Wrongful Death on Gov’s Desk: Urge a Veto!
Friday, December 5, 2025
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Colleagues:
This is not just another President’s Corner—it’s a call for your immediate action.
The Grieving Families Act (S4423/A6063), a bill that will wreak havoc on New York’s healthcare system, has LANDED on the Governor’s desk. If signed into law, it could trigger a 40% increase in medical liability premiums—a devastating blow to our already strained healthcare infrastructure.
We cannot overstate the consequences:
- Fewer physicians: Skyrocketing costs will force many to reconsider practicing in New York.
- Reduced access to care: Patients will bear the brunt as practices shutter and services dwindle.
- Escalating healthcare costs: Hospitals and practices will be burdened, and all New Yorkers will ultimately pay the price.
This is about more than just numbers; it’s about the patients we serve and the future of healthcare in our state.
Call the Governor’s office at 518-474-8390.
- Press 1 to leave a voicemail or 2 to speak with staff.
- Say: “I am Dr. [Your Name], and I urgently request the Governor to VETO the Grieving Families Act (S4423/A6063)
Every email matters. Every voice counts.
This is our moment to stand together as the backbone of New York’s healthcare system.
If we fail to act, the damage will be irreversible—crippling practices, limiting patient care, and jeopardizing the health and safety of countless New Yorkers.
This Fight Requires All of Us.
Make your voice heard today. Share this email with your colleagues, staff, friends, and family members. Every call and every message strengthens our resolve.
We must demand a veto—not just for ourselves, but for the future of healthcare in New York.
All the best,
David Jakubowicz, MD, FACS
MSSNY President
Streamlining the IDR Process: How Your New Member Benefit Callagy Recovery Helps New York Physicians Recover Lost Revenue
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What’s New:
- MSSNY Member Benefit Callagy Recovery simplifies IDR arbitration under the No Surprises Act, helping physicians secure rightful reimbursements.
- Why It Matters: Many claims remain underpaid or denied due to payer delays and disputes. Callagy’s legal and administrative support helps protect practice revenue.
- Impact on You: Average recoveries vary by specialty and often exceed standard appeal outcomes.
For New York physicians, the Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process under the No Surprises Act (NSA) has become both an essential safeguard and an administrative challenge. Disputes over out-of-network payments and slow insurer responses continue to strain small practices already managing thin margins and mounting compliance requirements.
To help physicians reclaim control over their reimbursements, MSSNY is proud to introduce a new member benefit, Callagy Recovery, a firm specializing in medical arbitration and insurance recovery. Their team manages the full arbitration process, from case filing and evidence preparation to follow-up and appeal, allowing physicians to focus on patient care while ensuring that claims are not lost in administrative limbo.
In many cases, Callagy’s intervention results in significantly higher recoveries per specialty than traditional appeal methods, as shown in their Average Recovery Report. The firm’s IDR Arbitration Timeline also outlines each step of the process, providing transparency and predictable expectations for practices navigating these disputes.
In recent CMS guidance, the importance of proper claim submission timing and documentation within IDR cases is highlighted, reinforcing how critical expert management has become in avoiding technical denials or missed deadlines. With dedicated resources and ongoing updates, Callagy Recovery aligns with MSSNY’s mission to protect physicians’ financial stability and autonomy.
MSSNY December CME Opportunities: Leadership, AI, and Emergency Preparedness
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Sunday, December 7, the Women Physicians Leadership Academy continues with “Leadership: Dollars & Sense of Leadership.” This session helps women physicians build the confidence, communication strategies, and leadership frameworks needed to navigate workplace challenges and guide teams effectively. Designed with real-world practice dynamics in mind, the program offers physicians a supportive environment to sharpen skills that elevate both career growth and patient care.
Tuesday, December 9, MSSNY presents “Navigating the Next Frontier: Generative and Agentic AI in Medical Imaging.” As AI continues reshaping radiology and diagnostic processes, this session provides a practical overview of emerging tools, clinical applications, and decision-making considerations. For physicians across specialties, understanding AI’s role has become increasingly relevant to workflow efficiency, diagnostic accuracy, and patient outcomes.
