E-news for July 13, 2007 IAFP News ** POLL QUESTION – DID YOU SEE SICKO? Tell us in a few sentences what you thought about the movie. Do you…? - Agree with Michael Moore - Think Moore makes some valid points - Disagree with his assessment  - Feel that he is biased in his approach Send your feedback to IAFP Executive vice president Vince Keenan at vkeenan@iafp.com   ** AN EASY WAY TO SPEAK UP! TAKE THE IAFP MEMBER SURVEY IAFP staff and leadership need member input to help shape the Academy’s direction when the new Board of Directors is installed this October in Chicago. The survey will only take a few minutes of your time, but it adds up to tremendous input when IAFP members provide us their insight.  Access the survey online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=wvpir5zuzmGRHtyrRFuyqw_3d_3d  **LOOKING FOR THE NEXT IAFP LEADERS Members are invited to self-nominate for IAFP Board of Directors positions. The IAFP Leadership Development Committee, chaired by Ellen Brull, MD of Glenview, is accepting nominations for the following positions: president-elect (this position is a three year commitment), first vice president, second vice president, a new physician board member (all one year terms) and three directors for a three-year term. Nominations are also accepted for AAFP delegate and alternate delegate.  Send your nomination letter and CV to the IAFP office at iafp@iafp.com no later than July 31. Job descriptions are available by contacting Vince Keenan, CAE, IAFP executive vice president at vkeenan@iafp.com  or call 800-826-7944 x116.  **MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING IAFP EVENTS: July 25: IAFP Presidential Inauguration: Golf Outing, Dinner and CME, Franklin County Country Club, West Frankfort. For more information, contact Christi Emerson at cemerson@iafp.com.   Oct. 3: IAFP All-Member Assembly/Town Hall Meeting, Downtown Chicago Marriott.  Oct. 4: IAFP 60th Anniversary Party, Art Institute of Chicago. Celebrate our successes and honor our award recipients! IAFP will have private access to the museum that night.  You’ll receive more information on all the IAFP events during AAFP Annual Assembly week throughout the summer.  For more information on the AAFP meeting in Chicago: http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/cme/aafpcourses/conferences/assembly.html   GOVERNMENT RELATIONS **STATE GOVERNMENT  Springfield Update  It’s hard to picture the Capitol after July 4th still filled with legislators and staff in an extended overtime session. Although the Rotunda is dark (less lights to keep it cooler inside) and sparsely populated with people, the chambers and offices are officially “working.” Many of the rank and file members come and go, given their summer commitments. The House usually has around 70-80 (out of 118) for their roll call, while the Senate has between 30 and 35 (out of 59). And what do they do? Some in leadership positions are called on occasion to attend the budget negotiations among the leaders (Senate President Jones, Speaker Madigan, Minority Leaders Cross and Watson, and the Governor) while others attend infrequently scheduled committee hearings.  Is there an end in sight? So far, the budget negotiations have failed to find any compromise. Speculations run from an adjournment with resolution by the end of July to a continued standoff into the fall. If we don’t have a FY 2008 budget or a one month budget by July 31st, program cuts, work furloughs, and delayed payments will begin. Ultimately, Medicaid providers could be among the first to be impacted through extended payment delays. IAFP will keep you apprised of any resolution and we ask that you keep us apprised of any delays in your Medicaid payments beginning in August. **IDPH EXEMPTS VACCINES ANOTHER 12 MONTHS IDPH has published a Statewide Declaration of Exemption to the Thimerosal Vaccine Act for the next 12 months in order to ensure access to the vaccines. The Department recommends that children under age 3 are prioritized to receive thimerosal-free vaccine.  