AAMSE News

Call for Topics

2011-08-18T14:54:00.000-05:00

Call for Topics: It's Not Too Late to Participate!

Would you like to share your skills and expertise with the rest of AAMSE?

Have you heard a speaker so dynamic that you'd like to see them at the AAMSE Annual Conference?

Did you read an article and wonder if the same principles could be applied to medical society management?

Now is the opportunity you've been waiting for - a chance to tell AAMSE the topics that are of interest to YOU.

Nominate yourself, a colleague or suggest a topic by clicking on one of the image below now. Don't have all of the specifics to nominate a speaker? Don't worry - we'll take your topic idea and work out all of the details!

The AAMSE Annual Conference is the nation's premier meeting of medical society executives. The goal is to provide education and training while enjoying unique opportunities to meet and interact with colleagues and experts from around the nation.
Suggestions must be submitted by September 6 at 7pm Central.

AAMSE EDWebs provide medical society professionals with the knowledge, skills and best practices needed to run a dynamic medical society and provide the best value to their members. Share your association knowledge with the AAMSE community by submitting an idea for a webinar. Suggestions must be submitted by September 6 at 7pm Central.

Hotline, AAMSE's monthly newsletter, delivers the latest updates and information on medical society management directly to members' inboxes! Share your association knowledge with the AAMSE community by submitting an article or suggesting a topic. Suggestions may be made at any time.

Annual Conference Session Materials Now Available

2011-08-05T10:14:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all who attended the 2011 AAMSE Annual Conference in Boston!

The session materials are now available online. Please review the instructions below in order to access these documents:

Click on the Online Syllabus link.
Login using your AAMSE username and password. If you do not have a username and password or do not remember it, click on the Login Help link.
The breakout sessions for which you originally registered for will be displayed under the "My Sessions" tab.
To access the general sessions or breakout sessions for which you were not pre-registered, click on the "All Sessions" tab.
Session files may be downloaded individually or by checking multiple sessions and clicking the "Download Checked Files" button at the top of the page. All checked files will be downloaded in a Zip file.

Thank you for helping to make the 2011 Annual Conference a success and don't forget to mark your calendar to attend the 2012 Annual Conference in Los Angeles, CA, July 18-21, 2012.

Texterity - Exhibitor Announced

2011-06-24T08:58:00.000-05:00

We'd like to thank Texterity for their support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.
Texterity is a full-service provider of high quality and mobile publishing solutions, currently converting, maintaining and tracking more than 1,000 digital editions for consumer, trade, association and niche publishers. With non-Flash, browser-based technology and a Total Mobility platform, Texterity is leading the e-reading revolution. Texterity's native magazine-branded apps for iPhone, iPad and Android accommodate live feeds, social sharing, video, search and more.

Kim Kett, VP of Sales & Marketing │ 508-804-3075 │ kkett@texterity.com

Capson Physicians Insurance - Exhibitor Announced

2011-06-22T09:19:00.000-05:00

We'd like to thank Capson Physicians Insurance for their support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.

Capson delivers a new approach to acquiring professional liability coverage, underwriting and claims management, by combining an innovative business model with proprietary technology that delivers automation and scale. In addition, Capson has developed an automated in-office patient survey tool that facilitates stronger patient/physician relationship.

Greenway Medical Technologies - Exhibitor Announced

2011-06-21T10:21:00.000-05:00

We'd like to thank Greenway Medical Technologies for their continued support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.

Greenway Medical Technologies provides integrated clinical, financial and administrative solutions to more than 23,000 healthcare providers in 31 specialties and subspecialties. Greenway's single-database electronic health record (EHR), practice management and interoperability solution PrimeSUITE® 2011 is an ONC-ATCB Certified 2011/2012 Complete EHR and KLAS-award winning core of a complete physician's infrastructure.

Doximity - Exhibitor Announced

2011-06-17T12:27:00.000-05:00

We'd like to thank Doximity for their support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.

Doximity is a free professional networking app exclusively for verified healthcare professionals. Our database has info on over 567,000 US physicians. We feature a HIPPA-compliant text messaging system, as well as a pharmacy locator and other time-saving tools.

www.doximity.com │ 650-733-6982 │ lkrentz@doximity.com

Avectra - Exhibitor Announced

2011-06-15T09:26:00.000-05:00

We'd like to thank Avectra for their continued support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.

Avectra translates the business needs of associations, medical societies and affiliated healthcare organizations into market-leading association management software and online community platforms.

www.avectra.com │ 703-506-7000 │ info@avectra.com

NaviNet - Exhibitor Announced

2011-06-13T09:39:00.000-05:00

We'd like to thank NaviNet for their support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.
NaviNet, America's largest real-time healthcare communications network, securely links providers to our nation's leading health plans and industry partners. With NaviNet you can access real-time patient information, including eligibility, benefits and claims status, through a single secure Web portal. Decrease administrative costs while increasing revenues, collections, patient care and satisfaction.

Leading Radical Change

2011-06-10T10:28:00.000-05:00

Guest writer: Mary Byers, CAE, Author of Race for Relevance

radical:

1. Arising from or going to a root or source; basic.
2. Carried to the utmost limit; extreme.

Radical change. It can mean extreme—or returning to one’s roots. Or both.

The five radical changes covered in Race for Relevance are both: they are extreme because they cause a lot of discussion and some discomfort. But they are basic in that they invite association staff and leadership to return to the fundamentals of association management: narrowly identifying and meeting member needs.

Association executives who initiate radical changes have several things in common. Keep these in mind and you’ll experience smoother sailing as you affect radical change within your organization.

Don’t run alone. Change leaders realize the course is much more difficult if they are on it alone. Get support first from a small group of leaders you are close to, whom you respect, and whom others respect as well.

Then, let them help you set the pace in the race for relevance.

Recognize that doing nothing is not an option. Those who lead radical change realize that maintaining the status quo in their association is not an option. As soon as they complete one change, they begin looking for another. This keeps their leaders on their toes and looking ahead as well. It also makes it difficult for micromanagement to occur when the scale of change is radical and the pace is rapid.

Have a crystal-clear vision and specific destination. You don’t need to know how the vision is going to be realized when you begin the change process, but you do need to be able to describe it clearly to staff, leaders and any partners you’ll be working with to create change. The more clearly you see the finish line, the more likely you’ll be able to communicate it to others to reach it together.

Focus on the reward. Being a change agent is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage, creativity and persistence. The course may be long and you may experience hurdles along the way. Focus on the benefit of the change and keep it at the forefront of your leaders’ minds to keep you going even when you encounter obstacles or when fatigue temporarily saps your energy.

Make course adjustments as necessary. Some impediments will remain hidden until your efforts are well underway. Don’t be discouraged when you run into them. In other cases, your results may exceed your expectations and you may catch a second wind and get ahead of the plan. In both instances, make appropriate course corrections and keep moving forward.

Communicate, communicate and communicate. Then communicate more. It’s your job to cast a vision and remind your team why you’re undertaking radical change in the first place. Paint a picture of an association with vitality and energy that volunteer leadership and staff want to be a part of. Doing so will keep everyone moving forward. And when you feel you’ve communicated enough, communicate some more. Remember, though you lead an association as your full-time occupation, your volunteers do not. They have plenty of personal and professional distractions to divert their attention. Consistent communication will help keep them on-task and moving forward.

Celebrate. Even small wins are worth recognizing. Radical change is achieved one step at a time. Celebrate each time you move closer to your goal. Not only will this keep volunteers engaged, it makes the journey more enjoyable!

Mary Byers, CAE is an ISAE member, professional speaker and strategic planning facilitator. She can be reached at mbyers@marybyers.com. The above article is adapted from her book with Harrison Coerver titled Race for Relevance: 5 Radical Changes for Associations, copyright 2011.

Join Mary on Saturday, July 23 at the closing session of the 2011 AAMSE Annual Conference.

LA Inc. - Exhibitor Announced

2011-06-09T12:38:00.000-05:00

We'd like to thank LA Inc. for their continued support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.

Why meet in LA? Part of the beauty of LA as a place to host your next big event, team building session or meeting is there are so many unique venues from which to choose. Whether it's a sports or entertainment theme you're after, a beautiful backdrop made by mother nature or a place with lots of buzz, LA has it all in spades. So step beyond the sunshine and sand, the blue Pacific and mountain terrain, to discover why LA is the perfect place for your next big "to do".

