E-news for December 14, 2007
1. IAFP News
2. State GR – Two new laws take effect January 1. 
3. Federal GR – Medicare Cuts and SCHIP Veto
4. Foundation – Make your contribution to family medicine
5. Education and Pri-Med
6. Members in the News
7. Residents and Students
8. News You Can Use
9. Reminders
10. Classifieds

IAFP News

**HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM IAFP!
This is the last IAFP E-News for 2007. We wish you all a happy healthy holiday season!

Before you sign off from IAFP for the year, please read through this E-news, which is packed with information about things you need to know before December 31 and things that will be different here in Illinois after January 1. You will also receive the December issue of Family Physician during the week of December 17th. 

**HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT BEING AN IAFP LEADER?
There is still time to apply for a volunteer leadership position on one of the IAFP committees, task forces or interest groups. Find the list and an application on the IAFP web site at http://www.iafp.com/pdfs/signup2008.pdf  

**ILLINOIS LANDS ANOTHER MEMBER ON AAFP CGA
Congratulations to IAFP president-elect Javette Orgain, MD of Chicago, who has been appointed to serve on the AAFP Commission on Governmental Advocacy. Her appointment is for one year to fill the unexpired term of Dr. Glenn Stream, who was elected to the AAFP board. Dr. Orgain will be able to re-apply for a full term next year. She joins IAFP Alternate Delegate to the AAFP, Ellen Brull, MD of Glenview who also serves on the Commission. 

** UnitedHealthCare of Illinois is seeking an IAFP member to serve on a new, statewide Physician Advisory Committee to obtain more input from medical societies. The group will meet on a quarterly basis via teleconference call with the first call planned for late January or early February. The service area for UHC Illinois is basically the northern two-thirds of Illinois - from Springfield north to the Wisconsin state border. The southern third of the state is in the Metro St. Louis service area. UHC Illinois hopes to get more state-level input from the leading medical societies about upcoming new programs or updates to existing programs that may affect practicing physicians.
If you are interested in this volunteer assignment, please contact Vince Keenan, IAFP EVP at vkeenan@iafp.com . 

**Just a reminder, you can view and contact your IAFP Board of Directors through the IAFP website at http://www.iafp.com/about/officers.htm  

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

** STATE UPDATE – 

1. SMOKE-FREE ILLINOIS LAW TAKES EFFECT JANUARY 1.
IAFP wishes everyone a Smoke-Free Happy New Year. When you go out, be sure to celebrate the smoke-free workplace law and let the business owners know how much you support this new law – for you and your patients! 

However, as the Illinois General Assembly continues to negotiate a new gaming bill in search of new revenues, be prepared for the casino industry to use this mechanism to make another run at getting an exemption to allow smoking in casinos. Those family physicians that live or practice in communities near a casino should be ready to speak up for your patients who work or spend time in casinos. They all deserve to be protected. 

MORE RESOURCES at http://www.iafp.com/PR/  
LISTEN: Podcast from IAFP board chair Kathleen J. Miller, MD of Decatur http://www.iafp.com/pdfs/smokefreeil.mp3  
ACT: Use AAFP’s “Ask and Act” program to help smokers quit in your practice ( www.askandact.org )
REFER: Patients to the Illinois Quit Line at 1-866-QUIT-YES
LEARN information about the new law on the IDPH web site at
http://www.smoke-free.illinois.gov/index.htm 

2. PREVNAR VACCINE ADDED TO ILLINOIS IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE
Effective January 1, Public Act 095-0159, requires children under age 2 entering child care systems to have the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, knows as Prevnar. The recommended schedule includes three doses given at age 2, 4 and 6 months with a follow up fourth dose at 12-15 months. 

**FEDERAL GR UPDATE - Medicare Cuts and SCHIP Veto

PHYSICIANS GET LUMPS OF COAL FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Physicians have seen a lot of bad news from the federal government this holiday season. 

LUMP #1 - First doctors still face an inevitable 10.1% reduction in Medicare payments for physician services effective January 1. So far Congress has failed to act to prevent this disastrous cut. The House has passed a bill containing a positive 0.5% update for the next two years, but the Senate is not planning to take up the bill. At this time there is no solution on the table in Washington to prevent the planned rate cuts. 

