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Midwest Clinical Conference (MCC) 2003 SAVE THE DATE! March 20-22 - Navy Pier,

October 2002 Vol. 4, No. 10

PHYSICIAN ADVOCACY CMS networks in political arena Building relationships with legislators At the end of the month, Drs. Geline and Win key for future ston and Mr. Tarrant also helped welcome Corey R. Hoze, the newly appointed Health and Human TO ADVOCATE PHYSICIAN ISSUES, CMS Services Region V director, at a reception hosted leadership attended a reception in Septem by a local law firm. Region V is composed of Illi ber for House Majority Leader Bar nois, , Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and bara Flynn Currie (D 25). Led by Drs. Wisconsin. Richard A. Geline, president, and Neil E. CMS encourages all members to meet with their Winston, president elect, the group also met respective state and federal representatives to Rep. Julie Hamos (D 18) and Sen. Barack forge strong relationships. Only then can they Obama (D 13). CMS leaders used the oppor communicate the importance of change in the tunity to discuss such issues as Fairness in health care system to improve access to quality Contracting legislation, tort reform, and care, says Dr. Geline. physician participation in executions. (Other members who attended were Drs. CMS to seek funding for Shastri Swaminathan, H. Constance Bon brest, Saroja Bharati, William A. McDade, bioterrorism preparedness Carol A. Meyers, Ann Marie Dunlap, and CMS Executive Director James R. Tarrant.) Grant would allow Society to play major role in Earlier in September, Mr. Tarrant, along educating physicians with CMS member Herbert Sohn, MD, at tended a City Club of Chicago Public Policy CMS IS NEGOTIATING WITH THE CHICAGO Luncheon featuring Patrick J. Fitzgerald, Department of Public Health (CDPH) to form a U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illi Chicago Bioterrorism Speakers Bureau to aid the nois. Mr. Fitzgerald talked about the fight CDPH in safeguarding Chicago s citizens against a against terrorism on the anniversary of the bioterrorist attack. The new program would cre World Trade Center attacks. ate educational seminars for physicians on bioter rorism related topics and the role of private physicians in a crisis. Under terms of the agreement, CMS would develop, operate, and evaluate the bureau as well as recommend trainers who would teach health care professionals how to recognize and respond to a bioterrorist event. In a recent announcement of federal fund ing for hospital bioterrorism preparedness programs, the CDPH continued on page 3 BIOTERRORISM continued

named Rush Presbyterian St. Luke s Medical other hospitals will be awarded $70,000 each. The Center and the John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of dollars will be used to improve hospital capabili Cook County as bioterrorism preparedness ties in preparedness planning, disease detection Centers of Excellence. and surveillance, infection control, communica Also playing major supporting roles as tions, collaborations, education and training, and hospital leadership centers are Northwest more. ern Memorial Hospital, the University of Illi Earlier this year, the CDPH was awarded $12.4 nois Medical Center, Mt. Sinai Hospital/Sinai million from the federal Centers for Disease Con Health Systems, and the University of Chica trol and Prevention and $1.3 million from the go Hospitals. The two Centers for Excellence Health Resource Services Administration to sup will receive $270,000 each in federal bioter port development of an integrated system for rorism preparedness funds, and the four bioterrorism and emergency public health re

