PRSRT STD OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF JEFFERSON MEDICAL SOCIETY, INC. PROGRESS U.S. POSTAGE PROGRESS PAID Metairie, La. NOTESNOTES PERMIT NO. 55 Editorial Office Patient advocacy and 4937 Hearst St., Suite 2B PROGRESSPROGRESSPROGRESS professional development Metairie, LA 70001 through physician Patient advocacy and leadership Address Service Requested professional development through physician leadership NOTESNOTESNOTES Vol. 44, No.1 Robert W. McCord, M.D., President Spring, 2010

2010 Le g i s l a t i v e Se s s i o n - Me d i c i n e ’s Ag e n d a The 2010 Session of the Louisiana community coordinated by LSMS, will be from Orleans Parish Medical Society and Legislature convened Monday, March corrected on the House floor. A prohibition the River Parishes Medical Society to host a 29th and will adjourn on Monday, June on balance billing has been introduced (SB Healthcare Legislative Forum on March 18th 21st. Among the issues of concern for 349 by Sen. LaFleur) along with a bill (SB to present our concerns to area legislators. medicine are the perennial challenge to 125 by Sen. Adley) that would force non- As Senator Martiny left the event, he told the medical malpractice cap (HB 175 by contracted physicians to accept a contracted the physicians at his table that he needed Rep. Edwards) and troublesome changes rate in some instances. Of great concern to hear from the physicians in his district. to the administration of the Patient’s is the projected state budget shortfall Look for regular Legislative Updates and Compensation Fund (SB 586 by Sen. that will jeopardize funding for Medicaid Alerts from JPMS and LSMS over the Martiny). We are supporting SB 514 once again. Medicaid funding must be next several weeks to provide you with the introduced by Senator Ed Murray that maintained at a level that will insure that information you will need to contact your would clarify that the PFC Oversight physicians can continue to afford to care senator and representative. Medicine will Board will independently administer the for this vulnerable population. hold a Day at the Capitol sponsored by PCF. HB 394 by Representative Fred Members of JPMS joined with physicians the LSMS Alliance on Wednesday, May Mills is identical to Senator 19. Additional information Murray’s bill. about this event is available on the LSMS website (www. HB 1419 by Rep. Leger lsms.org) or JPMS can poses another threat to forward a registration form. the operation of the PCF. Physicians are needed on This bill would change Wednesdays at the Capital. the membership of the LSMS staff will accompany PCF Oversight Board by you and transportation can adding the commissioner of be arranged. .Legislators want insurance as the ex-officio to hear from constituents chairman with the authority about the problems you face to set surcharge rates. in your medical practice.

HB 1030 by Rep. St. The National Scene Germain that provides an Although all Louisiana exemption from disciplinary Senators and Representatives oversight to untrained and opposed health care reform, unqualified emergency Your 2010 Board of Directors (front left to right) Dr. Damon Dietrich, Member- the Patient Protection and personnel cleared the Health at-Large; Dr. Kathleen Sullivan, treasurer; Dr. Robert Chugden, secretary; Affordable Care Act is now and Welfare Committee (back left to right) Dr. Ralph Katz, member-at-large; Dr. Mohammed Suleman, the law of the land and but because of a vigorous immediate past president; Dr. Robert McCord, president; Dr. Brian Bourgeois, the implementation and response from the physician vice-president; and Dr. Beau Raymond, chairman of the Board of Censors. – continued on page two Page 2 PROGRESS NOTES Spring, 2010 Spring, 2010 PROGRESS NOTES Page 7

2010 Session President’s Notes – continued from page one Practice Matters Robert W. McCord, 2010 JPMS President, gave the following address at the 51st regulation phase has begun. President Obama n JPMS EMAIL & FAX review of Social Security disability wonderful reference tool for doctors, Anniversary Installation Dinner-Dance on Saturday, March 13th. acknowledges that the task of reforming the nation’s health care system is not finished. Of LEGISLATIVE ALERTS: Your office claims. Malpractice insurance not nurses, social workers, seniors and should be receiving weekly Alerts by required. Must have current LA family members. Call 828-6362 or I’d like to take this time to thank some people who have who have helped me and the note, physicians are still pursuing a permanent fax and/or by email during the Regular license, no OIG sanctions and be email your request for free copies for Jefferson Parish Medical Society. resolution for the flawed Sustainable Growth