Posts tagged with ghana

Now here's a combination of topics that no one will ever look for. I don't know, for "search engine optimization purposes" whether mixing two items like this is better or worse than writing two quick blog pieces (and pushing content further down the page or into the archives), but I won't worry about it.

First, many of you have noticed that the traffic on PedTalk and the SOAPM lists had died off for about two weeks. You can see why here:

http://web.mac.com/jsstoller/iWeb/Site/2008%20OCI%20Mission.html
http://web.mac.com/jsstoller/iWeb/Site/End%20of%20mission%20fun.html

...this what Drs. Stoller and Lessin were up to from Mar 6 to Mar 19 - their medical mission to Ghana.

Second, some of you are aware of the fight we have had with the AMA over our RVU calculators. You'll notice that this one only contains a subset of the codes (the most important pediatric ones) and this one requires you download the codes yourself. Their argument was that, due to their copyright of the CPT codes, no one is allowed to publish any more than 30 CPT codes (and the accompanying RVU values). We didn't have the $$ to fight them, so no more free RVU calculator that doesn't require you to download the codes yourself. Anyway, I have enjoyed making a collection of WWW sites that publish full RVU/CPT values. The problem is that I keep finding them everywhere. There are literally dozens, if not hundreds, more. I wonder why the AMA has time to threaten PCC with a lawsuit and not all these folks? [Hint: it has to do with Ingenix losing money.]

Physician’s Practice just ran this article. It’s a real treat for me because, once Dr. Stoller does her presentation about Ghana at our 2007 Users’ Conference, then all three of the principles of the article - Pam Moore, Dr. Stoller, and Susanne Madden - have given presentations at our UC!

Small world.

The article itself will frustrate anyone who works in this business. We already know how Oxford, et al, cheat. It’s remarkable, though, because people are finally starting to make these things known the public. I am hoping, meanwhile, that Pam Moore follows up with more focus on the non-fee schedule parts of the changes the inscos make. Yes, the fee schedule is important but, in 2007, it’s a smaller piece than ever (oooh, double meaning).

Last fall, Dr. Stoller called me.  "Do you know anyone who can do general repair like light carpentry or electrical work, is pretty technical, likes to take pictures, and can write about the kids we perform surgeries on in Ghana?"  Hmmm, let me think.

Sure, it was a setup, but I am appreciative and quite honored to be allowed, frankly, to participate in Our Chance International's annual trip to Ghana from March 5-15.  Their story is not an unusual one, but a good one nonetheless.  I couldn't pass up the opportunity to help some people who need help in a way that puts things in perspective for me.  My only anxiety, really, is being away from my family for so long...but I understand that I'll be tired enough that I won't notice.

I have no idea how "connected" I'll be in Ghana, so no promises about the blog.  I expect to post some photos and stories, though, and then return to my humble pediatric practice management roots when I get back.  

Ghana was...hard to describe.  Did I "enjoy" my trip?  Not really.  Did I have a "good time?"  That's not what I'd call it.  Would I do it again?  Definitely (with a caveat of needing family support).  It was an overwhelming, rewarding experience that I was priveleged to contribute to, in my meager way. 

I hope to have a photo-essay up soon, but here's an amazing result from the trip.

Meanwhile, Susanne Madden released her Q4 2008 Managed Care Company Rankings a week or two ago.  READ IT.