Physicians, know your rights: Examine and pay attention to medical staff bylaws

IT S IMPORTANT FOR PHYSICIANS TO Committee, three key issues need to be addressed take the time to familiarize themselves in the bylaws: with medical staff bylaws, and to know  Proper statement of cause for termination. their rights provided under such bylaws,  True balanced hearing process. advises the CMS Physician Advocacy  Objective limitations on the governing board s Committee. final decision, to include the interdependence of The Committee further suggests that be hospital bylaws with the medical staff bylaws. cause the bylaws constitute a contract be The CMS Physician Advocacy Committee is tween the physician and the hospital, that chaired by Raj B. Lal, MD. each hospital s medical staff leadership and ISMS and the AMA have developed model medical bylaws committee appropriate funds for hir staff bylaws. Any CMS member who would like more ing independent counsel for updating the detailed information, or any medical staff leaders who bylaws in compliance with Joint Commis would like a CME lecture on Medical Staff Bylaws and sion on Accreditation of Healthcare Organi the Rights of the Physician presented at their hospital, zation and state laws. should contact Cathy Faedtke at (312) 329 7322, or e According to the Physician Advocacy mail [email protected]. Let’s speak with a unified voice Here s how one CMS member is making a difference As a newly formed 501(c)(6) organization, CMS can now help members achieve a greater presence in the political arena. The Society is therefore encouraging all members to join the political process and speak with a united voice to civic leaders and legislators. The case of CMS member Thomas Chorba, MD, is an example of how physicians can get involved. As the incoming president of the North Suburban Branch, he was new to the political scene but anxious to reach out to legislators. Last summer, Dr. Chorba, who often expressed concern about liability insurance, was able to give testimony during a hearing on tort reform in Libertyville. He relied on ISMS and CMS to prepare him and provide the background information he needed. That was just the beginning. Since then, Dr. Chorba has met with his local alderman, state senator and representative. At all times he was fully informed and ready to present the medical profession s case. Help us help you. For assistance in presenting your position to legislators, e mail [email protected] CMS ACTIVITIES

Dealing with your concerns

CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS SUCH AS PROFES armer sional liability and the establishment of a single payor health care system are among the most Scott W charged issues for physicians today. CMS is ad dressing these concerns in two committees: The newly appointed Ad Hoc Committee to Study the Formation of a Single Payor Health care System, and the Professional Liability Insurance Commit tee, which looks at the actions of the professional liability industry and responds to inquiries and suggestions from members. To sit in on a meeting or for information on how you Shown at the recent CMS Physician Art Committee can become involved, contact Cathy Faedtke at (312) tour of the AMA are (from left to right front row): Laura Carroll, AMA archivist; Liz Sidney, CMS 329 7322. staff; Jack Williams, MD; Richard A. Geline, MD, CMS president; and George S. Farah, MD, chair Oops! man, Physician Art Committee. (Back row): David We really do want your e-mail address Appert, MD, Hugh Savage, MD, Jim Tarrant, CMS CORRECTION: IN LAST MONTH S ISSUE OF executive director, Julian J. Rimpila, MD, and wife, Beverly. At far right is a portrait of Nathan S. CMSnews we asked members to send us their e Davis, MD, an early CMS president and founder of mail addresses so we can transmit emergency the AMA. Also shown is the desk that Dr. Davis alerts from the Chicago Department of Public used circa 1900 in his office practice at Northwest Health and other urgent messages. However, we ern University Medical School. gave you the wrong address. We regret the error. Our correct address is [email protected]. Physician Art Committee tours AMA collection CMS OFFERS ANNUAL MEMBERS AND GUESTS OF THE CMS PHYSI OSHA TRAINING cian Art Committee enjoyed a private tour of the AMA s art collection on Sept. 25. Beginning in the OSHA requires annual training for all health executive offices on the 16th floor, physicians care workers with potential viewed a sampling of works by architects Louis H. occupational exposure to bloodborne Sullivan and Buckminster Fuller, sculptor Claes Oldenburg, and artists Leon Golub, William Weg pathogens. Attending our 85-minute man, and others. The entire collection, which in training course and updating your cludes hundreds of pieces, represents styles rang exposure control plan satisfies your ing from abstract to traditional. The collection was yearly OSHA regulations. put together in conjunction with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and was an invest Upcoming date: ment of reserve funds. Nov. 13 CMS members may arrange for a free building tour of the AMA by contacting either Laura Carroll or Allen CMS members and their staff receive Podraza in the AMA Archives Department at (312) significant discounts. 464 4083. For locations, fees, and registration form, Join us for our next event: The Physician Art please call (312) 670-2550, ext. 338. Committee will meet for dinner Wednesday, Nov. Need on-site training? 20, at Creole Restaurant, 226 W. Kinzie, to sample Please call (312) 670-2550, ext. 339. southern comfort food. For more information call (312) 329 7335. STICKING POINT Flu vaccine reimbursement—Tales from the front