Confessions of a Dashboard-a-holic

2011-06-03T13:12:00.000-05:00

Guest writers: John Dorman, CPA, COO/Director of Admin SVS, Grant McInnes, Director BI and Software Development and Michael Hebert, Director, Membership Operations, Texas Medical Association

Dashboard Confessional is the name of an American rock band. I oftentimes find myself needing to confess my obsession with the need for “all data, all the time.” You don’t need to come all the way to the dark side of dashboards, but there is a happy medium you should be exploring.

How do you keep informed of your organization’s financial and membership measurements? Are you a “paper reports-only” organization? Do you receive the reports regularly or on an as-requested basis? Do reports arrive periodically in your email inbox without requiring staff intervention? Do your reports make you ask “what if” types of questions? Are you proactive in solving problems before they occur or does your reporting system simply inform you that you have a problem?

In years past for Texas Medical Association (TMA), we were not always well informed on membership statistics and financial reports. Our reports were prepared at month-end only. Comparisons to past years normally focused on year-end reports only. The ability to identify trends was lacking. Most membership systems only allow you to capture report counts as of the date the report is being prepared. Comparisons on a specific day of the year to past year(s) on that same day are not normally a feature provided. In order to achieve comparisons such as this, we had to start capturing daily counts and values for key measurements using business intelligence software.

Dashboards can be used by leadership to track key indicators about their business by using key performance indicators (kpi’s), charts and tables that are presented in a concise manner. It is impossible for anyone to analyze the massive amounts of data that is produced daily by their business. A good dashboard allows the end user to quickly look at the data presented and recognize trends that point toward future performance. It presents accountability by showing areas of weakness and areas of strong performance.

Example of TMA's dashboard.

The first step is to identify the data elements needed to help you manage your organization. For a membership organization, example data elements might be: 1) current membership count in comparison to prior years; 2) financial statement budget comparison as of the most recent reporting period; 3) dues collections as a percentage of your budget in comparison to prior years; and, 4) percentage of PAC participants compared to your membership as a whole, etc.

Once the data elements have been identified, then begins the challenge of determining how the information can be retrieved from the disparate data sources. The process can be automated or can be manually updated as part of your staff’s daily job responsibilities. After the data elements are retrieved, then comes the task of selecting the best manner in which to display the relevant information, e.g., bar chart, columnar chart, pie chart, data table, kpi’s, etc.

Finally, a reporting vehicle must be selected. This vehicle could be a simple Excel spreadsheet, a reporting services report or a customized charting tool.

An example of a single chart from TMA's dashboard.

At TMA, we have created our own dashboard reporting system. Each chart is created
and identified with users based on content. When each user logs in over the web, only the charts associated with that user are displayed. A dashboard with select charts for TMA’s Board of Trustees is also provided. Each night, all of the charts are refreshed with data from our financial and membership systems.

In addition, email reports are sent via reporting services on a subscription basis to all parties with interest in the relevant data. Reporting services allow the end user to have access to key measurements via email on an as-needed basis (daily, weekly or monthly). Key reports can be automatically sent to leadership, giving them an instant snapshot of data pertaining to the operation of the company. It is no longer necessary to go through the time-consuming process of initiating a data request to your IT department.

Refreshable spreadsheets can be used by internal staff and by external groups, such as county medical society staff. Reports can be written with Excel that will pull refreshed data live from your database. When the data is updated in the membership database, it is updated in the spreadsheet as soon as it is refreshed. By using the features of Excel, the end user can sort, filter and format the data as needed for their individual requirements.

Running your organization without a dashboard of some form or fashion can be like riding in the trunk of your car reading a roadmap. You know you’re moving, but you don’t know in which direction or how fast you are traveling. You only know where you are after the vehicle stops and you climb out of the trunk. Your dashboard can serve as your “heads up display” and even if you are constantly traveling and unable to meet with your staff, you can still have access to the key data elements of your organization’s performance. You and your organization can’t expect to jump straight to the end result. There’s much work and planning involved and it’s an ongoing process. Start with a small number of data elements and use an inexpensive data delivery vehicle and make incremental improvements.

If you would like to hear more about our dashboard experiences and see live examples of our dashboards, please plan to join us at our presentation "Confessions of a “Dashboard-a-holic” on Saturday, July 23 as part of the 2011 AAMSE Annual Conference in Boston, MA.

DocBookMD - Exhibitor Announced

2011-05-18T15:33:00.000-05:00

We'd like to thank DocBookMD for their continued support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.

DocBookMD is a smartphone platform designed by physicians for physicians. DocBookMD provides doctors on the go an exclusive HIPAA compliant network to connect, communicate and collaborate. Physicians can securely send high resolution images of x-rays, EKGs or wounds.

ACO/COOP Summit Announced

2011-05-16T15:08:00.000-05:00

We are pleased to announce a summit focused specifically on the issues revolving around ACOs and COOPs to be held on Wednesday, July 20 at the Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center in Boston, MA.

The summit, which will be held prior to the AAMSE Annual Conference, will feature nationally recognized leaders on ACOs and COOPs, such as Catherine Hanson, JD and Henry Allen, JD of the American Medical Association; Thomas L. Handley, FSA, MAAA of Lewis & Ellis; and William Darling, JD of Strasburger will give you the information you need to know to ensure your organization is prepared to handle these complicated issues.

Topics to be covered include ACOs/COOPs an Actuary Analysis and Cost Considerations, a panel on Anti-trust Issues, New Market Dynamics and Physician Options and a practical example of How a Society has Implemented an ACO. For a full schedule please click here.

This summit is open to both members and nonmembers of AAMSE. The summit is free for registrants of the AAMSE Annual Conference (AC Registrants still need to register for this meeting separately). AAMSE member rate is $100 and the non-member rate is $200. This fee includes the ACO/COOP Summit and Wednesday night Opening Reception.

AAMSE would like to thank the following sponsors for underwriting the costs of the ACO/COOP Summit:

Early Rates Extended to May 23

2011-05-16T11:11:00.000-05:00

Don't miss the opportunity to save on your conference registration!

The 2011 AAMSE Annual Conference, being held in Boston, July 20-23 is currently $425 for AAMSE members. Beginning May 24, this rate will increase to $500.

Don't miss this opportunity to receive training and information tailored specifically to medical society management. Interact and learn with leading experts and your colleagues on topics for all levels and types of societies.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your career, the AAMSE Annual Conference is right for you!

Check out the schedule online or click the image below to download the full preliminary program.

We hope to see you in Boston!

Early Registration Ends May 14

2011-05-04T11:13:00.000-05:00

Don't miss the opportunity to save on your conference registration!

The 2011 AAMSE Annual Conference, being held in Boston, July 20-23 is currently $425 for AAMSE members. Beginning May 15, this rate will increase to $500.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your career, the AAMSE Annual Conference is right for you!

Check out the schedule online or click the image below to download the full preliminary program.

We hope to see you in Boston!

AAMSE's Annual Conference Ride

2011-04-18T13:59:00.000-05:00

Listen, AAMSE, and you shall hear
Of what is planned this conference year,
On the twentieth of July in Boston, Mass.
'Tis not an event that you should pass.
Join your colleagues for education and cheer.

Don and Kelly say, "We invite you to Embrace
The Revolution of Health Care
At the Seaport, face-to-face
With many events and news to share.

Travel by land or travel by air;
Just be sure you will be there.
Through every county, state and specialty,
The topics are relevant and timely.
Come and join us, AAMSE."

236 years ago tonight, Paul Revere (and William Dawes) made the famous midnight ride out of Boston, warning American patriots that the British Regulars were on their way. Revere arrived in Lexington just hours before the battles of Lexington and Concord - the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War.

We are just 3 months away from the opening reception of the 2011 AAMSE Annual Conference in Boston. Check out the schedule online or click the image below to download the full preliminary program.

Whether by land or by sea, the AAMSE annual conference is the place to be!

Health Care - Embrace the Revolution!

Marathon Preparation

2011-04-15T14:57:00.000-05:00

Maybe you'll be spending this weekend in a marathon preparation of your tax forms (due Monday, April 18).

Maybe you'll spend Monday watching the Boston Marathon on Versus (formerly Outdoor Life Network).

Or maybe, just maybe, you'll be contemplating attending the 2011 AAMSE Annual Conference this July in Boston.