Link to the memo from IDPH at http://www.iafp.com/ThimerosalMercuryFreeVaccineAct.pdf  **FEDERAL UPDATE  NPI DATABASE CONFUSION Physicians are being urged to review their National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) data, including their NPI numbers, before July 16th to make certain the information that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has listed is correct and to delete information that they do not want released. Learn more from AAFP at  http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/government-medicine/20070705npidatadelay.html  CMS ANNOUNCES PROJECTED 9.9% CUT IN MEDICARE PROVIDER RATES CMS has proposed revising Medicare payment rates, extending the length of a quality reporting program and implementing a controversial provision to reduce Medicare physician payments by nearly 10 percent next year. READ MORE FROM AAFP NEWS NOW AT: http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/publications/news/news-now/government-medicine/20070706cmspaycut.printerview.html   DEADLINE IS JULY 25TH TO ORDER YOUR SOX TICKETS! Tar Wars Night with the White Sox is Thursday August 9th Root on the Chicago White Sox and raise money for the IAFP Foundation’s Tar Wars program! Each ticket you purchase means a donation of between $10 and $14 per ticket. Tar Wars teaches tobacco prevention to 4th and 5th graders throughout the state.  Seats are available in both Lower Reserved and Bleachers sections.  Bleachers: $25 Lower Reserved: $30 For an order form, go to http://www.iafp.com/tarwars/soxflyer07.htm  or contact Tar Wars Coordinator Ginnie Flynn at 630-435-0356 x118 or gflynn@iafp.com . Tickets MUST be ordered by JULY 25th to ensure delivery in time for the game.  _____ CME Information: ** DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR CME CONNECTION? IAFP launched a new electronic newsletter called “CME Connection” on June 21 which will be dedicated entirely to IAFP CME opportunities and products as well as CME offerings from partner organizations and more. The publication will July 19th and sent every month, allowing IAFP members the chance to find the CME options that meet their needs. 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/calendar/   **IMMUNIZATION CODING AND REIMBURSEMENT SEMINAR FOR OFFICE MANAGERS AND PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS – JULY 20TH The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) is offering its annual immunization coding and reimbursement seminar for pediatric providers, office managers and others on Friday, July 20, 2007 from 9:00am to 2:00pm at Loretto Hospital in Chicago.  “The Business Side of Vaccines,” will include an update on new vaccines, with a focus on adolescent vaccines; details and information about the Vaccines for Children program and how to incorporate practice involvement in that program in a proactive and efficient manner; and an in-depth session on immunization coding and reimbursement for pediatric providers. New to the program this year, providers will be able to submit real-life coding scenarios/problems prior to the session for discussion at the seminar.  Lunch will be provided.  The program brochure and registration information is attached or can be found at www.illinoisaap.org/Immunizations/CodingFlyer.pdf.   Contact Salaeha Shariff at ICAAP if you have any questions or need more information (sshariff@illinoisaap.com ; 312/733-1026). 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.  • Oakbrook Terrace, IL-Wednesday and Thursday, September 26-27, 2007 (link here)- http://www.pri-med.com/pmo/LiveProgramDetail.aspx?url=/pmo/30/events/30OAK07B/Conference  • St. Louis, MO-Thursday and Friday, December 6-7, 2007(link here) http://www.pri-med.com/pmo/LiveProgramDetail.aspx?url=/pmo/30/events/30STL07B/Conference  • Chicago, IL-Thursday and Friday, November 1-2, 2007(link here http://www.pri-med.com/pmo/LiveProgramDetail.aspx?url=/pmo/30/events/30CHI07B/Conference  *Pri-Med Updates in Women’s Health Introducing a new one-day program designed for Obstetricians, Gynecologists and Family Physicians. By attending, you will gain a better understanding of screening techniques and management strategies that will serve the unique needs of your female patients • Chicago, IL-Saturday, November 3, 2007 http://www.pri-med.com/pmo/LiveProgramDetail.aspx?url=/pmo/43/cities/43CHI  *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 www.pri-med.com/onlineCME  . __________________ 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 .  Ted Schock, MD is the new medical director at Alden Alma Nelson Rehabilitation and Health Center according to the June 25 Rockford Register Star.  Steven Sauerberg, MD is one of three U.S. Congress candidates profiled in the July 8th issue of the Daily Herald. The article looks at three scientists running for office in a Congress dominated by lawyers.  Carrie Jaworski, MD hosted two clinics for parents and coaches of youth sports to provide education on youth sports injuries. She was featured in a two page story on injuries and youth sports in the July 10th Chicago Sun Times weekly health report.  