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THE BULLETIN A PUBLICATION OF THE MUSCOGEE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY ERUDIRE ET DELECTARE V O L U M E 5 8 N U M B E R 3 MARCH 2013

THE BULLETINmuscogeemedical.org/resources/61.pdf · Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal. Dr. Hill

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Page 1: THE BULLETINmuscogeemedical.org/resources/61.pdf · Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal. Dr. Hill

THE BULLETIN

A PUBLICATION OF THE MUSCOGEE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY

ERUDIRE ET DELECTARE

V O L U M E 5 8 • N U M B E R 3

MARCH 2013

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THE BULLETINSociety Office: 2300 Manchester Expressway, Suite F-7 • Columbus, GA 31904

706-322-1254 • FAX 706-327-7480 • www.muscogeemedical.org

C o n t e n t sPresident’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Editor’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Hospital News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 15

Editor: David H. Levine, M.D. • Associate Editor: Casey Geringer, D.O.Managing Editor: Lisa Venable

Officers 2013:

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glenn E. Fussell, M.D.

President-Elect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Past President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashish K. Jain, M.D.

Secretary-Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Frank Willett, III, M.D.

Director to MAG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fred Flandry, M.D.

Alternate Director to MAG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James D. Majors, M.D.

Executive Committee: Glenn E. Fussell, Ashish K. Jain, David H. Levine, Raj Alappan, FrederickFlandry, Larry E. Brightwell, Edmund M. Molnar, Jr., William Frank Willett, III, James D. Majors,Joseph R. Zanga, Ryan Geringer, Kurt Jacobson

Delegates: Benjamin Cheek, MD, Frederick Flandry, MD, Glenn E. Fussell, MD, Ryan Geringer, DO,A.J. Jain, MD, James Majors, MD, Edmund M. Molnar, Jr., MD, William Frank Willett, III, MD,Kenneth Smith, M.D. and Joseph R. Zanga, M.D.

Alternate Delegates: Larry E. Brightwell, MD, Marvyn Cohen, MD, Thomas Ellison, MD, JamesJohnson, MD and John D. Watson, Jr., MD

Ad position is at the sole discretion of the Editorial Board.

Members are urged to submit articles for publication in The Bulletin. Deadline for copy is the 11th of the month preceding date of issue.The Bulletin of the Muscogee County Medical Society is the official monthly publication of the Muscogee County Medical Society, 2300Manchester Expressway, Suite F-7, Columbus, GA 31904. All material for publication should be sent to the Managing Editor not laterthan the 11th of the month. Advertising requirements and rates upon request. Opinions expressed in The Bulletin, including editorials,are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect policies of the Society unless stated. Advertisements in this magazinedo not necessarily represent endorsement or support by the Muscogee County Medical Society.

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Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is 2407 pageslong. If it is printed on 20 pound paper, it weighs just over 48pounds. While the Ten Commandments may have outweighedit, PPACA is still one of the heaviest pieces of legislation inrecent history. While the physical weight is substantial, theperceived economic weight is immeasurable. Last month Iwrote about the provisions of the Patient Protection and

Affordable Care Act that have already become enacted. It seems like every day welearn something new about this legislation. Whether it is something new intaxation or something new in reimbursement, constant change is upon us. Thismonth I will comment on how the government intends to pay for PPACA.

PPACA's provisions are funded by a variety of taxes and offsets. Major sources ofnew revenue include a much-broadened Medicare tax on incomes over $200,000and $250,000. This is for individual and joint filers respectively. There is a newannual fee on insurance providers. Now a 40% excise tax is on Cadillac insuranceplan" "Cadillac" insurance policies. There are also taxes on pharmaceuticals, high-cost diagnostic equipment, and a 10% federal sales tax on indoor tanningservices. Offsets are from intended cost savings such as changes in the MedicareAdvantage program relative to traditional Medicare. Home Health is in store foranother massive cut of $4 billion annually.

