“Family Medicine Let it Ride” weekend in Laughlin!

August 23-24, 2013

Join your fellow family physician members for food, fun & learning during our “let it ride” weekend in Laughlin & Fort Mohave with our President, Richard Hendrix, MD.

Schedule of Events:

Friday August 23^rd- 7:00 p.m. -Group dinner at Aquarius Hotel & Casino, Laughlin, AZ http://www.aquariuscasinoresort.com/

Saturday August 24^th- 10:00 a.m. – All member meeting & Where Should I Be in 5 Years Panel- Valley View Medical Center, 5330 Arizona 95 Fort Mohave, AZ

Hear from an expert panel on:   “Where should I be in 5 years as a Family Physician…..” Don’t be left behind, learn about different practice opportunities…ACO’s, Concierge Care and more!

Noon- Board of Directors’ Meeting(all members invited)- Valley View Medical Center

TO RSVP FOR ANY PORTION OF THIS MEETING, EMAIL Laura (ldearing@azafp.org)

ACCOMODATIONS:

ASK FOR GROUP CODE “C-AFP13” WHEN BOOKING

FOR RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL AQUARIUS HOTEL

1-800-662-5825

ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS

Sunday – Thursday  rates:

$29.99 per room per night

Friday- Saturday rates:

$59.99 per room per night

CHECK IN TIME IS AT 3:00 PM – CHECK OUT TIME IS 11:00AM

Both the federal statute and CMS rule define which primary care providers are eligible for these increased fees.  Details of the eligibility requirements may be found through the link below.  Physicians who are eligible for those fees must submit an attestation form to AHCCCS identifying themselves as eligible for the increased fees.  Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants who work under the supervision of an eligible PCP are also paid at enhanced rates for services provided to AHCCCS members during that two-year period if their supervising physicians provide required information through the attestation process.

CMS published its Final Rule regarding these requirements on November 6, 2012, leaving little time for AHCCCS to timely implement these payment changes.  AHCCCS will post the required attestation forms on its website during January 2013.  Any attestations received by March 31, 2013 will result in retroactive payments at enhanced rates for eligible services provided on or after January 1, 2013.  Attestations received on or after April 1, 2013 will result in the enhanced rates on a prospective basis.

In addition to the attestation forms, CMS is also requiring changes to the way in which vaccine administration is reported to the state.  Due to the change in Federal regulations regarding increased reimbursement to qualified providers, beginning with dates of service January 1, 2013, AHCCCS will require all providers to submit two CPT codes for vaccine services:

•             One code will identify the vaccine administration service and

•             The other will identify the actual vaccine administered.

For more information, please review the memos available on our website at:

http://www.azahcccs.gov/commercial/ProviderBilling/rates/PCSrates.aspx

For questions, please email Laura Dearing at ldearing@azafp.org

Click Here for more information!