Wednesday, December 10, the next Medical Matters webinar, “Dealing with News of Floods & Floods of News,” offers guidance on emergency preparedness and the emotional impact of responding to climate-related disasters. Led by experts from MSSNY’s Emergency Preparedness and Disaster/Terrorism Response Committee, the session focuses on evidence-based strategies to support patient communication, clinical stability, and physician resilience during crisis events.
Abstract Reviewers and Judges Needed for MSSNY Poster Symposium
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MSSNY will once again host a Residents/Fellows and Medical Students’ Poster Symposium during the 2026 MSSNY House of Delegates. We are seeking volunteers to serve as reviewers of abstracts for the symposium. January 6, 2026, is the deadline for submission of abstracts. Abstract review will take place between January 12 and January 30. If you are interested in serving as a reviewer and/or an in-person judge, please contact [email protected]. This is an important MSSNY event that allows medical students and residents to present their work! Please show your support.
1001 CUTS: A Global Call for Equity in Medicine
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Women in surgery still face daily barriers that affect team culture, burnout, and patient outcomes. A new global screening of the film 1001 CUTS invites leaders to examine these challenges and explore solutions that strengthen the surgical workforce. View trailer and register for virtual screening.
MSSNY Advocacy in Action
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November 19: Dr. Charles S. Lopresto, MSSNY Councilor and member of MSSNY’s Legislative & Physician Advocacy Committee, attended the “Campaign Kickoff” fundraiser for New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. Senator Stavisky, the long-time Chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education, oversees legislation and policy affecting professional licensure across the state and plays a key role in shaping statewide higher education priorities and regulations.
Senator Rivera’s 50th Birthday Celebration: On November 20th, Dr. Arthur C. Fougner, a member of MSSNY’s Board of Trustees, attended the event in the Bronx honoring New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera. Senator Rivera serves as Chair of the Senate Health Committee, where he directs legislation and oversight on healthcare policy, funding, and regulation, and influences the advancement of health-related bills statewide.
Jakubowicz: Liability Costs Will Surge Under Grieving Families Act
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The Medical Society of the State of New York has raised concerns about the Grieving Families Act, citing actuarial studies that show a 40% increase in insurance premiums if the legislation is enacted. MSSNY President Dr. David Jakubowicz said New York already has the highest liability costs in the country, and he expressed a commitment to working with Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Legislature on a version of the bill that balances legal remedies for families and the ability of health care providers to deliver care. “New York has a reputation for a world-class health care system but also a reputation for being one of the worst states in the country in which to be a physician,” Jakubowicz said.
Full Story: Long Island Life & Politics (N.Y.) (12/3)
MSSNY Calls For Veto of Grieving Families Act
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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to veto the Grieving Families Act for the fourth consecutive year; the legislation is largely the same as the version she rejected last year. “In light of the substantial financial stress that the health care system is under, I think it would be wise for the governor to once again veto this one-sided bill and encourage the stakeholders to come together for a sensible solution,” said Dr. Thomas Lee, executive vice president of the Medical Society of the State of New York.
Full Story: Spectrum News (12/4)
Medical Community Advocating for 4th Veto of GFA and Lots of CME Opportunities Upcoming
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End 2025 On Solid Financial Ground
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Finish the year strong with a long-term strategy. The Life Income Plan helps MSSNY members preserve wealth and reduce taxes through secure, flexible planning.
Introvert or Extrovert, Every Physician Can Strengthen the Art of Connection
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For many physicians, personality shapes how you communicate, build rapport, and manage the emotional demands of clinical care. Whether you identify as introverted, extroverted, or somewhere in between, these tendencies influence how patients and colleagues perceive your presence.
Introverted physicians often excel in reflection and deep listening but may be misread as reserved. Extroverted physicians may connect quickly but may need to slow down and listen more intentionally. Many physicians also report that their “doctor persona” differs from their natural tendencies, a normal and adaptive response to the interpersonal demands of patient care.
Simple techniques such as maintaining eye-level communication, observing body language, asking thoughtful questions, and offering brief reassurance can help every physician strengthen connections. It’s also important to distinguish temperament from conditions like social anxiety, which may require additional support.
Ultimately, effective patient connection is a skill, not a personality type. With intention and practice, every physician can cultivate stronger communication and trust.
How Introverted Doctors Can Better Connect With Patients (Medscape, James, 12/3).
