MSSNY Pulse – November 1, 2024 – MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK ORGANIZED 1807

Bill to Block Medicare Cuts, Provide Pay Increase Arrives in the House

Friday, November 1, 2024

IMG Recognition Week

Click to Enlarge

Colleagues:

Being ill is no fun, though it does enforce time in bed (or in my case, time on the toilet) to contemplate one’s own physical fragility and mortality. To those of you who noticed there was no President’s Corner in Pulse last week, I thank you for calling and checking on my welfare. Recognition is important. And this past week, IMG Recognition Week was celebrated to honor our IMG physicians.

IMG physicians are a vital component of the physician workforce and MSSNY’s IMG physicians play a critical role in the delivery of health care services. Having a disruption to the flow of IMGs who practice medicine in the U.S. would cause a tremendous change in medicine and affect the lives of our fellow physicians and of our patients.

Too often, we only really appreciate people when they are gone, for the hole they leave in our lives. That is true of loved ones. It is also true of our colleagues. When our colleagues are out sick, when they retire, or when they are suddenly taken away from us, our call schedules are affected, our workload goes up, and our sense of community is diminished. We are also diminished in a comparable way when potential colleagues are denied the opportunity to join us in the practice of medicine.

MSSNY is proud to represent IMG physicians and all physicians in practice.

All the best,

Jerome C. Cohen, MD
MSSNY President

Federal Legislation Introduced to Reform Medicare Payments to Physicians and Protect Patient Access

Click to Enlarge

Representative Greg Murphy, M.D. (R, NC) has introduced a bipartisan bill, the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, to support physicians and protect patient access to care for Medicare beneficiaries. In conjunction with other efforts by the AMA and medical associations across the country, MSSNY has advocated to the New York Congressional Delegation for months urging support for policy changes that protect the state’s physicians and patients and earned support from 18 delegation members for a sign on letter to Congressional leaders urging these changes.

In July 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a rule that would decrease Medicare reimbursement for physician services by 2.8% beginning on January 1, 2025. Compounded with CMS’ own estimates of a projected 3.6% increase in practice cost expenses for next year, physicians will face a 6.4% cut unless Congress acts. According to the American Medical Association, Medicare reimbursement for physician services has declined 29% from 2001 to 2024, when adjusted for inflation. The new bill would replace the 2.8% cut scheduled for 2025 with a 1.8% increase

Please join your colleagues in our effort to obtain needed Medicare payment increases by sending a communication to your member of Congress here: Be Heard | Physicians Grassroots Network

At a time when New York is struggling with a statewide physician shortage and a historic number of physicians are nearing retirement age, cuts to Medicare risk accelerating physician burnout and reducing access to care for Medicare patients.

MSSNY will continue to work with the AMA and the NY Congressional Delegation to advance this important bill and update members as the issue progresses in Washington.

Guidance On New Law Requiring Health Care Providers to Advise Patients Of Risks Associated With Using A Credit Card For Paying Medical Bills

Click to Enlarge

As previously reported, the DOH has put on hold a law that had been scheduled for October 20 implementation that requires physicians to obtain from their patients a consent to making payment after services are delivered. However, other provisions are now effective. Below is advice from MSSNY General Counsel David Vozza on how best to comply with the new law that became effective October 20, which requires all health care providers to advise their patients of the risks of using a credit card for paying medical bills:

Initially, practices should incorporate a new Credit Card Utilization disclaimer intake form for patients to sign acknowledging the risks and advising them of the consumer-related protections;
At each credit card payment thereafter:
1. If done in person, give patient written form with script: [a) no longer considered medical debt; b) waiving certain protections with list]. Train staff to go over the form and be able to answer questions and then have client sign acknowledgment.
2. If by phone, train staff to verbally go through script and ask for verbal acknowledgment, which staff will document. To be extra safe, practices can incorporate recordings, however we don’t believe the legislature ultimately would require this. Even though NYS is a one-party consent state, patients should be advised the discussion is being recorded.
3. If online, incorporate a system whereby patients must read the script and check an acknowledgment prior to payment.

Maximizing College Financial Aid: Key Steps and Resources for Families

Click to Enlarge

Preparing to cover the cost of college is daunting, but with careful planning, families can navigate the process effectively. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year is critical, as it’s the primary gateway to federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Many states and institutions set earlier deadlines, so submitting the FAFSA early increases the chances of receiving available funds.

Beyond FAFSA, families should explore additional aid from state and local programs, which can cover significant expenses but may require separate applications and earlier deadlines. The FAFSA process includes an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculation, which assesses your financial needs based on income and assets. Families should review the financial aid packages from each school carefully and consider appealing if the offer leaves a large financial gap.

The FAFSA application has improved, with tools like the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) streamlining the income reporting process and the newly simplified “Better FAFSA” form introduced in 2024. For parents guiding their children or grandchildren, understanding FAFSA terms like EFC, COA, and SAR can make the process more manageable and informed. Remember, the FAFSA opens the door to various funding sources, and families can often secure more financial assistance with thorough research and early applications.

College Ave offers MSSNY Members a Better Student Loan Experience. Not a member? Join today!

Saturday Morning: Women Physicians Leadership Academy

Click to Watch Video

Today is the first WPLA session on Advocacy and Changemaking! Join us this morning to earn CME credits and build essential skills. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow professionally—register now and be part of the conversation!

Future sessions:

Attending the fall series allows you to accumulate up to nine valuable continuing medical education (CME) credits. It’s an excellent chance to deepen your understanding and enhance your professional skills!

Seeking Support, Empathy, and Perspective?

