Newsletter 91 August 2007
Contents
Malpractice Filings Against
Health Care Providers, Jan 2001 – June 2007
Southern Nevada Health Officer Report
President’s Message
Weldon “Don” Havins, MD, JD installed as Medical
Society’s 53rd President
By Weldon (Don)
I am
honored to serve as your CCMS president for 2007-2008. This coming year will be one of challenge and
transition for medicine in
The proposed merger of Sierra Health Services with United Health Group has created a great deal of concern among many physicians. Governor Gibbons has publicly expressed concern regarding the potential monopoly consequences of this merger. The Insurance Commissioner has conducted a formal hearing regarding this issue, and she will conduct additional hearings to solicit testimony of health care providers and members of the public. Ultimately, the Commissioner of Insurance has the authority under NRS 692C.210 to reject the merger if she finds that the merger will "tend to create a monopoly." The Department of Justice Anti-Trust Division is investigating this potential merger. The DOJ has the authority to intervene against the merger or to require one or both of the corporations to divest a portion of their business as a condition of the merger. Interested health care providers can contact the Clark County Medical Society for contact information of both the Nevada Insurance Commissioner and the Anti-Trust Division of the Department of Justice.
In advocating
health care issues, organized medicine's effectiveness correlates with the
number or percent of individual professionals in the membership of the
organization. CCMS continues to solicit
additional members to our organization.
In addition to the generalized benefits of patient referrals and of
political advocacy, CCMS members have unique financial benefits of
membership. Two professional liability
insurance companies offer 5% discounts to CCMS members (Nevada Mutual Insurance
Company, and PIC
Our members are encouraged to call us at CCMS with any concerns or suggestions for improving our services. We are mindful that we exist for the benefit of our members.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
The Clark County Medical
Society wishes to express our sincere appreciation to the Sponsors of the 2007
Installation & Awards Dinner!
Clark County District Court Medical Malpractice Filings
Against Health Care Providers, Jan 2001 –June 2007
2001 2002 2003
2004 2005 2006 2007
Jan 39 33 108 61 41 50 109
Feb 20 14 98 72 63 61 41
Mar 35 30 169 123 64 38 70
Apr 37 34 111 81 70 58 60
May 37 35 126 65 14 71 84
Jun 27 24 103 90 65 83 56
Jul 19 100 114 45 66 74
Aug 54 51 76 67 33 82
Sep 20 65 105 79 36 51
Oct 37 83 110 59 26 74
Nov 38 184 59 78 68 50
Dec 9 170 67 47 30 28
Sum
372 823
1246 867 581 720 420
Member News
Congratulations and Welcome to the
·
Damon I Masaki, MD - Maternal Fetal Medicine, 2011 Pinto Lane 200, Las
Vegas, NV 89106
Applicants to Go Before Credentialing Committee
·
Bennett K Abe, MD - Radiology
·
Stephen B Horsley, MD - Surgery
·
If you have any pertinent information about these
membership candidates, please contact:
Congratulations
and Welcome to the
all from
- June 2007:
·
Shaun P Brancheau
·
David J Byun
·
Tanya H Dam
·
Megan Do
·
Geoffrey G Graham
·
Matthew L Jenkins
·
Ling Jing
·
Saima Khalid
·
Kasie M Kudrewicz
·
Babak Mahgerefteh
·
M Brigid Maruszak
·
Courtney H Morrow
·
Scott A Moulton
·
Rochelle S Orr
·
Carol B Orzga
·
Anna-Maria Schuster
·
Jonathan D Schwartz
·
Brent L Treadaway
·
Lisa C Underwood
·
Nori U Watson
For
information on becoming a member of the
Medical Society Alliance gives largest donation ever made to the Las Vegas chapter of the American Heart Association
The Clark County Medical Society
Alliance (
During the Champions Fighting Stroke
Awards Luncheon honoring volunteers in the community,
"Our organization consistently
strives to make a positive impact on our community by raising funds and
awareness for important issues such as heart disease and stroke
prevention," said Wendy Agrawal,
Additional information regarding
Clark County
CME CALENDAR
AHEC 318-8452
x 258
Online - "Domestic Violence and Medical Ethics."
Bechtel
NV Chapter AACE 434-8400
Pri-Med Institute (877)
4PRI-MED
Sierra Health
Services 242-7735
Southwest Medical
Associates 242-7735
8-9-07 - “Urological Manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus”
UMC 383-2604
8-3-07 - “Iron Deficiency Anemia in Various Patient
Populations: Iron Management Considerations”
8-10-07 - “Update on the Treatment of Genital Herpes”
8-17-07 - “Antifungal Treatment Options for Critically Ill
Patients”
8-24-07 “HER2 + Breast Cancer”
Education Opportunities for Practice Managers 697-5471 ext 134
Call the NV Medical Group Management Association
Only CME Activities held at the Clark County Medical Society office are specifically endorsed by CCMS.
