NYSPA (Area II)
Fall Meeting, November, 2006
(Editor’s Note: Doctors Shirley Papilsky and Jeffrey Sverd served as our Representatives to the APA Assembly and Area II for the past 2 years. Following are their final reports. Thank you, Doctors Papilsky and Sverd, for working so diligently on behalf of GLIPS.)
Executive Director’s Report
Seth Stein reported that there will be an increase in Medicare / Medicaid crossover payments for psychiatric services for the period April 1,2006 through March 1,2007, which were previously subjected to a 50% outpatient reduction by Medicare. Medicaid crossover payment will be raised to the same level as all other services rendered by physicians. Prior claims will be readjusted. CMS recently announced that it plans to enhance work value of certain CPT evaluation and management codes, which represent significant billing opportunities for psychiatrists. Psychiatrists need to review these materials to determine whether codes are appropriate for services rendered.
President’s Report
Among the issues discussed by President Deborah Cross, MD, were the creation of a new Information Technology Committee to be chaired by Vice President Glen Martin, MD. The committee will focus on issues such as electronic medical records, prescribing, and other issues affecting the practice of psychiatry. She noted that the NYS Board of Professional Medical Conduct is seeking additional members, and that those interested should contact her.
Treasurer’s Report and Budget Committee Report
Darvin Varon, MD, Treasurer reported that there has been an increase in dues revenue for the period January through September 2006. A copy of the Financial Statement indicates good financial status of NYSPA. Aaron Satloff, MD, Chair of the Budget Committee, presented the proposed Budget for 2007 and said that NYSPA may ask a slight increase in dues. It was noted that there has not been an increase in dues for some time.
NYSPA Legislative Report
Dr. Barry Perlman and Richard Gallo, legislative consultant, delivered the Legislative report . It was reported that the New York State Senate unanimously passed Timothy’s Law to provide parity insurance coverage for mental illness. Assembly passage is pending and expected. NYSPA is working to accomplish passage and obtain the Governor’s support for the measure. The legislation requires that all insurance companies cover 30 inpatient days of treatment and 20 days of outpatient treatment for all mental illnesses. Copays and deductibles will be the same as those for other illnesses. The cost to employers of 50 or less employees will be subsidized by the State. Policies and contracts for employers of more than 50 employees must include full parity coverage for “biologically based” mental illness. Insurance coverage is also required for children under 18 who have ADHD, disruptive disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, serious aggressive behaviors, and self-destructive and suicidal behaviors. The State Insurance Department and Office of Mental Health are required to conduct a 2-year study of the effects of the legislation.
NYSPA strongly supported the ban on the practice of confining psychiatrically disabled prison inmates to special housing units. Governor Pataki vetoed the bill, stating that the State has significantly expanded its prison mental health program to identify and treat mentally ill inmates. This bill will be revisited. The Assembly and Senate passed a version of a sexually violent predator confinement bill but did not agree on a final version.
Other matters
Dr. James Nininger, who is a member of the APA Membership Committee, reported a more proactive approach for recruiting residents and reaching out to psychiatrists not currently represented by the APA such as prison psychiatrists. Dr. Nininger, who is a member of the Disaster Psychiatrists Committee, noted that all DBs should designate a disaster liaison.
Emily Stein, MD, of the Committee on MIT and Early Career Psychiatrists, discussed ways to improve member participation and to recruit psychiatric residents.
The Committee on Children and Adolescents is in need of additional members. The problems of children with dual diagnoses and the need for and coordination of services by OMRDD and OMH requires addressing.
Similarly, the Committee on Public Psychiatry discussed this issue, as well as the issue of the needs of adults with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.
Finally, it was reported that there has been an increase in contributions made to the Political Action Committee.