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May 9, 2024

DHSS Releases Fourth Annual Benchmark Trend Report

Outlines Progress, Priorities to Reduce Health Care Spending, Improve Measures

Per capita health care spending in Delaware increased 6.3% in 2022 to $9,657, outpacing a 3% growth rate benchmark, according to the State of Delaware’s fourth annual Benchmark Trend Report presented May 2 to the Delaware Health Care Commission (DHCC) by Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Josette Manning. Along with tracking the year-over-year percentage change in total health care expenditures expressed on a per capita basis, the benchmark report also reflects data trends on nine health care quality measures and offers insight on health disparities to guide efforts to improve health equity throughout the State.


Annual trend reports dating back to the initial release in 2019 reflect continued per-capita growth in health care spending beyond established benchmarks. That year, spending grew at a rate of 5.8%, exceeding a 3.8% spending benchmark. While a 3.5% benchmark was met in calendar year 2020, in 2021, reflecting the rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, health care spending grew at a rate of 11.2% compared to a benchmark of 3.25%. The 6.3% per capita increase in 2022 is significant, but there was an expectation of some continuing health care spending rebound effect in the post-pandemic period. Moving forward into 2023 and beyond, DHSS expects Delaware’s health care market to be in a steadier state.


The 2022 Trend Report also provides insight into Delaware’s health care quality on nine quality measures with data able to be analyzed by age, gender, and race/ethnicity for greater insight on health disparities. While the most recent report does show some improvement in use of opioids at high dosages, as well as the use of statin therapy for patients with cardiovascular disease, and both breast and colorectal cancer screenings for patients with commercial coverage, opportunities to meet benchmark continue to exist in most areas. Of note given recent reports of a concerning spike in drug overdoses in Sussex and Kent counties, the quality measures underscore urgency regarding Substance Use Disorder/Opioid Use Disorder Outcomes in Delaware. Three of the measures – Breast Cancer, Cervical and Colorectal Cancer Screening – are new to the 2022 cycle of quality benchmarking.

DOI Completes First PBM Exams

Efforts to Protect Consumers, Independent Pharmacies, Lower Costs

Following the unanimous passage of legislation in 2021, the Delaware Department of Insurance was given regulatory authority over Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and has been building an investigation and enforcement program in order to address the multi-billion-dollar industry that has played a key role in increasing total cost of care and consolidating the pharmacy market. On Tuesday, Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced the Department has completed some of the nation’s first examinations of PBMs, with more exams in progress. Read more.

Spike in Overdoses Spreads to Kent County

DHSS and State Police Now Seeing Increase in Severity in Kent County

The Delaware State Police (DSP) and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) continue to urge heightened awareness following a surge in suspected drug overdoses in Sussex County last week. DSP and DHSS on last Friday reported they are now seeing cases in Kent County that require intubation and a level of care seen in Sussex during its recent overdose spike, as well as a suspected fatality related to overdose. DHSS and DSP urge the public to exercise extreme caution, refrain from consuming unknown substances, and avoid illegal drugs altogether. Individuals struggling with substance abuse are encouraged to seek immediate assistance from medical professionals or addiction support services.

atTAcK Addiction Launches New Campaign

Focuses on Resources and Supports to Reduce Opioid Crisis Impact

atTAcK addiction on Monday launched a statewide media campaign to reduce the impact of the opioid crisis by connecting Delawareans suffering from substance use disorder and their families to the services and supports they need. The bilingual campaign begins as the state is seeing a surge in overdoses, with Delaware State Police reporting 125 cases and five suspected overdose deaths in Sussex and Kent counties since April 26. The “We’ve Got You” campaign creatively emphasizes how all Delawareans have a role to play in preventing opioid misuse, addiction, overdoses, and fatalities, and offers a connection to the treatment and recovery services that thousands of Delawareans need. In coordination with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, HelpIsHereDE.com and the Delaware Hope Line, the campaign offers multiple contact points for individuals and families. The campaign is funded through a $300,000 grant from Delaware’s Prescription Opioid Settlement Distribution Commission. 

Settlement in Principle with Amneal Pharmaceuticals

Multistate Settlement for the Manufacturer's Role in the Opioid Crisis

On Monday, Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings announced a multistate settlement in principle with opioid manufacturer Amneal Pharmaceuticals (Amneal) for its role in fueling the nationwide epidemic of opioid addictions and overdoses. Amneal produces several generic opioid products and was one of the largest manufacturers of opioids from 2006 to 2019, selling nearly nine billion pills. Attorney General Jennings and a multistate coalition of attorneys general allege that Amneal knowingly failed to monitor and report suspicious orders placed by its customers, as it was required to by federal law.  The settlement in principle will provide a nationwide total of $92.5 million in cash over 10 years and $180 million worth of naloxone nasal spray, an overdose treatment medication, to participating states. The settlement in principle was negotiated by Attorney General Jennings and the attorneys general of New York, California, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia. 