Session of the Legislative Legislature comfortable with computer work. yourself, your staff and your patients to Rate (SGR) physician payment formula which began on March 29th. We hope Contact Terri Spurgeon at 225 342 [email protected] First my wife Barbara, without whom, I’d be alone in a research lab somewhere. under Medicare. Congress extended the 2009 payment rates until May 31st – so the the information in our Alerts will be 2242 or [email protected] or Thanks to Dr. Rick Paddock who once said “come on, you can go to this meeting and game continues with reports that the House helpful to you in communicating with Donna Glueck at 225 342 7951 n HAVE YOU ADDED A NEW see how it works and have a few drinks… and Senate are expected to consider a long- your Senator and Representative in or [email protected] PHYSICIAN TO YOUR term solution by early June. JPMS will Baton Rouge. If you are experiencing PRACTICE? Contact JPMS (504- Thank you to Charlene Baudier and Ana De La Garza, without whom, absolutely remain vigilant and seek ways to correct the any difficulties opening our emails or n Is your Office Manager a member 455-8282 or [email protected]) with nothing would get done. flaws through the implementation process. receiving the fax, or to be removed of the Greater New Orleans Chapter the names of your new colleagues and Thank you to all the past presidents of JPMS and LSMS, who paved the way. Please continue your communications from our fax or email alert file, please of the Louisiana Medical Group we’ll take care of the rest or retrieve an about a permanent solution to SGR with contact JPMS (455-8282 or email@ Management Association? This application under the Membership tab To our current board of directors for being there for JPMS. U.S. Senators Landrieu and Vitter and lsms.org). valuable organization was formed on the JPMS website www.jpms.org. To Dr. Thomas Nolan and the board of OPMS, I look forward to working with you in Representatives Scalise, Cao, and Melancon. in 1995 to further the personal and Physicians in the 1st or 2nd year of the future. n JPMS Website: JPMS is pleased to professional development and improve practice receive a dues discount. Dues announce our newly designed website. the medical practices of practice for new members are reduced by 50% I’d like to start my brief comments with a quote from the Charles Dickens’ novel A Changes/Additions to the Visit www.jpms.org and tell us what managers in our area. Annual dues are on July 1st. Tale of Two Cities: 2010 Pictorial Membership Directory: you think. Check the accuracy of $75. The JPMS office can email or “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was You should have just received your your listing in the physician directory fax application information to you or n Referrals - Have you received a new the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was copy of our 2010 Pictorial Membership section (also check the directory which contact the GNO LMGMA president, certification or expanded areas of interest the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the Directory by mail. Please check your will be delivered by mail in late April). Diane Weiss at 504-842-2694, with within your specialty? Your patients and winter of despair” listing and report changes to the JPMS Contact the JPMS office (455-8282 your questions. potential patients want to know. Please office (455-8282 or [email protected]). or [email protected]) or complete an mail, fax (455-7388) or e-mail (email@ “Update Your Information” form n The Senior Resource Guide of As we enter the second half-century of the Jefferson Parish Medical Society, we find You can access the directory on line at jpms.org) information about your www.jpms.org. under the Membership tab and fax it Greater New Orleans is a digest- practice to Progress Notes. JPMS will ourselves in similar times for Medicine. We are on the cusp of change…change, which to JPMS at 504-455-7388 (automatic sized directory containing over 50 for better or for worse will come. be better able to direct new patients to Add the following new members to your email return is not yet operational). categories of information pertinent to your practice and your editor would like We, as physicians, have explicit and implicit tasks. First we must be the best physicians directory: senior citizens. You may have already to ‘’Spotlight’’ your accomplishments. we can be and second, we have the non-mandated responsibility to engage the process Dr. Robert W. Jones n POSITION AVAILABLE: Opening received sample copies of this easy- to make the system the best it can be. Dermatology in Metairie for physician to assist with to-use guide for your office. It is a To obtain these goals we