication.

FDA: Clarithromycin may increase risk of heart events in certain people

NBC News (2/22, Fox) reports on its website the FDA has issued a safety communication saying it is “advising caution before prescribing the antibiotic clarithromycin (Biaxin) to patients with heart disease because of a potential increased risk of heart problems or death that can occur years later.”

Medscape (2/22, Brooks) reports that this “recommendation is based on 10-year follow-up results of the CLARICOR study, which found an ‘unexpected’ increase in deaths among patients with coronary heart disease who received a 2-week course of clarithromycin that became apparent after patients had been followed for at least 1 year, the agency said.”

How to talk with your patients about nutrition
Patients are often unaware that the best form of defense against death and disability is proper nutrition and diet, which begins in the kitchen. And while patients might eagerly search for nutrition advice to control their symptoms and conditions, they often can’t sort through the different recommendations found online. Physicians can improve the conversation by strengthening their knowledge of clinical nutrition and through motivational interviewing. Read more at AMA Wire®.

· Findings do not support suggestion that certain diets may be better for adults with certain genetic makeup: Study

Is spending for infused chemotherapy by commercial insurers lower at physician offices? Study

The Washington Times (2/22, Howell) reports the House Energy and Commerce Committee will prioritize opioid legislation, with Republican leaders “urging the chamber to pass legislation by Memorial Day that allows Medicaid and Medicare to cover a range of addiction treatments and empowers agencies to prioritize the fight.” The Times reports the panel next week will begin “with a bill that makes it easier for the Drug Enforcement Administration to classify the latest forms of deadly fentanyl.” The panel will also take up legislation that “ensures hospice-care workers are disposing of opioid medications properly,” and by mid-March “will explore ways to spark the development of non-addictive pain relievers and allow the National Institutes of Health to shift pots of money to the fight.”

The Hill (2/22, Roubein) reports Energy and Commerce Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) hopes for legislation to pass the House by Memorial Day weekend. The article says lawmakers will examine “expanding access to behavioral health telemedicine in rural areas” and a number of other measures.

Congressional Quarterly (2/22, Raman, Subscription Publication) reports the hearings also will evaluate “possible changes to the Medicaid Institutions for Mental Diseases exclusion,” as current policy “generally prohibits Medicaid from paying for mental health or substance-abuse services at centers that have more than 16 beds.”

For more information about how to help reverse the nation’s opioid epidemic, visit the AMA’s microsite, End the Opioid Epidemic.

Wealthiest Medicare beneficiaries to pay larger share of medical costs starting in 2019

The Wall Street Journal (2/22, Tergesen, Subscription Publication) reports that beginning in 2019, Medicare beneficiaries with high incomes must pay a larger share of their medicals costs. The article says this is another attempt to transfer more Medicare costs to the wealthiest seniors. The piece adds that as of next year, beneficiaries who have incomes of $500,000 or more, and couples with incomes of $750,000 or more, will be placed into a new category and asked to pay 85 percent of what their parts B and D benefits cost. At present, they are paying 80 percent of those costs.

Program emphasizing social interaction may reduce agitation in nursing home patients with dementia, study suggests

Reuters (2/23, Gillis) reports a recent trial found that nursing home care which emphasizes “fosters interest and social interaction among patients and staff” could help “reduce agitation and other neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia sufferers and improve their quality of life.” Researchers, who published their findings in PLoS Medicine, determined that the intervention program produced “meaningful decreases in agitation and neuropsychiatric symptoms and increased quality of life” among participants.

Information for MaineCare Providers

Providers assigned to MaineCare Cycle 3 must complete revalidation applications by June 29th. Follow the link for more information.

Providers assigned to Cycle 3 are required to complete and submit your revalidation application by June 29, 2018. Failure to meet this deadline will impact your claims processed for payment.

If you are required to revalidate with MaineCare during this cycle, you are able to initiate your revalidation application on or after May 1, 2018. Providers receive a letter 60 and 30 days prior to their assigned cycle. Providers assigned to this cycle should have received a letter during the week of February 26, 2018.

Some providers have been reassigned to a different cycle so please review the MaineCare provider revalidation schedule currently posted under the “Revalidate as a Current Provider” section of the MaineCare Provider Enrollment webpage.

In order to allow ample time to complete revalidation during your assigned cycle, we recommend you complete all maintenance two weeks prior to the beginning of your revalidation cycle. An open maintenance case could delay your ability to begin revalidation.

MaineCare recommends that you review the updated Enrollment Checklists prior to revalidating or enrolling with MaineCare to verify that you have all the required documentation. The checklists include all new information that is required for MaineCare provider enrollment and revalidation for each provider type. Submitting an incomplete application may result in the delay or denial of your application.