Seeking Nominations for Annual Prestigious Tilton Award

Nominate a Member Who Reflects the Qualities of MSD's Founding Father

James Tilton, MD, MSD’s first President, is one of the most important physicians not only to MSD, but in our nation’s history. Saving countless lives during the Revolutionary War, he shaped the future of medicine in ways unknown to those times. His legacy is one of many firsts, both as a physician and historical figure. After a long hiatus, in 2017 MSD reimagined the Tilton recognition and began an annual event to pay tribute to outstanding physician members via the presentation of the Tilton Award.


Do you know a member physician whose personal sacrifice and performance is beyond expectation, who is advancing medicine, or is changing the lives of patients in extraordinary ways? We want to hear from you! MSD is seeking nominations from medical professionals, as well as members of the community to recognize an exceptional physician member. Please complete the Tilton Awards Nomination Form indicating why your nominee should be chosen to receive this prestigious award. Submission deadline is July 1st. Email the completed form to Lisa Gruss. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Gruss, External Affairs and Development Officer at Lisa.Gruss@medsocdel.org or (302) 893-3907.


If you would like more information about sponsoring this event, please contact Lisa Gruss.

Study Suggests APOE4 Homozygozity Cause for Alzheimer's

Those with 2 Copies of APOE4 Gene Variant Have Distinct Genetic Form of Disease

A study published in Nature Medicine this week suggests that, for those who carry not one, but two copies of the APOE4 gene, it is an underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease, not just a significantly increased risk. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of APOE4 homozygosity on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by examining its clinical, pathological and biomarker changes to see whether APOE4 homozygotes constitute a distinct, genetically determined form of AD. The study concluded that APOE4 homozygotes represent a genetic form of AD, suggesting the need for individualized prevention strategies, clinical trials and treatments. Additionally, symptoms for these patients can begin seven to 10 years sooner than in other older adults who develop Alzheimer's. This presents a new way of understanding the genetics of Alzheimer's, with up to a fifth of patients being considered to have a genetically-caused form of the disease.

Proposed Regulations Published for Recreational Marijuana

Office of the Marijuana Commissioner Invites Stakeholders to Comment

The Office of Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) is inviting stakeholders and interested parties to review and comment on the regulations that will control the State regulated adult-use recreational marijuana industry in Delaware. The Delaware Marijuana Control Act, 4Del. C. Chapter 13 legalized the use of recreational marijuana for individuals 21 and older. OMC has the responsibility to adopt rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this law. The OMC pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act, Chapter 101 of Title 29, has published the official proposed regulation in the Delaware Register of Regulations on May 1, 2024: https://regulations.delaware.gov/register/may2024/proposed/27%20DE%20Reg%20859%2005-01-24.pdf.

 

As the OMC moves forward with developing these rules and regulations, they are offering the public a formal opportunity to review and comment on the official proposed regulations as they hope that this engagement with the community and stakeholders will enhance transparency and foster a shared commitment to the OMC’s goals. The Formal Comment Period on the OMC website omc.delaware.gov will close on June 3, 2024. All comments must be emailed to OMC@delaware.gov. Once this formal feedback has been collected, considered, and appropriate revisions are made in response to the feedback, the OMC will begin the formal rulemaking process for the final regulation. OMC encourages stakeholders and members of the public to review these proposed regulations in the formal process.

New Strains of COVID-19 Becoming Dominant

"FLiRT" Strains Not Expected to Cause a Summer Spike

A new set of COVID-19 variants, nicknamed “FLiRT,” are circulating here in the U.S. The strains, KP.2 and KP.1.1, are offshoots of the Omicron subvariant JN.1, which until last month was the most common form of the virus in the U.S. KP.2 and KP.1.1 are known as the FLiRT strains. The nickname comes from the technical names of the two variants’ mutations, one of which includes the letters “F” and “L,” while the other includes “R” and “T.” KP.2 became the most common variant in the U.S. late last month, accounting for about 25 percent of COVID-19 cases, according to the latest CDC data. It’s overtaken JN.1, which emerged last fall and made up about 80 percent of cases in February. For now, most experts don’t expect the FLiRT variants to cause a spike this summer. 


What sets the FLiRT strains apart is the three changes they have on their spike proteins — structures that cover the virus and allow them to latch onto cells and cause infection. The current set of shots does offer some protection, but some studies suggest that KP.2 and KP.1.1 may be better at dodging the immunity the vaccines provide than earlier strains. The most recent booster shot was formulated to knock out XBB.1.5, a variant that spread widely early last year. However, the World Health Organization recently recommended that the new shots target JN.1 and its descendants, which include the FLiRT strains. Experts say it’s too early to say yet, but that the FLiRT variants likely won’t cause significantly different symptoms than earlier versions of the virus. 

