Gilbert Hospital in favor of Healthcare Reform
Feb 5 2010

Gilbert Hospital is in support of healthcare reform, but not as is currently being proposed and bandied about in Congress.  David Wanger, CEO of Gilbert Hospital is weighing in on healthcare reform and what it truly means to hospitals and individuals. 

“Everyone wants to lower costs for healthcare, but nothing meaningful will happen with respects to reform until the issues of tort/malpractice,  insurance portability, removing pre-existing conditions and purchasing insurance across state lines are addressed” said Wanger.  He continues that “anything short of addressing those needs and others is empty rhetoric and frankly delaying what truly has to happen for reform to be realized.”

The Gilbert Hospital CEO makes it clear that small pieces of the current legislation being fought over in Congress are worth inclusion in healthcare reform but clearly was unimpressed with elected politicians lack of understanding of the true healthcare issues facing this country.  Regarding insuring more citizens he makes it clear that this is an admirable goal and will help all hospitals.  However, as a private citizen his concern is for the Country’s ability to pay for what is being proposed.  He points to a simple cost-benefit model and questions where priorities actually lie. 

Generally, without addressing the true healthcare issues, reform will fall radically short of what legislators intend.  Wanger also cautions legislators on “fixing” the finest healthcare system in the world.  “Tweaks” are less expensive and what is truly needed. 

Interview opportunities are available by hospital physicians and administrators regarding the discussions on the national stage and the impacts they may have to the local community.

H1N1 & Seasonal Flu Shot Locator - Where to get the shot!
Nov 24 2009

For physicians to direct their patients to get the H1N1 vaccine or the regular seasonal flu shot, the Arizona Department of Public Health has an excellent shot locator at http://www.azdhs.gov/flu/flushotlocator.htm Just type in the city or zip code and it will give you locations that provide the regular seasonal, H1N1 or both types of shots.

'Red Flag Rule' delayed until June 1, 2010!
Nov 2 2009

The Federal Trade Commission has extended the enforcement of the "Red Flags" Rule until mid-year 2010.  For more information and to read the official release from the FTC, please click here.

Physician practices with 20 or fewer employees may be exempt from
Oct 29 2009

An effort is underway (HR 3763) to allow physician practices with 20 or less employees to be exempt from the Red Flag Rule.  Please find more information here.

H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)
Sep 24 2009

During the current H1N1 Virus (aka Swine Flu) outbreak, the Medical Society recommends that all individuals remain calm and utilize common sense.  To ensure accurate and reliable information, the Society encourages individuals to regularly check the following organizations’ website for the latest information regarding the outbreak.

For Maricopa County:

Maricopa County Department of Public Health

http://www.maricopa.gov/public_health or follow them on Twitter: MaricopaHealth

For State of Arizona:

Arizona Department of Health Services

http://www.azdhs.gov or follow them on Twitter: AZDHS

For National Information:

Center for Disease Control

http://www.cdc.gov or follow them on Twitter: CDCemergency

The Maricopa County Medical Society is following each of these organizations on Twitter as well.  You may follow them all collectively by following us: MedicalSociety

While there are many organizations posting information and the media is saturating the market with news stories of the outbreak, please consider only these reliable sources for information regarding the H1N1 outbreak.  The Maricopa County Medical Society will keep you posted as we learn more information.

Connect with us online!
Sep 23 2009

Log on to , search "Maricopa County Medical Society" to join!

Find us on at: http://twitter.com/medicalsociety to follow us!

Facebook/Twitter will also provide networking opportunities among physicians and specialties.  It will also contribute to a stronger foundation allowing physicians to be heard, voice ideas and be involved!

Natural Delivery OK in Cases of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Feb 5 2010

  Waiting for natural birth is as effective as inducing labor in pregnant women with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), a new study shows. Latest Pregnancy ... more

Untreated, Mild May Become Major Depression
Feb 5 2010

  For many people whose depression goes untreated, symptoms persist and worsen over time, eventually leading to a diagnosis of major depression, according to new research. Latest Depression News ... more