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Vol. XLVII, Issue 12

December 17, 2021

Presidents Perspective Dr. Zawisza

by: Joseph M.P. Zawisza, DO

Christmas Vacation

One of the many things I look forward to as we approach Christmas and the Holidays is watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Right around Thanksgiving, it starts playing frequently on numerous channels. Sure, I own the DVD and I can watch it anytime I want, but there’s just something fun about flipping through the channels, coming across it, and spending an evening watching trauma surgeon’s nightmare Clark Griswold muddle through the holiday with his family. Since it’s a movie, it all works out in the end, but it’s a disaster to that point. It’s my favorite movie, and I suspect many of you enjoy it too because it is so relatable.

This year as I’ve watched Clark, Ellen, Rusty, Audrey, Aunt Bethany, and of course, cousin Eddie, I can’t help but think about how much it’s been like 2021. Throughout most of 2020, many of us likely thought hopefully 2021 will be better. I don’t want to be a pessimist, but in my opinion, it has not been. Pandemic numbers seem to be worse, people seem to be more distant socially (which is not the same as socially distanced), and culturally things seem more divided. Being fatigued by almost two years of the pandemic, it’s not hard to find examples of people making less than optimal decisions, and mental health issues seem to be more common and exacerbated. Physicians and other healthcare providers who were heroes last year are being targeted by insurance companies again as a pause on audits has ended while at the same time certain legal protections that were offered at the beginning of the pandemic have come under fire.

Now, I don’t mean to be all doom and gloom. Sometimes through lucky breaks and sometimes through good strategy, some great things have happened for osteopathic physicians. Perhaps the greatest of these is that people have increased their trust in their physician. For the sake of patients and physicians, I hope that there has and always will be trust in each relationship. But now instead of physicians having to explain to patients why they understand medicine better than Dr. Google, patients will ask their physician for information or at least for clarity about what they read on Google, or if it’s even true. Obviously, every patient does not act like this, but I’m sure many of you are nodding your head in agreement. That patients seem to more often be recognizing their physician as their best and most-trusted source of medical information is a major silver lining to the pandemic’s cloud, and an honor that we must never take lightly.

So even though 2021 has been kind of a mess, as it comes to a close and we look forward, optimistically, to 2022, I encourage you to temper the unpleasant events and memories with the joys and happiness that you have had. Hopefully you will be able to spend some time with family, friends, and the important people in your life. But I pray that it is more peaceful and relaxing than the Griswold’s Christmas vacation. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


Diana Ewert

by: Diana Ewert

"There's no place like home..."
- Dorothy Gale

As you are reading this newsletter, I am preparing to enjoy the holiday with my own family in Kansas City, Missouri. Yes, I’m a KCitizen born and raised. My children live there with their children, my sister and her family, and my brother’s family. When I talk of home, I talk of Kansas City which is usually followed by a comment about the Kansas City Chiefs followed by a comment about bar-b-que. I’ve been privileged in that my work has taken me across the country more than a time or two, from KC to Lawrence (KS) to DC to JC (Jefferson City) to DC to Chicago and now Harrisburg. As much as I love these other places, I will always return to Kansas City. Dorothy said it best, “there’s no place like home.”

Kansas City is also where I had my first experiences with osteopathic medicine. Back when there were osteopathic hospitals and our family physician was a DO. I’ve been to Kirksville. I’ve seen the human nervous system. Over the course of my life, I looked for osteopathic physicians to meet the needs of my family. It was easier in some places, harder in others and annoying to my children at times. After a head-dive into a concrete patio, my oldest daughter (then a nursing student) insisted I go straight to the ER because I clearly (to her) could be dying of some internal hemorrhaging (probably what they were studying at the time) and in walks the physician with a DO after his name. I queried him about his COM and asked whether he was allopathically or osteopathically board certified in emergency medicine much to my daughter’s embarrassment. “Who are you?” he asked. My daughter jumped in, told him where I worked (AOA) and, you know, he never did answer that question.