Summary of tax increases: (ten-year projection)• Increase Medicare tax rate by 0.9% and impose an added tax of 3.8% onunearned income for high-income taxpayers: $210.2 billion• Charge an annual fee on health insurance providers: $60 billion• Impose a 40% excise tax on health insurance annual premiums in excess of$10,200 for an individual or $27,500 for a family: $32 billion• Impose an annual fee on manufacturers and importers of branded drugs: $27billion• Impose a 2.3% excise tax on manufacturers and importers of certain medicaldevices: $20 billion• Raise the 7.5% Adjusted Gross Income floor on medical expenses deductionto 10%: $15.2 billion• Limit annual contributions to flexible spending arrangements in cafeteriaplans to $2,500: $13 billion

All other revenue sources: $14.9 billion

Summary of spending offsets: (ten year projection)

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G EGlenn E. Fussell, M.D.

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Mike SeeFully Licensed GA/AL Realtor

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Reduce funding for Medicare Advantage policies: $132 billion

Reduce Medicare home health care payments: $40 billion

Reduce certain Medicare hospital payments: $22 billion

The Readmissions Reduction Program began on October 1, 2012. The maximumpenalty for this is 1% off of the base Medicare reimbursements. This penalty isdeducted for those penalized hospitals each time that hospital submits a claim.This penalty will increase to 2% in October 2013. This penalty is estimated to savethe government $280 million in Medicare funds for those twelve months.

The take home message is that times are changing. Prepare to adapt. Stay abreastof the new rules and regulations as they come in. Simple items can get costly ifyou become unaware. Getting involved will help maintain your awareness.Something as simple as knowing that a HCPCS code G8443 has been deleted andchanged to G8553 will save several thousand dollars. If you are continuing toreport G8443, then you will not receive the bonus monies for electronicprescribing. Above all, keep your knowledge current.

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MCMS Wine-Tasting and Tapas at Epic on January 28th

Over 100 physicians and guests attended made this one of thebest-attended and successful social events the Society has hosted.Conversation flowed as freely as the wine and delicious foodofferings. In addition to talking about patients, families,pastimes and travels, many were heard to say it was a unique andwonderful opportunity to network with colleagues and to meetsome they had only known by name or reputation. Hopefullywe can plan future events like this to further foster thecohesiveness of the Society. Many thanks to Epic Restaurant

and Jamie Keating for the outstanding food and to Daniel Thomas of Quality Wineand Spirits for the excellent wine parings.

E D I T O R ’ S M E S S A G EBy David H. Levine, M.D.

Sung and Aimee Chang and Alpna and Raj Arora sample the wine and tapas

Tim Villegas, Page Chen, Jerry Chen,Kaizad Shroff

Kathryn and Ben Cheek

Frank Willett, Joann Fussell and Glenn Fussell enjoy the evening

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Christine Senn and Jeff Kinglsey at Epic

Woodrow and Venus McWilliams & Karen Stuartand Harold Mayweather

Frank Willett and Joann Fussell Chef Jamie Keating and Becky Yarbrough talkabout wine and food

Dr. Lopez tried the Wine in the Epic Kitchen Susan and Greg Sfakianos enjoy the Epic Kitchen tapas

Tom and Sandy Steinberg and Suzanne andDavid Levine sample the offerings

in the Epic Kitchen

Joy and Frank Willett, Mort Berenson andClint and Linda McElroy

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W E L C O M E N E W M E M B E R S

Bill Berryman, M.D., earned his MD from Strich School ofMedicine Loyola University, Chicago. He completed aninternship and residency at Illinois Masonic Medical Center andcompleted his fellowship in chronic pain and cardiac anesthesiaat the University of Illinois Hospital, Chicago. He is certified bythe American Board of Anesthesiology. Dr. Berryman practicesinterventional pain management at his office, 1810 StadiumDrive, Phenix City at 334-664-1969. We welcome Dr. Berryman!

Erik A. Heiss, M.D., graduated from Emory University School ofMedicine, Atlanta with a Master’s in Public Health and a MedicalDoctorate. He completed his residency in pediatrics at EmoryUniversity. He is a Board Certified Diplomat of the AmericanBoard of Pediatrics. Dr. Heiss practices at Rivertown Pediatrics,PC at 706-327-1281. We welcome Dr. Heiss!