Southern Nevada Health District Report
By
Southern Nevada Health
District
In January
2007, the Southern Nevada Health District released the first volume of the
Clark County Health Status Report. This inaugural report provided an overview
of
Volume II
of the Clark County Health Status Report is the second report in this series
examining the health status of the community. It is intended to inform the
community about the health risk behaviors associated with non-communicable
diseases and conditions that contribute to the leading causes of death and
disability among county residents. The report examines indicators of health
status, health care access, health behaviors and outcomes.
The report
is divided into individual sections covering: general health status, heath care
access/coverage; physical activity; fruit and vegetable consumption; alcohol
consumption; tobacco use; weight status; diabetes; hypertension awareness;
cholesterol awareness; asthma; disability; cardiovascular disease; cancer; and
youth risk behaviors.
The report
provides a concise statistical picture of the burden of health problems and
risk behaviors among county residents. The report is intended to provide
guidance for public health professionals and policy makers in identifying and
prioritizing the health needs of our community and to organize activities to
meet the identified needs.
Significant findings in the report include:
·
The percentage of
·
Heart disease and cancer were the top two causes
of death for adults of both sexes in
·
In
·
In 2005, one in five
·
The prevalence of chronic diseases varies by
race and ethnicity in
·
The prevalence of obesity in
·
Tobacco use among county residents continues to decrease, however, it remains higher than the national
rate. In 2005, approximately 23.8
percent of county adults smoked compared to 20.5 percent nationwide.
As our
community continues to grow and our population diversifies, we will face
increased challenges to improving the health status of our community. The
population in
This rapid
growth of the population we serve will compound the issues related to health
disparities, access to health care and insurance coverage, the burden of
chronic disease and the prevalence of risk behaviors. It is important to track
these issues and to have current and comprehensive information, as well as a
historical perspective, in order to assess the effectiveness of our efforts to
improve the population's health and well-being.
The Clark
County Health Status Report Volumes I and II are available on the health
district website at
http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/community_report.htm. For more
information about the report contact the health district's Office of
Epidemiology at (702) 759-1300.
Alliance
By Wendy Agrawal & Estela Hansen, 2006-07 CCMS
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Vitner Grill
Restaurant in Summerlin
http://www.vglasvegas.com
Starters
(Choice of one)
Treviso
Caesar Salad wrapped in Prosciutto, Egg and Reggiano
Fresh
Mozzarella with heirloom Tomatoes, aged Balsamic and
micro Arugula
Entrees
(choice of one)
Grilled
Pesto Shrimp BLT with Nueske Bacon, Mache and Lemon
Basil Aioli
Parpadelle Pasta with Basil Pesto, Pine Nuts and Mascarpone
Cheese
Free-range
half Chicken with Asiago-potato gratin and saffron
pan reduction
Desserts
(choice of one)
White
Chocolate Cheesecake with Apricot Compote and Whipped Cream
Seasonal
Fresh Fruit with Whipped Cream
Priced
at $40 per person
Coffee
and Hot or Iced Tea and soft drink are included
***********************************************************************************************************************************************************
When:
Thursday, September 6th, 2007
Time:
9:30 AM
Place:
Home of Shanila Choudhury
At
5761 O'Bannon Drive,
Who:
New members and existing members
Please
come join us for a New Member Welcome Brunch and Social
Please R.S.V.P. to Shanila at: 702-355-2019
Minutes
MINUTES
SYNOPSIS May 15, 2007
Dr.
Jameson announced that three guest speakers representing the United Health Care
/ Sierra Merger are present to discuss the merger, answer questions, and defray
concerns. Prior to introducing the
speakers, she provided three handouts; 1) American Hospital Association’s written
concerns to Thomas Barnett and requests his investigation to the merger; 2)
AMA’s written strong opposition to the merger; 3) Recent NSMA house of
delegates resolution and statement objecting to the merger, however, they
diluted the verbiage.
Joseph
Kaufman, Alan Blumenthal and Lewis Sandy (United Health Care) were introduced. Each guest greeted the BOT, stated their
name, job title and company affiliation, and made opening statements. Much discussion was given related to the
acquisition/merger and several questions were asked. The transcript of this portion of the BOT
meeting is attached to the end of these minutes.
II. Action Items
A. Minutes from the
B. Financial report was presented by Dr. Steinberg:
§
General Revenue – Actual for 10 months of Fiscal
Year 2006-07 is $413,382.42 compared to $382,698.14 in Fiscal Year 2005-06 for
an increase of $30,684.28 over last year at this time.