Background
On May 25, 2007, Section 7002(b) of the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans’ Care, Katrina Recovery and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007 was signed into law. Section 7002(b) amended section 1903(i)(23) of the Social Security Act by adding a new paragraph stating that payment shall not be made for “….amounts expended for medical assistance for covered outpatient drugs (as defined in section 1927(k)(2)) for which the prescription was executed in written (and non-electronic) form unless the prescription was executed on a tamper-resistant pad.” This provision became effective on October 1, 2007 and was delayed by President Bush to April 1, 2008.
The law requires that all written, non-electronic prescriptions dispensed under the Fee-For-Service program be written on tamper resistant prescription pads for outpatient drugs in order for the medications to be federally reimbursable. Arizona was previously waived from this requirement under its 1115 Waiver, since only a small subset of its beneficiaries would be impacted and the costs of implementation under such circumstances would outweigh any potential returns from fraud and abuse.
During discussions with CMS regarding the 1115 Waiver for the 2011-2016 time period, CMS notified Arizona that the waiver authority would not be continued because section 2501(c) of the Affordable Care Act signed by the President on March 23, 2010, extended the tamper resistant prescription pad requirement to drugs paid for by Medicaid Managed Care Organizations. To meet the standards set forth in this law and to decrease prescription tampering to the greatest extent possible, AHCCCS is instituting the following requirements effective November 1, 2012.
In addition to the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy requirements for the use of tamper resistant prescription forms, all prescriptions paid for by AHCCCS and its Contractors must meet the following requirements:
Written & Non-electronic Prescriptions
Beginning November 1, 2012, written and non-electronic prescriptions must contain ALL three of the following characteristics:
•
One or more industry-recognized features designed to prevent unauthorized copying of a completed or blank prescription form,
•
One or more industry-recognized features designed to prevent the erasure or modification of information written on the prescription by the prescriber, AND
•
One or more industry-recognized features designed to prevent the use of counterfeit prescription forms.
The table below provides examples of tamper resistant prescription pad features.
Industry-recognized features designed to:
Examples of features include, but are not limited to:
Prevent unauthorized copying of a completed or blank prescription form
High security watermark on reverse side of blank
Thermo chromic ink (for example, a latent “void” pattern printed across the entire width of the front of the prescription blank, such that if it is photocopied the word “void” will appear in a pattern across the entire front of the prescription.)
Prevent erasure or modification of information written on the prescription by the prescriber
Tamper-resistant background ink showing erasures or attempts to change written information
Prevent use of counterfeit prescription forms
Sequentially numbered blanks
Duplicate or triplicate blanks
The tamper resistant requirement does not apply when a prescription is communicated by the prescriber to the pharmacy electronically, verbally, by fax, or in most situations when drugs are provided in designated institutional and clinical settings and paid for as part of a bundled or per diem payment methodology. The guidance also allows emergency fills with non-compliant written prescriptions as long as the prescriber provides a verbal, faxed, electronic, or compliant written prescription within 72 hours.
Please initiate discussions with all contracted prescribers and providers regarding this requirement. Prescribers and providers should be encouraged to contact their prescription pad vendors to ensure the availability of new pads that meet these requirements by the November 1, 2012 effective date. Federal law prohibits payments for prescriptions that do not meet these requirements. The AHCCCS FFS and Contractors’ PBMs must also include these requirements as part of their pharmacy review and audit processes.
If you have any questions, please contact the AHCCCS Pharmacy Department at (602) 417-4726 or visit the AHCCCS Pharmacy website at: www.azahcccs.gov/commercial/pharmacyupdates.aspx

Right now, the REC is offering free membership and associated services to eligible health care providers, including family physicians that work in practices of ten or fewer providers with prescriptive privileges.

To learn more about REC benefits, services and free membership, please call (602) 288-5130 or complete a brief online form at http://azhec.org/REC.jsp.

Arizona Republic – Phoenix, Ariz.

Concerns about low pay, isolation and limited technological and social amenities make it hard to attract and retain health-care professionals in rural communities.

“There’s a shortage of doctors in the state, but it’s accentuated in the rural areas,” said Carol Galper, assistant dean for medical student education at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. “It’s easier to get someone to practice in Scottsdale than Springerville.”

About 36 percent of Arizona residents lived in an area designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area in 2003, according to a 2008 report by the Arizona Healthcare Workforce Data Center.

Since 1997, UA has been engaged in efforts to encourage more medical students and physicians to practice in rural areas. The university’s Rural Health Professions Program matches medical students with rural physicians who volunteer as mentors to the students.

This summer, 22 students from the university’s Phoenix and Tucson colleges of medicine will spend up to six weeks practicing in communities such as Yuma, Springerville, Show Low, Tuba City, Chinle and White River.

Brenna Derksen, a second-year student, says she has always been interested in “full spectrum” family medicine and has already spent three of her six weeks with North County Health Care, a community clinic in Show Low.

“I knew the best way to get that experience was in a rural area,” she said.