will need inspiration, perspiration, desire, persistence and 1111 Medical Center Blvd., zeal. The oft-missing component of our endeavors is zeal. As zealots we are more Suite N-401 likely to be able to promote our ideas of change. As zealots we reject apathy. We Marrero, LA 70072 will not let bad luck, bad leadership, bad politics, hard work, human frailty, pride, (504) 347-2141 Progress arrogance, hubris or pain deflect us from our goal. As zealots, we will show leadership Dr. Mark B. Workman Patients are usually scanned in a comfortable seated position watching a 42” and confidence. We will not sit on our hands, rest on past accomplishments, or go flat screen television television throughout the procedure. Conventional lie down Notes quietly along while people who know nothing about our field, our dedication, our Infectious Disease/Internal Medicine MRIs can miss information that is only visible when patients are scanned in an WJMC - Medical Staff Office upright position. Our ACR accredited facility offers physicians the choice to scan commitment, or our sacrifices dictate what we must do. Politicians want to tell us who the patient in their position of pain. Both our technologist and radiologist have Quarterly Publication of the 1101 Medical Center Blvd. we treat, what we treat, where we treat, how we treat, how long we can treat and what over 50 combined years of MRI expertise. We offer same day scheduling, 24 hour Jefferson Parish Medical Society we get for treating. By being zealous we can ensure our ideas and philosophies are Marrero, LA 70072 reports and transportation in the metro area. Our table limit is 500 pounds and is (504)-349-6070 ideal for patients with shortness of breath, cannot lie down or are claustrophobic. heard. Be a zealot. We offer 7 a.m. appointments and transportation in the New Orleans area. K. Barton Farris, M.D. On occasions like this, I am reminded of the quote by Brutus in Julius Caesar: Editor There is a tide in the affairs of men, Charlene Baudier Which taken at the flood leads on to fortune; In Me m o r i a m Associate Editor Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries. Tom Farris, M.D. JPMS Member 4937 Hearst St., Suite 2B Be a zealot. 1958-2010 Metairie, LA 70001 Robert W. McCord, M.D. president 455-8282 Page 6 PROGRESS NOTES Spring, 2010 Spring, 2010 PROGRESS NOTES Page 3

Spotlights 2009 in Re v i e w n Special thanks to the JPMS 2009 of caring and compassion. Dr. Wales of Delegates meeting in Lake Charles Mohammed Suleman, M.D. Fishing Rodeo Committee Dr. David is also on the Board of the EJGH by the following delegates: Drs. Slivers, Chairman, Dr. Robert Brousse, Foundation. Brian Bourgeois, James Callaghan, 2009 JPMS President Dr. Dan Gallagher, Dr. Robert Robert Chugden, Gus Colon, Bob ow that your 2010 Board of also appreciate the support of our generous mission to advocate for the well-being of McCord, Dr. Richard Paddock, n JPMS was pleased to receive two Corcoran, Paul Fuselier, Owen Directors has been formally sponsors whose names are listed in this issue. patients, the health of our community, and Dr. Robert Shackleton, and Dr. letters last fall from patients who Leftwich, Ricardo Martinez, Bob installed, I would like to We capped off the year with a Holiday Party the profession of medicine. JPMS is YOUR Mohammed Suleman. Some JPMS wanted to recognize JPMS members McCord, Harold Miller, Gabriel express my appreciation for co-hosted by OPMS at the New Orleans organization. members missed a great event as you for extraordinary care. In the first Rivera-Rodriguez, Carlos Rodriguez- Nthe opportunity to represent you as your Pharmacy Museum. Warm friendships kept will see from the photos in this issue. letter, a patient from Luling thanked Fierro, Ken Smith, Mohammed president in 2009. The year was a busy the cold, wet evening festive. Dr. Luis Espinoza for his “spirit of Suleman, Harry Vorhaben, Neil one with the Legislative Session in May n Speaking of Dr. David Silvers, he and caring, kindness and real concern that Wolfson, and medical student delegate and June followed by national health care Your membership was an invaluable his wife Julie were recently recognized cannot be taught in a text book.” In Eddie Mannina with special delegates reform actively debated in Congress this fall. support to me. Thank you for your by Men and Women of Fashion as a second letter, Dr. Gordon Nutik Drs. Tod Engelhardt, Bart Farris, Through the new JPMS Website and regular participation – attending a meeting, two of the best dressed. I guess they was acknowledged for “providing a Stormy Johnson, Andy Leonard, advocacy updates via email and fax, we tried covering for a colleague who is serving saw David at our fishing rodeo (see psychological