Demetrice L. Hill, M.D., received her MD from Louisiana StateUniversity School of Medicine, Baton Rouge. She completedOB/GYN residency in Honolulu, HI and she completed training inMaternal Fetal Medicine in Tacoma, WA. She received honorsfrom the United States Army including the Bronze Star Medal,Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, NationalDefense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.Dr. Hill practices at the Maternal Fetal Medicine Center at 706-571-1285. Welcome Dr. Hill to the society!

Peter Qingqi Jiang, M.D.,Ph.D., attended Shanghai MedicalUniversity in China and the University of Maryland, Baltimore.He completed his residency at Detroit Medical Center, WayneState University, and Hematology/Oncology fellowship atKarmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University. He is boardcertified in internal medicine, hematology, and medicaloncology. Dr. Jiang practices at The John B. Amos Cancer Centerof Columbus at 706-320-8780. We welcome Dr. Jiang!

Sheri D. Lopez, M.D., graduated from University of Texas,Southwestern, Dallas. Dr. Lopez completed her InternalMedicine internship and residency at Portsmouth Naval Hospital,Portsmouth, VA. She completed her cardiology fellowship atLoyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL. She is acardiologist at Southeastern Cardiology, 2300 Manchester

We welcome our new members to the Muscogee County Medical Society:

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Expressway, Suite H104 at 706-243-4500. Welcome Dr. Lopez to theMuscogee County Medical Society!

Takia M. Oglesby, M.D., graduated from Wayne State UniversitySchool of Medicine, Detroit, MI. He completed his residency atWashington University of St. Louis. He is Board Certified Diplomatin Anesthesiology. Dr. Oglesby practices at Nexus Pain Center ofColumbus at 706-653-7000. We welcome Dr. Oglesby!

David H. MacDonald, D.O., graduated from Kirksville College ofOsteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, MO in the top five of his class. Hewas an intern at Genesis Hospital and completed orthopedicresidency in Flint, MI as part of the Michigan State UniversityStatewide Campus where he was chief resident. He completed hisfellowship in hand and upper extremity fellowship at UAB,Birmingham, AL. He was awarded the Navy and Marine CorpsAchievement medal for his service as Lt. Commander in the U.S.Navy. Dr. MacDonald is Board Certified by the American OsteopathicBoard of Orthopedic Surgery in Hand and Upper Extremity. Hepractices at Hughston Clinic at 706-324-6661. We welcome Dr.MacDonald!

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Charles Christian Joins St. Francis as Chief Information OfficerCharles “Chuck” Christian, FCHIME, FHIMSS, CHCIO, joinedSt. Francis as the hospital’s new Chief Information Officer(CIO) January 2. During January, Chuck was also namedamong Becker’s Hospital Review’s “100 Hospital and HealthSystem CIOs to Know” for his information technologyleadership.

Prior to coming to St. Francis, Chuck served as CIO of GoodSamaritan Hospital, Vincennes, Ind., for 23 years, duringwhich time Good Samaritan was named a 2004 and 2005 “Most Wired Hospital”by “Hospitals & Health Networks.” Under Chuck’s leadership, Good Samaritanalso received the the McKesson VIP Award, was identified as a Solucient Top 100Hospital–Quality Improvement Leader and was a recipient of the VHALeadership Award for Clinical Excellence and the VHA Leadership Award forSupply Chain Excellence. Additionally, Chuck received the 2010 John E. Gall CIOof the Year Award presented by the College of Healthcare InformationManagement Executives and Healthcare Information Management SystemsSociety.

Chuck began his health care career as a radiologic technologist. He studiednatural sciences at the University of Alabama in Birmingham and earned hisbachelor of science degree in business administration from Lacrosse University inLouisiana.

St. Francis to Host Doctors’ Day Breakfast and Steak and Lobster Luncheon Made-to-order omelets will top the menu at St. Francis’ Doctors’ Day Breakfastfrom 6-9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, in the Physicians’ Lounge.

Physicians are also invited to feast on steak and lobster Wednesday, March 27, atSt. Francis’ annual Doctor’s Day Luncheon. The luncheon will be held from11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the outdoor patio area adjacent to the Physicians’ Lounge.

