Reformation - Tennessee Medical Association Folder/Magazine... · Published monthly under the direction of the Board of Trustees for and by members of the Tennessee Medical Association,

Tennessee MedicineJOURNAL OF THE TENNESSEE MED ICAL ASSOC IAT ION | VOL . 102, NO . 6 | JUNE 2009

Reformation

2008-2009Tennessee Medical AssociationAnnual Report & Resource Guide

Every new dawn of significant transformation ismarked by unmistakable signs, a heightened senseof urgency, and the feeling that things will neverbe the same.

TennesseeMedicineJOURNAL O F THE TENNE S S E E MED I C A L A S S O C I AT I O N

ContentsVolume 102 , Numb e r 6 ~ J u n e 2 0 0 9

VISIT US AT WWW.TNMED.ORG

Office of Publication2301 21st Avenue SouthPO Box 120909Nashville, TN 37212-0909Phone: (615) 385-2100; Fax (615) 312-1908e-mail: [email protected]

EditorDavid G. Gerkin, MD

Editor EmeritusJohn B. Thomison, MD

PresidentRichard J. DePersio, MD

Chief Executive OfficerDonald H. Alexander, MPH

Sr. Vice PresidentRuss Miller, CAE

Managing EditorBrenda Williams

Editorial BoardLoren Crown, MDJames Ferguson, MDDeborah German, MDRonald Johnson, MDRobert D. Kirkpatrick, MDKarl Misulis, MDGreg Phelps, MDBradley Smith, MDJonathan Sowell, MDJim Talmage, MD

Advertising RepresentativeBeth McDaniels – (615) 385-2100 ore-mail: [email protected]

Graphic DesignAaron Grayum / Tinymusicbox Design

Tennessee MedicineJournal of the Tennessee Medical Association(ISSN 1088-6222)

Published monthly under the direction of the Board ofTrustees for and by members of the Tennessee MedicalAssociation, a nonprofit organization with a definite membershipfor scientific and educational purposes.

Devoted to the interests of the medical profession ofTennessee. This Association is not responsible for the authenticityof opinion or statements made by authors or in communicationssubmitted to Tennessee Medicine for publication. The author orcommunicant shall be held entirely responsible. Advertisers mustconform to the policies and regulations established by the Boardof Trustees of the Tennessee Medical Association.

Subscriptions (nonmembers) $30 per year for US, $36 forCanada and foreign. Single copy $2.50. Payment of TennesseeMedical Association membership dues includes the subscriptionprice of Tennessee Medicine.

Copyright 2009, Tennessee Medical Association. All materialsubject to this copyright appearing in Tennessee Medicine may bephotocopied for noncommercial scientific or educational use only.

Periodicals postage paid at Nashville, TN, and at additionalmailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:Tennesssee MedicinePO Box 120909, Nashville, TN 37212-0909

In Canada: Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor, Ontario N9A 6J5

ANNUAL REPORT4 TMA Mission Statement5 Introduction7 TMA Annual Report

ABSTRACT OF TMA’S 174TH ANNUAL MEETING17 House of Delegates Final Actions List18 House of Delegates Proceedings

TMA RESOURCE GUIDE25 TMA Leadership26 TMA Committees31 Component Society Presidents33 TMA Membership Application

ANNUAL AWARD PRESENTATIONS37 2009 Outstanding Physician Awards38 2009 Distinguished Service Award40 2009 Community Service Awards

TMA MEMBER NEWS43 TMA Wins New Laws on Peer Review, MLR, Doc Shopping; 43 TMA

Efforts Lead to Suspension of HRI Overpayment Demands; 44 MedTennPhoto Gallery; 46 Tamper Resistant Pads Required by July 1;46 Compliance Process in BCBS Settlements in Effect: Make Sure You areBeing Paid Correctly; 47 Red Flag Rules Delayed Until August 1;47 CHCMS Announces $42.9 Million Milestone for Project Access;47 TMA Insurance Briefs; 48 TMA Legal Department Now on Twitter!;48 IMPACT Capitol Hill Club; 48 Government Employee Benefits NowInclude Tobacco Cessation Treatments; 49 Member Notes

FOR THE RECORD53 New Members53 In Memoriam53 AMA Physician Recognition Awards54 Advertisers in this Issue; Instructions for Authors

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Mission StatementThe Tennessee Medical Association is a professional organization for doctors createdto enhance the effectiveness of physicians throughout the state to protect the healthinterests of patients. Its primary purposes are to define and promote:

• Quality, safe and effective medical care;

• Public policy to protect the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship, improveaccess to and the affordability of quality medical services;

• Ethics and competence in medical education and practice;

• Open communications between the medical profession and the public, fostering abetter understanding of the capacities of medical practice.

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Every company, every indus-try, can sense when it’s on thebrink of fundamental change.Every new dawn of significanttransformation is marked byunmistakable signs, a height-ened sense of urgency, and thefeeling that things will neverbe the same.For health care, for physicians, for organized medicine,that time is now. The signs are all around us. FromWashington to Wall Street to Main Street, change ishappening … but will it be change for the better?

Reform is all the rage nationally for politicians, econ-omists and employers. Health reform advocates debate

how to care for all Americans without breaking the bankor penalizing doctors and other providers.

Reform is sweeping through our medical practices ata rapid pace: new regulations, new quality measures, neweconomic challenges, new technology and new chal-lenges for delivering patient care. Reform is a reality forthe TMA, its leaders, and its mission. We have seen thesigns and have been preparing for dramatic change fornearly a decade. The TMA seeks to become a new kindof professional association for Tennessee doctors. Farbeyond a new logo or website, it is the renewed sense ofpurpose, the sharpened focus, driven by the realizationthat things are never going to be the same and cannotremain the same.

For TMA members, our reformation will be an excit-ing, challenging time marked by a new drive for unity,cooperation and confidence. Our reformation will bringforth a new way of doing business, a new way of address-ing our priorities and a new way to bring all doctorstogether … to truly be Physicians Caring forTennesseans.

Reformation

Dr. Robert Kirkpatrick2008-2009 TMA President

Dr. Richard DePersio2009-2010 TMA President

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Over the past year, the TMA has eschewed the notion of being all things toall physicians and has sharpened its focus to the issues all physicians rallyaround and share common passion for:

1) Future of TMA - Keep the Association healthy, flexible and relevant in today’s changing medical and healthcareenvironment.

2) Insurance Industry - Foster strong relationships and maintain a strong advocacy role for physicians with all insurers.3) Membership - Build and strengthen the association so we can continue to effect positive change for the good of

Tennessee patients and their physicians.4) Communication - Regularly and effectively communicate the priorities, goals and concerns of Tennessee physi-

cians to policymakers, patients and the public, and provide ways for physicians to connect with each other.5) Specialty Society Relations - Unify the House of Medicine by cultivating collegial, mutual interest and advocacy

partnerships with medical specialty groups.6) Cultivate Leadership - Raise up new generations of physician leaders to point the way to good medicine in the

future.The TMA is dedicated to investing in and developing a culture of leadership to identify, train and equip doc-tors who will inspire their colleagues and take the profession where it must go.

7) Medical Liability Reform - Continue the fight for a more equitable and less hostile medical liability climate in theState of Tennessee.

A top-down evaluation has led the TMA to redefine and restructure its top priorities and processes, as well as embracenew ideas for collaboration and communication, driven by a new generation of physicians.

Meanwhile, its work to represent physicians in the most important arenas continued, with ongoing efforts to pre-vent harmful or burdensome legislation from impacting your practice or your patient care, to level the playing field withinsurance companies, to obtain fair reimbursement from government and private payers, to give you a voice among thepolicymakers, to make the business of medicine more hassle-free and less intrusive and, consequently, to make yourmedical career more enjoyable.

2008-2009 TMA Annual Report

Reformation

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REFORMING THE TMA

Nearly a decade after the initial TMA Futures Task Force rec-ommended important changes, the Futures II Task Forcewrapped up and delivered a strategic plan and value propos-tion for the Association. The four-year plan calls for realign-ment of resources and a more effective internal structure, aswell as implementing new technologies such as a new interac-tive Web site, and the unveiling of a new corporate identityand positioning statement.The final plan was adopted by theTMA Board of Trustees in January 2009 and in May, theTMA’s new look and branding was introduced, followedquickly by its new online presence.

To meet the Association’s communications priority,Medwire.org changed to TNMed.org, featuring a more robustoffering of resources and new connectivity features, includingsocial media, blogs, discussion forums and private messaging.The TMA’s new look found its way into Tennessee Medicine,too, with phased-in cover and layout changes beginning inJanuary and continuing throughout 2009.

Still to come are changes within leadership structure andstaff with a reorganization that will focus on the Association’stop priorities and possible new hires to beef up the resourcesneeded to accomplish TMA goals. Tying it all together willbe additional outreach efforts to enhance the TMA’s imageand raise awareness of its value among physicians and thegeneral public.

A unified and strongAssociation is one of theTMA’s top priorities, and thework began in 2008-2009 tobegin attaining aggressivemembership recruitmentgoals. New membership mar-keting activities included“reminder” calls, direct mail andadvertisements, creative postcards and a“Join the TMA” letter from the TMApresident, targeted respectively to current,past, direct and non-members, as well as“Welcome” mailings for new physicians or those

changing practices. TMA membership staff also stepped upits visibility with TMA exhibits at specialty societies andacademic and medical school events. The TMA also initiateda Group Practice Outreach campaign, targeting 10 grouppractices across the state and ultimately signing membershipagreements with three large group practices, resulting in theaddition of 71 new members.

One of the TMA’stop internal prioritiesis to encourage andcultivate leadership

among memberphysicians, both inorganized medi-cine and in the practice setting. To that end, the TMA

Physician Leadership College has been suc-cessful in bringing new talent to the forefront.Recently announcing its third class of scholarsfor 2010, the PLC has collectively trained andinspired 24 new physician leaders from theranks of local medical and specialty societies,academic institutions and teaching hospitals.The scholars’ individual projects have alreadybenefited organized medicine and patient care,ranging from developing women’s healthresources to encouraging political advocacy toestablishing leadership courses for doctors-in-

Her e a r e h i gh l i g h t s o f TMA ac comp l i s hmen t sand a c t i v i t i e s on you r b eh a l f o v e r t h e p a s t y e a r.

TMA’S VALUE PROPOSITION

For Tennessee physicians who care about the quality,enjoyment and prosperity of their practices:

TMA is the only physicians’ association with the sizeand experience to consistently influence medical policy-makers in Tennessee.

TMA develops physician leaders who want to shape thefuture of medicine.

TMA connects physicians statewide to strengthen themedical community.

TMA provides resources to help members maximize thevalue of their practices and to be better advocates fortheir patients.

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training.The program has been called one of the bright spotsof the TMA and is already proving to be an indispensableresource for leading organized medicine into the future.

Amid the reformation, the TMA goes forward into 2009 withnew leadership at the helm.President Dr.Robert Kirkpatrick ofMemphis passed the gavel to incoming President Dr.RichardDePersio of Knoxville at the TMA’s 174th annual meeting onApril 4.Dr.DePersio addressed the House of Delegates callingfor a new emphasis on doctor-to-doctor member recruitment,and outlining his plans to address women’s health issues andbolster the ranks of female members. Also installed were

President-elect B Winfred Ruffner of Chattanooga; Dr.Robert Kerlan of Memphis as BOT chairman; and seven newboard members, Drs. Channappa Chandra of Chattanooga,Charles Womack of Cookeville, Roy King and MatthewMancini of Knoxville, Edmund Palmer of Jackson, MichaelZanolli of Nashville and Charles Leonard of Talbott.

TMA leadership elections were again driven byTMA’s web-based electronic voting system;refinements made the process even easier in2009, and for the first time, online ballots out-numbered paper ballots. With the changeoverto TNMed.org, officials expect the electionprocess to continue to improve.

REFORMING THE SYSTEM

The TMA continued its work in 2008-2009 to make changesfor the better for its members and their patients. TheAssociation represented doctors on a host of issues impactingthe overall healthcare environment, the practice setting andthe delivery of care.

Insurance issues were desig-nated as the year’s top priori-ty – the TMA spends themajority of its time andresources monitoring, advo-cating and communicatingin this area. In the fall of2008, the TMA strength-ened its efforts with theappointment of a new ded-icated staff member.

Insurance Affairs Director Phyllis Franklindirects the Association’s programs and information resourcesdealing with health insurance and helps make sense of today’smarket for members. The TMA also launched its newInsurance Resource Center, anonline index of information andtools for dealing with commercialand government insurance plans.

The TMA Insurance IssuesCommittee, working with TMAlegal and legislative staff, alsoadvocated fiercely for an evenplaying field for physicians in the areas of rating and tiering,regulation, transparency, credentialing, recovery audits, reim-bursements and red tape or “hassle” issues.The TMA reachedout to improve relations with major insurers, as well as givethe physician viewpoint on how programs and changes wouldimpact patient care.

Rating and tiering specifically drew enormous attentionfrom the Association in Spring 2008, as BlueCross/BlueShield of Tennessee finally rolled out its delayedTransparency Initiative and physicians immediately reported

Members of the TMA Physician Leadership College Class of 2010were announced at the TMA Annual Meeting in April.

Outgoing TMA President Dr. Robert Kirkpatrick (left) shakes handswith incoming President Dr. Richard DePersio following the

installation ceremony at MedTenn 2009.

problems with their profiles. The TMAaccepted BCBST’s invitation to offerinput on the program and the rollout;consequently, BCBST made some sug-gested changes and the collaborationcontinues. The TMA also weighed in onchanges United Healthcare made to itsrating program, declaring some improve-ments and others more burdensome.TMAmonitoring of physician rating programs

and other quality improvement initiatives is ongoing.