IN THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF CMSNEWS, WE ceiving insufficient reimbursement from your in told you about a member who said he was being surance carrier, we would like to hear from you. reimbursed only $3.80 per dose for flu vaccine, al Please call us at (312) 670 2550, ext. 322, or e mail though the cost for vaccine was $7.60 per dose. He [email protected]. was referencing a private carrier. When this article appeared, another physician Donate your used medical equipment reported a similar situation with insuffient reim THE INDIAN AMERICAN MEDICALASSOCIATION bursement, also from a private carrier. In response (Illinois) Charitable Foundation hopes that physi to our article, CMS member Stephen D. Boren, cians who plan to retire soon will consider donat MD, MBA, medical director of Medicare B Illinois, ing their used equipment to the Foundation s new wrote to say that Cook County physicians receiv free clinic at 2645 W. Peterson Ave. Some urgent ing Medicare payment get $4.60 per injection, plus ly needed items include: Wall mounted otoscope an additional $8.02 for the cost of the vaccine. and ophthalmoscope sets; examination room pa Thus, Chicago physicians receiving Medicare re tient chairs, stools (adjustable, metal) and stand imbursement would be paid $12.62 for their ser lights; weighing machines (regular or electronic); vices. (For further information on Medicare reim and electronic thermometers. The clinic also bursements go to http://www.wpsic.com). needs computers with monitors and printers for It is vital for physicians to know what your ser various purposes. vices cost you, and what reimbursement you For more information, contact Marella L. Hanumadass, should receive for flu vaccinations. If you are re MD, at (630) 530 4052 or e mail [email protected]. LEGISLATION U.S. House passes HEALTH Act

THANKS IN LARGE PART TO THE AMA S Ray LaHood (R 18) aggressive fight, the U.S. House passed the bipar (R 16) tisan HEALTH Act (H.R. 4600) by a vote of 217 to (R 20) 203. Passed during the final week of September, (R 11) this medical liability reform legislation is based on the MICRA law that has been in effect in Califor Voted NO nia for the past 25 years. (D 5) It s now on to the Senate where the legislation (D 12) has been introduced as S. 2793 and faces tough Danny Davis (D 7) going. CMS encourges members to thank those (D 17) representatives who supported this legislation. Luis Gutierez (D 4) Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D 2) Voted YES Tim Johnson (R 15) (R 13) William Lipinski (D 3) Phil Crane (R 8) David Phelps (D 19) (R 6) (D 1) (R 10) (D 9)

COURTSIDE

Florida ruling important victory for tors who have violated contracts and defrauded HMO patients and physicians physicians in violation of the federal Racketeer IN A RECENT LANDMARK RULING, U.S. DISTRICT ing Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Court Judge Federico Moreno certified physicians (RICO) Act. class action status in a lawsuit filed to combat The Medical Association and indi widespread and chronic abuses by some of the na vidual physicians originally filed the lawsuit in tion s largest for profit HMOs. May 2000. With other states joining in as plaintiffs, The suit identifies Aetna, United Healthcare, the lawsuit has since been consolidated in Miami s CIGNA, Coventry, Wellpoint, Humana Health U.S. District Court against dozens more health Plan, Inc., Pacificare Health Systems, Inc., and plans. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield as co conspira Source: AMA Federation News, Oct. 2, 2002.

Find us online at CMS Internet address www.cmsdocs.org

NEWS FOR CHICAGO PHYSICIANS CHICAGO MEDICAL SOCIETY OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY CMSNEWS is published monthly for Richard A. Geline, MD $10 per year for members by the President Chicago Medical Society, 515 N. Dear Neil E. Winston, MD born St. Chicago, Ill. 60610. Applica October 2002 Vol. 4, No. 10 President elect tion to mail at periodicals postage Peter E. Eupierre, MD rates is pending at Chicago, Ill. Post Secretary master: Send address changes to CM Steven M. Malkin, MD SNEWS, 515 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, Treasurer Ill. 60610. Telephone: (312) 670 2550. 515 N. Dearborn St. Harold C. Labinsky, MD Copyright 2000, CMSNEWS. All rights Chicago IL 60610 Chairman of the Council reserved. James R. Tarrant, CAE, Executive Director Shastri Swaminathan, MD Liz Sidney, Managing Editor Vice Chairman of the Council Printed by IPC, Saint Joseph, Mich. Scott Warner, Production Editor Edmund R. Donoghue, MD Immediate Past President CANDIDATES FOR MEMBERSHIP

