MAG’s MEP 401(k)

Posted on February 12, 2016February 15, 2016

Kevin Rainwater talks MAG’s 401(k) plan

MAG’s MEP 401(k)

We continue our series with Medical Association of Georgia, hosting Kevin Rainwater of Atlanta Capital Group to learn about MAG’s MEP 401(k) plan. Kevin Rainwater is a managing partner with Atlanta Capital Group, specializing in retirement planning.

Kevin began his career in the financial services industry more than 16 years ago. He has a passion for helping employees, executives and business owners reach their retirement goals. Kevin provides investment and plan advisory services to companies and individuals throughout the nation.

He relies on his extensive knowledge of qualified plan design and investment offerings to provide business owners and participants with the most competitive retirement plan option available.

MAG member practices can save time and money and retain employees by participating in a MAG-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan that’s available through the Atlanta Capital Group and Transamerica.

The MAG 401(k) Plan is treated like one large plan from a government Form 5500 reporting standpoint. The result is a 401(k) plan with competitive investments, outstanding service, and someone else doing a majority of the plan maintenance leg work. With more than 7,800 members, MAG offers a large, unified plan.

When you utilize the MAG 401(k) Plan, you have all of the advantages and flexibility of a stand-alone plan, while avoiding the expenses and administrative headaches associated with sponsoring a stand-alone plan.

Member benefits include cost savings on the investments; No individual Form 5500 reporting; Minimal plan maintenance; Flexible plan features, including safe harbor; Roth and profit sharing; Customizable 401(k) plan design options involving eligibility, matches, and vesting schedules; No audit at member level.

By participating in the MAG 401(k) Plan, virtually all of the administrative tasks can be offloaded from the practice to Transamerica, ACG, and MAG.

Special Guest:

Kevin Rainwater, Partner, Atlanta Capital Group

BS, Marketing, University of Alabama
Previous Regional Sales Director, First Mercantile
Former Director, National Accounts, The Standard

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia

Posted on January 18, 2016January 25, 2016

Podcast: Download

Blue Cross Blue Shield of GA CEO, Jeff Fusile

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia

On this week’s episode with our partner, Medical Association of Georgia, MAG CEO, Donald Palmisano, Jr., joined me in studio. We hosted Jeff Fusile, the recently-appointed President for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia. Jeff joined the company in the lead role, coming over from Anthem in November of 2015.

Jeff Fusile is president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa), the state’s oldest and largest health insurance company. He oversees sales, account service, marketing, underwriting, and customer relationships. Jeff is involved in corporate strategy planning and execution, and he serves as the primary contact for state regulators to ensure compliance and manage any state-related matters.

Jeff previously served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Commercial & Specialty Business Division of Anthem, Inc., which is Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s parent company. He joined Anthem in 2011 after spending 22 years as a strategic management consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Jeff is a licensed CPA. He has qualified as an expert witness in insurance and the broader health care industry. He is widely recognized as an industry leader in health care strategy, corporate governance, compliance, enterprise risk management, HIPAA, and ICD-10.

As the health care landscape undergoes an unprecedented transformation, the traditional relationships between providers and payers are also evolving. With the largest network of providers in the state, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) serves more than 3 million Georgians and is the only plan offered in all 159 counties. BCBSGa President Jeff Fusile will discuss how BCBSGa is developing programs to facilitate better collaboration with providers, make health care more affordable for consumers and simplify the access to care. Reaching out to rural communities and the impact of technology on delivering innovative solutions was also discussed.

Special Guest:

Jeff Fusile, CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia

BS, Accounting & Finance, Florida State University College of Business
Certified Public Accountant
Previous Managing Partner, PriceWaterhouseCoopers
Former Senior VP/CFO, Commercial & Specialty Business, Anthem

Insurance Reimbursement

Posted on December 15, 2015

Podcast: Download

John Oxendine talks insurance reimbursement.

Insurance Reimbursement

This week’s show was part of our monthly series with MAG and we focused our conversation on legal issues around commercial insurance reimbursement for physicians. Former insurance commissioner for the state of GA, attorney, and expert on the subject, John Oxendine, joined me in the studio to talk about some important things physicians need to know relating to commercial insurance reimbursement.

There are laws that lay out requirements for timeliness of payment and/or communications regarding submitted claims that must be adhered to by insurance companies. Additionally, there are also rules around documentation of assignment of representation that can be the difference between losing five or six figures to insurance company claw back or being able to deny those requests to return payment for previously-delivered care.