St. Francis will also offer physicians dinner and a movie or coffee and having theircars detailed. For more information, please call Medical Staff Services at706-660-6065.

More Than 100 Attend Carl Patrick Multidisciplinary SymposiumThere were more than 100 clinicians in attendance at St. Francis’ sixth annualCarl Patrick Multidisciplinary Symposium February 2 at Columbus StateUniversity’s Cunningham Center.

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S T. F R A N C I S H O S P I T A L N E W S

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The topics presented included “Osteoporosis: Current Challenges in Treatmentand Lessons Learned in the Past 10 Years;” “Columbus – A Live Healthy City:Addressing Obesity as a Community;” “Atrial Fibrillation: Recent Advances inCurrent Anticoagulant Therapy and Catheter Ablation;” “Crew ResourceManagement (LifeWings™): Impact and Improvements – Recognition:” and“Challenges and Treatment of Preterm Labor.”

If you missed the symposium, but would like to view one or more sessions, thesewill be available on HealthStream and you may apply for CME credit. If you areinterested, please contact Deana Berger, Medical Staff Services, at 706-320-2701for more information.

Dr. Luther Wolff Jr. Honored, Peter Hillary Speaks at the Ninth Annual Butler Award DinnerDr. Luther Wolff Jr. was honored as the ninth recipient of the Dr. Clarence C.Butler Service and Leadership Award at a gala January 29 at the ColumbusTrade Center.

Adventurer and mountaineer PeterHillary, whose father Sir Edmund Hillarymade the first successful ascent of Mt.Everest in 1953, said that Dr. Wolff wasdeserving of the award because “he isresponsible for much of the culturalchange at St. Francis.”

Dr. Wolff, a surgeon at the St. FrancisCenter for Surgical Care, wasinstrumental in helping St. Francis’administration build partnerships witharea physicians. As a result, the hospitalhas become physician-driven in itsdecision-making and strategic planningprocesses.

Upon accepting the award, and with tears in his eyes, Dr. Wolff said, “It has beenan honor and a privilege to serve many of you and your loved ones who are heretonight.”

During his 40-year medical career, the Mayo Clinic-trained surgeon has served innumerous leadership roles. He currently serves as medical director of theSt. Francis Wound Care and Hyperbaric program, chairman of St. Francis’Physician Leadership Board and as co-director of the Mercer School of Medicinemedical student program in Columbus, which he said that practice manager“Lynn Thompson deserved much of the credit for overseeing.”

More than 600 people attended the dinner, which raised more than $200,000 insupport of The Patrick Heart Institute’s life-saving outreach and education

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programs. Skanska USA was the presenting sponsor. Suzanne McCluskey wasevent chair.

Expansion UpdateSt. Francis’ largest expansion ever continues to be on track for opening in phases,beginning in May and continuing through October 2013.

Scheduled for opening in early June are the first and ground floors of thehospital’s new Clinical Tower. The first floor will include state-of-the-art cath labsand a 16-bed unit. On the ground floor will be a 43-bed unit and eight observationbeds. OB/GYN Physician Partners will move to the Auditorium level of the newClinical Tower in June.

The hospital’s new Medical Office Building will open in phases, beginning inAugust and continuing through October. In August, a state-of-the-art Women’sCenter of Excellence Center, the Sara Ruth Carroll Auditorium and a lecture hallwill open. Also in August, OB/GYN Associates (in partnership with St. Francis) willmove to the pavilion level; St. Francis Center for Surgical Care and St. Francis ENTwill relocate to the building’s ground floor; and the Chhokar Clinic will move tothe building’s first floor offices. In September, cardiovascular surgeons,Chattahoochee Valley Cardiology the hospital’s Electrophysiology Clinic willrelocate to the new building’s first floor. In October, Columbus CardiologyAssociates will move to the building’s second floor.

In most recent developments, the power was turned on in the new Clinical Tower,marking a major step toward running new mechanical equipment, lighting andmore. Nurses’ stations were completed on the pavilion and ground levels of thenew clinical tower in February. Brick work and other exterior improvements werealso completed in February.

