February 26th, 2010
A Message from the ASSH President
- A column from President Robert M. Szabo, MD, MPH
One Question
- View the results from last week's One Question
ASSH News
- ASSH Website Maintenance Next Week
- JHS Editor-in-Chief Application Materials due February 28, 2010
- Foundation Announcements
- Upcoming Research Grant and Award Deadlines
- Call for 2010 ASSH Volunteer Committee Applications - deadline today
- 2010 Diversity Awareness in Patient Care Survey
- Call for Applicants: Research Division Director
- Improve Your Practice Website with One Easy Step
ASSH Courses and Meetings
- Self-Assessment Exam Registration - Deadline April 2, 2010
- 2010 Master Skills Series: Trauma of the Elbow, Forearm and Wrist
- General Orthopaedic Review
- Comprehensive Review in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
- Call for Abstracts - deadline is March 1st
Healthcare Reform News
- SGR Update - From AMA
- Update on Status of March 1 Medicare Payment Cut - From AMA
- President Unveils Proposed Health Reform Outline - From AMA
A Message from the ASSH President
Dear Members,
The deadline for abstract submissions to our annual meeting is rapidly approaching: MARCH 1, 2010.
To know what you can expect, I’ve asked Alex Shin and Ghazi Ryan to succinctly tell you what they are planning. In their words, this meeting will:
• Challenge dogma
• Rock the establishment
• Contradict or verify existing studies
• Revolutionize hand surgery
We hope you help by submitting an abstract to the Annual Meeting of the ASSH being held in Boston, home of the American Revolution. Without your participation the meeting is just a meeting. Make it an event to redefine hand surgery. We promise an exciting, enthusiastic and a science filled program. With expert based Symposiums to up-to-date Instructional Course Lectures and spectacular guest speakers, we are looking forward to an exceptional meeting.
- Bob, Alex and Ghazi
One Question
Last week, we asked you if you use the PDFs of the patient education brochures that are available on the ASSH website. Read the results of the poll here.
ASSH News
ASSH Website Maintenance Next Week
Starting the morning of Wednesday, March 3rd, we will be performing maintenance on the ASSH website. There will be outage periods when you will be unable to access the ASSH website, your account, register for a meeting, or purchase a product. We hope to complete the work by Thursday afternoon. We appreciate your patience.
Extended Deadline for JHS Editor-in-Chief Application!
Materials Now Due February 28, 2010
The ASSH Journal Advisory Group (JAG) is now accepting applications for the Journal of Hand Surgery Editor-in-Chief. The position would begin on January 1, 2011 at the close of the current editor's contract.
The Editor-in-Chief should have dedication and vision, and will be responsible for soliciting, reviewing and selecting articles for publication, in addition to various other responsibilities. If you are interested, download a PDF of the application or contact Tara Havenga (thavenga@assh.org). Applications are due on February 28, 2010.
Foundation Announcements
Order of Complus Manus - Candidate Members and Active Members who have joined the ASSH during the last three years - You are the future of upper extremity surgery and research. Consider increasing your commitment to that future by becoming a part of the Order of Complus Manus.
Upcoming Research Grants and Awards Deadlines
OMeGA Fellowship and Residency Grants - Deadline March 24
OMeGA Medical Grants Association’s application period is now half over, so hand programs looking for additional funds should apply now.
As a reminder, programs can apply for orthopaedic fellowship grants (up to $75,000) and residency/general education grants (up to $5,000) for the 2010-2011 academic year. Funds are awarded through a consistent, non-biased process, based on objective criteria, and independent of program size, personnel, or affiliation. One point to mention: while we use one application for all fellowship categories, criteria is weighted differently (or not at all, in some cases) to reflect sub-specialty differences.
Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, March 24 at 5pm CST. Programs should go to here to begin the application process. Any questions should be directed to info@omegamedicalgrants.org.
2010 Clinician Scientist Development Program - Deadline March 31
AFSH-HVO Young Surgeon Overseas Program - Deadline March 31
Basic Science and Clinical Research Grants - Deadline April 1
The Weiland Medal - Deadline April 1
Military Research Grant - Deadline April 1
Hand Surgeon-Scientist Award - Deadline December 1
Call for 2010 ASSH Volunteer Committee Application
Deadline February 26, 2010 (March 18th for Affiliate Members)
The deadline for applications is today.
