MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIAeNewsline

January 29, 2016 Vol. 23, No. 2

CDC Extends Travel Alert to 24 Destinations as Zika Virus Cases Spread DC Department of Health Issues Notice for Health Care ProvidersThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) added the United States Virgin Islands and DominicanRepublic to the listing of Zika virus travel alert (Level 2­Practice Enhanced Precautions) for people traveling toregions and certain countries. As the number of Zika virus cases grows globally, the World Health Organizationhas announced that it will convene an emergency committee on the virus and the Washington Post reports that allstates are required to report Zika cases. US officials expect this requirement will lead to a “sharp increase inreports of travel­related cases” but that the US is “unlikely” to see widespread local outbreaks.

The DC Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Health Notice asking healthcare providers to assist in thesurveillance of travel­associated illnesses by doing the following: ­ Consistently collect travel history information during the clinical evaluation of patients. ­ Promptly report suspected cases of travel­associated illness.The DOH notice includes recommendations for evaluating patients for Zika infection and special considerations forpregnant women.

For an overview of the disease, including transmission and clinical evaluation, see the CDC Advisory, Zika forHealthcare Providers. The CDC also has specialized guidance for Obstetricians and Pediatricians.

TOP STORIES> John Jack Lynch, MD, Will Be Sorely Missed> Medicare Billing Help and Changes to Meaningful Use Exemption > MSDC News: It's Renewal Time> A First­of­its­kind Program to Fight Prediabetes

John "Jack" Lynch, MD: A Mentor of Doctors Who Will Be Sorely MissedPast MSDC President and Medical Society Services President, John "Jack"Lynch, MD, passed away suddenly on January 18, 2016. Dr. Lynch was theMedical Director Emeritus for the Center for Ethics at MedStar WashingtonHospital Center, which he created in 1982. Dr. Lynch served on the DC Boardof Medicine and had a long career as an Oncologist. Dr. Lynch was recognizedfor distinguished service to the medical profession with MSDC's Certificate ofMeritorious Service and for outstanding public service to the community withMSDC's Charles H. Epps III Community Service Award. See Dr. Lynch'sobituary in the Washington Post.

Past President Daniel Perlin, MD, who received the 2014 John J. Lynch, MD, Moral Courage Awardsaid "It's indicative of Dr. Lynch's integrity and ethics that MedStar's moral courage award wasnamed in his honor. Dr. Lynch was a mentor of doctors and an example to many of us in hisdedication to the Hippocratic Oath.” According to MedStar Washington Hospital Center Chief MedicalOfficer Gregory Argyros, MD, "His vision for cancer care became one of our guiding lights." As PastPresident Eliot Sorel, MD, surmised "We have lost a great DC medical leader, a superb clinician anda physician of impeccable integrity. Jack will be sorely missed."

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Georgetown Visitation Monastery, 1500 35th StreetN.W., Washington, DC 20007 or to the Center for Ethics at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

Medicare Billing Help from Novitas SolutionsAre you having trouble deciding if your non­physician practitioner’s or auxiliary personnel’sservice meets the "incident to" provision?

MSDC eNewslineEditorPia R. Duryea202­355­9414 (direct)duryea@msdc.org

BOARD OFDIRECTORSSusanne Bathgate, MDChair of the Board; At­large

Carla C. Sandy, MDPresident

Julian R. Craig, MDPresident­elect

John W. Larsen, MDImmediate Past President

Joseph E. Gutierrez, MDTreasurer; AMA DelegationChair

Peter E. Lavine, MDAMA Delegate

Often times it may be difficult to determine if a service provided by a non­physician practitioner orauxiliary personnel can be billed under a physician’s NPI. If you find it difficult to make the rightdecision on the proper way to bill, Novitas Solutions has help for you. Novitas Solutions hasdeveloped an interactive self­service tool to assist you in determining when a non­physicianpractitioner’s service can be billed under the "incident to" provision. This tool will assist providerswith understanding the CMS Part B "incident­to" requirements, how to apply the rules to theirindividual patient/provider circumstances and how to understand documentation requirements. Thetool is available online and may be found on the Novitas Solutions website under Self­Service toolsfound at the bottom of the left­side navigation.

Meaningful Use Hardship ExemptionThe Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted information regarding changes toMedicare EHR Incentive Program hardship exception process. Medicare is implementing thesemodifications as a result of the recently passed "Patient Access and Medicare Protection Act."According to CMS, this new, streamlined application process is the result of PAMPA, whichestablished that the Secretary may consider hardship exceptions for “categories” of EPs, eligiblehospitals, and CAHs that were identified on CMS’ website as of December 15, 2015. The AmericanMedical Association will review CMS’ materials and the Medical Society will educate physiciansabout how they can best apply for the exception.

