Message from MSSNY President Parag Mehta, MD:
Reflections on 2022, Looking Forward to 2023
Colleagues:
Happy Holidays to all. Festivities bring us joy and togetherness and I hope you all enjoy wonderful celebrations with friends and family. I am grateful to both my family and my extended family of MSSNY staff, members, and leaders.
2022 was a year of action and learning. MSSNY continued to be a voice of reason and an advocate for our patients, physicians, and people of NY. We enjoyed our House of Delegate meeting in person with unprecedented fun and festivities.
What We Faced and What We Learned
Resilience: Fragility to Agility and Ferocity: Covid, Monkeypox, and RSV keep attacking us viciously, and we fight back with vigor and ferocity. Our fragility taught us to have agility and adaptability to respond to any adversities. MSSNY continues to educate about Monkeypox, RSV, the pandemic, and communicable diseases.
Trust: The reality is that what binds us together now is shared fear and disdain, not common humanity, shared trust, respect, and love. While science is clear about the use of vaccines saving lives and reducing hospitalization (measles, Covid, polio, etc.), lack of trust caused a significant divide in the country. MSSNY continued to provide information to our members and the people of our state and nation.
Conflicts, Violence, and Calamities: We also witnessed geopolitical conflict in the form of war, climate change, and natural calamities such as earthquakes or volcano eruptions. Many lives are lost due to senseless gun violence, hate crimes, suicides, homicides, and natural disasters. Guns surpassed accidents as the number one cause of death among children. MSSNY remains the voice of reason, has issued appropriate press statements, and continued to offer programs like Peer-to-Peer (P2P).
Burnout and the Great Resignation: These affected the entire workforce and talent turnover made employers offer remote work options. Work will never be the same again. MSSNY will continue to provide support for wellness.
Advocacy: MSSNY created a scorecard for all elected officials and remained vigilant and active with advocacy. I am proud to say that with the effort of our amazing team we enacted telehealth payment parity, significantly increased physician payments, prevented efforts to force physicians to pay for the excess layer of malpractice, and many more bills that will improve patient care and physicians’ workflow. There are also several other health insurance reform patient protection bills which are coming down to the wire for the Governor’s signature (see article below). Also see the list of Amicus briefs signed by MSSNY here. As noted below, working together with the AMA and the federation of medicine, we aggressively advocated to prevent an 8.5% Medicare cut, which is now reduced to 2%.
Communications: In 2022, we proudly launched a new MSSNY website, a new newsletter name and format (Pulse), and a MSSNY Pulse App. We had more than 75 media hits on TV, radio, and print. Our social media presence is steadily growing with over 6.1k fans and followers and an excellent engagement rate of 6.74% (1-5% is considered very good).
Physician Payment and Practice: MSSNY helped over 600 members in 2022 and recouped over $7 million from insurance providers (see full story below).
Education: MSSNY provided many educational programs throughout the year, including the Medical Matters and Veterans Matters CME Webinars. Additionally, we hosted several IMG seminars that were viewed and attended by more than 1,000 participants.
Hope is a trilogy of goals, pathways, and agency – Charles Richard Snyder
In 2023 our goal is to make NY a better place to practice medicine, welcoming physicians to practice without fear of frivolous lawsuits and interference from regulatory agencies. Throughout the year, MSSNY works to ensure that physicians have the support and resources they need to provide high-quality care to their patients.
Parag Mehta, MD
MSSNY President
Debunking 5 Tenacious Patient Engagement Myths
Effective patient engagement has long been a cornerstone of high-quality care, with studies stretching back years pointing to the link between engaged, health-literate patients and improved health outcomes. Yet the myths below persist within the medical community.
The five myths
- Patient engagement is no more than appointment scheduling and reminders.
- Patient engagement isn’t an effective data play.
- Patient engagement isn’t as meaningful in rural communities.
- Patient engagement won’t help patient retention.
- Patient education exists apart from patient engagement.
The author explains why it is foolish to believe in these myths. He describes how through practical and purposeful engagement, physicians can build meaningful relationships with patients, show them that they are seen and heard, and empower them with the information and education they need to be better stewards of their health.