Applications are now being accepted for membership to ASSH Committees for 2010-2011. The volunteer leadership, along with the Central Office, are crucial to the success of our organization.
To learn more about the wide breadth of volunteer opportunities please visit the ASSH website for information on volunteer committees and their charges. Please review the charges carefully. Members are expected to commit to the charges as listed. Apply for an ASSH Committee here.
*Please contact Alexzandra Wallace at awallace@assh.org with any questions.*
2010 Diversity Awareness in Patient Care Survey
ASSH is committed to developing strategy, patient education materials, and educational opportunities for diversity awareness as it relates to patient care, patient and surgeon education.
The ASSH Diversity Committee has developed a survey to probe members’ levels of exposure and education in diversity, as well as the perception of diversity. Please help us by taking the survey today.
*If you have any questions, or are unable to access the survey, please contact Alexzandra Wallace at awallace@assh.org.*
Call for Applicants: Research Division Director - Deadline to apply is March 22, 2010
The application for the Research Division Director position on the ASSH Council is now open.
Qualified candidates will have knowledge of, and commitment to, the ASSH Mission, Vision, Values and Goals as well as availability of time and energy to direct and coordinate the functions of all committees within the Research Division. Information about the qualifications, time commitments and specific duties can be found on the ASSH website.
If you are an interested candidate, or know someone well-qualified, please visit the ASSH website to learn more or complete the application. *Please send all supporting material via email to Alexzandra Wallace at awallace@assh.org, or fax it to (847) 384-1435.*
Improve Your Practice Website with One Easy Step
Connect your webpage to www.assh.org through link exchange! Simply enter your practice URL in your ASSH member profile so it will appear in "Find-a-Hand-Surgeon" and then post a link back to ASSH on your website.
What are the benefits of link exchange? Link exchange is a major part of internet marketing and will improve search engine listings on sites like Google and Bing, both for your site and the Hand Society's. It's one of the easiest, most inexpensive and efficient ways to achieve better ranking and traffic.
Here's how: login to www.assh.org, go to "My Profile" and edit your information to include the URL to your website. This will allow patients who find you while looking for a hand surgeon to immediately visit your site.
Next, include a link to www.assh.org on your webpage. Not only does this show the public and your patients that you are a member of the Hand Society, it also directs them to online information, such as disease-specific brochures.
Want to increase your online presence even more? Join the Hand Society's Facebook group or fan page to read and post hand related news and stay informed on upcoming events. It can serve as good model to create a page for your own practice and start a buzz about hand surgery in your community. Links to social media pages are another great way to increase search engine ranks!
ASSH Courses and Meetings
Can’t remember if you’ve already registered? Visit www.assh.org, login, select "Members" then “My Transactions” in the left column. If you’ve registered, your registration will appear on this list. From here, you can also add sessions/tickets to an existing registration.
Self-Assessment Exam
Registration Deadline: April 2, 2010
REGISTER NOW
This examination is offered as a convenient self-education exercise by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and is available to the health care professionals focusing on the care of the hand and upper extremity. Designed to assist the physician in reviewing basic principles of hand care, the exam also helps to keep the physician abreast of new developments and concepts within the specialty. Cost for members is $155 and cost for nonmembers is $195.
The ASSH designates this educational activity for a maximum of 20.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits (TM). Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. NOTE: Only those who return a completed answer sheet for computer scoring by June 11, 2010 (postmarked) will be eligible for CME.
Registration Deadline April 2, 2010
Examination book (Book 1) mailed to registrants April 19, 2010
Answer Sheet Deadline June 11, 2010
Discussion book (Book 2) mailed to registrants July 30, 2010
All registrants are confirmed by email. If you have not received email confirmation by April 5, 2010 please contact the ASSH Office via telephone at (847)384-8300 or email ddecker@assh.org.
2010 Master Skills Series: Trauma of the Elbow, Forearm and Wrist
May 21 - 22, 2010
Orthopaedic Learning Center - Rosemont, IL
Registration Deadline: May 6, 2010
The Trauma of the Elbow, Forearm and Wrist course is designed with an emphasis on adult learning with a case-based format, along with a hands-on cadaver workshop to provide you with the most current trends and techniques in trauma. Learn more about this program and review the registration fees by visiting the Trauma of the Elbow, Forearm and Wrist webpage. Or, register now.
