Newsletter XVI May 2001
CCMS schedules Installation Dinner for Tuesday, June 12
Free notary service available for members
President’s Message – Are WE the weakest link?
Clark County Medical Society Board of Trustees Minutes
Mandatory Reporting Law Helps Prevent Elder Abuse
Government sets new rules for patient privacy
Clark County Medical Society New Members April 2001
April 2001 Provisional Members
Join the 2000-2001 Board of
Trustees and members for the installation of the new 2001-2002 Board on
Tuesday, June 12 in the Emperor’s Ballroom at
Honorees at this event include incoming Board of Trustees President Raj Chanderraj and the winner of the Harold Lee Feikes Memorial Physician of the Year Award. Longtime CCMS members (10, 20, 30 & 40 years) will also be recognized.
Reservations can be made by faxing in the reservation form or by calling CCMS at 739-9989. The cost is $55 for members and $75 for non-members. The deadline for RSVPs is June 7. Vegetarian meals are available upon request.
As an added benefit to CCMS members, free notary service is
available by coming to the CCMS office,
Raul T. Meoz, M.D., CCMS President 2000-2001
As physicians we are trained to be independent thinkers. To be able to arrive at a correct diagnosis and recommend appropriate testing and carry out appropriate treatment – we have to be able to be the masters of our domains. We are not easily linked into groups, and often are happier and function at our best as solo practitioners. Even as members of partnerships and professional societies we frequently disagree with each other. Can we ever present a united front? Can we allow others to lead the way?
It is no wonder that the practice of medicine is in that state that it is. We are so busy defending our own turf, and preoccupied with the competition, that we are left exposed to attacks by those that have seen our weak side. It is no secret that we are far from being fully united. Our patients know it, the public knows it, and our elected officials see it. Will that ever change?
I have recently heard the phrase “organizationally challenged” referring to physicians’ inability to accept direction from within our own ranks. For us to effectively change the world we live and practice in, we must learn to give up some control and allow our elected medical leaders, be at a local level or at a national level, to represent our interests. Not doing so reflects poorly on us. Certainly if we do not agree with our representation, we must give our constructive input and help our peers in the process of electing effective leadership. We should be grateful to those who are willing to commit to steering the ship of medicine if for no other reason than to see it avoid turbulent waters and high winds.
The very characteristic that being a physician stands for, individual autonomy, is sometimes the greatest obstacle to our ability to function as a group. Culturally ingrained, our competitive instincts create an us-versus-them attitude. Sometimes that turns into an us-versus-us situation, thus exposing our weak side to the outside forces that are constantly vying to take control away from us.
Let’s get back to the golden days of medicine. Let’s go back to the times when there were fewer third parties between our patients and us – the times when we decided what was medically necessary instead of someone (usually a clerk) on the other side of a long distance phone call. But to be able to take back the reigns of medicine, we need to make better use of organized medicine. By learning the skills of collaboration with each other, we may form a chain where all the links are equally strong. Let’s unite in our quest for a better and safer environment for all in which to practice. There is so much more we can accomplish that way.
·
The Shearing-Westfield Eye Institute announced
it is initiating a rescue program for Lasik Vision
Corp. patients awaiting surgery, requiring post-operative care, or in need of
additional surgery. The program will provide abandoned Lasik
Vision Corp. patients with complimentary care credits up to $500. “We developed
an alternative program that is independent of the companies involved in the
bankruptcy so Las Vegas residents have a choice in deciding who will provide
their future ophthalmology,” said Dr. Kenneth Westfield, medical director of
the Shearing-Westfield Eye Institute. The Shearing-Westfield Eye Institute
rescue program was developed immediately after Icon Laser Eye Centers Inc.’s
announcement that it was assigning subsidiaries Lasik
Vision Corp. and Lasik Vision Canada Inc. into
bankruptcy. The announcement was made following a walkout by Lasik Vision Corp. and Lasik
Vision
·
Dot J. Freel joined
the Clark County Medical Society as Office Manager on
Present were: Raul Meoz, MD, Presiding; Stanley Ames, MD; Raj Chanderraj, MD; Jeffrey Cichon, MD; John Ellerton, MD; Warren Evins, MD; Stacey Garry, MD; Weldon Havins, MD; Kevin Hyer, MD; Edwin Kingsley, MD; Donald Kwalick, MD; Marietta Nelson, MD; Robert Shreck, MD; David Steinberg, MD; Annette Teijeiro, MD; and Arnold Wax, MD.
Staff Present: Lisa Puleo, Executive Director; Deborah Spencer, Public Relations Coordinator; Marisol K. Aliaga, Public Relations Assistant; and Kirsten Allison, Membership Administrative Assistant.
Guests Present: Larry
Matheis, NSMA President; Kevin Spitz,
At
Dr. Meoz introduced Kevin Spitz
from
Dr. Meoz suggested to the board that the minutes put should be put into the newsletter after they are approved by the board. He motioned to delete item #2 on the Administrative Report and approve the minutes.
Dr. Ellerton moved to approve to delete item #2 and approve the minutes.