Any member having information affecting the membership of the candidates listed here should communicate at once with Membership Committee Chairman Irene Panayotou, MD, at (312) 670 2550.

Aux Plaines North Suburban Alkhudari, Azzam, MD (Resident) (Regular) Jarrett, Olamide, MD Ach, Harold, MD Landers, Catherine, MD McLaughlin, Jeanette, MD Krol, Pamela, MD Schulte, Erik, DO Tebeau, Christopher, MD (Resident) Hallock, Robert, MD Southwest Douglas Park Pasha, Azeem, MD (Resident) (Regular) Shin, Peter, MD McCabe, Kristin, MD Hadi, Mahmood, MD Saleem, Rafia, MD Northwest West Side (Resident) (First Year) (Resident) Christopoulos, Niki, MD Abrams, Robert MD Michael, Sheri, MD Sekhadia, Mehul, DO Southern Cook County (Resident) (Resident) Jackson, Courtney, MD Hines/Loyola Hertz, Brian, MD Kalejs, Heather, MD (Regular) Li, Ge, MD, PhD Akhter, Iqbal, MD Southeastern Merz, Meredith, MD Barbato, Anthony, MD (Regular) Tilford, Bradley, MD Ivers, Greta, MD Irving Park Wood Street (Regular) (Resident) (Resident) Fisher, Joel, MD (Resident) Mandelin, Arthur, MD MEMBERS ARE INVITED North Shore TO CMS C OUNCIL MEETINGS (Resident) Padala, Kiran, MD E REMIND YOU THAT ALL MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO Valdes, Ibrahim, MD HICAGO EDICAL OCIETY OUNCIL MEETINGS Vemulapalli, Roopa, MD C M S C . WIF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN OBSERVING THE CMS North Side POLICY MAKING BODY IN ACTION, CALL (312) 670 2550, EXT. (Third Year) 322, TO RESERVE AN AGENDA PACKET.CMSMEMBERS WHO Izadifar, Noushin, MD ARE NOT COUNCIL MEMBERS MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION OF THE HAIR TO SPEAK AT OUNCIL MEETINGS BEFORE THE (Resident) C C Apostol, Annabelle, MD MEETING CONVENES.WHEN THE CHAIR GRANTS THIS PER Barion, Ana Thereza, MD MISSION, IT WILL BE FOR A SPECIFIED PERIOD OF TIME. Blint, Andy, MD Burkett, David, MD The next Council meetings are scheduled for 7 p.m. Chavez Valdez, Raul, MD on the following Tuesdays: Hong, John, MD Nov. 12, 2002; Jan. 14, March 11, May 6, June 3, 2003. Miller, Andrew, MD Quesada, Ramon, MD Location to be announced. IDPH releases cancer statistics review The Illinois Department of Public Health has released Illinois County Cancer Statistics Review Inci dence, 1995 1999 (Epidemiological Report Series 02:3). A copy of this report is available in the CMS library for members who would like to come in and review it. Call Dan Pashman at CMS (312) 329 7324 to set up a library appointment. Additional copies may also be obtained by contacting the Illinois Department of Public Health at (217) 785 1873; or IDPH Division of Epi demiologic Studies, 605 W. Jefferson St., Springfield, IL 62761. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