Help Inform Accurate Physician Payment

Physician Practice Input Needed by June 30th

A national survey of physician practices led by the American Medical Association (AMA) is underway and we urge your cooperation with this effort. The objective of The Physician Practice Information (PPI) Survey is to gather accurate data on practice costs and the hours of patient care that physicians provide to support fair and accurate physician payment. The PPI Survey will be fielded through June 2024 by Mathematica. MSD has joined more than 170 national state and specialty medical associations and other health care organizations in endorsing the PPI SurveyParticipation in the survey is voluntary but important. The information you share will be kept private, reported in aggregate, and used only for the purpose of informing the national estimates of practice expense per patient care hour.

 

A financial expert in each sampled physician practice or health system was contacted via email and mail and will receive weekly reminders from PPISurvey@mathematica-mpr.com with the email subject line of “Reminder: The AMA needs your input to support fair and accurate physician payment.” 

 

Additionally, Mathematica, Medscape and the AMA are reaching out to physicians in each sampled practice to alert them to their practice’s involvement and to solicit information on direct patient care hours.

 

If you have any questions or if you would like to speak to someone about this survey, please contact Mathematica at PPISURVEY@MATHEMATICA-MPR.COM, or via phone at 1-833-770-1032. 

Support Healthy Delawareans Through Foundation Donation

Greater Access to Health Care, Top Quality Education

As MSD embarks on a three-year strategic plan, we advance to meet the evolving needs of our communities and patients. MSD’s mission is "to guide, serve, and support Delaware physicians, promoting the practice and profession to enhance the health of our communities." Please consider a contribution to the Delaware Medical Education Foundation (DMEF) or Delaware Foundation for Medical Services (DFMS).


For greater access to health care, your donation supports services across Delaware, funding our Voluntary Initiative Program (VIP) initiatives including the diabetes assistance program and prescription assistance program through the Delaware Foundation for Medical Services (DFMS). Since July 1, 2023, VIP staff has assisted 1,969 individuals in finding a health home or referral to a specialist. The DFMS Board of Directors has identified transportation as one of the critical needs to serve the VIP population, and MSD’s goal is to determine an ideal solution to this driver of health need.


In March 2024, the OBVIOUS Campaign for Kids hosted a groundbreaking free lecture series, delving into pressing issues affecting our children today. Each session was a vital step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of our youth. The series featured talks on bullying and suicide prevention, violent intruder preparedness and response training, making intelligent decisions, and an enlightening discussion on combating obesity. If you couldn't attend, you missed an opportunity to be part of the solution. Stay tuned for future events and join in these critical conversations making a difference in the lives of Delaware's children. The Delaware Medical Education Foundation (DMEF) makes events such as these possible, by bringing top quality education to Delaware physicians.


Thank you for your donation to these important foundations. Please reach out to Lisa Gruss, External Affairs and Development Officer, with any questions.

Proposed Model to Improve Access to Kidney Transplants

"Increasing Organ Transplant Access Model"

On Wednesday this week, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) with its Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the Increasing Organ Transplant Access Model. The proposed mandatory model aligns with the HHS Organ Transplant Affinity Group’s initiatives to increase transplantation access through payment, quality, and regulatory efforts.

The model would be implemented by the CMS Innovation Center and run for six years, beginning January 1, 2025, with the aim to:

  • Increase access to kidney transplants for people living with end-stage renal disease.
  • Improve the quality of care for people seeking kidney transplants.
  • Reduce disparities in kidney transplantation.
  • Increase the efficiency and capability of transplant hospitals selected to participate.


Hospitals that would be eligible to be selected for the model are non-pediatric facilities that conduct a minimum of 11 transplants each during a three-year baseline period. CMS would select approximately half of the eligible transplant hospitals to be participants in the model. The target population includes individuals on the transplant hospital waitlist and those who received a transplant from the participant hospital. This includes all patients and is not limited to individuals with Medicare. The comment period closes on July 16th.

Physician Assistants in Oregon Get Name Change

Name Change is First of Its Kind in the US

According to Medscape, this month, Oregon's Governor signed a bill into law that officially changed the title of "physician assistants" to "physician associates" in the state. The switch is the first of its kind in the United States and comes on the heels of a decision from 2021 by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to change the meaning of "PA" to "physician associate" from "physician assistant."

Supporting Patients with Diabetes

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support

Searching for a healthy lifestyle program to support patients with diabetes? The Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) is a clinically based series of services that provides self-management education and support.  

  • It is often offered in a clinical setting such as a hospital practice or a pharmacy. It could be delivered at an employer health site as well.
  • It covers monitoring of blood sugar levels, including newer forms of technology support, and medication therapy management, as well as nutrition education and clinical support.
  • Programs include clinical experts, including Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, Pharmacists, RN’s, Registered Dietitians, and other Allied Health Professionals.
  • Eligibility for DSMES requires a diagnosis of diabetes and a referral from a medical professional.
  • DSMES is a covered by insurance as a health benefit. It is also covered by the Delaware Emergency Medical Diabetes Funding for those with diabetes who are under- or uninsured.

