Direct Primary Care, Worker’s Comp Fee Schedule proposals highlight busy State Capitol week

As we move closer toward the end of Wisconsin’s 2023-24 state legislative biennial regular session, the typical end-of-session flurry is in full swing. The Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) continues to stay on top of the more than 2,000 separate pieces of legislation that have been introduced this biennium.

Direct Primary Care

On Tuesday (Feb. 6) WisMed immediate past-president Wendy Molaska, MD, testified before the Senate Committee on Health in support of Senate Bill 905, which clarifies state law regarding direct primary care (DPC) agreements (watch Dr. Molaska’s testimony here, starting at the 8:30 mark). Dr. Molaska, a DPC owner herself, discussed how her monthly subscription service (“the Netflix of health care,” she called it) allows patients very personalized service and access, while allowing her to focus on patients and not the patient’s insurance coverage. Dr. Molaska emphasized that DPC is not a replacement for health insurance, and that patients should still carry a plan that can provide catastrophic coverage if necessary. WisMed also raised that point in its more general testimony submitted to the committee.

More than 20 states have passed legislation clarifying that DPC arrangements are not insurance, and therefore not subject to myriad insurance requirements and inefficiencies. The bill will get a committee vote tomorrow (Feb. 9) and could reach the full Senate floor later this month.

Worker’s Compensation Fee Schedule

Perhaps fitting for a month that includes Groundhog Day, the issue of forcing an artificial fee schedule into the state’s worker’s compensation statutes has arisen again this biennium. Earlier today (Feb. 8) a joint hearing of the legislature’s two labor-related committees met to take testimony on the “agreed-to” bills for this biennium (see this Nov. 30, 2023 Medigram article for additional background), one of which includes the creation of a byzantine fee schedule. WisMed raised several points in its testimony about how Wisconsin's worker’s compensation system is a win-win for patients and employers alike, providing health care services that allow injured workers to get back on the job faster, miss less work overall post-injury than their peers in other states and costs less than the national average for similar care. WisMed also pointed out how employers in the state have enjoyed eight straight years of workers compensation insurance premium reductions.

This is the third time the State Legislature has reviewed a fee schedule recommendation for worker’s compensation; it resoundingly rejected similar proposals in the 2013-14 and 2017-18 biennia. Stay tuned to future editions of Medigram for updates on this session’s latest attempt.

For more information, contact WisMed’s Mark Grapentine, JD.

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WisMed gets win safeguarding healthier air for Wisconsinites with EPA particulates rule

Yesterday, February 7, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced stronger particulate matter standards that will help rid Wisconsin’s air of deadly pollution. The new National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter are 9 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) for the annual standard and 35 µg/m³ for the 24-hour standard. The Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) partnered with Healthy Climate Wisconsin to encourage the EPA to produce strong standards.

"I applaud the EPA for setting strong and science-based particulate matter standards that will protect public health and the environment. This is a major win for all of our patients in Wisconsin. I am proud of Wisconsin’s doctors for weighing in on this," said Joel Charles MD, MPH, WisMed board member and co-founder of Healthy Climate Wisconsin. 

Fine particulate matter, or soot, is an extremely harmful pollutant. It is a mix of metals, organic chemicals and acidic substances that are so small they can be inhaled deeply into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Exposure to particulate matter has been shown to cause increased stillbirths, preterm births, asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cognitive impairments and premature death.

These standards had not been updated since 2012. Under the existing particulate matter standards, more than 63 million Americans experience unhealthy spikes in daily particle pollution, and more than 20 million Americans experience dangerous levels of soot on a year-round basis. In addition, the health burdens of particulate matter pollution are disproportionately borne by poor people and communities of color living near heavily polluting facilities and high-traffic roadways.

“High levels of particulate matter are at the core of health care disparities, as we have experienced among underserved populations in Wisconsin,” said Rene’ Settle-Robinson, DPM, a surgeon at Outreach Community Health Center. “The new standards go a long way in creating health equity for all Wisconsinites.” 

The EPA’s new particulate matter safeguards will save lives — annually preventing up to 4,500 premature deaths and 290,000 lost workdays, yielding up to $46 billion in net health benefits. Stronger standards help those most vulnerable to the negative health effects of particulate matter pollution, including children, seniors, communities of color and people with chronic illness.

WisMed called on the EPA to set the annual National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter no higher than 8 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) and the 24-hour standard no higher than 25 µg/m³. These were the lowest levels the EPA said it would consider in 2023. Health professionals will continue to advocate for even lower particulate matter standards in the coming years because there is no safe level of particulate matter for health.

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Remembering Eugene J. Nordby, MD

The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation (Foundation) and Wisconsin Medical Society bid a fond farewell to a true champion of physicians and medicine, Eugene J. Nordby, MD, who died on January 18, 2024, at his home in Madison at age 105.

Doctor Nordby was a past Chair of the Wisconsin Medical Society Board and long-time supporter of the Foundation. While Dr. Nordby was especially fond of the Foundation’s White Coat program, he will particularly be remembered by the families of area physicians who have passed. Dr. Nordby made it his priority after retiring to contribute a memorial gift in honor of any local physician who passed – impacting hundreds of families. He believed that just as no student should begin their medical career without a warm welcome from their profession, every physician should be remembered in their passing for their contributions to the Wisconsin house of medicine. Regardless of whether he knew the physician, he believed every family of a physician who passes should know their loved one was a part of a professional family that cares and remembers.

Dr. Nordby was an orthopaedic surgeon and author of the book, An Orthopaedic Surgeon’s Saga. He played important roles in both the Wisconsin Medical Society and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He enjoyed connecting with former colleagues at the Foundation’s Annual Event and participating in Leadership Luncheons. He was a big fan of the Green Bay Packers and was their special guest in 2018 when the Packers honored him for his service in WWII as part of their 100^th anniversary and his 100^th birthday. He loved to shoot pool with friends and just this past summer when Foundation staff called, he was out on the lake fishing.