Under the supervision of Dr. Melody Jordahl-Iafrato, a 2005graduate of the UA medical school and a former Rural Health Professions Program fellow, Derksen sits in during patient visits but also has also been able to do things such as well-woman exams. She said it is an opportunity to learn and grow that she wouldn’t have in a city hospital.

The students are immersed in the underserved communities and experience the lifestyle, challenges and unique medical needs of a rural community.

Galper said, “We want to make sure our students understand the plusses and minuses so that they make informed decisions.”

She said working in a rural community puts a lot more stress and a bigger workload on doctors as they have to manage patients who would be managed by specialists in the city. Rural hospitals depend on fewer physicians, which translates into longer days for the doctors and longer waiting times for the patients.

“You are the big fish in a small pond,” Galper said. “Everyone knows what your car looks like. There’s a lot less anonymity. You have to be the doctor all the time.”

In 2000, there were 119 physicians per 100,000 people in rural areas nationwide compared with 225 physicians per 100,000 in urban areas, according to a 2005 report on the future of rural health care by the National Academies Press.

According to a 2005 Arizona Physician Workforce Study by Arizona State University and University of Arizona, the state’s accelerated population-growth rate and limited number of medical-training facilities could lead to a dependence on physicians from out of state. The shortage of primary-care doctors in the state comes at a time of a nationwide shortage in the field.

A 2008 Association of American Medical Colleges report projected a nationwide shortage of 124,000 full-time physicians by 2025.

As the only physician at the clinic and with one nurse practitioner and a physician’s assistant, Jordahl-Iafrato does anything from basic exams to baby deliveries. The nurse practitioner and physician’s assistant also perform some procedures.

“There’s really a shortage here,” said Jordahl-Iafrato, who is also president-elect of the Arizona Academy of Family Physicians. “Doctors sometimes get spread pretty thin. We could do with another doctor or two.”

As a student, Jordahl-Iafrato spent weeks in Ganado on the Navajo Reservation and in Safford under the Rural Health Professions Program. She also worked in a rural hospital near Arusha, Tanzania.

“You see your patients at the store and they say hi,” Jordahl-Iafrato said. “You get to know your patients better. A lot of times there are social factors that affect their health.”

For her, pay is not the issue, but the challenge brought on by the lack of specialists. Patients in need of special care have to go to Phoenix, Flagstaff or Tucson, which is expensive and a burden for many families.

While Derksen plans to return to Show Low in her third and forth years for rotations, she recognizes that working in a rural community is “different.”

“It would be beneficial for everybody, but it wouldn’t be everybody’s cup of tea,” Derksen said.

Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission.

Abstract (Document Summary)

According to a 2005 Arizona Physician Workforce Study by Arizona State University and University of Arizona, the state’s accelerated population-growth rate and limited number of medical-training facilities could lead to a dependence on physicians from out of state.

Medical Student, Myles Stone Reports on his trip to D.C.

The AzAFP proudly supported U of A student, Myles Stone to attend the Family Medicine Congressional Conference in May of 2011.  We only had to pay for his air travel and registration fee because he bunked with friends in our nation’s capitol.  He wrote about his travels in this especially well written blog.  You won’t be disappointed by this student’s writing!  Check it out at :  http://myles9.blogspot.com/search/label/DC

We are interested to hear what YOU have to say members of the AZAFP!  Please make comments here so that we can all have a healthy discussion about this issue!  Simply click on the title above (AAFP Health Care Reform Update) in order to leave a reply.

Board Certified by AOA in Family Practice
Current BCLS/CPR Certification Required
Current DEA license required
1-2 years experience is required

The Medical Director of the Community Health Center provides primary care, supervises, and monitors clinical competencies and care provided by Practitioners in the health center and in the schools.  S/he monitors development and implementation of medical programs in the health center and provides ongoing evaluation of community and client needs to maintain optimum effectiveness.  The Medical Director performs primary care to clients at the health center.  S/he develops and presents educational programs aimed at medical staff, and the population in the Lincoln service area; and works collaboratively with other providers.  S/he is responsible for the direct supervision of paid and volunteer clinical staff. S/he assists in obtaining the services of qualified professionals in the areas of medical sub-specialties. S/he is responsible for the implementation and periodic evaluation of CQI plan for medical care.

