eNewsline
October 18, 2019
Vol. 26, No. 18
MSDC's Annual Meeting Is One Week Away
MSDC's Annual Meeting is just one week away. The event will highlight the year's physician victories, celebrate local physician leaders, and allow ample time for catching up with physicians from across the District. The evening gala takes place on Friday, October 25 at the heart and soul of academic medicine, the AAMC Learning Center. Register today !
Highlights include our awards ceremony recognizing physician leaders from the District.

In addition, there will be an after-party with live jazz so you can continue to socialize and relax. You won't want to miss MSDC's premier all-member event and physician celebration. Register or find out more information at www.msdc.org/MSDC2019

MSDC appreciates the generous support of our 2019 Sponsors: ProAssurance | Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group | Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine | Janssen | Sunrise Medical Laboratories | BridgePoint Healthcare . For information on how to participate, contact Pia Duryea .
On the Clavicles of Giants
In the past month, the DC physician community has seen the passing of two MSDC physician leaders: Carlos Silva, MD (1987 MSDC President) and Marvin Korengold, MD (1971 MSDC President). We are inspired by their lifetime of leadership as highlighted below.

From their passing, we see that today's body of medicine, as distant as it may seem from the 80's or 70's, is built on the "clavicles of giants. " Each generation advances medicine and patient care, just as future generations will benefit from your leadership today.

Likewise, one can't take for granted the company of physician colleagues or the opportunity to say "thank you." With that in mind, the Medical Society salutes you, the dedicated physicians and leaders in our nation's capital who share the noble calling of medicine.
Marvin C. Korengold, MD (1923-2019) lived an extraordinary life devoted to his family and profession. He was known for his leadership within the D.C. medical community, hard work, integrity and an interest in social justice. He was a pioneer within the field of neurology, responsible for bringing the first CT scan to Washington, D.C., and a leader in the fight against polio.
Carlos A. Silva, MD (1935-2019) was an esteemed surgeon specializing in burn and trauma surgery at George Washington University Hospital. Dr. Silva's legacy included service in the armed forces and decades of practice to benefit the DC medical community . He was “the epitome of what all physicians should be” according to MSDC Past President Raymond Scalettar, MD.
HEALTHCARE ADVOCACY
Doctors Seek Market-based Fixes to Surprise Billing
Congress is currently considering multiple pieces of legislation to address unanticipated "surprise" billing for out-of-network care.  The Medical Society of DC, t ogether with the American Medical Association and more than 100 other medical societies and organizations, is urging Congress to ensure that final legislation “represents a fair, market-based approach that treats all stakeholders equally while protecting patient access to care.” In letters to Congress, MSDC and physicians across the country raised  concern that “rate-setting provisions in current bills further shift marketplace leverage to health insurers at the expense of providers.”  

Learn more at the AMA Wire . C ontact your l egislator at physiciansgrassrootsnetwork.org/
DC Healthcare Legislation Pending Hearings
As the year wraps up, there is a number of healthcare bills that will soon receive public hearing and others that have not yet been scheduled. We are pleased that MSDC's biosimilars bill is moving forward and will receive a hearing on November 13 . MSDC will continue to track other legislation under review and weigh in on behalf of physicians. If you have any interest in participating or learning more, please contact Robert Hay Jr.
MSDC eNewsline
Editor
Pia R. Duryea
202-355-9414 (direct)
202-466-1800 (main)
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2018-2019 Board of Directors
Susanne Bathgate, MD
Chair of the Board, At-large