MSDC News: Renewal, Member Updates, and Board MeetingRenew Your Membership for 2016!Most MSDC members have already renewed their 2016 dues and we appreciate that show of supportfor the Medical Society! If you have not yet renewed your membership, please join your colleagues indoing so. Please call Rose Smith at (202) 466­1800 or email smith@msdc.org with questions, or payyour dues online at at www.msdc.org/renew. Read about the work MSDC has done on your behalf toaddress physician payment, healthcare reform and administrative challenges, and more in the 2015Annual Report.

Joseph R. Robinson, MD, Moves His Cardiology PracticeDr. Joseph R. Robinson has closed his cardiology practice in Rockville, MD, and is opening an officein Washington, DC. His office is located at 106 Irving Street NW, Physicians Office Building Suite3000 North Tower, Washington, DC 20010 and he can be reached by phone (202­877­2570), fax (202­877­2576), or cell (202­812­2920).

Sara Imershein, MD, MPH, FACOG Updates Her Medical PracticeEffective December 1, 2015, MSDC member Dr. Sara Imershein closed her private, Foggy BottomOBGYN practice to focus solely on family planning at local clinics, and teaching. Please see Dr.Imershein's letter to friends, family and colleagues.

Dr. Alan Birnkrant will continue to provide gynecology services and maintain patients’ medicalrecords at the Office of Imershein & Birnkrant, PC, located at 2311 M St. NW, Suite 304,Washington, DC 20037 Tel: 202­466­4800.

Please visit www.SaraImersheinMD.com to learn more.

MSDC Board MeetingThe Medical Society will hold its next Board Meeting on February 22 at MSDC headquarters.Members in good standing who wish to attend may request an invitation from Ed Shanbacker.

CDC and AMA Launch a First­of­its­Kind Campaign to Target the 86 Million AmericanAdults with PrediabetesIf you’re not already talking to your patients about prediabetes and the risks associated with it, it’stime to start. People with prediabetes—more than 1 in 3 adults—are at higher risk of developingserious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. But the earlier patientsknow that they have prediabetes and start taking steps to address it, the better their chances ofpreventing type 2 diabetes and associated complications.

That’s why the American Medical Assocation has partnered with the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention (CDC), the American Diabetes Association and the Ad Council in a highly visible publicservice ad campaign that clearly delivers an important message: Everyone needs to know whetherthey have prediabetes or not. Read more in the AMA Wire or the CDC Press Release.

February is American Heart MonthNext month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Million Hearts®–a nationaleffort to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes in the United States by 2017–are encouragingAmericans to know their blood pressure, and if it's high, to make control their goal.

J. Desiree Pineda, MDAMA Alternate Delegate

Raymond Tu, MDSecretary, AMA AlternateDelegateE.W. Emanuel, MDAt­large Alice Fuisz, MDAt­large

Baiju Gandhi, MDAt­large

Barry Lewis, MD, MBAAt­large

Catherine May, MDAt­large

Daniel I. Perlin, MDAt­large

Angus Worthing, MDAt­LargeK. Edward Shanbacker, MPAExecutive Vice President

MSDC 1817 SOCIETY

CORPORATEPARTNERS

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading cause ofheart disease and stroke. In fact, more than 67 millionAmericans have high blood pressure. People with highblood pressure are 4 times more likely to die from astroke and 3 times more likely to die from heart disease,compared to those with normal blood pressure.

Nominate a Physician Leader for AMA'sExcellence in Medicine Awards The AMA Foundation’s Excellence in Medicine Awards program, with support from Pfizer Inc.,recognizes physicians who exemplify the highest values of volunteerism, leadership and dedicationto underserved populations, and present inspirational physician stories to the medical community andpublic. Please consider nominating a physician you know that exemplifies these attributes. Readmore about the various awards and the application process. The deadline for applications is February26, 2016 at 5:00 PM (CST). Award recipients will be honored in conjunction with the AMA AnnualMeeting in Chicago.

DC Board of Medicine Seeks Executive DirectorExecutive Secretariat Officer, MS­301­14 #JO­1601­4482This position is located in the DC Department of Health (DOH), Office of the Senior Deputy Director,Health, Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA). This is an executive level position with theresponsibility of leadership and direction for major programs of the District Board of Medicine. Theincumbent is responsible for assisting the Board of Medicine and the medical community withfollowing applicable regulations for the practice of medicine according to the Health OccupationsRevision Act (HORA) for the District of Columbia. Read more in the Position Description.

CLASSIFIEDSBrought to you by MSDC's 1817 Society Member and Personnel ProviderFavorite Healthcare. Contact Favorite Healthcare for your staffing needs.

Internal Medicine Opportunity A highly successful private medical practice is seeking a motivated BC/BEInternal Medicine physician to join our practice in Washington, DC. Thepractice is located in the NW part of the city, near The George Washington and Georgetownhospitals.The benefit package include a top earning potential, vacation, friendly staff, andmalpractice insurance. E­mail your CV to jdpinedamd@aol.com or call Practice Administrator PaulineReynolds at (703)655­7039.