PSYCHIATRIST NEEDED FOR A MEDICAL BOGGED DOWN WITH DICTATION? Office/building for group. We need a dependable, preferably Twenty four hour phone in central dictation board certified psychiatrist to do psychiatric system. We will transcribe all your office cor sale/rent evaluations and group therapy in a long term respondence, referral letters and progress GOLD COAST AREA (CLARK & OAK). care facility or hospital setting. This is a great notes. Manuscript preparation. E mail, Fully equipped multi specialty medical office opportunity for a psychiatrist just out of resi modem, fax. Our 40th year. HSS Transcrip space available. Call Norma (312) 337 5609. dency. Benefits and salary are negotiable. tion, Inc. (847) 559 9200. Please fax C.V. to (773) 545 2162 or e mail POPLAR CREEK MED SURGICAL CENTER [email protected]. EXAM TABLE UPHOLSTERY. ONE DAY ser Hoffman Estates. Class A offices for lease. All vice. References available. Call Miller Uphol amenities, services, and build out included. SPANISH SPEAKING GI. GROWING GROUP. stery (630) 761 1450. Call Susan Fowler (847) 381 4134. Terms negotiable. (773) 895 9695. DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND TESTING FOR SALE MODERN BRICK MEDICAL in your office. High tech imaging offers ultra building, 32,000 sq. ft. Fully rented, located in sound in your office. Echocardiography, ab Homewood, IL, close to three hospitals. Please Personnel available MEDICAL ASSISTANTS, MEDICAL DOC dominal and vascular testing available. For in contact Michelle Falk at (708) 799 8880 if inter tors, RNs, LPNs, secretaries/receptionists, office formation call (708) 442 9292. ested. managers, insurance billers/collectors, lab/x ray technicians. Chicago and suburbs. American PHYSICIANS ATTORNEY EXPERIENCED Medical Personnel, Ms. Christy (312) 337 4221. and affordable physicians legal services in Medical practice for sale cluding practice purchases, sales and forma tions; partnership and associate contracts, col ALLERGY PRACTICE FOR SALE. CALL OR EXPERIENCED INTERNIST DESIRES lection, licensing problems, credentialing, es fax. Home: (708) 422 2320. Office: (773) 581 position in OP or HMO clinic in northern sub tate planning and real estate. Initial consulta 1828, Tuesday & Friday 2 6, Thursday 10 2, urbs. Reply to Box #2047, c/o Chicago Medi tion without charge. Representing practition Saturday 9 12. cine, 515 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610. ers since 1980. Steven H. Jesser, (800) 424 0060, 790 Frontage Rd., Northfield, IL 60093, BUSY FAMILY, SPORTS, INDUSTRIAL Medical Equipment [email protected], www.sjesser.com. practice for sale. Located in near western sub urbs. Close to Westlake, LaGrange, Hinsdale for Sale/Rent and Elmhurst Hospitals. Room for two to SAVE BIG $$$. NEW AND USED EQUIPMENT. three physicians. For further information, Prices as low as: Exam tables $100, EKGs $500, write to Box #2009, c/o Chicago Medicine, 515 Midmark power tables $1500, office desks N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610. $50, plus waiting room chairs, X ray shelving, soft goods, and more. (800) 553 8367. Personnel wanted FOR SALE: TWO RITTER OB/GYN TABLES, blue, $500 each/OBO. Full adult scale, HOME PHYSICIANS, A MEDICAL GROUP $500/OBO. Baby scale $200/OBO. All in per in Chicago specializing in house calls, is seek fect condition. Call Nancy at (847) 623 5530. ing physicians. Looking for individuals with training in primary care/surgical debridement. Full time and part time positions. Fax C.V. to Business services Scott Schneider at (773) 384 7053; or mail to LEE PERFECT TRANSCRIPTION OFFERS Home Physicians, 1735 N. Ashland Ave., a quality professional personalized service. Chicago, IL 60622; phone (773) 292 4800; We offer: Medical and legal transcription, In www.homephysicians.com. ternet based transcription, audio video tape transcription and toll free dictation. We pick SPANISH SPEAKING INTERNAL MEDICINE up and deliver to the city and suburbs. Lee or family practice physician for large group Perfect Transcription Service, 680 N. Lake practice. Call (773) 895 9695. Terms nego Shore Dr., Chicago (312) 664 1877; e mail tiable. [email protected]; web site www.leeperfect.com