The question is: Why WOULDN'T you attend?

With topics including asset optimization, survey design, enhancing the value of PACs, CME, funding, ACOs and payment reform, media, strategic planning and health system reform, you are guaranteed to find topics relevant to your job function and role in medical society management.

In addition to attending yourself, bring your spouse, kids, friends and boss. Boston offers much to do for the family while you're at the conference, learning how to keep your association abreast of the latest changes and regulations. Boston is a great way to show your kids the history they're learning about in the classroom!

Health Care - Embrace the Revolution!

Informz - Exhibitor Announced

2011-04-13T09:18:00.000-05:00

We'd like to thank Informz for their support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.
Informz offers affordable and easy to use email marketing solutions built for associations. From customized HTML templates and advanced targeting to powerful analytics and expert advice, we have the tools you need to increase member engagement. The Informz product portfolio includes email marketing, online surveys, text messaging and AVIS integrations.

Cohesiveness of Medical Groups in the Brave New World

2011-04-07T11:07:00.000-05:00

Guest Writer: Kelly Haenlein, MHA, Director, Regulatory and Payment Policy, American Academy of Dermatology and 2011 Annual Conference Program Committee Chair

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act contains 2,409 pages of text. Of that, five pages outline the Congressional intent behind the creation of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and the Medicare Shared Savings Program. Those five pages could very well drastically change the way physicians in the US are organized and deliver medical care starting in January 2012 and beyond.

Dr. Gregg Meyer, Senior Vice President for the Edward P. Lawrence Center for Quality and Safety at Massachusetts General Hospital, is a national leader in quality and safety. As a leader in the Partners HealthCare system, one of the largest integrated systems of providers in the county, Dr. Meyer has first-hand experience with the type of provider integration called for in the development of ACOs and how it will impact delivery, payment, continuity of care, quality and safety.

During the AAMSE 2011 Annual Conference in Boston, Dr. Meyer will discuss the trends toward physician employment by hospitals and large integrated systems through his perspective as a physician to help attendees better understand the broad impact for our members and ultimately, the medical societies we manage.

Please join me in Boston, July 20-23 and Embrace the Revolution of Health Care!

Destination Halifax - Exhibitor Announced

2011-04-06T08:49:00.000-05:00

We'd like to thank Destination Halifax for their support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.
Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Canada's east coast! Steeped in history, rich in culture, refreshingly cosmopolitan - a world-class place for business and pleasure for over 250 years. With direct flights from New York, Newark, Detroit, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Washington, plus customs 'pre-clearance,' Halifax is closer than you think.

2011 Annual Conference Registration is Open

2011-03-29T10:04:00.001-05:00

Registration is now open for the 2011 Annual Conference in Boston - a city known as the "Athens of America." We have an incredible line up of speakers who will share their expertise on Embracing the Revolution in Health Care. From turning doctors into leaders to radical changes for associations and everything in between, the sessions are relevant to medical society management.

In addition, there will be numerous networking opportunities in which to catch up with old friends and foster new partnerships. There are many optional events as well as many sites and activities to do on your own.

Discover for yourself how AAMSE's Annual Conference can inspire professional vision and renew your personal spirit. We look forward to seeing all of you in Boston.

Uncover and Advance the Leader Within

2011-03-24T12:37:00.000-05:00

Have you incorporated Kouzes and Posner's (K&P's) Five Practices of Exemplary Leaders into your career?

If execution has been a struggle, come learn how other medical society executives have successfully integrated these practices into their everyday job. Dan Kelsey, MBA, MA, CAE of Indiana State Medical Association will be presenting Leadership Alumni: Being an Exemplary Leader in Practice at the 2011 AAMSE Annual Conference in Boston.

Mr. Kelsey will conduct a survey with fellow alumni and the results will form the basis of this breakout session's practical look at how K&P's practices are implemented by your colleagues and can help you to be a better leader.

When registering for the conference, don't forget to identify yourself as a graduate of the AAMSE Leadership Academy - you will be automatically enrolled in the Leadership Alumni Breakfast where you may reconnect with fellow alumni.

Do you know someone who would benefit from attending the AAMSE Leadership Academy?

Registration is now open for the 2011 AAMSE Leadership Academy, June 9-11 in Rosemont, IL.

The AAMSE Leadership Academy is a unique and intensive immersion in case studies, strategies, tools and techniques that are proven to uncover and develop the leader within.

What Will it Take for Medical Societies to Prosper Tomorrow?

2011-03-21T14:52:00.000-05:00

Join us at the 2011 AAMSE Annual Conference in Boston, July 20-23 as Mary Byers, CAE, reports the new realities facing medical societies today, using real-world examples from numerous interviews that she will be conducting with medical society executives prior to the conference.

Management changes, member markets, programs and services - learn practical steps for beginning a revolution within your organizations and how to focus less on the "what" and more on the "why" and "how" of your work as a leader.

In addition to authoring Race for Relevance: 5 Radical Changes for Associations, Ms. Byers has spoken in 26 states to a wide variety of audiences including the Indiana and Illinois Societies of Association Executives and American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons.

The full registration brochure will be available for download soon and online registration will soon follow.

We hope to see you in Boston!

CommPartners - Exhibitor Announced

2011-03-18T15:46:00.000-05:00

We'd like to thank CommPartners for their support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.
Based in Columbia, Maryland, CommPartners, LLC offers basic webcasts, hybrid and managed online events, virtual conferencing, online learning portals and web and audio conferencing. CommPartners has served thousands of associations and businesses since 1995 and has been an ASAE Endorsed Services partner for the past 11 years.

The Most Irish City in America

2011-03-17T14:24:00.000-05:00

What are you doing this St. Patrick's Day?

Boston held the first St. Patrick's Day celebration in 1737 and the city still boasts
one of the nation's largest St. Patrick's Day parades.

The Boston-Cambridge area has over 100 Irish pubs -
more than any place else in America.

What are you doing this July?

You're in luck!
AAMSE is heading to Boston for the 2011 Annual Conference.

Come for education.
Stay for corned beef.

Come for networking.
Stay for a pint.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

New Member / First Timer Program

2011-03-15T15:30:00.000-05:00

As a new attendee to the AAMSE Annual Conference, it is easy to miss the multitude of opportunities available to you. Be sure to review the following to ensure you have a productive and fulfilling annual conference experience!

Education

The education at the AAMSE Annual Conference is considered among the best in the industry and is designed by and for medical society executives. Each session is chosen for its relevance, value and ability to advance the professional development of each attendee.

Networking

The annual conference brings together senior-level, mid-level and new professionals within medical society management. Networking takes place at receptions, meals and other miscellaneous events. However, the best networking at the conference is during the educational sessions and featured speakers. Strong bonds are formed when medical society professionals take on the role of student and grow professional together during sessions. Not only will there be “lecture” style sessions, you will also have opportunities for interactive and “hands-on” learning.

As a New Member / First Timer, you will be paired with an AAMSE veteran, based on similar job function and/or organization type. This veteran will be in contact with you in the weeks preceding the conference. You will have the opportunity to meet this veteran along with other new members / first timers as well as AAMSE board and committee members at a gathering directly before the Opening Reception on Wednesday evening. Be sure to attend the New Member / First Timer breakfast the following day as well.

Most important, be sure to identify yourself as a New Member / First Timer when registering for the 2011 Annual Conference to take advantage of these additional offerings.

Registration for the 2011 AAMSE Annual Conference will be opening soon!

Thank You for Making the First Annual AAMSE Profiles of Excellence a Success!

2011-03-15T11:36:00.001-05:00

Medical societies are making waves among their membership, the community and around the country with unique and creative efforts. In its first year, over 25 AAMSE members have shared their experiences in the categories of communication, membership, education, and advocacy. We thank each applicant for contributing to the shared medical society body of knowledge. Award winners will be announced during the Installation Lunch at the 2011 Annual Conference in Boston, MA. Be sure to check the Common Sense blog for more details!

HEALTH eCAREERS - Silver Sponsor

2011-03-09T11:43:00.000-06:00

We'd like to thank HEALTHeCAREERS for their continued support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.

HEALTH eCAREERS Network is the first and only true healthcare careers and recruitment Network. Joining the Network is risk-free, bringing more jobs and career content to your online career center, more benefits to members and more non-dues revenue to your organization. Stop by our table or visit HEALTHeCAREERS.com.

