2924 Emerywood Parkway, Suite 300 Richmond, VA 23294 Phone: (804) 353-2721 Fax: (804) 355-6189www.msv.org

Coats on Call (more information can be found on pg. 5) and keep an eye on your e-mail inbox so you can respond to advocacy alerts. It is through your advocacy that we can make sure the voice of medicine is clearly heard by our elected leaders.

The following are some of the issues that MSV will be proactively working on in the 2015 session.

Prior authorization reform and practice administrationMSV has joined with many medical specialty societies to pursue reforming the health plan prior authorization process. MSV members said through survey responses in early 2014 that the time and inconvenience required by many health plan prior authorization obligations for prescriptions, procedures, and imaging, was a barrier to patient care and an impediment to a strong patient-

Prior auth, workers’ comp and Medicaid among MSV top 2015 issues

On Jan. 14, the Virginia General Assembly will convene in Richmond for its 45 day “short session.” Although initially intended to deal only with amendments in the second year of the biennial state budget, legislators now introduce nearly as many bills during the short session as they do in the 60 day “long session.”

The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) government affairs staff and lobbying team will be reviewing all bills to assess their impact on the practice of medicine and health care system and will work with physician leadership to formulate the organization’s policy positions. These positions will be

communicated to legislators via physician leader visits, White Coats on Call visits and electronic

communications. Please participate in White

continued on page 3

04 MSV in action 2014 recap

05 What’s new for 2015 White Coats on Call

08 What makesdoctors happy?

12 We are the someone else

16 When physicians contribute, physicianshave a voice

IN THIS ISSUE

December 2014 g The power of physicians working together

Keep up with MSV during the 2015 General Assembly session.

Follow us on Twitter at #2015MSVGA or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MedicalSocietyofVirginia.

LEGISLATIVE PREVIEWMEDICAL SOCIETY OF VIRGINIA

2015

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ANNIVERSARY

December 2014 3

physician relationship. MSV physician leaders participated in a work group to attempt to organize and prioritize concerns that should be addressed, and met with representatives from the Virginia Association of Health Plans and individual health plans. MSV will be seeking legislative changes to the prescription prior authorization process in the 2015 session.

The main reforms that MSV will pursue in legislation include securing the following changes:• Health plans will develop a uniform prior authorization form.• Plans must offer the option of EHR- and HIE-compatible electronic

submission of prior authorization requests.• Physicians will be able to override a prior authorization denial when a

patient is already stabilized on a particular medication.• Health plans must respond to a prior authorization request within 48 hours.• The health plan requirement of prior authorization for generic

pharmaceuticals will be eliminated.These reforms would be applied to private plans as well as Medicaid

and the state employee health plan. This initiative is the most challenging MSV has undertaken in years and will require extensive physician advocacy, as health plans have communicated their opposition to these legislative changes.

Workers’ compensationVirginia’s workers’ compensation (WC) system is strong, serving employees and businesses well. Virginia businesses have the fourth lowest WC insurance premiums in the country—32 percent below the national median. Physicians, hospitals and health systems put forward ideas in the 2014 General Assembly session, including prompt payment requirements on WC insurers that were adopted into law and improved the system for all stakeholders.

In the past, some industry groups have proposed a Medicare-based fee schedule as their solution to controlling health care costs in the WC program. MSV opposes government-mandated fee schedules and sees such a move as a dangerous precedent and an unnecessary governmental intrusion into a system that already delivers effective care. At the same time, MSV is committed to continuing to look for ways to make Virginia’s system even better for patients, employers and physicians.

Protecting children from liquid nicotineWith explosive growth in the use of electronic cigarettes, there have been increasing instances of children accidentally poisoned by liquid nicotine. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, hundreds of children have ingested liquid nicotine and been called in to poison hotlines. MSV is partnering with the American Academy of Pediatrics – Virginia Chapter to support protecting the children of our commonwealth by seeking legislation that requires child safety caps on liquid nicotine.

Reforming Medicaid and extending coverageMSV supports reforming Medicaid through reducing the administrative burden on physicians who see Medicaid patients, while continuing to explore

ways to extend needed coverage for more patients. Although the General Assembly and governor have been unable to reach consensus on if and how to provide coverage to the population newly eligible for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, MSV continues to work with legislative leaders and other stakeholders to attempt to find solutions.