Raymond Tu, MD, MS, FACR
President, AMA Alternate Delegate

J. Desiree Pineda, MD
President-elect, AMA Alternate Delegate

Barry L. Lewis, MD, MBA
Immediate Past President

Joseph E. Gutierrez, MD
Treasurer, AMA Delegation Chair

Peter E. Lavine, MD
AMA Delegate

Julian Craig, MD
At-large

Laurie Duncan, MBBS, MS
At-large

E.W. Emanuel, MD
At-large

Alice Fuisz, MD
At-large, Secretary

Kirstiaan Nevin, MD
At-large

Daniel Perlin, MD
At-large

Marc Rankin, MD
At-large

Carla C. Sandy, MD
At-large

Robert Hay Jr., CAE
Executive Vice President
Have You Been Impacted By Unreimbursed Costs of Compliance?
A member has raised the issue of burdensome unreimbursed costs of complying with Americans with Disabilities Act. For example, translation services for the hearing impaired can cost physician hundreds of dollars per patient without reimbursement. If you have been impacted by this and would like to discuss possible remedies, please contact Robert Hay Jr .
Public Health
HOT TOPIC: VAPING-RELATED LUNG ILLNESS
The Latest Numbers from the CDC
1,479 : # of lung injury cases associated with the use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products
33 : # of confirmed deaths from vaping-related lung injury
49+ : # of states, plus the District of Columbia and 1 U.S. territory, that have reported cases
The CDC figures above are as of October 17, 2019. For more, see the CDC's " Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with E-cigarette use or Vaping "
CDC: New Guidance for Physicians for Patients with Vaping-related Lung Illness
The Hill reports that the CDC “released new guidance...for clinicians whose patients might have lung illnesses related to vaping.” The article said that the guidance is particularly important as the U.S. approaches flu season, because of overlapping symptoms between the two. Dr. Ram Koppaka of the CDC said, “We recommend that clinicians maintain a high index of suspicion for influenza and other respiratory infections in all individuals with respiratory symptoms who also have a history of use of e-cigarette or vaping products.” 

How to Report Vaping Lung Disease
In September, the DC Department of Health issued a statement advising residents to stop using e-cigarettes. Healthcare providers are encouraged to promptly report any suspected cases of illness related to e-cigarette use you have seen since July to the District of Columbia Department of Health using the Notifiable Disease and Condition Case Report Form.

For information on reporting cases in Maryland, see this fact sheet from Montgomery County Medial Society.
Thank You To Our Corporate Supporters
MSDC 1817 Society
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This month is dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer, one of the most common kinds of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. Over 2,000 men are diagnosed each year as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has patient fact sheets and flyers for young women with breast cancer .
END THE EPIDEMIC: NEWS & RESOURCES
HHS Publishes Guide Calling Caution in Tapering Patients Off Opioids
The New York Times reports that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) “published a guide ” instructing physicians to be more cautious in tapering patients off opioids. This is in response to reports of some physicians cutting patients off from opioids too fast or on occasion "dismissing patients from their practice." The guide, and an accompanying viewpoint article , were both published in JAMA. 

Three Drug Distributors Consider $18 Billion Opioid Settlement
The Wall Street Journal reports that three drug distributors (AmerisourceBergen Corp., Cardinal Health Inc., and McKesson Corporation) are evaluating a $18 million settlement to resolve many of the opioid lawsuits brought against them by states and local governments. The proposed settlement would be paid over 18 years. Other pharmaceutical companies are reportedly involved in the settlement talks.  

Resources
Corporate Partners
MSDC News
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
The following physicians and medical students recently joined MSDC:

Matthew Reeves, MD (Ob/Gyn)
MSDC COMMUNITY
MSDC Engages in Ward 8 Health Discussion
As part of its outreach to all wards, MSDC recently attended the Ward 8 Health Council meeting. There are a variety of collaborative community efforts underway to bolster the health of patients in Ward 8, including food security, addiction relief, and behavioral health. Pictured here, DC Department of Behavioral Health Director Dr. Barbara Bazron, addresses the importance of behavioral health for the city.
Meet Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group , MSDC's Newest 1817 Society Member
The Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group (MAPMG) is made up of more than 1,600 doctors responsible for providing exceptional medical care to Kaiser Permanente members. We are the largest integrated, multi-specialty medical group in the Mid-Atlantic. Owned and led by our physicians, our medical group has a unique relationship with Kaiser Foundation Health Plan. We choose to work exclusively with one insurance company instead of many, and the insurance arm of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan contracts only with us. Mid-Atlantic Permanente and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan serve the community as Kaiser Permanente. Mid-Atlantic Permanente provides care in more than 50 specialties at more than 40 medical centers, facilities, and hospitals in Washington D.C., Northern Virginia, and Baltimore.
Practice Management
What You Need to Know About DC Health Information Exchange
CRISP DC will be hosting its First Annual User Conference focused on its DC users. The format will echo previous successful forums CRISP has held in past years for Maryland users, however, the content will be specific to DC user needs. Opening remarks will include accomplishments thus far in DC and an overview of presently available services. Breakout sessions will include 2 tracks: one for newer users to master the basics, and the second track for more advanced users focusing CRISP’s use in specific workflows and a session on data quality.
 