General Orthopaedic Review
July 15, 2010
Renaissance Downtown Hotel - Chicago, IL
Registration Deadline: June 21, 2010
Co-Sponsored by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)
This one-day review course, brought to you by the AAOS and ASSH, prepares you for the general orthopaedic questions on the combined CAQ exam in Hand Surgery. Held just one day prior to the ASSH Comprehensive Review in Hand Surgery course, this is a convenient opportunity to review generally accepted principles of orthopaedics across the specialties and to prepare you to maintain your certification. A skilled faculty of experienced clinicians will focus on what you need to know in all the other specialty areas of orthopaedics for the exam. Review registration fees and program details on the General Orthopaedic Review webpage. Get started by registering online today.
Comprehensive Review in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
July 16-18, 2010
Renaissance Downtown Hotel - Chicago, IL
Registration Deadline: June 21, 2010
The ASSH Comprehensive Review Course is designed as an advanced review course and update for practicing hand surgeons. The course will review the topical concepts of anatomy, biomechanics and pathology as well as diagnostic and treatment methods relating to hand and elbow surgery. The faculty are recognized experts in hand surgery and have been selected for their knowledge, expertise and contributions relating to the subject matter they present. Learn more about this program and review the registration fees by visiting the Comprehensive Review Course webpage. Or register online today.
Call for Abstracts - Deadline is March 1st
UPCOMING DEADLINE! Don’t miss your chance to present your research at this year’s Annual Meeting! Deadline to submit your proposal is this Monday, March 1. To learn more, visit the Call for Abstracts.
What about your Residents and Fellows? The Residents and Fellows Conference is the ideal time to present their research relevant to the practice of hand surgery. Visit the Residents and Fellows Call for Abstracts to learn more.
Authors will be notified by the end of April whether or not they have been accepted into the program.
Ready to submit? Visit the Abstract Submission Site. Questions? Contact Diana Shkap at dshkap@assh.org.
Healthcare Reform News
SGR Update - From AMA
Yesterday, the House passed HR 4691, legislation that extends a number of expiring programs for 30 days, including current Medicare physician payment rates, which would once again postpone the 21% cut that was scheduled to take effect this year. The Senate attempted unsuccessfully on several occasions last night and this morning to pass the same bill by unanimous consent, but objections were raised by Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY), on the basis that $10 billion cost of the program extensions was not offset. The Senate has now adjourned for the weekend, so the 21% Medicare physician payment cut will be effective on Monday, March 1.
The AMA have been informed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that they are notifying their contractors to hold Medicare physician claims for 10 business days, effective Monday. The agency will also be sending out a similar message on its various list serves this afternoon to physicians, and contractors will be instructed to disseminate this information as well.
Everyone is urged to express their outrage to Congress about its terrible mismanagement of the Medicare and TRICARE programs, which are so important to the health and well-being of Americans who have served our nation so long and so well. Tell them:
- Congress had more than a year to repeal the Medicare payment formula and ensure the security and stability of the program. Instead, it has abandoned patients who rely on Medicare and TRICARE for their health care.
- Parliamentary procedures offer no excuse for the harm they are causing these programs.
- Stop playing games with patients and the physicians; repeal the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula once and for all.
Call the AMA’s Grassroots Hotline: 1-800-833-6354.
President Unveils Proposed Health Reform Outline - From AMA
President Barack Obama released his health system reform proposal on Monday, Feb. 22, for discussion at a bipartisan summit meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Feb. 25. The proposal is described as bridging the gap between bills passed already by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, using the Senate-passed bill as its base. It addresses policy disagreements between the two bills and adds new priorities with respect to making health insurance premiums more affordable, including closing the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit "donut hole," expanding anti-fraud and abuse efforts and other issues. However, the proposal is silent on key AMA concerns with the Senate bill, including the creation of an Independent Payment Advisory Board, development of a value-based payment index and permanent repeal of Medicare's sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula. Elements of the proposal can be viewed on a special White House webpage. The summit itself, scheduled to run for six hours starting at 10:00 a.m. Eastern, will be broadcast live on C-SPAN and can also be viewed via live streaming video.