Optional Outing: Boston Dinner Cruise

2011-03-07T08:56:00.000-06:00

Optional outing on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at the AAMSE Annual Conference:

The Spirit of Boston delivers the most entertaining and unique combination of dining, dancing, entertainment and spectacular views in Boston. Partake in a freshly prepared buffet followed by coffee and dessert, then let the DJ spin your favorite tunes or take your drink topside and relax on the outdoor patio deck. Buffet includes salads, carving stations, chicken, salmon, pasta, sides and desserts (vegetarian options available). Drinks include water, tea and coffee. Cash bar available. The Spirit of Boston dock is adjacent to the Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center.

Include this option when you register for the conference. Online registration will open soon.

We hope to see you in Boston!

Revolution is on the Horizon

2011-03-04T09:25:00.000-06:00

With the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, the revolution of health care continues to be front and center with medical societies. New programs and regulations continue to be rolled out, with every day bringing new challenges. At the 2011 AAMSE Annual Conference, you will hear from your colleagues on how their organizations are moving forward with implementation and education of their members as health system reform continues to evolve.

Registration for the 2011 Annual Conference will be opening later this month. The schedule of topics is posted online - check back often as speakers and detailed descriptions are added.

And while you’re visiting Boston for the conference, take in the sites and history of America’s Revolution. There is much to see and do in Boston. Here is just one possibility:

There is a complimentary shuttle that operates round-trip service from the Seaport World Trade Center to the Old State House. The Boston Massacre took place in front of the balcony on March 5, 1770 and the original site is marked by a cobblestone circle.

The National Park Service has a visitor center next to the Old State House at 15 State Street and offers free 90-minute walking tours of the Freedom Trail. For more information call (617) 242-5642.

Health Care - Embrace the Revolution!

Medical Societies of the Future: The Challenge of Change

2011-03-03T14:13:00.000-06:00

Guest Writer: Susan G. D'Antoni, Executive Director, Montgomery County Medical Society and 2011 Annual Conference Program Committee Member

“If you're in a bad situation, don't worry it'll change. If you're in a good situation, don't worry it'll change. “-John A. Simone, Sr.

Sound familiar? It is true that CHANGE is a constant in the world of medical associations and in life! Perhaps it is even truer today!

In light of health system reform, general economic uncertainty and societal changes, coupled with changes in member expectations and demographics, changes in regulations and technology and constant financial challenges, medical society executives and staff will need more than a crystal ball to predict the future role and structure of medical associations.

At this year’s annual conference in Boston, Cate Bower, CAE, IOM, will address Medical Societies of the Future: The Challenge of Change during Friday morning’s general session. This presentation will be timely and relevant to the work we all do everyday! We will gain insights into major trends that have implications for the work of our associations and our work on behalf of our members. We will explore the potential alternative impacts major trends have on the roles and functions of medical societies. And, we will explore the implications of these trends and changing roles on our medical societies.

This is a DON’T MISS session at this year’s conference! Learning how to adapt and lead in a constantly changing environment is an important professional development skill for CEOs and staff specialists alike.

Providing valuable educational opportunities is a core purpose of AAMSE. I’m excited about the 2011 Annual Conference in Boston and this session. Please join me July 20-23^rd and Embrace the Revolution of Health Care!

NHCN - Exhibitor Announced

2011-03-02T10:49:00.000-06:00

We'd like to thank National Healthcare Career Network for their continued support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.

To address the national healthcare staffing crisis while building their brand, strengthening member value, protecting their data and increasing non-dues revenue, more than 245 associations have joined the National Healthcare Career Network. The NHCN makes the right connections and brings the best results.

AAMSE Red Sox Outing: Priceless

2011-03-01T10:56:00.000-06:00

Fenway Frank: $2.50

Replica Game Cap: $17.99
AAMSE Red Sox Outing: $72.00

Seeing the Green Monster, Pesky's Pole and The Lone Red Seat: Priceless

The Boston Red Sox are on day four of their spring training schedule
and exactly one month away from the regular season away opener.

Registration for the 2011 AAMSE Annual Conference
will be opening in the next few weeks.
Don't forget to purchase optional social events as you register for the conference.
Tickets will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Health Care - Embrace the Revolution!

ASI - Exhibitor Announced

2011-02-22T09:01:00.000-06:00

We'd like to thank Advanced Solutions International for their continued support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.
Advanced Solutions International (ASI) is the largest, privately-owned global provider of web-based software for member and donor-based non-profits and has served nearly 3,000 customers and millions of users worldwide since 1991. ASI is the developer of iMIS, an upgradeable software solution for managing associations, membership, non-profits and fundraising. iMIS 15, the latest evolution of iMIS, leverages Microsoft's .NET development platform to provide a flexible and open web-based solution.

Embrace the Revolution in Health Care

2011-02-21T11:38:00.000-06:00

As we celebrate George Washington's birthday, commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, let us remember others who played pivotal roles in Boston during the American Revolution:

Benjamin Franklin
Paul Revere
John Hancock
Samuel Adams
John Adams
James Otis

Learn about these American Revolutionists and more during a visit to Boston to attend the 2011 AAMSE Annual Conference.

And while Revolutionary history abounds outside the walls of The Seaport World Trade Center, the healthcare revolution will be raging inside. From Turning Doctors into Leaders to Medical Societies of the Future, to asset optimization, marketing, social media/technology, physician advocacy, membership dashboards, ACO/HIT and professional development, the AAMSE Annual Conference will have something for every medical association executive.

Registration is just weeks away!

I.C. System - Exhibitor Announced

2011-02-18T10:02:00.001-06:00

We'd like to thank I.C. System for their continued support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.

I.C. System has provided Intelligent Collections since 1938. We maintain 500+ endorsements including from the country's most respected medical societies. Most of our THOUSANDS of medical clients belong to endorsing societies and our collection programs are designed specifically for members. To learn about endorsement benefits (including Royalty Compensation), please contact Mary Hiles, Manager, at 800-279-6520 or mhiles@icsystem.com.

Digitec Interactive - Exhibitor Announced

2011-02-17T15:01:00.000-06:00

We'd like to thank Digitec Interactive for their support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.

Digitec Interactive is the developer of the Knowledge Direct® suite of software - an integrated learning management system (LMS) for mobile and web-based delivered learning for mid to large associations, medical organizations and non-profits. The Knowledge Direct Med LMS for rapid e-learning provides a fast and simple solution for creating, delivering and promoting CME credits, MOC, SEP and training online.

GNP Branded Gear - Meeting Sponsor

2011-02-15T09:00:00.000-06:00

We'd like to thank GNP Branded Gear for their continued support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.
GNP is a leading supplier of conference bags, eco-friendly branded gear, lanyards, promotional products and other meeting supplies. Our Factory Direct Programs and Exclusive Products provide exceptional values not available from our competitors. 23 years of experience assisting associations nationwide.

Show Some Love to Your Organization

2011-02-14T10:46:00.000-06:00

For 2011, AAMSE will be recognizing medical societies for their unique and creative efforts with the Profiles of Excellence Awards. The Profiles in Excellence Awards are open to AAMSE member organizations and will recognize one outstanding organization in several areas.
The deadline for applications is March 11. Winners will receive complimentary member registration to the 2011 Annual Conference in Boston and receive recognition throughout the conference.

Don't delay! Show love, get recognized!

JobTarget - Exhibitor Announced

2011-02-11T11:59:00.000-06:00

We'd like to thank JobTarget for their continued support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.
JobTarget is the largest operator of job boards (1500+) and has rapidly expanded and won number 871 on the Inc 5000 list of fastest growing companies. Join JobTarget and upgrade your job board to a true enterprise solution. Integrated marketing and sales support, increased member retention, new member recruits and significant non-dues revenue.

Blue Sky Broadcast - Silver Sponsor

2011-02-10T09:44:00.000-06:00

We'd like to thank Blue Sky Broadcast for their continued support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.
Blue Sky Broadcast is a full-service provider that specializes in delivering superior live and on-demand web-based presentations. Blue Sky is a leading developer of customized web-based learning solutions for medial, technical and scientific societies and throughout the life science industry. As a full-service provider, Blue Sky has organized, produced and delivered webcasts and web conferences that are viewed by tens of thousands of participants each year.