The point of this story is that the osteopathic profession matters – more than you know – to your patients. Once we have been treated by an osteopathic physician, once we have experienced that whole-person care, that empathy you give seemingly without effort, that conversation we engage in about what is happening in our lives, we will never seek another provider. I’ve worked for organizations that change insurance plans and the first thing I do is look to see if my physician is on the plan. I won’t change my physician. The relationship and continuity of care are absolutely priceless. That’s why it is so important to for me, for the team, for POMA to advocate for you. You matter. Now, more than ever.

I will take the liberty, on behalf of your patients everywhere, to thank you for what you DO. As we move through the second year of a pandemic that continues to morph into new variants and you continue to address the questions and criticisms, know your patients and POMA are with you. Every. Single. Day. And on behalf of our staff team, I pray that you have time this holiday season to breathe deeply, get some much needed rest, and enjoy your no place like home.

May you have the happiest of holidays and may 2022 bring good health to you and your patients!

The POMA offices are officially closed between December 24 and January 1. With the first falling on the weekend, we will reopen on Monday, January 3.


Policy Points

by: Andy Sandusky

 

A Look Back...and Move Forward!

2021 was yet another active and successful year for POMA and POMPAC. POMA was able to keep the CRNP legislation from moving in the Senate, which would permit them to see patients independently and without physician oversight. POMA continues to support a deal made by the CRNPs for a 6-year pilot program. The physician assistants were able to get some changes in their scope of practice, but POMA was able to insert multiple policy components that blunted some of their larger requests. POMA will monitor the changes as they are implemented.  2021 also saw a win for Osteopathic physicians and their patients in the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee that moved legislation to reform preauthorization and step therapy. POMA will make a hard push early in 2022 to get the bill out of the Senate and to the House. On the political side, POMPAC was able to maintain contributions and invest in various campaign committees. POMPAC looks forward to a more robust investment campaign in the 2022 election year! Along the 2021 pathways of legislative, administrative and political processes, POMA and POMPAC have raised and significantly expanded the visibility and influence Osteopathic physicians have in Harrisburg on important healthcare policies. As we close out one year and move to the next, POMA and POMPAC stand poised for another great year of advocacy on behalf of our Osteopathic physician members and their patients! Have a great holiday season and a happy New Year! Bring on 2022!


 ISMIE


PA PDMP Changes Coming Jan. 10, 2022

The Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) will be transitioning PDMP system vendors. This change will bring new enhancements to the PDMP that are based on feedback from PDMP users, including quicker access to patient reports and enhanced visualization to make interpreting reports easier.

Starting on January 10, 2022, PDMP users will need to transition their accounts to create new login credentials within the LogiCoy PDMP platform. Transitioning accounts takes an average user less than two minutes, as registration has been streamlined to pre-populate information based on the user’s license information.

To transfer their account, prescribers will need their:
   • Pennsylvania Professional License Number
   • National Provider Index (NPI) Number
   • Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Number *if applicable*

The transfer account period begins on January 10, 2022 and ends February 14, 2022. During this time all PDMP users must:
   1. Visit https://pdmp.health.pa.gov/
   2. Click “Transfer Account or Register”
   3. Follow the prompts and enter their information
   4. Ensure the information is correct and submit

Please note, before February 14th PDMP users will continue to use PMP Aware to search patients. On February 14th PDMP users will begin using the LogiCoy PDMP to search patients. Users who access the PDMP through their organization’s EHR will not need to change how they search patients and will not experience any changes to their EHR's connection to the PDMP.

For more information about the PDMP, please visit www.doh.pa.gov/pdmpFor assistance with account transfer, please contact LogiCoy technical support at 844-939-0999 or email [email protected].


District Dish

District 5

District 5 December meeting

POMA District 5 gathered at The Viking Club in York on Thursday, December 9th. District leadership and staff discussed the latest POMA programs, initiatives, and workings of the osteopathic community and the state board of osteopathic medicine. In-person and virtual attendees discussed hosting a legislative event in the spring and attending a Harrisburg Senators game in early summer. More details to come. District 5 is looking forward to another in-person event in February 2022 to nominate and elect members to represent the district at the POMA House of Delegates.  If you have any ideas for events, please contact Carol St. George, DO, district chair at [email protected], or Jason Leeper, POMA staff, at [email protected]

