MMA Email Newsletter 1/24/2008
MMA expresses concerns about Woodbury psych proposal
The Minnesota Medical Association has written to the Minnesota Department of Health expressing concerns about the proposal by Prairie St. John’s to build a psychiatric hospital in Woodbury. MORE
Rep. Feeney introduces balance billing legislation
The U.S. House is considering a bill (H.R. 4736) that would override Minnesota state law and allow physicians to balance bill on Medicare services. MORE
SCHIP veto override fails
For the second time in three months, House Democrats failed to override President Bush’s veto of an expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), according to news reports. MORE
2008 MMA legislative preview
The MMA’s top priorities for the 2008 Legislative Session include health care reform, reimbursement for interpreter services, and protecting the integrity of the Health Care Access Fund. MORE
Pres. Dehen cited in article on patient venting online
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota created a special site for patients last November to spout off on their experiences seeking care. MMA President James J. Dehen Jr., M.D., was interviewed about the site. MORE
MMA membership deadline at hand
The dues deadline for 2008 membership in the MMA is Jan. 31 (Jan. 15 for those joining the Multi-Year Membership Plan). Contact Member Relations to ensure your membership is continued. Call (800) 342-5662, ext. 747, (612) 362-3747, or email duesprocessing@mnmed.org.
Star Tribune editorial favors Kerry e-prescribing bill
An editorial in Wednesday's Star Tribune supported a bill by Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., that seeks to encourage the adoption of e-prescribing nationwide. MORE
Duluth Clinic network bans drug company paraphernalia
On Jan. 1, Duluth's SMDC Health System removed all drug company materials from its office areas and exam rooms. MORE
Medical credit record plans stir opposition
A tool for evaluating the creditworthiness of patients has many, including Minnesota's Attorney General Lori Swanson, up in arms. MORE
New rules put state providers and payers on same page
Minnesota is the first state to adopt rules to help providers quickly verify patients’ insurance coverage and benefits eligibility. MORE
OTHER STORIES
Three AMA policy papers on malpractice insurance available
Tool: How to prepare your practice for physician profiling
Young Physicians: Last chance to register!
Still time for Medicare beneficiaries to change Part D plans
Physician Assistant council needs a physician to assist
Diet soda a factor in metabolic syndrome study
1000 Genomes, most comprehensive global gene map yet
Opportunity to help returning military get proper care
Doctors using placebos but not telling patients
States unsure of CMS commitment to SCHIP funding
Indiana pork worker symptoms match those at Austin plant
E-visits part of Minnesota's medical future
CME and CEU credit available for practice management
SAVE THE DATE
© Copyright 2008 Minnesota Medical Association