The Legal Division continued its behind-the-scenes work oninsurance lawsuit settlements, monitoring compliance andadvising members of benefits, deadlines and expected relief.Separately, the TMA assembled a Blues Settlement Packetto alert members to the permanent improvements resultingfrom the lawsuit against Tennessee’s biggest private insurer.Members also benefited fromcontinued TMA advocacy andalerts onMedicare and privateinsurer audits.

The TMA sought relief oninsurance issues with legisla-tion to address contractreform issues, recoupmentand denials after an insur-ance plan provides eligibili-ty verification and oftenpre-certification or priorauthorization, and the sell-ing of access and discountsto physician providers,known as silent PPOs.TheGeneral Assembly willlikely pass legislation on allof these issues in 2009,with the possible excep-tion of silent PPOs.

TennCare changes over the past year were monitored by theTMA, which voiced concerns to state officials over the tran-sition to new managed care organizations as well as theprospect of state budget woes leading to cuts in provider reim-bursement. Results of a TMA TennCare Survey were pre-sented to state lawmakers in January, showing nearly 80 per-cent of responding physicians would be inclined to end orreduce their participation in TennCare if cuts are enacted. InJanuary 2009 and again in March 2009, State Finance &Administration Commissioner Dave Goetz assured the TMAthat provider cuts remained a “worst-case scenario.”

On the national scene, the TMA remained active on theMedicare/SGR issue, working with the AMA to block addi-tional spending cuts and find a permanent fix for the flawedreimbursement formula. Prompted by the TMA, membersflooded Congress with callsand e-mails, and leaders visit-ed representatives inWashington, DC. The effortwas successful in July 2008with the override of a pres-idential veto and passage ofHR 6331 (MIPPA) to haltfurther cuts from takingplace in January 2009.Advocacy continues underthe Obama Administrationto ensure a permanent solu-tion is included in budgetplans for 2010.

Medical Liability Reform, also a top priority for theTMA, saw renewed activity in 2008-2009 when statelegislative elections raised hopes for the possibility ofa favorable environment to win additional reforms.An upset in House Speaker elections dampened theprospect but the TMA, spurred by results of astatewide MLR survey in December and January,went forth with a measure that was passed by theLegislature to extend peer review confidentiality andimmunity to group medical practices.

An ongoing effort to reform the healthcare environmentbegan in early 2009 with word that the Federal TradeCommission was including healthcareproviders in its Red Flag Rules for iden-tity theft protection. The TMA joinedAMA efforts to protest the inclusionwhile simultaneously drafting sample

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practice policies and resources for its members to use to meetthe May 1 deadline.The TMA and AMA won a delay in theRed Flag deadline until August 1; advocacy on this issue con-tinues at both the state and national level.

The Association continued to present members with oppor-tunities to make their own voices heard.Doctors, support staffand spouses convened in Nashville for PITCH 2009(Physicians Involved in Tennessee’s Capitol Hill) – threeregional dates were held in March and April allowing physi-cians from East, Middle and West Tennessee to show a pres-ence at state legislative hearings and meet with their electedofficials to talk about issues of concern. The TMA also con-tinued its long tradition of supplying medical care to theGeneral Assembly through its Doctor of the Day program.

IMPACT (Independent Medicine’s Political Action commit-tee – Tennessee), the TMA’s political arm, underwent its ownreformation in 2008. The organization launched a five-year

strategic plan to strengthenits donation coffers andnearly triple its member-ship – with the goal ofmaking IMPACT the pre-eminent PAC in the stateof Tennessee.

A strong supporter of Tennessee’s Smoke-Free Workplacelaws, the TMA donned its public health hat again in 2009.This time, the Association proposed a bill to further strength-en smoking restrictions by prohibiting smoking in vehicleswhen younger children are present.

REFORMING YOUR PRACTICE

Beyond internal reforms and advocacy efforts, the TMAengaged in a multitude of activities to help members comply

with changing regulations, adaptto new technologies and keep upwith new trends in practice man-agement and patient care.

The emerging push for the adop-tion of electronic health tech-nology led the TMA to engageon a stronger level. In early 2008,the Association created a neweHealth page on Medwire.org,offering strategic links andnews alerts to help members connect with organi-

zations, certified vendors and other resources on eHealth technol-ogy. The July 2008 and May 2009 issues of Tennessee Medicinefocused on the challenges and opportunities with eHealth tech-nology, and a rundown of activities and funding available at thestate and national level.The TMA also kept members posted onthe state’s new eHealthNetwork and its e-prescribing initiative.In December 2008, the TMA announced its partnership withother leading medical societies in the “Get Connected”ePrescribing Readiness Assessment Tool and in Februarybecame a partner in the pilot testing of theHealth InformationSecurity & Privacy Collaboration Provider EducationToolkitto encourage physicians to participate in eHealth informationexchange.During the Association’s annual meeting in April 2009,theHouse of Delegates also recognized the importance of emerg-ing eHealth trends, passing a resolution to strengthen TMAresources for adopting electronic health technology.

The emphasis on solving Tennessee’s drug prob-lem continued.ThePrescription Safety Program,overseen by the Tennessee Foundation for QualityPatient Health Care, held another successfulround of live and online continuing medical edu-cation (CME) classes on proper prescribing.ThePSP also hosted Law Enforcement andPrescriber Summit (LEAPS) meetings region-ally across the state, giving both communities a

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chance to discuss their common concerns and possible coop-eration to stop “doctor shopping” patients from obtainingfraudulent prescriptions.Doctor shopping was also the focus of TMA legislation

in 2009; the Association won passage of its bill requiringmandatory reporting of all drug-seeking patients (currentlyonly required for TennCare patients) while providing immu-nity for good-faith reporting. In addition, the TMA teamedup with the Tennessee Pharmacists’ Association to offer a billto ensure that all dispensers of controlled substances haveaccess to the Controlled Substance Monitoring Database(CSMD); at press time the bill was headed to the Governorfor his signature.

While acknowledging the growth ofthe retail clinic industry, the TMAmaintained its position that these clin-ics meet the same standards for qualityof care as other healthcare facilities, andthat its members be advised of theirlegal responsibilities when supervisingpersonnel in retail or satellite clinics. Tothat end, the TMA adopted PhysicianSupervision Guidelines that echo thoseadopted by the AMA and specialtygroups.The guidelines, along with regula-tion summaries, Law Guide advisories,

reporting forms and office compliance checklists, were postedonline in a members-only access area.

The TMA engaged itself on several issues of national concernmanifesting in Tennessee. The Association joined the AMA’sconversation on health reform and the impact of economicstimulus funding on patient care and eHealth technology.TheTMA Board of Trustees also focused on healthcare man-

power shortages, hearing from Tennessee’s medical schoolofficials about declining enrollments and vanishing funding.In early 2008, the BOT adopted a policy to expand graduatemedical education (GME) programs and lift Medicare capson GME.Meanwhile, the TMA urged members in mid-2008to take part in a nationalprimary care survey con-ducted by the Physicians’Foundation; resultsreleased in Novembershowed increased doctordissatisfaction and frustra-tion and predicted escalating shortages in the years ahead asfrustrated doctors leave medicine or see fewer patients.

A looming crisis of “epic proportions”– the planned imple-mentation of ICD-10 in 2011 – led the TMA to team up withBlueCross/BlueShield of Tennessee in October 2008. TheTMA Practice Management and Quality Committee hadmonitored ICD-10 developments since the implementationwas announced; at its urging, the Association and BCBSTissued a joint appeal to Congress seeking delay of the newbilling and diagnostic codes to 2014, to give medical profes-sionals and the healthcare system more time to prepare for themore complex and ballooning requirements. Victory wasdeclared in February 2009 when implementation was resched-uled for October 2013.

A useful tool for helping physicians plan their budgets andmanage staff, the TMGMA/TMA Salary Survey was againprovided free to members in 2008. The survey, which com-piled office staff compensation data from practices acrossTennessee, was promoted through the TMA and results madeavailable via a members-only portal on the TMA andTMGMA websites.

For physicians and office managers, the TMA offered itsannual series of education workshops on insurance billing andcoding. The TMA Annual InsuranceWorkshops were heldstatewide starting in August 2008, offering help on expeditingreimbursements and claims submission; the 2009 CodingSeminars were offered in December 2008-January 2009, out-lining CPT changes, ICD-10 overview, areas of concern foraudit and regulation and ideas for new streams of revenue.

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FINANCES

A balanced budget had been projected for 2008 with revenuesand expenditures projected at $3,141,488.00. Actual revenuewas $3,156,740.00 and actual expenses were $3,131,641.00,resulting in $25,099.00 excess revenues over budgetedexpenses. This excess amount was budgeted to be added toTMA reserves.

The TMA experienced revenue in excess of expenses for2008, and this was in excess of the projected budget by$3,560.00. Several different factors contributed to this over-age. Please understand that the TMA replaced three (3) roof-top HVAC units. In addition, the TMA replaced all of thecomputers in the office for the first time in 10 years. Thesecosts have been placed on the books as an asset and will bedepreciated with the other assets. These re-allocations helpedthe TMA show a profit.

The TMA is using the consulting and managing services ofMr.Don Raber, president, Alderbaran Financial Inc., for boththe reserve and the general operation funds. Through theefforts of our Investment Committee, chaired by Subhi D.Ali,MD,we experienced a 31.14 percent decrease in the valueof our Reserve Investments in 2008.The Reserve Investmentsbalance as of December 31, 2008, was $1,693,597.08. Thebenchmark set forth by the TMA Investment Policy is thatthe fund exceed the S&P 500 by two percent. For 2008, theS&P 500 decreased at a rate of 38.49 percent. Therefore, theTMA’s Reserve Investments exceeded their benchmark by7.35 percent for 2008. All investments were made within theparameters of the TMA’s Investment Policy (Revised July 22,2007). Of note is the fact that the TMA has contributed inexcess of $1 million over the past eight-year period for rev-enues exceeding expenses.

2008 ESTIMATED INCOME$3,141,487

2008 ESTIMATED EXPENSES$3,141,487

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Number Title Final Action

T E N N E S S E E M E D I C A L A S S O C I A T I O N

2009 House of Delegates Resolution Actions

RoC Resolution of Commendation Adopted

BLA No. 01 -08 Deletion of Lie-Over Requirement in Order to Amend the Tennessee Medical Association Bylaws Adopted as Amended

Res. No. 01-09 Peer Review Activities Adopted

Res. No. 02-09 Definition of Young Physician Adopted

Res. No. 03-09 Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor (EMTALA) Mandated Medical Care Protection from Referred to Board of Trustees for ActionMedical Malpractice Litigation

Res. No. 04-09 Continued Funding for the Tennessee Medical Association Leadership College (PLC) Adopted

Res. No. 05-09 Colon Cancer Screening Mandate Referred to Board of Trustees for Action

Sub. Res. No. 06-09 Disaster Preparedness for the State of Tennessee Adopted

Res. No. 10-09 Election of TMA Delegation to the AMA House of Delegates Adopted

Res. No. 11-09 Statewide Standard for Identification of Health Care Providers Adopted as Amended

Res. No. 12-09 Establishing TMA as a Resource for Electronic Health Record Systems Referred to Board of Trustees as Amendedfor Action

Res. No. 13-09 Medical Directors as “Peer” Reviewers When Pre-Adjudicating Prescribed Tests and Procedures Referred to Board of Trustees for Action

Res. No. 14-09 Reaffirmation of Res. No. 2-02, Reaffirmation with Modification of Resolution No. 2-95 Adopted by Unanimous ConsentPhysician ["Doctors"] Services Costs as Reported by CMS and Medicare

Res. No. 15-09 Reaffirmation of Res. Nos. 3-02 and 11-95, Team Physician Support for Local High Schools Adopted by Unanimous Consent

Res. No. 16-09 Reaffirmation of Resolution No. 16-02, Tennessee Medical Education Fund Adopted by Unanimous Consent

Res. No. 17-09 Reaffirmation of Resolution No. 26-02, Truth in Advertising Adopted by Unanimous Consent

SUNSET RESOLUTIONSR 7-02 Resolution No. 15-00, Tennessee Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program Adopted by Unanimous Consent

R 11-02 Cardiovascular Risk Screening Adopted by Unanimous Consent

R 13-02 Declaration of Professional Responsibility; Medicine’s Social Contract with Humanity Adopted by Unanimous Consent

R 22-02 Resolution No. 25-01, Legislation Limiting Damages Awarded Pursuant to Birth Related Injuries Adopted by Unanimous Consent

R 27-02 Tort Reform Adopted by Unanimous Consent

SUNSET/PERMANENT POLICY RESOLUTIONSR 1-02 Reaffirmation of Res. No. 1-95 (Reaffirmation of Res. No. 3-88 and No. 7-88 in Combination), Adopted by Unanimous Consent

Basic Principles and Standards Regarding the Delivery of High Quality Medical Care

R 4-02 Reaffirmation of Res. No. 13-95, Tennessee Medical Association Membership Adopted by Unanimous Consent

R 5-02 Dues Increase Adopted by Unanimous Consent

R 6-02 Charter Name Change Adopted by Unanimous Consent

R 9-02 Resident Physicians Adopted by Unanimous Consent

R 10-02 Raising Legal Age to Purchase Cigarettes Adopted by Unanimous Consent

R 12-02 Tobacco Abuse in Tennessee Adopted by Unanimous Consent

R 15-02 Fiscal Note Requirement on Resolutions Adopted by Unanimous Consent

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HOUSE OF DELEGATES PROCEEDINGS

TENNESSEE MEDICINE / JUNE 2009

first eight years of practice. Each Component soci-ety shall be entitled to representation in the section.All representatives shall be members of theAssociation. The Young Physician Section shall beorganized under a governing body and shall electone delegate from each region to represent it in theHouse of Delegates of the Association. The YoungPhysician Section may elect its own governing body.

