LSMS | New Physicians Guide | 2022

LSMS | New Physicians Guide | 2022

LOU I S I ANA N E W P H Y S I C I A N ’ S G U I D E

2022

La State Med Soc NEW PHYSICIAN’S GUIDE 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Join The Group With you, our impact will be even greater.

The Louisiana StateMedical Society wants tomake your transition into themedical professional as smoothas possible.Weunderstand thereare many steps before settling into a medical practice, and we would like to help. In this edition of the NewPhysician’s Guide, we have included a variety of information covering items regarding obtaining your license, reviewing contracts, Louisiana’s medical structure, and much more.

05 FOR THE MEDICAL STUDENT

CHOOSING A MEDICAL SPECIALTY......................................05 APPLYING FOR A RESIDENCY PROGRAM...........................06 INTERVIEWING FOR RESIDENCY............................................10

12 FOR THE RESIDENT

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS........12 COMPARING MEDICAL PRACTICE SETTINGS...................15 STARTING YOUR JOB SEARCH................................................17 EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS....................................................18

21 FOR THE PHYSICIAN

We are a growing network of more than 1,100 healthcare providers throughout Louisiana and Mississippi inspired to serve our communities.

INSURANCE CONSIDERATIONS.............................................21 BILLING AND REIMBURSEMENT............................................21 CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION (CME).....................23

26 GENERAL INFORMATION

MEDICAID AND MEDICARE.....................................................26 HEALTHY LOUISIANA.................................................................27 LAWS AND REGULATION..........................................................28 HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS FOUNDATION...............35

Visit FMOLHS.org/careers for a full listing of careers with the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System.

36 GENERAL RESOURCES

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CHOOSING A MEDICAL SPECIALTY Starting a career in medicine can be very exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. This invaluable resource will guide you from medical school to life as a new physician. Preparing for your career while you are still in school is paramount for your success in your profession. Choosing a specialty is the first step. You must consider your history, your interests, your experience, the amount of training required, and the financial commitments involved. Students often change their minds several times before finding the right specialty for them.

WHY JOIN LSMS?

WHO WE ARE

JeffWilliams Executive Vice President & CEO [email protected] Lauren Bailey Vice President, Legal Affairs [email protected]

The primary focus for all physicians is the ability to provide quality care to patients. Access to care, for both insured and uninsured patients, is an ongoing issue that presents itself in the legislature in a variety of ways. Healthcare policy issues are numerous, diverse, and shaped by all branches of government. The LSMS continually advocates on behalf of physicians on the following issues:

NARROW YOUR OPTIONS

• Preserving the integrity of the Practice of Medicine

An early decision when choosing a specialty is deciding between surgical and non- surgical specialties. This decision will narrow down your options quickly. Clinical rotations will provide you an opportunity to really see what life in a specialty would be like. Keeping an open mind during this process is important for reaching a final decision. Researching each specialty can also be helpful. Finding descriptions, talking to physicians in different specialties, and talking to other residents can help you reach your specialty match. The final decision must be yours! Once you have a specialty in mind, although it may change, you can start applying for residency. For a full listing of medical specialties, visit www.aamc.org. When choosing a residency, consideration of prospective fellowships after residency and the time it might take to complete those fellowships is also important. For example, most radiology subspecialties involve a one year fellowship after the completion of residency, while a cardiology or gastroenterology fellowship that follows a three year internal medicine residency will typically last three years. Therefore, all three of these example career paths would involve six years of post-graduate training between residency and fellowship. MEDICAL SPECIALTY REFERENCE GUIDE

Maria Bowen Vice President, Governmental Affairs [email protected] Terri Watson Vice President, Administration & Member Services [email protected]

• Protecting patient safety by ensuring the right professional is providing the right care permitted by his or her education, training, and skills

• Protecting the Cap - medical liability insurance

• Ensuring an adequate healthcare workforce

• Stabilizing Louisiana’s Medicaid Program by Engaging Providers

Jeremy Lapeyrouse Director, HealthSYNC [email protected]

• Ensuring fair and transparent insurance markets for patients, employers, and physicians

Sarah Vidrine Manager, Operations & Special Projects [email protected] Amy Tyrrell Manager, Membership & Marketing [email protected]

• Reducing red tape, regulations, and the hassle factor

• Making Medicaid Sustainable

BENEFITS Membership in The Louisiana State Medical Society allows physicians and physicians- in-training an opportunity to shape and impact their profession. LSMS members represent the entire state, all specialties, and diverse group of practice settings within the healthcare community. As a member of LSMS, we encourage your involvement to extend far beyond simply paying dues. Get the most out of your LSMS membership by taking advantage of many benefits, such as countless leadership opportunities, valuable resources, exclusive publications, and professional development tools.

