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MAKING A DIFFERENCEPHYSICIANS GIVE BACK TO IMPROVE
OUR COMMUNITY’S HEALTH
QUARTER FOUR 2014THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PALM BEACH COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY
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Delray Beach • Orlando • Miami • Jacksonville800.966.2120 • [email protected] • www.dannagracey.com
Find out why we are the only agency endorsed by the Palm Beach County Medical Society.We make it our practice to genuinely care about yours. As a long-time supporter of the Palm Beach County Medical Society, we do much more than just negotiate the best med mal rates available. We are fi nancially and actively involved, both locally and statewide, in seeking solutions to some of healthcare’s most pressing issues.
Call us today to see what we can do for you.
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The rates for all physicians throughout the state are set by the State of Florida. Your practice will pay the same price no matter where you choose to secure coverage. However, under the OptaComp program, you may be eligible for a potential dividend of up to 24.8%.
Your membership with the PBCMS can provide savings that can be paid back in dividends. OptaComp has returned a dividend for 12 straight years, with over $4 million over the past six years to Florida medical societies’ members: $600,000 of that went to PBCMS members.
The OptaComp (rated “A” by A.M. Best) program is endorsed by the PBCMS and is offered by Danna-Gracey, Inc. For more information, please call Tom Murphy at 800.966.2120.
Did you receive money back on your premium last year?
Many doctors have through the Palm Beach County Medical Society
Workers’ Compensation Program.
The rates for all physicians throughout the state are set by the State of Florida. The rates for all physicians throughout the state are set by the State of Florida. Your practice will pay the same price no matter where you choose to secure Your practice will pay the same price no matter where you choose to secure coverage. However, under the OptaComp program, coverage. However, under the OptaComp program, potential dividend of up to 24.8%.potential dividend of up to 24.8%.
Ronald Zelnick, MD President, Palm Beach County Medical Society
President’s Report
During this past year as President of the Palm Beach County Medical Society, I have had the opportunity to meet with many of the practicing doctors, residents and medical students in the county. Our members’ concerns reflect those of physicians across the country, whether in private practice or employed. Physicians want to provide the best medical care for their patients, and the overarching theme that I have heard is that doctors want their patients’ care to come first.
Towards that end, doctors have shared with me their wish lists for healthcare today.
1. Allow patients to choose their healthcare provider and healthcare facility based upon the quality and the costs of services received.
2. Allow patients to see any willing provider on any insurance plan, and allow physicians to balance bill their fees.
3. Reimburse physicians for the time spent with their patients and the time required to document their services.
4. Allow physicians to provide quality- care, based upon evidence-based medical care. Patients want their doctors to make the appropriate diagnosis and improve their health. They want appropriate surgical procedures with the best results.
5. Require healthcare providers and healthcare facilities to post their fees on the internet. Complete transparency stimulates competition.
6. Provide affordable malpractice insurance, so that physicians may practice without the fear of being sued and can make clinical decisions in the best interest of the patient.
7. Create user-friendly and standardized electronic record systems, with agreed upon standards by organized medicine which allows for entry in real time.
8. Emphasize education and personal responsibility to improve patient health. I am aware that many of these goals are not attainable in today’s political and economic climate. However, as physician and author Ben Carson, M.D. notes, “Success is determined not by whether or not you face obstacles, but by your reaction to them. And if you look at these obstacles as a containing fence, they become your excuse for failure. If you look at them as a hurdle, each one strengthens you for the next.”
If physicians really want change, they must be organized. While many physicians are critical of organized medicine, our county medical societies can influence policy on local, state and national levels. And while society members have the ability to influence changes in policy, they first must know what they want and articulate those goals. As a physician, if you are unhappy with our healthcare system, get involved. Whether you are a young physician new to the community or an experienced practitioner, we need to hear your views to affect change.
If we are not at the table, we will certainly be on the menu.
QUARTER FOUR 2014 ON CALL MAGAZINE 3
561.659.0210 | palmbeachillustrated.com
Palm Beach Illustratedis proud to support
Palm Beach County Medical Society
Board of Directors Ronald Zelnick, MD
PresidentStephen Babic, MD
President-ElectJames Goldenberg, MD
First Vice-PresidentShawn Baca, MD
SecretaryBrandon Luskin, MD
TreasurerK. Andrew Larson, MD
Immediate Past President Marc Hirsh, MD
Member at LargeVijay B. Harpalani, MD
Member at Large
H. Daniel AdamsVincent Apicella, DO
Sandra Blair Michael Dennis, MD Roger Duncan, MD
Brad Feuer, DO James Howell, MD
Tulisa Hanflink LaRocca, MDBeth-Ann Lesnikoski, MD
Alan Pillersdorf, MD Jack Zeltzer, MD
Board of Trustees Brent Schillinger, MD Chair
Jose F. Arrascue, MDSteven Babic, MD Shawn Baca, MD
Malcolm Dorman, MDJames Goldenberg, MD Lawrence Gorfine, MDK. Andrew Larson, MD
Alan Pillersdorf, MD Ronald Zelnick, MD
Jack Zeltzer, MD
PBCMS StaffTenna Wiles, CEO
Deanna Lessard, Director of Member Services & Education
Helena Wiley, Finance
Mindi Tingler, Administrative Assistant
Lauren Tome, Meeting and Events Coordinator
Graciela Gordillo, Project Access Program Director
Melissa Nicoleau, Project Access System Coordinator
Thomas Sebastian, Project Access System Navigator
Clara Yvette Acero, Project Access System Navigator
John James, Director of Disaster Services
Stuart Miro, MD, Triple Aim Diabetes Initiative
Sherra Sewell, Marketing and Events
Demi deGioia, Communications Coordinator
Patricia Beeler, Administrative Assistant
Gwendolyn Marrero, Administrative Assistance
On Call Magazine is designed by Form G Design
[email protected] or www.formgdesign.com
Subscriptions to On Call are available for an annual rate of
$50. For more information contact PBCMS at (561) 433-3940.
The opinions expressed in On Call are those of the individual
authors and do not necessarily reflect official policies of
Palm Beach County Medical Society or its committees.
On call is owned and published four (4) times per year by Palm
Beach County Medical Society, Inc., Forest Hill Blvd., #101,
West Palm Beach FL33406. (561) 433-3940 & (561) 276-3636.
©Copyright 2013 Palm Beach County Medical Society, Inc.
QUARTER FOUR 2014 ON CALL MAGAZINE 5
Features
07 What's Your Collection Rate?
08 Florida Workers' Comp System in Jeopardy
10 Future of Medicine Summit VIII
14 Starfish and Snowflake Gala
17 Be Cybersecure
18 Take the Pain Out of Claims Processing
Articles
03 President's Report
21 Med Memo
22 Welcome New Members
Contents
Caring for patients is your calling. Helping you fulfill that calling is ours. Your Florida Medical Association — dedicated to the world’s most noble
profession for over 140 years.
