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Tennessee Geriatric Society

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The Tennessee Geriatrics Society is a member of the Tennessee Medical Association Council of Medical Specialty Societies. Dr. James Powers is the Officer-at-Large from the Tennessee Geriatrics Society.

The mission:
Their mission is to promote education of all physicians in best care practices for older patients, therby supporting quality care for the nation's most vulnerable seniors. Goals include informing elected officials and the public about issues related to care for the elderly and advocating on their behalf.

Meetings

Save The Date
October 6-7, 2006
The Fourth Annual Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Conference
Course Director: James S. Powers, MD, CMD

FROM THE PRESIDENT
Attending the AMDA State President's Meeting recently continues to encourage me in advocating for for quality care for the senior population. Sharing experiences, ideas, and proposals with other LTC colleagues ia always a refreshing experience. AMDA is active in advising CMS regarding interpretive guidelines as well as CPT codes. Additionally, TN\MA has been a leading proponent of medical liability reform. I am proud to represent you and TALTCP as we strive to make health care more responsive to the needs of seniors. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming state-wide meeting this fall in Nashville. Ralf Habermann

AMDA REPORT
A number of TALTCP members attended the AMDA Annual Meeting in Dallas this March, including the Futures Program for new trainees, participating in the AMDA House of Delegates, and planning future conferences. Many colleagues from other states shared experiences in LTC and participated in numerous excellent educational sessions on dementia, nutrition in LTC, palliative care, public policy, and other practical topics to enhance quality care. We are proud to report that AMDA has over 9000 members, and 2177 CMD's, with 48 CMD's in Tennessee alone!

TREASURER'S REPORT
Our balance stands at $4,294. TALTCP/TGS membership has voted to donate $500 each to AMDA's Educationaland Research Foundation and to assist LSU's Geriatric Fellowship Program in the wake of Hurricane Katrina's forced move of the program to Lafayette, LA. Please help support your organization and our 67 dues paying members by sending in your dues today.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Title 7 Health, Education, and Workforce funding received significant reductions for FY06 as a result of a budget resolution process. AMDA, AGS, and other Geriatrics societies lobbied to support a Senate amendment restoring a portion of these cuts to extend geriatric training programs. The White House Conference on Aging, held in December 2005, promoted consensus statements on geriatrics training of healthcare workers, coordination of care, elder abuse, chronic disease management, EMR, and LTC quality of life. Previous White House Conferences on Aging have provided initiative for such programs as Medicare, Medical Directorship in LTC, State Commissions on Aging, and reduction of psychotropic drug use in nursing homes.

AMDA ADVOCATES FOR QUALITY IN LONG TERM CARE
AMDA continues to work with CMS on CPT codes. Several new codes for LTC (99304-06 and 99307-10) are replacing admission and follow-up codes, to conform to clinical practice consistent with the three levels of service recognized in hospital care.

FROM THE PRESIDENT
The Tennessee Geriatrics Society is the second oldest state affiliate of the American Geriatrics Society and is represented on the Council of State Affiliates. We remain active in promoting geriatrics education and quality senior care in our state, working with other societies and organizations such as the VA, State of Tennessee, and educational institutions around the state. Our annual business and scientific meeting is planned for this fall in Nashville. See the announcement elsewhere in this newsletter and watch for your mailing coming soon. Consider having your team members join us in attending this great conference. Sumi Misra

AGS ANNUAL MEETING A SUCCESS
Many TGS members attended the AGS Convention in Chicago in May for the newest updates in geriatrics, hear the latest research in the field, view the exhibits, and enjoy meeting with colleagues. Geriatric Fellow, Helene Labonte presented new findings on Medical Resident results regarding education in Geriatrics. Through COSAR, the Council of State Affiliates, AGS is promoting membership expertise in aging as a national resource and has created a Health in Aging Advocacy Center.

TREASURER'S REPORT
Our balance stands at $16,649. Please help support your organization and our 47 dues paying members by sending in your dues today.

TENNESSEE LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Choices for Care options have been adopted by the Legislature with leadership provided by AARP. Due to the successful reigning -in of pharmacy costs with implementation of a Preferred Drug List and a multi-state purchasing pool, TennCare has expanded the short list of drugs not counted against the 5-drug limit, excluded institutionalized patients from the limit, and extended coverage to some 97,000 medically needy. The bureau has however, decided not to cover benzodiazepines and barbiturate classes.

TALTCP MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Susan Andrews of Murfreesboro and her husband Randy Rickard continue to be featured at regional and national conferences pioneering a fully automated medical record system for their office practice!

ANNUAL TENNESSSEE GERIATRIC MEETING
The Annual Tennessee Geriatric Meeting will be held October 6-7, 2006 at the new Vanderbilt Student Life Center. Co-sponsored by TSG, TALTCP, Vanderbilt Senior care, Meharry GEC, and the GRECC, the program theme is LTC Quality of Care. Topics included will be LTC Research, with Jack Schnelle, Chair of the new Vanderbilt Center for Quality in Aging, TennCare and Medicare updates, best practices in LTC, and Palliative Care with Christine Ritchie from UAB. A Friday afternoon-Saturday morning conference with a Journal-Club/expert speaker Dinner Friday featuring Chuck Crecelius is planned. We will also have a scientific poster session and reception. Lorraine Tarnove, AMDA Executive Director will lead a listening post discussion and, and Judy Powell, VP of HNC, will discuss LTC in Tennessee. Come join your fellow Tennessee colleagues! Our annual business meeting will follow over lunch. Watch the mail for the program announcement.

Tennessee Association of Long Term Care Physicians
2301 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212-4939
615-385-2100, FAX 615-383-5918, wilmac@tma.medwire.org