Debunking 5 Tenacious Patient Engagement Myths (Fuller, Medcity, 12/19).
Join Us for MSSNY’s Lobby Day on March 14th, 2023
Please plan to put aside Tuesday, March 14th, 2023, for MSSNY’s annual Physician Advocacy Day. To register, click here.
For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, MSSNY’s lobby day will be held in person! It will take place at the Empire State Plaza (The Egg) in Albany from 7:45-11:00 am. Physicians and their allies will hear from legislative leaders in the morning, and in the afternoon, they will meet with their respective legislators in meetings organized by county medical societies.
This year, we will be advocating for policies that address public health threats, remove barriers to patients accessing needed care, and reduce prior authorization and claim payment hassles. At the same time, we will voice our opposition to policies that will increase medical liability insurance costs and inappropriately expand the scope of practice for non-physicians.
Please plan to join hundreds of colleagues from around the state in Albany on March 14th!
Interim Guidance for Clinicians to Prioritize Antiviral Treatment of Influenza in the Setting of Reduced Availability of Oseltamivir
Seasonal influenza activity is high across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the 2022-2023 season to date, there have been at least 13 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 7,300 deaths from influenza (Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report I CDC). While the Food and Drug Administration~ (FDA) has not indicated shortages of oseltamivir (generic or Tamiflu) in any of its forms (capsules, oral suspension), CDC has received numerous anecdotal reports of availability issues for generic oseltamivir in some locations. This may continue to occur in some communities as influenza activity continues. This Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory provides clinicians and public health officials with guidance for prioritizing oseltamivir for treatment and information on other influenza antivirals that are recommended for treating influenza in areas where oseltamivir is temporarily unavailable. Learn more.
CDC HAN Updating on Therapeutics Available for COVID-19 Treatment and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Update to supplement the CDC HAN Health Advisories issued on April 25, 2022 and May 24, 2022 to emphasize to healthcare providers, public health departments, and the public that the majority of Omicron sublineages circulating in the United States have reduced susceptibility to the monoclonal antibody, bebtelovimab and the monoclonal antibody combination, cilgavimab and tixagevimab (EvusheldTM).
MSSNY 16th Annual Poster Symposium
MSSNY Medical Students and Resident/Fellow members are invited to submit abstracts that will be considered for the poster presentation at this year’s House of Delegates. Deadline for abstract submission: 4 pm, Monday, January 16, 2023.
Please note that medical student membership requires enrollment in an LCME or COCA-accredited school. However, non-LCME/COCA students doing rotations in New York hospitals may participate without membership. Click here for more details.
Abstract Reviewers Needed
MSSNY will once again hold a Residents/Fellows and Medical Students’ Poster Symposium during the 2023 MSSNY House of Delegates. We are seeking volunteers to serve as reviewers of abstracts for the symposium. January 16, 2023, is the deadline for submission of abstracts and abstract review will take place between January 20 and February 20.
If you are interested in reviewing abstracts, please contact Kathy Rohrer at [email protected]
Congressional Omnibus Package Leaves in Place 2% Cut to Medicare in 2023; Physician Advocates Express Outrage
Physicians across the country will face a 2% cut in Medicare payment in 2023 under the massive, must-pass omnibus spending deal struck by congressional leaders that is expected to pass by the end of this week.
“The AMA is extremely disappointed and dismayed that Congress failed to prevent Medicare cuts next year, threatening the financial viability of physician practices and endangering access to care for Medicare beneficiaries,” said AMA President Jack Resneck Jr., MD. “This 2% cut, following two decades of flat payment rates, will have consequences on health care access for older Americans.”
Physicians were facing a 8.5% in 2023 Medicare pay cuts, but an advocacy campaign led by the AMA and joined by more than 150 organizations representing over 1 million physicians and other health care clinicians helped stave off many of the reductions.
The budget deal includes a two-year postponement of the 4% in cuts from the pay-as-you-go sequester triggered by passage of the American Rescue Plan Act, and a partial prevention of the 4.5% cut triggered by changes to E&M codes.