and motivational boost” Dolleen Licciardi, Rick Paddock and to distribute timely information to help JPMS, responding to an email or fax with photo). Their talented daughter, to his patient recovering from an Greg Sossaman. Please show these you voice your opinion. We had some fun your communications to a legislator or Taylor Silvers, was one of 12 young accident. These are just two notable valued members your appreciation next this year as well. Of course there was the member of Congress, or simply being a girls who contributed her writing and examples of what a positive difference time you see them. fabulous celebration of our 50th anniversary member of this worthwhile organization. photography abilities to the inaugural our physicians make in the lives of last April to honor our charter members, Please continue to share your ideas on how “New Orleans: A T(w)een Travelogue”, patients every day. n New Orleans CityBusiness will past presidents, and loyal members. In JPMS can better serve you and further our a product of the NOLA Travel Writers n Through her work as executive director recognize JPMS members Drs. Alfred October, the 2009 JPMS Fishing workshop held last summer. The of Young Audiences, Rickie Nutik Abaunza, Raymond DeCorte, Rodeo committee organized a great day Dr. Catherine Fitzmorris and Dr. Harris Slivers held a book signing party at (Mrs. Gordon Nutik) also deserves Dan Jacob, Indira Kailas, and of outdoor fun at Seabrook Harbor and Blackman share thoughts about implementing their home to celebrate the completion our recognition for making a difference Chip Lavie as five of the top 50 Marina in eastern New Orleans. We Electronic of this exciting project. in the education of children through health professionals at their Health had a breezy but sunny day and shared Health fostering an appreciation for the arts. Care Heroes event on May 7th. lots of fish stories over the awards lunch Records n Last spring, Dr. John Wales was Dr. and Mrs. Robert Matheney were Congratulations. that followed. I want to especially thank during names Physician of the Year by East part of a class act of YA supporters who Dr. Davis Silvers, fishing rodeo chair, a break Jefferson General Hospital for making participated in the recent fundraiser for n JPMS members are at the helm of 2 of and his wife, Julie, our t-shirt artist. We a positive difference for patients, the this wonderful organization. our major area hospitals. Dr. Sydney between hospital and the community at large. “Beau” Raymond is chief of staff at speakers at As the Medical Director of EJGH’s n While you were seeing your patients East Jefferson General Hospital and the 2009 Emergency Department for 15 years, on January 29th and 29th, JPMS was Dr. David C. Treen, Jr. is chief of EMR Dr. Wales is an extraordinary example ably represented at the LSMS House staff at West Jefferson Medical Center. program. JPMS Anglers pose for a group photo following JPMS members are well represented the awards ceremony following the 2009 JPMS on the Boards of both hospitals as well. Fishing Rodeo held last fall at the Seabrook Dr. Frank Di Vincenti is Chairman Harbor on Lake Pontchartrain. 2009 Fishing Rodeo Chairman, and Dr. Juan Labadie is Vice- Dr. David Silvers, disembarks to Chairman of the Board of WJMC. rush off to meet his daughter at a Dr, Howard Brenner is the Secretary coronation luncheon in celebration and Dr. Gus Colon and Dr. David of her rein in the court of Argus. Silvers are members of the Board of The Pharmacy Museum was a EJGH. beautiful setting for area medical society members to share holiday n The leadership of the Louisiana cheer. Dr. Mohammed Suleman, Psychiatric Medical Association in 2009 JPMS President, with under the steady guidance of Dr. River Parishes Medical Society Ken Roy who will be installed as the member, Dr. Manjit Wadhwa. president in May and Dr. M. Kaleem Arshad who serves as treasurer of the organization. OPMS & JPMS Leaders gather at the Pharmacy A standing ovation for the JPMS Delegation to the LSMS House of Delegates, January 29 & Museum during our Joint Holiday Party. (left to right) Dr. Bob McCord describes the “one that got 30 in Lake Charles (Refer to the Spotlight section of this issue to see if you can match the names Dr. Mike Ellis, Dr. Rick Paddock, Dr. Andy Leonard, away” while his charter moves to a new fishing with the faces in this photo) and Dr. Bob McCord spot. Page 4 PROGRESS NOTES Spring, 2010 Spring, 2010 PROGRESS NOTES Page 5

He a l t h c a r e Legislative Fo r u m cooperation with The Physicians Foundation to assist you and your practice to participate in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Patient Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) in 2010.

