Under the leadership of James J. Byrnes, M.D., Palm Beach County Medical Society has taken an active role representing the physicians of Palm Beach County through advocacy, education, and community partnerships.Advocacy
As health care reform evolves, the PBCMS Council on Legislation has engaged our elected officials in Washington DC, Tallahassee and at the local level. This year, PBCMS physicians participated at the AMA Advocacy Conference, Palm Beach County Days in Tallahassee, Florida Medical Association Days at the Capital, and the AMA Annual Meeting. The Medical Advocacy Task Force, a partnership of hospitals and physician leadership, has successfully worked with the Palm Beach County Health Care District to reinstate the “retro payments” for physicians. This year’s priority is to reinstate “retro payments” for hospitals. Working in partnership with the Broward and Dade County Medical Associations, the interests of South Florida physicians are represented at the Florida Medical Association.
Education
The challenges facing physician’s practices continue to escalate. Palm Beach County Medical Society has responded with expanded educational programs for practice administrators and physicians. In addition, the Society has sponsored a symposium “Navigating Health Care Reform.” Plans are underway for the Future of Medicine Summit V to be held October 27 -29 at the Palm Beach Convention Center. Nationally recognized speakers will join local health care leaders and the Scripps Institute, Florida. Medical education in Palm Beach County has made significant strides this year with the inauguration of a new medical school at Florida Atlantic University and the expansion of residency programs
Partnerships
A priority goal for the Society is to strengthen partnerships with businesses, community organizations, educational organizations and government. The Society is engaged with Palm Beach County and the State Attorney’s Office to address the pain clinic issue. Efforts are currently underway to evaluate and address the primary care safety net. Over 600 physicians, 7 hospitals and 27 healthcare providers participate in Project Access, which has provided $7 million in donated care to low income uninsured Palm Beach County residents There is also strong physician and health care provider participating in the PBC Medical Reserve Corp. Building strong relationships with hospitals is essential as we meet the healthcare needs of our community. This year HERC (The Healthcare Emergency Response Coalition), a partnership of hospitals, government, and Medical Society and disaster service organizations published a Guide Book, on How to Establish a HERC. The priority of Electronic Health Record implementation has resulted in a partnership with the South Florida Regional Extension Center and the establishment of an office at the Society. Working in partnership with the business community, The Circle of Friends Program provides physician practices quality resources and advice from experienced professionals.
Moving Forward
As we continue to navigate the maze of health care reform the Medical Society will continue to monitor and the changes in healthcare and advocate in the best interests of our physicians. The voice and involvement of physicians working in partnership with hospitals and the community is paramount in shaping the future of healthcare.