MSV is also working with the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to ensure that any reforms implemented take physician input into account. As the state looks to streamline and simplify administrative functions in the Medicaid program, MSV will continue to advocate for making Medicaid processes less onerous so physicians are better able to provide care to these patients.

Please be on the lookout for MSV’s weekly legislative e-mails on Fridays during the General Assembly session for updates to the aforementioned and many other topics of interest. Feel free to contact the MSV government affairs department at govtaffairs@msv.org. •

MSV top 2015 issues - continued from page 1

2015 Legislative Preview

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4 www.msv.org

MSV IN ACTION2014 RECAP

2015 Legislative Preview

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Physician Assistants are essential members of the team-based approach to patient care, and Physician-PA teams add versatility to any clinical setting. Trained in the Medical Model, PAs practice in all medical settings and specialties. They are bridging the gap created by a growing provider shortage and Physician-PA teams are improving access to care.

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While the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) gears up for an intense 45-day General Assembly session, it’s important to remember that our legislative success is a result of the groundwork done throughout the year. MSV tracks staff and leadership’s participation in meetings and other events in the political and policy arenas. Here are the highlights of our 2014 activities.

• MSV convened or participated in more than 90 meetings with external stakeholders including:

o Specialty and component medical societies

o Hospitals and health systems

o Health plans

o Physician assistants

o Trial lawyers

o Nurse practitioners

o Business groups including the Virginia Chamber of Commerce

o American Medical Association

o Patient advocacy groups

• MSV met with more than 40 legislators and candidates since the General Assembly session ended in April.

• This year MSV has written 15 letters to Gov. Terry McAuliffe, state and federal

legislators and state commissions advocating for MSV’s priorities. These letters covered topics

including Medicaid reform and expansion, SGR repeal, mental health reform, physician education,

and prescription drug abuse.

• Since session ended, MSV has represented physicians in more than 50 meetings with state agencies, boards and commissions including:

o Board of Medicine

o Board of Health

o Department of Health Professions

o Board of Pharmacy

o Joint Commission on Health Care

o Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission

o Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission

o Connect Virginia

o Department of Medical Assistance Services

o Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

o Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

o Health Insurance Reform Commission •

December 2014 5

The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) has some exciting changes planned for the 2015 White Coats on Call days! Mark your calendar now to join us in January or February to meet with your legislators.

What’s new? • MSV will make every effort to schedule appointments with your

legislator. In order to do so, you must register by Dec. 31, 2014. • MSV will provide breakfast to fuel your day. • Special guests, including elected and administration officials, will offer

their perspectives on the legislative issues affecting medicine. • In an effort to maximize our impact on the legislature, MSV will no

longer have individual district days. Instead, attendees can go to the All Call day or whichever day best fits their schedule.

What’s staying the same? • Our great partnerships with local and specialty societies. • The location: the Hilton Garden Inn-Downtown Richmond,

conveniently located just blocks from the General Assembly building. • Issue and bill briefing from the MSV lobbying team. • The price: free to all participants. • MSV will provide lunch.

Your first time? • If you’ve never been to White Coats on Call before and aren’t sure

what to do, join us on Jan. 27 for our Advocacy Boot Camp session. In the morning you’ll learn how to deliver a succinct, persuasive message to a busy legislator. In the afternoon, you’ll put your training into action when you meet with your delegate and senator.

Save the date! Jan. 21 (Wednesday) - Leadership Day and MSV board of directors meeting

Jan. 22 (Thursday) - Orthopaedic (VOS) Day

Jan. 22 (Thursday) - Psychiatry (PSV) Day

Jan. 22 (Thursday) - Radiology (VA-ACR) Day

Jan. 27 (Tuesday) - Advocacy Boot Camp (great for first time participants)

