RAM Doctors Blanket Legislature

A persuasive group of politically-savvy RAM members marched up the hill to the General Assembly Tuesday for the first of two "White Coats On Call" events held with the Medical Society of Virginia.

Speaking of the General Assembly, O'Bannon, now in his 12^th year in the legislature, said, "It's good to keep our feet to the fire, and if we go off the reservation to let us know it." O'Bannon has introduced House Bill 346 that provides a "team-care concept" and allows physicians to supervise six nurse practitioners (an increase from four NPs).

RAM's articulate members put a human face on a number of bills pending in the legislature. They urged lawmakers not to cut the state's already paltry Medicaid reimbursement for physicians; to pass Dr. O'Bannon's bill to improve collaborative health care; and to create the first legal definition of surgery in the Code of Virginia, along with pressing other issues of interest to physicians.

A few snapshots from the meetings:

Dr. E. Claiborne Irby Jr. to Del. Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights: "We're just trying to come up with a definition of surgery," he said of House Bill 266. "The idea is not to take something away from people."

RAM President Dr. Richard A. Szucs to an aide for Sen. Stephen H. Martin, R-Amelia, on O'Bannon's bill for health care delivery teams: "We think this will help to fully utilize nurse practitioners and mid-level providers." He noted this was especially important with the current shortage of primary care physicians which is sure to be exacerbated by the surge in the number of new Medicaid patients in Virginia under the Affordable Care Act.

Dr. Hazle S. Konerding, chair of Access Now, delivered a mock check to Sen. Martin, explaining that it represented the more than $15 million in free care that physician volunteers and mid-level providers have donated since 2008.

Konerding said she's "extremely concerned" about a proposed cut of $5 million for Virginia health care safety net organizations in the second year of Gov. McDonnell's biennial budget. "The free clinics do a lot of good and simply can't absorb that cut," Konerding said.

Dr. Gigi deBlois, RAM's Immediate Past President, to an aide for Del. Manoli Loupassi, R-Richmond, on potential cuts of Medicaid reimbursements.: "Physicians can't maintain their practices with diminished physician reimbursement."

Del. O'Bannon, for his part, said of his time in the statehouse: "I will promise that any of you can do this. If you can do medicine, I promise you can do politics."

RAM thanks the following members who made the first White Coats Day a smashing success.

Owen Brodie, MD

Frank R. Cerniglia, Jr., MD

Eddie Clark

Clifford L. Deal, III, MD

Georgean G. deBlois, MD

Gerard Filicko, MHA, CMPE

Helen M. Foster, MD

David W. Gould, III, MD

Robert A. Halvorsen, MD

Zubair U. Hassan, MD

E. Claiborne Irby, Jr., MD

Vigneshwar Kasirajan, MD

Hazle S. Konerding, MD

Karsten F. Konerding, MD

Ritsu Kuno, MD

Anton J. Kuzel, MD

Walter Lawrence, Jr., MD

David W. MacMillan, MD

Mark H. Ryan, MD

Richard A. Szucs, MD

Bert Wilson

Patrick W. Woodward, MD

The next White Coats Day is Wednesday, Feb. 22. To sign up, email Lara Knowles at lknowles@ramdocs.org or call her at 643-6631.

2012 WHITE COAT DAYI     

Why should I leave behind my busy practice to lobby at the General Assembly?  As the saying goes, if you're in medicine, you're in politics. Members of the General Assembly need to hear from YOU, their constituents, about how the legislation they're considering will affect the practice of medicine:  from setting Medicaid payment rates, protecting Virginia's positive liability climate, to ensuring quality patient care.

  
Speak up, get involved!  Sign up now!  
 
What:       2012 White Coats on Call     
When:      Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Time:       7:30 am - 1:00 pm
Where:     The General Assembly 

       
Please RSVP by e-mailing Lara Knowles at lknowles@ramdocs.org or calling her at 643-6631.  
 

PHYSICIANS NEEDED FOR STATE BOARDS
MARCH 15, 2012 (APPLICATIONS DUE)     

Would you like to serve on a state board? The Medical Society of Virginia wants you to know that there are many opportunities for gubernatorial appointment. Click here to see what they are. If you would like to recommend a physician that meets the criteria for one of these seats, please send an email to healthpolicy@msv.org or contact Robin Cummings or Lindsay Larkin with your recommendations.

Please note that a list of qualified candidates will be submitted to the MSV President for review and decision, per MSV policy. We look forward to hearing from you.

How to apply:
Applications are due to the state by March 15, 2012. Click here for instructions on submitting your application for gubernatorial appointment. While applications are taken year round, it is recommended that you complete your state application prior to March 15, 2012 for full consideration.

MSV support is required for some of these opportunities. If you would like MSV to support your request for gubernatorial appointment, please contact MSV at healthpolicy@msv.org by Feb. 1, 2012. Please send a copy of your curriculum vitae (CV) and/or biography with your request for support to healthpolicy@msv.org.   

RAMA 50TH BENEFIT ANTIQUES AND FINE ARTS SHOW 

FEBRUARY 23-26, 2012 

Please make plans now to attend RAMA's 50th Annual Antiques & Fine Arts Show to be held at the Science Museum of Virginia, February 23-26, 2012.  The theme of this year's show is A Richmond Tradition with a Fresh Look and will feature a selection of high quality antiques and fine art presented from dealers across the country.  

Be among the first to view an exceptional selection of antiques and fine art, share a cocktail or glass of champagne with friends, and enjoy a buffet of delicious hors d'oeuvres at the Gala preview which will be held on Thursday, February 23 from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.  Single tickets $100, pair of tickets for $150.  Admission to the weekend show is $10 and good for the entire weekend!  For more information, please visit the Alliance's web site.   

To purchase your tickets, click here!    

 PHYSICIAN REFERRAL HELP CORNER
Member Update on BSHS/Health Grades Issue
Click Here Please direct all inquiries regarding HealthGrades Information and Referral Removal to Bon Secours Business Development at 5875 Bremo Road, MOBS Suite 603, Richmond Virginia 23226.