MaineCare Services is committed to keeping you informed throughout the enrollment and revalidation process. We will offer free trainings through the Learning Management System (LMS) on topics related to enrollment and revalidation. Online webinar trainings will be scheduled throughout each of the revalidation cycles to offer a number of opportunities to attend each of the trainings. If you have not registered with the LMS, see the First Time User Guide for assistance. To access the guide, go to the Health PAS Online Portal and log into your Trading Partner Account (TPA). Click on the section called "Trading Partner User Training" and you will see the link to the LMS First Time User Guide. For assistance with registering or any other training related topic, please email the Medicaid Training Center.

For additional information regarding provider revalidation training, please see the “Training Opportunities” section of the MaineCare Provider Enrollment webpage.

The following resources are available to assist you with the revalidation process:

Legislative Call This Tuesday, February 27th

The Maine Legislature has returned to Augusta. That means public hearings and work sessions have resumed, and it's time for our weekly Legislative Committee calls to continue. The next call will be Tuesday, February 27th, at 8 p.m.

MMA Legislative Committee Chair Stephen Meister, M.D. and Vice Chair Katherine Pope, M.D. welcome you to participate in the weekly conference calls of the MMA Legislative Committee.

The next MMA Legislative Committee weekly conference call for the Second Regular Session of the 128th Maine Legislature will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, February 27th, at 8:00 p.m.

Legislative Committee members and specialty society legislative liaisons are strongly encouraged to participate. Any physician, practice manager, or other staff member who is interested in the MMA's legislative advocacy also is welcome to participate. It is not necessary to RSVP for the calls.

Please use the following conference call number and passcode. These will remain the same for every weekly call during the session.

The purpose of the weekly conference calls is to review and finalize the MMA's position on bills printed the previous week, to hear the views of specialty societies on the new bills or their concerns about any current health policy issues, and to discuss the highlights of legislative action of the week. The calls rarely last longer than an hour. The MMA staff lists a suggested position for each bill and any medical specialty particularly affected by the bill.

If you have an opinion about any of these bills, but cannot participate in the call, please contact Andrew MacLean, Deputy EVP & General Counsel at amaclean@mainemed.com or 480-4187, or Peter Michaud, Associate General Counsel at pmichaud@mainemed.com or 480-4199.

The following are bills of interest to the physician community printed last week. We will discuss the priority bills marked with an asterisk (*) first. This will be important when the list grows in the next few weeks.

Because there are no newly printed bills of interest to medicine, the call will feature a discussion of several pending bills. In addition, MMA EVP Gordon Smith will discuss the status of various opioid-related bills in relation to the work of the Legislature's Opioid Task Force.

Legislative Report: The Laws Governing Minors' Consent to Treatment and More

A brief summary of some of the hearings and work sessions that took place during the last week, and a look ahead.

Healthcare Suicide Prevention Protocol Development Training - half day workshop - March 2

Did you know that approximately half of those who die by suicide are seen by a medical provider in the month before their death? Attend Healthcare Suicide Prevention Protocol Development Training to learn how your medical staff can be prepared.

HEALTHCARE Suicide Prevention PROTOCOL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING on Friday, March 2, 2018 from 8:30am – 12:30pm at the Maine Medical Association, 30 Association Drive, Manchester.

Instructor: Greg Marley, LCSW, Clinical Director, NAMI Maine

Description: Approximately half of those who die by suicide are seen by a medical provider in the month before their death. Few events are more painful or potentially disruptive to an organization or community than suicide. Suicide prevention protocols provide guidance on steps to safely assess and manage suicidal behavior and increase ongoing safety through a systemic approach to suicide management. Suicide prevention is part of everyone’s role and protocols support training and implementation to save lives. *This training is most effective if an organization sends both clinical and administrative staff.

TO REGISTER:

https://namimaine.site-ym.com/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1060557&group

If you have questions, please email the Program Director, Dee Kerry at dkerry@mainemed.com

March 6th Quality Payment Webinar

Quality Payment Program Year 2: Reporting Made Easy:Tuesday, March 6, 2018 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM EST.

The Quality Payment Program (QPP) Year 2 Final Rule has several changes, including a significant increase in the performance threshold. This webinar will help you achieve the maximum payment adjustment with minimal effort. Now is the time to get yourself on track to capture the maximum MIPS payment adjustments in 2020!

Join the New England Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) for this informational webinar on March 6, 2018 from 11:30am - 12:30pm to learn ways to optimize your performance in the Quality Payment Program Year 2.

Webinar topics will include:

QPP Year 2 Final Rule - general reporting requirements;
How to avoid penalties; and
Strategies for maximizing payment adjustments.

To register for this webinar, click here

If you have any questions about the webinar, please contact us. We look forward to connecting with you on the 6^th!