Jan. 27 (Tuesday) - Emergency Physicians’ (VACEP) Day

Jan. 27 (Tuesday) - Eye Physicians’ (VSEPS) Day

Jan. 27 (Tuesday) - OB/GYN (VA-ACOG) Day

Jan. 27 (Tuesday) - Otolaryngology (VSO) Day

Jan. 27 (Tuesday) - Surgeons’ (VA-ACS) Day

Jan. 28 (Wednesday) - Anesthesiology (VSA) Day

Jan. 28 (Wednesday) - Plastic Surgeons’ (VSPS) Day

Jan. 29 (Thursday) - Pediatric (AAP-VA) Day

Feb. 3 (Tuesday) - Richmond Academy of Medicine (MSV District 3) Day

Feb. 4 (Wednesday) - Physician Assistants’ (VAPA) Day

Feb. 5 (Thursday) - All Call Day (open to all physicians from across the state)

Feb. 5 (Thursday) - Internists’ (ACP-VA) Day

Feb. 11 (Wednesday) - Family Physicians’ (VAFP) Day

Remember, if the scheduled day for your specialty or MSV district doesn’t work for you, you can join us on any other day!

White Coats on Call

To be an effective force in health care, you must become an active voice in Virginia politics.

Disclaimer: MSVPAC is a segregated fund established by the Medical Society of Virginia. Contributions to MSVPAC/AMPAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Voluntary political contributions by individuals may be personal or corporate. $100 of the suggested contribution amount is transmitted to AMPAC or $10 for a student or resident. Funds from corporations will be used for political education activities and/or state election activities where allowed. Contributions are not limited to suggested amounts. Neither the AMA nor MSV will favor or disadvantage anyone based upon the amounts of or failure to make PAC contributions. Voluntary political contributions are subject to limitations of FEC regulations.

The Medical Society of Virginia Political Action Committee (MSVPAC) works to elect legislators who will make Virginia the best place for medicine — for physicians and patients.

Your contribution to MSVPAC supports General Assembly legislators and candidates who will serve as strong advocates for Virginia’s patients and physicians. MSVPAC understands that advocacy requires a year-round commitment. Please join our efforts by making a donation to MSVPAC! Visit www.msvpac.org or call 804 | 377-1051 to contribute today.

What’s new for 2015 White Coats on Call days?

Michael Jurgensen is senior vice president of health policy and planning for MSV, overseeing the government affairs, policy and practice services staff and activities as well as MSV’s state regulatory actions. He is the representative to many of the private and public sector organizations with which MSV interacts on a regular basis. Mr. Jurgensen has a Master of Health Administration degree from the Medical College of Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from James Madison University.

Matt Mansell is director of government affairs for MSV, directing its advocacy efforts and serving as executive director of MSVPAC. Mr. Mansell has made politics his career since graduating from Georgetown University. He has worked on various state-level campaigns and managed a state legislative caucus. These experiences allow Mr. Mansell to bring a strong background in legislative strategy development, fundraising, communications and grassroots advocacy to MSV.

Sara Rose Wells is assistant director of government affairs for MSV. She oversees a variety of legislative activities including the White Coats on Call days and other advocacy efforts. A graduate of the University of Mary Washington, she has interned in the White House Office of Media Affairs and also worked on state legislative and political campaigns.

Robin Clair Cummings has worked with MSV since 2003 and serves as director of health policy and research. Cummings oversees a number of health policy initiatives, working closely with physicians to develop strategies and programs that promote MSV’s legislative and policy priorities. She graduated

from Virginia Commonwealth University and James Madison University, where she received her Master of Science and undergraduate degrees in health administration.

Patti Seitz serves as the MSVPAC fundraising manager. A graduate of Kent State University with a degree in political science, she is responsible for increasing MSVPAC’s effectiveness and membership by involving more physicians in political fundraising activities. She previously worked for Equality Ohio as a development director and has served as a legislative assistant to a state representative in Ohio, a finance director on nationally targeted congressional races and a finance director on U.S. Senate campaigns in Illinois and Ohio.

Ann Hughes has been a health care lobbyist in Virginia for more than 25 years and has worked with MSV since 2000. Ms. Hughes currently serves as MSV’s lead lobbyist and, in addition to lobbying issues, facilitates the weekly lobby team meetings and briefings during session with the MSV team and all specialty society lobbyists. Ms. Hughes also manages MSV’s scope of practice coalition.