UnitedHealth Group - Platinum Sponsor

2011-02-09T13:17:00.000-06:00

We'd like to thank UnitedHealth Group for their continued support and commitment to AAMSE and the 2011 Annual Conference.As a leader in the health benefits and services industry, UHGs six businesses - UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, UnitedHealthcare Community & State, OptumHealth, Ingenix and Prescription Solutions - offer exceptional service, broad capabilities and enduring value in creating a modern health care system. UHGs products and services empower individuals, expand consumer choice and strengthen patient-provider relationships across the health care spectrum.

Opening General Session Speaker Announced – Dr. Thomas H. Lee

2011-02-08T11:15:00.000-06:00

Writing in the April edition of the Harvard Business Review, Dr. Thomas H. Lee, network president of Partners HealthCare System, sent a salvo across the medical community by highlighting the major problem facing medicine today: people like him. Fifty-something doctors trained in an era of autonomous hero-practitioners may work hard, but they don't provide the best possible care, because they're embedded in a fragmented, chaotic, performance-blind system.

Joining us in Boston as our opening session speaker, Dr. Lee will share examples from leading health care organizations throughout the nation, on how this new leader is developing and affecting the health care system in a positive manner. Learn what role your society will play in helping your members adjust their changing environment.

Seattle's Revenge

2011-01-25T09:12:00.000-06:00

Guess what Red Sox fans? We've got tickets for you!

July 22, 2011
Boston Red Sox vs. Seattle Mariners

Tickets will be on a first-come, first-serve basis
and only by registering for the 2011 Annual Conference.

More details coming soon!

2011-01-13T13:40:00.000-06:00

Want to receive a complimentary member registration for the 2011 Annual Conference?

Want to be recognized throughout the Annual Conference?

For 2011, AAMSE will be recognizing medical societies for their unique and creative efforts with the Profiles of Excellence Awards. The Profiles in Excellence Awards are open to AAMSE member organizations and will recognize one outstanding organization in several areas.

Check out the Profiles of Excellence Awards page for more information.

Apply. Be recognized. Feel good.

Welcome to Common Sense

2011-01-05T09:00:00.000-06:00

Just as Thomas Paine's Common Sense helped spark excitement about America's Revolution, we hope AAMSE's Common Sense blog will do the same to you as we share updates with you on the progress of planning for the 2011 Annual Conference. From session announcements to tidbits on interesting places you may want to visit while in Boston, AAMSE's Common Sense will be your one-stop place for the latest information concerning the conference as well as tips to ensure you maximize your experience.

Visit http://www.aamse.org/commonsense to subscribe to postings and/or bookmark the page.

Renew Your AAMSE Membership Now for 2011

2010-10-19T14:23:00.000-05:00

AAMSE remains the only association dedicated to medical society executives, and continues to offer programming and tools specifically for individuals in your field. Don't delay in continuing to receive these outstanding membership benefits:

Take advantage of a reduced rate to attend the largest meeting of medical society executives in the country, with keynote speakers and interactive breakout sessions designed to solve the challenges facing the medical community;
Enjoy a members-only discount for the only leadership program for medical association staff based on proven theories and presented by medical society leaders;
Access the most comprehensive Benchmarking database of medical associations;
Navigate through your career using pertinent information in the monthly Hotline, sent right to your email;
Educate yourself and your volunteers using hundreds of downloadable documents related to medical society management in the Management Library;
Network with peers at the only meetings for County, State and National Specialty medical association CEOs , as well as the listservs (CEOs only); and
Enlist the aid and opinion of other medical society contemporaries in the Forums.

As an AAMSE member, you can now renew your membership for 2011, and we have made it an easy to continue to enjoing the benefits of AAMSE. You can:

Renew your membership online;
Log in and print out an invoice to mail / fax in; or
Complete the paper invoice sent out this week to mail / fax in.

Forgot your login information? Click here to have it sent to your email.

If you wish to continue enjoying these benefits, please renew your membership by December 31. We look forward to a new year with you!

AAMSE EDWeb: Association Management Software Redesign

2010-06-07T16:55:00.000-05:00

Learn the questions you need to ask and the potential problems that may arise during the process of redeveloping your AMS from experts in the field and society executives who have been through the process.

Registration: $50

2010 Annual Conference Registration is Now Open!

2010-04-06T11:40:00.000-05:00

AAMSE is excited to bring you the 2010 Annual Conference (July 21 - 24) in Seattle – a city “where the extraordinary is commonplace and commonplace is anything but.” We have a great line up of speakers who will share their expertise on managing the Peaks and Perks of Change – everything from communicating value to members to addressing healthcare reform. Click here to check out the full conference schedule.

In addition, we’ve planned several networking receptions in which to catch up with old friends as well as foster new partnerships. Click here to see a list of additional social activities designed for you and your guest(s).

Discover for yourself how AAMSE’s Annual Conference can inspire professional vision and renew your personal spirit. We look forward to seeing all of you at the 2010 Annual Conference in Seattle.

The 2010 AAMSE Annual Conference will be held at the Sheraton Seattle. To view more information on the venue and how to make your reservation, click here.

Register Now for the New Medical Executives Institute

2010-02-18T14:20:00.000-06:00

Navigating through the often-convoluted and confusing waters of medical society management has always been trying for new medical society executives. Now with healthcare reform, Medicare payment reductions and ever-increasing legal issues for all nonprofits, the challenges are mounting.

Fortunately, AAMSE has tapped into its members' wealth of knowledge and experience to help those with less than three years of experience in the field with the New Medical Executives Institute, May 10 - 12 in Chicago, IL. Participants will gain valuable skills in such areas as:

Basic medical society information;
Volunteer management;
Effective communicating and networking;
Advocacy;
Understanding of the Federation and the AMA connection; and
Finance and Legal issues.

If you or someone you know could benefit from participating in the New Medical Executives Institute, click here for more information and to register.

Registration for members is just $225, $295 for nonmembers.

The 2010 New Medical Executives Institute will be held at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Chicago, at a special room rate of $189 per night. To make your reservations, call (800) 235-4670.

AAMSE thanks Pfizer, Inc. for their generous support of the 2010 New Medical Executives Institute.

AAMSE EDWeb: "Legal Issues 2010"

2010-02-11T16:47:00.000-06:00

There is still time to register for the AAMSE EDWeb, "Legal Issues 2010: Keeping Your Association Out of Trouble," to be held Thursday, February 18, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Central Time.

Make sure you are prepared for new challenges and developments in association law and legal issues that will affect your members. Hear from top association legal experts as they address the chief issues facing medical societies in 2010.

The panelists for this EDWeb are George Constantine, JD and Ronald M. Jacobs, Esq of the law firm Venable LLP.

Mr. Constantine is the former staff attorney of ASAE and currently sits on ASAE's Legal Section Council. His practice focuses exclusively on providing legal counseling to and advocacy for trade and professional associations. He has extensive experience with many of the major legal issues affecting associations, including contracts, tax, antitrust, governance, and political activity matters.

Mr. Jacobs advises clients on all aspects of state and federal political law, including campaign finance, lobbying disclosure, gift and ethics rules, pay-to-play laws, and tax implications of political activities. He offers practical advice that considers not only the legal requirements, but also the reputational risk of political activity to a broad range of clients, including large and small associations.

Intended Audience: CEOs, CFOs and legal counsels

Objectives:

Participants will learn:

The chief legal issues facing medical societies in 2010.
Significant legislation that may have an impact on associations.

Mark Your Calendar for the 2010 AAMSE Annual Conference!

2010-01-21T15:35:00.000-06:00

Join us July 21-24 at the only conference designed specifically for and by medical society executives.

With budgets shrinking for professional development, it is important that you invest in opportunities that will benefit you and your organization the most.

You could sit through conferences that focus on general association management, or you could attend a conference that addresses the unique attributes and needs of medical societies with other executives who share your specific challenges.

This year's lineup of speakers are experts in their field whose messages will speak directly to your unique needs. The social events will allow you to form connections, not just with other association executives, but with other medical society executives.

Make the investment in yourself, your organization and your profession:

Join us at the 2010 AAMSE Annual Conference!

Glenn Tecker
Tecker Consultants, LCC

Mr. Tecker, the recipient of ASAE’s Academy of Leaders Award-the highest possible recognition awarded by ASAE’s Board of Directors-and co-author of 3 best selling books, is considered one of the nation's premier consultants in association management. His presentation will discuss leading through times of transformation.

