New Professional Social Network (web-based) to assist with treatment of MS

This network features:
* Professional forum to discuss patient management challenges and MS related topics
* Free CME/CE audio podcast and slide sets from a recent live regional MS lecture and workshop
* Patient education handouts on MS diagnosis, disease management, patient commuincation, and symptom management
* Clinician tools and materials
* CME/CE case study
* Links to additional free online CME/CE activities on MS management
Download the flyer in PDF format for additional information.

MedChi Survey Results: The Impact of Patient Health Insurance Protocols on the Maryland Physician's Ability to Provide Care

Some of the results from the survey;

• 95% of Maryland physicians surveyed said that health insurer protocols that impact how and what treatments physicians can prescribe their patients had a "somewhat" or "very negative" effect on the doctor's ability to effectively treat patients;
• 88.5% of physicians identified insurance barriers such as pre-approvals, step therapy, drug switching, and other protocols as "burdensome", "very burdensome" or as a "major hassle"; and
• 94%of survey respondents said that health insurance companies in Maryland delay or deny prescription medications or diagnostic testing for patients.

See the whole survey here or download a copy here.

See MAPA's letter to Commissioner Sammis in response to the MedChi survey here.

Free Online CME (1 hr)
Live Educational Teleconference/ Webinar - SAFE PRESCRIBING of OPIOIDS

Check out the MAPA Other CME page for additional information about this and other CME options.

Free Online CME (3 hrs)
The GI Summit: Expert Insights in IBS, Constipation & Acid-Related Disorders

Check out the MAPA Other CME page for additional information about this and other CME options.

2010 CME Conference Dates - Mark Your Calendars
The 2010 CME Conference will again be held in Ocean City, MD at the Clarion Hotel. It will start Wednesday night, September 1 and run through Sunday, September 5. MAPA has arranged with the Clarion to allow you to continue your stay beyond the conference dates, at the same room rate available during the conference.
Check back in the coming months for additional information about the 2010 conference, including conference rates and online registration opportunities.

American Institutes for Research looking for PAs to Interview
If you are a PA in the Baltimore area and would be interested in participating ni a research study regarding the quality of home health agencies, please contact Lauren Smeeding at lsmeeding@air.org.