ADOPTED

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RESOLUTION NO. 3-09

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TREATMENT ANDACTIVE LABOR ACT (EMTALA) MANDATEDMEDICAL CARE PROTECTION FROM MEDICALMALPRACTICE LITIGATION.

L. Andrew “Andy” Walker, MD, DelegateNashville Academy of Medicine

RESOLVED, That the Tennessee MedicalAssociation call upon the State of Tennessee tochange the legal definition of medical malpracticefor the Emergency Medical Treatment and ActiveLabor Act (EMTALA)-mandated medical care, from“negligence” to “gross negligence” (meaning“wanton or willful misconduct”); and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Tennessee Medical Associationcall upon the State of Tennessee to change the lawso that any expert witness testifying in a medicalmalpractice suit involving Emergency MedicalTreatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA)-mandat-ed care must be a board-certified specialist in thespecialty of the defendant and licensed to practicemedicine in Tennessee; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Tennessee Medical Association

Final Actions of the Tennessee MedicalAssociation House of Delegates

A p r i l 3 - 4 , 2 0 0 9

The 174th Annual Meeting of the Tennessee Medical Association (MedTenn 2009) was conducted in Nashville, TN, April 3-5, at the Nashville Airport Marriott Hotel.The House of Delegates held a two-day session on Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4. Wiley T. Robinson, MD, Memphis, presided as speaker of the House, withJohn W. Hale, MD, Union City, serving as vice-speaker. Edward W. Capparelli, MD, Oak Ridge, chairman of the Credentials Committee, announced there were 121delegates in attendance for the opening session of the House on Friday, which officially represented a quorum; there were 156 delegates in attendance for theSaturday session. The abstracted minutes of the last regular session of the House of Delegates, published in the June 2008 issue of Tennessee Medicine, were accept-ed by unanimous vote of the House.

BYLAW AMENDMENTSThe following bylaw amendment was adoptedby the 2009 House of Delegates.

BYLAW AMENDMENT NO. 3-08

LYING ON THE TABLE TO BE ACTED ON BY THE2009 HOUSE OF DELEGATES: DELETION OF LIE-OVER REQUIREMENT IN ORDER TO AMEND THETENNESSEE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION BYLAWS

David G. Gerkin, MD, ChairmanCommittee on the Constitution and Bylaws

RESOLVED, That Bylaw Chapter XI be amended bydeletion as follows:

In order to amend the Bylaws of this Association, atwo-thirds majority of the members of the House ofDelegates present and voting shall be necessary.Any bylaw may be suspended during the meetingby unanimous consent.

ADOPTED AS AMENDED

RESOLUTIONSThe following resolutions were acted on by the2009 House of Delegates.

RESOLUTION NO. 1-09

PEER REVIEW ACTIVITIES

Sean P. White, MD, DelegateSullivan County Medical Society

RESOLVED, That the Tennessee Medical Association(TMA) establish a mechanism by which local med-ical societies chartered by the TMA be allowed torefer physician complaints to the TMA for actionwhen the local society does not have adequate spe-cialty representation to provide local peer review.

ADOPTED

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RESOLUTION NO. 2-09

DEFINITION OF YOUNG PHYSICIAN

Scott M. Sadler, MD, DelegateYoung Physician Section

RESOLVED, That Chapter III, Sec. 15be amended by deletion and inser-tion as follows:

There shall be a Young PhysicianSection to provide representation ofthe interests of young physicianswithin the Association. YoungPhysicians are defined as practicingphysicians under age 40 or in their

Delegates to the TMA 174th Annual Meeting are creden-tialed before taking their place on the House floor.

SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION NO. 6-09

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR THE STATE OFTENNESSEE

Clarence B. Watridge, MD, DelegateThe Memphis Medical Society

RESOLVED, That the Tennessee Medical Associationeducate physicians and coordinate with existingdisaster plans to include:1. Enrollment of physicians who will serve as disas-ter physician volunteers

2. Education of physicians in the characteristics ofthe optimal medical disaster responder

3. Coordination of the physician response team withthe other state and federal emergency agencies.

ADOPTED

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––RESOLUTION NO. 10-09

ELECTION OF TMA DELEGATION TO THE AMAHOUSE OF DELEGATES

J. Chris Fleming, MD, Ex-Officio DelegateTMA AMA Delegation

RESOLVED, That Bylaw Chapter III, Sec. 7 beamended by insertion and deletions as follows:

Sec. 7. The membership at large shall elect repre-sentatives to the House of Delegates of theAmerican Medical Association from a slate of nom-

RESOLUTION NO. 5-09

COLON CANCER SCREENING MANDATE


RESOLVED, That the Tennessee Medical AssociationHouse of Delegates recommend passage of legisla-tion (SB508; HB396) which would mandate cover-age for colon cancer screening using the guidelinesof the American Cancer Society.

ADOPTED

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call upon the State of Tennessee to change the law sothat, for medical malpractice suits involvingEmergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act(EMTALA)-mandated care, the “English Rule” (loserpays) rather than the “American Rule” is applied atthe outcome of the suit, without exception.

REFERRED TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES FORACTION

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RESOLUTION NO. 4-09

CONTINUED FUNDING FOR THE TENNESSEE MED-ICAL ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP COLLEGE (PLC)

John J. Ingram, III, MD, Ex-Officio Delegate

RESOLVED, That the Tennessee Medical Associationcontinue to operate the TMA Physician LeadershipCollege; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Tennessee Medical Associationaccount for the TMA Physician Leadership Collegein its annual budget; and be it further

RESOLVED, That organizations nominating mem-bers to participate in the Tennessee MedicalAssociation Physician Leadership College (PLC) beasked to continue to contribute toward the fundingof their respective representative(s) in an amountset forth by the PLC Steering Committee.

ADOPTED

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19



The TMA House of Delegates considered a roster of 13 resolutions addressing a variety ofissues including disaster preparedness, standardized identification badges for healthcareprofessionals, colon cancer screening, and EMTALA liability.

Dr. Edward Capparelli (foreground) listens as State Finance & Administration Commissioner DaveGoetz addresses the HOD on state budget woes and efforts to boost Tennessee’s health IT capabilities.

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1. include an image and written designation of themedical personnel’s name and professionallicensure or training status.

ADOPTED AS AMENDED

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RESOLUTION NO. 12-09

ESTABLISHING TMA AS A RESOURCE FOR ELEC-TRONIC HEALTH RECORD SYSTEMS

Russell B. Leftwich, MD, DelegateNashville Academy of Medicine

RESOLVED, That the Tennessee Medical Associationmaintain an up-to-date list of Electronic Health Recordresources for selection and implementation, as welldevelopments in federal programs and initiatives, stateprograms and any third party payor initiatives and pro-grams that are developed and personal health records.

REFERRED TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES ASAMENDED FOR ACTION

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MEDICAL DIRECTORS AS“PEER” REVIEWERSWHEN PRE-ADJUDICATING PRESCRIBED TESTSAND PROCEDURES


RESOLVED, That the Tennessee Medical Association

The president-elect and AMA delegation shall beelected by the membership at large before theannual meeting of the House of Delegates convenes.

RESOLVED, That Bylaw Chapter IV, Sec. B.4 beamended by insertion and deletions as follows:

Sec. 4. In the membership-at-large balloting forpresident-elect, if no one receives a majority of thevotes cast, the top two vote recipients shall be in arunoff to decide the election. There will be norunoff balloting for the AMA Delegation,Councilors, or Board of Trustees unless there is atie for the most votes received. All ballots for pres-ident-elect, AMA Delegation, and Councilors,except for runoff ballots, shall be designed to allowmembers to indicate “write in” votes set forth bythe PLC Steering Committee.

ADOPTED

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STATEWIDE STANDARD FOR IDENTIFICATION OFHEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

Michael D. Zanolli, MD, DelegateNashville Academy of Medicine

RESOLVED, That the Tennessee Medical Associationcall upon the Legislative Committee to consider leg-islation requiring all medical personnel within thestate of Tennessee wearing an identification badgeor other visible identification in settings wherehealth care is delivered, excluding sterile settingssuch as operating rooms or when other protectiveclothing or covering is required, to:

inees certified by the Statewide NominatingCommittee in accordance with the Constitution andBylaws of the AMA for terms of two years. However, in2010, the AMA delegates elected shall be elected fora term of one year and are eligible for re-election in2011 so that the entire AMA delegation shall be up forelection in 2011; this provision to sunset immediate-ly after the delegation elected in 2011 is in place. Tobe eligible to serve on the TMA AMA delegation onemust have been a member of TMA for the five consec-utive years prior to election. The Association shall paythe reasonable expenses of each member of the del-egation representing the Association at the AmericanMedical Association meetings. Reasonable expensesshall be determined by the Board of Trustees.

RESOLVED, That Bylaw Chapter IV, Sec. B.3 beamended by insertion and deletions as follows:

Sec. 3. The members of the Statewide NominatingCommittee shall represent the eight established regionsof the state. A member of the Statewide NominatingCommittee shall serve a one-year term. A member ofthe Statewide Nominating Committee may not serve inthat position for longer than three consecutive terms. Iffor any reason a member of the Statewide NominatingCommittee is unable to serve, the Regional NominatingCommittee shall select another eligible member toserve in his/her place. The Statewide NominatingCommittee shall make a report of its nominees to thechief executive officer before the annual meeting of theHouse of Delegates convenes for the following:

a) At least two nominees but not more than fournominees for president-elect;

b) AMA delegation (in years in which members areelected);

c) Speaker; andd) Vice-speaker.

TMA officers line the dais for the HOD session; (front, L-R): President Dr. Robert Kirkpatrick, Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. DonEllenburg, BOT Vice-Chairman Dr. Robert Kerlan, President-elect Dr. Richard DePersio, and Immediate Past-President Dr. MackWorthington; (rear): HOD Speaker Dr. Wiley Robinson, Vice-Speaker Dr. John Hale, and TMA Chief Executive Officer Don Alexander.


TENNESSEE MEDICAL EDUCATION FUNDCONTRIBUTIONReaffirmation of Resolution No. 16-02

Donald T. Ellenburg, MD, ChairmanTMA Board of Trustees

RESOLVED, That the Tennessee Medical Association(TMA) add ten dollars to the TMA annual dues ofactive members which will be contributed to theTennessee Medical Education Fund, Inc (TMEF) fortuition assistance for medical students in Tennessee.

ADOPTED BY UNAMINOUS CONSENT

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TRUTH IN ADVERTISINGReaffirmation of Resolution No. 26-02


RESOLVED, That the physicians who utilize publica-tions as part of their advertising should insure that thepublication(s) openly and honestly explain how thephysicians were chosen, especially if the only criteriawas to pay for the advertising space; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Tennessee Medical AssociationHouse of Delegates instruct the delegation to theAmerican Medical Association to introduce this res-olution.


––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

RESOLVED, That the Tennessee Medical Association,in conjunction with the AmericanMedical Association,continue to urge and demand that the Department ofHealth and Human Services and the Centers forMedicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) should at alltimes distinguish between physicians (MD or DO) andnon-physicians and discontinue the use of the all-inclusive term “provider” when reporting or referringto costs of physician (MD or DO) services.


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TEAM PHYSICIAN SUPPORT FOR LOCAL HIGHSCHOOLSReaffirmation of Resolution No. 3-02Reaffirmation of Resolution No. 11-95


RESOLVED, That all Tennessee Medical Associationcomponent medical societies contact high schoolsin their county or region to determine the need formedical support as it pertains to athletic programs;and be it further

RESOLVED, That all Tennessee Medical Associationlocal medical societies attempt to fulfill the medicalneeds of local high schools by making memberphysicians aware of schools lacking proper med-ical support and encouraging them to volunteer toserve as a team physician.


––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

urge its American Medical Association delegation topromote resolutions that reflect:1. That true peer review should be specialty specific2. That peer review for pre-certification/pre-

authorization denial or modification of patienttreatment decisions create a physician/patientrelationship incumbent with all the ethical andlegal responsibilities and consequences.

3. That physicians participating in pre-certifica-tion/pre-authorization peer review decisionsshould have to provide their name, address, spe-cialty and training as well as medical license infor-mation to the patient if a medical service is deniedor modified as a result of such a review; and

4. That insurance companies and workers’ com-pensation carriers be made aware of these prin-ciples and the medical practice and legalresponsibilities assumed by them and the physi-cians they employ for such activities.

REFERRED TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES FORACTION

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PHYSICIAN ["DOCTORS"] SERVICES COSTS ASREPORTED BY CMS AND MEDICAREReaffirmation of Resolution No. 2-02Reaffirmation with Modification of ResolutionNo. 2-95


Newly-installed President Dr. RichardDePersio gives his acceptance speech, layingout his plans to bolster membership andaddress women’s health issues.

Graduates of the TMA Physician Leadership College applaud one of their own, as Dr. LeAnnStokes (left) describes her PLC experience to TMA delegates.

21



Former TMA presidents gathered for their annual reunion breakfast. (L-R): Drs. Robert Bowers, David Gerkin, John Ingram, III, ChrisFleming, Charles Handorf, Ted Galyon, Barrett Rosen, Phyllis Miller, Mack Worthington, John Dorian, Tom Nesbitt and Clarence Sanders;(seated) Drs. Nat Hyder, Jr., John Thomison, Kelley Avery and Charles White, Sr.