As Dr. Nordby never let an opportunity to acknowledge the life and service of a fellow physician pass, we ask that if you are able, please take a moment to send your condolences to his family. You can do so by emailing your message to [email protected]. We are in touch with his son and daughter-in-law, who appreciate knowing that his legacy of remembrance continues.

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Vote on Board actions on policies

PolicyLink is open for member feedback on the WisMed Board of Directors actions on five policy proposals submitted for this cycle. Go to PolicyLink (you may need to sign in) and under the “Comment on Proposal” pulldown menu select “Vote on Board Action.” Feedback must be submitted by February 9.

The five policy proposals pertain to:

• Paid Family Leave Program in Wisconsin
• Increasing Healthcare Access for People Experiencing Homelessness in Wisconsin
• Using Risk Assessment for Equitable Criteria for Blood and Tissue Donations
• Recognizing the Importance of Rural Broadband Internet for Healthcare Access in Wisconsin
• Supporting Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Offices and Initiatives in Medical Schools and Healthcare Systems in Wisconsin

The feedback period runs through February 9. Contact WisMed’s Mark Grapentine if you have any questions.

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Vote for WisMed offices via WisMed Mobile

Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) Members can vote for WisMed President-elect and Treasurer via the WisMed Mobile app.* According to WisMed’s Constitution, Article V, the President-elect and Treasurer will be elected by the general membership.

The Nominating Committee of the Wisconsin Medical Society prepared a slate of nominees for WisMed offices during its January 19 meeting. The nominees, including those for American Medical Association (AMA) Delegates are as follows:

• President-elect: Michelle L. Graham, MD, MME, FAAFP
• AMA Delegate 2025 and 2026: Tosha B. Wetterneck, MD, MS, FACP
• AMA Delegate 2025 and 2026: Barbara Hummel, MD
• AMA Alternate Delegate 2024 and 2025: Clarence W. Brown, Jr., MD, JD
• AMA Alternate Delegate 2025 and 2026: Corey M. Cronrath, DO, MPH, MBA

The Wisconsin Medical Society Board of Directors, as directed by WisMed’s Bylaws, selected its nominee for Treasurer on January 20, 2024:

• Treasurer: Stewart Watson, MD

The ballot for President-elect and Treasurer will be available until the close of business March 8. All Wisconsin Medical Society members are eligible to vote via WisMed Mobile.* The candidate materials are available for review on the ballot as well.

The Board of Directors will consider nominees for the AMA Delegates, Board of Directors and Nominating Committee members at its meeting in April.

*If you haven’t downloaded WisMed Mobile app, you can do so here. For assistance, please contact [email protected] or 800.762.8975.

Attend your WisMed district or section annual meeting

Planning for Wisconsin Medical Society district and section annual meetings is underway. These meetings are intended to provide information about Wisconsin Medical Society activities, discuss current policy proposals and conduct any district/section business, including the determination of representation on the Wisconsin Medical Society Board of Directors and Nominating Committee. This page will be updated with additional meeting information like time, location and registration links, if applicable. You must be a Wisconsin Medical Society member to participate.

Please also register for Health & Harmony, the Wisconsin Medical Society’s medical education, Foundation fundraiser and annual business meeting, will be held April 5 and 6 at the Monona Terrace in Madison.

For more information contact Kelley Deibert. Click here to find your district. 

• District 1 – TBD
• District 2 – March 5
• District 3 – January 18
• District 4 – March 19
• District 5 – March 7
• District 6 – March 19
• District 7 – March 12
• District 8 – March 14
• Student Section – April 5
• Resident/Fellow Section (RFS) – April 4
• Young Physician Section (YPS) – April 4

Policy proposals can be submitted and reviewed via PolicyLink.* Please contact [email protected] with any questions or for help logging in.

*PolicyLink is a members-only resource and will require you to log in. For questions or assistance please contact [email protected].

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Free on-demand CME and MOC Part II credit opportunity

Improving Identification and Management of Elder Abuse and Neglect is now available on demand and provides learners the opportunity to claim CME and/or MOC Part II credit. This course was designed to bring awareness to elder abuse and neglect for advanced practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, physicians, social workers and other interested health care professionals. The course is presented by Tony Rosen, MD, MPH and Alyssa Elman, LCSW, Weill Cornell Medicine. Click here to view full details.

This opportunity is made possible thanks to grant funding support from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services in collaboration with partners from Wisconsin Hospital Association, Wisconsin Department of Justice and Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources.

Click here to check out our other available courses, including opioid prescribing education. Please email [email protected] with any questions.

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Change your money mindset – get a “free” car

Whether you call it financial independence, financial freedom or work optional. The concept is having enough money to no longer need a paycheck. Sometimes, it’s the person’s mindset that gets in the way of personal finance. Let’s look at three different money mindsets when it comes to purchasing a car.

My challenge for you is to change your money mindset.

For personalized help with your financial plan, please contact Mark Ziety, CFP®, AIF® 608.442.3750. 

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor or tax professional before making any financial decisions.

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Legal services for WisMed members

The Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) has proudly partnered with the law firm von Briesen & Roper, s.c. to bring our members important benefits including:

• A no charge one-hour consultation valued at $500
• Reduced rates on follow-up work valued at a savings of approximately $100 per hour
• WisMed Legal Assist Hotline at 608.442.3715 or [email protected]

WisMed members can seek consultation on topics such as regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, starting or expanding a business, contract questions, employment law concerns and more.

To learn more about services and von Briesen & Roper, sc., click here.

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