What will this mean for family physicians? Here are a few commonly used CPT codes with the current and new reimbursement rates based on 2008 fees with Congressional action on SGR: 
The new Conversion Factor is $34.06, the 2007 CF is $37.89. 
99213 will go from $59.50 to $53.15 
99214 will drop from $90.20 to $80.40. 
Ouch! 

LUMP #2: PRESIDENT BUSH VETOES S-CHIP FUNDING
Illinois could lose $ 253 million Many states will face funding shortfalls and cuts in children’s coverage if Congress does not reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program soon, according to a new report by the National Academy for State Health Policy. Illinois will feel the brunt of the shortfall in March 2008.

Without additional funding for SCHIP, 21 states will face shortfalls totaling $1.6 billion this fiscal year, the report notes. For some states, failure to reauthorize the program may result in waiting lists, enrollments caps, disenrollments, and reductions or delays in outreach to enroll eligible children. 

In addition, 19 states that provide coverage to children above 250% of poverty and other states that plan to do so are uncertain how to proceed without a legislative remedy to new federal rules restricting such coverage.

**IAFP LAUNCHES “YOUR ACADEMY IN ACTION”
The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians launched their first in a series of advocacy videos to illustrate the devastating impact that upcoming Medicare physician fee cuts will have on family physicians and the patients they care for. 

View the IAFP Video News Release at
http://www.iafp.com/legislative/index.htm  

There you can
• WATCH the Academy in Action video telling Illinois family medicine's story. 
• READ AAFP's Medicare Physician Reimbursement policy Summer 2007 
• Use AAFP’s “Speak Out” system to tell your representatives in Congress to increase the Medicare payments to family physicians at http://capitol.aafp.org/aafp/issues/alert/?alertid=10007791 

IAFP has sent the video to the Illinois Congressional delegation with a call for their support for legislation. 

**YOUR OPTIONS – TO PARTICIPATE OR NOT
Now that the final payment rule is released, the AMA has outlined options physicians can consider in order to preserve access to care, and still preserve your current revenue, perhaps even improve the revenue stream. 
READ THE FULL REPORT ONLINE AT: http://www.iafp.com/whatsnew/Medicare.htm  

IAFP FOUNDATION

**MAKE MONEY FOR THE FOUNDATION WHILE HOLIDAY SHOPPING—FREE!

Try out the ease of shopping online and make money for the IAFP Foundation at the same time. All you need to do is sign up at http://www.iGive.com/IAFPF  and then buy your games, toys, books, CDs, shoes, clothes—anything you want—from the stores you normally shop. Go to http://www.iGive.com/IAFP  and receive a free membership (no costs or obligations) to shop at 680+ online stores and without even knowing it, you’ll be helping the IAFP Foundation at the same time.

**STILL TIME TO MAKE YOUR END OF YEAR DONATION TO THE FOUNDATION
There’s still time to get a 2007 tax deduction by donating to the IAFP Foundation. Our programs rely on your support. Did you know that in order for the IAFP Foundation to seek grants from other Foundations and funding sources, we need to be able to demonstrate that our own members support the Foundation by donating themselves? Your donations are more important than you realize! You can print a form right from the IAFP Foundation web site at http://www.iafp.com/foundation/donorform.htm   which enables you to decide how much to give, and where you’d like your donation directed. 

**TAR WARS UPDATES:
Just a few items of information and some reminders before you take a much-needed holiday break and count down to 2008! Read the full update at http://www.iafp.com/tarwars/update.htm  

1. Progress in reducing high school smoking rates nationwide has stalled! Read the full story at http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/data/07data.html#2007data-cigs  

2. Illinois continues to fail in funding tobacco prevention and cessation programs. We’re now ranked 39th of the states in funding tobacco programs – spending a paltry 13 percent of the minimum amount recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control. Link to a printable report on Illinois from Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids annual Tobacco State Settlement Report at http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/reports/settlements/state.php?StateID=IL . Please note, IAFP Foundation’s Tar Wars program does not receive any direct funding from the state. Some county health departments do use their state funding to run Tar Wars programs in their county schools, and we are very grateful for their efforts in teaming up with family medicine to tackle tobacco prevention in Illinois 4th and 5th grade classrooms.