TMA Board Chairman Dr. Don Ellenburgpresents the HOD’s Resolution ofCommendation to Dr. DeWayne Darby withJefferson Family Physicians, one of threeTMA members honored for their involve-ment in pivotal class-action lawsuitsagainst health insurance companies.

RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION

SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF REPRESENTATIVEPLAINTIFFS IN THE HEALTH INSURANCE CLASSACTION LAWSUITS


Whereas, Prior to TMA’s filing of its class actionlawsuits against the major health insurance payersin Tennessee, the business practices of those com-panies toward physicians were out of alignmentand tilted advantageously toward the health plansas manifested by business practices which includ-ed black box edits of physicians’ claims; excessivebundling and down coding of claims; unfair con-tracting with physicians; confusing remittanceadvices; limited appeals processes; and “take it orleave it” contract provisions; and

Whereas, It being TMA’s position in 2002 thatlitigation was the last option left as a tool to levelthe playing field between health plans and physi-cians, TMA, through representative plaintiffs, filedlawsuits in Tennessee State court and later joinedcases filed by 18 other state and county medicalsocieties in Federal Court in cases known as the“Provider Track MDL Insurance Lawsuits”; and

Whereas, Most defendants settled their cases bypaying large amounts to the nationwide class ofphysicians; by expending millions of dollars intoimproved claims processing systems; reversingunfair contract and business practices; andimproving relations with medical associationssuch as TMA; and

Whereas, The physicians serving as representa-tive plaintiffs on behalf of TMA subjected them-selves and their medical practices to the scrutinyof opposing lawyers and dedicated themselves andtheir staffs to the noble cause of insurance reformthrough litigation. Now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Tennessee MedicalAssociation’s House of Delegates hereby formallythank and recognize the courage and selfless ded-ication to medicine of Zachary Rosenberg, MD;Dewayne P. Darby, MD; and Raymond Wesley, MDfor serving their fellow physicians as representa-tive plaintiffs in the “Provider Track MDLInsurance Lawsuits” in 2002; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution, appro-priately engrossed, be presented to ZacharyRosenberg, MD, Dewayne P. Darby, MD, andRaymond Wesley, MD as an expression of appre-ciation from this House of Delegates.

ADOPTED

22



25

TMA LeadershipTMA RESOURCE GUIDE

Executive CommitteeRichard DePersio, MD, President1515 Saint Mary St, Ste 200, Knoxville 37917-4514(865) 521-8050

Robert Kerlan, MD, Chair6005 Park Ave, Ste 200, Memphis 38119-5212(901) 761-2100

Charles Eckstein, MD, Vice-Chair2801 Charlotte Ave, Nashville 37209-4035(615) 250-9200

Christopher Young, MD, Secretary-Treasurer975 E 3rd St, Chattanooga 37403-2103(423) 778-7608

B W. Ruffner, Jr., MD,President-elect3021 E Brow Rd,Signal Mountain 37377-3505(423) 643-2575

Robert Kirkpatrick, MD,Immediate Past-President1301 Primacy Pkwy, Memphis38119-0213(901) 448-0230

Outgoing BOT Chair Dr. Don Ellenburg (left) accepts a plaque ofappreciation from incoming Chair Dr. Robert Kerlan.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Board MembersAriel Alexandroni, Medical Student SectionPO Box 176, Mountain Home 37684-0176(423) 946-8890

Valerie Arnold, MD711 Jefferson Ave, Rm 178, Memphis 38105-5003(901) 448-5944

Samuel Bastian, MD2339 Hillsboro Rd, Franklin 37069-6225(615) 791-9300

Richard Briggs, MD101 E Blount Ave Ste 800, Knoxville 37920-1669(865) 632-5900

Channappa Chandra, MD725 Glenwood Dr Ste E580, Chattanooga37404-1191(423) 624-6584

Landon Combs, MD, Young Physician Section121 Rose Trace Ct, Blountville 37617-4880(423) 477-2885

Steven Dickerson, MDPO Box 159087, Nashville 37215-9087(615) 824-2014

Charles Goodman, Jr., MD320 E Main St, Murfreesboro 37130-3827(615) 896-5772

John Hale, MD, HOD Vice-Speaker287 E Maupin Rd, Union City 38261-6242(731) 885-5131

Gary Kimzey, MD1755 Kirby Pkwy Ste 330, Memphis 38120-4398(901) 725-5846

Roy King, MD315 Erin Dr, Knoxville 37919-6202(865) 584-1933

Charles Leonard, MD1171 Highway 11 E Ste 101, Talbott 37877-3137(865) 475-2400

Keith Lovelady, MD180 N Washington St Ste 300, Tullahoma 37388(931) 455-1511

Matthew Mancini, MD1930 Alcoa Hwy Ste A240, Knoxville 37920-1510(865) 305-9620

Fredric Mishkin, MD135 W Ravine Rd, Ste 3-A, Kingsport 37660-3847(423) 246-6777

Edmund Palmer, MD294 Summar Dr, Jackson 38301-3915(731) 423-1932

Wiley Robinson, MD, HOD Speaker6263 Poplar Ave Ste 1052, Memphis 38119-4736(901) 761-6157

Bob Vegors, MD616 W Forest Ave, Jackson 38301-3966(731) 422-0344

Regan Williams, MD, Resident & Fellow Section2096 Carr Ave, Memphis 38104-5341(901) 355-0999

Charles Womack, MD859 Loweland Rd, Cookeville 38501-2880(931) 528-5547

Michael Zanolli, MD4230 Harding Pike Ste 609 E, Nashville 37205-2013(615) 222-3442

Special AdvisersRobin Hutchins, PresidentTMA Alliance1425 Kensington Dr, Knoxville 37922-6039

Steve DickensTN Medical Group Management AssociationPO Box 1065, Brentwood 37024-1065(615) 846-8336

THESE ARE MEMBERS OF TMA’S STANDING COMMITTEES FOR 2008-2009

TMA RESOURCE GUIDE

COMMUNITY & PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSRussell Leftwich, MD, Nashville, ChairElise Denneny, MD, KnoxvilleBrent Hatcher, MD, JacksonBarbara Kimbrough, MD, Johnson CityJeff Suppinger, MD, FranklinPhilip Pollock, MD, ChattanoogaRuss Miller, CAE, TMA Staff Liaison

CONSTITUTION & BYLAWSDavid Gerkin, MD, Knoxville, ChairNancy Barbarito, MD, Johnson CityJohn Bond, MD, NashvilleTed Galyon, MD, MemphisAlbert Grobmyer, III, MD, MemphisVincent Viscomi, MD, ChattanoogaCharles White, Sr., MD, LexingtonYarnell Beatty, JD, TMA Staff Liaison

INSURANCE ISSUESJerome Thompson, MD, Memphis, ChairBritton Bishop, MD, AlcoaGabi Brockelsby, MurfreesboroEdward Capparelli, MD, Oak RidgeEric Fox, MD, CookevilleWilliam Legier, Dickson, Special AdvisorB W. Ruffner, Jr., MD, Signal MountainPhyllis Franklin, TMA Staff Liaison

TMA Committees

COMMUNITY & PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE ACTIVITIESOVER THE PAST YEAR:• Aided in the proper positioning of TMA views on issues related to patient care

in retail clinics, and assisted in the creation of the official position paperand letter to the editor.

• Recommended enhancements and upgrades to the TMA Web site, includingthe adoption of Web 2.0 or “social media” features; worked with consultanton web redesign and implementation.

• Recommended and oversaw the development of a new logo and graphic iden-tity for the TMA.

• Directed a number of editorials on issues related to retail clinics, Medicarereimbursement, medical liability reform, insurance rating and tiering, pre-scription abuse, electronic health technology, the uninsured, health systemreform, and the presidential election.

• Directed staff in developing a formal communications plan to help the TMAbetter communicate its activities and information to members.

Interested in joining this committee? E-mail Russ Miller at [email protected].

2008-2009 INSURANCE ISSUES COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES:• As instructed by the HOD, worked with the P4P ad hoc committee on a rating and

tiering educational plan and legislative directive; gathered data from primary careproviders on benchmarks and staff time required for quality measures reporting.

• Explored the ideas of a federal single-payer system versus the universal healthcare law adopted by the state of Massachusetts.

• Researched Tennessee practice experiences with Medicare Recovery Audit Contractors(RACs) and explored a possible partnership with other states impacted by RACs.

• A representative participated in a September 2008 webinar by the State Finance& Administration Commissioner and all interested healthcare industry stake-holders on the subject of insurance rating and tiering; attendees concludedthat claims data alone is an inadequate measure of quality of care.

Interested in joining this committee?E-mailPhyllis [email protected].

26

CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS COMMITTEE ACTIVITY FOR 2008-2009:• Appointed a member to serve on a BOT ad hoc committee considering a

bylaw request to make TMA committee members voting ex-officio membersof the House of Delegates (HOD).

• Recommended a bylaw amendment requiring standing committees to have avice-chair and secretary for a chain of command, in case the chair isunavailable.

• Reviewed and rejected a bylaws amendment request to require all committeesto meet at least quarterly via e-mail, conference call or otherwise at leastone week before a scheduled BOT meeting.

• Reviewed and rejected a bylaws amendment request to close a “loophole”allowing medical student representation on both the HOD and the BOT.

• Saw HOD approval of a 2008 bylaws amendment to delete the one-day lie-over provision for bylaws amendments.

Interested in joining this committee? E-mail Yarnell Beatty at [email protected]

LEGISLATIONCharles White, Jr., MD, Lexington, ChairGail Brabson, Knoxville, TMA AllianceMark Brzezienski, MD, ChattanoogaRobert Dimick, MD, NashvilleDavid Gerkin, MD, Knoxville, Ex-OfficioJohn Hale, MD, Union CityGary Kimzey, MD, GermantownKenneth Moore, MD, FranklinBronn Rayne, MD, CookevilleTedford Taylor, MD, Johnson CityIris Snider, MD, AthensMr. Randy Wilmore, CMPE, TMGMAGary Zelizer, TMA Staff Liaison

MEMBERSHIPDouglas Springer, MD, Kingsport, ChairRobert Miller, III, MD, GermantownEdmund Palmer, MD, JacksonB W. Ruffner, MD, ChattanoogaRuss Miller, CAE, TMA Staff Liaison

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT & QUALITYJoseph “Pete” Kelley, Jr., MD, Chattanooga, ChairGeorge Flinn, Jr., MD, MemphisBenjamin Johnson, Jr., MD, NashvilleJames Powell, MD, FranklinColleen Schmitt, MD, ChattanoogaYarnell Beatty, JD, TMA Staff Liaison

PUBLIC HEALTHStuart Polly, MD, Memphis, ChairMartha Buchanan, MD, KnoxvilleEdward Capparelli, MD, Oak RidgeMichael Revelle, MD, JacksonKirk Stone, MD, Union CityCharles White, Jr., MD, LexingtonJulie Griffin, TMA Staff Liaison

TMA RESOURCE GUIDE

TMA’S LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES OVER THE PAST YEAR INCLUDED:• Drafting four insurance-related bills for TMA proposal, to fit with the new TMA priority of insur-

ance reform, including bills to mandate insurer transparency and requiring insurers to validatethe data used to rate providers on quality of care.

• Supporting a number of other insurance bills that would have a noticeable effect on the payer-provider relationship.

• Bringing legislation to extend the TennCare “doctor shopping” reporting requirement to all pre-scribers, and to extend secondhand smoke protection to children traveling in vehicles.

• Documenting a noticeable reduction in medical malpractice claims filed after the October 1 effectivedate of a significant medical liability reform measure, a big victory for TMA in early 2008.

• Supporting additional MLR changes, including expansion of volunteer provider immunity.• Opposing scope of practice challenges that include authorizing some psychologists to prescribe,

allowing APNs and PAs to sign death certificates, and permitting licensure of Naturopaths.• Opposing a number of public health bills to legalize medical marijuana, repeal Tennessee’s mandatory

motorcycle helmet law, require the release of medical test results on minors to parents on request,allow the sale of raw milk by prescription, and remove exemptions that regulate abortion providers.

Interested in joining this committee? E-mail Gary Zelizer at [email protected].

OVER THE PAST YEAR, MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED:• Initiating a new marketing strategy utilizing reminder calls to members who had not yet renewed;

efforts added 192 new dues paying members but the committee remained gravely concernedabout the annual losses to membership.

• Oversaw additional marketing efforts that included advertising, along with direct mailings and aTMA president’s editorial letter to non-members.

• Development of a TMA Board Challenge, asking BOT members to each contact group membersand partners about joining the TMA.

• Mailing news clippings and “Welcome” letters to Tennessee transplants, newly licensed physiciansand those changing practices.

• Increased visibility at specialty society, academic and medical school events with TMA exhibits and literature.• Launch of a new Group Practice Outreach campaign, targeting 10 large practice groups across

Tennessee; membership agreements were signed with four large groups: Dickson Medical Associates,Summit Medical Group, Premier Surgical Associates and Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance.

Interested in joining this committee? E-mail Russ Miller at [email protected].

ACTIVITIES FOR THE PRACTICE MANAGEMENT & QUALITY COMMITTEE OVER THE PAST YEAR:• Drafted legislation brought by the TMA to require managed health insurance issuers to validate data

used to measure the quality of a provider’s care.• Worked with a BOT ad hoc task force on insurance rating and tiering to educate physicians on their

rights regarding quality rating programs.• Developed methodology and collected statistical data to show rating and tiering data is consistently

incorrect and invalid.• Educated employer groups and coalitions, such as Healthcare 21 and the Tennessee Business

Roundtable, that their provider quality reports contain flawed data, and that chart review is the“gold standard” for accurate rating.

