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1. As Asthma Inhalers Are Phased Out, Shortages Expected; Physicians
Must Prepare Patients for Switch to Ozone-Friendly Inhalers
Physicians should be aware that asthma rescue medications are in short supply as prescription drug manufacturers begin phasing out metered-dose inhalers containing ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The FDA in 2005 ordered drugmakers to stop making inhalers with CFC propellants by the end of 2008.
Beginning in 2008, only hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants may be used in metered-dose inhalers. Several manufacturers have already slowed or halted production of CFC inhalers in preparation for the switch to HFA products. This shortage is expected to become more pronounced in coming months, as Schering-Plough, through its Warrick Pharmaceutical Division, announced it would stop production of CFC inhalers this spring.
Because of the shortage, patients with nonspecific prescriptions may unknowingly be switched to alternative HFA agents. Even though HFA propellant formulations are not generically interchangeable with their CFC counterparts, there have been some reports of substitutions being made without physician approval. Accordingly, physicians writing prescriptions for bronchodilators should be sure to indicate specifically which medication they are prescribing.
Physicians should also be aware that HFA propellants may “feel different” to patients accustomed to CFC inhalers. Physicians and pharmacists should educate patients about what to expect when making the switch to avoid potential overuse, product waste, or patient dissatisfaction.
Medi-Cal has added HFA agents to its list of covered drugs and will only cover CFC inhalers with prior authorization. Many health plans, however, still do not cover HFA inhalers without prior authorization.
Click here for more information.
Contact: Teresa Stark, 916/444-5532 or tstark@cmanet.org.
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2. Coalition Formed to Advance Health Care Reform
California doctors, hospitals, health care workers, and insurers this week announced the creation of a coalition to work toward comprehensive health care reform this year. The coalition, comprised of CMA, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Blue Shield of California, Kaiser Permanente, Catholic Healthcare West and Health Net, joined together in support of three core principles critical to achieving comprehensive reform: universal coverage, shared responsibility, and stable long-term funding.
“Doctors and patients throughout the state are increasingly concerned about the condition of our health care system. It has been neglected far too long. This coalition, representing very different interests, coming together is a sign of the depth and degree of support for reform,” says CMA President Anmol Mahal, M.D. “Time is a very precious resource in correcting ailments and we must recognize that California’s need for a health care remedy is long overdue.”
While the coalition members have concerns about some specific elements of the reform proposals that have emerged thus far, they pledged to work with the governor, the legislature, and each other to find the common ground that will enable comprehensive reform to be enacted this year. The CEOs of the three health plans involved in the coalition – George Halvorson of Kaiser Permanente, Jay Gellert of Health Net and Bruce Bodaken of Blue Shield – pledge their support for this effort.
Click here for more information.
3. Medicare Participation Decision Deadline Is Feb. 14
Physicians who wish to change their Medicare participation status for 2007 have until next Wednesday, February 14, to do so. Changes in participation status will be effective January 1, retroactively if necessary, regardless of when the participation decision is made.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) extended the 2007 Medicare participation enrollment period because Congress in December passed legislation to stop the payment cut that was scheduled to take effect January 1. The legislation froze the Medicare conversion factor for physician reimbursement at 2006 levels for one year and gives a 1.5 percent SGR increase to physicians who report on at least three quality measures starting July 1, 2007.
Click here for more information.
Contact: CMA’s reimbursement help line, 888/401-4911.
4. QME Applications Due March 8
The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) is now accepting applications for Qualified Medical Evaluators (QME). QMEs are independent physicians certified by DWC to conduct medical evaluations of injured workers. To become a QME, physicians must take and pass the QME examination. The next QME exam is April 28 and will be administered in both Northern and Southern California. (The exam sites will be chosen a month prior to the exam date, once the number of applicants is determined.)
Applications for the April 28 QME exam must be postmarked by Thursday, March 8. Once your application is approved, you will have to take and pass the examination to qualify to be a QME.
Click here for more information, including a QME application.
Contact: Division of Workers’ Compensation, 510/286-3700.
5. CMA Cosponsors Health Literacy Conference in Anaheim,
Members Get $100 off Registration
CMA is again this year cosponsoring the Institute for Healthcare Advancement’s annual Health Literacy Conference. This year’s conference, “Health Literacy and Chronic Illness Management,” is May 3-4 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County in Anaheim.
Hear about the latest health literacy research and innovations and learn how to communicate effectively with chronically ill patients. Participants can earn up to 15 CME hours.
Members pay only $279 ($100 off the regular registration fee, coupon code required).
Click here for more information.
6. IMQ Surveyors Honored
The Institute for Medical Quality (IMQ) recently recognized two physicians for their outstanding contributions to the Consolidated Accreditation and Licensure Survey (CALS) program.
Larry N. Cosner, M.D., received the Donald Widmann, M.D., Award, which was presented at the institute’s annual surveyor dinner. The award cited his outstanding performance as a surveyor and educator for the CALS program. Dr. Cosner, an internist from Ridgecrest, has been a surveyor for the CALS program since 1995. He has mentored numerous surveyors and is widely recognized for his outstanding communication and problem-solving skills, his superb judgment, and his great sense of humor.
Stuart B. Shikora, M.D., an emergency medicine physician in Concord, was honored with the Mindel Spiegel, M.D., Award for his tenacity and superior dedication to the integrated CALS survey program. He is widely recognized as a leader, a teacher, and a relentless promoter of quality care. Dr. Shikora has been an IMQ surveyor for the CALS program since 1990. He was recognized for his leadership in communicating the value of the CALs program to other organizations, and in helping them appreciate the immense value of IMQ’s quality of care programs. The annual dinner was attended by approximately 90 physicians and quality-of-care advocates from around the state.
Contact: Leslie Iacopi, 415/882-5167 or liacopi@imq.org.
7. Member Benefit of the Week: 10% Off Auto Insurance
CMA members receive 10 percent off auto insurance from Mercury Insurance. Even without the member discount, Mercury’s rates are some of the lowest around. California drivers report saving an average of $505 a year when they switched to Mercury. Imagine what you can save with your CMA member discount!
Call Mercury Insurance at 866/602-5259 for more information.
Click here for more information on your membership benefits.
Contact: CMA’s membership hotline, 888/233-2937 or lgodward@cmanet.org.
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No. 2081
