One of the most commonly reported frustrations expressed by physicians today is dealing with prior authorization. Recent national research suggests that prior authorization requirements frequently lead to delayed patient care and can have a negative impact on the clinical outcomes for patients. Now, we also know that physicians in our state share those sentiments. 

KMS conducted a survey of its members seeking to identify the impact prior authorization has on physicians and patient care. The results (infographic) were clear:

• 97 percent of respondents reported that prior authorization delays access to necessary care
• 91 percent of respondents indicate prior authorization can have a negative impact on patient clinical outcomes
• 95 percent describe the burden associated with prior authorization as high or extremely high
• 96 percent of respondents indicated that the prior authorization has increased over the last five years

The survey results mirror those of a national survey which was conducted by the American Medical Association. KMS replicated the AMA’s survey so we might have state-specific data to help inform our advocacy on behalf of Kansas physicians. 

KMS has already begun meeting with payers to help them understand the extent of this administrative burden. We will also be sharing with them a set of principles adopted by the KMS Board of Trustees which can help inform positive changes to the prior authorization system. 

The practice of medicine and health care in general are experiencing a continuation of rapid and complex change. This pace and complexity is not expected to subside and thus is our “new normal." During the coming year, the Kansas Medical Society is uniquely positioned to respond, lead and positively influence in a number of different ways. Below are five areas in which we plan to direct much of our time, talent and resources in 2019.

MEMBERSHIP GROWTH and ENGAGEMENT

Membership is the lifeblood of KMS and we’re fortunate to appear to have reversed the trend of declining membership. In 2019 membership growth will continue to be our top priority followed closely by member engagement. We will continue to increase the frequency and methods of our meaningful interaction with KMS members.

ADVOCACY

If membership is the lifeblood of KMS then advocacy is the beating heart of KMS. Advocacy is at the core of all we do. Advocating for our members and the practice of medicine is what we do best whether it’s at the Capital, negotiating with an insurance payor, championing a public health policy or assisting a physician battling burnout. Each KMS staff member is passionate about advocating for our members and the practice of medicine in Kansas.

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KMS members are invited to join their physician colleagues at the upcoming KMS Annual Meeting to be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018. The meeting will be held at the KMS office (623 SW 10th Ave.) in Topeka from 9am-2:30pm. A key portion of the event is a facilitated, open discussion about important topics facing medicine in Kansas; this year, we’ll specifically focus on the challenges regarding opioid abuse and the physician’s role in that changing environment.

• REGISTER TODAY!

AMA President-elect to speak about opioids

Joining us will be Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA, the newly elected President-elect of the American Medical Association. Dr. Harris also chairs the AMA Task Force to Reduce Opioid Abuse with the goal to increase physicians’ registration and use of effective prescription drug-monitoring programs; enhance physician education on effective, evidence-based prescribing; reduce the stigma of chronic pain and substance-use disorder (SUD); and promote comprehensive assessment and treatment; expand access to naloxone in the community and through co-prescribing; and promote safe storage and disposal of opioids and all medications. Dr. Harris, a psychiatrist from Atlanta, has diverse experience as a private practicing physician, public health administrator, patient advocate and medical society lobbyist.  She was elected to the AMA Board of Trustees in June 2011.  

Keynote speaker: “Dreamland” author

The day will conclude with our Luncheon Keynote Speaker, Sam Quinones. Mr. Quinones is a journalist, storyteller, former L.A. Times reporter, and author of three acclaimed books including Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic, the 2015 National Book Critics Circle Award Winner for general nonfiction. The book chronicles the opiate crisis of a town in Ohio, and how that town came together to address dependency and work toward economic and social revitalization. Mr. Quinones is busy on the speaking circuit, recently speaking to members of the medical societies in Colorado and Indiana. 

If you have questions, contact Nancy Sullivan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This year, for the fifth time in our history, all KMS members will have the opportunity to vote on the election of the physicians who will lead our organization. Previously, only those physicians who attended the House of Delegates meeting as a delegate had the opportunity to vote. We are excited about this change and look forward to enhanced member engagement in this most-important process.

Directions

• Select the electronic ballot which matches your Trustee District:

  • Central District

  • Central District (Sedgwick County only)

  • Eastern District

  • Eastern District (Wyandotte-Johnson counties only)

  • Western District

• All votes must be cast by September 21, 2018.

If you have questions about the election process, please contact the KMS office at 800.332.0156.

The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts has adopted a statement on the use of controlled substances for the treatment of chronic pain.