District 2

District 2 meeting

District 2 members gathered at Teca in West Chester on Tuesday, December 7th. The members, both virtual and in-person, received updates on the initiatives and workings of the osteopathic community and the latest POMA programs, including the POMA Clinical Assembly. They also participated in a presentation on the management of non-small cell lung cancer. The next meeting will be in early 2022 to elect delegates to the POMA House of Delegates and to finalize plans for district social and CME events in 2022. If you have any ideas for events, please contact Donna Delfin, DO, district chair at [email protected], or Jason Leeper, POMA staff, at [email protected]

District 3
District 3 December Meeting

District 3 members, virtually and in person, journeyed to Yianni's Taverna in Bethlehem on Thursday, December 2nd. The members got reacquainted and discussed local osteopathic issues. They received updates from POMA district leadership and staff regarding the happenings and programs across the state. The group also welcomed APOMA leadership who discussed their initiatives.

Additionally, District 3 members participated in a presentation on LDL-C lowering therapies. Members are looking forward to another in-person event in early 2022. If you have any ideas for events, please contact Rehab Tabchi, DO, District 3 Chair, at [email protected], or Jason Leeper, POMA staff, at [email protected]

DGD Series

districts go digital december

Nearly 60 members gathered virtually last night for a lecture on Outpatient Coding Updates: How to Get Paid for the Work You Do presented by Kelley Vandergrift, DO. She highlighted changes to office-based codes which CMS put in effect in January 2021, the first since 1997. She emphasized billing by time, RVU changes, pre-op visits, virtual visits, and digital assessments (patient portals). She also answered several questions from the audience. Thank you Dr. Vandergrift for sharing your expertise and passion for coding with your colleagues! And thanks to Dr. Rehab Tabchi and District 3 for hosting the evening.


PGYP Recaps

West Region

PGYP West December 2021

Thank you to everyone who joined us last night for the Professional Guidance Young Physicians West Region meeting at the River Brewery in Clarion.

We started the evening off with an interesting game of “Would You Rather” learning some interesting things about each other. Dr. Witherite-Rieg, Dr. Kalata, and Dr. Zawisza gave a wonderful update on POMA explaining the 4 pillars and what POMA has to offer as well as what POMA would like from the residents. Grants and scholarships were discussed in detail and the residents were encouraged to apply for those and provide a submission to the POMA Journal. All the residents were given the opportunity to ask questions and give feedback. Overall, it was a great evening and we look forward to our next time together in March.

East Region
PGYP East
On Thursday, December 9th, the PGYP East Committee met virtually. The residents were provided an update on “what’s new” with POMA as well as an update on the AOA. An update on the Board of Examiners and the changes to the certification was given by Dr. Joan Grzybowski. Representatives were chosen for the POMA Board of Trustees and the POMA House of Delegates. The committee will meet again on March 3rd.


SoFi


POMAF Accepting Grant Applications

The POMA Foundation has opened its first Request for Proposals, seeking applications for Osteopathic Medicine Community Enhancing Grants. The Foundation expects to award between three and five grants, based on the number of quality submissions received. Grants will likely average between $15,000 to $20,000 each.

The RFP and application process is available here. Proposals must be completed and submitted by January 5, 2022 with all required responses and attachments in order to be considered for funding in this grant cycle.

Please direct questions to the Foundation’s Program Officers, Danielle Belanger at 617-391-3073 or [email protected] or Amy Segal Shorey at [email protected].


How Are You DOing

by: Lisa Witherite-Rieg, DO

Going Nuts

large tree

Ithe middle of my yard stands a majestic American chestnut tree. Virtually extinct for decades1, this mature treasure is now a rare find, considered one of the most perfect of trees, with every part having great utility and beauty. I have learned a lot from that tree. The tree has been there for the nearly three decades I have called this place “home” and most likely a century prior.

With the budding of the tree, in early spring, comes the distinctive hoppy aroma detected only in a microbrewery or near the American chestnut, appropriately located in my backyard. As we move into summer, the thick, matte leaves provide wonderful shade. In the early 1990s, when our son was young, a sturdy lower branch supported the hefty tire swing, providing hours of entertainment. As the years went on, the tree grew taller and the trunk girth increased. The older, lower branches died and were knocked down by storms, prophetically coinciding with the graduation of our son from the swing to his adolescent years.