The 2020 Consensus Report showed those who participated on a regular basis were found to have significant reductions in mortality and A1C reduction of 0.57%. HEDIS and other quality measures look at the percentage of adult members whose most recent HbA1c is <8.0%. For more information, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a DSMES Toolkit and extensive background on the DSMES. There are several DSMES programs in Delaware, including Bayhealth, ChristianaCare, and I&O Diabetes Consultants in Millsboro.

The Future of Health Care Article Submissions Results

THE RESULTS ARE IN!

MSD has a relationship with the Cureus Journal of Medical Science through establishment of the MSD Academic Channel to assist our local physicians and residents in their publishing needs. Earlier, Cureus sent out a Call for Submissions for "Navigating VR, AR, & Emerging Tech Applications." MSD urged members to enter the contest by submitting their work through the MSD Academic Channel. This contest encouraged and highlighted innovative emerging medical tech applications, including AR, VR, and more. These new advances can transform patient care, medical training, and surgical procedures. From the articles received, Cureus is showcasing technologies that could improve or redefine health care practices globally. Some of the highest scored articles include, "Immersive Innovations: Exploring the Diverse Applications of Virtual Reality (VR) in Healthcare;" and some of the most read articles include, "The Apple Vision Pro as a Neurosurgical Planning Tool: A Case Report;" and "An Image-Based Augmented Reality System for Achieving Accurate Bone Resection in Total Knee Arthroplasty." Read the articles published from this call.

Call for Submissions: Biographies of Medical Innovators

Biographies, Historical Vignettes of Notable Medical Professionals

The Cureus Journal of Medical Science invites submissions for biographies or historical vignettes of notable medical professionals who have shaped the field and mentored future generations. Contributions should delve into the lives, achievements, and innovative processes of these pioneers, underscoring their enduring impact on human health. Submissions must be review articles and align with the detailed author guidelines, using "Historical Vignette" as a keyword. This collection aims to enhance our understanding of medical history and inspire both present and future healthcare professionals. The deadline is August 16, 2024. Learn more and submit.

Study on the Assessment of Treatment Choices

Offer Your Invaluable Input, Enhance the Scope and Depth of This Endeavor

The Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions at Rutgers University School of Health Professions is conducting a research study about the different care options that could be potentially recommended to patients with high blood pressure. If you agree to participate, you will complete an online survey, expected to take approximately 12-15 minutes to complete. After completing the survey, you will have the option to enter into a raffle for a chance to win one of four $50 Amazon gift cards. Confidentiality and anonymity of all participants will be protected. Take the survey. If you would like additional information about this study, please contact Jettie Young at jettie.young@rutgers.edu.

Information Requested to Determine Membership Diversity

Confidential, Voluntary Questionnaire Developed to Capture Information

WE ARE HOLDING STEADY OVER THE PAST TWO MONTHS AT 19% FOR THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MEMBERS WHO HAVE PROVIDED THIS INFORMATION. The MSD Committee on DEI is working to support a diverse physician workforce and inclusive organizational culture. Prior to 2021, MSD did not collect racial, ethnic, and gender information of our members. As a starting point toward understanding and improving our membership diversity, your help is greatly appreciated in submitting this information. A brief, four-question questionnaire has been developed and will take less a minute to complete. Your information will not be made public, but will be used in aggregate to assess the diversity of our membership, how that correlates with the diversity of our leadership, and to understanding the diversity of the physician workforce in Delaware. If you have already completed the survey, you do not need to complete it again. Help us increase the number of responses received. Access the questionnaire: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2023DEM.

MSD Members in the News

Mackenzie L. Bredbenner, MD

Bayhealth Family Medicine Residency Program has announced that Resident and MSD member Mackezie Bredbenner, MD has been awarded the 2024 American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation Family Medicine Leader (FM Leads) Emerging Leader Institute Scholarship. Dr. Bredbenner is committed to advancing family medicine and invoking positive changes within her community through leadership development, reflective in her desire to become a member of MSD last year at the start of her Residency training program at Bayhealth in July 2023. Dr. Bredbenner is an active participant in the MSD Committee on Membership Mentorship Program. We look forward to many more announcements about Dr. Bredbenner and her leadership abilities in promoting family medicine and patient care in the years to come. Congratulations!

Welcome New MSD Members!

Samar Mehdi, MD - Internal Medicine Resident, Bayhealth

Christopher D. Pritting, MD - General Surgery Resident, Bayhealth

Please join MSD in welcoming the newest member(s) of the Medical Society of Delaware. As the third oldest medical society in the country, MSD has an amazing history. Thank you for taking part in our continued success!