Skanska USA is the primary contractor overseeing the project and directing localsubcontractors to meet set deadlines.

March Educational OpportunitiesSt. Francis will offer these educational opportunities in March:Breast Conference: Friday, March 8, 7 a.m., St. Francis Hospital Board Room.Breakfast provided. For more information, contact Ruby Gladney at 706-660-6096or via [email protected] Rounds – Topic TBA: Tuesday, March 12, 7 a.m., St. Francis HospitalBoardroom. Breakfast provided. For reservations, call Deana Berger at706-320-2701.Cancer Conference: Wednesday, March 20, 12:30-1:30 p.m., St. Francis HospitalBoardroom. Lunch will be provided. A reservation is not required. For moreinformation, contact Ruby Gladney at 706-660-6096 or [email protected]. Francis Shoulder Center Fellowship Conference: Thursday, March 28,7-8 a.m., St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute Conference Room. Dr. James Andry willdiscuss “Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement for Acute Proximal HumerusFractures.”

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St. Francis Hospital is accredited by the Medical Association of Georgia to providecontinuing medical education for physicians. St. Francis Hospital designates thislive activity for a maximum number of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physiciansshould claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participationin the activity.

r i v a t e c l i e n t s e r v i c e sPPhysicians deserve more credit.

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Talk to us today. Call 706-644-6388.

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a division of Synovus Bank, Member FDIC

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Frank Austin Named Senior VP of Strategy, Marketing, Public RelationsFrank Austin has been named Columbus Regional Healthcare System’s newSenior Vice President of Strategy, Marketing and Public Relations. He willleverage the experience he has gained during the past 15 years to lead initiativesin strategy, marketing, external and internal communication, integrativemarketing, public relations, advertising, community relations, communityoutreach and fundraising. Most recently, Mr. Austin was Director of Marketing forDignity Health, a 40-hospital system with facilities in Southern California, Nevadaand Arizona. Previously, he was Director of Marketing and Sales for Health Plan ofSan Mateo, a managed care health system in California. He also was Director ofMarketing and Public Relations at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, N.Y.

Mr. Austin received his Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Studiesfrom Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, Va. He has been activelyinvolved in many community and professional organizations, including theAmerican Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Chamber of Commerceand International Association of Business Communicators.

Columbus Specialty Hospital Moving from The Medical Center to Doctors HospitalPlans are moving forward to relocate Columbus Specialty Hospital, a long termacute care hospital, from The Medical Center to Doctors Hospital. The facility willmove from the ninth and tenth floors of The Medical Center to the fourth floor atDoctors Hospital. The move will free-up substantial space at The Medical Centerto accommodate medical/surgery bed relocation. Targeted completion date is May2013. Columbus Specialty Hospital is not owned by Columbus Regional butrather is a landlord-tenant relationship.

HUGHSTON HOSPITAL IN COLUMBUSHughston Hospital Wins Top Quality AwardsHughston Hospital in Columbus was the recipient of two prestigious awards bythe Georgia Hospital Association’s Partnership for Health and Accountability(PHA) during the 2012 Quality and Patient Safety Award Summit held on Jan. 11in Greensboro, Ga. For the third consecutive year, Hughston Hospital was therecipient of the Circle of Excellence Award, which is presented to a hospital thathas demonstrated a sustained commitment to quality and patient safety asevidenced by earning three or more PHA annual awards within the previous fiveyears (2007-2011). Additionally, Hughston Hospital won first place in theHospitals with 100 to 299 Beds Category for its project titled “MedicationReconciliation Improving Patient Safety.” This was the sixth consecutive yearHughston Hospital has earned an award for achievement in reducing the risk ofadverse outcomes and improving patient safety and quality. Led by Freya Gilbert,R.N., Senior Director of Quality Management, the mission of the multi-disciplinary team was to provide a safe medication program by standardizing the

C O L U M B U S R E G I O N A L H E A L T H C A R E S Y S T E M N E W S

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medication reconciliation process at admission, transfer and discharge, therebydecreasing medication history errors.