• Oversaw development of a rating and tiering “toolkit” and other resources and talking points formembers, accessible via the new online TMA Insurance Resource Center.

Interested in joining this committee? E-mail Yarnell Beatty at [email protected].

Interested in joining this committee? E-mail Julie Griffin at [email protected].

27

TMA RESOURCE GUIDE

The TMA AMA Delegation briefs potential new members at MedTenn 2009.

AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION DELEGATION

TMA SECTIONS

DelegatesChris Fleming. MD, Germantown, ChairDavid Gerkin, MD, Knoxville, Vice-ChairDonald Franklin, MD, ChattanoogaLee Morisy, MD, MemphisCharles White, Sr., MD, Lexington

AlternatesSubhi Ali, MD, WaverlyLandon Combs, MD, BlountvilleRichard DePersio, MD, FACS, KnoxvilleJohn Ingram, III, MD, AlcoaRobert Kirkpatrick, MD, GermantownBarrett Rosen, MD, NashvilleB W. Ruffner, MD, Signal Mountain

TMA YOUNG PHYSICIAN SECTIONGoverning CouncilLandon Combs, MD, Blountville, ChairJames Batson, MD, Cookeville, Vice-ChairJeffrey Suppinger, MD, Franklin, Secretary-Treasurer

TMA HOD DelegatesStaci Van Winkle, MD, Memphis (1)Scott Sadler, MD, Lexington (2)Jeffrey Suppinger, MD, Franklin (3)Leah Patton, MD, Nashville (4)James Batson, MD, Cookeville (5)Elizabeth Culler, MD, Chattanooga (6)James Howell, DO, Alcoa (7)Landon Combs, MD, Blountville (8)

AMA YPS DelegateLandon Combs, MD, Blountville

28

TMA YPS Chair Dr. Scott Sadler introduces a resolution to changethe definition of young physician to match that used by the AMA.

Medical Student Section members converse between HOD sessions at the TMA annual meeting.

TMA RESIDENT & FELLOW SECTIONGoverning CouncilRegan Williams, MD, Memphis, ChairDawn Linn, DO, Jackson, Vice-ChairCharles Cesare, MD, Jonesborough,Secretary-Treasurer

TMA HOD DelegateOmar Mohamed, MD, Memphis

AMA RFS DelegatesRegan Williams, MDDana Block-Abraham, DOMuhammad Usman Khan, MD (Alternate)

TMA MEDICAL STUDENT SECTIONGoverning CouncilAdam Wright, Memphis (UTHSC), ChairTakita Brown, Nashville (MMC) Vice-ChairAda Egbuji, Nashville (MMC)Katie Greene, Memphis (UTHSC)Mariah Pate, Johnson City (QCOM)Shawn Robertson, Johnson City (QCOM)Kaartiga Sivanesan, Nashville (VUMC)

TMA HOD DelegatesAriel Alexandroni, Mountain Home (QCOM)Cassandra Bradby, Nashville (MMC)

AMA MSS DelegatesAdam Wright, Memphis (UTHSC)Ariel Alexandroni, Mountain Home (QCOM)

TMA RESOURCE GUIDE

IMPACT Board members hold a meeting in conjunction with MedTenn 2009.

BOARD OF DIRECTORSKenneth Moore, MD, Franklin (Dist. 4), ChairJeffrey Fenyves, MD, Kingsport (Dist. 1)Leonard Brabson, Sr., MD, Knoxville (Dist. 2)Mark Brzezienski, MD, Chattanooga (Dist. 3)Newton Allen, Jr., MD, Nashville (Dist. 5)Kenneth Holbert, MD, FACEP, Smyrna (Dist. 6)Robert Kirkpatrick, MD, Germantown (Dist. 7)Kirk Stone, MD, Union City (Dist. 8)Jeffery Warren, MD, Memphis (Dist. 9)James Batson, MD, Cookeville, Young Physician SectionJohn Vickery, IV, MD, Bartlett, Resident & Fellow SectionGeorganna Rosel, Johnson City, Medical Student SectionBarbara B. Trautman, Germantown, TMA AllianceGary Zelizer, Executive Director, Assistant/Secretary-Treasurer

INDEPENDENT MEDICINE'S POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE - TENNESSEE (IMPACT)

29

PHYSICIAN LEADERSHIP COLLEGE (PLC)STEERING COMMITTEEJohn Ingram, III, MD, Alcoa, ChairNancy Barbarito, MD, Johnson CityMichael Cates, CAE, MemphisStarling Evins, MD, FranklinGeorge Lee, III, MD, MS, NashvillePhyllis Miller, MD, HixsonLee Morisy, MD, Memphis

TN FOUNDATION FOR QUALITY PATIENTHEALTHCARE (TFQPH) BOARD OF DIRECTORSRobert Kirkpatrick, MD, Memphis, ChairSubhi Ali, MD, WaverlyNewton Allen, Jr., MD, NashvilleJohn Ingram, III, MD, AlcoaMichael McAdoo, MD, MilanBronn Rayne, MD, CookevilleBarrett Rosen, MD, NashvilleDon Alexander, TMA CEO

TN MEDICAL EDUCATION FUND (TMEF)BOARD OF DIRECTORSRobert Bowers, MD, Chattanooga, ChairRobert Kerlan, MD, FACP, Memphis, Vice-ChairBob Vegors, MD, Jackson, Secretary-TreasurerMaysoon Ali, MD, WaverlySubhi Ali, MD, Waverly, Special AdvisorJohn Ingram, III, MD, Alcoa, Special AdvisorRobert Kirkpatrick, MD, GermantownGeorge R. Lee, III, MD, NashvilleSamWilliams, III, MD, Winter Harbor, ME, Special AdvisorMarcia Young, Murfreesboro, TMA Alliance

SPECIAL BOARDS & COMMITTEES

TMA JUDICIAL COUNCILEric Fox, MD, Cookeville, Chair (5)Pete Swarr, MD, Brentwood, Vice-Chair (3)Lee Berkenstock, MD, Memphis (1)Walter Fletcher, MD, Lexington (2)Russell Leftwich, MD, Nashville (4)Mel Twiest, MD, Signal Mountain (6)George Smith, MD, Oak Ridge (7)David Freemon, MD, Johnson City (8)

FUTURES II WORK GROUPMichael Minch, MD, Nashville, ChairNancy Barbarito, MD, Johnson CitySamuel Bastian, MD, FranklinJames Batson, MD, CookevilleRichard DePersio, MD, FACS, PowellChris Fleming, MD, GermantownRonald Kirkland, MD, JacksonCharles Leonard, MD, TalbottEdmund Palmer, Jr., MD, JacksonWiley Robinson, MD, MemphisNita Shumaker, MD, HixsonCharles Womack, MD, CookevilleChristopher Young, MD, Signal MountainMichael Zanolli, MD, Nashville

TENNESSEE MEDICINE EDITORIAL BOARDDavid Gerkin, MD, Knoxville, EditorJohn Thomison, MD, Nashville, Editor EmeritusLoren Crown, MD, CovingtonDeborah German, MD, NashvilleRonald Johnson, MD, MemphisRobert Kirkpatrick, MD, GermantownKarl Misulis, MD, JacksonGregory Phelps, MD, KnoxvilleBradley Smith, MD, NashvilleJonathan Sowell, MD, KnoxvilleJim Talmage, MD, Cookeville

Incoming TMA President Dr. Richard DePersio (left) talks withLBMC’s Jody Lentz and Dr. Nita Shumaker following a Futures IIstrategy planning session.

TMA RESOURCE GUIDE

Component Medical Society PresidentsBedford County Medical SocietyLawrence Schull, Jr., MD2839 Highway 231 N, Ste 105, Shelbyville37160-7327(931) 685-8020

Benton-Humphreys County MedicalSociety

Robert Bourne, Jr., MD101 Hospital Dr, Camden 38320-1617(731) 584-2020

Blount County Medical SocietyClinton Wight, MD1310 S Heritage Dr, Maryville 37803-6454(865) 380-5333

Bradley County Medical SocietyBrian Mitchell, MD400 Berywood Trl NW, Ste A, Cleveland37312-5288(423) 697-2000

Carter County Medical SocietyRobert Walter, MD1505 W Elk Ave, Ste 2, Elizabethton37643-2848(423) 543-1261

Chattanooga-Hamilton CountyMedical SocietyKenneth Hayman, Jr., MD636 Valley Bridge Rd, Chattanooga37415-3917(423) 870-3142

Cocke County Medical SocietyNone reported

Coffee County Medical SocietyRaymond Capps, MD1330 Cedar Ln, Ste 700, Tullahoma37388-3276(931) 455-1219

Consolidated Medical Assembly ofWest TennesseeRobert Vegors, MD616 W Forest Ave, Jackson 38301-3966(731) 422-0344

Cumberland County Medical SocietyNone reported

DeKalb County Medical SocietyMelvin Blevins, MDPO Box 667, Smithville 37166-0667(615) 597-4049

Franklin County Medical SocietyMark Wert, MD761 Gipson Ln, Decherd 37324-4055(931) 968-1257

Giles County Medical SocietyNone reported

Greene County Medical SocietyJohn Boys, MD1520 Crestwood Dr, Greeneville 37745-6406(423) 639-1508

Hawkins County Medical SocietyNone reported

Henry County Medical SocietyNone reported

Knoxville Academy of MedicineRichard Briggs, MD101 E Blount Ave, Ste 800, Knoxville37920-1669(865) 632-5900

Lakeway Medical SocietyFrederick Yarid, MD823 McFarland St, Morristown 37814-3438(423) 587-9777

Lawrence County Medical SocietyNone reported

Lincoln County Medical SocietyChristopher Gafford, MDPO Box 992, Fayetteville 37334-0992(931) 438-4111

Loudon County Medical SocietyCalvin Schaerer, MD616 Ward Ave, Loudon 37774-1323(865) 458-5666

Maury County Medical SocietyAnthony Cryar, MD854 W James Campbell Blvd, Ste 205,Columbia 38401-4672(931) 548-0053

McMinn County Medical SocietyRichard Sharpe, MDPO Box 70, Athens 37371-0070(423) 745-6575

The Memphis Medical SocietyClarence Watridge, MD6325 Humphreys Blvd, Memphis38120-2300(901) 522-7700

Monroe County Medical SocietyNone reported

Montgomery County Medical SocietyCharles Fitch, MD701 Vaughan Rd, Clarksville 37043-5351(931) 358-5650

Nashville Academy of MedicineGeorge Lee, III, MD, MS2506 Sunset Pl, Nashville 37212-4814(615) 294-3963

Northwest Tennessee Academy ofMedicineJames Shore, MD117 Kennedy Dr, Martin 38237-3309(731) 587-9511

Overton County Medical SocietyNone reported

Putnam County Medical SocietyHarry Stuber, MD192 Askin Ln, Baxter 38544-6800(931) 858-2832

Roane-Anderson County Medical SocietyGeorge Smith, MD800 Oak Ridge Tpke, Ste A200, Oak Ridge37830-6927(865) 483-2299

Robertson County Medical SocietyJonathan Kroser, MD320 Northcrest Dr, Springfield 37172-3963(615) 384-8211

Scott County Medical SocietyTrent Cross, MD460 Industrial Ln, Oneida 37841-6294(423) 569-8064

Sevier County Medical SocietyAmmar Razzak, MD1225 E Weisgarber Rd, Ste N200,Knoxville 37909-2675(865) 584-4747

Smith County Medical SocietyRichard West, MD133 Hospital Dr, Ste 600, Carthage37030-4006(615) 735-2200

Stones River Academy of MedicineDavid Beaird, MD1272 Garrison Dr, Murfreesboro37129-2570(615) 893-4480

Sullivan County Medical SocietyBenjamin Scharfstein, Jr., MD835 Deerlick Rd, Piney Flats 37686-3826(423) 538-7000

Sumner County Medical SocietyNone reported

Tipton County Medical SocietySamuel T. Johnson, MDPO Box 507, Covington 38019-0507(901) 475-4752

Warren County Medical SocietyNone reported

Washington-Unicoi-Johnson CountyMedical SocietyThomas McGinnis, MD1001 E 9th Ave, Johnson City 37601-3421(423) 928-3957

White County Medical SocietyNone reported

Williamson County Medical SocietySamuel Bastian, MD2339 Hillsboro Rd, Franklin 37069-6242(615) 791-9300

Wilson County Medical SocietyNo current president

31

ANNUAL AWARD PRESENTATIONS

Maury W. Bronstein,MD, was nominated byThe Memphis MedicalSociety for his humani-tarian work and hisyears of medical lead-ership in Memphis andShelby County. AMemphis native andgraduate of theUniversity of TennesseeCollege of Medicine,Dr. Bronstein hasserved as an internistand cardiologist atBaptist Memorial

Hospital for 51 years. His commitment to leading-edge heart services helpedadvance the hospital’s cardiac unit. He also established Memphis’ first coro-nary care unit at Baptist and has held many leadership posts there includingpresident of the medical staff, chief of staff and chairman of the Department ofMedicine.

He joined the TMA when it was still the Tennessee State Medical Society in1955, along with the AMA and the Memphis and Shelby County Medical Society.He has served as president of the Memphis Academy of Internal Medicine andthe Memphis Heart Association and was on the board of directors for theMemphis Jewish Home, the Church Health Center, Baptist Memorial HealthCare Foundation and Temple Israel.

