Family Physician Newsletter

E-news for Sept. 7, 2007

IAFP News

IAFP IS TURNING 60!
And we are celebrating in Chicago. Along with AAFP’s Annual Meeting coming to town, your Illinois Academy of Family Physicians has planned some special events for the first week of October.

How did family medicine evolve and grow over 60 years? Log on to the IAFP web site and read our newly released “60 Years of Caring” chronology at http://www.iafp.com/pdfs/SixtyYearsofCaring2007FINAL.pdf

**THE AUGUST SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF FAMILY PHYSICIAN IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: http://www.iafp.com/pdfs/augsept07.pdf

** AN EASY WAY TO SPEAK UP! TAKE THE IAFP MEMBER SURVEY
The survey only takes about five minutes to complete and will give your board and officers the information they need to represent YOU across the spectrum.

So please tell us what we need to know and complete the IAFP member survey today!

Access the survey online at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=wvpir5zuzmGRHtyrRFuyqw_3d_3d

IAFP ANNUAL MEETING EVENTS

**REGISTER ONLINE NOW FOR IAFP ANNUAL MEETING EVENTS:
Learn more and listen to a podcast of questions about these events with IAFP President Steve Knight, MD at http://www.iafp.com/whatsnew/meetingdrknight.htm

*Oct. 3: IAFP All-Member Assembly/Town Hall Meeting
Marriott Chicago Downtown – 540 N. Michigan Avenue
8:00 p.m.
Join us as the new officers and board members are installed and discuss where Illinois family medicine needs to focus its efforts in the coming year.

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR THIS EVENT
Go to
http://guest.cvent.com/i.aspx?4W,M3,5048a4ba-d59f-488c-a685-15be742d9202

*Oct. 4: IAFP 60th Anniversary Party
Art Institute of Chicago- 111 S. Michigan – 7:00 p.m.
This private party at one of Chicago’s finest art venues will celebrate family medicine and present honors to the Illinois Family Physician of the Year, the Teachers of the Year and more. Join us for the honors, appetizers and drinks, and then stay to tour the Impressionism Gallery.

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR THIS EVENT
Go to http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Invitation.aspx?e=b0100eb0-c1bf-4a36-a0fc-a12643d4e5b1

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

**STATE GOVERNMENT -

*SHIFT AT THE TOP AT ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH.
Governor Rod R. Blagojevich appointed Dr. Damon Arnold as the State's new Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) this week. The Governor accepted the resignation of Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, the State's public health director since 2003. Dr. Whitaker is leaving to pursue a position in the private sector.

Effective October 1, 2007 Dr. Arnold will take over as the new Director of IDPH. Previously, Dr. Arnold served as the Medical Director of Bioterrorism and Preparedness for the Chicago Department of Public Health, Medical Director of Occupational Medicine Program at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, Medical Director for LTV Steel Company at Corporate Health Dimensions, and Medical Director of Occupational Health Services and Staff Physician at Saint Francis Hospital & Health Centers. Dr. Arnold recently completed a second tour of duty to Iraq, where he treated soldiers wounded by battle.

*CHECK YOUR ONLINE PHYSICIAN PROFILE NOW!
As required by law, all Illinois licensed physicians must review, update and verify their online profiles by November 15, 2007. The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has created the Profile internet web site as required by amendments to the Illinois Medical Practice Act (225 ILCS 60/24.1) to provide the public with access to information profiles on all physicians and chiropractors licensed in the State of Illinois.

Physicians can access the system at http://www.idfpr.com/applications/ProfessionProfile/ProfileUpdateMain.aspx and then view their profile by entering their social security number or PIN number (mailed to physicians), and their Illinois license number. There will be no paper submission of information. To receive an e-mail confirming that their profiles are “complete,” physicians should include an e-mail address with their contact info.

Profile Compliance
Prior to the release of your profile information to the public, you have 60 days to review the information in your profile, correct any inaccuracies, and provide additional required profile information. Failure to comply with this request within 60 days may result in disciplinary action against your license.

For Additional Information...
Call 217-524-4972 or e-mail FPR.Profile@Illinois.gov

**FEDERAL UPDATE

*UPDATED!! RULES FOR TAMPER-RESISTANT PRESCRIPTION PADS
The new law takes effect on October 1, 2007. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services released the rules for states and providers and now has published FAQs of their own. Link to the CMS document on the IAFP web site at: http://www.iafp.com/pdfs/CMS%20FAQ%20Tamper%20Resistant%20Pads.pdf

You can still find the Illinois Dept. of Healthcare and Family Services FAQ available to download, print or save at http://www.hfs.illinois.gov/assets/090607_tamperqna.pdf

View the IDHFS Sept. 5 provider notice at http://www.hfs.illinois.gov/assets/090507tamper.pdf

FOUNDATION

TAR WARS PRESENTERS – ARE YOU READY?

