Sunday, January 29, 2012
 
Academy of Medicine
Emergency Services
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Welcome to the Academy of Medicine

The Academy of Medicine (Hamilton County Medical Society), founded in 1857, is a not-for-profit, professional association for the physicians of Hamilton County, Ohio. Mission Statement: The Academy of Medicine is the professional association that exists to organize, represent, advocate for, and serve physicians of Greater Cincinnati.

Urge Congress to Repeal SGR

Physicians and their patients are encouraged to contact Congress now and urge them to repeal the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula that threatens the long-term viability of the Medicare program. Although Congress passed a bill that provides a two-month delay to the 27.4% cut in physician Medicare reimbursement that was to take effect on January 1, without further Congressional action, the cut would now go into effect on March 1. If this happens, physicians may find that they cannot afford to accept Medicare and TRICARE insurance, and many seniors and military families will lose access to the medical care they need and deserve.

Tell your senators and representative it’s time to fix this problem and protect access to care and the long-term viability of these important health care programs.

Contacting your Ohio legislators is easy:

• Senator Sherrod Brown

• Senator Rob Portman

• Representative Steve Chabot (District 1)

• Representative Jean Schmidt (District 2)

• Representative John Boehner (District 8)

• AMA’s Physicians’ Grassroots Network

• OSMA’s Legislative Contact Page

For PatientsAMA’s Patients’ Action Network

Join the First District

The First District Delegation, which encompasses Hamilton and several surrounding counties, is seeking members to serve as alternate delegates. Alternate delegates are expected to attend the Ohio State Medical Association Annual Meeting, which will be held March 23–25 in Columbus, and must be members of both the Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati and the OSMA.

The First District Delegation will schedule one more planning meeting (date to be announced) prior to the OSMA Annual Meeting to continue preparations. A major role of the delegation is to present resolutions to the state organization on any issues or concerns that local physicians have.

If you might be interested in serving on the Delegation, please contact Academy Assistant Executive Director Nancy Coomer or by phone at 513-421-7010, ext. 307.

Academy of Medicine President-elect Robyn Chatman, MD, serves as First District Councilor. 

Help patients understand the ACA

The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati has launched a regional public education effort to help explain how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will change health coverage. As parts of the ACA became effective, research conducted by he Health Foundation found that most of the community did not understand how the changes would affect them.

Part of the Foundation’s campaign includes printable flyers addressing the changes that are in effect. Topics include:

• An ACA overview;
How will your Medicare benefits change?
How will your private health insurance benefits change? and
If you are not insured, what will your choices be?

Physicians are invited to print the flyers and make them available to their patients. Physicians can also order printed copies of the flyers by contacting Nathalie Raymer at nraymer@healthfoundation.org. 
Fall Trip to Ireland

The Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati is planning a sightseeing and golf trip to Ireland this fall. See a brief description and itinerary here. For a pictorial preview of this unforgettable excursion click here.

Registration deadline is January 31, 2012. Plan now to enjoy some of the most stunning scenery in the world and play five of Ireland's most famous golf courses. 

For more information, contact Academy Executive Director Donna Gilliam or by phone at 513-421-7010. 


New Benefit – DocBookMD

The Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati is pleased to announce its latest member benefit — DocBookMD.

DocBookMD is a mobile, secure, HIPAA-compliant smartphone platform for your iPad, iPhone, or Android device. Provided to Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati members (Actives and Residents) at no charge, DocBookMD offers HIPAA-compliant messaging; sending and receiving of images (X-rays, EKGs, wounds, etc.); a Directory of your Academy of Medicine colleagues; a local pharmacies list; and much more.

Register today directly from your iPad, iPhone, or Android device. To register, you will need your Academy of Medicine Member ID Number. If you do not have it, contact the Academy at 513-421-7010. Your free app is available at the iTunes Store or the Android Market.

For more information, visit DocBookMD.com.
Volunteer for Project Access

The Academy of Medicine Project Access – a program to facilitate charitable medical services provided by volunteer physicians for uninsured patients who would otherwise be unable to access care – continues to move forward. Having raised more than $100,000, the non-profit entity is continuing its fund-raising efforts. Any one interested in assisting in these efforts should contact Project Access Consultant Josh Kaufmann or by phone at 513-549-3210.

Board Members have been instrumental in recruiting their physician colleagues to participate in the program. For more information on volunteering, click here.

An official kick-off date of January 2012 is planned. Initially, four pilot sites will be used and a limited number of patients will be seen to ensure a smooth launch.

If you have questions about Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati Project Access, contact Academy Executive Director Donna Gilliam or by phone at 513-578-6476.