The Medical Society of New Jersey is devoted to advocating for the
issues that matter most to physicians. Be it taking on the managed care
companies through legislation or the courts, lobbying Congress to increase
Medicare payments, or preventing taxes on physicians, we are your full time
advocate and resource for information. We hope that this site will help
empower you to learn about the major issues facing physicians, help you
advocate, and allow you an easy way to participate in the process.
The Wrongful Death bill which Governor Corzine conditionally vetoed last January 2008, has been reintroduced by Senator Scutari (D-22nd district). There have been rumors that the bill will be reconsidered this fall. Anticipating a future hearing MSNJ has prepared an explanation concerning the dire consequences changing the statute would have on medical practices.
See attached.
On Monday, May 19th the Senate Commerce Committee posted
S-565 (Sweeney D -3) for consideration.
Dr. Bruce Monaghan, an orthopaedic surgeon from Senator Sweeney’s district was prepared to testify against the bill on behalf of MSNJ and the Orthopaedic Society, but the bill was held. This bill is an extreme scope extension bill and would have really allowed chiropractors to become primary care physicians. Senator Sweeney is number two in the Senate which in and of itself can be enough to move a bill out of committee. The Commerce Committee (Ch – Gill (D), Lesniak (D), Scutari (D), Singer (R), and Cardinale (R)) is strong and independent and consequently the bill was held because there were not enough votes to move it. MSNJ applauds the entire committee for the correct scope outcome.
votes to move it.
MSNJ applauds the entire committee for the correct scope
outcome.
HOT HEALTHCARE ISSUES IN NEW JERSEY
MSNJ comments on Bill S-2600
MSNJ commented to the Mandated Health Advisory Committee concerning S-2600, a bill that provides more insurance benefits to Physical Therapists than plenary care physicians receive. Click here to review MSNJ's comments.
Medicare
Members are reminded that the new Medicare fee schedule that increases fees on average by .5%, instead of the scheduled 10% fee cut, is only effective until mid-year. While MSNJ will work with Congress for a permanent solution to the flawed Medicare fee formula and to institute positive updates, members should consider the possibility of the 10% fee cut occurring mid-year. We do not now if physicianswill be given a chance to change their participation status mid-year. To plan for participation decisions, read AMA’s publication on the three options for participation which illustrates the differences in payments.
For more information, read the January 18, 2008 issue of MSNJ e-News »
Personal Injury Protection
The State has recently proposed a new fee schedule for PIP payments to physicians that will dramatically lower reimbursements and jeopardize our trauma system. Most fees are set at 130% of Medicare. UCR is left to be determined by insurance companies.
Read more »
MSNJ LEGISLATIVE ACTION ALERT
Medicaid/NJ Family Care Beneficiary Billing by Health Care Providers
Click here to see MSNJ's comments to the Department of Human Services’ proposed rule "protecting NJ Family Care/Medicaid beneficiaries against liability for payment"
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