"Setbacks pave the way for comebacks."     - anonymous

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.   - Abraham Lincoln

IN THIS ISSUE, FOR YOU:
ON THE SCHEDULE AND DISTRICT MEETINGS
DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR TAMPER-RESISTANT PRESCRIPTION PAD REQUIREMENT - MEDICAID 
ONLINE RESOURCES CATER TO CAREGIVERS
WHEN PHYSICIANS BECOME PATIENTS:  COPING WITH STRESS AND BURNOUT
CLASS FOR CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY EXAM
PORTAL TO HELP PHYSICIANS MOVE TO E-PRESCRIBING
TERMINATE THE RIGHT WAY
IS BEING MALE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH ?
MISSISSIPPI PAPER PROMOTES NEW OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL SCHOOL
AOA HEALTH POLICY NOTES
CALIFORNIA:  IN A MASSIVE DISASTER, CARE WILL BE SCARCE
FIVE STEPS TO SUCCESS:  PHYSICIAN CODING FROM THE OPERATIVE REPORT
FDA PATIENT SAFETY NEWS IS NOW AVAILABLE
PATIENT RELATIONS:  YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO PATIENT SERVICE
BILLING AND COLLECTIONS:  RULES TO CODE BY
LAUGHTER IS A PART OF THE HUMAN SURVIVAL KIT

ON THE SCHEDULE AND DISTRICT MEETINGS:

District 12  Tuesday, April 8th, 6:30 p.m.
                             SANDERSON'S RESTAURANT & BAR
                             2095 Hwy 69 North
                             Nederland, TX                                                                                     

District 13  Thursday, April 17th, 6:30 p.m.
                              Sullivan's Steak House
                              11795 N. Dallas Parkway
                              Dallas, TX
   
March 1-2, 2008 "Ligamentous Articular Strain Techniques" Advanced Course 
                        presented by the Dallas Osteopathic Study Group
                        Doubletree Hotel-Campbell Centre, Dallas, TX 75206
                        Contact: Conrad Speece, D.O. course director,
                        214-321-2673       cjspeece@yahoo.com
                        CME: 16 hours OMM category 1-A anticipated from AOA

April 24, 2008  DO Day on the Hill
                    American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
                    Registration forms can be found at D.O. Online.

April 26, 2008 (Saturday) TOMA House of Delegates
                                   Sheraton Hotel,
                                   701 E. 11th St. (I-35 & 11th St.), 
                                   Austin, TX

St. Patrick's Day                        March 17th
Easter                                     March 23, 2008
National Doctors' Day                 March 30, 2008
Administrative Professionals Day   April 23, 2008
National Volunteer Week:            April 27-May 3, 2008

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR TAMPER-RESISTANT PRESCRIPTION PAD REQUIREMENT - MEDICAID 

Beginning April 1, doctors and other health-care providers will be required to use tamper-resistant paper when writing prescriptions for patients with Medicaid coverage.  This regulation applies to all written prescriptions submitted for payment through the Vendor Drug Program. The regulation does not apply to prescriptions sent to a pharmacy via telephone, fax, or electronic means. The new federal rule is designed to prevent unauthorized, improperly altered, and counterfeit prescriptions.

Prevent unauthorized copying of completed or blank prescription forms.
Prevent erasure or modification of information written on the prescription form.
Prevent the use of counterfeit prescription forms.

Full Notice and Frequently Asked Questions <<http://www.txvendordrug.com/tamper_resistant_rx.html>>

ONLINE RESOURCES CATER TO CAREGIVERS

Caregiver Helper, one of several popular Web site services focusing on taking care of loved ones, provides information on emergency contacts, medications, the patient's favorite activities and appointments. Other sites, such as Lotsa Helping Hands, Care.com and Parent Care Call also help families manage caregiving responsibilities. "Web-based services are becoming an integral part of the decision-making process, helping families navigate the increasingly complicated health care system," said one expert. The Boston Globe (2/25)
http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2008/02/25/the_web_gives_boomer_caregivers_a_boost/

WHEN PHYSICIANS BECOME PATIENTS:  COPING WITH STRESS AND BURNOUT
 
Physicians and surgeons who take steps to recognize the early warning signs for stress and burnout may be able to overcome their emotional exhaustion and increase well-being.      Physicians and surgeons who take steps to recognize the early warning signs for stress and burnout may be able to overcome their emotional exhaustion and increase physician well-being.
 
http://www.physweekly.com/article.asp?issueid=547&articleid=4937
From:  Physician's Weekly, www.physweekly.com

CLASS FOR CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN HEALTHCARE QUALITY EXAM

The Texas Association for Healthcare Quality (TAHQ) is offering a preperation class for the Certified Profesional in Healthcare Quality exam.  This exceptional class is taught by Susan Mellot, Ph.D., RN, CPHQ, FNAHQ

Whether you intend to take the certification exam or just want to learn more about managing healthcare quality, this class represents an excellent opportunity.