W. Scott Johnson is a founding director at the law firm of Hancock, Daniel, Johnson & Nagle, P.C. (HDJN). Mr. Johnson has been practicing law and lobbying since 1991 and has lobbied for the Medical Society since 2002. As part of the MSV team, Mr. Johnson handles all

Advocate for My Profession

Meet the MSV government affairs team and lobbyists

Left to right: Matt Mansell, Robin

Clair Cummings, Michael Jurgensen, Olyvia

Christley, Sara Rose Wells, Patti Seitz

6 www.msv.org

aspects of lobbying including drafting legislation, presenting legislation before committees during the General Assembly and working to educate legislators on MSV’s current issues. Mr. Johnson also serves as MSV’s general counsel.

Tyler S. Cox serves as the government relations manager at the law firm of Hancock, Daniel, Johnson & Nagle, P.C. Ms. Cox attends health regulatory board meetings, as well as legislative committee meetings of importance to MSV. Prior to joining HDJN, she worked as the assistant director of advocacy and grassroots at the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association. Ms. Cox holds a Bachelor of Arts from Hollins University.

Olyvia Christley is MSV’s government affairs and policy coordinator. She provides staff support to MSV’s government affairs and lobbying team as well as its policy and practice services departments. Prior to joining MSV, she worked as a district representative for a U.S. congressman and as a legislative assistant to a state representative in the Virginia House of Delegates. Ms. Christley graduated from the University of Virginia, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in foreign affairs.

Specialty Society Lobbyists Brian Ball, a partner in the Williams Mullen law firm, represents the

Virginia Society of Anesthesiologists. He concentrates his practice on mergers and acquisitions, securities laws, and capital formation. He also regularly represents clients before state and federal administrative agencies and the Virginia General Assembly. Mr. Ball is vice chair of his firm’s business department and serves on its board of directors and as its general counsel.

Kenneth G. Hutcheson is a director of government affairs at Williams Mullen and serves as vice chair of the firm’s government section. He represents the Virginia Section of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in addition to other health care clients, including a rural hospital system. Prior to entering the government affairs field in 2006, Mr. Hutcheson managed numerous legislative and statewide political campaigns. Mr. Hutcheson is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College and the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership.

Hunter Jamerson represents the Virginia Academy of Family Physicians. An attorney-lobbyist practicing at the law firm Macaulay & Burtch, P.C. in Richmond, Mr. Jamerson focuses his practice on government affairs, health care law, and the defense of health care providers in administrative and judicial proceedings. Mr. Jamerson received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia and earned his J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law.

Ralston King is the lobbyist for the Virginia Society of Otolaryngology and the Psychiatric Society of Virginia. In addition, he assists in government relations for the Virginia Orthopaedic Society and the Virginia Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons. Ralston has been working in government relations for five years and focuses on all aspects of health care policy.

Katie Payne, an attorney at Williams Mullen, represents the Virginia Society of Anesthesiologists. Ms. Payne concentrates her practice mainly on assisting government relations clients with issues before the Virginia General

Assembly. Her other clients include health care related organizations, business entities and local governments.

James Pickral is the principal of Pickral Consulting and represents the Virginia Chapter, American College of Radiology and the Virginia Society of Plastic Surgeons. He has significant experience in the health care and pharmaceutical arenas. Mr. Pickral started his career as legislative assistant to Del. John O’Bannon, M.D. He also represents the Virginia Pharmacists Association and the Virginia Nurses Association, along with several other health care provider groups.

Nicole L. Pugar is the director of government affairs at Williams Mullen and represents the Virginia Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Ms. Pugar’s lobbying practice is heavily focused on health care policy through her representation of multiple health care industry clients, and prior to joining William Mullen she was the director of government relations for Virginia Commonwealth University Health System. Ms. Pugar is a graduate of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia.

Lauren Schmitt works with The Hillbridge Group to provide lobbying services for the Virginia College of Emergency Physicians and the Virginia Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics. Ms. Schmitt previously served as the associate director of advocacy for a women’s health organization. This will be her fifth Virginia General Assembly session with the Hillbridge Group, advocating for their clients’ legislative priorities and interests.