Shawn Scott, CAE

North Carolina Medical Society

Rick Abrams

Medical Society of the State of New York

Nancy Frankel, MBA

American Society for Reproductive Medicin

One of the issues facing every medical society is the evolving role of allied health professionals within their society. At the 2010 Annual Conference, we have compiled an all-star panel of medical society executives who will be addressing the challenges and potential solutions their medical societies have experienced while addressing this issue.

Expect a lively debate and plenty of time for interaction as this crucial issue is addressed in a forum that will afford it frank and open discussion.

Sheri Jacobs, CAE

Avenue M Group

A 15-year veteran of the association and nonprofit community, Ms. Jacobs currently serves as president and chief strategist at the Avenue M Group. Ms. Jacobs is a frequent speaker and a contributor to various associations and publications and is widely recoginized as one of the leading experts in association communications. Ms. Jacobs will share her expertise in how to succesfully communicate the value of your membership to your medical society's members.

For more information visit www.aamse.org/ac

AAMSE EDWeb: Social Media and Medical Societies

2009-12-14T10:08:00.000-06:00

Registration is now open for the AAMSE EDWeb, "Social Media and Medical Societies," to be held Thursday, December 17, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Central Time.

Social media sites are a tool - not a solution - and just as with any tool, if not used properly they can cause much more damage than good. This webinar will not only give you step-by-step directions on how to create a blog and set up your own pages on sites like Facebook and Twitter, but will also teach you how to effectively communicate with your membership and work towards your association's mission.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to position your medical society in the new digital landscape.

Intended Audience: Mid-level medical society executives through CEOs who are developing or starting a social media strategy for their organization.

Objectives:

Participants will learn:

Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions on how to create a blog and pages on sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
The proper way to use different types of social media.
How these tools can be used as additional member benefits.
How medical societies have successfully used these tools to work towards their mission.

Sensitive Information for over 800,000 Docs May be Compromised

2009-10-14T16:57:00.000-05:00

Officals at Blue Cross & Blue Shields are warning that information for over 800,000 physicians may have been compromised when an employees laptop was stolen.

Information that may have been breached include business and personal information such as Social Security numbers, addresses and certain identification numbers.

For the full story, click here.

Snowe Indicates She Will Side with Dems in Crucial SFC Vote

2009-10-13T12:04:00.000-05:00

Senator Olymipia Snowe (R-Maine) has indicated in her remarks to the Senate Finance Committee that she will vote to move the bill out of committee. She did, however, express that this should not be an indication of support of any final bill that emerges once the SFC's bill is combined with Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions bill that was passed early this summer.

All though she expressed reservations, Senator Snowe believe the process must move forward.

CBO Reviews Finance Committee Health Bill

2009-10-08T09:16:00.000-05:00

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) gave a boost to the Senate Finance Committee's America’s Healthy Future Act of 2009, and have reported that in its current form the bill will not increase the federal deficit, but would actually reduce it by $81 billion over the next 10 years and these savings would continue into the future.

However, a major caveat to the CBO's report is the fact that the bill has not yet been formatted into legislative language. The estimates made by the CBO may change when this occurs.

The Finance Committee is expected to vote and approve the act this week. Once it is approved it will be merged by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid with legislation passed early this summer by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and brought to the Senate floor for debate.

To read the CBO's letter to Chairman Baucaus and the Senate Finance Committee, click here.

For more coverage:

Wall Street Journal
New York Times
Washington Post
Politico

WSJ Profiles What Health Care Bill Means to Docs

2009-10-05T16:40:00.000-05:00

The Wall Street Journal's Health Policy Blog recently posted an item discussing what the Senate Finance Committee's Bill means to doctors. Items highlighted in the posting included:

Bonus Medicare provisions to primary care doctors
Provisions that would make it harder for doctors to own stakes in specialty hospitals
The bill would not scheduled cuts to medicare payments

For the full posting click here.

Health Care Reform Bill Prepares for Floor Debates

2009-10-02T14:39:00.001-05:00

Early Friday morning the Senate Finance Committee completed its review of over 500 amemendments and both the Senate and the House of Representatives will be scheduling floor debates for the bill in the near future. This is the farthest stage any Health Reform bill has made it in the legislative process.

For more information, click here.

Public Plan Defeated in Senate Vote

2009-09-30T10:36:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee twice defeated amendments adding a government run health insurance plan to the Senate Health Care bill. Although these votes do not bode well for the inclusion of a public plan, supporters of the option plan to reintroduce the option when the full Senate votes on the bill.

For more details click here.

Senate Finance Committee Releases Health Care Bill

2009-09-16T09:44:00.000-05:00

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D‐Mont.) today introduced the America’s Healthy Future Act, thought by many to be the basis for future negotiations in the health care reform debate.

Provisions in the legislation include:

Create health care affordability tax credits to help low and middle income families purchase insurance in the private market;
Provide tax credits for small businesses to help them offer insurance to their employees;
Allow people who like the coverage they have today the choice to keep it;
Reform the insurance market to end discrimination based on pre-existing conditions and health status;
Shift incentives in Medicare to reward better care, not just more care;
Increase the number of primary care doctors in the system;
Provide annual “wellness visits” for Medicare participants and their doctors to focus on prevention;

Click here for the full text of the Bill.

Click here for Chairman Baucus's Press Release.

Links to Pres. Obama's Remarks to Congress

2009-09-10T09:33:00.000-05:00

Pres. Obama outlined a $900 billion-ten year health reform program which includes a limited public option covering less than 5% of Americans, new insurance regulation and limited tort reform to a joint session of Congress last night.

Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA) delivered the Republican response to the proposal.

To view the speech, click here

To read the remarks, click here

Physicians Foundation Releases New Report

2009-09-09T09:16:00.000-05:00

A report commissioned by The Physicians Foundation, a national healthcare organization that represents the interests of physicians, raises new questions about the role of socioeconomic determinants as they relate to access, quality, and cost of medical care in the United States. The report, prepared by a team of noted physicians and economists headed by Richard “Buz” Cooper, MD, Professor of Medicine and Senior Fellow at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, was sent to the President and Congress today in order to contribute to the national health care debate.

The report, entitled “Physicians and their Practices under Health Care Reform,” highlights several important concerns that the report’s authors believe have been left out of the health care discussion, including: the growing problem of physician shortages, the changes in physicians’ practices that will be necessary in a reformed health care system, and the pervasive effects of poverty and other social determinants which impact variation in access, quality and cost of care.

The full report can be viewed at www.physiciansfoundation.org

IRS Raises Tax Exempt Application Fees

2009-09-04T10:15:00.000-05:00

The IRS recently announced that they would be raising tax exempt application fees across the board.

For associations with less than $10,000 or less in a year over a four-year period, the fee will go from $300 to $400.
For organizations whose feels are more than $10,000 annually over a four-year period, the feel will go from $750 to $850
For group exemption letters, the fee will be $3000 from $900

A complete list of fees will be available in January, 2010.

To read more, click here.

Nonprofits Not Included in Health Care Bill Subsidy

2009-08-13T11:23:00.000-05:00

According to an action alert sent out by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), in the House Health Care Bill, a tax credit available to small businesses who provide health insurance excludes small non-profits.

According to ASAE:

The House health care bill has a provision that gives a tax credit to any business that provides health insurance to its employees, has fewer than 25 total employees, and has an average salary of under $40,000. But because the bill provides a tax credit, nonprofits that qualified as a small business would be unable to receive needed financial support.

For more information and to get form letters to send your congressional officals, visit ASAE's Association Advocacy web page on this issue.

August EDWeb Rescheduled to Sept.

2009-08-13T09:25:00.000-05:00

The AAMSE EDWeb "Physician Demographics: What Are the Trends?", originally scheduled for Thursday, August 20, has been rescheduled to Thursday, September 17.

To register for this webinar or for more information click here.

Photos from the AAMSE 2009 AC

2009-07-29T11:36:00.000-05:00

Photos from the 2009 AAMSE Annual Conference have been posted on AAMSE's Flickr account. You can view the set by clicking here.

Do you have photos you would like to share from the conference? Just upload them to Flickr and tag them with "AAMSEAC09" and you will be able to share them with your AAMSE colleagues.

House Democrats Release Health Care Bill

2009-07-15T09:46:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, House Democrats released a health care bill to the Senate, stating that health care is a right and a responsibility for all Americans. The bill, which proposed spending $1.5 trillion dollars over 10 years, would be subsidized by taxing medical providers, employers and the wealthy. It is not expected to pass in the Senate, but has reignited a fervor to expedite health care reform.