§
Operating Expenses – Actual for 10 months of Fiscal
Year 2006-07 is $302,962.49 compared to $241,359.19 for an increase of
approximately $61,603.30 over last year at this time. Prime contributors to the increase in
expenses are higher health care premiums ($3,000), salaries ($31,000), Printing
costs ($4,000),
§
Overall,
revenues exceeded our expenses by $92,200.88.
The bank balance for the end of April was $506,685.63 compared to $414,484.75
last year at this time.
III. Committee Reports
A.
Membership Count
Janice
Poblete provided the Membership Reports.
§
As
of
§
There
are 53 new members and 8 reinstatements for the Fiscal Year 06-07.
B. Credentials
Committee
New
Member Applicants were presented to the board and was unanimously approved:
Applicant Name Specialty
Andrew
Cash, MD Orthopaedic
Spine Surgery
New Student
Member Applicants from
Applicant Name Applicant
Name
Nima
Alipour Amish
Prasad
Sharonne
Matthew
Carlson Suzanne M.
Roosendaal
Brian
M. Enriquez Justin
Schreiber
Travis
G. Hailstone Scarlett
G. Sparkuhl
Jennifer
Adam
Hebdon Scott P.
Thomas
Sharina
M. Mapleton Leilani R.
Townsend
Rahul
Mishra Michael
B. Vergason
Art
Moelles Sarah
D. Whatley
Lily
Park Daniel
Chappell
Vipulkumar
N. Patel
C.
Community Health/Community Relations
Committee
Dr.
Jones presented the report.
§
§
Dear
Doctor – Dr. Alexander is still moving forward with the project. The paper committed to publishing the
column. No hard date has been given, but
the commitment to publish has been given.
As soon as a specific date has been given, we will begin to generate new
articles. We request a 500 word, Q&A
format of common interest to those who buy the publication.
§
West
Care – We met with Jennifer Donaldson and they have some pregnant
clients/patients who would benefit from pre-natal care.
D.
Building Committee
Dr.
Nowins presented the Building Committee report.
§
A
space plan, designed by LM Construction, was presented. The 3,900 square foot plan will most likely
equate to a $1.2 Million cost (approximately 25% more square footage than what
we currently own).
§
Discussion
related to the increased cost and square footage ensued, and Dr. Kline proposed
that the plan design basically “kills” the project. Dr. Steinberg asked how the $1.2 Million cost
was derived. Dr. Jameson explained the
thought process behind the square footage and related cost, and suggested that the
new building should allow room for expansion, not trade the current-sized
facility for another equally-sized facility.
Dr. Steinberg asked if NSMA would be willing to contribute to the
capital campaign and suggested we look for shell space so we can refine the
costs.
§
Dr.
Havins was asked to give a synopsis of the pending lawsuit with American Child
Care, LLC. He explained that the
plaintiff bought property and intended to sell the land to a trust. However, the homeowners association
CC&R’s have never been revised to include commercial structures to be built
in the association, so a suit was filed that names the homeowners and requests
attorney fees/costs and changes to the CC&R’s. The homeowners association is attempting to
re-form and they are meeting periodically in our board room. CCMS has retained an attorney to represent us
in the suit. CCMS does not know how long
this case will take, or how much it will cost CCMS.
§
Some
members suggested we shelve the building search until the lawsuit has been
settled. Others stated that, because the
suit is ludicrous, it will go away and may not affect the sale.
§
Dr.
Havins advised that the property owners next to CCMS will be selling their
property in the upcoming months and has approached CCMS to combine the property
as a package sale to net higher profits.
IV.
Andrea Yu presented the
§
Wendy
Agrawal and Wendy Hansen are the new Alliance Co-Presidents.
§
Fashion
Show Proceeds - $37,000 will be awarded to the American Stroke Association.
§
Scholarships
- $15,000 in scholarships was awarded to nursing students.
§
LEAP
Award - Representatives will be attending the annual meeting in
§
Internet
Safety - The AMA Alliance awarded a $500 grant to
§
The
Board of Trustees gave a round of applause to the
V.
County Health Officer Report (in packets)
Dr.
Sands presented the County Health Report
§
The
Health District is busy with enforcing the clean indoor air act. As of the last meeting, five more owners have
been given violation notices. Most
violators have been cooperative, but one violator is encouraging litigation. The Health District will be going forward
with the suit.
§
Nevada
Chapter of the
VI.
Dr.
Lenhart was not present, therefore no report was given. Dr. Jones will request that Dr. Lenhart send
a representative to the BOT meetings if he cannot be present.