Dr. Kwalick seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Financial Report
Dr. Wax reported: 1) Total Net Revenue as of
Administrative Report
Lisa reported: 1)
Membership is at 780 as compared to 697 this time last year. 2) A delegate
meeting of the CCMS Southern Delegation is scheduled for tonight at
Community Relations Committee
Dr. Chanderraj reported: Very few people attending.1) Cancellation of some events, such as the Golf Tournament. Dr. Ellerton made it clear due to the difficulties with staff the Golf Tournament is cancelled. A suggestion of holding it in September was discussed. 2) Legislative/Membership Dinner has been slated for April has also been cancelled. 4) Installation Dinner will be held on June 12.
Credentialing
Committee
PROVISIONAL MEMBERS
Ortega, Luis C., MD, Psychiatry; Smith, Paul D., MD, Pediatrics
FULL MEMBERS
Aachen-Winans, James, MD, Ear Nose & Throat; Brown, Jr., Gerald, DO, Ophthalmology; Brown, Hayley, MD, Plastic Surgery; Dencker, Claus, MD, Anesthesiology; Herpolsheimer, Arthur, MD, Ob-Gyn; Hughes, Jonathan, MD, Pathology; Ismail, Anjum, MD, Cardiology; Lacayo, Enrique, MD, Gastroenterology; Lanzkowsky, David, MD, Anesthesiology; McMickle, George, MD, Ophthalmology; Martin, David, MD, Ear, Nose & Throat; Morris, Gary D., MD, Orthopaedic Surgery; Pitts, Jeanette, MD, Dermatology; Shah, Aanshu, MD, Diagnostic Radiology; Teng, Francis, MD, General Surgery; Wright, Debra, MD, Ob-Gyn
LIFE MEMBERS
Diskin, Richard S., DO, Dermatology
Dr. Wax moved to approve the Provisional, Full and Life Members.
Dr. Ellerton seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Membership Committee
Dr. Hyer reported: We are going to
run an ad in the
New Business
Lisa also reported that Dr. Fathie got the Nevada Membership Credentialing to repay us $5000 (interest on the loan).
Dr. Meoz reported: An ad was placed for the new position as executive director. Dr. Meoz suggested that Dr. Havins, the qualifying applicant make his proposal to the Board for the position of Executive Director.
Dr. Havins made his proposal to be executive director and special counsel. He wants his contract to be for two years at $60,000/year. Planning to work around 20 hours plus a week. Lisa suggested we look into tracking phones and maybe staff someone to answer phones.
A discussion was held when Dr. Havins left the room regarding his proposal.
Dr. Meoz motioned to accept Lisa’s
proposal to become Office Manager and to add Dr. Havins as the new Executive
Director effective when the contract is completed,
Dr. Wax moved to approve the proposal.
Dr. Teijeiro seconded it, which passed unanimously.
Dr. Nelson added that an alternate person be called to fill in Dr. Havins’ seat in the new BOT.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned
by Dr. Meoz at
Pointshare’s Community Healthcare
Connection division announced it has signed an agreement with the State of
Bonnie Brand, Deputy
Attorney General, Human Resources
National experts believe that elder abuse (which includes physical, mental and emotional forms), neglect, isolation and exploitation will be the crimes of the next decade. Purposeful isolation of a senior is especially insidious because it often opens the door of opportunity to abuse. Financial exploitation is nearly always accompanied by some form of physical or mental abuse.
Our elderly population,
particularly in
The medical community is mandated by law to report any suspected elder abuse, neglect, isolation or exploitation to the authorities listed below. The report must be made within 24 hours of the time that there is reasonable cause to believe any of these crimes are occurring. Often, the perpetrators put up a good front, so it is important to look beyond the obvious.
These reports are immediately investigated by the agencies receiving them. Reporters' names are protected. There is no civil liability if the report is made in good faith, even if the situation turns out to be innocent after all. Failure of mandatory reporters to report, when there is a reason to do so, is a misdemeanor. Any other person is also encouraged to report these crimes, and is afforded the same good faith protection from civil liability and non-disclosure of reporters' names.
Reports may be made to either Clark County Senior Protective Social Services at (702) 455-4291, the Las Vegas Office of the Nevada State Division of Aging Services at (702) 486-3545, or the police. The seriousness of these crimes cannot be overestimated. When in doubt, make a report. Lives can depend on it. The safety and dignity of our silver-haired citizens depend on it.
Information on preventing elder abuse and exploitation can be found on the Attorney General’s web site at http://ag.state.nv.us.
Weldon (Don) Havins,
M.D., J.D., CCMS Executive Director and Special Counsel
The Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act, Public Law No. 104-191 was signed into law in 1996 by
President Clinton. The first section of this law addressed aspects of health
insurance availability and transferability. The second section of the law,
titled “Administrative Simplification,” provided for the development of
regulations governing electronic health data code sets and regulations
protecting the privacy of individually identifiable health information (IIHI).