Desert Mission Community Health Center
The Community Health Center’s mission is to provide primary health care to children and their parents/caregivers who have no place else to turn to for health care.  Health care is provided to low-income families who have no health care insurance or may be enrolled in AHCCS or the KidsCare program.  The Community Health Center maximizes our patients’ opportunity for prevention and early detection of diseases, health education and continuity of care.  Through our services, we also establish a medical home for uninsured families. Clinic hours are 8am-5pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, 8am- 7pm Weds, and 8am- 3pm Fri.

Responsibilities include:

1.   Demonstrates clinical competency in clinical judgment, physical assessment skills appropriate to intervention, and follow up as appropriate.  Demonstrates an exceptional ability to make rational independent judgments of client’s needs and evaluation of client’s physical status.

 2.  Must be able to demonstrate the following from the neonatal period through adult.

·     Ability to identify health problems and concerns as well as high-risk family dynamics.

·     Knowledge of growth and development.

·     Ability to assess and interpret age-specific data.

·     Ability to assess nutritional status and provide dietary counseling as appropriate.

·     Possess skills/knowledge to perform treatments, prescribe and dispense medication,   assess need for and administer immunizations.

·     Knowledge of age appropriate communication skills.

·     Possess knowledge of community resource.

·     Involves family and/or significant other in plan of care.

3.   Provides age appropriate anticipatory guidance and counseling, wellness promotion and health to clients and/or families including nutrition and exercise, health maintenance, safety, substance abuse, emotional well-being, activities and behavior and development.

4.   Supervises and monitors clinical staff.

5.   Participates in the budgetary planning process and execution for the Health Center’s Services Programs. Provides input in development of new services and implementing strategies to enhance net program revenue.

6.   Defines and monitors activities of Clinical Quality Compliance Program.

·         Oversee all licensing, contract and regulatory compliance for clinical components.

·         Responsible for Quality of Care provided in program.
7.   Participates in donor site visits and is available for presentations to promote Community   Health Center.

 Qualifications:

·     Graduation from an accredited medical school.

·     1-2 years as Medical Director

·     Professional clinical experience in family or general practice including adult and pediatric acute and chronic primary care and emergency care.

·     Medical Physician Licensure/Registration; Arizona Medical Doctor License in good standing; current Arizona DEA License in good standing; Current Board Certification by AOA in Family Practice

·     CPR certification

·     Bilingual Spanish preferred

 Full Time Faculty Position

Full time faculty position available at St. Joseph’s Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program.

Please contact Dr. Paul Steinberg Program Director for further information and details at paul.steinberg@chw.edu

 Scottsdale Family Practice Opportunities   - Group Practice

Scottsdale Healthcare is seeking high caliber family medicine physicians to join well-established private-practice groups. Group size varies as well as option for outpatient only or traditional in-patient and out - patient.   Competitive Salary Guarantee and immediate patient base.  Practicing physicians and 2011  family practice residents encouraged to apply.   Must have excellent communication skills.   If you would like to explore the wonderful opportunities available throughout  Scottsdale, please contact: Laura Hays, Trek Physician Solutions, Inc  480-391-9777 ;  lhays@trekphysician.com; 480-772-4566 (Fax). (2/11)

 East Valley Family Practice Opportunities

The east valley has become a destination area for successful private practices to expand and add additional locations.  These practices have well defined office infrastructures with centralized operations which enables the physician to focus on quality and efficient patient care.  The success of these practices is founded on being patient centric which ensures patients are seen on-time, fully electronic and pleasant well trained office staff.  In a world of transparency,  on-line reviews are often a reflection of the office staff, not necessarily the physician, so  the centralized operations allows front office staff to focus on the needs of the patient presently in the office.  This provides a soothing environment for both the patient and the physician.  To explore these new opportunities in the east valley, please contact:  Laura Hays, Trek Physician Solutions, Inc 480-391-9777; LHays@TrekPhysician.com or fax 480-772-4566. (2/11)