The conference will be held November 5 from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Registration is open now at https://dc.crisphealth.org  
Practice Alerts
Below are several alerts recently released by the DC Department of Health Care Finance:

Reminder: MSDC Members Invited to Free CME Dinner Read more
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM is  National Take-Back Day  . This regular event is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.  Look up take-back locations and drug disposal information on the   DEA website . To locate a year-round authorized collector in your area, click  here   .
AMA: Physicians increasingly face “hybrid” medical liability claims
California plaintiffs add battery claims to skirt non-economic damages cap in medical liability cases. The practice must be stopped. Read more from the AMA
Lawyers Seek Physician Help
Physician Consultation Services Needed for Compassionate Release of Terminally Ill and Medically Disabled Prisoners
Pursuant to a new federal law, terminally ill and medically disabled federal prisoners, many of whom are elderly, can now seek compassionate release by filing motions in court. A compassionate release clearinghouse is connecting eligible inmates with pro bono legal counsel and need physicians to assist them in reviewing medical records and in providing consulting opinions regarding the prognosis for the prisoner’s disease state and/or their medical care upon release. To learn more, contact Steven Salky at [email protected] . He is a partner at Zuckerman Spaeder LLP and is helping coordinate the private bar’s representation of eligible inmates.
Events
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) Asylum
October 20, 2019
9:00 Am - 4:30 PM
Auditorium -New Research Building (3970 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC 20007)
The goal of the Georgetown University School of Medicine Asylum Program is to pair clinicians and students with an asylum seeker, perform a comprehensive physical or psychological evaluation, and submit an affidavit for use in immigration court. Fall 2019 training for our PHR GUSOM asylum clinic for both clinicians and medical students. It will cover a sylum law, practical tips for working with asylum-seekers, physical and pychological evaluations, writing affidavits. They are currently able to train physicians, psychologists, NPs, and LCSWs. Clinician registration is here . For more information, visit www.phrgeorgetown.org or email [email protected] .
November 13, 2019
6:00 PM
Cosmos Club (Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC)
Mike Magee, author of Code Blue: Inside America’s Medical Industrial Complex, is a medical historian and journalist at President’s College, University of Hartford. Eliot Sorel (’98) is an innovative global health leader, a practicing physician and a George Washington University professor. An introductory dialogue between Sorel and Magee will trace the sources of the writing of Code Blue, contextualized by the healthcare industry in the US and the quest for universal healthcare. Opening dialogue will be followed by further remarks by Magee and an open discussion. Join other members for this important conversation on universal healthcare, one of the top issues in the US Presidential debates. Price is $50. Reserve with Cosmos Club Member Services (202-387-7783) Read more .
Medical Real Estate Listings
Brought to you by MSDC Corporate Partner GZ Medical Realty. Contact Pete Papantoniou for your real estate needs.  
Office Sublet Available
600 square foot sublet available on 19th Street NW between Farragut North and Dupont Circle Metro. Brand new build out with separate suite number, entrance, waiting area. One office and one exam room with large window. One smaller office without windows. Sublet space is connected to an established private internal medicine practice. Price negotiable . Contact Dr. Alice Fuisz if interested. [email protected]

University Medical Building
2141 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
University Medical Building is conveniently located in the heart of DC with easy access to Metro stations. Please contact Peter Papantoniou at 301-961-1941 or see the online listing for more information
Part Time/Full Time Office Space Available
3 Washington Circle
Washington, DC 20037
Part time/full time office space available immediately at 3 Washington Circle. This includes a large consultation room, fully equipped examination room, lab drawing facility onsite, EKG machine, space for receptionist, space for medical records, shared use of copier, telephone system, wireless internet and waiting room. Ideal for general internist, medical subspecialist or surgeon. If interested, please call Mark Sklar, MD. 202-887-4769 or email [email protected] .
Boutique Townhouse Medical Office for Rent Across From GWU Hospital/ Medical School
900 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20037
Boutique townhouse medical office for rent across from G.W.U. Hospital & School of Medicine. Very close to Foggy Bottom Metro. Three rooms, one on entry level with powered table/chair & overhead surgical light. Consultation room, reception/waiting room, & possibility of 2 additional rooms. Two-car driveway. Call/text Sheldon K. Gottlieb, MD, 301-509-3319, or email [email protected] .
Woodburn Medical Park
3229 Woodburn Road
Merrifield, VA 22003

Woodburn Medical Park is located within walking distance of INOVA hospital directly off Capital Beltway. Common area has recently been upgraded. Contact Peter Papantoniou at 301-961-1941 or see the online listing for more information .
Full Time/ Part Time Office Space Available
Well-designed and attractively decorated office of three general internists has additional consulting room/exam room suite available. Looking for another general internist to share space and overhead in fully staffed and equipped internal medicine office. Shared call coverage is possible. Contact Alan Stone, MD, 202-466-8118 or [email protected]
Medical Society of the District of Columbia
1250 23rd Street NW, Ste 270
Washington, DC 20037
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