Protect Your Jewelry, Stones, and Precious Metals

MSDIS Corner

More than $100 million worth of jewelry, stones and precious metals are stolen in the U.S. each year. Criminals use the items to launder proceeds for their activities like drug trafficking and terrorism. If you collect jewelry, stones and precious metals, it’s important to properly protect yourself from financial loss. Homeowners policies commonly place coverage restrictions on these items. Check the “special limits” portion of your homeowners policy to see if you have adequate coverage in the event your jewelry, stones and precious metals are stolen or mysteriously disappear. Further, this coverage is subject to your homeowners deductible. So, for example if you have a $2,000 watch that mysteriously disappears and your homeowners deductible is $5,000, you will not receive payment from your homeowners policy, as the loss does not exceed your deductible. To avoid this claim situation, you should consider a valuable articles policy. For more information, contact Sharon Ruth at MSDIS/USI at Sharon.Ruth@usi.com or (302) 397-0173.

MSD My Green Doctor Office Challenge

You May Win a Cash Prize!

The Medical Society of Delaware has launched the 2024 MSD Green Office Challenge to encourage members to try the My Green Doctor environmental sustainability practice management program. MSD will give a $200 cash prize to each of the first 5 member practices that qualify for the Green Office Recognition Certificate in 2024. All practices that earn the Certificate will receive a special plaque and recognition by MSD for participating. My Green Doctor is a free money-saving membership benefit from the Medical Society of Delaware. Members use My Green Doctor’s “Meeting-by-Meeting Guide” in their office practices to learn how to adopt environmental sustainability, save resources, mitigate climate change, and help create healthier communities. The program adds just five minutes to each regular office staff meeting or weekly office “huddle,” making small changes at each meeting that really add up. Everyone in your practice can register as Partner Society members at www.MyGreenDoctor.org. Use the discount code MGDMSD to get full free access to My Green Doctor, save $60 instantly, and save $1,000s in the first year. Register today and watch the “Three Minute Video” that explains how easy it is to add My Green Doctor to your next agenda, to qualify for the Green Office Recognition Certificate, and to win $200. You can do this! Questions? Contact Michelle Seymour and she will direct you to Dr. Todd Sack, Executive Director, My Green Doctor Foundation. Thank you to the Delaware Medical Education Foundation (DMEF) for awarding a grant for this program!

MSD Year Round Charity - Consider a Donation

Kind to Kids Charity Foundation: A Future for Every Child, All Year Round

As a year-round charity fundraising effort, MSD continues to support the Kind to Kids Foundation to make an impact in the lives of children and teens in foster care. You can donate items throughout the year from the "My Blue Duffel" Amazon Wish List. Your donation will provide direct support for a child in foster care. "My Blue Duffels" are emergency care kits given to children entering the foster care system. From the wish list, donors purchase items that are then sent to Kind to Kids to distribute. The children are victims of child abuse and neglect and are coping with trauma. Your gift will bring hope, love, and kindness to a vulnerable child. Kind to Kids Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit charity and your donations are tax deductible. Thank you for your support.

AMA Pearl of the Week

A Team Approach for Behavioral Health

Physicians alone can’t address behavioral health needs of their patients; a team-based approach with practice-integrated services is more effective. Evaluate how your practice identifies and cares for patients who need behavioral health care and consider engaging behavioral health clinicians for additional assistance. These experts might include an embedded behavioral health specialist, diabetes educator, psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker. 


LEARN MORE:


Toolkit:

Webinar:

Podcast:


AMA STEPS Forward® offers a collection of engaging and interactive educational content designed to help put the joy back into medicine.

Master MIPS Performance

What to Work on in May

You’re busy seeing patients or running a practice so, in this week's Chirpy Bird blog, Mastering MIPS Performance for 2024, they’re delivering a few key and actionable takeaways you can use to drive your MIPS performance as we near the half-way point of the 2024 performance year. 


  • Quality: Strategically monitor and manage your numbers here as an overall key driver of your MIPS score.
  • PI: Don't forget to start this category NOW and don't overlook the SAFER guide.
  • IA: Engage in the right combination of Improvement Activities to ensure you maximize these points.
  • Cost: Understand the role of primary care to be successful in this category, even if you are a specialist.

Safety Information and Adverse Reporting Notices

Information on Recent Product Recalls and Safety Announcements

t:connect Mobile App v2.7 Used in Conjunction with t:slim X2 Insulin Pump

Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. is recalling version 2.7 (released February 12, 2024 for devices using the Apple iOS platform) of the t:connect mobile app used in conjunction with t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology. This recall is a correction and not a product removal. The reason for the recall is due to an issue with the software that may cause the mobile app to crash and be automatically relaunched by the iOS operating system. This cycle intermittently repeats, which leads to excessive Bluetooth communication that may result in pump battery drain and may lead to the pump shutting down sooner than typically expected. The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices may cause serious injuries or death. Please be aware, this recall is a correction, not a product removal.  


Getinge/Maquet Cardiovascular Devices

On Wednesday this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted health care professionals and facilities about the FDA's continued safety and quality concerns with the following Getinge/Maquet cardiovascular medical devices:

  • Getinge/Maquet/Datascope Cardiosave Hybrid and Rescue Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) devices and
  • Getinge/Maquet Cardiohelp system and HLS Sets.

