LEXINGTON The first Mayor’s Healthcare Economy Conference, presented by Lexington Health, Economy and Life Science Institute (HEALS) was held June 26 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lexington, KY. Over 150 physicians, medical administrators and healthcare professionals gathered to hear a presentation by Gregg Nunziata, Senior Director, The Advisory Board Company, in Washington, DC.
“Healthcare at a Crossroads, Surveying the Landscape at a Time of Fundamental Change” was Nunziata’s theme. The conference was held two days before the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Affordable Care Act, but Nunziata stated that whatever the Court’s decision, “health [care] reform changes in the rules of the game.”
A major outcome of healthcare reform, said Nunziata, was that “physicians were getting paid less, to do less.” With an emphasis on fewer hospital re-admissions and pay-for performance, “Washington is keeping score. Hospitals are being judged and it’s based on patient satisfaction,” said Nunziata.
A presentation followed on the economic impact generated by the four Lexington hospitals. The panel included Gary Payne, CEO, Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital; Preston P. Nunnelley, MD, vice- president of Medical Affairs, Central Baptist Hospital; Eric Gilliam, administrator Saint Joseph East; and Michael Karpf, executive vice president for Health Affairs, University of Kentucky and was moderated by Bob Quick, president/CEO, Commerce Lexington.
A standing ovation greeted Ardis Dee Hoven, MD, newly announced president-elect of the American Medical Association, as she was warmly introduced by David J. Bensema, MD, Lexington HealS Institute Board. Dr. Hoven gave a brief summary of her path from physician to AMA president-elect, citing her work for the Lexington Medical Society and the Kentucky Medical Association.
Addressing the Affordable Care Act, (ACA) Hoven stated that although the ACA gives physicians the opportunity to be paid for providing care to all their patients, “the SGR must be repealed.” The AMA will “continue to be a voice for physicians with an emphasis on physician satisfaction. We need to take the politics out of healthcare,” Hoven stated.
Hoven received the Henry Clay Ambassador award from Lexington Mayor Jim Gray for her lifelong commitment to the healthcare industry in Kentucky.
Bensema concluded the conference with a strong call to action to fellow physicians. “It is the vision of HEALS to make Lexington the healthiest mid-size city in America. We are the leaders of the health care team. Gone are the days of working solo. We must collaborate to reach that vision.”
15th Annual Shoulder Symposium Draws Record Crowd
Lexington The largest group of attendees ever, 234, attended the 15th Annual Shoulder Symposium presented by The Shoulder Center of Kentucky where an international panel of orthopedic experts discussed the Clinical Implications for Scapular Dyskinesis in Shoulder Injury in Lexington KY, July 27–28.
Orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians plus numerous physical therapists and athletic trainers from across the country formed the audience in the nearly sold out venue, according to Aaron Sciascia, of The Shoulder Center and Symposium coordinator.
Sciascia attributed the success to the clinical and research contributions from the faculty. This year’s course summarized traditional methods of evaluation and rehabilitation of scapular dysfunction in shoulder injury and presented new evidence either confirming or refuting the application of the methods. Each presentation complimented the subsequent presentations allowing for increased continuity within the established course curriculum. “As we continue to move forward with our research efforts, we will strive to make the information readily available to practicing clinicians in open meetings such as this symposium in an attempt to enhance clinical practices,” said Sciascia.