Physicians News May/June 2013 : Page 7

REGIONAL HOSPITAL NEWS INSUFFICIENT IN-STATE PHYSICIAN TRAINING SLOTS, STEEP MEDICAL STUDENT LOAN DEBT RAISE CONCERNS FROM PENNSYLVANIA MEDICAL SOCIETY As medical students and resi-dents made their rounds through the Pennsylvania state capitol one cool April morning, a central mes-sage echoed through the halls. An insufficient number of in-state res-idency slots may not be preparing enough future doctors to take care of Pennsylvania’s growing health care needs. “In meetings last fall our med-ical school deans told us that op-portunities for Pennsylvania med-ical students to complete a residency in our state are limited and need to be addressed,” said C. Richard Schott, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. “They essentially told us that Penn-sylvania could help itself and Penn-sylvania patients by finding ways to increase the number of training slots within our state's boundaries.” According to Dr. Schott, Penn-sylvania medical students who com-plete residency programs in Penn-sylvania tend to stay in the state after completion of their training. “It’s a logical strategy to try to homegrow more of our state’s doc-tors,” Dr. Schott said. Dr. Schott added that a lack of residency slots is not the only prob-lem future Pennsylvania doctors face. Medical student loan debt is alarming and creating barriers for some to pursue a future in medi-cine. According to an October 2012 report from the Association of American Medical Colleges, the mean for indebted graduates from the Class of 2012 was nearly $167,000 not including premedical education debt. “We hear on a regular basis that medical students are graduat-ing with significant debt combining their undergraduate and medical school educations,” Dr. Schott ex-plained. “Some of the figures are quite shocking to hear.” Fortunately, it appears some help may be on its way. According to Pennsylvania’s Acting Secretary of Health Michael Wolf, the state is also concerned. Most recently, Secretary Wolf an-nounced that the state would like to add 24 funded residency slots. The state’s also investigating ways to increase medical student loan forgiveness programs in exchange for commitments to practice in medically underserved areas of the state. That pleases Dr. Schott, and he’s hopeful that these elements stay in the final passage of the state budget. “There’s work to be done, and if we can get this to the finish line, it will help,” Dr. Schott says. “At a time when access to care is in de-mand and increasing, we need to be thinking about how to grow our health care workforce.” “We’re encouraged to see the Corbett Administration, Acting Sec-retary Wolf, and many legislators paying attention to medical student and resident issues,” Schott con-cluded. (Source: Pennsylvania Med-ical Society) REPORT: PA HOSPITALS CRITICAL TO STATE’S COMMUNITIES, ECONOMY The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) released At the Heart of Every Com-munity: The Community and Eco-nomic Impact of Pennsylvania’s Hos-pitals , a new report showing both the human and fiscal impact of Pennsylvania’s hospitals—both non-profit and investor-owned—on communities across the state, as well as on the state as a whole. This report shows that in 2011 Pennsylvania’s non-profit hospitals provided more than $5 billion in charitable community benefits, and all hospitals—nonprofit and in-vestor-owned combined—con-tributed nearly $98 billion to local and state economies. “Pennsylvania’s hospitals and health systems are at the heart of every community,” said HAP Pres-ident and CEO Andy Carter. “They have a positive and powerful im-pact on patients, families, and com-munities.” In 2011, Pennsylvania’s hospi-tals cared for patients during 1.6 million hospital admissions; 39 mil-lion visits in outpatient settings; 6 million emergency department vis-its; and delivered more than 124,000 babies. The $5.1 billion in charitable community benefits included more than $1 billion in charity care and bad debt; nearly $2 billion to sub-sidize care for Medicare and Medi-caid beneficiaries; nearly $250 mil-lion in subsidized health services; $92 million in community health improvement services and pro-grams in response to the health needs of their communities; more than $627 million in hospital-based education programs to train highly skilled health care professionals; nearly $975 million in research to cure illnesses and advance medical 2013 May/June PhysiciansNews.com Under Medicaid expansion, the treatments and services; and more Care Act. “Expansion of Medicaid will state’s uninsured rate would drop than $91 million in contributions and community-building activities. support more than 35,000 jobs,” from its current 12.7% to 4.8% in The $98 billion in economic im-Carter said. “Most importantly, it 2016 --the first year of full penal-pact includes the support of more will extend needed health care cov-ties for non-compliance with the than 585,000 jobs—about one in erage to an additional 350,000 low-ACA insurance mandate. (Source: income, non-elderly Pennsylvani-HAP; www.haponline.org) ten jobs in Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvania’s hospitals pro-ans.” vide quality care and a safe haven RACTICE PPORTUNITIES for all Pennsylvanians, regardless of ability to pay,” Carter said. “These charitable benefits are es-AWLOR AND SSOCIATES sential to protecting access to Physician and Executive Healthcare Search health care and preserving Penn-sylvanians’ critical health care FAMILY PRACTICE -YORK, PA safety net.” MAMMOGRAPHY -RED BANK, NEW JERSEY Carter warned, however, that Office based, outpatient only Family Medic Riverview Medical Center seeks a 2nd woman’s imaging candidate the benefits documented in this re-Geriatric) services with pharmaceutical and coun a Hospital employed port should for not be taken for position located in a year round shore site. Totally computerized recordkeeping. Just 30, community, Red Bank, 1 hour from New York and Philadelphia. granted. from Harrisburg, Baltimore and Philadelphia resp Great Beaches! Great Parks! Practice has tremendous years, several past schools! “Over the Great EMERGENCY MEDICINE STAFF PHYSI Pennsylvania’s hospitals have radiology support staff and S-O-A technology; no call, no weekends. challenges,” faced significant PA CITY – This Pri-The fiscal Woman’s Center is doubling the size of their existing facility to • ATLANTIC Join a growing group of Pri-EASTERN Carter said. “The Affordable Care Care group practices in of Pennsylv be completed within at the mary end of 2009. 100% full range Care physicians who take Join mary this 750+ bed institution in one cuts to available billion in position Act includes $8.1 a brand new, state of 105,000 the art total Departments, in patient a sincere treating over patients ann Mammography or an interest 80/20% split with other Pennsylvania hospitals’ Medicare office where half of the visits of 400,000+. Employed situation, exce Our population well-being health and facets of woman’s imaging. Very strong financial package with and Medicaid payments over ten are scheduled and the other a 567 bed teaching hos-client opportunity for part time or a full time is position. years. In addition, Pennsylvania’s GENERAL GASTROENTERO half are SURGERY; for walk-ins....this is pital with campuses in Atlantic hospitals are absorbing an addi-are sched-There the future! OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY AND URO City and Pomona. This is a hos-tional $1.4 billion in Medicare cuts uled hours and no inpatient pital employed position which is LITTLETON, NH as a result of the “sequestration” work. offering a more than competitive Great opportunity to join the medical staff of an ORTHOPEDICS -AUGUSTA, GEORGIA cuts from Washington. salary + bonus + generous ben-hospital in Littleton, NH. Employed position, “And this Premier year, Pennsylvania’s • CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE Private Practice of five efits. seeks a In general surgeon each orthopedic of these Primary bonus OR work 2 years employed and Hospital non-profit hospitals face an added This Located position for a “Site edge of the specially there due is a to Care offices and will consider other orthopedic subspecialties strong your – own. at is the Northern threat to their charitable missions Director” and will become care and an easy drive to Boston, Montreal and Manch growth. Practice established trained, in 1968 dedicated and enjoys nurse impeccable available August 1, no 2013 in the form of challenges to their the patient helps who manager of life and affordable housing; state income t reputation, new candidate will be busy immediately. Enjoy the warm is com-building when the tax-exempt status. living is low. access all the specialists, tests southern that hospitality and home to the world famous Masters Golf plete. This is a new 2 story govern-“It is imperative and other resources they may Tournament. Quick track call of 1-5 with excellent office which will house the ment leaders, policymakers, and to partnership, INTERNAL MEDICINE -NORTHERN VE need to manage their health. group on the Practice Family financial compensation. within two hours of Charleston, the public recognize and protect Located The goal is to make it as easy as A wonderful opportunity to join 15 primary care floor and medical spe-most vital com-one of our state’s Savannah and Hilton Head. possible for the patient to sched-staff second of a well -respected Medical Center. Our c cialties on the first floor. munity resources—Pennsylvania’s employed po ule office visits, diagnostic tests recruit 2 physicians. These are Of-fering a $30K signing bonus. hospitals and health systems." competitive salary and wonderful comprehensive and any other follow-up care. Carter added that Pennsylva-the choice to take call or not to take call. You m nia’s hospitals remain hopeful TRAUMA that Medical Arts building (next to the Hospital)…. ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON -Champlain, 30 minutes from Burlington. One h Governor Corbett and the General Contact: Margie Quinlan, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND Enjoy 800-238-7150; a great quality of life. Assembly will reach agreement on 610-251-6852 Join as the 2nd orthopedic surgeon, employed by a 450-bed expanding the Medicaid program fax: 610-431-4092 OBSTETRICS -ST. ALBANS, VERMONT as envisioned by the Affordable community based Hospital, at an academically oriented tertiary care margie@lawlorsearch.com P O L&A L A PRIMARY CARE OUTPATIENT PRACTICES ATLANTIC CITY & CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE center. Combined orthopedic and trauma practice at MIEMMS Level II Trauma Center. Call is 7 nights a month with a strong financial package. The Department of Orthopedic Surgery provides comprehensive musculoskeletal surgical care with special emphasis A wonderful opportunity to join the staff of a Center. This is an employed position offering a PHYSICIANS NEWS 7 and wonderful comprehensive benefits. Call is 1:4 Champlain, 30 minutes from Burlington. One hou

