Advocacy in action

June was a very busy month for our politically active physicians and for our government relations team. Attending the American Medical Association’s (AMA) annual meeting with the Wisconsin Medical Society delegation was impressive. It was invaluable to discuss policies and learn about other states' advocacy efforts. Meanwhile, our lobbyists were in Madison, attending hearings and carefully tracking the state budget process. Doctor Day in Madison, once again, was a fantastic day thanks to the hundreds of physicians who attended and communicated with their state legislators on the issues that matter to patients.

What do these efforts have in common? All are greatly enhanced when our WISMedPAC and WISMedDIRECT are strong and funded. Both grassroots and lobbying efforts are most effective when we have strong, working relationships with our state legislators, our Governor and our federal representatives. This is accomplished by being able to attend fundraising events and outings that allow for opportunities to connect with our elected officials on our priority issues. It clearly helps elect candidates that support physicians and the very important relationship with patients.

If you are politically active, interested or just a supporter of our advocacy efforts on behalf of physicians and patients, please contribute now to one or both of our political giving programs. Call 608.442.3720 or email Heidi Green directly to learn more about all the options. She's here to make your political action easy and enjoys helping you determine your goals for contributing during the next election cycle.

Back to top

White Coat Campaign: Thank you!

With great pride and excitement, students at Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) in Green Bay, Wausau and Milwaukee were welcomed to the profession by the physicians of Wisconsin on July 5 as they tried on their very first white coat and received a personal note of welcome from the physicians of the state who donated their coat. Through the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation’s (Foundation) White Coat Campaign, every incoming student who trains to become a physician at a Wisconsin medical school receives their first white coat and a note of encouragement from the physician who sponsored their coat.

Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) President, Don Lee, MD, MPH, FACP, was in Green Bay on Tuesday to officially welcome students with their faculty, friends and family at the MCW-Green Bay White Coat Ceremony. He will be in Milwaukee on Friday to welcome the students at MCW-Milwaukee at their ceremony. On Thursday, WisMed President-elect, Cynthia Hart, MD, will be traveling to Wausau for the MCW-Central White Coat Ceremony.

Dr. Lee will speak with students at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health during their orientation to welcome them in August and will be on the stage to assist donning their coats at the ceremony.

The Foundation and WisMed are thrilled to play a role in assisting the physicians of Wisconsin to carry on the tradition of welcoming every student who attends school in Wisconsin to their new professional family. Together, WisMed, Foundation, WisMed Assure and WisMed Financial are pleased to encourage students to take advantage of the support, networking and mentoring opportunities available to ensure their success in school and throughout their careers.

Follow the Wisconsin Medical Society on Facebook for photos from these ceremonies and other Foundation activities. Consider giving a recurring monthly gift to support the future of medicine in Wisconsin by donating to our Brighter Future Club. 

Back to top

Meet the WisMed Assure team – Laura Dillett Weber

WisMed Assure provides Medical Professional Liability, Business Owners, Workers Compensation and more to clinics and health care groups throughout Wisconsin. Laura Dillett Weber works on the Professional and Business Insurance team.

What products/services do you and your part of the WisMed Assure team provide?

• Medical Professional Liability for physicians and other health care professionals, facilities, surgery centers and hospitals
• Property, General Liability and Workers Compensation coverages for medical offices
• Management Liability, Employment Practices Liability, Umbrella, Excess and Bonds

Why is it important for physicians/groups to have this coverage or these services in place?

A Primary Medical Professional Liability policy with an admitted carrier is required by the Wisconsin Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund (IPFCF) for physicians and CRNAs. We are contracted with four carriers admitted to write medical professional liability in Wisconsin. As a result, we can search for and secure the best coverage and competitive pricing for our clients.

Additional coverages like Directors & Officers, Fiduciary Liability, Umbrella and excess coverages are placed via national broker partners for our clients that have these coverage needs. A discussion with clients can help us determine their exposures and how best to cover them.

Who should reach out to your team for coverage (what stage of life, age, etc.)?

Physicians, other health care professionals and practice managers can all reach out to discuss their practice and coverage needs. If a health care professional or a practice are making a change, (changing practice hours, adding procedures, buying property, etc.) it’s a good time to contact us and discuss what changes are needed to their insurance programs.

Tell us a little about your background and why you do what you do?

My career includes 18 years as a Professional Liability underwriter working for some of Wisconsin’s largest insurance carriers. Following that, I joined WisMed Assure and now enjoy working directly with our clients. Due to my underwriting background, I have a good understanding of policy language, coverages and how to effectively work with carriers. I like working for my clients to ensure that the correct coverage is in place and that pricing is fair and accurate for the work they do.

What’s different about WisMed Assure?

The level of experience in our agency is difficult to beat! All the members of our Service Team have been in the Medical Professional Liability industry for many years. We’ve seen changes in the marketplace, have worked with different carriers and understand the coverage requirements in this state. Our agency’s singular focus is and has always been health care professionals.

What is your favorite client story?

I think my favorite is when we can really show our value to a customer by acting as a resource for coverage questions, providing them with a fast turnaround for something they urgently need, correcting a premium that results in savings to them and holding our carriers to high standards of service. Our goal is to make insurance the easiest part of their practice and it’s something we work at every day.

To learn more about how WisMed Assure can help you, reach out to Laura Dillett Weber at laura.weber@wismedassure.org or 608.442.3897.

WisMed Assure offers Wisconsin Medical Society members discounts and exclusive access to insurance products including medical malpractice insurance, business owners’ insurance, WPS Medicare Supplement program, dental, health, disability and life insurance. 

Back to top

Discounted counseling and coaching services for WisMed members

The Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) works to support physicians through every stage of their careers (from medical school through retirement), which is why WisMed is offering behavioral health services options for our members. WisMed has partnered with Marvin, Core Choice and LifeBridge to provide confidential counseling and coaching services with flexible hours. Board certified psychiatrists and licensed psychologists are available via teletherapy when you need them.

Initial feedback from Marvin users has been positive. WisMed members can register online to get started or call with questions. Members may choose to pay out of pocket at a special WisMed discounted rate or have the services billed to their insurance. Your initial appointment will be within 72 hours of your outreach. 

To reach Marvin, call 424.322.6881, visit meetmarvin.com/wisconsin or scan the QR code on the flier.

Core Choice, is a physician wellness resource for our physician members. Core Choice, provided by Erica Larson, DO, focuses on your complete wellness. Dr. Larson uses a holistic approach with a comprehensive assessment and advanced diagnostics, and provides Wisconsin Medical Society members a 25% discount on the assessment. Learn more here.

Additionally, members of Dane County (DCMS) and La Crosse County (LCMS) Medical Societies can access LifeBridge Physician Wellness Program. This completely confidential offering provides up to six free coaching/counselling sessions per year with a psychologist. Appointments are available via telemedicine and are scheduled within 72 hours.

Members of LCMS and DCMS can learn more and access this member benefit here. For information on how to launch Lifebridge Physician Wellness Program in your county, please contact Jim Lorence.

Back to top