Aimee Perron Seibert is the owner/president of The Hillbridge Group, LLC and is the lobbyist for the Virginia College of Emergency Physicians and the Virginia Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics. Ms. Seibert helped conduct legislative affairs for Sen. John Watkins from 2001 to 2002 and served for four years as the in-house legislative director at a statewide non-profit. Seibert focuses on strategic government affairs matters for her clients including legislative, regulatory and grassroots issues.

Cal Whitehead is the lobbyist for the Psychiatric Society of Virginia, the Virginia Orthopaedic Society, the Virginia Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons as well as several other health care interests. Whitehead worked at MSV in the mid-1990s. Most of his work is centered on specialty-specific policy like scope of practice, mental health reform and payer issues.

Advocate for My Profession

Left to right: W. Scott Johnson,

Tyler S. Cox, Ann Hughes

December 2014 7

8 www.msv.org

WHAT MAKESDOCTORS

Happiness Project

December 2014 9

This year, the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) has explored what makes physicians happy, offering educational sessions on physician professional

satisfaction and finding resources to prevent physician burnout. Please visit www.msv.org/happy to find MSV’s collection of resources.

In the meantime, however, there is nobody who is more qualified to let us know what makes you happy than you! Thank you to everyone who visited MSV’s happiness photo booth during this year’s Annual Meeting to share with us what makes you happy. •

Happiness Project

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The Medical Society of Virginia Political Action Committee (MSVPAC) and the American Medical Association Political Action Committee (AMPAC) recently honored physicians in supporting their efforts to help ensure that Virginia physicians have the best political environment in which to practice medicine. In a donor recognition reception sponsored by the Virginia Eye Institute, MSVPAC Chairman David K. Chow, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, CFP and special guest Sen. Tommy Norment, who serves as the majority leader in the Senate and represents Virginia’s 3rd Senatorial District, presented the awards.

Advocacy in Action awardDr. Chow presented the 2014 Advocacy in Action award to the Virginia Orthopaedic Society for partnering with MSV to offer real reforms to improve the workers’ compensation system for physicians and employers. Gregory Golladay, M.D. accepted the award on behalf of the Virginia Orthopaedic Society.

District awardsMSV District 3 again earned recognition as the MSV district with the highest total contributions to MSVPAC, raising more than $67,227 from January through the Annual Meeting. The Richmond Academy of Medicine’s President Peter Zedler, M.D. accepted the award on behalf of District 3.

MSV District 10 earned recognition as the MSV district with the highest percentage improvement (117 percent) in its MSVPAC fundraising total over the previous year. Russell C. Libby, M.D., FAAP accepted this award for District 10.

Clarence A. Holland awardMSVPAC recognized Cynthia C. Romero, M.D., FAAFP with its annual Clarence

A. Holland award for her outstanding contributions promoting the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health through political service. Although Dr. Romero was unable to attend the reception, Dr. Chow presented her award at the MSV House of Delegates.

Dr. Romero is a family physician from Virginia Beach, who currently serves as the director of Eastern Virginia Medical School’s (EVMS) Brock Institute for Community and Global Health. She also is the physician manager for Romero Family Practice in Virginia Beach. She was nominated by MSV President Sterling N. Ransone Jr., M.D., FAAFP “because of her outstanding leadership and representation of the physician community in many different venues.”

In his nomination, Dr. Ransone cited Dr. Romero’s leadership as president when MSV participated in a year-long negotiation with the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners.

“Not only did Dr. Romero represent the physician position well, she also developed strong relationships with the NP leadership,” Dr. Ransone said. “MSV gained through the eventual passage of the team care bill, but we have also developed a much stronger relationship with an organization which had been seen as an adversary up until that point. We could not have done that without Cyn’s leadership and commitment to doing what is best for the patients and physicians of the commonwealth.”

MSVPAC and AMPAC thank everyone who supports MSVPAC. Contributions help ensure that MSVPAC can support friends of medicine running for political office in Virginia. •

Congratulations, 2014 MSVPAC award winners

December 2014 11

Advocate for My Profession

1 2

3 4

1: Virginia Orthopaedic Society, 2014 MSVPAC Advocacy in Action; 2: MSVPAC 2014 Clarence Holland Award Winner Cynthia C. Romero, M.D. FAAFP; 3: District 3, 2014 MSVPAC highest contributing district; 4: District 10, 2014 most improved district

YOU CAN

WANT TO INSPIRE THE HEALTH CARE LEADERS OF TOMORROW?