The FDA recommends that health care professionals and facilities transition away from these devices and seek alternatives, if possible. These recommendations are based on our continued concerns that Getinge/Maquet has not sufficiently addressed the problems and risks with these recalled devices.

Hospital News

Beebe Healthcare

Beebe Healthcare welcomed Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long to the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing on Tuesday. Lt. Governor Hall-Long, a Sussex County native and lifelong nurse and research scientist, was a distinguished lecturer as part of Beebe’s Nurses Week celebration, which runs from May 6-12. This year’s Nurses Week theme is “Nurses Make the Difference.” After the lecture at Beebe, the Lt. Governor joined Governor John Carney and other distinguished leaders to sign the Nurses Week proclamation in Dover. 

TidalHealth Nanticoke

On May 2, 110 golfers enjoyed a beautiful day at Heritage Shores Golf Course in Bridgeville, Del. playing in the 2024 TidalHealth Foundation Spring Golf Classic. The event raised nearly $80,000 for the health system’s Graduate Medical Education program. Save the date for the TidalHealth Foundation 2024 Fall Golf Classic on Sept. 9 at the Glen Riddle Golf Club in Berlin, MD. To learn more about that event or other upcoming TidalHealth Foundation functions, please visit tidalhealth.org/foundation.

Highlight on Events

The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition will hold its 26th Annual Breast Cancer Update, "Conquering the Unknown While Rising Above a Breast Cancer Diagnosis" on May 15th from 7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. via Zoom and live streaming at Goldey-Beacom College. The Update provides a 360-degree view of breast cancer research, treatment, and patient experiences and is one of the few conferences attended by medical professionals, social workers, breast cancer survivors, medical students, and community members, available at no-cost. Learn more and register.

Evidence-Based Opportunities to Improve Diabetes and Prediabetes Control and Prevention - Wednesday, May 15 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. This 60-minute interactive webinar, brought to you by Quality Insights and AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware, will take a deeper dive into the current state of diabetes in Delaware, discuss evidence-based interventions for quality improvement and improved patient outcomes, and offer strategies to address patient barriers. Download the webinar flyer for additional details. The Medical Society of Delaware has approved this continuing medical education activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Registration deadline is May 13th. Register.

MSD’s Mentorship Workgroup is excited to announce it is officially launching their mentorship initiative over the next several weeks! If you are interested in participating, please fill out our survey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MSDMentorProgram. We will begin by hosting a virtual event entitled “Mentorship 101: How to be a Mentor/Mentee“ on Wednesday May 15th at 7-8 p.m. that we encourage you to attend. Our informative presentation and discussion will provide you with a practical guide and a strong foundation about the principles of mentorship. This program is designed to help you be the best mentor/mentee you can be! Register today: https://reg.planetreg.com/E4166112186958

Join Delaware's Lyme Disease Education Oversight Board and host, Beebe Healthcare, for the Lyme Aware Delaware Conference taking place on Friday, May 17th from 8:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. at the Lewes Public Library & also by live stream. This is a free event and participants may earn up to 6 CMEs/CEUs. Register. Review the Conference Agenda.

Recent Advancement in the Management of Obesity with a Focus on Pharmacotherapies - May 23, 12:00-1:30 p.m. Through this webinar, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of recent advancements in the management of obesity with a focus on pharmacotherapies. Join national obesity experts for an interactive, case-based discussion on medications that are approved for chronic weight management. You will understand the mechanism of the new medications that act on gut hormone receptors such as the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, with practical tips on using these in clinical practice. You can also expect a preview of new agents in the pipeline. The Massachusetts Medical Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Learn more and register.

State Opioid Response (SOR) 2024 Conference: Innovative Strategies for Engaging Key Populations. The 2024 DSAMH State Opioid Response Conference is being held on May 29-30 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison St, Wilmington. Participants can choose to attend either non-CE tracks or CE-tracks with up to 8 CEs available. Registration is free. Refer to the conference program for full details and registration links with instructions.

Lead Intoxication in Children. Please join MSD for the next Practice Management & Education Session on Lead Intoxication in Children. This will be a virtual event on Thursday, May 30, 12:00 – 1:00 pm presented by Jonathan Miller, MD Chief, Delaware Valley Primary Care Associate Program Director, Nemours Children's Health. This presentation will provide an overview of sources of lead in the modern environment and how children are exposed, understanding the toxicology of lead, how children differ from adults, clinical manifestations, current understanding of the effects of low-level exposure, how to screen for lead and diagnose intoxication, treating intoxication and more. To register visit https://reg.planetreg.com/LeadPoisoningDE.

Register today for the National Health Equity Grand Rounds. Join us on May 30 at 4:30 p.m. EST for the upcoming National Health Equity Grand Rounds "Advancing Health Equity Through Resistance: A State of the Union on Threats and Opportunities," to

hear from an exceptional lineup of speakers who are at the forefront of advocating for health equity and social justice. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow health care professionals and learn from some of the brightest minds in the field. REGISTER NOW!


