Assembly Majority Leader Steineke joins Society town hall webinar

Society president Erik Gundersen, MD, and Representative Jim Steineke at 9/16 Town Hall

In the latest of a continuing series of conversations with health care policy and political leaders, Wisconsin State Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) joined Wisconsin Medical Society President Erik Gundersen, MD, for yesterday’s town hall. The discussion included the state’s actions to ensure physicians and the health care system have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread in Wisconsin while we head into influenza season.

Rep. Steineke also indicated that while the state’s budget situation isn’t as dire as those in some other states, the pandemic-caused economic downturn could make deliberations over the upcoming 2021-23 biennial state budget difficult as legislative Republicans and a Democratic governor disagree on revenue and spending priorities. This includes Medicaid expansion, with Gov. Evers continuing to support that proposal while State Assembly and Senate majority Republicans oppose. Rep. Steineke said “it would be challenging” to pass Medicaid expansion with the current makeup of the legislature.

Rep. Steineke also emphasized how important it is for physicians to get to know their elected officials, as policymakers rely on input from their constituents to help guide decision-making in Madison. The Society strongly supports that sentiment, as well as urging physicians to sign up for WisMed Voice, which alerts physicians to specific times when contacting their elected officials is most impactful. Physicians can also participate in the WISMedPAC/WISMedDIRECT political contribution programs and help to further amplify the house of medicine’s voice.  

Upcoming Town Hall
The Society’s next town hall will feature Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine and Associate Division Chief of the Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine at UCSF/ San Francisco General Hospital. Dr. Gandhi will present ‘The Power of Masking for COVID-19’ on September 30.

Registration is required and can be completed here.

Please contact Anne Hauer with any questions.

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Medical Examining Board concerned over possible proposal to change nursing collaboration requirement

Many physician members of the state’s Medical Examining Board (MEB) raised concerns at its monthly meeting on September 16 over a potential Board of Nursing (BON) proposal that would repeal a requirement that Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers (APNP) work in collaboration with at least one physician or dentist. While the MEB does not have jurisdiction over how nurses are regulated, numerous MEB members were concerned that such a proposal would have negative impacts on Wisconsin’s high-quality health care system.

The MEB’s concerns rose from a BON meeting on Sept. 10, which included initialization of the process used to change the administrative code: preparing a proposed “Scope Statement” laying out the desired change. The specific scope statement proposal, which requires approval from the Governor before it can be developed further, was included in yesterday’s MEB agenda for discussion.

State MEB administrative staff indicated that the BON may be withdrawing or further modify the scope statement and said a BON subcommittee will be discussing the issue Sept. 18. The Society will attend that subcommittee meeting and has already been in contact with other physician-centric advocacy organizations to ensure all are aware of the possible attempt to alter the collaboration requirement.

In other action, the MEB unanimously approved its own scope statement for a regulatory update that would extend the current requirement for physicians holding a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration number to complete controlled substance education as part of the 30 hour biennial license requirement. That statement will now be sent to the Governor for review; the Board will further develop the rule following the Governor’s likely approval.

Contact Society Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer Mark Grapentine, JD for more information.

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Settlers bank offering $250 off mortgage closing costs exclusively for Wisconsin Medical Society Members

The Wisconsin Medical Society works to support Wisconsin’s physicians. The Society partnered with Settlers bank, a Wisconsin business focused on serving the needs of physicians and clinics throughout the state, to offer members a credit on mortgage closing costs.

If you’ve been waiting to refinance your mortgage, now is the time. Rates are at historic lows and, for a limited time, Settlers bank is offering a $250 credit towards your closing costs.* It’s a great reason to go with Settlers. But it’s just the start.

Applying for a mortgage is a complicated process. Settler's team of highly experienced professionals make sure the process is as efficient and painless as possible for you. We work closely with you to create a loan tailored to your individual needs.

Learn more. Contact Anne today.

Anne Fink, CFP® is a private banker specializing in working with physicians.
Contact Anne at [email protected] or 608.842.5025.
NMLS #684325

*Offer valid on closed-end, primary residence, first mortgage purchase, refinance and construction transactions only. This offer is available for applications received prior to 12.31.2020. The $250 will be applied at closing as a lender credit on closing disclosure and cannot exceed the actual amount of closing costs (after deducting any applicable seller credits.) This offer is not available for second mortgage, home equity lines of credit, or investment property loans. Offer is subject to credit approval and underwriting and is subject to change. Offer not available to existing Sb mortgage customers. Mention closing cost credit at time of application.

MEMBER FDIC

Don’t miss your chance to earn premium credit and free CME September 24

Exclusively for Wisconsin Medical Society members and clients of WisMed Assure, ProAssurance is hosting a live one-hour loss prevention webinar on September 24 at 7 a.m. Titled Telemedicine: COVID-19 and Beyond, this webinar is in response to the many inquiries, questions and concerns from our members and clients.

Join Laurette Salzman, Senior Risk Resource Advisor for ProAssurance, and John Rather, Attorney with Neider & Boucher, S.C., as they discuss the pitfalls and medical professional liability risks associated with the practice of telemedicine.

Click here for registration and more information.

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Financial success requires offense and defense

By Tom Strangstalien, Financial Protection Advisor

Offense, financially speaking, is focused on growth. Defense is focused on keeping what you have. They are pretty simple concepts all-in-all. However, each has nuances that vary depending on your tolerance for risk, age, retirement goals, current and future lifestyle goals and, of course, income.

Income itself is one of your offensive tools. This includes the income you earn from working and passive income earned by investments. The other form of offense shows up in investment portfolio design and is generally about choosing assets or combinations of assets that have a high probability for growth, and, generally, a greater degree of risk. You can also of course play defense in your portfolio by choosing assets that are slower-growing and less risky. The proportion of offense and defense in your portfolio is dependent on the variables mentioned above. This is where the advice of a professional investment advisor who understands your current situation, along with your goals and desires, is essential to your success.

As to other forms of defense, I have spent my career helping people figure that out. For example, during your earning years, your salary and other earned income is your most formidable offensive asset. But what happens to your plans if illness, injury or death reduces or eliminates your income? How will you and your family maintain your standard of living? How will you be able to continue pursuing your retirement plans?

A substantial market for income replacement insurance has steadily developed for decades. (I include life insurance in this definition as it provides income for your family if you die.) There are as many options as there are individuals who need this type of defense, which means you have the opportunity to choose the type of insurance that exactly fits your current situation (including budget) and future goals.

A general feeling within the insurance industry is that once a couple reaches the age of 55, there is substantial probability that one of them will need a form of long term care during their lifetime. I have personally witnessed this within couples that I have worked with throughout my career. That’s where another form of defense plays an exceptionally important role in protecting your immediate financial security and the integrity of your estate.

Now, like income protection insurance, there are many long-term care insurance options. To choose the option that’s right for you, you have to take into consideration how much tax you are paying and will pay. Again, the nuances can be quite subtle, but generally speaking, an experienced advisor will be able to show you all the ins and outs of the insurance products available.

One thing is for certain; the best time to do this type of planning and make your decisions is now. The sooner the better, because as you age your options may become more limited and the costs will certainly increase.

If you would like a personalized tour of all the options that are right for where you are today and where you want to be in the future, contact me. I look forward to being your defensive coach.

Tom Strangstalien
Direct:  608-442-3730
Cell:  608-304-1579
[email protected]

Originally posted here.

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