 Valley wide – Long-term Care Physician Positions

Unique opportunity to set your schedule and visit patients in a variety of long-term care facilities to include skilled nursing facilities, assisted living and group homes.  No office hassles and excellent reimbursement.  Fully electronic and centralized office functions minimize your administrative responsibilities.  Option for salaried or independent contractor.  With minimal office expenses, you get to enjoy more of each dollar you earn!  To explore this rapidly expanding field before all the positions are filled, please call Laura Hays at 480-391-9777; LHays@TrekPhysician.com or fax 480-772-4566.  (2/11)

 Arrowhead area practice looking for FP or IM doctor interested in part time use of office space.

Very reasonable rate. Contact Robin at 623-362-8866 or robinallen@rocketmail.com. (2/11)

 Tucson – Part time physician position who likes working with the elderly. 

Includes work in SNFs, Assisted living homes and home visits. Totally flexible in terms of when you work and how much you work.  Looking for about 8 hours per week to start but will probably grow if you desire. Call Robert Beren, MD @ my cell 520-409-4299 or rberen1@aol.com or fax info to 520-296-5059. (2/11)

 Family Practice Opportunity– Practice in Goodyear and Phoenix

Estrella Family Medical has an immediate opportunity for a B/C family physician. We are searching for an FP experienced pediatrics,  women’s healthcare and adult medicine. We have a great medical team and friendly environment.  Practice medicine in a relaxed setting without any overhead or business responsibilities, and still earn a very generous income. We offer competitive benefits and loan repayment.  No hospital or ER coverage.  P/T or F/T opportunity.  Email:bergoodman1@aol.com or fax c.v. to 623-925-9193. (1/11)

 Family Medicine Physicians
Kingman and Bullhead City, Arizona

North Country Health Care is seeking full time Arizona board certified or board eligible family physicians for our satellite clinics.  We are a growing, fast-paced, non-profit Community Health Center (FQHC) with a mission to provide accessible, affordable, comprehensible quality primary health care in an atmosphere of respect, dignity, and cultural sensitivity.

All locations are loan repayment qualified!

Monday through Friday 4X10 hour shifts or 5X8 hour shifts.  No OB, 100% outpatient, phone call 1:25 weeks. Patient visit expectations are 18-25 per shift.  Medical Malpractice Insurance included.

 North Country Healthcare offers a complete and generous benefits package including salary plus RVU incentive, medical, dental, vision, PTO, CME, flexible spending accounts, 401K, LTD and life insurance.

Attn: Kip Moyer
Fax: 928-526-1143

Office: 928-522-2476
 kmoyer@northcountryhealthcare.org (2/11)

Casa Grande, AZ. Multi-physician family medicine clinic has 3 exam rooms to lease.
Each room is fully equipped with an exam table, wall mounted otoscope/ophthalmoscope, chair and cabinet-sink. Lease rate: Each room $150/ half day, $250/full day. This area is in great need of a rheumatologist, neurologist, and gastroenterologist, among other specialties. Contact Patrick Flyte, MD, RightWay Healthcare. Office: (520) 876-5000, or pflyte@hotmail.com. (2/11)

 Northern Arizona:  Outstanding opportunity for a Family Medicine Physician. 

Own your own practice and yet have the benefits of being in a group.  Physicians make top income, four day work week, and have no administrative hassles.   Outdoor opportunities abound, small town feel, and only ninety minutes to Phoenix.  This model really works, with two physicians and one NP, to cover vacations and overflow; we give quality patient care while maximizing physician quality of life.

Call John Moyer at 928-778-1251 or e: mail: moyer47@msn.com (1/11)