Speakers include:

  • Michelle Morse, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Commissioner for the Center for Health Equity and Community Wellness at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
  • Ian Haney López, MA, MPA, JD, Distinguished Professor and Chief Justice Earl Warren Professor of Public Law, UC Berkeley 
  • Khalil Gibran Muhammad, PhD, Ford Foundation Professor of History, Race, and Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School
  • Deena Hayes-Greene, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the Racial Equity Institute
  • Denisse Rojas Marquez, MD, MPP, Co-Founder, Pre-Health Dreamers and Emergency Medicine Resident, Boston Medical Center
  • Andre M. Perry, PhD, Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution, Scholar-in-Residence, American University and Professor of Practice of Economics, Washington University
  • Alastair Bell, MD, MBA, President and CEO of Boston Medical Center Health System
  • Shelby Chestnut, MS, Executive Director of Transgender Law Center


These leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and their insights are sure to inspire meaningful discussions on how we can collectively work towards a more equitable health care system for all.


Health care professionals may claim no-cost continuing medical education (CME) credit* or certificate of participation for attending.


The National Health Equity Grand Rounds series is developed by the American Medical Association, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education, and RespectAbility with support from the ABIM Foundation, Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, American Medical Association Ed Hub, American Society of Addiction Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Council of Medical Specialty Societies, Health Begins, Kaiser Permanente, Rush Medical Center, Sinai Chicago, Social Mission Alliance, The Hastings Center and The Joint Commission.



*Accreditation Statement: The American Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation Statement: The AMA designates this other (live and on-demand) activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to:

  • 1.5 Medical Knowledge MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine's (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program;
  • 1.5 Self-Assessment points in the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery’s (ABOHNS) Continuing Certification program;
  • 1.5 MOC points in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program;
  • 1.5 Lifelong Learning points in the American Board of Pathology’s (ABPath) Continuing Certification program; and
  • 1.5 Credits toward the CME requirement(s) of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program


It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting MOC credit.

CME Disclosure Statement: Unless noted, all individuals in control of content reported no relevant financial relationships. If applicable, all relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.

Please join MSD for the next Pubs and Politics event at the Starboard in Dewey Beach. This next event in a series of events planned across the state will take place on Tuesday, June 4th beginning at 5:30 p.m. ACP and DAFP are joining MSD for this event for members! Join your colleagues for another great Pubs & Politics event, with complimentary food and beverages provided while you discuss regulatory and legislative updates for Delaware. Stop by when you can! Please register by May 29th.

The Young Physician Section of the Medical Society of Delaware (YPS) invites you to attend a YPS Social at the Riverfront's Constitution Yards - featuring complementary food and drinks, on Thursday June 6, 2024 (5:30 to 8pm). Please register no later than May 31st.

The webinar "Empowering Care Teams: Pathways to Heart Health with Community Partners" will be presented on Tuesday, June 11th from 12:00-1:00 p.m. via zoom. Join Quality Insights and the Delaware Division of Public Health as they explore the pivotal role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) within care teams, focusing on their involvement in cardiovascular disease (CVD) management and the Healthy Heart Ambassador Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring (HHA-BPSM) program. Discover how integrating community partners into the care team can amplify your practice’s effectiveness in delivering comprehensive CVD care.  Download the webinar flyer for additional details. Click to register.

The Regional One Health Consortium’s biannual meeting, hosted by the First State, Partnership for One Health Delaware and sponsored by Delaware Public Health Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Emergency Medical Services and Preparedness Section will take place on Monday, June 24 from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. You are cordially invited to attend what may be a breakthrough in the One Health paradigm as we discuss CLIMATE and its impact on HEALTH. There are no fees to attend. We are proud to host you at the University of Delaware as we set the stage at the STAR Campus to showcase the Consortium’s ability to discuss complex issues and provide potential solutions, to constructively create the better tomorrow and to salvage a home that we all share. The June conference is a hybrid event with space on site for around 100 attendees and will open with regional partner updates in the morning. June 24, 2024, is just around the corner. We challenge you to save this on your calendar, as this meeting and our collaborative efforts are now being recognized by larger organizations here in the United States and globally. Let us be a model of success and a template for others to follow. You all are the fuel that drives change. You are the catalyst that is needed to provide for the future of our world. To register for this event please click the link below, click the register button, and then select the ticket that represents your intended participation method (on-site vs. virtual): https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/u3n7577/lp/78567505-77b0-4572-9ddd-edc360e5a5c7. For any questions or issues with the registration please contact Michael Owens, MPH, Delta Development Group, Inc., Email: mowens@deltaone.com.

Is your practice interested in improving appropriate use of antibiotics in telemedicine? The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is currently recruiting practices for a no-cost, 18-month program beginning in June 2024 to promote appropriate antibiotic use while maintaining patient satisfaction and reducing potential side effects in patients seen via telemedicine. Practices will receive training and one-on-one expert coaching to implement sustainable improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of infections in the telemedicine environment. Practices will learn how to improve workflow efficiencies and participants will be eligible for continuing education units (CEUs), continuing medical education (CME) credits, and American Board of Internal Medicine maintenance of certification (MOC) points. Learn more and sign up for an informational webinar on the program website: safetyprogram4telemedicine.org. Refer to the informational flyer.