Download the policy here

The joint policy was also adopted by the Kansas Board of Nursing and the Kansas Board of Pharmacy.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the KMS Annual Meeting (#KMS2017) is the hearing from our physician members, through the Members Forum. This year was no exception. During the September 9 meeting, members provided their perspectives on important issues impacting Kansas physicians.

Pharmacist Prescribing

Members discussed the current practice of drug therapy management allowed by pharmacists who are working with physicians through collaborative practice agreements. Some pharmacists have asserted that collaborative practice agreements are too restrictive and patients would be better served by pharmacist prescribing. Members reported concerns about disrupting collaborative practice agreements and allowing pharmacists to supplant the role of the physician. There was unanimous agreement that collaborative practice agreements are helpful to patients and allow both providers to address the needs of patients in a team-like fashion.

Maintenance of Certification

Extensive comments were received regarding the benefit of MOC. Many physicians reported that MOC imposed significant new requirements and costs on busy physicians with little to show as positive outcomes. The AMA was recommended as a source for policy and strategies regarding MOC as well as partnership with other state medical societies and specialty societies seeking responsiveness from ABMS. State legislation was discussed as a potential strategy to prevent the inappropriate use of MOC that would restrict a physicians’ ability to practice. KMS is actively engaged in the MOC issue at the state and federal levels.

Medical Marijuana

The question posed to KMS Membership was whether its current policy should change regarding the use of medical marijuana. Currently, KMS policy opposes the use of marijuana for medical purposes due to lack of FDA approval and scientific evidence of medical efficacy. Several physicians indicated that while they are not personally or philosophically opposed to marijuana if it has proven medical use, both scientific research, evidence and training will be necessary before there is support for legalizing cannabis for medical use.

Physician Burnout/Wellness

Research was shared that indicated an increase in the number of US physicians who report symptoms of burnout. One of the most recent reports indicate that 54% of practicing physicians display one or more symptoms of burnout. Numerous physicians provided factors that contribute to physician burnout and one physician reported that research indicates women physicians experience burnout at a higher rate than their male colleagues.

Opioid/Pain Management

A number of physicians acknowledged the current opioid challenge within Kansas and the challenge of balancing the need/duty to treat a patient’s pain while not inadvertently creating a physical dependency for opioid based prescriptions. There was common agreement that K-TRACS was a valuable tool for physicians. Several physicians cited the need for additional physician education on the issues of opioid addiction and effective pain management strategies. Lastly, several KMS members urged KMS to discourage legislative interference in the patient-physician relationship as it pertains to pain management.

Click a link below to view the web versions of Kansas Physician, our e-newsletter. The link will open in a new browser window or tab.

(NOTE: Due to a mid-year change in our delivery mechanism, newsletters from 2017 are divided. You will find issues published January-June here.)

Frank SesnoJoin us September 9

Make plans to join us at the upcoming KMS Annual Meeting on Saturday, September 9, 2017 from 9am-2:30pm at the KMS/KaMMCO Building in Topeka.

REGISTER HERE

We are excited about this one-day format which includes networking and time for members to share concerns & ideas directly with the KMS Board of Trustees. Our keynote speaker, Frank Sesno–Correspondent, Anchor and Washington Bureau Chief, CNN (1984-2001; 2005-2009) and Director, George Washington University's School of Media & Public Affairs–will discuss the challenging politics surrounding health care and share how asking the right questions, at the right time can spark meaningful dialogue on important topics.

Are you asking the right questions?

Well-known as anchor, White House Correspondent and talk show host with CNN, he is also a nationally-renowned moderator, who has engaged some of the world’s leading personalities. Sesno currently serves as Director of George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs, where he leads a faculty of nearly two dozen world-class faculty who research and teach journalism, political communication and the impact of digital media in international affairs.

Mr. Sesno has authored a book entitled Ask More which addresses the art of inquiry wherein inspirational people have discovered truth and success through curiosity, questions and the ability to actively listen. Sesno will discuss how people–through improved questioning–can improve their interactions. He will also provide attendees with insight into the current political dynamics surrounding the national discussion on health care.

Contact Nancy Sullivan (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Denise Lantz (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you have questions.

2017-2018 KMS Board of Trustees Nominations and Ballots

With the KMS Annual Meeting comes the opportunity for all KMS members to vote on the election of the physicians who will lead the organization. The slate of nominations and ballots for the 2017-2018 KMS Board of Trustees will be mailed to you in the coming days. We encourage you to take a few moments and participate in the election process by casting your vote. If you have questions, contact the KMS office at 800.332.0156.