John Oxendine is uniquely qualified to provide advice and information to physicians on the subject of health insurance reimbursement. He spent over 15 years as Georgia’s State Insurance Commissioner. He has worked closely with MAG, the Georgia Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage, AMA, and numerous other health care provider organizations.

While Insurance Commissioner, John created a division at the Department of Insurance to help physicians with claims payment issues. Additionally, he was the first commissioner in the country to levy large fines against insurance companies not in compliance with the state’s prompt pay law.

Special Guest:

John Oxendine, Attorney, John Oxendine PC

Doctor of Law, Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law
Former Commissioner, Georgia Department of Insurance, 1995-2011

Self Funded Insurance Plans

Posted on November 9, 2015November 9, 2015

Podcast: Download

Alan Conner talks self funded insurance plans with CW Hall

Self Funded Insurance Plans

On this week’s episode I sat down with Alan Conner, of Your Professional CFO. Alan is a tax and accounting expert who works with a wide range of companies and professionals, including physicians.

I met Alan a few weeks ago in the hall of our office building. After learning about how he helps physicians, I knew we needed to have him stop by to talk about it. In addition to providing basic accounting/payroll functions, Alan also helps physicians develop effective, legal tax strategies, including self funded insurance plans to reduce their tax burden and risk at the same time.

Alan shared the story of his older brother, an ER physician in Florida. He explained the fact that his brother, as do many physicians, work as 1099 contractors for the respective practice they serve. In this relationship, the doctor receives a gross paycheck with no tax withheld.

In this situation it is vital for the provider to plan for their tax obligation and pay it in a timely fashion (at least quarterly) or they face between 5-10% penalties, which can quickly add up to significant amounts, based on the numbers they’re working with.

Alan explained several options available to physicians that work as 1099 contractors, including self funded insurance plans, pension plans, SEP IRA’s, and others, that will help them preserve their hard-earned revenue for later while protecting them from risk such as loss of medical license should that occur.

It’s clear after speaking with him that it is advisable for our colleagues in the community to partner with experts such as Alan to develop a solid plan for managing their tax obligations as well as helping to secure their financial future.

Special Guest:

Alan Conner, CEO, My Professional CFO

MBA, Finance, Nova Southeastern University
Previous Investment Banker, Orosey & Pepe Capital Markets
Former Investment Manager, Arduus Asset Management

Dr. Priyah Rudolph

Posted on August 30, 2015September 1, 2015

Podcast: Download

Dr. Priyah Rudolph

On this episode of Top Docs Radio I hosted Dr. Priyah Rudolph, medical oncologist with Georgia Cancer Specialists. Dr. Rudolph practices in the Athens, GA office for the group and has expertise with several forms of cancer. She shared her poignant story about how she came to choose oncology as her specialty of practice.

Dr. Rudolph described how several members of her family experienced cancer in their lives, including her mother. In speaking with her it’s clear she has a very personal connection with patients she sees in her practice and clearly understands the stress and concern they feel.

For this conversation, we focused on breast cancer. According to breastcancer.org, in the US, roughly 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Nearly 300,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year.

Priya shared the importance self-breast exams, conducted at least monthly, paired with annual mammograms annually after the age of 40 or sooner if direct descendants of breast cancer patients. Early detection helps give the patient more options for treatment, as well as the likelihood of successful treatment.

She talked about various treatments available and what to expect should the troubling news come that a finding is indeed cancer. On a positive note, we talked about the fact that breast cancer is very survivable with today’s technology and medical advancements.

Special Guest:

Dr. Priyah Rudolph, MD, of Georgia Cancer Specialists

Doctor of Medicine, Coimbatore Medical College
Residency, Yale University School of Medicine
Fellowship, Yale University School of Medicine
American Society of Clinical Oncology
American Society of Hematology
PhD in Physiology at The Ohio State University

Radiation Oncology

Posted on August 21, 2015August 22, 2015

Podcast: Download

Radiation Oncology

On this week’s show I sat down with Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Chad Levitt. We talked about how he decided he wanted to go into radiation oncology as his chosen field of practice. He shared how he enjoyed the fact that the specialty allowed him to call on his liberal arts schooling, helping him to be able to be perceptive to his patients’ needs and concerns, and allowing him to communicate effectively with them in a period of significant stress.

