I am writing on behalf of the OSMA and LCMS.  Our organizations are at a significant crossroads and need your help.  Both membership and participation are at an all-time low.  This is at a time when politics in medicine are at an all-time high. I realize the value limits of your time, so I am writing to inform you of our mission, what has been accomplished, and hope that you will see the value of membership and participation.

This year’s historic health care legislation was preceded by a highly charged and emotional debate.  Since every American citizen was to be touched by the law, representatives from all walks of life tried to make their voices heard.  The issues most affecting physicians today are a flawed reimbursement system (SGR) and tort reform.  The Patient Protection and Health Care reform act did not address either of these concerns. The American Medical Association gave their endorsement in spite of the expressed concerns of their membership.  The Ohio State Medical Association did not endorse the bill because these issues were not addressed.   The OSMA position was that the positives of the bill (97% coverage, no denials for pre-existing conditions, improved preventive services coverage) did not outweigh the deficiencies that would impact access to health care for patients. The expressed position was that the SGR and tort reform needed to be addressed before the OSMA could endorse the bill.

The LCMS performed a survey of its member primary care physicians showing the impact of a reimbursement cut on their practices.  The results showed most would limit the number of new Medicare patients and some would retire sooner than planned.  These results were included in a News Herald article in Sept. 2007 and generated a lot of discussion and interest from our patients in the area.

The LCMS has brought in a number of speakers who have provided insight and information with direct benefits to physician practices.  Most recently, Mr. DiGeronimo spoke about “Red Flag” rules as they pertain to identity fraud and our practices.  Jeana Singleton of Brennan, Manna & Diamond law firm outlined the changes that will be ushered in by the new health care law on a year to year basis. She explained the changes as they relate to patients, physicians and small businesses.

Together the OSMA and LCMS have engaged in a “prescription pad” campaign on behalf of the Supreme Court candidates that understand the importance and positive impact liability caps have had on malpractice costs and patient access to health care.  Remaining vigilant in this cause is of utmost importance, as has been demonstrated in other states where liability caps have been overturned by state’s supreme courts.

The LCMS has provided social/networking opportunities that are family friendly. Our annual “Night at the Captains” has been an enjoyable evening of baseball entertainment, plenty of food, and fireworks.  Our Holiday dinner has been a wonderfully planned evening at the Kirtland Country Club with exquisite food and a live band.

We are in the process of constructing a new website with blogging capability.  We will have medically related links.  We will have our members advertised.  We will even be able to link to practice websites if/when they start developing.

Lastly, the Lake County Medical Alliance, through many fund raising efforts and shear grit, has been able to provide scholarships to deserving young adults who’ve set their hearts on a career in medicine and allied health.  Their membership and participation challenges mirror our own.  However, like us, their commitments to the community and causes have not diminished.

Membership to the OSMA and LCMS are linked.  This membership is separate from AMA membership however. Both politically and socially, our organization will always strive to meet the needs of its members, our patients, and the community as a whole.  I hope you see the value of membership.  More importantly, I ask that you see the value of participation.

Sincerely,

Frank Jevnikar M.D., President LCMS