In addition, with this omnibus budget deal Congress is poised to extend the Advanced Alternative Payment Model participation incentive at a reduced rate of 3.5%, and to delay for one year a scheduled increase in patient and revenue requirements to qualify for incentives. The bill also importantly extends telehealth flexibilities in Medicare through 2024.
MSSNY President Dr. Parag Mehta stated New York is on the Precipice of a Patient Access Disaster (mssny.org) “Despite physicians’ heroic efforts in treating patients during the pandemic, too many policymakers are now indifferent to their struggle in trying to keep their doors open to deliver essential patient care expected by our patients. The latest evidence of this indifference—even disrespect—is Congress’ failure to prevent significant cuts to Medicare physician payment when inflation continues to rapidly drive-up practice overhead costs, and at a time when other sectors of the health care delivery system are receiving increases. Rapidly increasing costs combined with cuts in payment from government and from insurers is simply unsustainable—physician practices will be unable to survive.”
MSSNY End of Sessions Report
Final Budget Agreement: Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature enacted a $220 billion state budget for fiscal year 2022-23. This budget package produced several significant victories for organized medicine following months of extensive advocacy by MSSNY, together with county and specialty medical societies. These victories include:
- Telehealth Payment Parity.
Requires health insurers to pay the same amount for telehealth services that they would for comparable in-person services. The law will have to be extended in 2 years.
- Extension of the Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance Program.
A straight one-year extension of the Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance Program. MSSNY worked with specialty societies to defeat an executive budget proposal that would have required physicians to pay upfront for this very expensive coverage and then be reimbursed.
- Increasing Physician Loan Repayment.
A 75% increase in funding (to nearly $16 million) for the Doctors Across New York student loan repayment program. In this program, physicians can receive up to $120,000 in student loan relief for providing care (for at least 3 years) in an underserved area.
- Increasing Medicaid Payments.
A restoration of the 2020 1.5% cut to Medicaid payments, and an across the board 1% payment increase. Moreover, E&M and Medicine codes in Medicaid fee for service are being increased to 70% of Medicare (currently at only 45% or 58% of Medicare).
Public Health Wins: Throughout the 2022 legislative session, MSSNY was able to ensure passage of significant legislation that will benefit the lives of physicians and their patients. We are urging physicians to contact Governor Hochul to ask that she sign these bills into law. Here are some examples of legislation important to physicians that passed both houses:
- 879/S.8113 – Requires Same Specialty Peer Review by Health Plans.
Prohibits health insurers from denying a claim or prior authorization request for patient care, unless the reviewing physician is board-certified or board eligible in the same or similar specialty as the physician who typically recommends the treatment or manages the condition that is under review. It also requires the reviewing physician to have a New York license to practice medicine.
- 1741-A/S.5299-A – Limits Health Insurer “Copay Accumulators.”
Prohibits health insurers from preventing patients from using copay cards or coupons to help meet their deductibles. This legislation will help patients, particularly those on chronic medication therapies, to realize the full benefit of these discount cards and help them meet their deductible requirements earlier in a calendar year.
- 3276/S.5909 – Limits Mental Health Step Therapy.
Prevents health insurers from imposing step therapy or fail first protocols on coverage for prescription medications to address mental health conditions.
- 2085-A/S.906-B – Lowers Age of Colonoscopy Coverage.
Requires health insurers to cover recommended patient colorectal cancer screening tests, including colonoscopies, starting at age 45.
Mandate Bills Passed Despite MSSNY Efforts: Despite concerns from MSSNY and specialty societies about legislating the practice of medicine, a handful of bills requiring physicians to take specific actions in patient care situations have passed both houses. MSSNY has requested that chapter amendments be added to these bills to reduce the additional documentation burden (necessary to prove compliance) that they will impose at a time when physicians are already drowning in excessive paperwork. These bills include:
- 3470C/S.2521C – Facility Fee Disclosure.
Requires hospitals and other health care providers to inform patients of facility fees not covered by insurance. This bill also requires employed health care providers to disclose, in advance, if their employer health system is charging a facility fee.