VII.
Dr.
Foreman presented the Touro Report after the Committee Reports (out of sequence as he had to leave early).
§
23
students applied for student membership with CCMS.
§
Touro
is admitting 134 new students for the fall semester.
§
Currently,
Touro is looking into expanding rotations into rural areas (Carson-Tahoe).
§
Touro
has identified twelve students to receive the CCMS Scholarships. The criteria is as follows:
1.
Clark
County resident or
2.
Intent
to remain in
3.
Credentials
– MCAT + GPA
VIII.
Scholarship Fund Report
Dr. Ellerton was not present. Therefore no report was given.
IX. NSMA Report
Dr.
Kline presented the NSMA Report.
§
Annual
Meeting – Dr. Kingsley was inaugurated as President; Dr. Richard Seher as President-Elect; Dr. T. Brian Callister
as Treasurer and Dr. Kline as Secretary.
Dr. Hardwick was applauded for attending several
§
NSMA
2008 Annual Meeting – The NSMA is currently working on a venue for the 2008
meeting.
§
Resolutions
– the NSMA passed a series of resolutions, one of which was condemning the
United/Sierra merger.
IX.
AMA Report
Dr.
Horne and Dr. Nelson were not present.
Therefore no report was given.
XI. NBME Report
Dr.
Rodriguez was not present. Therefore no
report was given.
XII. President’s Report
§
Discussion
regarding the United/Sierra merger and to whether or not we should make an
official stance on the merger. Dr.
Nowins stated that out of the last 400 acquisition/mergers that went before the
Anti-Trust Division of the Department of Justice, only two were denied. Dr. Teijeiro stated that United will hide
their monopolistic conglomerate behind the various “products”, and
sub-companies. Dr. Verni stated that
United will force physicians to subscribe to both the HMO and PPO
contracts. Dr. Kline stated that, in the
last eight years, no mergers/acquisitions were denied. Dr. Kline moved that we support NSMA and AMA
policy and oppose the merger with United Health Group and Sierra Health
Care. The motion was unanimously passed.
XIII.
Administrative Report
Dr.
Havins presented the Administrative Report.
1.
Elections
– The votes need to be officially counted by a committee comprised of the Executive
Director, Office Manager and one other physician. Dr. Evins volunteered to count the votes.
SOUTHERN NEVADA
HEALTH DISTRICT DISEASE STATISTICS* - June 2007
Classifieds
prime medical space for lease:
Medical Space Set UP for
Outpatient surgery, rehab therapy, 2880 sq ft minimal improvements needed. $1.50 sq ft modified gross lease. 702-869-2956 or 521-4157.
Travel today has extended beyond North America and
For Sublease: Brand new space. Any specialty welcome, including PCPs. Work alongside family physician
with full panel of patients and other subspecialists.
Friendly people. Great price.
Great Location. Call Yvonne Saunders, MD 256-4646.
office space for lease: 4425
Physician Reviewers Needed: HealthInsight Quality Improvement Organization needs
physician reviewers for medical cases, especially in the specialties of
Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Cardiovascular surgery, Internal Medicine &
Family Medicine. If interested call Dr.
Robert Shreck at 933-7313 or Ellen DePrat at 385-9933.
VIP Mini-suite: Crystal
chandelier, original oil paintings, ancient fossils, cherry wood doors,
amethyst crystal water fountain, Feng Shui custom design. Share with VIP Family Practitioner, Plastic Surgery, Podiatry,
Med-Spa, Dietary, Audiology, etc. Ideal for sub-specialist to expand to Green Valley/Anthem. Call 938-0190.
rental incentive:
State of
seeking a retired/semi-retired MD wanting to earn good pay with a part-time, flexible
schedule. Needs current
County Line
21st Century Oncology……990-4767. …… www.21stcenturyoncology.com
Comprehensive Cancer Centers of NV ……952-3400
Consultants in Marketing …994-2464
Ensemble Real Estate Services ….562-7595
HAWC, Inc …. 775-332-7818 ….. www.hawcinc.com
Medical Group Management Association ….. 697-5471 ext. 134
Medicus……..512-467-2800 ……. www.medicusinsurance.com
MxSecure, Inc …..888-580-1010 …. www.mxsecure.com
NAS Recruitment Coummunications…..972-392-9992
Nevada Mutual Insurance Company ….. 798-6001 ….. www.nevadamutual.com
Premier Physicians Insurance Company…..860-6130 ... www.ppicmedmal.com
Sunset Health Realty, LLC …310-273-5511
The Firm……. 739-9933
Vanguard Media Group …….702-383-4002 … www.vanmedia.com