STATE POSTER CONTEST DEADLINE IS MARCH 31!!
Poster contest rules are on the IAFP web site at http://www.iafp.com/tarwars/postercontestrules.htm  and also on page 18 of the Tar Wars Program Guide. 

Please mail posters to 
TAR WARS
C/O IAFP Foundation
4756 Main Street
Lisle, IL 60532


CME Information:

**PRI-MED CME INFORMATION
Partnering with the IAFP, Pri-Med Updates offers world-class CME programs in your area. Taught by leading experts, you can earn Continuing Medical Education credits at no cost. All activities listed are approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s). Application for AAFP Prescribed credit has been submitted. 

*Pri-Med Updates
Two-day continuing medical education programs designed for Primary Care Physicians currently engaged in patient care. This program features new and emerging guidelines, therapies, and evidence- based information on multiple therapeutic areas encountered in primary care. 

New Updates scheduled for 2008!!
Oakbrook, IL – Wednesday & Thursday, April 2-3, 2008
http://www.pri-med.com/pmo/ViewEvent.aspx?EventCode=30OAK08A&CCODE=r12 

Chicago, IL – Tuesday & Wednesday, June 10-11, 2008
http://www.pri-med.com/pmo/ViewEvent.aspx?EventCode=30chi08a&CCODE=r12 

*Pri-Med Online 
Pri-Med.com offers over 200 primary care focused eCME activities at no-cost in 15 key Condition Resource Centers including: ADHD, Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, Cancer in Primary Care, Congestive Heart Failure, Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, Hypertension, Infectious Disease, Sleep Disorders and more. Plus, four eCME activity types are offered so you can thoroughly examine a topic, including: Patient case studies, Clinical reviews, Expert perspectives and Multi-media slide lecture series. Earn high-quality physician-authored eCME anytime at http://www.pri-med.com/onlineCME  .

** CME CONNECTION
IAFP issues an electronic newsletter called “CME Connection” each month dedicated entirely to IAFP CME opportunities and products as well as CME offerings from partner organizations and more. The next issue is December 19. Those interested in listing their CME product or event should contact Kate Valentine at kvalentine@iafp.com . 

**FIND IAFP EVENTS AND OTHER CME OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILY PHYSICIANS ANY TIME AT http://www.iafp.com/education/  

__________________

Members in the News – If you would like a copy of any of the articles below or you have any news items to share with the IAFP membership, contact Ginnie Flynn at gflynn@iafp.com.  

*Michael Mendoza, MD of the University of Chicago department of family medicine and Chicago Family Health Center was featured in ABC-7 Chicago News "HealthBeat" series report on November 29 highlighting the influence of the pharmaceutical industry on physician practice. 
The transcript can be found here: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=health&id=5801894 

*Jerome Epplin, MD of SIU Springfield is quoted in an interesting “Smart Money” web column from November 28th called “Ten things your primary care doctor won’t tell you.” AAFP President Jim King, MD is also quoted in the article.
To view this content directly on SmartMoney.com, click this link:
http://www.smartmoney.com/10things/index.cfm?story=december2007  

*Gina Smith, MD of Melrose Park stood with Governor Blagojevich at a press conference held December 6th to announce expansion for the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer program. Dr. Smith coordinates the program for the PCC (Primary Care Centers) system and the press conference was held at PCC Lake Street in Oak Park, where former IAFP board member Karole Lakota, MD is the medical director. The event was covered by several TV stations and other media.

*Ben Brewer, MD touched on two very hot topics in his most recent “From the Doctor’s Office” columns for the Wall Street Journal. The November 27th installment talked about the “end of the year crunch” in his office when patients scramble to fit in final appointments, tests, prescriptions etc. before their insurance deductibles reset on January 1. His December 11th column illustrates the tremendous burden the impending 10 percent Medicare physician payment cut will have on family medicine. Dr. Brewer shares the perspectives of many AAFP members who have posted their concerns on the AAFP practice management list serve, including IAFP member Beth Pector, MD of Naperville. 