Dr. Bronstein is the University of Tennessee-College of Medicine EndowedProfessorships Chair of Excellence in Cardiovascular Physiology and is thenamesake of the Baptist Hospital Health Sciences Library in Memphis. In 2006,Dr. Bronstein was honored with the Pillar Award from Baptist Hospital, pre-sented to the outstanding emeritus physician.

Outstanding Physicians: Drs. Bronstein,Burns, PenningtonThe Outstanding Physician Award is presented annually by the TMA House of Delegates to member physicians who have made their own personalmark on the profession of medicine in Tennessee and on those whom they have worked with and known during their illustrious medical careers.

DR. BRONSTEIN HONORED FOR CORONARY CARE ACHIEVEMENTS

R. Phillip Burns, MD, was nomi-nated by the Chattanooga-HamiltonCounty Medical Society for his stead-fast commitment to medical educa-tion and innovation and unprece-dented longevity in serving as the sur-gical chairman at the University ofTennessee College of Medicine,Chattanooga.

Under Dr. Burns’ leadership, thesurgery residency program grewfrom eight to 30-plus residents ingeneral surgery and in a critical careand vascular surgery fellowshipdirected by 31 multi-specialty fulltime faculty. In 2001, the R. PhillipBurns, MD, Award for Academic

Excellence was created at theUniversity of Tennessee to recognizehis first 25 years of exemplaryservice.

Dr. Burns has served as the pastsecretary-director and president ofthe Southeastern Surgical Congressand past-president of the TennesseeChapter of the American College ofSurgeons. He also currently serves asa governor of the American Collegeof Surgeons, president of theSouthern Surgical Association andwas named the OutstandingPhysician of the Year in 2007 by TheBaroness Foundation at ErlangerMedical Center.

Dr. Bronstein accepts his TMA OutstandingPhysician Award.

Dr. Burns (left) poses with TMA House of Delegates SpeakerDr. Wiley Robinson after receiving his award.

TENNESSEE MEDICINE / JUNE 2009 37

2009 TMA Annual Awards

DR. BURNS RECOGNIZED FOR INNOVATION AND DEDICATED SERVICE

38



Since beginning his practice in 1957, Thomas Guv Pennington, MD,, hasbeen a leader in Nashville’s medical community; that according to the NashvilleAcademy of Medicine, which nominated him for Outstanding Physician.

As a member of the Nashville Academy, Dr. Pennington served as president,chairman and member of numerous committees. He also represented theAcademy as a delegate to the TMA House of Delegates. Dr. Pennington held lead-ership roles as president of the Middle Tennessee Medical Association in 1969and as president of the Nashville Society of Internal Medicine from 1983 to 1984.

A graduate of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Dr. Penningtonserved as a chief of medicine and assistant chief of medicine at U.S. Air Forcehospitals in North Africa and Florida before returning to Nashville to begin pri-vate practice in Allergy Immunology and Internal Medicine. In 1993 he becamea founding partner of Heritage Medical Associates, a medical group that nowincludes 80 physicians. He continues to practice there and plays a strong rolein maintaining the culture of professionalism. His medical leadership alsoincludes years as chief of medicine and chief of staff at Baptist Hospital and

chairman of the Board ofDirectors of Healthmaster.

In his free time, Dr.Pennington has beeninvolved with internationalmedical mission trips withFirst Presbyterian Churchof Oak Hill and is a fre-quent volunteer at theSiloam Clinic, whichserves indigent patientsmostly of internationaldescent and is a leadingphysician in NAM’s Bridgesto Care Plus project serv-ing the uninsured. �

DR. PENNINGTON CHOSEN FOR MEDICAL LEADERSHIP

Dr. Robinson presents Dr. Penningtonwith his award.

Nominated by the Knoxville Academyof Medicine where he currentlyserves as president, Richard M.Briggs, MD, is being honored forhis leadership in a time of need, bothin his local community and in theU.S. military.

Recent years has seen a spate ofnegative feeling and news coverageregarding questionable actions bylocal elected officials, and a resultinglack of trust on the part of Knoxvillecitizens. Amid the turmoil, Dr. Briggsstepped up to the plate in 2008 tooffer his time, energy, expertise andservice to the people of his district as

a Knox County Commissioner. His devotionto good government and ethical practicesdistinguishes him as a community leader.Dr. Briggs is also a high-ranking Army vet-eran who has served in forward areas,including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Somalia,Ecuador, Colombia and Afghanistan. Hisexperiences have granted him grace underfire and composure in adverse circum-stances.

Currently practicing with East TennesseeCardiovascular Surgery Group, Dr. Briggs isboard certified in Thoracic Surgery. He hasalso served as an assistant clinical profes-sor of surgery at various universities overthe past 20 years.

Distinguished Service Award: Drs. Briggs,Collins, Gibson & TaylorThe Distinguished Service Award has been presented annually since 1963 by the TMA Board of Trustees to exemplary members of the Associationfor their notable achievements during the last calendar year. Recipients are physician members who deserve recognition of outstanding service orcontribution to the advancement of medical science, or to this Association, or to the public welfare, whether of a civic or scientific nature.

DR. BRIGGS HONORED FOR CHARACTER, SERVICE AMID TURMOIL

David Newton Collins, MD, PC, FACP, FACG, was nominated for theDistinguished Service Award by the Chattanooga-Hamilton County MedicalSociety (CHCMS) for his inspiring leadership and involvement with ProjectAccess, a program to provide healthcare services to low-income uninsured

residents of Hamilton County.Dr. Collins was one of the first physicians to join the Hamilton County

Project Access Community Health Initiative and he has faithfully served since theprogram’s inception in April 2004. His contributions include the recruitment

Dr. Briggs accepts the Distinguished Service Award from TMABoard of Trustees Chairman Dr. Don Ellenburg.

DR. COLLINS AWARDED FOR VOLUNTEER SPIRIT, INSPIRATION

39



of fellow gastroenterologists and a tirelessvolunteer spirit throughout the program’shistory. In fact, Dr. Collins has providedhealth care for more individual patientsthan any other physician in the program.Given that Dr. Collins is in solo practiceand Hamilton County faces a significantshortage of physicians in his specialty, thisaccomplishment is distinguishing.

Dr. Collins is board certified inGastroenterology and Internal Medicine.He is a distinguished member of numer-

ous medical professional organiza-tions and hospital committees, and atireless lecturer to internists, familypractitioners and at conferences. Heserved as a board member and scien-tific advisor to the NationalFoundation for Ileitis and Colitis, evenauthoring a column in the local NFICnewsletter. Dr. Collins also serves as aclinical assistant professor in theDepartment of Medicine at EastTennessee State University.Dr. Collins is presented his award by Dr. Ellenburg.

DR. GIBSON A CHAMPION FOR THE NEEDYNominated by the Nashville Academy of Medicine (NAM) for his leadership inthe Academy and the community, John R. Gibson, MD, has been an activeAcademy member since 1983. He has been on the NAM Board of Directors forsix years, serving as president in 2007 and chairman in 2008. He has alsoserved as a long-time delegate from the Academy to the TMA.

Dr. Gibson is cited as a physician champion for the needy due to hisinvolvement with Bridges to Care Plus. The program is a coordinated system ofvolunteer physicians, hospitals, laboratories, and pharmacies to help DavidsonCounty’s uninsured get access to specialty care. Dr. Gibson not only played animportant role in establishing the program in April 2005, but has worked tire-lessly to maintain relationships with hospital networks and volunteer physi-cians to make sure treatment is received by those in need.

A Nashville native, Dr. Gibson received his doctor of medicine fromWashington University and is board certified in Internal Medicine. He serves asboard director for Guardian and Trust Corp., and is also a member ofSoutheastern Clinical Club.

Dr. Gibson receives his awardfrom Dr. Ellenburg.

William Z. Taylor,MD, was nominated byThe Memphis MedicalSociety for his workwith medical humani-tarian efforts and physi-cian training in war-torn Afghanistan. He isan Alpha Omega AlphaDistinguished Graduateaward recipient fromthe University ofTennessee HealthScience Center inMemphis. He and hiswife Cindy, a formerneonatal ICU nurse atMethodist University

Hospital in Memphis, have served for numerous years as volunteers andfounders first of the Memphis-Afghan Friendship Summit and more recently ofSilk Road Development, a non-profit organization dedicated to improvingmedical care, humanitarian efforts and leadership training in Afghanistan

Through Silk Road Development, the Taylors are teaching and mentoringAfghan government leaders; according to Dr. Taylor, their most significantaccomplishment is the beginning of a new Afghan hospice care program in acountry where there are no existing oncology services. Silk Road is alsoinvolved in the distribution of food and medical supplies, and the training andmentoring of physicians and other healthcare workers. In 2008 the organiza-tion participated in the first International Gastroenterology-Hepatology confer-ence – more than 600 Afghan physicians attended with faculty from the UnitedStates, Afghanistan, Iran, and Germany. The Taylors have spent countless hoursproviding basic medical education, and have taken many medical teams toKabul, Bamyan and Jogheri.

Dr. Taylor is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterologyand currently practices with Gastroenterology Center of the MidSouth, PC. �Dr. Taylor and wife Cindy pose together fol-

lowing TMA Award ceremonies.

MEDICAL HUMANITARIAN WORK DISTINGUISHES DR. TAYLOR

40



Community Service Award: United Way ofGreater Knoxville, Volunteers in MedicineThe Tennessee Medical Association (TMA) annually recognizes persons or organizations outside the medical profession who contribute signifi-cantly to the advancement of public health in their respective communities.

The Knoxville Academy of Medicine nominated United Way of GreaterKnoxville for its diligent efforts to address the challenge of the uninsuredthrough the Medical Home Initiative.

The goal of the program is to create medical homes for more than 7,250low-income individuals. United Way joined forces with the Knoxville Academyof Medicine Foundation, Cherokee Health Systems and the Interfaith HealthClinic to jump-start the initiative; the program celebrated its half-way milestonein December 2008 with over 5,300 patients receiving a full continuum ofhealth care. Over 850 physicians in Knox County and all area hospitals are par-ticipating in the Medical Home Initiative through Project Access, and almost $4million dollars in donated care has been received by these patients

The United Way of Greater Knoxville also supported the Initiative with thesingle-largest donor investment in the program, a $3.3 million dollar grant,which allowed medical partners to hire physicians and more staff to take careof increased patient capacity. United Way also provided funding for transporta-tion services to patients in need and regularly creates opportunities to high-light the generosity of the physician community and encourage communitysupport of the Medical Home Initiative. The program is now serving as a modelfor other communities across the country to address the healthcare needs ofthe uninsured.

UNITED WAY OF GREATER KNOXVILLE

The TMA’s Dr. David Gerkin (left) poses with his daughter, MelanieRobinson, and with Terence Carter; both are members of UnitedWay of Greater Knoxville’s Transformation Committee, which led

the agency’s award-winning Medical Home Initiative.

Volunteers in Medicine, Chattanooga, Inc. (VIM), was nominated by TheChattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society (CHCMS) for providing care tofinancially-eligible individuals who otherwise have no access to health care –exemplifying the spirit of community service and making a profound differencein the lives of thousands of Hamilton County residents.

The faith-based clinic, which opened its doors in May 2005, has a smallpaid staff that coordinates the efforts of volunteers who provide both primaryand specialty care to the tune of $4.18 million dollars to date. Volunteers inMedicine offers primary and specialty care, along with physical therapy, nutri-tion counseling, life issues counseling, a chaplaincy program, emergency den-tal care and a children’s reading room – at no cost to the patients. Former TMAPresident Dr. Robert Bowers serves as the volunteer medical director for VIMand sees patients several days a week.

Since its inception, Volunteers in Medicine has been a key primary carepartner with the CHCMS/Medical Foundation’s Project Access CommunityHealth Initiative. �

VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE, INC.

Nancy Franks, founding president of Volunteers in Medicine,addresses the crowd after receiving theTMA Community Service Award.

MMaannyy ooff tthhee aaddvveerrttiisseerrss in this Journal

are long standing patrons of our monthly

publication. Their products and services

are of the highest quality available. Don't

take them for granted. Read their adver-

tisements, and when you patronize them,

be sure to tell them you saw their ad in

Tennessee Medicine.

your advertisers.

43

Member News

Member News

Visit www.tnmed.org for the latest TMA news, information and opportunities!

As the General Assembly session continues in Nashville, the TMA cel-ebrates legislative successes in several areas so far this year. GovernorPhil Bredesen recently signed into law the following TMA bills:

• Group Practice Peer Review – SB 442 by Sen. Doug Overbey(R–Maryville)/HB 1451 by Rep. Kent Coleman (D-Murfreesboro).Provides immunity and confidentiality to medical group practicesthat wish to conduct peer review.

• MedMal Reports – SB 588 by Sen. Mae Beavers (R–Mt. Juliet)/HB319 by Rep. Sherry Jones (D-Nashville). Requires the Departmentof Health to accept information from medical malpractice carriersreporting on behalf of the physician on judgments/settlementsrequired under the HealthCare Consumer Right-to-Know Act.

• Doctor Shopping Expansion – SB 408 by Sen. Doug Henry (D–Nashville)/HB 462 by Rep. Gary Odom (D-Nashville). ExtendsDoctor Shopping law beyond TennCare to any patient regardlessof payment source. Provides good faith immunity to the pre-scriber who reports the suspected act to law enforcement.

The Governor is also expected to sign the following TMA legislation:

• Access to Controlled Substance Database – SB 224 by Sen. PaulStanley (R-Memphis)/HB 0151 by Rep. Joey Hensley, MD (R-Hohenwald). Requires all dispensers of controlled substances to have

electronic access to the state’sControlled Substance Databaseno later than Jan. 1, 2010.