Internal Medicine OpportunitySuccessful, established practice in NW Washington, DC is seeking an Internal Medicine physician tojoin our practice. Prior experience in Primary Care or a Hospitalist environment is required. This is aunique opportunity with top earning potential. Light call and no in­patient duties. Interested candidatesplease email your CV to jnicotra@drspkdh.com or contact Judith at 703­919­8921.

Pediatric Practice for SaleAn aspiring physician can generate 3x the current revenue of this solo practice of 30+ years. Greatlocation in Montgomery County; 1000 sq. ft. office with 3 practice rooms available for purchase(optional with practice purchase). The practice has a reputation of preventive approach and opendialogue with families of various beliefs and backgrounds. Contracts are current with all majorinsurance carriers. Front office and billing are electronically managed. The physician is available part­time for 6+ months to help ease the transition. Contact physician's broker, Brian MacMillan(bmacmillan@bwfa.com or call 443­393­3649, 302­438­6021), with inquiries.

Referring Physicians: Mental Health Services Gerald P. Perman, MD, is accepting patients for consultation, psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy.He is a Board­Certified psychiatrist near Washington Circle at 2424 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.,Suite 100, Washington, DC 20037. His office is close to the Foggy Bottom Metro and he has aparking space for patients. Go to drperman.com. Call with questions at 202­331­8213 or email atgpperman@gmail.com.

EVENTSAnnul Healthcare Law and Compliance Boot CampFebruary 20, 2016, 9:00 AM ­ 3:00 PMLisner Hall (2023 G St NW, Washington, DC)Healthcare providers face a myriad of legal and regulatory issues on a daily basis. Awareness of andcompliance with healthcare laws and regulations not only enhance patient quality of care but also

Washington Psychiatric Society 2016 Presidential SymposiumViolence Risk Reduction: Tools for Clinical Practice and MoreFebruary 27, 2016, 8:30 AM ­ 3:30 PMSaint Elizabeths Hospital Auditorium (1100 Alabama Avenue SE | Washington, DC)

A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. A maximum of 5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ will beavailable. Member Rate: $95, Medical Student/Resident Fellow: $15, Non­Member Rate: $145For more information, email: admin@dcpsych.org. Register at http://dcpsych.org or by calling 855­605­7243. http://www.msdc.org/resource/resmgr/Next­Event/2016_WPS_Symposium_Flier.pdf

SAVE THE DATE! REGISTRATION MATERIAL WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY FEBRUARY.2016 Loss Prevention SeminarsMarch 29, 2016 (Washington, DC)May 19, 2016 (Washington, DC)June 14, 2016 (Bethesda, MD)September 20, 2016 (Washington, DC)

6:00 ­ 8:00 PM, Sign­in and refreshmentsbegin at 5:30 PMWashington, DC: American College ofCardiology (2400 N Street, NW,Washington, DC)Bethesda, MD: Bethesda Marriott (5151 Pooks Hill Road, Bethesda, MD)Save the date for ProAssurance's 2016 loss prevention seminar series, entitled "Anatomy of a Claim."These 2.0 hour CME seminars help physicians keep up­to­date with the latest risk concerns. MSDCmembers receive a 50% discount on registration and participation may qualify physicians for a 5% premiumcredit.

MEDICAL REAL ESTATE LISTINGSBrought to you by MSDC Corporate Partner GZ Medical Realty. Contact Pete Papantoniou for yourreal estate needs

Bethesda Home Office for SaleBethesda, MD, home office for sale, near good schools (Burning Tree walking distance), large lot.Office is 4BR, 2Bath with 2 chairs, Ceph Pan lab. $950K negotiable. Call 301­229­0232.

1145 Medical Office Building

promote healthy and efficient healthcare practices. Attendees will receive guidance on challengingissues routinely encountered by health professionals. RSVP to Rezaghafoorian@g2zlaw.com byFebruary 12, 2016 (space is limited).

2016 AMA National Advocacy ConferenceFebruary 22­24, 2016Grand Hyatt Washington (Washington, DC)Register today for this annual conference that will leave you more well­informed and empowered to advocate for patients, the medical professionand the future of health care. The guest speaker lineup includes formerambassador Ken Adelman, NBC News political director Chuck Todd andMSNBC show co­host Joe Scarborough.

1145 19th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The medical office building is within walking distance to hospitals and metrostations. Please contact Peter Papantoniou at 301­961­1941 or see theonline listing for more information.

Alexandria Professional Center 4660 Kenmore Avenue Alexandria, VA 22304 Alexandria Professional Center is a 119,000 SF medical office building with over 30medical and dental practices that offers close proximity to INOVA Alexandria Hospitaland I395. Contact Peter Papantoniou at 301­961­1941 or see the online listing formore information.

2015 Medical Society of the District of Columbia.