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NEED TO KNOW
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Virtual Registration Closes Today for the 2024 Collaborative Meeting
Join us starting this Friday, Nov. 1 at 11:30 am for the 2024 Collaborative Meeting of the Vermont Medical Society, American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter, Vermont Academy of Family Physicians, and Vermont Psychiatric Association.
In-person ticket sales have already closed - virtual ticket sales end today!
Join us virtually for topics including:
- Eliminating Race Based Medicine
- Primary Care and Specialty Collaboration
- AI and Medical Care
- Health Reform and the AHEAD Model
- Business Meeting with discussion on the Act 167/Oliver Wyman Report
The
Hanley Center for Health Leadership and Education designated this meeting for a
maximum of 6.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. |
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VAHHS Releases Statement Highlighting Flawed Data Underpinning Act 167 Oliver Wyman Report
The Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (VAHHS) CEO, Michael Del Trecco released a statement today calling for the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) to repair the damage done by the Act 167 Oliver Wyman Report, which VAHHS states is underpinned by false and inaccurate data pulled from claims data instead of actual discharge data provided by hospitals.
The statement summarizes that a review of the final Oliver Wyman report released in September reveals significant errors and inaccuracies in the data used to justify sweeping recommendations about Vermont’s health care system. In addition to already reported errors at North Country Hospital, since acknowledged by the consultant, and Gifford Health Care, VAHHS states that flawed data impacts virtually every hospital. This includes inaccurate numbers of emergency department visits and inpatient visits on average off by as much as 33 and 41 percent respectively. Additionally, research used to justify the consolidation or closure of hospital obstetrics services has been refuted with the researcher herself concluding that rural hospitals need additional support, not less. An initial review of the major errors is expressed in the full VAHHS statement.
Shortly after the release of the VAHHS statement, GMCB Chair Owen Foster released the following statement:
The Oliver Wyman report does not mandate any changes at any Vermont hospital. Rather, it provides a projection of Vermont’s financial headwinds and provides options for local communities and hospital leaders to consider. Vermont has gaps in care to essential services, including long term care and home health and hospice, mental health care, and primary care, that the Oliver Wyman report identifies and provides options for addressing. While some of the options are significant, it is important to note that Vermont faces unique challenges due to our demographic trends and we have an opportunity to build an affordable and sustainable healthcare system that meets the needs of our aging population.
VMS leadership will be meeting with AHS Health Reform staff this week to discuss the recommendations in the report. Members are also encouraged to continue to submit comments to the GMCB here and VMS will share information about a rescheduled GMCB-AHS-legislative public meeting regarding the report. A recent story in Vermont Public discussing what steps the legislature can take to address health care access and affordability quotes VMS regarding supporting successful programs like the Blueprint for Health Patient Centered Medical Homes. Follow additional news coverage related to the report here. |
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MISC.
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Help Pass the Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act!
We need your voice! Congress is building momentum to pass the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702/S. 4532), which would streamline prior authorization in Medicare Advantage and protect seniors’ access to vital care. With bipartisan support growing, this is our opportunity to make a difference.
We need your help now to keep the pressure on Congress. Our goal is to send letters to lawmakers by November 30 urging them to pass the bill before the end of the year. Every letter counts!
Here’s how you can help:
- Click here to send a pre-written letter to Vermont’s representatives in just a few minutes.
- Share this link with your colleagues, friends, and family, and ask them to join our fight for seniors.
Thank you for being a part of this important effort! |
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Open Enrollment for 2025 Health Plans Starts November 1
As of 11/1/24, Vermonters can enroll in health insurance through Vermont Health Connect (VHC). Existing members can also change plans. Many Vermonters who already have VHC coverage will automatically renew into the same plan. This year, more financial help is available and can be applied to any metal plan. Enrolled members should check their online account at www.VermontHealthConnect.gov and update their information soon. The 2025 Plan Comparison Tool at vhc.checkbookhealth.org offers a quick estimate of eligibility for financial help, allows individuals to shop and compare plans and costs, and shows all metal levels and insurance companies. Learn more at: https://info.healthconnect.vermont.gov/compare-plans/qualified-health-plans |
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Medical Aid In Dying (MAID) Listening Sessions with Patient Choices Vermont Physicians Diana Barnard, Zail Berry, & Jaina Clough
Do you have thoughts or questions about prescribing for Act 39/Medical Aid in Dying?
Have you experienced prescribing MAID, either for Vermont residents or patients from out-of-state? What barriers do you anticipate, or have you encountered?
Patient Choices Vermont wants to hear your questions and concerns, to lower logistical or other barriers for physicians whose patients ask about MAID, and to provide requested information.
Sign up to participate with other Vermont physicians in one of the following virtual informal listening sessions:
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Next Commissioner Call November 7th
The Commissioner of Health, Mark Levine, MD, will hold his next Public Health Update with VMS Members Thursday, October 3rd at 12:30 pm. You can join the zoom meetings here.
He held his most recent VMS member call on October 3rd. Notes from the call are here. |
EVENTS
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Learning Collaboratives on In-Basket Reduction and Reducing Regulatory Burden
October 2024 – March 2025
AMA STEPS Forward® Innovation Academy is launching two new, six-month learning collaboratives on optimizing the in-basket to reduce work burden and rethinking how organizations apply regulatory rules to clinical practice. Each collaborative will convene dyads or triads of leadership representatives from multiple organizations to engage in a longitudinal shared learning experience. Limited space available. Learn more.
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For more information about offerings from UVM
CMIE, visit here. |
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Vermont Medical Society 134 Main Street Montpelier, VT 05602 -- Unsubscribe -- |
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