Chad explained how important it is for oncology physicians to make time to insure their patients’ questions are answered and that their concerns have been addressed. He believes the patient needs to be well-informed so they can hopefully experience less anxiety and allow them to make educated choices about their care. He stated the patient should be the “Captain of the Ship” and the health team the crew that helps them get to where they want to go.

We talked about the importance of getting 2nd and even 3rd opinions when facing life-changing illnesses such as cancer. Chad shared that it is vital to do so before engaging in treatments that cannot be undone. Given the political and personal alliances that can be present in a given hospital ecosystem, it is wise to seek 2nd opinions in hospitals or systems that are outside that of the primary physician to allow for likelihood of a more objective opinion.

Special Guest:

Dr. Chad Levitt, MD, of Radiotherapy Associates of Forsyth

Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

Posted on August 15, 2015August 18, 2015

Podcast: Download

Dan Huff talks medical malpractice

Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

The phrase medical malpractice causes most people’s pulse to quicken. For a physician being named in a medical malpractice case is one of the worst events in their life. This week we discussed medical malpractice in Georgia and how physicians can avoid it.

For the past 23 years, Dan has specialized in representing physicians and hospitals in medical malpractice lawsuits. As one of the founding partners in the Atlanta law firm of Huff, Powell & Bailey, LLC, he has represented defendants in more than 90 jury trials.

Dan has defended and successfully tried cases for every specialty of medicine and numerous hospitals throughout Georgia. His trial record would be a proud career for any defense lawyer and is remarkable because Dan has tried and won this many cases before turning 50. Many of those cases have been against the best plaintiffs’ attorneys in the state. Dan is also a regular contributor to MAG’s quarterly Journal.

Huff shared what malpractice is, and why he chose this area of focus for his legal career. He offered some advice on how healthcare practitioners can avoid a malpractice lawsuit. We discussed his professional advice for how to handle conversations with patient and/or family after a sentinel event has occurred. And we talked about how health professionals need to handle patient records and what to do if served with a lawsuit.

Dan explained how defendants in a suit should behave during the proceedings of the case to reduce the likelihood a jury will rule against them.

Special Guest:

Dan Huff, JD, and co-founder, Huff, Powell, and Bailey

Ketan Patel DPM

Posted on August 8, 2015

Podcast: Download

Ketan Patel DPM

For 33 years Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia has served the Atlanta community. Their nationally-renowned group of doctors specialize in the full spectrum of care for the lower extremity at 22 area locations across Metro Atlanta. As members of The Piedmont Clinic the group is noted for excellence in patient care while constantly providing the cutting edge treatment for all conditions of the Foot, Ankle, and Lower Leg.

I’ve had the opportunity to sit down with several of the specialists from Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia. And we have collaborated with the practice on numerous occasions as members of the multi-specialty team working to preserve lower extremities in diabetic ulcer patients.

I know first-hand they provide a high measure of expertise and put their patients’ outcomes first. This week I hosted Ketan Patel, DPM, who practices in the Buckhead office of Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia.

He shared why he chose podiatry as his career, having known most of his young life he wanted to be a healthcare provider. He shared some great information about new technologies he is able to provide access to for his patients, in many cases allowing the patients to resolve their problems without surgery.

We spoke of ways individuals can prevent many of the overuse injuries he frequently sees in his office when we decide to start training, running, or engaging in athletic activities with too much intensity/volume too soon.

It is clear in speaking with Ketan he has a passion for his work and enjoys the positive, collegial culture found across the Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia practice. I look forward to meeting additional members of the group on the show.

Special Guest:

Ketan Patel, DPM, of Ankle & Foot Centers of Georgia

BS, Microbiology, University of Georgia
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine
Previous Chief Resident, Podiatric Medicine, Bon Secours Health System
Speaks Hindi, Gujarati, English

Functional Neurology

Posted on July 3, 2015July 3, 2015

Podcast: Download

Dr. Gilles LaMarche of Life University

Functional Neurology

This week on Top Docs Radio I sat down with Doctors of Chiropractic, Dr. Gilles LaMarche, and Dr. Jake Shores. Gilles is the VP of Professional Relations for Life University, in Marietta, GA. The college is home to the largest chiropractic medicine schools in the world.

Jake is Clinical Director for Carrick Brain Centers, with offices in Dallas, TX, and Marietta, GA. Carrick Brain Centers employs a functional neurology approach to treating patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and other neurologic problems.