FLORIDA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
www.FLmedical.org
A Helping Hand
BDO IS PROUD TO SUPPORT
PALM BEACH COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY
TAMMY B. CLARKE, [email protected]
BDO440 Columbia Drive, Suite 500West Palm Beach, FL561-689-7888
Accountants and Consultantswww.bdo.com
© 2014 BDO USA, LLP. All rights reserved.
A Practice Management Company will take a cut off the top of what it collects for you. But if they don’t produce, they don’t get paid. This keeps them highly motivated to collect your revenue. If you don’t get paid they don’t either.
If you are collecting less than 95% of what your contracted rates allow, including the patient’s responsibility, you should be concerned. The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) has established receipts collections benchmarks for medical practices. Your practice should collect at least 90% of the expected amount within six months of the date of service and 95% or more of the expected amount within nine months of the date of service.
Achieving and maintaining these levels is not easy and requires a concerted and dedicated effort from your entire staff as well as a sound and efficient practice operation and supervision. Staff turnover, knowledge of your practice management system, proper insurance eligibility verification, changes in insurance plans payment and coverage policies, are things you shouldn’t have to worry about on a daily basis. If any of these things apply or your office manager doesn’t know them, you should look into outsourcing:
Billing • Is your overall collection rate declining? • Are your accounts receivable (A/R) too high?
• Are you experiencing an increased number of denied claims? • Are you facing a major investment in new hardware or software? • Are you finding that the number of staff needed to get the job done is growing? • Is turnover requiring too much time and attention?
Management • Are you unable to find the right person to help manage the business? • Do practice demands keep you from monitoring your manager's performance? • Do you have the sense that the staff is running the practice - not you? • Do you periodically need access to higher level advice than your current management can provide? • Are you planning to expand or contract the practice? • Do you have multiple people performing tasks that could be handled by a single, more experienced manager? • Do you feel that your practice's cost structure is too high, but you can't determine what to do to resolve those concerns?
Practice Management Companies (PMCs), like ProMD Practice Management, can do a better job than practices can on their own. Not only do they specialize
in getting revenue in the door, but they also have economies of scale that allow them to offer a more consistent, effective approach using start-of-the-art technology. Health plans have complex rules that are changing all the time, making it difficult for practices to prevent claims denials that increase staff work.
This is one key difference between a PMC and a billing service: Whereas the latter merely handles billing, usually for a percentage of collections similar to that taken by a PMC, a PMC partners with a practice to improve its internal processes. Some PMC’s also provide a practice management system and will train your staff to use it properly.
ProMD Practice Management is a proud member of the
Circle of Friends of the Palm Beach County Medical Society
(PBCMS). As a special introduction to the PBCMS, we are
offering members a special discounted rate only available
to PBCMS members, ProMD is offering the first month
free of charge.
ProMD is a full service Practice Management Company where
your bottom line is our bottom line; we will make your Practice
more profitable. ProMD was started by physicians, who
understood the value of quality management, for physicians
who would share in the same values and have a track record
of increasing Practice receipts by 20%. Our primary focus
is to tailor our services to meet the needs of your practice
by working with your management and staff to develop and
enhance your practice effectiveness and cost efficiency. This
allows you to concentrate on what you do best, to provide
quality medical services to your patients.
Please visit www.promd.us to find out more.
What’s Your Net Collections Rate?How much money is your practice leaving uncollected?
Outsource your pain and increase collections.
By Juan H. Kouri, MHSA
QUARTER FOUR 2014 ON CALL MAGAZINE 7
In a recent ruling, Judge Jorge E. Cueto of Florida’s Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court ruled (in Florida Workers’ Advocates v. State of Florida) that the state’s workers’ compensation “exclusive remedy” provision is unconstitutional. Judge Cueto indicated that the workers’ compensation reforms of 2003 have “decimated” comp benefits and “no longer provide a reasonable alternative” to allowing workers to sue in civil court.
The exclusive remedy provision of the workers’ compensation law in Florida mandates that workers’ comp is the only way an injured employee can be compensated for their injuries. Civil-liability lawsuits are typically not allowed
to proceed unless gross negligence or fraud can be proved against the employer. Workers’ compensation was established as a no-fault system to provide benefits to injured workers while at the same time protect the employer from civil lawsuits that can take years to litigate.
As indicated in my previous articles, the State of Florida has seen a 56% decrease in workers’ compensation premiums as a direct result of the 2003 legislative reforms. Most experts agree that after a lengthy period of reform during which rates have declined, you tend to have court cases and decisions that roll back some of those reforms and
Florida Workers’ Comp System in Jeopardy Judge rules “exclusive remedy” provision unconstitutional
by Tom Murphy
we eventually start to see premium rise as a result.
Private employers will be watching this case closely, as it will ultimately be decided by the Florida Supreme Court. As we have seen recently with the barrage of lawsuits against the personal injury protection (PIP) reforms, the workers’ comp system will experience the same attempts to overturn the reforms that have helped to stabilize the workers’ comp system in Florida.
Tom Murphy is a workers’ compensation and medical-
malpractice-insurance specialist agent with the firm of Danna-
Gracey, Inc. in downtown Delray Beach. He can be reached at
(561) 276-3553, (800) 966-2120, or [email protected].
Defense is not a game.Especially when defending your medical practice.
Multi-physician groups, medical practices and health care oriented companies turn to Daszkal Bolton for their
accounting, tax, and advisory needs.
Daszkal Bolton offers local relationships and personal attention from 120 people
throughout South Florida.
Contact Kevin Reynolds, Health Care Industry Leader,at 561.367.1040 or kreynolds@dbllat 561.367.1040 or [email protected]
for more information.
www.dbllp.com561.367.1040
Boca Raton | Fort Lauderdale | Jupiter
Robbin Lee, Jack Zeltzer, MD: Kelly Conroy,
Joe Conroy
Michael Snyder, MD; Douglas Dedo, MD Brent Schillinger, MD; Matt Gracey
Michael Dennis, MD
Thank you to all who participated.
The 2015 Future of Medicine Summit addressed a broad range of important health and healthcare issues and needs… from educating our future doctors to educating our current patient population, from improving physician care to improving self care, from innovations in technology to innovations in our delivery systems. Featuring some of the most highly recognized national and local health experts in their field, the program included presentations by Dr. Arthur Agatston, founder of the South Beach diet; Dr. Michael Snyder, Stanford University genetics expert; Dr. Beau Kilmer, marijuana politics aficionado and Dr. Larry Bush, infectious disease specialist with a timely talk about Ebola.
More than 400 guests attended the event, which included a dinner focused on graduate medical education with keynote speaker, Dr. Maya A. Babu of the AMA, a medical student and resident poster symposium and a full day of thought-provoking speakers and panel discussions.