Meanwhile, the TMA was success-ful in defeating a bill that wouldhave allowed both AdvancePractice Nurses (APNs) andPhysician Assistants (PAs) to com-plete and sign death certificates.The measure was voted down inthe House Professional Occupations Committee with the help of TMAmember and subcommittee member Dr. Hensley. In addition, psychol-ogists, after starting out the session with a heavy and effective push forindependent prescribing, were unable to place their bill back on the cal-endar after the three-week January recess because of an apparent lackof votes to get the bill passed out of a House subcommittee.

And although still being debated at press time, theAdministration and sponsors have backed off a bill to require allhealthcare professionals to conduct criminal background checks onall new employees after realizing that healthcare professionals wereuniformly opposed to the unfunded mandate.

Watch your inbox for a post-session wrap-up report as we tallyour advocacy wins for members and patients! �

TMA Wins New Laws on Peer Review, MLR,Doc Shopping

The TMA’s proactive efforts for its members have led Averitt Express, Inc.and Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) to suspend further recoup-ment efforts using Health Research Insights (HRI). This suspensionincludes stoppage of a second wave of letters to physicians that were togo out on behalf of Averitt Express. It is unclear whether this is a tempo-rary or permanent halt and whether HRI will send out advisories regard-ing its decision.

Members received alerts from the TMA in May regarding HRI’saggressive recoupment efforts to collect funds for alleged physicianoverpayments and improper billing on behalf of those two entities. The

letters demanded that physicians take action within 15 days either bypaying the demanded amount to HRI or submitting copies of medicalrecords or other documentation to HRI “sufficient to justify yourbilling.” Some TMA members reported receiving intimidating follow-up phone calls.

The TMA’s efforts have been equally aggressive – the TMA filed acomplaint against HRI with the U.S. Department of Labor and other enti-ties; filed preventive legislation in the Tennessee General Assembly; and is

TMA Efforts Lead to Suspension of HRIOverpayment Demands

(Continued on page 48)

44 Member News

Member News

State House Democratic Caucus Chair Representative Mike Turneraddresses the audience at the IMPACT (Independent Medicine’s

Political Action Committee – Tennessee) breakfast duringMedTenn 2009. Seated at left are House Republican Caucus

Chair Rep. Glen Casada and IMPACT Chairman Dr. Ken Moore.

TMA Corporate Partners First Tennessee (pictured),DoctorsManagement, TMA Physician Services and SVMIC

exhibited their services for MedTenn attenders.

TMA incoming President Dr. Richard DePersio (left) poses withPresident-elect B W. Ruffner (center) and immediate Past-PresidentDr. Robert Kirkpatrick at the MedTenn Medicine Ball reception.

Dr. Modele Ogunniyi, a fellow atVanderbilt University Medical Center,explains her award-winning entryin the inaugural TMA Residents &Fellows Section Poster Competition.Other winners were Dr. Usman Khanand Dr. Siva Iyer, both residents atUniversity Tennessee Health Science

Center in Memphis.

MedTenn Photo Gallery

45Member News

Member News

Members of the Physician Leadership Class of 2010 gather fora breakout session during MedTenn 2009.

The new TMA Media Theater was a popular event atMedTenn, presenting film clips and open discussion ofhow physicians have been portrayed in popular media.

“The TMA Medicine Ball: Laughter is the Best Medicine” kept the crowd roaring with the humor ofcomedians Rik Roberts, Gary Jenkins and Jim Gossett.

Members of the Physician Leadership Class of 2010gather for a breakout session.

Dr . Kimberly Rosdeutscher of Hermitage, a new PLCcandidate, talks with Dr. Kerri Woodberry of Murfreesboro

at the Medicine Ball reception.

46 Member News

Member News

Beginning July 1, 2009, all written or printed prescriptionsfrom Tennessee prescribers must be on tamper resistant pre-scription paper.

In 2008 the federal government required that all Medicaidprescriptions be written on tamper resistant paper beginningApril 1; the Tennessee General Assembly passed a law in the2008 session to extend this requirement to all prescriptions(T.C.A. §53-10-401). This law states that the prescriptionpaper must meet the same requirements as required by thefederal government for Medicaid prescriptions. A physiciandoes not have to order new pads, however, he or she mustremember to write all prescriptions on this paper now.

Members can access the TMA online Law Guide atwww.tnmed.org to access our topic on “Prescriptions Pads –Tamper Resistant – Medicaid Patients” for more informationon this requirement, including the original federal law, detailsof the law and what information must be included on theprescription (member login required). Any questions shouldbe directed to the TMA Legal Department at 800-659-1862.

If new prescription pads are needed, the TMA offers amember discount from a link on its website atwww.tnmed.org. �

Tamper Resistant Pads Required by July 1

The class-action lawsuits brought by several state and county med-ical societies and physicians against the for-profit health insurersresulted in settlements which required the health insurers to sig-nificantly change the way they conduct business.

The Physicians Advocacy Institute (PAI) is charged with enforc-ing the settlements on behalf of physicians. As of April 21, 2009,all the provisions in the Blue Cross Blue Shield SettlementAgreement have taken effect. This means that settling Blue CrossBlue Shield plans:

• May not seek overpayment recovery beyond 18 months• Must use a clinically based definition of medical necessity• Must adhere to most CPT© coding rules including paymentfor E&M codes appended with a 25 modifier and paymentfor add-on codes

• Must provide 90 days advance notice of material adversechange

• May not require physicians to participate in all products• Must disclose their methodology for determining UCR amounts

If you believe a Blue Cross Blue Shield company (or any of theother settling insurers) has violated a provision of the settlementagreement, you should file a compliance dispute by completingthe simple two-page form available on www.hmosettlements.com.There is absolutely no cost to physicians to file disputes.

Physicians have used the compliance dispute process in other set-tlements to collect or save millions of dollars:

• Physicians collected over $12,000,000 for previously deniedCAD mammography and myocardial perfusion add-on codes.

• One Florida practice saved $1.9 million when the insureragreed to accept $33,000 after originally seeking to recoverover $2,000,000.

• An Oklahoma practice received payment of over $9,000 forpreviously denied modifier 59 claims.

• A New Jersey practice saved over $13,000 when the insureragreed to cease all overpayment recovery efforts.

Physicians have also successfully used the compliance process toenforce other rights in the settlement agreements, including theirright to have accurate EOBs sent to patients insured by plans inwhich they don’t participate and their right not to participate inHMO products.

In addition to the Blue Cross Blue Shield SettlementAgreement, settlements with Anthem/WellPoint, HealthNet andHumana remain in effect. For more information, please go towww.hmosettlements.com, www.ama-assn.org/go/settlements orcontact the compliance dispute facilitators, Deborah Winegard [email protected] for Blue Cross Blue Shield and Humanadisputes or Cameron Staples at [email protected] forAnthem/WellPoint and HealthNet disputes. �

© Physicians Advocacy Institute, Inc.

Compliance Process in BCBS Settlements inEffect: Make Sure You are Being Paid Correctly

Member News

47Member News

NEW TO THE TMA IRC: H1N1 INSURANCE BILLING INFOThe TMA has assembled and posted updates fromTennessee’s insurance plans on how they will reimburse fortreatment of H1N1 testing and treatment.

The updates includeinformation on each insurer’scoverage policies and addi-tional educational resources,pandemic planning or emer-gency measures undertaken.To access the information,log on to the TMA InsuranceResource Center (member login required) from the Memberhome page and locate the updates in the “CommercialInsurance,” “Medicare” and “TennCare” sections.

CIGNA’S NEW DOCUMENTATION POLICY FOR MODI-FIERS 25 OR 59Cigna has reduced the requirement for supporting documen-tation for procedures and services appended with CPT modifi-er 25 and 59, from 17,000 NCCI code pairs to fewer than 500,thanks to the involvement of organized medicine. The list ofcodes requiring supporting documentation is available atwww.cignaforhcp.com under “Resources” and “Claim EditingProcedures.” Physicians who are not currently registered shoulddo so by selecting “Register Now” from the left side bar.

For more information on these or other insurance-relatedissues, please contact TMA Insurance Affairs Director PhyllisFranklin at 800-659-1862 or [email protected]. �

TMA Insurance Briefs

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has voted to delay imple-mentation of the Red Flags Rule until August 1, 2009. The FTCpreviously set a May 1 deadline for “creditors” to develop andimplement written identity theft prevention and detection pro-grams; the rule categorized physicians who regularly bill theirpatients (including co-payments and coinsurance) as creditors.

Organized medicine disagrees with the assessment and hasbeen fighting the inclusion. The AMA will use this additionaltime to convince the FTC and Congress that physicians are not"creditors" and therefore should not be subject to this rule.

The TMA has developed a Red Flag toolkit for members,including a sample identity theft policy for practices, an updat-ed Law Guide topic, TMGMA, SVMIC and AMA resources andmore. Log on to www.tnmed.org and click on the Red Flag linkon the front page (member login required). �

RedFlagsRuleDelayedUntil August1

Project Access inChattanooga-HamiltonCounty has provided morethan $42.9 million in freehealth care to the unin-sured since the programbegan in April 2004, including $12.87 million of care in 2008.

That announcement in May from Project Access leaders,including the Chattanooga-Hamilton County MedicalSociety (CHCMS), which developed the program with theMedical Foundation of Chattanooga.

Project Access Chair Joe Cofer, MD, said the programbegan as a physician-led effort to better coordinate charitycare physicians have always provided. “The hospital systemsimmediately joined in to create what is now a nationally rec-ognized model to coordinate health care services for theuninsured,” he said.

Since Project Access began, individual physicians haveprovided more than $6.48 million in donated care, whilehospitals and other partners have contributed $36.4 millionin health care services. So far more than 6,823 individualshave been evaluated for eligibility. In April, 423 patients were

CHCMS Announces$42.9 MillionMilestone for ProjectAccess

Project Access Chair Dr. Joe Cofer poses with Jim Brexler,CEO of Erlanger Health System; Wanda Sweatt, ProjectAccess Patient; Darrell Moore, CEO of Parkridge MedicalCenters; and Jim Hobson, CEO of Memorial Health Care

System, following a May news conference.

(Continued on page 50)

48 Member News

Member News

The TMA Legal Department has launched a page on the social net-working site Twitter. “Tweets” from the Legal Department will providetimely news alerts. One of our first “tweets” involved an identity theftwarning, “Bogus request to re-enroll in Medicare from Cahaba.” If youwant to follow the TMA Legal Department on Twitter, go to https://twit-ter.com/TMALegal. �

TMA Legal Department isNow on Twitter!

Health plans for some state, public education and local governmentemployees recently expanded coverage of tobacco quit aids; newtobacco use surcharges are also poised to go into effect for these ben-eficiaries, beginning January 1, 2010.

Effective May 1, these plan members can use their insurance cardsto get tobacco quit aids for $5 copays but they must have a prescrip-tion, even for over-the-counter products. Covered products includeChantix (varenicline), buproprion, nicotine inhaler, nicotine nasalspray, lozenges, gum, and patches.

The plans will cover up to two (2) courses of treatment, for a max-imum of 12 weeks during each calendar year for each type of treat-ment. No benefit limits will apply to buproprion, because of its otheruses/indictions. The plans are also giving patients the opportunity toparticipate in ongoing tobacco quit classes at work and/or telephonecoaching from 1-800-QUIT NOW (800-784-8669), a free service avail-able to all Tennesseans.

Please note plan members also have financial incentives to quit.Along with the new federal tobacco tax, members who quit on orbefore July 1, 2009, will not have to pay the new tobacco use sur-charge in 2010. Those who do not will have to pay the $50 monthlysurcharge; if they quit after July 1, they can receive a refund/incentive.

For more information, visit the State’s Benefits Administration Websiteat www.state.tn.us/finance/ins/ins.html. �

Govt. Employee BenefitsNow Include TobaccoCessation Treatments

The IMPACT Board of Trustees recognizes the follow-ing IMPACT donors who have become Capitol HillClub members in the past month. We greatly appre-ciate all IMPACT contributors for their help in assur-ing that candidates supportive of organized medi-cine receive generous financial support fromIMPACT. To join IMPACT or the Capitol Hill Club,please contact Rachel Smith at 800-659-1862 orsend e-mail to [email protected].

John Whitley, MD, Oak RidgeWalter Fletcher, MD, Martin�

Capitol Hill Club

TMA Efforts Lead to Suspension of HRIOverpayment Demands(Continued from page 43)

considering legal options. The TMA’s stated concerns includ-ed HRI’s accusation that physicians upcoded based on claimsdata with no clinical record review, HRI’s authority to makerecoupment attempts beyond the18month “look-backwin-dow” of the State recoupment law, and physicians beingasked to release patient medical records without in-handproof of documentation establishing that the disclosure ofmedical records is authorized under the HIPAA laws.

WHATMEMBERS SHOULD DO• Any TMAmemberwho receiveswritten or telephone com-munications from HRI should advise the TMA LegalDepartment.• Any TMAmember who has paid any money to HRI due toHRI’s collection efforts should contact the TMA LegalDepartment.

The information received will be used by the TMA in itscontinued advocacy efforts on behalf of its members in thismatter. Contact the TMA Legal Department at 800-659-1862 or [email protected]. Please do not submitconfidential patient information in any communicationswith the TMA.

