2016 MOCEP Advocacy Day Jonathan Heidt, MD, FACEP

POSTED: April 5th, 2016
POSTED IN: Spring 2016,

2016 MOCEP Advocacy Day

Jonathan Heidt, MD, FACEP

 

On January 27th, MOCEP held its 3rd Annual Advocacy Day in Jefferson City. Each year, this gathering of emergency physicians arrives from across the state to discuss shared issues within emergency medicine. The morning comprised of updates on ACEP and MOCEP initiatives by MOCEP officers and our governmental consultant. Following these updates we had visits from several of our legislators to discuss current issues that will impact emergency medicine. Topics and speakers included:

 

Medicaid Delivery Support Task Force – Rep. Marsha Haefner

Effects of Budget on Medicaid & Provider Rates – Rep. Sue Allen

TeleHealth Issues – Rep. Jay Barnes

 

In the afternoon numerous meetings were held with our state representatives and senators to advocate for our patients and our specialty. Our attendance this year comprised of almost 30 physicians, residents and medical students from both academic and community centers. The attendees were able to have meetings with almost 20 of our legislators! Issues discussed included: Collateral Source, (SB847) the bill which ensures medical expense awards match amounts actually paid for medical treatments, HMO plans (HB1592) and a bill (to be filed soon) that would require health insurance companies to send payments directly to providers rather than to patients (which would require us to try and collect the reimbursement from patients). Overall, the day was very educational and productive. We are already looking forward to the 4th Annual Advocacy Day in 2017. If you have any questions please contact Jonathan Heidt (jonathan@mocep.org).