Thank You to our Illustrious Host Committee
Alina Alonso, MDMary BarnesElizabeth CaysonDon ChesterMadelyn ChristopherPatricia ErnstAnita FinleyNichole Geary, Esq.Michael Gervasi, DOAnn InesedyIvy LarsonRobbin LeeDeepak Mandi, MDMeredith MarshLinda QuickDavid B. RendinaTara Auclair RyanKelly SkidmoreBen Starling, III
Congratulations to the winners of the James Byrnes, MD Poster Symposium
Held on Thursday, October 9th at the Kravis Center for Performing Arts. A very special thank you to Drs. Guari Agarwal and Fred Williams for Co-Chairing this year’s poster symposium.
Clinical Vignettes Jessica Buicko, MD – First Place Jason Heffley – Second Place Isabel Bueno, MD – Third Place
Research Emily Kelly – First Place Hermann Piard – Second Place Vladimir Senatorov, MD – Third Place
Stephen Babic, MD; Stefan Pasternack, MD;
Ronald Zelnick, MD; Jeff Pasternack
Ronald Zelnick, MD; Steven D. Wexner, MD; Malcolm Dorman, MD; Arthur Agatston, MD;
Jose E. Arrascue, MD; Alan B. Pillersdorf, MD
Tim Stapleton, Malcolm Dorman, MD; Holly
Miller, Esq; Arthur Agatston, MD
Daniel Adams, Emily Kelly, Maria Vinas,
Gabriel Schillinger
Bud Williams, MD; Guari Argawal, MD; Ronald
Zelnick, MD
With Gratitude To Our Sponsors:
211 Palm BeachAcevedo ConsultingAdvanced Professional Services, LLCAlzheimer's Community CareAmerican Medical AssociationAnna M. GannonArea Agency on AgingAZZLYBethesda HealthBethesda Health Medical StaffBoca Raton Regional Hospital Medical StaffBoomer Times & Senior LivingChildren's Services CouncilCleveland ClinicDairy Council of FloridaDanna-GraceyDavid Lerner Associates, Inc.Delray Medical Center Medical StaffFlorida Blue
Florida Medical Association, Inc.GL HomesHealthcare DistrictHealthcare ReitHome Based Primary CareJFK Medical Center Medical StaffJupiter Medical Center Medical StaffKeiser UniversityMedical Foster HomeMedical MediaMerck PharmaceuticalMichael Dennis, MDNational Alliance on Mental Illness Palm Beach CountyNova Southeastern UniversityNuVista LivingOptaCompPalm Beach County Division of Senior ServicesPalm Beach Illustrated
Palm Beach PostPalm Healthcare FoundationPBCMSPGxL Laboratories- Leaders in PharmacokineticsQuantum FoundationRendina Healthcare Real EstateSea View RadioShade Tree MindfulnessSouth Florida Hospital NewsSouth Palm Beach NephrologyThe Alliance for Eating Disorders AwarenessThe Doctor's CompanyThe Mobile App GuyTrustBridge HealthWellington Regional Medical Center Medical StaffWPEC Channel 12
An old man walked up a shore littered with thousands of starfish, beached and dying after a storm.
A young man was picking them up and flinging them back into the ocean.
“Why do you bother?” the old man scoffed. “You’re not saving enough to make a difference.”
The young man picked up another starfish and sent it spinning back to the water.
“Made a difference to that one,” he said.
You make a difference, every day.
An excerpt from "The Star Thrower" by Loren Eiseley
Making a Difference
Palm Beach County Medical Society Services
Annual Giving Campaign
A Special MessageThe challenges facing the healthcare community have never been greater. Even with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, there are still people who are unable to afford or access health care. It is estimated that 268,136 or 26.3 % of Palm Beach County resi-dents are uninsured
The results of the recent Physician Census reveal an alarming need for more physicians to care for our growing population. A startling 64,578 Palm Beach County residents have Type 2 Diabetes, and 124,040 are obese.
The not-for-profit community was hard hit by the economic down turn, and recovery takes time. Support for the Annual Giving Fund is not just important, it is critical for the continu-ation of programs, to address emerging needs and take advantage of promising opportu-nities that arise during the year.
Palm Beach County Medical Society Services is a 501 c.3 organization dedicated to Making a Difference in HealthCare in Palm Beach County. The programs and services provide an opportunity for physicians and our community partners who share medicine’s goals to improve health care and make a substantial difference in our quality of life.
Our Fundamental Goals Include• Providing access to health care and making it available to more people• Enhancing prevention and wellness• Improving patient safety and quality of care• Strengthening the viability of our physician workforce and preparing the next generation of physicians
Making A Difference In Health Care The 2014 Annual Giving Campaign donations are used to support programs that are “Making A Difference” in shaping a healthier future of medicine. These programs include Project Access, which provides assistance in navigating the complex health care system and provides free care to qualified low income residents; preparing the next generation of physicians through scholarship and education programs; ensuring our community is pre-pared for disasters and emergencies through HERC ( Health Care Emergency Response Coalition) and MRC (Medical Reserve Corp); supporting innovative programs such as the Palm Beach Diabetes Initiative and Community Call to Action and the Future of Medicine Initiative and Summit.
IMPACT• Over $10.2 million dollars in charitable care provided by 682 physicians, and healthcare providers to over 8,500 individuals • For every dollar Project Access spends on program expenses, $9 is provided in charitable care• Palm Beach County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) has a cadre of 1,383 volunteers who donate their time and expertise to promote healthy living and prepare for and respond to emergencies.• Over 2,500 physicians, healthcare providers, and community volunteers are engaged in PBCMS Services Programs• The Health Emergency Response Coalition ( HERC) has been nationally recognized as a model program by National Association County Health Association• The Future of Medicine Initiative has established innovative initiatives including the Triple Aim Diabetes Program which is resulting in improved outcomes for patients with Type 2 Diabetes while lowering the cost of care and improving patient satisfaction.
Whether it is giving free medical care to struggling families in Palm Beach County or to poverty-stricken residents of a distant Third World nation, many local doctors are bringing their healing touches to those in need without asking for anything in return.
They work late at night, on weekends, and holidays, often without public recognition. They work under stressful conditions, that at times require making life and death decisions. And, they increasingly work without receiving compensation.
Physicians know that our profession’s unprecedented challenges require them to be much more than just healers. In response, more and more doctors are stepping up to become leaders who serve in top positions at hospitals, medical schools, and charitable organizations across Palm Beach County.
All doctors deserve credit for their daily contributions to making our county healthier, but some go above and beyond the call of duty in our backyard as well as distant lands across the ocean. Their contributions are not only lasting, but literally life-changing for their patients as well as their staffs and colleagues.