Click to Enlarge

The Medical Society of the State of New York offers a Peer-to-Peer service that gives physicians, residents, and medical students an opportunity to seek guidance and discuss work or life stressors. This program connects peers who understand the unique impacts of the medical profession. A peer in need can contact the MSSNY confidential helpline by phone (1-844-727-7337) or email ([email protected]) and request to be connected with a peer supporter. The trained peer supporter will offer a safe place for support, empathy, and perspective.

Dutchess County Medical Society Celebrates Fall Gala

Click to Enlarge

The Dutchess County Medical Society hosted its 2024 Fall Gala on October 17th at The Links at Union Vale in Lagrangeville, NY, bringing together physicians, dignitaries, and community members. Attendees included Dr. Adam Rubinstein, President of the Dutchess County Medical Society, and Assemblyman Anil Beephan. This annual gathering honored local healthcare professionals and strengthened community ties, showcasing the dedication and contributions of physicians across Dutchess County.

(left to right) MSSNY EVP Dr. Thomas Lee; Assemblyman Anil Beephan; and Dr. William Barrick

(left to right) Dr. Harry Suseelan; Dutchess County Medical Society President Dr. Adam Rubinstein; MSSNY EVP Dr. Thomas Lee

MSSNY’s Heather Lopez Celebrated as a 2024 Woman of Distinction

Click to Enlarge

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara recently honored outstanding women at the 2024 Women of Distinction Ceremony at i7 Events in Viaport Mall. Among the honorees was Heather Lopez, MSSNY’s Vice President of Physician Payment and Practice, who was celebrated for her significant contributions to the Capital Region through her work in community service. As a board member and Resource Development Chairwoman for Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County, Heather has played a vital role in housing initiatives and has strongly advocated for animal welfare at the Montgomery County SPCA. Additionally, her leadership in organizing food drives has addressed essential community needs. Assemblyman Santabarbara praised the honorees’ resilience and commitment, highlighting their ongoing positive impact on the local community.

N.Y. Delays Surprise Billing Law Amid Provider Backlash

Click to Enlarge

The New York Department of Health has postponed the implementation of a law aimed at reducing surprise medical bills. This delay comes after concerns from the Medical Society of the State of New York and other organizations that the law could jeopardize their financial stability, with the groups telling the department, “without revisions to this law, many community physicians may struggle to sustain their practices, maintain staff, or continue providing the level of care their patients expect and deserve.”

Full Story: Crain’s New York Business (Tiered Subscription Model) (10/29)

Help Shape Medicare Coverage: Join the NGS Contractor Advisory Committee Today!

Click to Enlarge

National Government Services (NGS) seeks Physicians to volunteer as Medicare Contractor Advisory Committee (CAC) members. CAC members provide insights to help develop Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) by advising Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) on evidence quality regarding proposed coverage topics. Candidates representing their specialties or organizations must submit a nomination letter from their national or state society and their contact information, specialty, and CV. Interested professionals can apply via email at [email protected].

Health Equity Committee CME Webinar

Click to Enlarge

Unconscious bias, social determinants of health, and countless other factors play a role in patient outcomes. How healthcare professionals engage with their patients are paramount to achieving successful patient outcomes. Learn more about this universally important topic by registering for The Common Thread: The Human Experience on November 6^th at 7:30 am. Mauvareen Beverley, MD, patient engagement strategist and member of MSSNY’s Committee on Health Equity will serve as faculty for this webinar. Register now

Additional information or assistance with registration may be obtained by contacting Melissa Hoffman at [email protected]

Secure Your Future: Discover the New Physician Life Income Plan!

Click to Enlarge

Please join us on Tuesday, November 19, at 12 pm for a webinar introducing the new MSSNY Physician’s Life Income Plan (PLIP). We are excited to announce our new exclusive MSSNY benefit, which is only available to our members!

The Physician’s Life Income Plan is a supplemental retirement program designed to lower taxes and protect assets. Some of the key features of this program include:

Tax Advantages (tax-free accumulation, tax-free withdrawals, and tax-free distribution to beneficiaries)
100% Creditor Protection in NYS (a solution to possible liability legislation changes pending in NY)
Full Liquidity (maintain access and control of assets at all times)

The largest Fortune 500 companies have used this strategy for almost 50 years. Now, through your MSSNY membership, it is available to physicians! Register Now

Registration Now Open: Disaster Medicine: Every Physician’s Second Specialty

Click to Enlarge

Disasters happen every day on local, statewide, national and global levels. Healthcare professionals, physicians in particular, have unique sets of skills and training to qualify them to assist during all types of disaster. Remaining up to date on disaster medicine techniques, best practices and methodologies are the best way for healthcare professionals to be ready and prepared for most disasters they may encounter. Learn more about disaster medicine by registering for Disaster Medicine: Every Physician’s Second Specialty on November 20^th at 7:30am. Lorraine Giordano, MD, immediate past chair of the MSSNY Emergency Preparedness and Disaster/Terrorism Response Committee, will serve as faculty for this webinar. Register now.

Educational Objectives are:

Identify core preparedness competencies every physician should know
Explore essential elements of preparedness plans for staff, patients, and family.
Describe available courses, resources, and organizations to obtain disaster preparedness education and training.

Additional information or assistance with registration may be obtained by contacting Melissa Hoffman at [email protected].

Explore Exclusive Health Insurance for MSSNY Members

Click to Enlarge

MSSNY members can explore tailored health insurance options through Creative Wealth Planning. With customizable plans for you, your dependents, and staff—plus Medicare and exclusive dental/vision benefits—this program could be your solution. Before renewing, check out your options to find coverage that suits your needs.