School is back in session! Current Tar Wars presenters will be getting their annual kickoff letter and information from Tar Wars Coordinator Ginnie Flynn in late September or early October. Schools will also hear from Tar Wars with their assigned presenter’s contact information in October. If you are ready to go and want to contact your schools from last year to schedule your presentations, please do.

DON’T FORGET TO DOWNLOAD THE NEW CURRICULUM – which is now available at the national Tar Wars website at http://www.tarwars.org/cgi-bin/download_tracking.pl You will need to enter your name, e-mail, state and zip code - in order to download the new program guide in English or Spanish. This new online tracking system (which began in May 2007) will help us track the usage and potential presenters.

NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO SIGN UP AS A TAR WARS PRESENTER - It only takes one hour to present to a group of 4th or 5th graders and it’s FUN! You can visit a local school, a scout troop, sports team, after school program – anywhere that would like to include Tar Wars in their efforts to help children stay tobacco free.

You can link to a sign up form at http://www.iafp.com/tarwars/corporate/presentersignup.htm or contact Ginnie Flynn at gflynn@iafp.com for more information.

Don’t have time to present, but wan to help? Make a tax-deductible donation or donate prizes for the 2008 poster contest! You can even donate frequent flyer miles for next year’s poster contest winner. Contact Ginnie with your ideas.

CME Information:

** CME CONNECTION
IAFP launched a new electronic newsletter called “CME Connection” in June dedicated entirely to IAFP CME opportunities and products as well as CME offerings from partner organizations and more. The publication connects IAFP members with 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/

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.
• Chicago, IL-Thursday and Friday, November 1-2, 2007 http://www.pri-med.com/pmo/LiveProgramDetail.aspx?url=/pmo/30/events/30CHI07B/Conference
• St. Louis, MO-Thursday and Friday, December 6-7, 2007 http://www.pri-med.com/pmo/LiveProgramDetail.aspx?url=/pmo/30/events/30STL07B/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 .

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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.

*Another Top Doc in the St. Louis area! Congratulations to Dr. Jerome Epplin of Litchfield was named in St. Louis magazine's "Top Doctors" in August in Family Medicine and Geriatrics. He has also been named a Fellow of the American Geriatrics Society.

*Ben Brewer, MD of Forrest takes on the controversy of health care in the retail setting in the September 11th installment of “From the Doctor’s Office” in the Wall Street Journal. He highlights the concerns of physicians versus the lack of access and over-reliance on expensive emergency rooms in his rural area.

*Speaking of retail health clinics, Medical Marts was featured in the September 20th Chicago Tribune. Medical Marts is the only retail based clinic currently staffed by physicians rather than midlevel providers. IAFP member Kenneth Richmond, MD is the medical director for Medical Marts and is interviewed for the article. He also appeared nationally on PBS television’s Nightly Business Report on September 19th.

*When the northwest suburban Pioneer Press newspapers ran a very one-sided article singing the praises of Minute Clinic, IAFP member Stewart Segal, MD immediately responded with an editorial to put some perspective on retail medicine versus a medical home with a primary care physician. His letter ran the week of September 6 in several of the newspapers.

*Rick Singh, MD is quoted in an article about the various thermometers and taking a child’s temperature in the September 6 Joliet Herald News and September 10 Chicago Daily Southtown. Dr. Singh stresses the importance of taking a child’s temperature accurately before calling the doctor, since that will be important information.

*Executive Vice President Vince Keenan is quoted in the August 30 Illinois Times as they examine the changing face of the governor’s Illinois Covered program proposal and the response of many of the organizations that strongly supported the proposal in the early stages.

* She’s back!! IAFP Foundation Summer Externship participant Denice Smith, MD has completed her residency training in Iowa and returned to Illinois as the new family doctor in Morrison, according to the Savana Times Journal on August 23rd.

*Penny Tippy, MD of Carbondale has been honored with the Rosemary Crisp Woman of the Year Award. Each year one exceptional woman of unselfish character and generous volunteerism who demonstrates great enthusiasm for the people of southern Illinois is honored with this award at the Southern Illinois Women's Health Conference. The recipient is a woman who is committed to healthy families and healthy communities a woman who has contributed to the advancement or support of others or her community, through her volunteer efforts or personal contributions.

*Darin Jordan, MD, of Geneva has been promoted to Medical Director, Convenient Care at Central DuPage Hospital (CDH). He replaces Kevin Most, DO, who was recently promoted to Vice President, Medical Affairs. Both are IAFP members. Central DuPage Hospital Convenient Care Centers are currently located in Bloomingdale, Wheaton, Bartlett, Naperville and St. Charles.

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FOR STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS:

**STUDENTS:

THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE FALL FORUM!!
http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Invitation.aspx?e=9add798b-1fa5-41c5-a79b-d435f69aa5e8

Enjoy a great day of family medicine at the IAFP Foundation Fall Forum!
Date: Saturday, September 29th
Time: 9 am – 2:30 pm
Location: Oak Brook Marriott
Right across from Oak Brook Mall, with plenty of time left in the day to shop!