Birds, squirrels and “chippies” love the tree. Many feeders have found prime real estate among the branches, with the most recent “Squirrel Solution 200”2 needing repair after an encounter and modification by a visiting bear.

READ MORE >>


DO Brooches for Sale

APOMA has arranged with the AAOA to share in the proceeds from sales of Brooches on the AAOA Store. The very beautiful brooches are available in many colors and make great gifts!

Visit the store and in the checkout don't forget to put POMA2021 to get FREE SHIPPING and share proceeds with APOMA.


LECOMPP

View the
newsletter online!

happy holiday 

From all of us at POMA...

We wish you happiness this holiday season and throughout the coming year!


Table of Contents...

  1. President's Perspective
  2. Executive Opinion
  3. Policy Points
  4. POMA-ISMIE Affinity Program
  5. PA PDMP Changes Coming January 2022
  6. District Dish
  7. PGYP Recaps
  8. SoFi
  9. POMAF Grant Program
  10. How Are You DOing?
  11. LECOM CME Event
  12. COVID-19 News Update
  13. ACCME Accredited
  14. Upcoming District Events
  15. Upcoming PGYP Event
  16. Welcome New Members
  17. Podcast
  18. JPOMA Survey
  19. District Competition
  20. Classified Ads
  21. Under the DOme
  22. POMPAC
  23. POMAF Scholarships
  24. DO Brooches for Sale
  25. Follow POMA on Social Media

COVID

POMA continues to monitor the rapidly changing information surrounding COVID-19. Visit www.poma.org/covid-19 for all of our updates, as well as resources we are finding to be most useful and accurate at this time.


ACCME

POMA is proud to announce that we have been awarded full accreditation for 4 years as a provider of continuing medical education for physicians by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). The ACCME is recognized as a leading accreditor for providers of continuing medical education.

Upcoming District Events

District 10
Business Meeting & Product Theater
Friday, December 17
5:30 pm
Sullivan's Steakhouse
King of Prussia, PA

District 8
POMA and the Pitt Panthers
January 8, 2022
Peterson Events Center
Pittsburgh, PA

District 4
Hockey Night with the Baby Pens
January 22, 2022
Puck drops 6:05 pm
Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
Wilkes-Barre, PA

District 8
35th Annual Educational Winter Seminar
January 27-30, 2022
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Farmington, PA

District 8
Business Meeting & Elections
January 29, 2022
1:45 pm
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort / Virtual Option Available

District 1
Business Meeting, Elections & Product Theater
January 19, 2022
6:30 pm
Randy's
Philadelphia, PA


Upcoming PGYP Event
Tuesday, December 21
6:00 pm
Virtual Meeting

Welcome New Members!

The following physicians have applied for membership in the POMA. According to Article VI, Section 2 of the POMA bylaws, if no written objection is received within 30 days after publication, the following will be accepted for membership.

Carrie K. Gomez, DO
14 Tommys Court
Drums, PA 18222
Active Member — District 4

Joshua R. Greenleaf, DO
3000 Fairway Drive
Altoona, PA 16602
Active Member — District 4

Bart L. Matson, DO
University of Pittsburgh Physicians
1008 South 5th Avenue, Suite 203
Clarion, PA 16214
Active Member — District 12

Geraldine L. Urse, DO
5028 Blendon Ravine Court

Columbus, OH 43230
Active Out of State Member

Katie M. Warren, DO
765 Liberty Street, Suite 303
Meadville, PA 16335
Active Member — District 7

Abram D. Weimer, DO
171 Minor Road
Summerhill, PA 15958
Active Member — District 8 

Matthew L. Wright, DO
Heritage Valley Medical Group
1000 Dutch Ridge Road, 3rd Floor
Beaver, PA 15009
Active Member — District 8


Podcast

What do you want to hear on POMA's podcast?
Email your ideas to [email protected].


Survey


The Publications Committee wants to hear from you!

Click here to complete the JPOMA Readership Survey - we want to make sure your opinions and suggestions are considered as the Journal evolves to better serve you. Thanks for participating! 


District Competition

Who likes a little friendly competition?

District competition

From April 1, 2021 – March 30, 2022 POMA will be hosting a District competition.  Districts receive points based on holding events; survey and event participation; members writing in publications (POMA and external); membership retention; and various additional items.  Click here for a complete list of challenges.