- 273/S.4640 – Opioid Alternatives.
Requires physicians and other health care providers, prior to writing a prescription for an opioid medication to treat neuromusculoskeletal pain, to consider and discuss with the patient non-opioid treatment alternatives. These alternatives include, but are not limited to, non-opioid medications, physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic therapy, acupuncture, and exercise. However, the bill provides that such steps would not be required for post-surgical pain management, treating patients with cancer, end- of-life care, or in an emergency.
Please Continue to Urge Gov Hochul to Veto Drastic Liability Expansion Bill
Physicians are urged to continue to contact Governor Hochul Urge Governor to Veto (p2a.co) to urge that she veto legislation (S74A/A6770) that would greatly expand the damages awardable in wrongful death actions. Because this bill was one of 3 bills passed by the State Legislature this year not delivered to the Governor with less than 10 days left in the calendar year, the State Constitution provides the Governor with an additional 30-day period (the end of January) to take action. The practical effect is that it increases the options for the Governor in considering the bill, which in addition to a straight up signing or veto also include negotiating significant amendments with the Legislature to narrow the drastic impact of the bill, or to even to “pocket veto” the bill.
We thank the many thousands of physicians who have made these requested contacts – they have certainly helped highlight to the Governor and the public at large the profound impact this bill could have on patients’ access to our healthcare system – but they must continue until this issue is finally resolved. This week there were a number of important media pieces from groups other than health care associations urging the Governor to veto the bill. This includes a response piece in the Gotham Gazette The Bill Expanding Liability Will, In Fact, Increase Costs (gothamgazette.com) from the Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York, as well as a piece in Crains and the New York Law Journal Don’t Allow Inflation in Wrongful Death Lawsuits | New York Law Journal from the Defense Association of New York.
MSSNY Urges Governor Hochul to Sign Host of Bills to Redress Aberrant Insurer Practices
As of this writing, a package of health insurer reform bills strongly supported by MSSNY as well as numerous patient and physician advocacy groups remains pending on Governor Hochul’s desk. These bills include:
- A.3276 (Gunther)/S.5909 (Kaminsky), which would ban health insurers from applying Fail First/Step Therapy protocols to medications used to treat mental health conditions. The Governor has until Friday, December 23rd to act, so please take a minute to let her know you support her signing this important legislation into law through MSSNY’s Grassroots Action Center (GAC): End Fail First & Step Therapy Protocols (p2a.co)
- A.1741-A (Gottfried)/S.5299-A (Rivera), Ban on Copay Accumulators, which will prohibit health insurers from preventing their insureds from applying the benefit of a prescription discount card to meet their deductibles. Governor Hochul has until Friday, December 23rd to act on this bill, as well, so please lodge your support for her to sign into law through the GAC: End Copay Accumulators A1741-A/S.5299-A (p2a.co) –
- A.879 (Gottfried)/S.8113 (Cleare) This bill would ensure that those who make “medical necessity” determinations on behalf of a health insurance company are appropriately qualified to make those decisions. It would also require that the reviewing physician have a license to practice medicine issued by New York State. Please let her know you support her signing it into law: Requiring Health Insurers to Have Appropriately Trained Reviewers (p2a.co) – The Governor has until Friday 12/30 to act on this bill.
MSSNY teamed up with numerous statewide patient and physician advocacy groups, including the American Cancer Society (ACS), the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the New York State Bleeding Disorders Coalition, the Mental Health Association of New York State (MHANYS), National Association of Mental Illness of New York State (NAMINYS) and its specialty society partners, throughout the legislative session, as well as post-session, on these issues. These partnerships have been invaluable in advancing legislation for each of these issues.
Drops in 2023 Physician Reimbursement for Medicare Will Hurt Seniors’ Access to Care
Medical Economics’ spotlight on how the Congressional budget will cut Medicare reimbursement for physicians referenced Dr. Mehta’s statement, New York is on the Precipice of a Patient Access Disaster:“Despite physicians’ heroic efforts in treating patients during the pandemic, too many policymakers are now indifferent to their struggle in trying to keep their doors open to deliver essential patient care expected by our patients… Rapidly increasing costs combined with cuts in payment from government and from insurers is simply unsustainable – physician practices will be unable to survive.”
