From health system reform and quality improvement initiatives to a looming physician shortage, the medical profession is facing tremendous change. That’s why your membership in the Wisconsin Medical Society is crucial. As one of more than 12,000 Society members, this is a sample of what we are working on for you.

10.6 percent Medicare reimbursement cut stopped—The recent Congressional override of President Bush’s veto of H.R. 3661 is proof that the unified voice of physicians can truly make a difference. Society members’ efforts paid off as both Senators and seven of eight Representatives from Wisconsin voted to override the veto, maintaining current reimbursement levels for 2008 and providing a 1.1 percent increase for 2009.

$28 million for Wisconsin practices—The Society and its partners were recently awarded participation in an Electronic Health Records (EHR) Demonstration Project from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which will bring $28 million in new Medicare reimbursement funds to participating Wisconsin physicians.

Ensuring physicians’ voices are heard—Decisions are being made on many issues impacting the future of health care. In addition to hosting our own Quality Forum, the Society is at the table on key issues, representing physicians and their patients:

• Wisconsin Health Information Organization (WHIO)
• Governor’s eHealth Care Quality and Patient Safety Board
• Worker’s Compensation
• Many government agencies including Medicaid, the Department of Regulation and Licensing, the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and the newly restructured Department of Health Services

New CME requirements—Aligning quality improvement efforts into the CME process will take effect in November 2008, and the Society is working to ensure that physicians are able to comply with new requirements. Physicians will be able to earn up to 20 CME credits for each quality improvement (QI) activity that includes a needs assessment, a documented QI plan and evidence of improvement. The Society is developing tools to assist CME providers and physician practices in preparing for and taking advantage of these new criteria.

Fighting the $200 million raid —The Society has filed suit to restore all funds taken by the State from the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund, plus interest. This lawsuit is projected to take up to 5 years and $1 million in legal fees before it works its way through the courts, and a vibrant membership helps strengthen that effort.

Ensuring physician input for improving access—As part of the Society’s efforts to increase health insurance coverage and access, in 2007, we completed a standard benefit plan and are now advocating for its universal adoption. This will ensure that as health system reform initiatives move forward legislatively, physicians have a strong voice in defining who and what will be covered and how it will be paid for. This is especially important during this election year.

Advocating for physicians—As a member of the Wisconsin Council on Medical Education and Workforce, the Society has completed an extensive survey Wisconsin physicians to assess current and emerging workforce issues and their attitudes about the healthcare delivery system. The findings will be included in an updated report titled "Who Will Care for Our Patients" to be released in late fall 2008.

Looking toward for the future—Society members play an important role in the future of medicine by acting as mentors to medical students through the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation's Summer Fellowship in Government and Community Service Program, which grew from 1 fellowship in 2007 to 10 in 2008. Members can also connect to the next generation of physicians through the White Coat Campaign, and student members can have access to the Foundation's Student Loan Program and scholarship opportunities. Additionally, the recommendations of physician members help direct Foundation resources to support community health initiatives in Wisconsin through the Foundation’s Grants Program.

Providing services and resources—Society membership features numerous benefits, including the following:

• Medigram—the Society’s weekly electronic newsletter, and the Wisconsin Medical Journal—the Society’s peer-reviewed, indexed scientific journal
• Members-only access to legal information on a variety of issues affecting your practice
• Access to a full line of insurance and financial services, including a new term life insurance plan
• Discounted prices on educational programs and on-line access to numerous FAQs on coding and billing issues
• On-line resources available 24/7 at www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org