These physicians have devoted countless hours and resources to enhancing the programs overseen by Palm Beach County Medical Society Services: Triple Aim Initiative, Project Access, Future of Medicine, Medical Reserves Corps, and Healthcare Emergency Response Coalition (HERC). Along the way, they have championed efforts to develop innovative and collaborative solutions to meet the health care challenges of our community and Palm Beach County is fortunate to have them.
This is the first in an ongoing series of stories about physicians who are making a difference. In collaboration with FAU Medical Students in the CARE program, we will be profiling doctors and their philanthropic endeavors. Each will be asked to answer three questions about the role of volunteer service in medicine:
Why is it important to you to give back to our community through your volunteer work at PBCMS and many other organizations?
What would happen to medicine, in general, if physicians like you weren’t around to volunteer their services for the greater good of the community?
How do we as a community inspire more physicians to give back and donate their time and services?
As a telling indication of the devotion to their profession, the answers from these first five physicians were strikingly similar.
Physicians Making A Difference Giving Back to Improve Our Community’s Health
By Leon Fooksman
G. Richard Cohen, M.D.
Roger Duncan, M.D.
Roger Duncan, M.D.
Dr. Duncan has been a medical leader since 1980, coordinating or participating in more than 80 health education and leadership conferences. He is currently board president of the T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society, whose core objective is to provide health education and speakers on health issues, as well as conduct medical screenings to school children and the minority community. Dr. Duncan said his parents instilled in him the importance of volunteering.
He explained: “My parents always reinforced the old adage that we are like dwarfs on the shoulders of giants. Every generation elevates its knowledge, standing and stature because of those individuals who left a legacy for us to build upon. My parents protested, marched and suffered in order to provide me, my siblings and my generation with the opportunities that we have been afforded. I would not have been fortunate to attend Yale Medical School were it not for the consciousness, selfless actions of those with vision and dedication to think of the next generation. I have pride in knowing that through dozens of community-wide health fairs, coordinating hundreds of classroom lectures, a Good Samaritan Medical Center Internship program for eighth graders, and an Annual Healthcare and Science Career Symposium I have had impact on tens of thousands of people in Palm Beach County.”
To get more doctors to volunteer their time, they need to know how fulfilling it is to give back, Dr. Duncan said.
He said: “Physician career satisfaction continues to decrease with productivity pressures, malpractice claims, and decreasing insurance company reimbursements. Volunteering of one's time, expertise and knowledge is very fulfilling. It brings us back to why most of us went into medicine: to help others. By imparting knowledge and care to patients in true need, about their health conditions, healthy lifestyles, and to consider the full spectrum of healthcare and science careers for their future is very rewarding. We, the providers, are the party most truly enriched.
“Without this altruistic spirit, millions of people in our country and tens of thousands in Palm Beach County alone would continue to be medically underserved.”
How do we as a community inspire more physicians to give back?
Dr. Duncan explained: “It starts at home. We can make simple changes in our lives that will have an impact on the lives of others and pay back dividends for generations to come. As long as I can remember, my parents were involved in the community and stressed the importance of community service. From an early age, my brother, sisters and I learned by example. In college, I would organize medical school tours, community events and took leadership roles in a variety of organizations like Beta Beta Beta Honor Society, Mu Delta Phi, The Society of Black Engineers and Scientists, and the Harvard University Health Professions Program. For me, knowing that the seeds that I am planting in minds of our youth will grow to produce rich and abundant fruit in the future is immensely rewarding!”
“I would encourage my colleagues to find a cause that they feel passionate and give back by encouraging their friends and families to participate. If we make community service a part of our everyday lives, we are not only giving back to the community in which we live, but we are also teaching and preparing the next generation to become involved.”
G. Richard Cohen, M.D.
A pioneering LASIK surgeon, Dr. Cohen has long been active in Project Access, a program of the Palm Beach County Medical Society Services, funded by United Way of Palm Beach County and other organizations and private funders, that provides free care for indigent patients.
Ivy Faske, M.D.
This year, through the program, Dr. Cohen performed a cornea transplant procedure as part of a three-county effort to restore the eyesight of 35-year-old chef from Boynton Beach. Not only was Dr. Cohen’s work free of charge, but so were all the other services needed to give the patient the chance to see properly. The cornea was donated by Florida Lions Eye Bank in Miami. South Palm Ambulatory Surgery Center in Boca Raton provided its facility free of charge. And an anesthesiologist from Sheridan Healthcare in Sunrise donated the time, as well.
In all, more than $7,000 in free care was donated for the patient’s surgery.
For Dr. Cohen, the volunteer care was a regular part of being an ophthalmologist. He said: “My family and I have lived a blessed and fantastic life in Palm Beach County since 1984. Not in my wildest dreams did I ever envision a life like this and being able to practice medicine the way I want in the best place in the world. I was raised to always give back to the community, especially to those who are not as fortunate as I am. To help another person is the reason I went into medicine.”
He said he can’t envision the practice of medicine without volunteer care. “I feel that physicians will always volunteer their services when needed. I cannot imagine a time when this would not happen. We went into medicine to help others,” he said.Physicians, he said, will give back even more if the community recognizes their hard work.
“I believe that the local hospitals and surgery centers should encourage more physicians to volunteer their time and skills to help others. By highlighting those physicians’ efforts, it may motivate others to follow,” he said.
Ivy Faske, M.D.
Dr. Faske is a second-generation native Floridian, born and raised in Miami. Involved in organized medicine since medical school, she has been a member of the Palm Beach County Medical Society and the Palm Beach County Pediatric Society since 1987. In addition, she has served on the CME Committee of Intracoastal Health Systems and St. Mary’s Hospital, and has been a member of the Palm Beach County Juvenile Justice Board and Council, as well as a board member of Easter Seals of Florida. Dr. Faske is the co-founder of Project Access, a program of Palm Beach County Medical Society Services giving the uninsured access to care.
Dr. Faske said she volunteers because “without volunteers, the many deserving charities, religious organizations and shelters would be left without the help they so desperately need. As a pediatrician, I see that parents who volunteer their valuable time and resources inspire their growing children to do the same. So, as with any healthy habit, leading by example as a parent is one of the most important gifts a child can receive.”
The practice of medicine is a time-honored and respected profession, she said. By giving back, physicians can show the community their true values. Dr. Faske said: “The past few decades have seen so many changes in the way doctors in this country are perceived and have to practice, that some of that respect is being lost. I believe that by volunteering our time and resources we are able to expose members of our community to what is really in the heart of all physicians—removing many of the obstacles that many people meet as they try to gain access to medical care.”
If the community makes it easier for doctors to volunteer, many more physicians will find the time for giving back, she said.
“When physicians volunteer for various clinics or organizations they reconnect to the feelings they had when they first started their medical training. By trying to find easy ways to fit volunteering into their crowded schedule we can hopefully get more people to volunteer,” Dr. Faske said.
