‘When Good Care Confronts Red Tape’: What to Do?
Since I began practicing as a psychiatrist, the regulation of medical practice has increased exponentially. As physicians, we need to participate in a complex set of requirements that did not exist years ago. For example, if we want to extend hospitalizations for patients, we often have to discuss (argue) the rationale to outside reviewers. We have increasing requirements for renewal of state medical licensure, not just CME credits, but mandatory trainings in ethics, pain management/palliative care, safety, and sexual harassment (depending on the state). Many of us need to participate in the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) maintenance of certification requirements. In addition, we are faced with “meaningful use” requirements of electronic health records, HIPAA requirements, reporting requirements, and increasing awareness that when we chart in medical records, our notes may be seen by many people, including other providers, payers, and even our patients. We do all of this while striving to provide a high level of quality care that our patients deserve.
But how do we provide that care while balancing these demands? To answer that question, I suggest attending the IPS: The Mental Health Services Conference, which is being held October 8 to 11 in New York City. This year’s theme is “When Good Care Confronts Red Tape. Navigating the System for Our Patients and Our Practice.”
A number of the top thought leaders in the field of psychiatry will be at this small but dynamic meeting. I want to highlight a few of the sessions that specifically relate to this theme:
On Thursday, October 8, Dr. John Torous will lead the symposium “Mobile Mental Health: Advances in Smartphone Technology, Mobile Applications, and Sensors to Support Psychiatric Services.” Attendees will hear discussions on Google Glass, smartphones, and wearable sensors—new technologies that can assist psychiatrists and their patients.
On that same day, Dr. Larry Faulkner, president and CEO of the ABPN, will discuss new and modified requirements for maintenance of certification.
Also on that day, Dr. Marvin Swartz, the winner of the prestigious Isaac Ray Award for outstanding contributions to forensic psychiatry, will talk about research related to the use of assisted outpatient treatment.
On Friday, October 9, Dr. Ned Kates will make a presentation on improving performance measures, and Dr. Sunil Khusalani will give a presentation on lean methodology.
On that same day, Dr. Judith Kashtan will lead the workshop “Documentation in the EHR Era—From Denial to Mastery.” This will include information about EHRs in solo private practice.
Also on that day, you don’t want to miss a symposium being led by Dr. John Wells on telemedicine, virtual collaborative care, and phone consultation. Dr. Steven Chan will lead a discussion on incorporating apps to improve prescribing practices, and Dr. Jay Shore will discuss telemedicine and prescribing.
On Saturday, October 10, Dr. John Rozel will chair the workshop “Risky Connections: Law, Liability, and the Psychiatrist Online.”
The institute has always had a strong attendance by psychiatry residents. Not only are they invited each year to submit proposals for sessions and posters for presentation, but the size of the meeting facilitates residents’ networking with APA leaders and experts in the field. All residents and early career psychiatrists are invited to attend a special session with me on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
On Sunday, October 11, Dr. Jerry Halverson will chair the session “Performance Measures in Psychiatric Practice: An Update for Psychiatrists on Payment Reform.”
This meeting will also be an opportunity for attendees to hear many presentations about community psychiatry and attend a reception sponsored by the American Association of Community Psychiatrists on Friday evening. Network with colleagues and share your challenges as well as success stories.
In addition, there will be presentations by the APA Division of Diversity and Health Equity and a course on cultural formulation by Dr. Francis Lu on Thursday afternoon. The APA Caucus of Black Psychiatrists is conducting two topical workshops on Friday titled “Lessons From Ferguson: The Role of Psychiatrists in Caring for Traumatized Minority Communities” and “Sexual Trafficking of the Black Female: Surviving Modern Day Slavery.” The Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists is sponsoring the symposium “My True Masculinity: Views From Professional Transmen.” There will also be multiple presentations about integrated care.
As you can see, there are many exciting learning opportunities at this meeting, and its intimate size makes it easy to interact with experts and spend time with colleagues. Also, there’s no bad weather or crowded shuttle buses to worry about because the conference is being held at one venue, the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. I hope you will come to New York and enjoy this very walkable city, soak up all that the meeting has to offer, and take a few minutes to share with me and other APA leaders what’s on your mind. See you in October! ■
Register now and take advantage of advance registration rates here.