MSV News

I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) as president. In thinking about the year ahead, I quickly realized one thing—I need your help.

We may or may not like the changes we see in health care, but we have to put that aside in order to be part of the solution. MSV will continue to represent us, but we have to stand behind our organization. We must

act with our time, our energy and our resources. We must contribute to our Foundation and PAC and ask our practices to work with the MSV Insurance Agency.

Physician involvement is also critical. Nobody can speak as passionately as we can for ourselves. When the important health care discussions are convened, I guarantee others will be represented, like the trial lawyers, hospital association and health plans… and they certainly won’t speak passionately for us. We can’t have the attitude that someone else has that covered . . . We are the someone else.

The first step you can take to show your commitment to your profession is to join us at White Coats on Call next year. Legislators definitely take notice when the white coats show up in their offices, and we need as many physicians as possible to demonstrate that as a profession we are determined to be

leaders in the development of health care policy and legislation in Virginia. MSV has never made it easier to participate. We now offer an all-call

White Coats on Call day for all physicians to come together. Our staff has planned visits from special guests and will schedule the appointments with legislators for you. MSV will continue to offer more training opportunities like its advocacy boot camp and resources like our backgrounders and briefings to enhance your awareness on the issues, so you never feel like you’re unprepared. Now that MSV has equipped us with these tools, it is time for us to do our part and show our willingness to invest in our future. It is time to take action.

And if we are open and work as a team, across all specialties and practice models, we will navigate through change and demonstrate our ability to work together toward advancing our profession and improving health care in Virginia. I am energized by the opportunity to engage with the membership, board and staff this year, and I am confident that there is no challenge that we cannot face together.

We are the someone else

Regards,

William C. Reha, M.D., M.B.A., President, Medical Society of Virginia

Christopher J. Li2014 Salute to Service WinnerMedical Student

Tara G. Nagaraja2014 Salute to Service Winner

Medical Student

Support the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation (MSVF)MSVF provides opportunities for tomorrow’s leaders to emerge including: evolveTM, our new clinical team leadership program;

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Give today! Inspire. Evolve. Act. It’s a powerful legacy.

December 2014 13

This September, the Medical Society of Virginia Insurance Agency (MSVIA) began celebrating its 15-year anniversary. Since its inception, MSVIA has proudly served the physician community and through that effort has returned significant financial resources to organized medicine in Virginia.

MSVIA is owned by the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) and profits from the agency help advance the organization’s work, including political advocacy. The agency is governed by a board of physicians and practice managers who are focused on providing Virginia physicians with the best solutions and service to fit their individual needs.

Waring Trible, M.D., chairman of the MSVIA board of directors said, “The financial support MSVIA contributes to organized medicine through MSV is critical to advancing our efforts to influence health care in Virginia. Each physician who is insured through MSVIA is reinvesting in his or her profession.”

Born of the vision and leadership of physicians, the agency opened its doors on September 30, 1999. Once up and running, MSV physicians volunteered countless hours to ensure the agency would be a significant service to Virginia’s physicians. According to former MSV president Lawrence E. Blanchard III, M.D., MSV wanted to offer physicians advice, service, and programs that were superior to what was available in the general marketplace.

Today, MSVIA offers a wide range of products to assist physicians in their practices and personally. It represents companies that are all highly rated by AM Best to offer professional liability and property and casualty coverage. In addition, the agency partners with Digital Benefits, a nationally recognized health benefits leader, to offer health and dental, both for groups and individuals, and with 1752 Financial to offer disability, supplemental disability, life and long term care coverage.

“We have a team approach to helping physicians in Virginia. We do what is best for the physicians,” said Carolyn Godbey, senior vice president of property and casualty. “We always strive to deliver not only top quality service, but also unique and strategic solutions for our clients.”