Dr. Baker, Diana Gherghi Named to CSU Athletic Hall of FameOrthopedic surgeon Dr. Champ Baker Jr., who operates at Hughston Hospital,and Amsol nurse anesthetist Diana Gherghi, who works at all three ColumbusRegional hospitals, have been chosen for induction into the Columbus StateUniversity (CSU) Athletic Hall of Fame. Dr. Baker is being recognized for his time,expertise and support of CSU and Ms. Gherghi, who is on the championshipColumbus Regional Corporate Tennis team, is being recognized for heroutstanding tennis career at CSU.

THE MEDICAL CENTERCME Opportunities Offered for PhysiciansEach of the following Continuing Medical Education (CME) opportunities forphysicians has been approved for one hour of CME credit:

Pediatric Grand Rounds: Every Thursday, 8:15 a.m., Columbus RegionalConference Center at The Medical Center. Open to any physician or other healthprofessional providing care for children. For more information, call MargaretCaldwell at 706-571-1220.

Cancer Conference: Every Monday, 12:30 p.m., Conference Room at the John B.Amos Cancer Center, except for first Monday which is held at Columbus RegionalConference Center at The Medical Center. (Approved as a series.) For moreinformation, call David Fletcher at 706-571-1102.

The Medical Center is accredited by the Medical Association of Georgia to providecontinuing medical education for physicians.The Medical Center designates thislive activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit TM. Physicians shouldclaim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in theactivity.

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A R T I C L E O F I N T E R E S TBy Jefferson C. Jones, MD

Addiction is a disease of the brain, as diabetes is a disease of the pancreas. Whenis the last time you looked at a diabetic as a weak person with a willpower issue?Addiction is defined as a disease because it has a set of diagnostic criteria, apredictable course, and a treatment. The pathophysiology of addiction has beenmapped out. The neurotransmitter pathway in the midbrain is driven bydopamine. The feeling one gets from loving someone, a beautiful sunset, oreating a lush dessert is dopamine mediated. The hunger, thirst, and sexual driveoriginate in this same area. This primitive part of our brain is responsible for thepropagation of our species.

Unfortunately, drugs of addiction affect the same pathways in a more powerfulway. The drugs of addiction are rewarding, reinforcing, and pleasurable. Theystrongly activate the reward circuitry of the brain. The one common feature theyshare is that they are all dopamine agonists. The VTA and the nucleusaccumbens, make up the two most important areas where the drugs of addictionbind. This area of the brain has been shown to connect directly with theprefrontal cortex by the dopamine pathway. The prefrontal cortex allows forcomplex problem solving. This connection allows for complex drug seekingbehavior and intricate denial systems.

This is only part of the story. Certainly, to be addicted one needs to have thegenetic predisposition and physiology. Also the psychological, social and spiritualaspects of the addicted patient are important. Thus the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model of chemical dependency has evolved and can be foundthroughout literature. The aspects of the psychological, social, and spiritualissues are beyond the scope of this article.

Why does the chemically dependent patient put his substance use before hisfamily, finances, job, or medical license? The pleasure center of the brainmotivated by dopamine, overcomes all rational thought and judgment. It isdifficult to think of any reason why the addicted person would give up everythingand everyone in his for the addictive substance unless there are suchoverwhelming forces at work.

In our profession, the incidence of addiction has been reported between 8 – 14%.Men to women are found in a ratio of 7:1 to 10:1. Doctors are more likely tobecome alcoholics than their non-doctor peers. Alcohol is the most commonaddictive drug in physicians. Opiates account for the second most commonaddictive drug. Fentanyl addiction accounts for 20% of treatment admissions.Addiction is found most commonly in family practice, anesthesiology, ERmedicine, and psychiatry. Specialties less likely to be addicted include pediatricsand surgery. Interesting enough, ER physicians are more likely to use cocaine.

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The issues with the identification and treatment of the addicted physician arecomplex. We are not expected to ask for help, but are expected to give help. Ouraddicted peers worry about legal issues and losing their livelihood if found out.The state boards have worked with physicians in the past but not without a legalcontract referred to a as a consent order. This consent order can interfere withthe physician’s ability to bill insurance companies or Medicare. If the public findsout, physician fear losing their reputation and patients.