MSSNY Recoups More than $7 Million for Members from Insurance Providers in 2022
MSSNY’s Director of Physician Payment and Practice, Heather Lopez, has helped over 600 members in 2022 and recouped over $7 million from insurance providers. Her expertise has resulted in recoupment even in cases where insurance companies denied the claim multiple times. This past summer, she advocated and coordinated a meeting between the CMS Medical Director and leaders for NDC re-evaluation in ultrasound coverage for dense breasts. If you have questions about any insurance concern, contact MSSNY’s Director of Physician Payment and Practice, Heather Lopez, at 518.465.8085 X332.
2022 Successes
- Assisted in reducing a $5.9 million takeback to Zero
- Yielded over $200,000 in payments to a practice after assisting in the negotiation of mishandled batch claims
- Assisted in recouping $65,000 in a single claim after multiple denials
- Assisted a practice in contract negotiations that resulted in a revised reimbursement agreement more beneficial to the practice
2023 Coding Changes- Are You Prepared? Join Us on January 11As we close the last chapter of 2022, it is essential to be ready for the first chapter of 2023. January 1st starts the implementation of the new coding changes. One significant change pertains to E/M coding. Are you and your team prepared for this? Learn more about the specifics from the AMA.
MSSNY is hosting a webinar on January 11th on coding to ensure you have all the necessary information. Keep an eye out for our email to register.
2023 Coding Changes- Are You Prepared? Join Us on January 11
As we close the last chapter of 2022, it is essential to be ready for the first chapter of 2023. January 1st starts the implementation of the new coding changes. One significant change pertains to E/M coding. Are you and your team prepared for this?
There are many coding changes for the 2023 calendar year. The Evaluation and Management code sets that impact virtually all specialties have further revisions. It is critically important to understand the impacts of these changes upon your documentation, work-processes and the potential changes to revenue that might result. Attend an educational update on January 11th of the Evaluation and Management changes for Office, Hospital and Clinic visits. Register Now
You will learn what procedure codes have been added, deleted and revised as well as the relative descriptors. By becoming more acutely aware of the documentation updates, you will understand what requirements are necessary to support levels of service; moreover, not waste your time on inconsequential notes as the 1995 and 1997 CMS Guidelines become obsolete.
Jennifer Roth has been in the medical billing and coding field for 18 years. She is a certified professional coder and has extensive knowledge of the revenue cycle process. Jennifer has successfully helped multiple group practices and hospitals transition to new EMR systems and applies her knowledge to effectively manage the revenue cycle process. Jennifer’s extensive knowledge, researching ability and problem solving allows her to support the STI team and clients it serves through a highly technical and vastly changing healthcare industry.
Supporting Well-Being Beyond the Pandemic: Suggestions for Individuals and Systems
Join MSSNY on Thursday, January 19, at 7 pm as we welcome Kerri Palamara, MD, an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Director of Center for Physician Well-Being for the Department of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Dr. Palamara is the creator and director of the Physician Coaching Program at MGH and has expanded it nationally to 40 residency programs. Learn ways to improve physician awareness of their growth and development, reduce burnout, and improve resilience. Register now
Registration Now Open Medical Matters CME Webinar: COVID Q & A: Pandemic vs. Endemic? Future of COVID? Long COVID?
As we approach the third full year of living with COVID, many questions remain. Get answers to questions about the pandemic/endemic nature of COVID, what the future might look like for COVID and other respiratory viruses, long COVID and many more by registering for COVID Q & A: Pandemic vs. Endemic? Future of COVID? Long COVID? on January 25th at 7:30 am. Faculty for this webinar are William Valenti, MD, chair of MSSNY’s Infectious Diseases Committee and Bonnie Litvack, MD, past MSSNY president, serving as moderator.
Educational Objectives are:
- Define the difference between pandemic and endemic
- Outline COVID treatment and vaccine procedures moving forward
- Recognize the impact of long COVID
- Identify specific features of concurrent respiratory viruses
Additional information or assistance with registration may be obtained by contacting Melissa Hoffman at [email protected].