Faustino Gonzalez, M.D.
Jose Francisco Arrascue, M.D.
Leon Fooksman is a writer for Palm Beach County Medical
Society who specializes in content and social media marketing
for medical organizations. He can be reached at leon@
digitalstoryline.com or on Twitter at @compellingstory.
Jose Francisco Arrascue, M.D.
A native of Peru, Dr. “Paco” Arrascue has been active in organized medicine for more than 25 years. He has been elected by his peers to serve as President of the Medical Staff at JFK Medical Center (2 terms) and Bethesda Memorial Hospital. Among his many honors: 2005 Presidents Award for “Physician Leadership” from the Palm Beach County Medical Society, which he was president of in 2007-2008. Dr. Arrascue is the founder of the Future of Medicine and Triple Aim initiatives that are working to improve health care in Palm Beach County.
Dr. Arrascue explained why it’s important for him to give back: “It's meaningful and enjoyable for me to work on challenging projects that may benefit many patients and accomplish the goals of better care and better health for our communities.”
What would happen to medicine if physicians like you weren’t around to volunteer? He said: “A vital voice and service would be lost. Physicians, due to their extensive education and training, are in a unique position to make an irreplaceable contribution to our communities.”
Our community could inspire more physicians to donate their time “by choosing projects worthy of their time and effort, and by recognizing and acknowledging their successes,” he added.
Faustino Gonzalez, M.D.
Joining Hospice of Palm Beach County in 2001 as the Associate Medical Director, Dr. Faustino Gonzalez now serves as Vice President of Medical Affairs and manages 29 doctors. There, he’s known for putting patients and families at ease, taking the time to sit and listen to everything patients and family members say.
His work in the community has included helping to found the nonprofit Clinics Can Help as well as assisting those impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
Dr. Gonzalez said giving back should be a core value for those in the medical profession. “I work for an institution -- TrustBridge Health -- that provides services to people without insurance and the underserved. Helping others, whether they can afford it or not, is at the core of what we do. Those of us who are drawn to health care are, for the most part, people who care and want to help others. We are also people who take charge; we lead. It is the combination of these factors that drive many of us to volunteer. We want to help. Volunteering is a personal choice. It is a rewarding experience that enhances a person’s sense of self-worth. More importantly, however, it is an investment in the welfare of the larger society. What we do for others comes back to us several times fold in ways we may not always readily perceive.”
If physicians didn’t contribute back to our community, that would strain the medical system, he added. “While we live in one of the greatest countries in the world, there are many people who have no access to health care. If physicians were not available to provide free services, many of the uninsured would end up in hospitals. Many of these people are working people who cannot afford insurance. It would lead to a significantly greater strain on the system.”
As for getting more physicians involved, Dr. Gonzalez suggested the following ideas: “I think testimonials from the volunteers themselves about why they do it. Also, give a human face to those who benefit from the work of volunteers. Highlight the success stories. Most of those who volunteer find that the work is its own reward, but everyone wants recognition. Physicians are competitive by nature. They will emulate others who are deemed successful and who are seen as leaders.”
Making A Difference by GIVINGAnnual PBCMSS Campaign
Starfish Giving LevelsDiamond Starfish – Cumulative Giving of $10,000 and AboveTitanium Starfish – $2,500- $4,999Platinum Starfish – $1,000-$2,499Gold Starfish – $500-$999Silver Starfish – $250-$499Bronze Starfish – $100-$249Contributing Starfish – Gifts up to $99All gifts of $1,000 or more annually qualify for the Leadership Circle
Major Donor Giving OpportunitiesMajor donors to Palm Beach County Medical Society Services include the Hippocrates Society, 1919 Society, as well as the Benefactor Society. The Palm Beach County Medical Society Services donation program acknowledges the importance of committed donors by recognizing individuals who donate $10,000 or more. Through a combination of service and financial support these societies assure that PBCMS can provide quality services.
Hippocrates SocietyComprised of Medical Hospital Staffs who contribute $10,000 or more annualy, and serve a hands-on role in improving the health of our community as members of the 2014 Society.• Bethesda Health Medical Staff• Boca Raton Regional Hospital Medical Staff• Delray Medical Center Medical Staff• JFK Medical Center Medical Staff• Wellington Regional Medical Center Medical Staff• Jupiter Medical Center Medical Staff
1919 SocietyThe 1919 Society is comprised of PBCMS physicians who contribute a minimum of $10,000 over a five year period while demonstrating a long term commitment to their patients and our community.• Jose F. Arrascue, MD• Jeffrey Berman, MD• Michael T.B. Dennis, MD• Malcolm Dorman, MD• Julian John Goodman, MD & Judy B. Goodman, Esq.• Howard Allen Green, MD• Beth-Ann Lesnikoski, MD • Alan Barth Pillersdorf, MD• Brent M. Schillinger, MD• Ida Sebastian, MD• Ronald S. Zelnick, MD
Benefactor SocietyComprised of philanthropists, individuals, corporations and businesses who contribute $10,000 or more annually to ensure our success. • TrustBridge Health • Rendina Healthcare Real Estate
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Making a Difference by GIVINGAnnual PBCMSS Campaign
Starfish Giving LevelsPlease indicate your donation amount____ _ Diamond Starfish – Cumulative Giving of $10,000 and Above _____ Silver Starfish – $250-$499_____ Titanium Starfish – $2,500- $4,999 _____ Bronze Starfish – $100-$249_____ Gold Starfish – $500-$999 _____ Contributing Starfish – Gifts up to $99_____ Platinum Starfish – $1,000-$2,499 $ _____________________ Other Amount All gifts of $1,000 or more annually qualify for the Leadership Circle
Donor InformationName: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Billing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Payment Information_____ Please find my check enclosed (made payable to the Palm Beach County Medical Society Services)_____ Please charge my _____ MasterCard _____ Visa _____ American Express (Please indicate card)Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Card Number: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________Expiration Date: ________________________________________________________ CV Code: ________________________________________I hereby Authorize the donation to the Palm Beach County Medical Society Services
Sigature: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____ Do you wish to learn more about how to contribute to PBCMSS in your will
Contributions benefit Palm Beach County Medical Society Services, Inc., a not for profit tax exempt organization. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF Palm
Beach County Medical Society Services, Inc., CH#12678, MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA.
REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Our dedicated physician referral line is (561) 494-6836
you want to be certain that your patients will receive compassionate care at every stage of illness,
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Our dedicated physician referral line is (561) 494-6836
Over 300 physicians and guests honored 2014 PBCMS President, Ronald Zelnick MD and celebrated the installation of Stephen Babic, MD as 2015 PBCMS President at the Starfish and Snowflake Gala on December 6 at the Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center.
FMA President Alan Pillersdorf, MD was a featured speaker. The 2014 Excellence in Medicine Award was also presented.