To read more about the bill, click here.

NQF Calls for Steering Committee Members

2009-07-08T10:50:00.000-05:00

The National Quality Forum (NQF) has issued a call for members of a steering committee focused on measures to curb Medicare costs and promote efficiency. The project was contracted by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Nominations are due by August 3.

To read more, click here.

ACEP Releases Strategic Plan on H1N1 Management

2009-07-06T15:16:00.000-05:00

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) released a management plan of the H1N1 flu virus. The National Strategic Plan for Emergency Department Management of Outbreaks of Novel H1N1 Influenza was based on the following competencies: situational awareness; protection of the emergency department infrastructure and personnel; prevention of disruptions in service delivery; organized, timely surge medical response; and recovery to the previous “steady state.”

To read more, click here.

Congratulations to the Newest CAEs

2009-06-29T10:21:00.000-05:00

Rebecca Brandt, CAE
American Association of Medical Society Executives

Tanya Tolpegin, CAE
Society for Cardiovascular Computed Tomography

H1N1 Virus Declared Stable

2009-06-25T15:15:00.001-05:00

The World Health Organization (WHO) chief declared the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) to be currently stable, yet as with all influenza viruses, is prone to mutation.

To read more, click here.

To view the AAMSE H1N1 tracking page, click here

Few Primary Care Physicians Can Unhinge Health Care Reform

2009-06-22T11:42:00.000-05:00

As health care reform becomes the focus of not only the health care community, but the public at large, there is undeniable evidence that the number of primary care physicians in the United States would not be able to meet the demand of an influx of the currently 47 million uninsured Americans. A recent article in the Washington Post discusses the reasons - and possible solutions - for this disparity.

Click here to read the full article.

Poll Finds Public Opinion On Health Reform Stable, but Pliable

2009-06-17T09:03:00.000-05:00

As the debate over health reform options heats up at the federal level, the June Kaiser Health Tracking Poll has found that the majority (61%) of Americans continue to believe health reform is important issue that needs to be addressed.

Although many of the reforms, such as employer mandates (69%), individual mandates (71%), and a public plan option (65-67% depending on wording), being considered have strong support, only 41% of those polled are willing to pay more for health reform.

For more information and a complete analysis of the results click here.

Full Text & Commentary of Pres. Obama's Speech to the AMA

2009-06-15T13:59:00.000-05:00

President Obama reiterated his commitment to health care reform in front of the American Medical Association this afternoon, saying:

"health care reform is the single most important thing we can do for America's long-term fiscal health."

President Obama touched on many topics, including electronic medical records, medical liability reform and a focus on preventive care. Whatever reforms are eventually put into place, Obama stated:

"no matter how we reform health care, we will keep this promise: If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor. Period. If you like your health care plan, you will be able to keep your health care plan. Period. No one will take it away. No matter what. My view is that health care reform should be guided by a simple principle: fix what's broken and build on what works."

For more information:

Full Text of President Obama's Speech - Chicago Tribune

Video of President Obama's Speech - C-Span

Roundup of the latest commentary on President Obama's Speech:

AMA's Press Conference Response - Wall Street Journal Health Care Blog

Audio of AMA's Press Conference - C-Span

Obama Tries to Woo Doctors on Health Care - Helene Cooper, The New York Times

Health-Care’s Fate May Be Shaped by Party Elders - Albert Hunt, Bloomberg

Naive, Hypocritical and Dishonest - Robert Samuelson, Real Clear Politics

Repeat the Question - Stanley B. Greenberg, The New Republic

Alternatives to Government Health Takeover - Gov. Mark Sanford and Dr. Scott W. Atlas, The Washington Times

Obama Wants to 'Explore' Malpractice Reform - Sam Youngman, The Hill

C-SPAN to Broadcast Live Obama Address to AMA

2009-06-15T09:50:00.001-05:00

C-SPAN is offering a free live video feed of President Obama's address to the AMA at 11:15 a.m. Central Time today.

Click here to view the feed.

New Limits on Federal Lobbying Posted

2009-06-05T12:03:00.000-05:00

In a White House blog, Norm Eisen, special counsel to the President for ethics and government reform, gave an update on the Memorandum on Ensuring Responsible Spending of Recovery Act Funds (March 30), including that the administration had decided to "make [the regulations] even tougher on special interests and more focused on merits-based decision making."

To read the proposed reforms, click here.

Payment Rankings for Insurance Companies Released

2009-05-28T11:47:00.000-05:00

athenahealth, Inc., a provider of internet-based business services to physician practices, and Physicians Practice, a leading practice management journal for physicians, today released the fourth annual PayerView Rankings that indicate national health insurers are paying physicians 5.3 percent faster and denying 9.0 percent fewer medical claims over the prior year. Humana, Inc. was the top ranked national payer.

This year's rankings represented the largest data set to date, using performance data from more than 18,000 medical providers representing over 41 million medical charge lines and $7 billion dollars in charges billed to payers in 47 states for all four quarters of 2008. The data is derived from athenahealth's national electronic health record (EHR) and practice management platform, athenaNet(R), and ranks health insurers according to specific measures of financial performance, administrative performance, and medical policy complexity.

The complete 2009 PayerView Rankings and trends, evaluating 172 national, regional, and government payers in 40 states, can be found at www.athenahealth.com/PayerView.

Finance Committee Releases Pay Options for Reform

2009-05-20T14:14:00.001-05:00

The Senate Finance Committee recently released their third report concerning healthcare reform, this time addressing the issue of financing the reform.

To read the report, click here.

Hackett Nominated as ASAE Chairman-Elect

2009-05-13T10:05:00.000-05:00

Karen Hackett, CAE, FACHE, CEO of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons was nominated by the Joint Leadership Committee of ASAE as the Chairman-Elect for the association's 2009-2010 Board of Directors.

To read more, click here.

Congratulations, Karen!

SFC Releases Policy Options

2009-05-12T09:47:00.000-05:00

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D‐Mont.) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R‐Iowa) today released policy options for expanding health care coverage to the 46 million Americans who are currently uninsured.

The policy options released today aim to reform the individual and small group health insurance markets to end discrimination against sicker individuals. They would instead create a competitive insurance market where health plans compete on price and quality rather than the ability to segment risk and discriminate against individuals with pre‐existing health conditions. The options also include an expansion of public health insurance programs to cover the poorest Americans and make coverage more affordable by providing tax credits to low income individuals and small businesses. The policy options make purchasing coverage easier and more understandable for all consumers.

For the complete report click here

Public Comments should be directed to: Health_Reform@finance‐dem.senate.gov

Maves and Lewin Named Top 50 Physician Executives

2009-05-11T13:57:00.000-05:00

Modern Physician recently released their annual list of the "50 Most Powerful Physician Executives," with AAMSE members Michael Maves, MD, MBA, (AMA) and John (Jack) C. Lewin, MD, (American College of Cardiology) making the list.

Congratulations Drs. Maves and Lewin!

To read more, click here.

Stricter Privacy Laws May Inhibit EMR Adoption

2009-05-04T10:55:00.000-05:00

A new study released by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Virginia found that states with stricter privacy laws had reduced EMR adoption rates by 20-30% as compared to states with fewer regulations.

To read more, click here.

FTC Delays Red Flags Rule Enforcement

2009-05-01T11:02:00.001-05:00

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced yesterday that they would delay enforcement of the "Red Flags Rule," which requires creditor and financial institutions (including physician practices that bill patients) to develop and implement written standards to protect against identity theft, until August 1.

To read the requirements, click here.

Sebelius Sworn into Dept. of HHS

2009-04-29T10:01:00.000-05:00

Kathleen Sebelius was sworn in as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday, April 28, 2009.

To read her biography, click here.

Information and Resources for Swine Flu

2009-04-27T15:08:00.000-05:00

As leaders of the country's medical societies, you play a critical role in helping to maintain the public health. To this end, AAMSE is pleased to provide you with comprehensive resources to help you prepare your members and community for the emerging Swine Flu pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a dedicated webpage with the most up-to-date news and information related to Swine Flu. We encourage you share this information with your members and also sign up for the CDC's RSS feed dedicated to the Swine Flu.