The Medical Society of the State of New York is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Medical Society of the State of New York designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Discounted Long-Term Care Insurance
Members and their spouses can now obtain a 5% discount on long-term care insurance from Mutual of Omaha through Charles J. Sellers & Co. Mutual of Omaha’s MutualCare Custom Solution policy allows you to get the care you need in the setting that’s right for you, whether that’s at home or in a care facility while helping to protect the assets you’ve worked so hard for. Contact Sellers & Co. at 800-333-5440 or [email protected] for more information and a customized proposal.
Physicians’ search services • allied medical placements • locum tenens • practice valuation • practice brokerage • practice consulting • real estate
For help, information or to place your ad, call Roseann Raia at 516-488-6100
ext. 302
For the MSSNY 2022 Ad RateSheet, please click here.
NYC – Flatiron District Medical Office Sublet – New Construction
We are a physical medicine office looking to sublease space in the heart of the Flatiron district. Beautiful brand-new build out with opportunity for two examination rooms with reception area. Space is exceptional with tall ceilings, hardwood floors, in an elevator doorman building. Space is located in between 5th and 6th Avenues below 23rd street and above 14th street. Perfect for Orthopedist, Physiatrist, Primary care, Podiatrist, etc…For questions please contact Christopher Anselmi. Cell: 917-301-7206, Email:[email protected]|
Downtown Financial District Boutique Medical Suite
Brand new office space.
Conveniently located to 2,3,4,5,6,J,M,Z subway lines. Boutique commercial office building with door attendant. Newly renovated, spacious, high ceilings, with new cabinetry and flooring (1,400 sq./ft. Approx). One to two exam rooms, part-time to full-time with shared waiting room. Full use of kitchen/pantry, reception space, and 24-7 access with security. Free high-speed WiFi and utilities. Immediate availability.
Perfect for MD’s of all specialties including plastic surgeons, dermatologists, internists, urologists and OB-GYNs, physical therapists, podiatrists, aestheticians, acupuncturists, chiropractors, nutritionists.
Reasonable rates. Flexible usage.
Please text or call Office Manager Lauren for more info at (646) 601-5954 or email [email protected]
Concierge Practice for Sale Boca Raton Florida
FOR SALE: Established Independent Concierge Internal Medicine Practice in Boca Raton, Florida. Stable turnkey operation in a pleasant work environment. Ideal for someone with the desire to transition to a better approach to medical practice. Financing available.
Contact [email protected].
Rheumatology Practice Sublet – Great Neck, NY
Sublet opportunity available at an established medical office in Great Neck, NY. Prime location near LIJ, Northshore University and St. Francis Hospitals. Fully equipped office with onsite parking and proximity to mass transit. Contact 516-972-2986/[email protected] for more info.
Medical Office for Share in Medical Park with Free Big Parking Lot in Westchester County
Medical office for sublet in Medical Park with free big parking lot, located at West Harrison, border of White Plains in Westchester County. Office includes a big waiting room with a kitchen, doctors office, exam room, and reception area. All rooms are available for whole days of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Thursday (Thursday full day on every 1st and 3rd week and Thursday morning on every 2nd and 4th week each month, or we can discuss more options). Monthly rent $600 for once a week usage, $1100 for twice a week usage, $1500 for three-day a week usage. Newly renovated and fully furnished. Text May if you are interested 646-338-4803
Rendr – Transforming Healthcare – Leadership Opportunity: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health, Bilingual English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) preferred
Job Position: Associate Chief Medical Office, SVP of Population Health in this role, you will lead and provide a wide range of support through population health, quality measures, practice transformation, Rendr360 department, House Calls, and other projects. Please send resumes [email protected]. We are offering leadership opportunities to Physicians who are interested in providing high-quality clinical care to our patients in the diverse communities that we serve. As a rapidly growing network, we provide a supportive environment for our physicians to practice medicine under the guidance of dedicated medical leadership. www.rendrcare.com.