Thankfully, we now have the GA PHP or the Physician Health Program in Georgia.We are one of the last states to implement this program. It serves as a bufferbetween the physician and the licensing board. It is a safe harbor, if you will. Itis an organization empowered by the legislature and run by physicians forphysicians. It is not treatment, not law enforcement, and not a licensing board.It is an active manager for overseeing long-term care of addicted physicians. Areferral to this organization can lead to proper referral and treatment andsubsequent monitoring for a minimum of five years. They can also dointerventions as suggested by families or friends of the addicted physician.Successes with other PHPs across the country have been excellent. Eighty-twopercent of monitored physicians were sober and in recovery at five years. If aphysician fails to keep the parameters as outlined by the PHP, the state board isalerted and more severe sanctions occur with the possibility of loss of licensure. In closing, let us look at addiction as a disease. Let us get away from the old wayof thinking and into the new paradigm of addiction as a disease, not one ofweakness or bad judgment. We are all at risk because of the long hours,tremendous stress, and access to drugs. We must look out for our physiciancolleagues and help those addicted get the care they need. The GA PHP has madethis much easier and less punitive. Over the last twenty-five years of treatingaddictive patients, including physicians, I have seen many that have recovered andare leading normal lives and doing the work they love. I will be happy to discussaddiction with you at any time.

Columbus Clinic – 706-322-7884 or Talbott Columbus-706-341-3600To contact the GA PHP call 1-855-MY-GAPHP or visit the website www.gaphp.org.This is a vital program and all donations are tax deductible and needed to allowthis program to continue. The GA PHP’s special event and fundraiser is on March,16, at 6pm at the JW Marriott, Buckhead featuring Coach Vince and BarbaraDooley. Tickets are $150 each. Call Robin McCown for more information at678-447-1595.

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In Memoriam

Julian Jesse Sizemore, Jr., M.D.December 10, 1922 – February 12, 2013

Julian Sizemore studied at Mercer University and then interrupted

his studies to serve in the U.S. Army as a medic in

India and Burma during WW II. He received his B.A. from Mercer

University, his M.A. from Emory University and his M.D. from The

Medical College of Georgia in 1954. He served as an intern and

resident and fellow in pediatrics, at the University of Alabama,

Birmingham, Hillman Clinic from 1954 to 1958. Dr. Sizemore was

elected to membership in the Muscogee County Medical Society in

1958. He practiced as a pediatrician in Columbus from 1958

until he retired in 1994. He is survived by his wife, Anne

Thompson Sizemore, past president of the Muscogee County Medical

Society Alliance, his son Julian J. Sizemore, III, his daughters,

Susan Sizemore Seda and Cindy Sizemore Long. Dr. Sizemore was

well liked by his patients and by his colleagues.

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In Memoriam

Zsolt H.B. Koppanyi, M.D.March 9, 1935 – January 27, 2013

Zsolt Koppanyi joined Muscogee County Medical Society in 1998

when he moved here to head the West Central Health District,

where he served until he retired in 2010. Following his retirement,

he moved to New Jersey to be close to his family. He received

his M.D. from the University of Buenos Aires and completed his

internship at Hospital de Ninos, Buenos Aires. He completed his

residency there and at Baltimore City Hospital. He completed a

post-doctoral fellowship in neurochemistry at the USPHS. Dr.

Koppanyi was born in Hungary and was a music and opera lover.

Columbus was fortunate to have Dr. Koppanyi serve as the

Director of West Central Health District for twelve years. He was

an active member of the Muscogee County Medical Society.

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MARCH 2013

We need more writers for The Bulletin! Please call the office or contact,

David Levine, Editor if you would like to submit an article.

SUPPORT YOUR BULLETIN ADVERTISERS AND

MEETING SPONSORS – THEY SUPPORT YOU!

Muscogee County Medical Society

2013 Meeting Sponsor:

Quality Wine – Epic Wine Tasting and Tapas

Thank You Quality Wine and Spirits

for a great evening!!

SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, April 11th at the Country Club of Columbus

Speaker - Jeffrey B. English, M.D., Docs4PatientCare

“The Economic Effects of the PPACA for Physicians”

6:30pm cocktails, 7:00pm dinner and speaker

Country Club of Columbus

[email protected] • www.muscogeemedical.org

UPCOMING EVENTS

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M A G B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S R E P O R TBy Fred Flandry, M.D., F.A.C.S.

The MAG Board of Directors held their first meeting of 2013on January 26th in Atlanta. After a swearing in of newmembers and a brief board orientation, several items ofinterest as well as routine housekeeping items weredeliberated.

Dr. Greene gave an overview of legislative issues we face inthe 2013 General Assembly. The Governor has announced a

0.74 cut in Medicaid for specialists in his budget. A fix has been proposed for thehospital bed tax by substituting it with a fee that will insure federal matchingdollars, that would have been lost with simple elimination of the bed tax, maycontinue. We will continue efforts to modify the onerous prescription padrestrictions. Several scope of practice challenges are anticipated. Physician’sassistants will lobby to obtain the ability to write for Schedule II narcotics. APRN’swill again lobby to increase their scope. Pharmacists will lobby to be able toadminister ALL vaccines. It has come to MAG’s attention that some allied healthprofessionals in practice settings are identifying themselves directly or byinnuendo as physicians. MAG will seek legislation that will establish specificpenalties for such fraudulent misrepresentation. At the present time, there doesnot appear to be a window for introducing meaningful tort reform legislation inthis session. We are vigilant to the possibility, however, that the standard of grossnegligence in provision of emergency care may become a legislative target fortrial attorneys this year or next. We are beginning to prepare for this battle shouldit arise.

Dr. Walsh gave the treasurer’s report. The fiscal health of the organization isexcellent and we are above targets on our strategic financial plan. Thispreliminary report is pending a final audit, but no great change is anticipated.YTD Revenues are above projections by $441,565, YTD Expenses are aboveprojections by $95,182, resulting in our Net Income being $346,383 abovebudget. Our primary strategic financial goal for this year is to achieve a $200,000operating surplus. Our preliminary results indicate that we have surpassed thisgoal. In 2009, the Finance Committee recommended to the Board of Directorsthat it approve the five-year strategic goal to build $1 million in reserves. 2012 isthe third year of this plan and we are pleased to report that in 2012 MAGsurpassed this goal by $269,903 (27.0%). Full details are available through ourMCMS office should you wish to review

Dr. Bohlke gave a brief President’s report. Mr. Palmisano gave the ExecutiveDirector’s report again emphasizing the financial health of the organization. Aninjunction has been granted in favor of the third party insurers in our prompt paylawsuit. We feel there are opportunities to overturn this. As this case has national

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implications, we have received considerable support from the AMA for our legalexpenses.

Dr. Botstein gave a presentation on EMR’s and meaningful use. Most are inagreement that EMR’s in their current form do little to enhance at best, if nothamper and in some cases obstruct the practice of medicine. With hiscollaboration and experience having personally authored an EMR software, theEMR Committee is working to formulate a document of guidelines for suggestedreforms to current EHR products in an attempt to encourage governmentmandates for such reforms.

Dr. Chapman gave the report for the MAG Foundation Report. (Dr. Maxey hastaken a leave of absence from her position.) A presentation on opioid abusehighlighted that while the US comprises only 4% of the world’s population; itconsumes 80% of the world’s use of prescription opioids and 99% of the world’shydrocodone use. Georgia is one of the only states who have not enacted aprescription monitoring system. Hall County has launched a model program toraise awareness of these issues

The “Mega Issue” considered at this meeting was a model to reform our currentmedical malpractice system into a “Patient Compensation System”. Though novelin its approach, much discussion ensued to suggest that in the end it may greatlyincrease the expense through considering non malpractice medical errors asfailures of standard of care. From the tenor of discussion, it did not seem to be aconcept that MAG at this time will support

I am happy to personally discuss with you details of items in this report, or to takeyour concerns and suggestion to the MAG board. I can be reached through theMCMS office or through my professional office at the Hughston Clinic. I remainappreciative of the opportunity to represent you to the MAG board.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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(706) 576-4900

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PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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