The winning District will receive a POMA sponsored dinner before POMA HOD 2022, a hefty traveling trophy, special recognition at the POMA Clinical Assembly, and priority seating at the POMA House of Delegates, and bragging rights.  The leaderboard will be published in POMA’s monthly newsletter.

Contact your District Leadership to share ideas and for more details.

Current Standings as of December 17:

  • 1st Place - District 12
  • 2nd Place - District 4
  • 3rd Place - District 7

Want to help earn your district some points? Submit an article to the newsletter or participate in a POMA survey.

Find out additional ways by contacting your district leadership.


CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
___________________

LEGAL AND COMPENSATION ANALYSIS OF PHYSICIAN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS.

Looking at a new position, or to renegotiate your current employment agreement? Physician Agreements Health Law is a law firm that focuses on physician employment agreements in all 50 states. Ge our comprehensive, fixed-fee legal review and compensation analysis so you can get a fair deal and peace of mind. https://pahealthlaw.com/ 
___________________

Philadelphia Physician Wanted!

Dr. John Trzesniowski LLC is a well-established, deep-rooted, 40+ year independently owned family practice located in the immensely desirable Philadelphia neighborhood of Fishtown/Port Richmond who is seeking a full-time Family Physician/Internal Medicine Physician to join our rapidly growing team. This unique employment opportunity provides the applicant with tremendous overall career and life freedom and flexibility.

Competitive salary, bonuses, EMR, and outpatient only. No weekend hours. A wonderful, friendly staff in a relaxed environment, and a state-of-the-art facility opening in January 2022. Rare opportunity for physicians looking into possible partnership track in the primary care practice, if interested. Ready to interview and hire immediately.

Qualifications: MD/DO. BC/BE in Family Medicine. Licensed, or eligible, to practice medicine in the state of Pennsylvania.

Contact Dr. John and Matthew Trzesniowski at either [email protected] or [email protected] with CV.

PRN Medical Space – ready exam rooms for Drs on the go! Five locations in Philadelphia and Bristol. Call 215-669-4001.

PRACTICES WANTED: 
Retiring physicians, part-time or full-time practices, call 215-669-4001.

CLASSIFIED AD
RATES
— Per insertion —

Member Ads*: $10 for the first 20 words, $.25 for each additional word. $2 each for special services: all caps or all bold type.

Non-member Ads: (Payment must be received in advance.) $50 for the first 20 words, .50 each additional word. $5 for each special service (listed above).

*Please Note: Member ad rate to be used only by POMA members and only for their medicine- or practice-related ads. Charges for other types of members’ ads will be calculated using the non-member ad rate.

POMA does not take a position of endorsing any organizations, individuals or services whose classified advertisements appear in this publication. The POMA Newsletter reserves the right to select and edit all advertisements submitted.


Under the DOme

dome

Did you catch POMA's advocacy newsletter, Under the DOme?

Under the DOme is a member benefit providing you with an update of the advocacy work POMA is engaged and/or monitoring to ensure DOs and their patients have the best possible opportunity for strong physician-patient relationships and care. POMA is THE organization that represents you as a DO in the state in all areas of advocacy.

We hope you find Under the DOme to be a valuable advocacy tool. Send your feedback to [email protected]


POMPAC

POMPAC is the collective
voice of the osteopathic profession in Pennsylvania.

Send your personal check to POMPAC c/o POMA, 1330 Eisenhower Blvd., Harrisburg, PA 17111, or charge your contribution to your credit card!

PAC contributions are not tax-deductible.


POMAF

Time is running out to apply for the 2021-22 Student & Resident Scholarships, sponsored by the POMA Foundation (POMAF).

Pennsylvania students who are enrolled as an OMS II, OMS III or OMS IV and residents who meet the eligibility criteria can apply. Click here to learn more and apply online. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2022. Awards will be announced in March.

Feel free to share the information on social media. Be sure to use #POMAF22 and tag us on Twitter, @POMA_DOs and Facebook, @POMADOs.


Follow POMA on social media for all the latest news!

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Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association | 1330 Eisenhower Blvd., Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 939-9318 | www.poma.org