IMS Task Force Report examines weaknesses in Iowa's health care system

Although Iowa continues to rank high in quality measures, a new report from an Iowa Medical Society Task Force suggests that the state's ability to meet future health care needs will be in jeopardy if steps aren't taken to address several key areas, such as Medicare reimbursement and physician recruitment. Read the IMS news release and view the news conference...
  • FDA heparin recall
    Health professionals are urged to examine drug/device storage areas, including emergency kits, dialysis units and automated drug storage cabinets to ensure that all recalled heparin products have been removed and are no longer available for patient use. In addition, the FDA is releasing information about other types of medical devices that contain or are coated with heparin. Read more...
  • Physician's Corner: The Medicare crisis
    IMS President-elect Michael Kitchell, MD, has written an article about the pending crisis in access to care caused by flaws in the Medicare payment formula. On July 1, Medicare payments to Iowa physicians will be cut by 12.5 % unless Congress acts soon. Read more...
  • Payout pending in BCBS settlement
    Several provisions in the national Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement have taken effect after a final order by the federal court in Miami. The settlements are designed to curb contentious business practices that have long frustrated physicians and jeopardized the delivery of quality patient care. Read more...
  • MedPAC urges primary care pay increase
    The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) voted to recommend to Congress an increase in Medicare reimbursement for physicians who provide primary care services. The recommendation was one of two approved by the congressional advisory board that were intended to improve beneficiaries' access and relationship to non-specialists. Read more...
  • IMS Coding Seminar
    now available online!
    Because you and your staff asked for it, the IMS Jazz Up Your Coding Skills seminar is now available online! Enjoy access to valuable information in the office, at home or on your laptop at any time day or night. Read more...
  • Measles outbreak sparks concern
    So far this year, 64 cases of confirmed measles have been reported in the U.S. Ten states have cases (including Illinois) and outbreaks are ongoing in five: Wisconsin, Washington, Arizona, Michigan and New York. Health care providers who suspect measles should contact public health immediately. Officials are available 24/7 at 800-362-2736. Read more...
  • Hoffmann to serve as new IMS President
    Dr. Patricia Hoffmann, Des Moines, has been elected President of the Iowa Medical Society and Michael Kitchell, MD, Ames was elected President-elect at the IMS Annual Meeting in Des Moines. In addition, the House of Delegates elected several new board members and considered eight resolutions. Read more...
  • IMS offers NPI database
    IMS has developed a database of Iowa physician NPI numbers. IMS members may access this password-protected Web site and search for the NPI for both IMS members and nonmembers. While CMS also has a searchable database, many physician addresses are not being kept up to date, making it less accurate than the IMS database. Visit www.imsnpi.org.
  • Physician Leadership in Quality and Patient Safety
    Health care is entering a challenging era of transparency and accountability, and the Iowa Medical Society wants to make sure you have the tools to succeed in this new enviro-
    nment! Don't miss out on an opportunity to learn from the experts and find out how physicians from your area are engaging their colleagues in quality initiatives. Register today for one of four seminars we're offering in Davenport, Cedar Rapids, Sioux City or West Des Moines. Read more...
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