Excellence in Medicine AwardThe Excellence in Medicine Award honors a physician who exemplifies the highest values of altruism, compassion, leadership and dedication to the profession. PBCMS proudly presents the 2014 Excellence in Medicine Award to Michael T.B. Dennis MD.
Special thanks to the Host Committee and our Sponsors for making the evening a great success.
SponsorsAcevedo Consulting, Inc.Dr. & Mrs. Stephen BabicShawn B. Baca, MDBethesda Memorial Medical Center Medical Staff Boca Raton Regional HospitalBoca Raton Regional Hospital Medical StaffCustom Medical Services, Inc. Dana-Gracey, Inc. Delray Medical Center Medical StaffMichael T. B. Dennis, MDThe Doctors CompanyFirstPath, LLCHCAHealth Care REIT, Inc.JFK Medical Center Medical StaffJupiter Medical Center Medical StaffMr. & Mrs. Marvin RubinOpta CompPalm Beach IllustratedTrustBridge HealthWellington Regional Medical Center Medical StaffWPEC CBS 12
Host CommitteeDr. & Mrs. K. Andrew Larson (Honorary Chairs)Dr. & Mrs. Stephen BabicMs. Patricia CorbettDr. & Mrs. Steven LitinskyDr. & Mrs. Ira LazarMs. Kari Oeltjen Dr. & Mrs. Alan B. PillersdorfDr. & Mrs. Gerald RobinsonMs. Carrie RubinMs. Joann Wade
Friend SponsorsDr. & Mrs. Robert ToméDr. Malcolm DormanKaren Schapira, Esq. Mr. & Mrs. Greg QuattlebaumDr. Jeffrey Berman & Ms. Kari OletjenDr. & Mrs. Andrew Berkman
Palm Beach County Medical Society Services presents:
2014 Annual Gala & Installation
QUARTER FOUR 2014ON CALL MAGAZINE14
Stephen Babic MD
Michael T.B. Dennis, MD
Michael T.B. Dennis, MDDr. Dennis is a graduate of Harvard College, the University of Florida Medical School (with extensive externships at Guy's Hospital in London and Johns Hopkins), and completed a plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at Stanford. During his residency he founded the Stanford Nurse Practitioner/Physician's Assistant Program beginning a lifelong interest in medical education.During his 30 years of practice in Santa Barbara he donated three weeks a year to correct congenital defects in children overseas, working in 22 countries and with side trips visiting every country in the world.
After retirement he chaired the Palm Beach Medical Care Commission and was Vice Chairman of the PB Civic Association. He joined the PBCMS in 2009 later becoming a member of the board and is currently president-elect of the PBCMS Services Board. He is a charter member of the 1919 Society and has chaired the Future of Medicine Summit annually since 2010.
As founding chairman of the FAU Schmidt College of Medicine, he continues his commitment to advancing medical education and the quality of health care in the region. He has been a passionate advocate, community leader and philanthropist. As founder of Hand-X-Tenders, a company that creates devices to increase the manual dexterity of the disabled, he directs all profits to charity. He is an officer of the Florida Institute for Health Innovation, a member of the Finance Committee of the Health Care District, and founded and funded the Medical Education Forum of the Palm Beaches, which recently distributed a Regional Medical Care Guide throughout the region. He writes a weekly contribution to the Sun Sentinel as one of its South Florida 100.
He and his wife, Phyllis of 50 years, have three children and a wonderful extended family.
Stephen Babic, MDStephen Babic, MD earned his undergraduate degree at Wabash College and his medical degree from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia. Dr. Babic’s internship and residency were completed at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg. He completed a fellowship at Jackson Memorial Hospital. He is board certified in Internal Medicine & Cardiology and complete a Fellowship in Cardiology at University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital. Dr. Babic received a masters degree from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. He was the first board certified cardiologist on staff at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. He has been a member of the Palm Beach County Medical Society since 1976 and has served in numerous leadership positions including Chair of the Council on Legislation, Chairman of MEDPAC and member of the Board of Trustees.
Dr. Babic has been a tireless patient and healthcare advocate for over 37 years. His outstanding efforts have been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Harry Botwick Memorial Award from Jackson Memorial Hospital, Excellence in Medicine Award from the Palm Beach County Medical Society, Professional Liability Award from the Florida Medical Association and the Distinguished Services Award from the Florida Chapter American College of Cardiology. Dr. Babic also serves on the Foundation Board of Boca Raton Community Hospital. Most importantly, Dr. Babic is recognized as being a champion of physicians and the medical profession. He takes the time to process and understand the health care policy issues facing physicians and patients. He feels a strong responsibility to educate, build relationships and communicate with our legislators on these issues. His success in raising support for pro-medicine causes is legendary. He was instrumental in blocking the sale of Boca Raton Community Hospital to a for- profit organization in the early 1990s and led the fight for Medical Malpractice Reform.
Dr. Babic is a strong advocate for research, access to care and public health. He helped facilitate the bold initiative – The Future of Medicine, designed to create a road map to improve healthcare within Palm Beach County. As Chair of the
Prevention and Wellness Task Force, Dr. Babic and his dedicated group initiated efforts to address the issues of obesity, cigarette smoking and exercise. Dr. Babic states that we are facing challenging times for physicians and our patients. If meaningful change is to occur, physicians must work with other health care professionals, businesses, community and state organizations to share their efforts to improve wellness within the community.
Dr. Babic is married to Joan, and they have a son Jeffrey who lives in Miami. The tenacity and spirit that Dr. Babic demonstrates as a physician is also evident in his other true passion – golf.
QUARTER FOUR 2014 ON CALL MAGAZINE 15
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Morgan Stanley is proud to sponsor Palm Beach County Medical Society
Patricia Corbett CFP® Vice President Financial Advisor 595 SOUTH FEDERAL HIGHWAY Boca Raton, FL 33432 +1 561 393-1535 [email protected]
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www.quantumfnd.org561.832.74972701 N. Australian Avenue #200
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Cybercrime costs the U.S. economy billions of dollars each year and causes organizations to devote substantial time and resources to keeping their information secure. This is even more important for healthcare organizations, the most frequently attacked form of business.1 Cybercriminals target healthcare for two main reasons: healthcare organizations fail to upgrade their cybersecurity as quickly as other businesses, and criminals find personal patient information particularly valuable to exploit.
The repercussions of security breaches can be daunting. A business that suffers a breach of more than 500 records of unencrypted personal health information (PHI) must report the breach to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR). This is the federal body with the power to enforce the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and issue fines. To date, the OCR has levied over $25 million in fines, with the largest single fine totaling $4.8 million.2 A healthcare organization’s brand and reputation are also at stake. The OCR maintains a searchable database (informally known as a “wall of shame”) that publicly lists all entities that were fined for breaches that meet the 500-record requirement.3
If you think you may not be fully compliant with HIPAA privacy and security rules, consider taking the following steps:
• Identify all areas of potential vulnerability. Develop secure office processes, such as: • Sign-in sheets that ask for only minimal information. • Procedures for the handling and destruction of paper records. • Policies detailing which devices are allowed to contain PHI and under what circumstances those devices may leave the office.