The agenda includes many hands-on procedure workshops, a residency fair with over 30 programs and a keynote address on loan repayment!
DOWNSTATE STUDENTS - IAFP Foundation has funding available to reimburse you for mileage!

REGISTER ONLINE NOW (OR BY SEPT. 26) AT http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Invitation.aspx?e=9add798b-1fa5-41c5-a79b-d435f69aa5e8

**RESIDENTS:

1) REGISTER NOW: IAFP’S 3RD RESIDENT ROUNDUP IN CHICAGO
Tuesday, October 23rd from 6:00 to 8:00PM
O”Brien’s Restaurant
1524 N. Wells Street in Chicago

Money, Money, Money!!! You won’t want to miss this valuable networking and educational opportunity on personal and professional finance issues. Previous roundups in Oak Park and Springfield drew rave reviews from Illinois family medicine residents. Our event includes dinner and a chance to talk shop with residents from throughout Chicagoland.

Link to a printable registration form at http://www.iafp.com/residents/residentroundupoct20.htm
Or contact Ginnie Flynn at gflynn@iafp.com to register via e-mail.

2) AAFP SEEKS ENTRANTS FOR RESIDENT SCHOLARS COMPETITION
This year’s competition will focus on two categories 1) Discovery and 2) Synthesis. The application deadline has been extended to Nov. 1. Find information and an application on the AAFP web site at http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/residents/grantsawards/residentscholars.html.

3) JOB LISTINGS AND OTHER INFO ON-LINE
Here is a place to start: http://www.iafp.com/JobListings/

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

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NEWS YOU CAN USE

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**YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED....PHARMA PATIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
As you are probably aware, patient assistance programs are run by each pharmaceutical company to provide free medications to people who cannot afford to buy their medicine. Sponsored by the PHARMA, the pharmaceutical trade association, the RxAssist web site http://www.rxassist.org offers a database of the various manufacturer's patient assistance programs, as well as an online tool to complete each manufacturers application.
While the RxAssist web site represents a significant advance, it falls short of true process standardization nor does it streamline the amount of information required for submission to each company.

If you or someone on your staff have suggestions to improve these programs, we need your input. A focus group with stakeholders from across the nation will be convened in early November to solicit input. If you are interested in participating in this focus group, or sending your written comments, please send your information to: Stanley Borg, D.O. at s_b88@hotmail.com.

**NATIONAL CAMPAIGN SHOWCASES “FACES OF INFLUENZA
This American Lung Association educational initiative, Faces of Influenza, will be launched this fall to encourage influenza vaccination among high-risk groups such as the elderly and children, their contacts, the general public, and health care providers. The Faces of Influenza campaign will be also available online, where it will feature a number of interactive components. Flu vaccine season is just around the corner!

IS YOUR PRACTICE PLANNING A FLU CLINIC THIS FALL?
Add it to the “Flu Clinic Locator” at the Faces of Influenza Campaign Web site!
Learn how you can upload information about your upcoming flu clinics at http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=aqKGLXOAIlH&b=3090427
You will need to complete and submit an agreement to participate.

Link to Faces of Influenza resources for providers at
http://www.facesofinfluenza.org/health_care_provider.php

Link to the AAFP Immunization Resource Center: http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/clinical/immunizationres.html

*FROM THE ILLINOIS MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH COALITION
Chicago Area Immunization Campaign
Fall General Meeting

Tuesday, October 30, 2007
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

University of Illinois at Chicago
School of Public Health Auditorium

REGISTER ONLINE AT http://www.ilmaternal.org/CAIC/Misc/fall2007genmtg.pdf

REMINDERS WORTH REPEATING

** SUPPPORT GROUP FOR STROKE PATIENTS
Monthly call-in support group for Stroke Survivors throughout Illinois!
The goal of the SSEEO Toll-Free Telephone Stroke Support Group is to build community, provide support and share information by connecting survivors, caregivers, health professionals and other stroke stakeholders.
Upcoming Topics: The Emotional Side of Stroke
Featuring: Brian Leahy, PhD
Family and Caregiver Issues in Stroke, call at Noon on October 19
Cognitive Effects of Stroke and Techniques for Remediation, call at Noon on November 30
Dr. Brian currently serves as Director of the Neuropsychology Service at the Alexian Neurosciences Institute and is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
IMPORTANT CALL-IN INFORMATION: Participation on the calls is absolutely free but advance registration is required due to limited line availability. Please contact us at 1-800-677-5481 ext. 7438 and provide the following information: First and last name(s), mailing address, e-mail address and telephone number. These conference calls are made possible through the generous sponsorship of Alexian Brothers Hospital Network.

**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

CLASSIFIED ADS:

CHAMPAIGN, IL--Christie Clinic is a multi-specialty group of 90 physicians that is recruiting for FP’s for its satellite offices in Danville and Rantoul. 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 could be $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

**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!