ACEP has launched a campaign to educate policymakers, the news media and the public about the value of emergency medicine and that emergency care constitutes less than 2% of all health care spending. To hear some talk about rising health care costs, you’d think it was more like 50%! Because of the cost-cutting environment in Washington and in state legislatures, this campaign is designed to promote the high value of emergency care. The campaign launched with a Health Writers’ Conference in New York, featuring ACEP members from Arizona, Connecticut, New York, Texas, Oregon and Washington, DC, highlighting different aspects of emergency care. In addition, the results of a new poll of ACEP members was released showing increased stress on emergency departments. ACEP spokespersons in 10 top media markets are conducting media interviews to promote the poll results and reinforce the “Just 2%” messages. The campaign will continue with print and radio ads through ACEP’s Leadership & Advocacy Conference this month in Washington.

2014 National Report on the State of Emergency Medicine

Mark your calendars for the annual NJ-ACEP Emergency Department Directors Meeting on Thursday, January 24, 2013, at The Heldrich Hotel, New Brunswick, beginning with dinner at 6 pm. New Jersey’s health care leaders will be in attendance; guest speakers to be determined. Great networking and information exchange – complimentary to ED Directors, Assistant Directors, NJ-ACEP Board and leadership.

Technically, the 21.2 percent cut in Medicare fees is in effect as of April 1, 2010 but CMS has instructed its contractors to hold claims for the first 10 business days of April or until April 14, 2010.

As you know, Congress adjourned for its two-week spring recess without taking action to stop the reductions. We do know that Senate plans to hold a cloture vote after the recess which, if supported by 60 Senators, will allow a vote to occur on the legislation. That vote could occur as early as April 12.

Participate in a free conference call for emergency department physicians, interested in learning more about the Surviving Sepsis Campaign from the physicians from the Society of Critical Care Medicine. They work with the NJ Hospital Association on its ICU. 
Click here for details.

The New Jersey Lawsuit Reform Alliance (NJLRA) is a statewide, bipartisan group of individuals, businesses, and organizations that believe a balanced civil justice system is critical for ensuring fair and open courts, maintaining and attracting jobs, and fostering economic growth in New Jersey. The NJLRA advocates for legal reform in the legislature and in the courts, and is New Jersey's only organization dedicated exclusively to improving the state's civil justice system.

Issue: The New Jersey Legislature continues to threaten consideration of bills that would allow unlimited emotional damages in cases of wrongful death. These bills, S-763/A-1158, passed the Legislature in 2008 by one vote in each chamber, only to be pocket vetoed by Governor Corzine. There is a high risk that the bills are passed again during this “lame duck” session.