Be Cybersecure:
Protect Patient Records, Avoid Fines, and Safeguard Your Reputation
• Encrypt all devices that contain PHI (laptops, desktops, thumb drives, and centralized storage devices). Make sure that thumb drives are encryped and that the encryption code is not inscribed on or included with the thumb drive. Encryption is the best way to prevent a breach.
• Train your staff on how to protect PHI. This includes not only making sure policies and procedures are HI PAA-compliant, but also instructing staff not to openly discuss patient PHI.
• Audit and test your physical and electronic security policies and procedures regularly, including what steps to take in case of a breach. The OCR audits entities that have had a breach, as well as those that have not. The OCR will check if you have procedures in place in case of a breach. Taking the proper steps in the event of a breach may help you avoid a fine.
• Insure. Make sure that your practice has insurance to assist with certain costs in case of a breach.
Contributed by The Doctors Company. For more patient
safety articles and practice tips, visit
www.thedoctors.com/patientsafety.
References
1Visser S, Osinoff G, Hardin B, et al. Information security &
data breach report—March 2014 update. Navigant. March 31,
2014. http://www.navigant.com/~/media/WWW/Site/Insights/
Disputes%20Investigations/Data%20Breach%20Annual%20
2013_Final%20Version_March%202014%20issue%202.ashx.
Accessed June 17, 2014.
2McCann E. Hospitals fined $4.8M for HIPAA violation.
Government Health IT. May 9, 2014. http://www.govhealthit.
com/news/hospitals-fined-48m-hipaa-violation. Accessed June
24, 2014.
3Breaches affecting 500 or more individuals. U.S. Department
of Health & Human Services. http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/
hipaa/administrative/breachnotificationrule/breachtool.html.
Accessed June 23, 2014.
Frustrated with your healthcare
practice?Boost your ROI without adding
patients or staff.
561-582-6060 [email protected]
turning potential into performance
coachgot one?
Expect outcomes like these: • Employee turnover down 500% • Timely reporting with 98% accuracy • Consistent cash flow • And more!
Get a free Healthcare Management Checklist by visiting
proffittmanagement.com/healthcare
QUARTER FOUR 2014 ON CALL MAGAZINE 17
As a healthcare provider, you continually look for ways to maximize the efficiency of your staff and accelerate payments of claims while continuing to satisfy the healthcare needs of your patients. You are also tasked with managing electronic and paper payments, as well as gaining faster access to funds, claim status, and payment information. Reconciling healthcare payments can be complex and time consuming, especially if the flow of information is inefficient due to the disconnected systems used by different providers, health plans, and payers.
With these challenges, how can you be sure your practice’s claims processing is as efficient as it can be? Consider investing in a solution to automate many of these processes to more quickly process your payments, such as a SunTrust lockbox solution combined with SunTrust eClaim Revenue Gateway®.
Recently, SunTrust Bank implemented solutions to help a major Florida-based healthcare organization improve its cash flow, which allowed them to reassign staff to more productive tasks.
SituationA Florida healthcare organization needed to address numerous concerns in their claims and cash management processes such as:
• Minimizing manual, paper-intensive processes for reconciling and posting patient and insurance provider payments to open accounts receivable.
• Overcoming customer service challenges related to researching claims and resolving missing or misapplied payments.
• Lack of scalability in the existing solution to accommodate the organization’s future growth.
SolutionTaking a consultative approach, SunTrust conducted a thorough review of the organization’s business processes and presented specific recommendations to improve efficiency and help them realize cost savings through SunTrust’s automated and scalable Wholesale Lockbox and eClaim Revenue Gateway solutions.
• Wholesale lockboxes are staffed facilities that collect mailed payments from patients, process the payments, and deposit funds into your account, providing faster access to funds.
• SunTrust eClaim Revenue Gateway offers claim matching, analytics, reporting, archival services and payment automation and reconciliation. Payments received in your lockbox are combined and reconciled to your claim data, which is then converted into an electronic file. Additionally, patient payment data received in your lockbox is captured and converted into a separate electronic file. Both files can be uploaded directly into your practice management system or hospital information system, resulting in increased operational efficiency and reduced administrative overhead.
Key Recommendations and Results*
• Implementing Automated Processes. $15,000 Estimated Monthly Savings The healthcare organization was previously using a third party to re- scan documents already scanned in the lockbox process to import into their document management system. By implementing the Image Transmission feature of the Wholesale Lockbox solution, the organization was able to eliminate the third party costs.
• Eliminating Obsolete Services. $27,000 Estimated Monthly Savings SunTrust recommended eClaim Revenue Gateway, which eliminated services such as data entry, check printing, check and remittance document pairing, and mailing of paper packages. There were also soft cost savings realized through reallocation of several administrative staff members, who are now available to take on other functions.
• Standardizing Lockbox Instructions. The Florida healthcare organization had different formats and configurations for their existing lockboxes. SunTrust standardized this process to make it compatible for the hospital and physician’s services division, speeding posting times.
Take the Pain Out of Claims Processing While Optimizing Cash Flow with Suntrust
By Troy Huda, Vice President, SunTrust Treasury & Payment Solutions
The Ideal LockboxBefore After Success Metrics
5 hours 45 minutes Cash application processing time0% 98% of Patient payments automatically posting0% 87% of Insurance provider payments automatically posting
To learn more about the benefits of SunTrust eClaim Revenue
Gateway and other treasury solutions for your practice,
contact Ashlea Ayer at 954-765-7380 or ashlea.ayer@suntrust.
com. SunTrust Bank, Member FDIC. ©2014 SunTrust Banks,
Inc. SunTrust and eClaim Revenue Gateway are federally
registered service marks of SunTrust Banks, Inc.
*Note actual savings and results will vary by
organization, are not guaranteed, and are
dependent upon a variety of factors, including
but not limited to size and type of organization,
number of payments processed, existing
services, and type of solutions chosen.
QUARTER FOUR 2014ON CALL MAGAZINE18
EMRBilling Audits
HIPAAHospital Relations
EMRMeaningful UseBilling Audits HIPAA ACO
PCMHReimbursement
ACAMeaningful Use
ACA
Maximize Revenue - Reduce Risk | Free Revenue & Compliance AuditFor over 30 years, physicians have consistently chosen our expert team of practice management consultants and certified coders to increase revenue, maximize profitability, and reduce risk. Revenue and compliance audit available. For more information visit www.rsfha.com or contact John Pappas @ 561-860-6093 or [email protected] Partner of the Palm Beach County Medical Society
Hospital Relations
It was the first note I ever got in crayon. “Thank you for making my daddy feel better.” I keep it on my desk, where I pore over patient records and cash flow statements. Because even if the medical field seems to be changing by the day, the reasons I practice never do.