*IAFP member, Ronald Fiscella, M.D., of Moline, is a candidate for Rock Island County Coroner. Learn more about Dr. Fiscella at www.DrRonaldFiscella.com  

RESIDENT AND STUDENT NEWS:

*RESIDENT ROUNDUPS WILL RETURN IN 2008
IAFP Foundation hosted three very successful Resident Roundups in 2007 (link to full article at http://www.iafp.com/residents/residentroundup.htm ) and we are proud to announce that the Resident Roundup series will continue in 2008. We’ve received a grant from the AAFP Family Medicine Philanthropic Consortium to hold events in 2008.

We will focus on topics suggested by the 2007 Resident Roundup attendees on their evaluation forms. If you have suggestions for topics you’d like to see covered or to provide ideas on where and when a Resident Roundup could be held at or near your program, please e-mail those ideas to Ravi and Helen at IAFPResidents@yahoo.com.  


IAFP’S ONLINE RESOURCE FOR YOUR JOB SEARCH
The RIGHT job for you is out there, find it today! Visit http://www.iafp.com  nd select Job Listings from the menu on the left to learn more. 

*Link to resources for residents IAFP web site http://www.iafp.com/Residents/index.htm  

**STUDENTS
Family medicine interest groups (FMIG) at the various medical schools are up and running. Join the group, learn more about family medicine, teach a Tar Wars program, and spend time with family medicine residents and more. You can find a complete list of the FMIG leaders at each campus on our web site at: http://www.iafp.com/students/fmigcontacts.htm  

FMIG Leaders – have you connected with your “Adopt an FMIG” resident contacts? If you need assistance, please contact Ginnie Flynn at gflynn@iafp.com  or resident leaders Ravi Shah or Helen Williams at IAFPResidents@yahoo.com . 


NEWS YOU CAN USE

1. MERCK ANNOUNCES RECALL OF VACCINE
On Wednesday Merck Announced a voluntary recall of certain lots of PEDVAXHIBR and COMVAXR, the Hib and combination Hib and Hepatitis B vaccine. The recall is due to a sterilization problem at a Pennsylvania manufacturing plant. While the recalled vaccine has not been tied to an adverse event, the concern for the health community and parents will be an issue of adequate supply of this vaccine to meet immunization demand.

RECALLED LOTS
Product Description - Lot # - Expiration Date

PedvaxHIBR 0677U 11 January 2010
PedvaxHIBR 0820U 12 January 2010
PedvaxHIBR 0995U 16 January 2010
PedvaxHIBR 1164U 18 January 2010
PedvaxHIBR 0259U 17 October 2009
PedvaxHIBR 0435U 18 October 2009
PedvaxHIBR 0436U 19 October 2009
PedvaxHIBR 0437U 19 October 2009
PedvaxHIBR 0819U 09 January 2010
PedvaxHIBR 1167U 10 January 2010
COMVAXR 0376U 05 January 2010
COMVAXR 0377U 08 January 2010 

LINK to FAQs on the CDC Web site at:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/recalls/hib-recall-faqs-12-12-07.htm 

2. ILLINOIS NEEDS FAMILY MEDICINE INPUT ON EMR USE FOR ILLINOIS HEALTH CONNECT
The State of Illinois is considering sponsoring a grant program to stimulate the adoption of EMR and the use of EMR for Quality Assurance purposes. They are seeking input from front-line physicians about this issue. Dr. Margaret Kirkegaard, Medical Director of Illinois Health Connect, will be hosting two focus groups session to gather feedback. The sessions are: 

Thursday, December 20 from 7:30 am to 8:30 am 
Friday, December 21 from 12 noon to 1:00 

The call in information is: 

Conference number: 877-900-4832 
Conference code: 7101 
Pass code: 3120 

Please RSVP directly to Dr. Kirkegaard at mkirkegaard@automated-health.com  or 888-912-9120 ext 2218 if you plan on attending. Your input is critical to developing a program that is relevant to the needs of busy clinicians. Thank you. 

Margaret Kirkegaard, MD, MPH
Medical Director, Illinois Health Connect
Automated Health Systems
1375 East Woodfield Road, Suite 600
Schaumburg, IL 60173


REMINDERS WORTH REPEATING

1. WIC CHANGES FORMULA CONTRACT
The infant formula Illinois WIC Program will change effective February 1, 2008. Ross products (Similac and Isomil) remain the contract formula for WIC until then. After February 1 the following formulas will be provided to infants in the state WIC program: Enfamil LIPIL, Prosobee LIPIL, Enfamil LactoFree LIPIL, Enfamil Gentlease LIPIL and Enfamil AR LIPIL. 