Additionally, AAMSE is gathering information resources from medical societies from across the country. To view these resources visit the AAMSE Resource Center and search for "Swine Flu" or click here for a full listing.

If you have resources you would like to share or for general discussion of Swine Flu, please visit the AAMSE Forums discussion thread "Swine Flu Resources and Discussion"

Swine Flu Resources

CDC's Swine Flu Resource Page

CDC's Swine Flu RSS Feed

AAMSE Discussion Forum on Swine Flu*

AAMSE Resource Center Documents on Swine Flu*

*Please note, you must be logged in to the AAMSE website to view these pages

AMA Announces Web Portal for Physicians

2009-04-22T09:50:00.001-05:00

The AMA announced today that it is partnering with two technology companies, Covisint (a subsidiary of the Compuware Corporation) and DrFirst, to offer physicians web-based products and services in the hopes of facilitating a transition to electronic health records.

To read more, click here.

Social Networking Helps Reverse FDA Call

2009-04-20T13:50:00.000-05:00

Story submitted by Steve Smith, CAE, executive director / CEO of the American Academy of Hospice & Palliative Medicine.

On March 31, the FDA announced that manufacturers of 14 unapproved pain medications commonly used by palliative care physicians must cease production of said medications within 60 days. On April 9, the FDA reversed this decision due to an outpouring of complaints from the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and other groups. The swiftness of this decision reversal has been attributed to interested parties using social networks such as Twitter, Facebook - as well as conventional routes such as phone, face-to-face, email, and fax - to discuss and inform others about this and encourage them to voice their complaints.

To read more about this story click here, and to read how social networking was used, click here.

Amicus Filed in Vaccine Ruling

2009-04-16T11:25:00.000-05:00

Eight medical associations, including the AMA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), filed an amicus brief to the US Supreme Court in response to the Georgia Supreme Court ruling that state courts could hear cases involving alleged vaccine defects, despite the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Act of 1986 establishing a "national vaccine" court to oversee such lawsuits.

To read more, click here.

AMA Reduces Staff Positions

2009-04-14T11:35:00.001-05:00

The AMA announced last week that they would be reducing open and filled staff positions, affecting approximately 100 current AMA staff members.

To read more, click here.

Private Companies Attempt to Collect Overpayments

2009-04-13T13:48:00.000-05:00

Some companies with self-funded insurance plans, working under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, are using private companies to recoup "overpayments" to physicians.

To read more, click here.

NQF Calls for Nominations to Panels

2009-04-06T14:51:00.000-05:00

The National Quality Forum (NQF) is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on selection panels that will review proposals and select subcontractors to complete work under NQF's contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

BACKGROUND: On January 14, 2009, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded a contract to NQF to establish a portfolio of quality and efficiency measures that will allow the Federal Government to examine how and whether healthcare spending is achieving the best results for patients and taxpayers. This contract is part of a provision in the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 that directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services "to contract with a consensus–based entity, such as the National Quality Forum." The contract provides up to $10 million to NQF annually through 2012. NQF intends to subcontract some of this work to meet its contractual requirements to DHHS.

Potential subcontracting tasks may include, but are not necessarily limited to:

Evaluating the impact of NQF endorsed measures on the healthcare community;
Performing a systematic review and synthesis of evidence relating to 20 high-priority conditions identified by CMS;
Performing a full Environmental Scan of all available performance measures and measures in the development pipeline that relate to a set of 12 cross-cutting measure categories;
Developing performance measures that fill critical measurement gaps in healthcare; and
Developing an electronic quality measure format and instructions for technical implementers.

The DHHS Subcontract Selection Panels will be responsible for reviewing submitted proposals for the above NQF activities or others as needed. Individuals should identify the subcontracting task(s) for which they would like to be considered.

TIME COMMITMENT: For each subcontractor selection activity, the DHHS Subcontract Selection Panelists can anticipate approximately 8-10 hours of review time and one conference call to discuss the proposals and select a subcontractor.

CRITERIA FOR CONSIDERATION: In selecting panelists, it is vital to provide equal, unbiased consideration of each submitted proposal received by NQF, and therefore appointment of individuals to the panel will be based upon the following criteria:

Familiarity with NQF, its status as a voluntary consensus development body and its projects;
Familiarity with the national healthcare quality landscape;
An understanding of current policy issues related to healthcare quality;
Knowledge of measure development, endorsement, and implementation;
Experience with government contracts/subcontracts;
Experience with writing and reviewing proposals;
Ability to discern "best value" for the government and for NQF;
Ability to analyze and evaluate proposals based upon a standardized set of criteria that include technical merit and cost; and
No conflict of interest and a willingness to disclose such conflict if it arises during the evaluation process.

NOTE: Individuals from organizations submitting proposals for an NQF subcontract may not serve on the review panel for that specific subcontract. They may, however, serve on a review panel for an unrelated subcontract provided there are no other conflicts of interest.

MATERIAL TO SUBMIT: Self-nominations are welcome. Third-party nominations must indicate that the individual has been contacted and is willing to serve. To be considered, please send the following information:

Completed nomination form;
Letter of interest (self-nominees) or letter of support, highlighting relevant expertise and experience, and identifying the subcontracting task(s) for which they would like to be considered;
Curriculum vitae and/or list of relevant experience (e.g., publications) up to 20 pages; and
Completed "Non-Disclosure and Procurement Agreement /Conflict of Interest Certification" form.

Materials should only be submitted via email to nqfrfp2009@qualityforum.org. Please include "Attn: "Nominations" in the subject line of the message

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: All nominations MUST be submitted by 6 pm ET on Monday, May 4, 2009.

QUESTIONS: If you have any questions, please contact Larry Gorban at 202-783-1300 or lgorban@qualityforum.org.

APA Ends Industry-Supported CME

2009-04-01T10:15:00.000-05:00

In response to Congressional scrutiny of CME and the relationship between the medical community and industry, the American Psychiatric Association announced last week that they would be ending all industry-supported CME, including meals sponsored by industry.

To read more, click here.

AMA Announces Class Action Lawsuit

2009-03-25T14:28:00.001-05:00

The AMA announced a class action lawsuit against WellPoint, the largest health insurer in the US, for conspiring to underpay physicians for out-of-network medical services. This lawsuit comes at the heels of a similar AMA lawsuit against Aetna Health, Inc. and CIGNA Corporation.

To read more, click here.

AMA Posts Steps to Challenging Ratings

2009-03-25T11:30:00.001-05:00

In response to the physician ratings controversy, the AMA has posted practical steps and advice on how physicians can challenge the ratings given to them by patients.

To read the article, click here.

Watson Named Executive Director of RSNA

2009-03-24T10:06:00.001-05:00

AAMSE member Mark G. Watson was named executive director of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Previous to becoming the executive director, Watson served as the interim executive director of RSNA since September 2008, and for 15 years prior to that, as the assistant executive director for finance and administration.

To read more, click here.

NQF Call for Measures

2009-03-20T08:56:00.000-05:00

The National Quality Forum issued a call for performance measures seeking to endorse practices that address aspects of care coordination, ensuring patient needs and preferences in healthcare and information-sharing are met over time.

For more information and to participate, click here.

BH Found to be Interfering in Physician Choice

2009-03-16T09:53:00.000-05:00

The AMA and Arkansas Medical Society joined with the Arkansas Heart Hospital (a physician-owned specialty facility) in successfully winning a lawsuit against the Baptist Health system for intruding on the patient-physician relationship and violating public policy. Baptist Health's credentialing plan disallowed staff doctors with interests in competing hospitals to have privileges and their facilities.

To read more, click here.

Massachusetts Gift Ban Rules Approved

2009-03-13T16:16:00.000-05:00

Massachusetts officials gave final approval for the rules banning pharmaceuticals and medical device manufacturers from providing gifts and other perks to physicians.

For the complete story click here

To read the complete rules, click here

Wal-Mart Reportedly Introducing Low-Cost EHRs

2009-03-12T09:52:00.000-05:00

A leaked story to the New York Times reported that Wal-Mart has teamed with Dell, Sam's Club, and software company eClinicalWorks to offer doctors low-cost electronic health records and practice management systems to physicians nationwide.

For more on this story, click here.

Physicians Struggling in Recession

2009-03-09T13:06:00.001-05:00

A new article in the Miami Herald details the difficulties some physicians are having during the current recession, and further explains how the economy affects their practices.

To read the story, click here.