Sincerely,

The New England QIN-QIO

28th Annual Winter Conference - Contemporary Topics in Orthopedics - March 16-18

Join us for the 28th Annual Winter Conference - Contemporary Topics in Orthopedics at the Sugarloaf Resort & Conference Center.

For more information or questions, contact Laurie King at 207-307-8902 or lking@downeastortho.com.

QC2018: Building Communities of Practice through Innovation - Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Maine Quality Counts (QC) will host their annual conference at the Augusta Civic Center. QC has decided to host a half-day conference this year, focused on a select number of topical innovations that are of strategic importance to QC’s members, partners, and stakeholders.

The Keynote Speaker will be Sanjeev Arora, MD, FACG, MACP – Distinguished Professor of Medicine in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, as well as Director and Founder of Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes): a revolutionary, guided-practice model whereby primary care clinicians retain the responsibility of managing their patients, while also increasing their independence and self-efficacy.

Other topics include: Real-Life Applications of the ECHO Model; Reaching Diverse/Rural Populations through Telehealth; Best Practices and Workflows around Lung Cancer Screening; Addressing Healthcare Affordability; Building Communities of Practice around Older Adults; and an overview of lessons learned from Maine CDC’s Chronic Disease Improvement Collaborative. Registration opens 2/1 - space will be limited, so register early.

MMA and Jackson Laboratory Seeking Volunteers to Assist with 2018 Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative Forum

The Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative will hold its 2018 Forum April 6-8 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine. MMA has been asked to help staff the Forum and is seeking 4 or 5 volunteers from the ranks of our retired members to assist with registration and hosting of the attendees. In exchange, the volunteers will receive housing and free registration to the conference.

Any MMA member wishing to take advantage of this opportunity should communicate with MMA EVP Gordon Smith at gsmith@mainemed.com.

The Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI) is a collaboration of leading Maine and New England clinical and research institutions focused on advancing cancer care and research in Maine. The Initiative is supported by the Harold Alfond Foundation in partnership with The Jackson Laboratory. Learn more at www.jax.org/mcgi. The Program is directed by Andrey Antov, Ph.D., M.B.A. with medical direction from Jens Rueter, M.D.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in the state and new tests and treatments for cancer are increasingly based on the genetic testing of tumors. MCGI is designed to foster this emerging approach to cancer care, also known as Precision Medicine, and to support Maine cancer clinicians and patients.

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.

Peer Navigation Program from Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)

The FORCE Peer Navigation Program helps match people facing hereditary cancer with support and resources. This free program connects cancer survivors, people at high risk and their caregivers to support and resources personalized for them.

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)

This project is supported by FONCMS-1L1-15-003 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The contents provided are solely the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of HHS or any of its agencies or the Maine Medical Association.

Operations Director

Health Access Network (HAN), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Lincoln, Maine, is seeking a dynamic leader to provide overall leadership and direction in planning and coordinating clinic operations for six sites. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: ensure all health center programs meet patient needs, the mission, and ongoing viability of the organization; develop and implement required operational policies, procedures, and systems; implement process improvements that result in operations working more efficiently and effectively; closely monitors productivity; ensures compliance with grant expectations and requirements; 340B program; meaningful use; marketing; public relations; and participates in budget development, strategic planning, and grant writing activities. Oversees IT, EMR, and facilities.

The Operations Director is considered a valued member of the senior leadership team reporting directly to the CEO. Must have exceptional verbal / written communication skills and possess compassion, innovation, integrity, and excellence which are the health center’s values.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in health administration / related field or combination of experience and education. 3 to 5 years of demonstrated leadership and management experience in healthcare required. Experience working in a FQHC 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.

Associate Director/Director of Compliance, Privacy, Risk and Legal Affairs for Penobscot Community Health Care in Bangor, Maine

PCHC is looking for an individual with some combination of expertise in implementing, modifying, and/or overseeing PCHC’s compliance plan, privacy program, risk management activities, and coordinating its day-to-day legal affairs in close partnership with PCHC’s general counsel and senior leadership.

The title, salary, and job duties will vary depending upon the successful candidate’s skill set, number of competencies demonstrated, years of experience in the functional areas listed above, and educational level. Applicants with expertise in two or more functional areas listed above are specifically encouraged to apply. PCHC is looking for an individual with some combination of expertise in implementing, modifying, and/or overseeing PCHC’s compliance plan, privacy program, risk management activities, and coordinating its day-to-day legal affairs in close partnership with PCHC’s general counsel and senior leadership. The position ensures that PCHC achieves consistently high levels of compliance with all laws and regulations while supporting the growth of PCHC. The position provides training, advice, and direction to PCHC’s Board of Directors, senior management, and employees on preventing, identifying, and resolving compliance and/or privacy issues. If interested, please apply online at www.pchc.com/careers or email our Recruitment Coordinator at recruitment@pchc.com

Outpatient Internal Medicine Physician – Bangor, Maine

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.