Select therapeutic formulas will continue to be available for infants with appropriate medical diagnoses. Those participants will need to bring a prescription to the WIC clinic every three months with the diagnosis, formula needed and the duration needed. 
Questions? Contact your local WIC Program or the Illinois WIC program at 217-782-2166

2. SMOKING CESSATION – NOW IS THE TIME TO “ASK AND ACT”!
Ramp up the smoking cessation efforts in your community!

As you know, Illinois becomes a smoke-free state on January 1, 2008. When workers are no longer able to smoke on the job, our hope is that many of them will be ready to quit. IAFP wants you to use the resources and programs offered by AAFP that best fit your practice and your providers. 

What can you do?
1. Read up on the ”Ask and Act” CME web casts at http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/publichealth/tobacco/cme/webcasts.html  You can choose from four different CME web casts that suit your practice or facility’s needs. 
2. There are many free patient education materials available on the web site at http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/publichealth/tobacco/resources.html  
3. Approach the appropriate leadership at your hospital or practice facility and ask for the opportunity to present Ask and Act to providers.
4. Celebrate 2008 as Illinois’ becomes smoke-free at last.
5. Ensure that every patient who smokes gets some intervention when he or she comes to your facility.
6. Use the Illinois Quit Line at 866-QUIT-YES as a resource for patients who smoke and are ready to quit. You can request free materials for your practice at http://www.lungil.org/tobacco/ITQPromotionalMaterialRequestForm.pdf  and also find an easy to use Tobacco Treatment Referral Form at http://www.lungil.org/tobacco/IllinoisTobaccoQuitlineFaxReferralFormForHealthProssionals.pdf  

MORE RESOURCES at http://www.iafp.com/PR/:  
LISTEN: Podcast from IAFP board chair Kathleen J. Miller, MD of Decatur http://www.iafp.com/pdfs/smokefreeil.mp3  
LEARN information about the new law on the IDPH web site at
http://www.smoke-free.illinois.gov/index.htm 

CLASSIFIED ADS:
To place a classified ad, contact Ginnie Flynn at gflynn@iafp.com.  

CHAMPAIGN, IL--Christie Clinic is a multi-specialty group of 90 physicians that is recruiting for FP’s for its nearby satellite offices in Danville, Rantoul, and Tuscola. Good call schedules. No OB. The clinic is looking for highly motivated FP’s who want to work hard and be rewarded for it. Starting salary range of $170-190K, with lucrative bonus potential. Earnings well above national and regional averages. Champaign is the home of the University of Illinois, with many cultural, social, and athletic amenities. 2.5 hours south of Chicago. Contact Christopher Kashnig at Christie Clinic. Phone 217-366-5374. E-mail address: ckashnig@christieclinic.com  

CHAMPAIGN, IL--Christie Clinic is a multi-specialty group of 90 physicians that is recruiting a physician to take over and expand an existing Occupational Health program. The ideal candidate will be a Family Physician with experience and expertise in Occupational Health. Starting salary range of $180-200K and full fringe benefit package. Service area of 300,000 people. Champaign is the home of the University of Illinois, with many cultural, social, and athletic amenities. 2.5 hours south of Chicago. Contact Christopher Kashnig at Christie Clinic. Phone: 217-366-5374. E-mail address: ckashnig@christieclinic.com 


**IAFP MEMBERS, DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY.
Find the perfect employer with IAFP’s comprehensive online job bank - FPJobs Online. 

Candidates, find your ideal job to fit your lifestyle at http://www.iafp.com/JobListings/  
• Expand your personal and professional growth by finding the right job from the most comprehensive resource of family medicine jobs available.
• Present yourself in the most professional light possible with the state-of-the-art, customizable Resume Builder.
• Keep up-to-date records of your professional accomplishments in one highly organized format.
• Access the most coveted family medicine opportunities in the industry.
• Uncover your professional style and identify optimum work opportunities.

If you have any news items to share with the IAFP membership, please e-mail Ginnie Flynn at gflynn@iafp.com