The Disparities Solutions Center at Massachusetts General Hospital announces its Disparities Leadership Program (DLP) is now taking applications for the 2024-2025 class. Letters of intent are due Friday, July 12, 2024, and applications are due Friday, August 2, 2024. The DLP is a year-long executive education program designed for leaders from health care organizations who want to implement practical strategies to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health care, particularly through quality improvement. To date, over 569 participants from 236 organizations representing 35 states, Washington D.C., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Canada, and Switzerland have participated in the program. To read more about the program, visit:

https://www.mghdisparitiessolutions.org/disparities-leadership-program. Limited scholarships are available for public hospitals, Medicaid-managed health plans, and community health centers. 

MSD Night at the Wilmington Blue Rocks! As a member of MSD, you are invited to attend the game on Friday, August 9 when the Wilmington Blue Rocks take on the Jersey Shore BlueClaws. Game time is 6:35 p.m. at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington. Following the game, a fireworks show will be presented. By registering for this event, you are reserving an entrance ticket for yourself and one $10 gift card that can be used at any concession stand at the stadium. Tickets for this event are offered at no charge to MSD members. Additional tickets may be purchased for $16 each, which can be purchased using the "Self-Pay Tickets" registration option. MSD members registering must be current with their 2024 membership renewal. Please contact MSD to renew your membership if needed. Click to register.

SAVE THE DATE! For the third year in a row, MSD is joining DNREC's Coastal Clean Up at Herring Point, Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, taking place on Saturday, September 14th beginning at 10 a.m. (rain date September 21st). In 2023, our efforts netted over 75 pounds of trash collected from the beach. Join us this year to beat the 2024 goal. Watch the clip from the September 16, 2023, Coastal Clean Up event.

Join MSD for the 7th Annual Superhero for Hope Run/Walk 5K on Saturday, October 5th at Rockford Park, 19th St & Tower Rd, Wilmington. Check-in starts at 8:00 a.m., with the race beginning at 9 a.m. Register early! Registration fee until September 2nd is $25. Pricing goes up starting September 3rd. Racers will receive a t-shirt and refreshments and music will be provided. Top awards will be given. Register at: https://raceroster.com/events/2024/87034/superhero-for-hope-7th-annual-runwalk-5k

Physician Employment Contract Negotiation Self-Paced, Online Program. Equip yourself with the vital business skills needed to negotiate fair and sustainable physician contracts. Enroll now to level the playing field and secure favorable outcomes for your professional partnership. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 3.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit. Discounted registration fee for MSD members and residents/fellows. For more information and to register, visit https://reg.planetreg.com/PhysicianContractNegotiation. Download the flyer.

On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 enacted a new one-time requirement which went into effect on June 27, 2023, for any Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-registered practitioner to complete eight hours of training “on the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders.” You can satisfy this training requirement to meet the conditions of the MATE Act through courses offered online by the American Medical Association. If you have not met this specific eight-hour training requirement yet, the deadline to do so is the date of a practitioner’s next scheduled DEA registration submission.

Other Upcoming Events

May 15 - Quality Insights and AmeriHealth Caritas present Evidence-Based Opportunities to Improve Diabetes and Prediabetes Control and Prevention, 12:00-1:00 p.m., virtual. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 credit.

October 29 - SAVE THE DATE! 28th Annual Delaware Healthcare Forum, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Bally's Dover Casino Resort, Rollins Center, Dover.

September 19 - SAVE THE DATE! DAFP Geriatric Medicine Symposium, ChristianaCare, Newark.

October 19 - DAFP Research & Education Foundation Healthcare Heroes 5k, Cape Henlopen State Park.

November 23 - SAVE THE DATE! MSD Annual Meeting and Presidential Reception, Bally's Dover Casino Resort

February 28-March 4, 2025 - SAVE THE DATE! Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health 2025 Annual Meeting, Arlington, VA (In-person congressional visits will be held in Washington, DC).

Mpox Dashboard

"Rerum Cognoscere"

The Latin phrase Rerum Cognoscere translates to learn, examine, or become aware of facts or things. In this section, we highlight measurable items of interest in health care from MSD, Delaware, the US, and the world.

930

Number of people in Delaware who will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2024.

American Lung Association

  Turquoise

The signature color of LUNG FORCE to raise awareness of lung cancer and celebrate survivors.

American Lung Association

May 6-12

Lung Cancer Action Week.

American Lung Association

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The information contained herein is solely informational, planned in accordance for a diverse membership audience. This communication reflects news and announcements that have been made available to MSD and is not intended to exclude other pertinent material. The content published is proposed to represent facts of interest and provide awareness to the members. MSD reserves the right to determine what information is relevant to its membership.

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