We talked about how the body has an innate capacity to heal itself if it’s given proper nutrition and when therapeutic approaches tap into that self-healing power. The Functional Neurology Society defines functional neurology this way: “Functional Neurology is based on the principles of neuroplasticity. The various parts of your nervous system can be altered to work more efficiently and even regenerate. The goal of a Functional Neurologist is to optimize this remarkable ability.”

Jake shared how the Carrick Brain Centers utilize the concept of neuroplasticity to help their patients work around previous neurologic injuries and challenges through a variety of movements and activities that help activate pathways in the brain that reawaken areas that have not been functioning to their capacity.

We talked about some patient examples that highlight how this approach can help people gain or regain function that was thought to be improbable elsewhere.

Gilles discussed the various health-related fields of study Life University offers, ranging from kinesiology to functional neurology, vitalistic nutrition, business, and others, including some masters-level degrees.

Life University also offers a number of men’s and women’s athletic sports and they’re competing on a high level—the men’s 15 man rugby team won the National Championship this year. The school is working to nearly double their enrollment by 2018 from 3000 students to at least 6000.

Special Guests:

Gilles LaMarche, DC, VP of Professional Relations at Life University

Doctor of Chiropractic, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Author, The ART of Responsibility, Insight Publishing 2012
Certified Six Advisors Coach, Six Advisors Coaching Academy
Previous Vice President, Parker College of Chiropractic

Jake Shores, DC, Clinical Director at Carrick Brain Centers

Doctor of Chiropractice, Life University
Functional Neurology, The Carrick Institute
Diplomate, American Chiropractic Neurology Board
Board Certified Specialist in Neurology

Physicians Institute for Excellence in Medicine

Posted on June 11, 2015June 11, 2015

Podcast: Download

Physicians Institute for Excellence in Medicine

This week I sat down with Bob Addleman, EVP of the Physicians’ Institute for Excellence in Medicine. We talked about how the organization, a subsidiary of Medical Association of Georgia, got its genesis. Bob shared how his passion for process improvement and healthcare ultimately led to him suggesting the development of an organization focused on improving the work environment as well as patient safety/outcomes.

The Physicians’ Institute for Excellence in Medicine (a nonprofit subsidiary of the Medical Association of Georgia) is a national leader in developing and managing collaborative educational projects, with a focus on outcomes-based and performance improvement activities. To date, the Physicians’ Institute has developed and managed 31 distinct initiatives representing work with over 400 organizations and more than 8000 participants located in 25 states focusing on an array of clinical areas. The Physicians’ Institute also provides leadership training and Patient-Centered Medical Home consulting to healthcare providers and organizations.

Physicians’ Institute is working with Georgia Academy of Family Physicians’ “Patient-Centered Medical Home University” (PCMHU). Now in fourth year, PCMHU has assisted more than 40 Georgia primary care practices achieve recognition from the National Council for Quality Assurance as a patient-centered medical home. Addleton is lead faculty member and practice advisor.

In June, Physicians’ Institute plans to launch new service called “Leadership in Practice,” which will provide leadership training and team development activities to medical associations, health systems, and physician organizations. Model has been adopted by thousands of organizations internationally and has over a 20-year history of application and research behind its design. Gives participants 360 degree feedback about their leadership behaviors. Addleton is a certified administrator and coach.

Physicians’ Institute is known for its collaborative grants system. For example, it awarded $1.2 million in grants to primary care organizations in five states for an ambitious project that is aimed at improving the care of patients experiencing chronic pain. Final report will be available in near future.

Physicians’ Institute has also been national leader in the FDA-mandated effort to promote Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) education for extended-release and long acting opioids as a member of CO*RE (Collaboration for REMS Education). Has worked with 15 state medical societies, including MAG, through a grant that was awarded to the MAG Foundation. To date, more than 3,000 physicians have participated in these efforts.

Addleton is the vice president (and president-elect) of the leading international organization is this field – the Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions (ACEHP). He will become ACEHP’s president in January 2016.

Special Guest:

Bob Addleton, EVP, Physicians’ Institute for Excellence in Medicine

Doctorate in Educational Leadership, University of Alabama
Certified in Continuing Professional Development
Fellow and President-Elect, of the Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions
Certified as a Quality Team Facilitator, Six Sigma Green Belt, and Lean Green Belt
Faculty Member, Georgia Academy of Family Physicians’ “Patient Centered Medical Home University”, and is the Dean of the Georgia Physicians Leadership Academy.

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