The agency’s customer service surveys have consistently reflected high marks from customers

“MSVIA has always been a great source of guidance and information for our practice… We feel so confident with the support we have received in the past that we have moved many lines of business for them to oversee, knowing it will be handled promptly and professionally. They have always gone above and beyond their scope of business to support our needs and requests,” said Trudy Thompson, practice manager with Arthritis Specialists, Ltd.

MSVIA remains ready to help physicians with their insurance needs. And, you may not have to change carriers in order to move your insurance business to MSVIA. For more information, call 877 | 226-9357 or visit www.msvia.org. •

MSV News

Celebrating 15 years of serving Virginia physiciansANNIVERSARY

MSVIA has always been a great source of guidance and information for our practice… We feel so confident with the support we have received in the past that we have moved many lines of business for them to oversee, knowing it will be handled promptly and professionally. They have always gone above and beyond their scope of business to support our needs and requests.

-Trudy Thompson, practice manager with Arthritis Specialists, Ltd.

14 www.msv.org

Manage My PracticeManage My Practice

There is less than a year until the Oct. 1, 2015 deadline, which is when ICD-10 replaces ICD-9 for coding diagnosis. Are you ready to make the transition?

What do I need to do to get ready?1. Create a project plan. This plan should identify each task to be completed,

when tasks should begin and end and who should be responsible for each task. 2. Complete staff training. To maintain their credential, certified coders

may be required to pass an ICD-10 proficiency exam by Oct. 1, 2015. Make sure your leadership understands the significance of the ICD-10 change. Physicians, office staff and coders alike may want to consider taking a course like the ICD-10 boot camp offered by the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV). MSV also offers on-demand training. Enjoy special pricing exclusively for MSV members for this online training. Register now at www.msv.org/classes.

3. Use available resources. The MSV Web site has an ICD-10 Knowledge base that is full of detailed information on the ICD-10 conversion at www.msv.org/ICD10. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Web site at www.cms.gov also contains several free fact sheets and background information, including resources like its Road to 10 Web site at www.roadto10.org, which is specifically geared for small physician practices.

4. Plan a comprehensive and realistic budget. This should include costs such as software upgrades and training needs.

5. Get everyone onboard. Ensure involvement and commitment of all internal and external stakeholders. Contact vendors, physicians, affiliated hospitals, clearinghouses, and others to determine their plans for ICD-10 transition. Make sure physicians and staff all understand how their documentation will change to support the coding changes and feel comfortable with the changes ahead. Review commonly used ICD-9 codes and explore the new ICD-10 codes.

6. Test, test, test. Once all software is upgraded or installed, be sure to schedule software/hardware testing. Conduct internal testing and review internal policies.

Be sure to take the appropriate steps in order to meet the ICD-10 deadlines. For more detailed information on the conversion to ICD-10, please visit the MSV Web site at www.msv.org/ICD10. •

Are you ready for ICD-10?

The Virginia Medical News Winter Issue, December 2014 (ISSN 1532-8058) is published four times a year by the Medical Society of Virginia, 2924 Emerywood Pkwy., Ste. 300, Richmond, VA 23294 for members of the Medical Society of Virginia, a non-profit organization with membership devoted to the advancement of the medical profession in Virginia. Periodicals postage paid at Richmond, VA and at additional mailing addresses. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Virginia Medical News, 2924 Emerywood Pkwy., Ste. 300, Richmond, Virginia 23294

This association is not responsible for the authenticity of opinion or statements made by authors or advertisers, or in communications submitted to Virginia Medical News. Advertisers must conform to the policies and regulations established by the Medical Society of Virginia. The Virginia Medical News is a member subscription and payment is included in annual dues. Copyright 2014. Medical Society of Virginia.

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT & CIRCULATION, Publication title: Virginia Medical News, Publication number: 1532-8058, Filing date: 9/17/14, Issue frequency: Quarterly, Number of issues published annually: 4, Annual subscription price: Member benefit, Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 2924 Emerywood Pkwy., Ste 300. Richmond, VA 23294, Contact person: Hedi Cho, Telephone: (804) 377-1025 Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: Medical Society of Virginia, 2924 Emerywood Pkwy, Ste 300. Richmond, VA 23294, Publisher: Medical Society of Virginia, 2924 Emerywood Pkwy, Ste 300. Richmond, VA 23294, Managing editor: Hedi Cho, 2924 Emerywood Pkwy, Ste 300. Richmond, VA 23294, Owner: Medical Society of Virginia, Complete mailing address: 2924 Emerywood Pkwy, Ste 300. Richmond, VA 23294, Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders wwning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities. If none, check box: S None, Tax status: The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: SHas not changed during preceding 12 months

Publication of statement of ownershipS If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed in the December 16, 2014 issue of this publication.