The Standards for Electronic Transactions were published in their final form in
the Federal Register, 65 Fed. Reg. 50,344 (
Three “covered entities” are regulated by the Privacy Regulations. These are Health Care Providers (including physicians), Health Plans, and Health Care Clearinghouses. The Privacy Rules govern the use and disclosure of IIHI which is defined as medical information created or received by the physician which identifies the individual, or information in which there is a reasonable basis to believe the individual could be identified. Specifically, IIHI, also known as Private Health Information (PHI) includes information relating to: past, present or future physical or mental health of the individual; past, present, or future payment for health services; and information which could be used to identify the Individual. The final regulations, unlike the proposed rules, clarify that PHI is regulated whether in electronic, paper, or oral form.
Physicians are permitted to use or disclose private health information (PHI) in the following circumstances:
i. to the individual to whom it applies;
ii. with the individual’s written consent only for the purposes of treatment, payment, or health care operations;
iii. with the individual’s written authorization for uses or disclosures other than for treatment, payment, or health care operations;
iv. pursuant to an oral agreement for certain minimal uses under limited circumstances.
Contracts with all "business associates" must be promulgated or amended to comply with these Privacy Regulations. State laws are preempted unless the state’s privacy of health information laws are more stringent than the federal regulations or if the State law serves a compelling need related to the public health, safety, or welfare.
Exceptions to obtaining permission to use or disclose PHI include medical emergencies of the individual where consent is deemed implied for the duration of the emergency, but written consent must be obtained as soon as possible after the emergency abates. Other exceptions to the requirement for obtaining written consent or authorization relate to public health concerns, certain medical research, some kinds of marketing and fundraising.
Civil penalties are up to $100 per violation and not to exceed $25,000 per year. Criminal violations are up to $250,000 and up to 10 years imprisonment for accessing protected health information for "commercial advantage" or to do malicious harm.
For information on CCMS courses on HIPAA’s Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information, contact Marisol Aliaga at 739-9989.
Michael Braunstein, MD, Family
Practice, 2300 S. Rancho, #215,
Thomson Chemplavil, MD, Pulmonology, 2121 E. Flamingo Rd., #108, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Emily Fant, MD, Oththalmology,
Marcy Kulic, MD,
Pediatrics,
Elise Riddle, MD, Pediatric Cardiology,
Marsha Roberts, MD, Radiology,
Miguel Sepulveda, MD, Internal Medicine,
Grace Shin, MD, Ophthalmology,
Candice Tung, MD, Internal Medicine, 2110 E. Flamingo, #304, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Roeland Van Opijnen,
MD, Ob-Gyn, 2810 W.
Troy Watson, MD, Orthopaedic Surgery, 3131 La Canada, #140, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Bryan Young, MD, Internal Medicine, 105 N.
If you have any pertinent information about the following
candidates, please contact: CCMS,
Charles Edwards, MD – Pediatrics
Omer Farooq, MD – Internal Medicine
Marcia G. Gregory, MD – Neurology
Michael Levin, MD – Pediatrics
Henry H. Luh, DO – Ob-Gyn
Andrew Oshiro, MD – Pediatrics
Sheldon J. Stein, DO – Osteopathic Medicine
Horace C. Wu, MD – Pathology
May 10
Nevada Medical Group Management Association, Southern Chapter will host speaker Mark Ricciardi, Esq., who will discuss labor law in the Rendezvous and Sky Rooms, Sunrise Hospital. Call 648-5700.
May 18
May 20
North Las Vegas Hispanic Health Fair, presented by
Healthcare Financial Management Association, Nevada Chapter meeting “Flying with the Radar” for Healthcare Providers, Managers and Billers Preventing Medicare Fraud, Waste and Abuse. Call 648-5700.
June 3
June 20-23
The National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc. 2001 National Health Symposium, Embassy Suites Deerfield Beach Resort, Deerfield Beach, Florida. Call 202-637-8400, ext. 137.
July 10
MJ’s 3rd Annual Golf Scramble benefiting Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Nevada at Angel Park Golf Course. Call 796-7242.
August 3-5
American Lung Association is seeking volunteers and
participants for the
UMC For additional information please call 616-4900
May 15
NICU Journal Club 7:30
May 16
Emergency Medicine - Mngmt. of
Radiation Accident Victims
May 17
Orthopaedic Trauma Conference 7:30 a.m. 4 North Conf. Room
Tumor Board: Thyroid Cancer - Diagnosis and Staging
Perinatal Neonatal
Interdisciplinary Rounds
May 18
Medical Ground Rounds: Anemia & Chronic Disease 7 a.m. Conf. Rooms E&F
May 24
Orthopaedic Trauma Conference 7:30 a.m. 4 North Conf. Room
Tumor Board: Thyroid Cancer - Diagnosis and Staging
Perinatal Neonatal
Interdisciplinary Rounds
May 31
Orthopaedic Trauma Conference 7:30 a.m. 4 North Conf. Room
Tumor Board: Thyroid Cancer - Diagnosis and Staging
Perinatal Neonatal
Interdisciplinary Rounds
SMA
May 18
Dementia Seminar: Behavior Management & Therapy
·
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·
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·
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·
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·
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·
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·
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