Regional Hospital News

INIENT IN-STATE PHYSICIAN TRAINING SLOTS, STEEP MEDICAL STUDENT LOAN DEBT RAISE CONCERNS FROM PENNSYLVANIA MEDICAL SOCIETY As medical students and residents made their rounds through the Pennsylvania state capitol one cool April morning, a central message echoed through the halls. An insufficient number of in-state residency slots may not be preparing enough future doctors to take care of Pennsylvania’s growing health care needs. “In meetings last fall our medical school deans told us that opportunities for Pennsylvania medical students to complete a residency in our state are limited and need to be addressed,” said C. Richard Schott, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. “They essentially told us that Pennsylvania could help itself and Pennsylvania patients by finding ways to increase the number of training slots within our state's boundaries.” According to Dr. Schott, Pennsylvania medical students who complete residency programs in Pennsylvania tend to stay in the state after completion of their training. “It’s a logical strategy to try to homegrow more of our state’s doctors,” Dr. Schott said. Dr. Schott added that a lack of residency slots is not the only problem future Pennsylvania doctors face. Medical student loan debt is alarming and creating barriers for some to pursue a future in medicine. According to an October 2012 report from the Association of American Medical Colleges, the mean for indebted graduates from the Class of 2012 was nearly $167,000 not including premedical education debt. “We hear on a regular basis that medical students are graduating with significant debt combining their undergraduate and medical school educations,” Dr. Schott explained. “Some of the figures are quite shocking to hear.” Fortunately, it appears some help may be on its way. According to Pennsylvania’s Acting Secretary of Health Michael Wolf, the state is also concerned. Most recently, Secretary Wolf announced that the state would like to add 24 funded residency slots. The state’s also investigating ways to increase medical student loan forgiveness programs in exchange for commitments to practice in medically underserved areas of the state. That pleases Dr. Schott, and he’s hopeful that these elements stay in the final passage of the state budget. “There’s work to be done, and if we can get this to the finish line, it will help,” Dr. Schott says. “At a time when access to care is in demand and increasing, we need to be thinking about how to grow our health care workforce.” “We’re encouraged to see the Corbett Administration, Acting Secretary Wolf, and many legislators paying attention to medical student and resident issues,” Schott concluded. (Source: Pennsylvania Medical Society)

Report: PA Hospitals Critical To State’s Communities, Economy

REPORT: PA HOSPITALS CRITICAL TO STATE’S COMMUNITIES, ECONOMY The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) released At the Heart of Every Community: The Community and Economic Impact of Pennsylvania’s Hospitals, a new report showing both the human and fiscal impact of Pennsylvania’s hospitals—both non-profit and investor-owned—on communities across the state, as well as on the state as a whole. This report shows that in 2011 Pennsylvania’s non-profit hospitals provided more than $5 billion in charitable community benefits, and all hospitals—nonprofit and investor- owned combined—contributed nearly $98 billion to local and state economies. “Pennsylvania’s hospitals and health systems are at the heart of every community,” said HAP President and CEO Andy Carter. “They have a positive and powerful impact on patients, families, and communities.” In 2011, Pennsylvania’s hospitals cared for patients during 1.6 million hospital admissions; 39 million visits in outpatient settings; 6 million emergency department visits; and delivered more than 124,000 babies. The $5.1 billion in charitable community benefits included more than $1 billion in charity care and bad debt; nearly $2 billion to subsidize care for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries; nearly $250 million in subsidized health services; $92 million in community health improvement services and programs in response to the health needs of their communities; more than $627 million in hospital-based education programs to train highly skilled health care professionals; nearly $975 million in research to cure illnesses and advance medical treatments and services; and more than $91 million in contributions and community-building activities. The $98 billion in economic impact includes the support of more than 585,000 jobs—about one in ten jobs in Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvania’s hospitals provide quality care and a safe haven for all Pennsylvanians, regardless of ability to pay,” Carter said.“These charitable benefits are essential to protecting access to health care and preserving Pennsylvanians’ critical health care safety net.” Carter warned, however, that the benefits documented in this report should not be taken for granted. “Over the past several years, Pennsylvania’s hospitals have faced significant fiscal challenges,” Carter said. “The Affordable Care Act includes $8.1 billion in cuts to Pennsylvania hospitals’ Medicare and Medicaid payments over ten years. In addition, Pennsylvania’s hospitals are absorbing an additional $1.4 billion in Medicare cuts as a result of the “sequestration” cuts from Washington. “And this year, Pennsylvania’s non-profit hospitals face an added threat to their charitable missions in the form of challenges to their tax-exempt status. “It is imperative that government leaders, policymakers, and the public recognize and protect one of our state’s most vital community resources—Pennsylvania’s hospitals and health systems." Carter added that Pennsylvania’s hospitals remain hopeful that Governor Corbett and the General Assembly will reach agreement on expanding the Medicaid program as envisioned by the Affordable Care Act. “Expansion of Medicaid will support more than 35,000 jobs,” Carter said. “Most importantly, it will extend needed health care coverage to an additional 350,000 lowincome, non-elderly Pennsylvanians.” Under Medicaid expansion, the state’s uninsured rate would drop from its current 12.7% to 4.8% in 2016 -- the first year of full penalties for non-compliance with the ACA insurance mandate. (Source: HAP; www.haponline.org)

Lawlor And Associates

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