he Jefferson Physician’s Foundation is proud to Coupons redeemable for DocSite patient registry software are announce a new community partner. An existing being awarded that will cover the processing fee for collecting relationship has been formalized with the Consulate of and submitting the quality measures data required to earn the Mexico in New Orleans. Both organizations agree to incentive payment of 2% of your total allowed charges for Tcollaborate together to enhance the well-being of our low income Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) covered professional services and uninsured community by: you provide this year to Medicare beneficiaries. This is the third • Providing staff to assist with outreach activities; particularly year these coupons have been awarded nationwide through The the Limited English Proficient Populations (LEP) in need of Physicians Foundation. Physicians who participated in 2008 healthcare referrals, reported being very pleased with the incentive payments they Senator Danny Martiny, Dr. Dan Caplan, Senator Conrad Appel with Dr. Bob • Providing staff to assist in the “Ventanilla de Salud Program” received as a result of their participation in the PQRI program. McCord in the foreground listen to a presentation by Dr. Van Culotta during the hosted by the Mexican Consulate, and by Incentive payments for 2009 participants are expected to arrive formal remarks at the Healthcare Legislative Forum. Dr. Bob Shackleton and Representative John Labruzzo • Optimizing the logistic of the medical supplies available this summer. at the Healthcare Legislative Forum held on March 18th between our others community partners and the ones in need. prior to the opening of the Legislative Session A sanctioned CMS Registry PQRI vendor, DocSite has created a This will be the 40th “Ventanilla de Salud Program” that the simple and effective way of participating in PQRI for all eligible Mexican Government sponsors through the Consulates of Mexico healthcare providers. Typical practices will complete the reporting in the United States, to guarantee the needed access to healthcare in two days or less. This grant program is open to eligible healthcare services and protect the health of the migrant population. In our providers that did not receive a DocSite coupon in 2008 or 2009. particular case, because the special conditions of our area, the Coupons will be awarded per provider number. program has open doors to everyone that requires our services, An important mission of the Jefferson Physicians’ Foundation such as: health screenings, private doctors referrals, community (JPF) is the advancement of medical professional standards and clinics referrals that operate like a private medical practice (a medical practice efficiency. JPF is excited about this opportunity regular doctor’s office) providing a medical home model of health to offer a proven patient registry system to physicians in our area A Special Thanks to care management, governmental programs referrals, mental again in 2010. DocSite patient registry software will allow a health referrals, and seminars that promote preventive medicine busy medical practice an effective and efficient program to follow Our Generous Fishing and awareness of local issues like fires, hurricanes, first aid and patient care standards with the goal of enhancing quality. Senator A.G. Crowe, Dr. Mike Ellis, and LSMS President, Dr. Pat CPR. All this in a friendly environment that speaks Spanish, if Breaux discuss medicine’s legislative agenda over dinner at Zea’s during Rodeo Sponsors our client requires it! our Healthcare Legislative Forum What does this mean for JPMS members? Bayou Orthotic & Prosthetic Since hurricane Katrina, the Jefferson Physicians’ Foundation The LSMS House (JPF) has worked to address the growing volume of uninsured of Delegates Doctors Imaging Services patients in your medical practice. With the Ventanilla de Salud awarded Dr. program, the JPF hopes to reduce the number of uninsured who Neil Wolfson Omni Group, LLC seek medical care at area emergency rooms and/or your practice the Community by screening and appropriately referring patients through this Service Award Louisiana Physician Services service. The JPF will also be able to refer patients with medical for his volunteer insurance to JPMS medical practices, especially to those that can efforts delivering Omni Home Care accommodate Spanish-speaking patients. medical care to the citizens of Rehab Access Physical Therapy Plaquemine Parish MORE JEFFERSON PHYSICIANS’ post Katrina. Dr. Seabrook Harbor/Marine FOUNDATION NEWS Gustavo A. Colon Do you receive at least $50,000 annually in Medicare Part B was inducted into Puglia’s reimbursements? Then read on… the Hall of Fame of LSMS at the LAMMICO For a second time TECHNOLOGY FOR QUALITY GRANTS Andrea Garcia-Guerra, Consul of Mexico in New Orleans with Annual Meeting in are available through the Jefferson Physicians’ Foundation in Dr. Gus Colon, Jefferson Physicians’ Foundation President Lake Charles.