Congratulations to HomeCare Physicians, founded by Tom Cornwell, MD on their honor as the 2006 “Business of Year” from the Central DuPage County AM Rotary Club.  ------------------------------- FOR STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS: **STUDENTS: SAVE THE DATE!!! Mark your calendars for the next IAFP Foundation Fall Family Medicine Program! Date: Saturday, September 29th Time: 9 am – 2:30 pm Location: Oak Brook Marriott For more information please contact Crishelle O’Rourke at corourke@iafp.com . Click here for a flyer you can print out and save: http://www.iafp.com/students/Fall%20forum.htm   **RESIDENTS:  *RESIDENTS, PREPARE TO ADOPT AN FMIG! Family medicine residents are in a unique position to encourage, guide and support medical students who would make fantastic family physicians.  IAFP Foundation will continue to advance our “Adopt-an-FMIG” system between the medical school FMIGs and affiliated or nearby family medicine residency programs. We would like to create and facilitate a coordinated effort so that every Illinois FMIG has a dedicated support system from a family medicine residency.  The American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation Family Medicine Philanthropic Consortium (AAFP/F FMPC) has provided IAFP Foundation a grant of $5,000 to facilitate “Adopt-an-FMIG.”  For more information, contact Ginnie Flynn at gflynn@iafp.com .  *EXIBITOR REGISTRATION FOR THE FALL FORUM IS ONLINE Has your program made plans to exhibit at the IAFP Foundation Fall Forum? For details, visit: http://www.iafp.com/students/exhibitor%20prospectus.htm   *JOB LISTINGS AND OTHER INFO ON-LINE Here is a place to start: http://www.iafp.com/JobListings/   *Link to new resources for residents IAFP web site http://www.iafp.com/Residents/index.htm   ----------------------------- NEWS YOU CAN USE **ILLINOIS HEALTH CONNECT UPDATES: [EDITOR’S NOTE: IAFP is committed to ensuring our members have the necessary information about Illinois Health Connect to make an informed decision on their participation] 1. HFS LAUNCHES PROVIDER NEWSLETTER The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) offers the first issue of the joint provider newsletter for the Your Healthcare PlusTM and Illinois Health ConnectTM programs. The newsletter will be published quarterly and can be accessed by clicking on the following link: http://www.illinoishealthconnect.com/providernewsletter.aspx  NOTE: The newsletter is an 11x17” PDF file. If you are not able to print on 11x17 paper where you are, we recommend increasing the document size to at least 125% to make it easier to read on screen. If you have suggestions on how to keep this newsletter relevant to you, questions about something featured in an issue or would like to learn more about the programs in general, please contact: Your Healthcare Plus www.illinoishealthconnect.com      1-877-912-1999 Illinois Health Connect www.yourhealthcareplusdr.com  1-800-973-6792  2. ILLINOIS HEALTH CONNECT HOSTS PROVIDER EDUCATION WEBINAR This month's topic is "MEDI” and will be held via Webex on Wednesday, July 25 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. CST. To participate in the July webinar, please before Tuesday, July 17. Due to capacity limits, it may be necessary to host a second session which will also be held on Wednesday, July 25 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. CST. So, if you register and the first session is already full, you will automatically be registered for the second session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation with instructions on how to participate. If you have any questions, or to register – contact Octavia M. Mailey, Provider Training Specialist Illinois Health Connect Program Phone # 815/999-2329 Fax #847/995-0827 3. ILLINOIS HEALTH CONNECT PRESENTS “COMMUNITY PROVIDER TRAINING SESSIONS BEGINNING JULY 18 Illinois Health Connect will be hosting a series of trainings to inform providers, provider groups, community based organizations and advocacy organizations about this new program. Training sessions have been scheduled on Thursday, July 20 at the Shelby County Health Department in Shelbyville, IL from 1:00 to 4:00 and Friday, July 26 at the Adams County Health Department in Quincy, IL from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. To register for either training or get more info, please contact gjacaway@ipha.com or 217-522-5687. Find training sessions in Southern Illinois at http://www.iafp.com/pdfs/Illinois%20Health%20Connect%20Flyer-Southern%20Region.pdf  Locate training sessions in Central Illinois at http://www.iafp.com/pdfs/Illinois%20Health%20Connect%20Flyer-Central%20Region.pdf  Find an updated Fact Sheet about IHC at http://www.iafp.com/legislative/fact%20sheet.htm  ______  REMINDERS WORTH REPEATING **BRIDGING CARE PLANNER – FOR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AT YOUR PRACTICE The Solution Enhance your quality improvement efforts and chronic care management with the BridgingCare® Planner (BCP) patient registry.  