Extent and nature of circulation Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months

No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date

a. Total No. of Copies (Net Press Run) 6177 5915

b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail)

(1) Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated on PS form 3541

(2) Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on PS form 3541

(3) Paid distribution outside the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other paid distribution outside USPS®

(4) Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS

5682

495

40

0

5420

495

10

0

c. Total paid distribution 6217 5925

d. Free or nominal rate distribution (By mail and outside the mail)

(1) Free or nominal rate outside-county copies included on PS form 3541

(2) Free or nominal rate in-county copies included on PS form 3541

(3) Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS (e.g., first-class mail)

(4) Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail (carriers or other means)

0

0

0

15

0

0

0

15

e. Total free or nominal rate distribution 15 15

f. Total distribution 6232 5940

g. Copies not distributed 45 75

h. Total 6277 6015

i. Percent paid 99.75 99.74

Electronic copy circulation Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months

No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date

a. Paid electronic copies 0 0

b. Total paid print copies + paid electronic copies 6,217 5,925

c. Total print distribution + paid electronic copies 6232 5940

d. Percentpaid (both print & electronic copies) 99.75 99.74

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Advocate for My Profession

When physicians give, physicians win

Giving LevelsIndividualMSVPAC ................ $150PAC365 ................... $365Silver ........................ $600Gold ........................ $1200Platinum .................. $2400Other....................... $

Corporate/GroupSilver ........................ $2500Gold ........................ $5000Platinum .................. $10000+

How MSVPAC works

Step 1You (the physician) contribute to MSVPAC. Why? If you don’t stand up for medicine, who will? Without your support, physicians will have no voice in the legislature.

Step 2Your contribution gets combined with donations from other physicians enabling MSV to enhance its significance. You see, we’re all in this together. MSVPAC collects donations, combines them and then uses them to maximize our influence.

Step 3The MSVPAC board decides on the candidates for office in Virginia to whom MSVPAC should contribute. Why are these contributions so important? A strong PAC enables physicians to be a valued resource to legislators.

So ultimately…When physicians contribute, physicians have a voice.

Currently, only 6.7 percent of our membership contributes to MSVPAC. If the other 93.3 percent each gave just $25 each, our contributions to candidates would double—thereby doubling our effectiveness.

Help us today by donating at www.msvpac.org/contribute or contacting MSVPAC Fundraising Manager Patti Seitz at 804 | 377-1051.

Step 4When candidates become legislators, they remember who supported them along the way and are more likely to seek from or engage physicians on important legislation.

RepeatMSVPAC contributions are an investment in the future of your practice. Our support of friends of medicine is never complete. Even when election season is over, there is only a small window of time before the next one is about to begin!

Cut this form out and mail to MSVPAC, 2924 Emerywood Parkway, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23294

Disclaimer: MSVPAC is a segregated fund established by the Medical Society of Virginia. Contributions to MSVPAC/AMPAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Voluntary political contributions by individuals may be personal or corporate. $100 of the suggested contribution amount is transmitted to AMPAC or $10 for a student or resident. Funds from corporations will be used for political education activities and/or state election activities where allowed. Contributions are not limited to suggested amounts. Neither the AMA nor MSV will favor or disadvantage anyone based upon the amounts of or failure to make PAC contributions. Voluntary political contributions are subject to limitations of FEC regulations.

� Enclosed is my check made payable to MSVPAC.� I prefer to contribute via monthly credit card payments.� Please charge my: � VISA � MasterCard � Discover � American Express

NAME ON CARD

CARD NUMBER

Yes, I would like to support MSVPAC by making a contribution of $ .

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TOTAL ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION MONTH OF FIRST PAYMENT NUMBER OF PAYMENTS