This information should not be construed as legal advice or rep-resentation by the TMA. It does not constitute an attorney-clientrelationship between you or any TMA employee. Should yourequire legal advice or representation, you should contact yourpersonal attorney.�

Member News

49Member News

M E M B E R N O T E S

TMA members of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine –Chattanooga (UTCOMC) Class of 2010 are among those recently hon-ored as the first inductees of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. TheSociety works within and beyond medical education to inspire, nurture,and sustain lifelong advocates and activists for compassionate patientcare. TMA inductees nominated by peers and faculty are Alkesh Amin,Barry Pelz, Robin Atkinson, Harry Baddour, Joanna Blankner, JayMark Smith, Brian Bogdanowicz, Matthew Steadmon, Chonna Larry,Byron Stephens, Andy Parnell, Bryan Payne, and Allyson Warren.

Steven J. Baumrucker, MD, of Kingsport,recently earned a certificate of added qualifica-tion for completion of the 2008 Hospice andPalliative Medicine Certification examination.Dr. Baumrucker currently serves as medicaldirector of palliative care at Holston ValleyMedical Center and at Adventa Hospice inKingsport, and has served as an assistant clini-cal professor at East Tennessee State University’s

Qullen College of Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American Academyof Hospice and Palliative Medicine and is the recipient of severalawards, including the 2003 Tennessee Hospital Association’s meritori-ous service award, and serves as associate editor-in-chief of theAmerican Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine.

Donald A. Lakatosh, MD, of Seymour, hasachieved board certification in electrodiagnos-tic medicine from the American Board ofElectrodiagnostic Medicine (ABEM) and is nowan ABEM Diplomate. The designation of ABEMDiplomate demonstrates that Dr. Lakatosh hasobtained specific training and passed a com-prehensive written and oral examination todemonstrate competency in electrodiagnostic

evaluation of disorders of the neuromuscular system. Dr. Lakatosh isalso board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with anemphasis on muscle, bone and nerve rehabilitation. Dr. Lakatosh hasbeen providing patient care in Seymour since 2004 and EastTennessee since 1999. He is also a member of the AmericanAssociation of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM)and as a Diplomate of the ABEM is granted Fellow status with AANEM.

David W. Lawhorn, MD, of Gallatin, hasreceived the James Keaney Award for hisaccomplishments within the Tennessee chapterof the American Academy of EmergencyMedicine (AAEM), where he currently serves aspresident; he is a founding member of thenational AAEM. An emergency physician withSumner Regional Medical Center, Dr. Lawhorn

is also an associate clinical professor of Emergency Medicine atVanderbilt University Medical Center.

Walter Morgan, III, MD, of Nashville, was a leading surgeon inTennessee’s first successful surgical separation of conjoined twins atVanderbilt’s Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital on April 7. The surgeonsoperated for eight hours to separate Zoey Marie and Keylee Ann Miller,conjoined twins born on January 4 in Johnson City. The twins spent threemonths in the Children’s Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit until theywere strong enough to undergo separation surgery. Dr. Morgan is assistantprofessor of Surgery and Pediatrics in the Vanderbilt Department ofPediatric Surgery, and was recently named one of Nashville’s “TopDoctors” in Pediatric Surgery.

Kenneth E. Olive, MD, FACP, has been named agovernor of the Tennessee Chapter of theAmerican College of Physicians (TNACP). Aboard-certified internist, Dr. Olive currently servesas a professor of Internal Medicine and executiveassociate dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs atEast Tennessee State University’s James H. QuillenCollege of Medicine. He is an attending physicianat Johnson City Medical Center.

Karen A. Rhea, MD, has been named chiefmedical officer at Centerstone CommunityMental Health Centers of Nashville; she former-ly served as vice president for medical services.Board-certified in child and adolescent psychia-try, general psychiatry and pediatrics, Dr. Rhea

Dr. Walter Morgan (left) and colleague Dr. Wallace Neblett practicedon cloth dolls before performing separation of conjoined twins.

Photo: Joe Howell, Vanderbilt Medical Center.

(Continued on next page)

50 Member News

Member NewsM E M B E R N O T E S

Are you a TMA member who has been recognized for an honor, award,election, appointment or other noteworthy achievement? Send items forconsideration to Member Notes, Tennessee Medicine, 2301 21st Ave.South, PO Box 120909, Nashville, TN, 37212; fax 615-312-1908; [email protected]. High resolution (300 dpi) digital (.tif or .eps)or hard copy photos welcome.

is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the Vanderbilt School ofMedicine. She is a member of numerous professional organizations,including Alpha Omega Alpha, the American Psychiatric Association,the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics and the Tennessee PsychiatricAssociation. She is also a founding member of the InternationalCollegium of Composite Diagnostic Evaluation in Psychiatry.

Bashar Shala, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FASE,FASNC, has been granted board certificationfor Cardiovascular Computed Tomography(CT) by the Board of Cardiovascular ComputedTomography (CBCCT). CBCCT recognizesphysicians who have demonstrated knowledgeand skill in the field of Cardiovascular CT bypassing an extensive written examination.Currently, there are 731 physicians worldwide

certified by the CBCCT. Dr. Shala is the first and only physician thatholds this board certification in West Tennessee. Dr. Shala practiceswith Memphis Heart Clinic; he is board certified in cardiovascular dis-ease, interventional cardiology, internal medicine, echocardiographyand nuclear cardiography. He has received numerous awards andhonors, including the James Givens Award for Excellence from theUniversity of Tennessee.

Richard G. Soper, MD, is among the first physi-cians in the United States certified by theAmerican Board of Addiction Medicine, a newindependent medical specialty board. TheAmerican Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM)has begun to certify addiction medicine physi-cians from several specialties. There was previ-ously only addiction-related board certification

for psychiatrists. ABAM sets standards for physician education, assess-es physicians’ knowledge, and requires and tracks life-long continuingeducation. Dr. Soper serves on the Board of Directors for the AmericanSociety of Addiction Medicine and is an advisor to several other pro-fessional organizations. He has an addiction medicine private practicein Nashville.

Virginia M. Weaver, MD, of Memphis, hasbeen named medical director for Saint FrancisCenter for Surgical Weight Loss. Currently theonly surgeon performing gastric bypass surgeryin the Memphis area, she will continue as theCenter’s primary surgeon. She has been associ-ated with the Center since its inception; theSaint Francis facility is the only ASBS designated“Center of Excellence” in Memphis and only

one of four in the state of Tennessee. �

CHCMS Announces $42.9 Million Milestone for Project Access(Continued from page 47)

actively receiving care or finalizing enrollment, and 2,913other patients had completed their care. Those who did notqualify for the program (3,012) were directed to other servic-es. In addition to 632 volunteer physicians who provide serv-ices to patients, the Project Access partnership includesErlanger Health System, Memorial Health Care System, andParkridge Medical Center Inc., Siskin Hospital, HamiltonCounty Health Department, Memorial Primary Care Centers,Southside and Dodson Avenue Health Centers, Volunteers inMedicine, Rehab South, and a variety of other partners.

Officials said the growing number of uninsured and currenteconomic pressures underscore the need for such programs.

“We want to continue to call attention to the problemsfaced by the uninsured. When people do not have health insur-ance, it hurts individuals, families, and our entire community,”said Dr. Cofer. “Project Access is a great community service, butwe can never lose sight of the larger problem.”

To learn more about Project Access, call 423-826-0269 orlog on to www.chattmedsoc.org and click on “Project Access.”�

NEW MEMBERSTennessee Medicine takes this opportunity to welcome these new members to the Tennessee Medical Association

BRADLEY COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETYObadias Marquez, MD, Cleveland

CHATTANOOGA-HAMILTON COUNTYMEDICAL SOCIETYDavid Craig Redd, MD, Chattanooga

COFFEE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETYCharles R. Harmuth, MD, Manchester

CONSOLIDATED MEDICAL ASSEMBLY OFWEST TENNESSEEMark A. Cooper, MD, Mc KenzieTony N. Phillips, MD, JacksonSteven G. Weaver, MD, JacksonRobert E. Sylvester, DO, JacksonArchie W. Wright, DO, Jackson

KNOXVILLE ACADEMY OF MEDICINERobert E. Ivy, MD, Knoxville

MAURY COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETYHrishi Madisetty Kanth, MD, Columbia

MCMINN COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETYRussell Brandon Watters, MD, Etowah

THE MEMPHIS MEDICAL SOCIETYTommy J. Campbell, MD, GermantownDavid Alan Deneka, MD, MemphisJeffery N. Hoover, MD, MemphisMohamed Bashar Shala, MD, MemphisHenry Baines Stamps, MD, ColliervilleBradley A. Wolf, MD, MemphisMr. Nicholas R. Jones, MemphisMr. Jae Seung Lee, Clarksville

NASHVILLE ACADEMY OF MEDICINEMs. Janelle Tatiana Anderson, MadisonMs. Katie Elizabeth Atnip, NashvilleMr. Mark A. Fritz, NashvilleMr. James Matthew Kynes, NashvilleMs. Chinenye Usoh, Nashville

ROANE-ANDERSON COUNTY MEDICALSOCIETYWilliam C. Hall, MD, Oak Ridge

STONES RIVER ACADEMY OF MEDICINEAfam C. Ikejiani, MD, SmyrnaSusan E. Langone, MD, Smyrna

SULLIVAN COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETYGregory H. Miller, MD, KingsportJanet G. Pickstock, MD, Johnson City

SUMNER COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETYGeoffrey Lifferth, MD, Brentwood

TMA DIRECT MEMBERAnumeet Priyadarshi, MD, Dickson

WASHINGTON-UNICOI-JOHNSONCOUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONRebecca J. Copeland, MD, Johnson City

WILLIAMSON COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETYJoel M. Phares, MD, Franklin

IN MEMORIAMDavid Howard Knott, MD, age 72. Died April 19, 2009.Graduate of University of Tennessee Center for Health Science.Member of The Memphis Medical Society.

John Henry Bell, MD, age 75. Died April 24, 2009. Graduateof Duke University School of Medicine. Member of KnoxvilleAcademy of Medicine.

Arthur Earle Horne, Sr., MD, age 85. Died May 8, 2009.Graduate of Meharry Medical College. Member of TheMemphis Medical Society.

Arthur Earle Horne, Sr., MD, age 85. Died May 8, 2009.Graduate of Meharry Medical College. Member of TheMemphis Medical Society.

Cleland C. Blake, MD, age 78. Died May 9, 2009. Graduateof University of Tennessee Center for Health Science. Memberof Lakeway Medical Society.

Charles H. Hillman, MD, age 80. Died May 13, 2009.Graduate of Duke University School of Medicine. Member ofWashington-Unicoi-Johnson County Medical Association.

AMA PRAPhysicians who earn the American Medical Association (AMA) Physician’s Recognition Award (PRA) have been recognizedby the AMA for their commitment to patient care and lifelong learning through continuing medical education (CME). TheTennessee Medical Association would like to commend our members who have earned the AMA PRA recently by demon-strating that they earned an average of at least 50 CME credits per year. Congratulations to the following:

Charlotte Keene, MD, Kingsport Samuel Smith, MD, Brentwood

53TENNESSEE MEDICINE / JUNE 2009

54 TENNESSEE MEDICINE / JUNE 2009

LIST OF ADVERTISERS

BlueCross/ BlueShield of Tennessee....................................16CME in the Sand..................................................................42DoctorsManagement, LLC ..................................................32First Tennessee Bank ............................................................6LBMC ..................................................................................15Shared Health ....................................................................30State Volunteer Mutual Insurance Company ........................56Tennessee Medical Foundation ..........................................51The Borders Group ............................................................41The TMA Association Insurance Agency, Inc. ..............36, 55TMA Physician Services, Inc. ................................................2Together RX Access, LLC ....................................................24XMC, Inc. ............................................................................54

INSTRUCTIONS FOR AUTHORSManuscript Preparation – Manuscripts should be submitted to the Editor, David G. Gerkin,MD, 2301 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212. A cover letter should identify one author ascorrespondent and should include his complete address, phone, and e-mail. Manuscripts, aswell as legends, tables, and references, must be typewritten, double-spaced on 8-1/2 x 11 in.white paper. Pages should be numbered. Along with the typed manuscripts, submit an IBM-compatible 3-1/2" high-density diskette containing the manuscript. The transmittal lettershould identify the format used. Another option is you may send the manuscript via e-mail [email protected]. If there are photos, e-mail them in TIF or PDF format along withthe article.Responsibility – The author is responsible for all statements made in his work. Acceptedmanuscripts become the permanent property of Tennessee Medicine.Copyright – Authors submitting manuscripts or other material for publication, as a conditionof acceptance, shall execute a conveyance transferring copyright ownership of such materialto Tennessee Medicine. No contribution will be published unless such a conveyance is made.References – References should be limited to 10 for all papers. All references must be citedin the text in numerically consecutive order, not alphabetically. Personal communications andunpublished data should be included only within the text. The following data should be typedon a separate sheet at the end of the paper: names of first three authors followed by et al, com-plete title of article cited, name of journal abbreviated according to Index Medicus, volumenumber, first and last pages, and year of publication. Example: Olsen JH, Boice JE, SeersholmN, et al: Cancer in parents of children with cancer. N Engl J Med 333:1594-1599, 1995.Illustrated Material – Illustrations should accompany the e-mailed article in a TIF or PDFformat. If you are mailing the article and diskette, the illustrations should be 5 x 7 in. glossyphotos, identified on the back with the author's name, the figure number, and the word "top,"and must be accompanied by descriptive legends typed at the end of the paper. Tables shouldbe typed on separate sheets, be numbered, and have adequately descriptive titles. Each illus-tration and table must be cited in numerically consecutive order in the text. Materials takenfrom other sources must be accompanied by a written statement from both the author andpublisher giving Tennessee Medicine permission to reproduce them. Photos of identifiablepatients should be accompanied by a signed release.Reprints – Order forms with a table covering costs will be sent to the correspondent authorbefore publication.

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