Full information is on the registrations brochure:  http://www.texas-quality.org/SiteImages/125/Announcements/CPHQ%20Training%20Flyer.pdf

Or, contact Kim Sprattley (toll free), 877-756-4400 or kim.sprattley@txquality.org

PORTAL TO HELP PHYSICIANS MOVE TO E-PRESCRIBING

Five major physician groups-including the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Medical Group Management Association-are launching an online portal to help physicians transition from paper-based to electronic prescribing.

For the full story, please click here: http://modernphysician.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artikkel?Dato=20080304&Kategori=MODERNPHYSICIAN&Lopenr=273379732&Ref=AR
or go to modernphysician.com.

From:  Modern Physician Online, by Modern Physician, www.moderrnphysician.com

TERMINATE THE RIGHT WAY
 
"Termination" is an ugly word, and firing employees is awkward and painful for everyone involved. Nevertheless, underperforming, untrainable, even criminal employees reduce your ability to care for your patients. And no matter what you do, there will always be some staff members who can't or won't do what needs to be done, and so must be let go. Make sure you do it right.

To avoid lawsuits brought by bitter ex-employees based on charges of discrimination, defamation, or anything else allowed by widely varying state laws on termination, follow the general policies and procedures below. Remember: Always check with an attorney versed in your state's labor laws to make sure your practice is in full compliance.

Rule #1: Document everything. This includes well-written job descriptions, key performance indicators, an employee manual with termination policies, and written warnings for rule violations. Practices that do truthful and constructive performance reviews can avoid the "I didn't know I was supposed to do that" defense. Plus, you'll have evidence that the employee was given feedback on performance issues. In one practice I worked with, the internist's "the less said the better" philosophy cost him dearly in unemployment.

Rule #2: Be fair, even if that means accepting the idea that you might in fact be wrong in a given situation. Listen to your employee's side of the story before you make an official judgment. Have a policy of progressive discipline to give staff an opportunity to improve. I'm thinking now of another client who mistakenly bought into office gossip and failed to thoroughly investigate allegations before threatening an innocent employee with termination.

Rule #3: Remain calm and in control of your emotions. Focus on the facts whenever speaking with an employee, but especially when telling a dismissed staffer to clean out her desk. The old World War II adage "Loose Lips Sink Ships" applies and can cost you a lawsuit.

Rule #4: Perform an exit interview, if possible. More typically done after a resignation than a termination, sitting down with the outgoing employee allows you to gather information crucial to head off future departures or poor hiring decisions. Here are a few essential tips for the exit interview: 
      Conduct interviews on both voluntary and involuntary terminations, even if you are parting on good terms. One doctor found that departing employees often felt a sense of relief about being able to divulge disturbing goings-on, such as a drawer of unsubmitted claims.

     Discuss all aspects of the practice to find out what contributed to the employee's poor performance. Another client learned the staffer had inflated her computer skills on her résumé. The staffer had hoped that once there, she'd be trained. No such training was offered.

Karen Zupko is a seasoned senior advisor who has been helping physicians to navigate America's healthcare system since 1974. Her perspective stems from more than 25 years of consulting, coaching, and training experience with physicians and those who manage them. She is a member of the American Marketing Association and Women in Communications, and has served on the board of trustees of Chicago's Grant Hospital. Karen is a graduate of the University of Kansas and a Chicago native. You can contact her at kzupko@karenzupko.com. 
 
From:  Physicians Practice Pearls®, Physicians Practice, www.PhysiciansPractice.com.

IS BEING MALE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH ?

Ask any man and he's sure to say that the male sex is the stronger one. It's easy to see why: Men are bigger than women, so we can lift more, run faster, and jump higher.   But ask doctors of either gender, and they're likely to say that women are actually stronger, at least where health is concerned.

How much stronger and why? What can men do to become healthier and keep up with women? The answer isn't very complex. Men need to be more like women. That means understanding our bodies, taking better care of ourselves, and getting the medical care we need.

http://clicks.health.harvard.edu/dm?id=E7647F4CBA649B4EC8EEB4C8326CFD47424B19E580948573
From:   Focus on Men's Health, Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School, www.health.harvard.edu

MISSISSIPPI PAPER PROMOTES NEW OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL SCHOOL

The South Mississippi Sun Herald newspaper ran an article on 3/3/08 announcing the hiring of AOA Trustee Michael K. Murphy, DO, as the Dean of the developing osteopathic medical school at the William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS.  The article also helps to promote public awareness of the DO degree by describing the extensive education and training osteopathic physicians receive and their parity with MDs.  Read the full article online:  http://www.sunherald.com/306/story/407742.html

From:  American Osteopathic Association

AOA HEALTH POLICY NOTES

A national USA Today survey reported on 3/4/08 found that prescription drug ads prompt over 33% of patients to ask their doctor about the advertised drug, and 82% of those patients get the drug they asked about; drug advertising cost $4.8 billion in 2006. 