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. 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.

Clinical Cardiology Opportunity

Maine Medical Partners MaineHealth Cardiology is seeking an invasive clinical cardiologist (non-interventional) for their practice located in their Augusta and Waterville, Maine locations

Maine Medical Partners MaineHealth Cardiology is seeking an invasive clinical cardiologist (non-interventional) for their practice located in their Augusta and Waterville, Maine locations. Selected candidates will join a growing team of over 50 cardiologists who provide inpatient, outpatient and consultative services.

Maine Medical Partners MaineHealth Cardiology is a growing practice, with office locations in Augusta, Waterville, Lewiston, Rockport, and Scarborough, and is affiliated with the nationally recognized cardiac services at Maine Medical Center and its parent organization MaineHealth.

This integrated practice includes Maine General Health, Maine’s third largest health care system. The Alfond Center for Health, MaineGeneral Medical Center’s state-of-the art, 192-bed regional hospital, has a cardiac catheterization lab and full on site imaging, including echocardiography and nuclear testing. The Augusta/Waterville practice consists of 9 cardiologists and 2 advanced practice providers.

For more information please contact Alison C. Nathanson, Director, MaineHealth Physician Recruitment Center at (207) 661-7383 or nathaa@mainehealth.org.

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.

Central Maine affords easy access to the coast and mountains where you can enjoy four seasons of outdoor activities. We have a growing arts and restaurant scene in a very safe affordable area to live and raise a family. To join our growing team, contact Gina Mallozzi, Central Maine Medical Center, 300 Main Street, Lewiston, ME 04240. Email: MallozGi@cmhc.org; Fax: 207/344-0696; Call: 800/445-7431; or visit our website: http://recruitment.cmmc.org/.

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.

Maine Medicine Weekly Update - February 26, 2018
(Print All Articles)

Drug Overdose Deaths Increased 11% in Maine in 2017

MMA Board to Address Several Critical Issues at Annual President's Retreat in March

Center for American Progress Unveils "Medicare Extra for All"

Purdue Pharma Announces Cessation of Marketing Oxycontin to Prescribers

3 Ways to Maximize Employer Diabetes Prevention Tools for Your Patients

Notes from the American Medical Association

FDA: Clarithromycin may increase risk of heart events in certain people

Information for MaineCare Providers

Legislative Call This Tuesday, February 27th

Legislative Report: The Laws Governing Minors' Consent to Treatment and More

Healthcare Suicide Prevention Protocol Development Training - half day workshop - March 2

March 6th Quality Payment Webinar

28th Annual Winter Conference - Contemporary Topics in Orthopedics - March 16-18

QC2018: Building Communities of Practice through Innovation - Wednesday, April 4, 2018

MMA and Jackson Laboratory Seeking Volunteers to Assist with 2018 Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative Forum

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

Peer Navigation Program from Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)

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

Operations Director

Associate Director/Director of Compliance, Privacy, Risk and Legal Affairs for Penobscot Community Health Care in Bangor, Maine

Outpatient Internal Medicine Physician – Bangor, Maine

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

Clinical Cardiology Opportunity

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

Opportunities at the VA for Volunteer Physicians

Maine Medicine Weekly Update - February 26, 2018(Print All Articles)

Drug Overdose Deaths Increased 11% in Maine in 2017

MMA Board to Address Several Critical Issues at Annual President's Retreat in March

Center for American Progress Unveils "Medicare Extra for All"

Purdue Pharma Announces Cessation of Marketing Oxycontin to Prescribers

3 Ways to Maximize Employer Diabetes Prevention Tools for Your Patients

Notes from the American Medical Association

FDA: Clarithromycin may increase risk of heart events in certain people

Information for MaineCare Providers

Legislative Call This Tuesday, February 27th

Legislative Report: The Laws Governing Minors' Consent to Treatment and More

Healthcare Suicide Prevention Protocol Development Training - half day workshop - March 2

March 6th Quality Payment Webinar

28th Annual Winter Conference - Contemporary Topics in Orthopedics - March 16-18

QC2018: Building Communities of Practice through Innovation - Wednesday, April 4, 2018

MMA and Jackson Laboratory Seeking Volunteers to Assist with 2018 Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative Forum

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

Peer Navigation Program from Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)

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

Operations Director

Associate Director/Director of Compliance, Privacy, Risk and Legal Affairs for Penobscot Community Health Care in Bangor, Maine

Outpatient Internal Medicine Physician – Bangor, Maine

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

Clinical Cardiology Opportunity

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

Opportunities at the VA for Volunteer Physicians

Maine Medicine Weekly Update - February 26, 2018
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