SunTrust Medical Specialty Group provides the dedicated team and tailored solutions to help with your financial needs.
Visit suntrust.com/medicine
Investment and Insurance Products: • Are not FDIC or any other Government Agency Insured • Are not Bank Guaranteed • May Lose ValueSunTrust Private Wealth Management is a marketing name used by SunTrust Banks, Inc. and the following affliliates: Banking and trust products and services, including investment advisory products and services, are provided by SunTrust Bank. Securities, insurance (including annuities) and other investment products and services are offered by SunTrust Investment Services, Inc., an SEC registered investment adviser and broker- dealer, member FINRA, SIPC, and a licensed insurance agency. ©2014 SunTrust Banks, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Med Memo
SAVE THE DATE
January 13, 20152015 Annual State of MEDicine DinnerAirport Hilton, West Palm Beach
April 17, 2015Heroes in Medicine Awards LuncheonKravis Center, Cohen Pavilion, West Palm Beach
Quarter Four 2014
Congratulations to the 2015 Board of DirectorsOfficersStephen Babic, MD President James Goldenberg, MD President-Elect
Shawn Baca MD Vice- President
Brandon Luskin, MD Secretary
Marc Hirsh, MD Treasurer
Larry Bush, MDMichael Dennis, MDRoger Duncan, MDJames Howell, MDTulisa LaRocca, MDK. Andrew Larson, MDBeth-Ann Lesnikoski, MDAlan Pillersdorf, MDSumathi Raja, MDBrent Schillinger, MDRobert Tome, MDJohn Vara, MDFrederick Williams, MDJack Zeltzer, MDTBA- Medical StudentTBA- Resident
2015 Heroes in Medicine Call for Nominations- Who is Your Hero?The 2015 Heroes in Medicine Celebration will be held on Friday, April 17, 2015 at the Kravis Center Cohen Pavillion. To submit a nomination visit https://pbcms.org/events/heroes-in-medicine/. Nominations are due by Friday, February 6th, 2015 at noon. These prestigious awards honor individuals and organizations throughout Palm Beach County that use their skills and resources in the field of health care to provide outstanding services for the people of our local, national, and global communities. In addition to properly recognizing our Heroes in Medicine, this initiative serves to encourage and stimulate future heroes by promoting a commitment to community service.
Heroes are men and women who place the needs of others above self and view personal responsibility from a global perspective. The term Hero is often preceded by the adjective “unsung,” but on this day we will sing!
Award Categories include:Bruce Rendina Professional HeroCommunity Outreach HeroHealth Care Educator HeroHealth Care Innovation HeroHealth Care Provider Hero (Non Physician)Physician Hero (International)Physician Hero (Local/National) Student Hero
Make a Difference Get involvedThere are many opportunities to make a difference in shaping the future of medicine -join a PBCMS Council,
participate as a delegate to the FMA, submit your ideas and suggestions..For additional information email [email protected]
2015 Annual State of MEDicine DinnerThursday, January 13, 6:30pm
Hear from leaders in medicine about the landscape at the state and federal levels and learn about the course of action set forth by 2015 PBCMS President Stephen Babic, MD and the Board of Directors Members No cost Guests $50To RSVP www.pbcms.org
2015 Practice Connection Palm Beach County Medical Society and Palm Beach Medical Group Management Association are excited to offer our members, practice administrators and staff an exciting array of topics for 2015! January 7th Billing and Coding, Atlantis Country ClubFebruary 4th Increasing Revenue to Offset Rising Expenses, West Palm Beach Marriott March 4th OIG Plan and New Regulatory Issues for 2015, Atlantis Country ClubApril 1st Bullying & Discrimination in the Workplace, West Palm Beach MarriottMay 6th Developing Your Practice Compliance Plan, Atlantis Country ClubJune 3rd Protecting Your Practice from Cyber Security, West Palm Beach Marriott PBCMS & MGMA members and staff are $25 per person - Non-Members and staff are $35 pp Please register online at www.pbcms.org or contact Deanna at (561) 433-3940 ext. 28 or email [email protected]
QUARTER FOUR 2014 ON CALL MAGAZINE 21
Welcome New Members! Quarter Four 2014
Samantha Alford, MD Preventive Medicine, West Palm BeachJay Kernus, DO Emergency Medicine, WellingtonGary Kuehl, MD Pathology-Anatomical & Clinical, Boynton BeachAndleeb Usmani, DO Dermatology, WellingtonRoberto Von Sohsten, MD (MSPB) Cardiovascular Disease, AtlantisCecile Walker, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology, WellingtonAndrew H. Zwick, MD Gastroenterology, Boca Raton Laura White Kolshak, MD Orthopedic Surgery Luke Maj, MD Radiology, West Palm Beach
RetiredEdgar Covarrubias, MDDavid Shulan, MDMollie Shulan, MD
Residents Adetola Aijbade, MDIsabel Bueno, MDEmanuel Ebin, MDMichael Engler, DOJessica Henry, MDAshley Leet, DORebecca Negron, MDSheena Nguyen, DOMarisela Rives. DOHenry Sanchez, DOMegan Shirley, DOGregory Wilkerson, DOKerri Dembowske, DO
Medical StudentsAudrey Jacobsen, University of MiamiElyse Julian, Nova Southeastern UniversityPaul Poulakos, University of MiamiBryanna Schwartz, University of MiamiBrian Bishop, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine William Grubb, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Follow Uswww.facebook.com/PalmBeachCountyMedicalSociety
Venous Thromboembolism Symposium (Inaugural)Saturday, December 13, 2014Baptist Hospital, Auditorium (3.5 CME/CE) n MiamiVTE.BaptistHealth.net
Connect with usBaptistCME
Connect with usBaptistCME
More CME opportunities at BaptistHealth.net/CME
Miami Neuro Symposium (Third Annual) and Neuro Nursing Symposium (Second Annual)Thursday-Saturday, December 4-6, 2014 The Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables (20 CME/CE) n MiamiNeuro.BaptistHealth.net
Cardiovascular Disease Prevention International Symposium (13th Annual)Thursday-Sunday, February 19-22, 2015 Fontainebleau, Miami Beach (22.5 CME/CE) n MiamiCVDPrevention.BaptistHealth.net
[email protected] n 786-596-2398
Sanford H. Cole, M.D. Memorial Ob/Gyn Symposium (29th Annual)Friday, January 30, 2015Marriott Miami Dadeland (6 CME/CE) n ObGynMiami.BaptistHealth.net
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As the nation’s largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer, with
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