The Kaiser Family Foundation has announced the creation of a "Pulling It Together" series for its Web site, which will sift through health policy information and provide a bigger picture of the various health policy issues.  The first installment is available online.

CALIFORNIA:  IN A MASSIVE DISASTER, CARE WILL BE SCARCE

State guidelines lay framework for deliberately letting some people die.

Older, sicker patients could be allowed to die in order to save the lives of patients more likely to survive a massive disaster, bioterror attack or influenza pandemic in California.  It's not how nurses and doctors are accustomed to doing things, nor how Californians expect to be treated. But it is part of a sweeping statewide plan being praised for its breadth, even as it rankles providers who will have to carry it out.

http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/753359.html

FIVE STEPS TO SUCCESS:  PHYSICIAN CODING FROM THE OPERATIVE REPORT

Coding directly from an operative report or record can be an intimidating experience for many coders. Webb says that following a five step coding procedure will help coders successfully bill for physician operative services.   http://www.justcoding.com/content.cfm?content_id=206824

From:  JustCoding.com, of HCPro, Inc.,  www.HCPro.com

FDA PATIENT SAFETY NEWS IS NOW AVAILABLE

FDA Patient Safety News (PSN) is a monthly video news show for healthcare professionals. It covers significant safety alerts, recalls, new product approvals, and offers important tips on protecting patients. Read the complete stories and watch or download the video program at http://www.fda.gov/psn. You may have already received notification of some of these safety issues through the MedWatch list serve. However, many of these PSN stories contain video footage and demonstrations that may be especially useful to educators in healthcare facilities and academic institutions.

http://www.fda.gov/psn .

PATIENT RELATIONS:  YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO PATIENT SERVICE

Providing excellent care isn't enough to keep your patients happy -- and smiling patients are the key to a successful practice. Here's a simple five-step guide to providing a total patient service experience, from the appointment call to follow-up. http://www.physicianspractice.com/index/fuseaction/articles.details/articleID/1127.htm

From:  Physicians Practice Review, by CMP Healthcare Media LLC, www.physicianspractice.com

BILLING AND COLLECTIONS:  RULES TO CODE BY

With thousands of complex coding rules and a busy practice to run, some billing mistakes are inevitable. And every mistake costs you money. What to do? With our help, learn how to avoid the most common coding blunders, and get paid on time (almost) every time. http://www.physicianspractice.com/index/fuseaction/articles.details/articleID/1128.htm

From:  Physicians Practice Review, by CMP Healthcare Media LLC, www.physicianspractice.com

LAUGHTER IS A PART OF THE HUMAN SURVIVAL KIT                                   (David Nathan)

He came across an article about a beautiful actress that was about to marry a football player who was known primarily for his lack of smarts and common sense.
   He turned to his wife Sherry, with a look of question on his face.   "I'll never understand why the biggest bozos get the most attractive wives."
   His wife replies, "Why thank you, dear!"

What's psycho-ceramics"  The study of crackpots.

"Mommy, mommy, why has daddy got so few hairs on his head?" little Johnny asked his mother.
  "He thinks a lot," replied his mother, pleased with herself for coming up with a good answer to her husband's baldness.
   Or she was until Johnny thought for a second and asked, "So why do you have so much hair?"

What's large, gray, and doesn't matter?  An irrelephant.

 "We use 10% of our brains. Imagine how much we could accomplish if we used the other 60%!" -                                   Ellen DeGeneres

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ADVOCATE DO MEDICAL LIABILITY COVERAGE FOR DO's

TOMA members want and deserve the best service and rates for their Medical Liability Insurance, which is why TOMA has selected Advocate, DO to be their exclusive Medical Liability Insurance carrier.  Advocate, DO offers full coverage, aggressive claims management, pro-active risk management, 24/7 customer support and competitive rates.  Plus, you can mid-term your policy with Advocate, DO's Continuous Policy and make monthly payments with no interest charges or surplus fees.

With the Continuous Policy, you will automatically receive a 10% discount and are eligible for additional discounts and credits.  Prior acts coverage and part-time coverage are also available.  Please visit www.advocatedo.com for additional information.

Advocate, D.O.

Underwritten by Advocate, MD Insurance Company of the Southwest Inc.

800-686-2734 or 512.275.1830