A registry is a practical tool that enables you to monitor patient care on a routine basis. A registry provides a systematic approach to documenting the quality of care provided. The information is organized in one place for tracking and monitoring the care of either individual patients or a group of patients over time. Through a dynamic reporting capability, a practice can identify patients due for evaluation or intervention and follow specific indicators (e.g. A1c).  Link to more information at http://www.iafp.com/whatsnew/BCP.htm   **PHYSICIAN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - UPDATED CommunityHealth is seeking physicians to volunteer at our clinic located at 2611 W. Chicago Ave. A volunteer commitment of just one clinic session (four hours) every month would be welcome. We are in need of primary care physicians and specialists (Gynecologists, Endocrinologists, Ophthalmologists, and Rheumatologists). Physicians must be licensed and boarded in Illinois to volunteer.  In addition, other volunteers such as, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, interpreters (Spanish and Polish), and clerical support are always needed.  Founded in 1993, CommunityHealth is Illinois' largest volunteer-based clinic serving the uninsured, serving 6000 patients annually.  For more information about CommunityHealth or to become a volunteer: go to http://www.commnityhealth.org/volunteers  or contact: Kelly Jordan, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 773-395-9901 ex. 23 or kjordan@communityhealth.org .  CLASSIFIED ADS: 1. ROCKFORD - The Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford is seeking family physician faculty for its 9-7-7 residency program that includes a rural track. OB optional. The Department has research, faculty development, an MPH program, and a myriad of community activities. The College is a WHO Collaborating Center for Medical Education. Candidates should be board certified/board eligible. Rank and salary commensurate with qualifications. Please send a cover letter and resume to Farion R. Williams, MD; Program Director; 1221 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61104 or by email to farionw@uic.edu . The University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  2. ORLAND PARK - Looking for FT Family Physician in growing suburban practice. Orland Park is a thriving family suburb with excellent schools, housing, and shopping in the South suburban Chicago area, within 30 minutes of downtown Chicago. Salary based on level of experience and partnership possibilities considered after two years of employment. No OB required. Resident or seasoned FP welcome. Contact Dr. Susan Rife - fax CV to 708-873-1204, e-mail to drsrife@pol.net  or phone 708-873-1187 for more information.  3. CHAMPAIGN, IL--Christie Clinic is a multi-specialty group of 90 physicians that is recruiting for a FP for its satellite office in Rantoul, 15 miles north of Champaign. Call: 1/8. No OB. The clinic is looking for a highly motivated FP who wants to work hard and be rewarded for it. Starting salary could be $190K, with lucrative bonus potential. Earnings well above national and regional averages. Champaign is the home of the University of Illinois, with comfortable college town lifestyle and many cultural 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 employee or employer with IAFP’s comprehensive online job bank at 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. Recruiters, simplify and optimize the hiring process at FPJobs Online • Improve recruitment efficiencies–skip the broad job boards and hone in on preferred candidates. • Make the most of direct, targeted access to over 2,000 IAFP active members and hundreds of residents about to graduate. • Screen all candidates for your specific criteria. • Secure volume-pricing discounts with your multiple recruitment needs. Log on to http://www.iafp.com/JobListings/  today to learn more!