Kathy Luttrell Coordinator, Accounting [email protected]

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APPLYING FOR A RESIDENCY PROGRAM

PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE

YOUR APPLICATION

The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is the most common tool for managing this process. It is available to U.S. students through the dean’s office. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) can access it through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). Before you submit an application, make sure the program you are interested in uses ERAS, what the deadline is, and the requirements to be eligible for the program. After contacting the dean’s office, the rest of this process can be completed online through ERAS. The cost of ERAS covers your registration and application fees for up to 10 programs. Once you have exceeded 10 programs, additional costs may occur. Once the fee has been paid, no refunds are available. An additional application fee is required for international medical graduates. It is important to take all relevant factors into considerationwhen choosing the number of programs to which you wish to apply. Location is an easy way to narrow down your program choices. If you will be a couple matching, consider applying to up to twice the amount of programs that an individual match participant would. After completing your application, the only thing left to do is wait. It on average takes four-to-six weeks to receive results from your interviews. If for some reason you don’t hear from ERAS during this time, contact them and request the status of your application.

NAME A. LASTNAME, MD Street Address City, State, Zip Code Cell: (###)###-#### Email: [email protected]

Month, year

Name of Recipient (Get the recipient’s name, NOT To Whom It May Concern) Title Address City

Dear Mr./Ms. Name,

It seems as though the course of my life and professional career up to this point has been in preparation for (job title, or words to that effect. Tell exactly how you heard about this residency program or what made you choose this specialty).

My first love is health care (or words to that effect). From the time I was (explain your initial interest in medicine with passion. Don’t rehash your resume, make a personal connection). In addition to my education and health care experience listed on my enclosed/attached resume, (tell a little personal information about yourself that might not jump off your resume). The opportunity to apply for the (residency program) is a dream come true (or words to that effect). I believe my experience will (explain why all of your life lessons, education, and experience make you the perfect candidate). Please feel free to contact me at any time at ###-###-#### or by email at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

ANTICIPATE DELAYS DURING THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND START EARLY SO YOU HAVE TIME TO RESOLVE THEM.

WRITING YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT

Your personal statement should be a written description or essay that includes your achievements, accomplishments, and interests in the residency program or job. This is an important part of your application process. You should write a specific personal statement for each specialty or residency program for which you choose to apply. Start early to give yourself time to receive feedback from your advisors and instructors. A personal statement should flow smoothly while explaining your reasoning for choosing that specialty or residency program. Your passion, work ethic, personality, and desire to make a positive contribution to the field should be obvious to the reader. Include relevant life experiences, clinical work, and research that make you stand out. It’s important to use the personal statement as a way to highlight things that make a candidate unique and might not be apparent from lines on a CV. Readers don’t just want to see a personal statement be an expanded/reiterated CV – they want to know other things about a candidate’s character and passions that are noteworthy and distinct.

Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,

First M.I. Last Name

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PREPARING A CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)

CV EXAMPLE

A curriculum vitae (CV) is an overview of your accomplishments. Throughout your career, you will use your CV, so update it frequently to reflect your accomplishments and experience.

A CV is similar to a resume, but there are notable differences, such as:

NAME A. LASTNAME, MD Street Address City, State, Zip Code Cell: (###)###-#### Email: [email protected]

• Education is ALWAYS listed first on a CV.

• A CV rarely lists an objective or includes long narratives (That is for your cover letter to include). • Listing references by name is more common in a CV. If you conducted research under a certain professor, include their name and title. • A CV can sometimes take up to three pages or more, although the length of your CV is not the focus. Therefore, include present and relevant experience first.

EDUCATION

B.S. Degree, 1995 Biology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA M.D., 1999, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

American College of Physicians Internal Medicine Meeting, April 2006 Internal Medicine and Primary Care Update CME, September 2009

• CVs should be neatly organized with clear headings.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Louisiana State Medical Society American Medical Association American College of Physicians

• Bullet points are common in resumes but less common in a CV.

DO’S AND DON’TS OF CV

HONORS AND AWARDS

Outstanding Medical Student Scholarship, 1996 First Place, Louisiana Internal Medicine Residency Paper Competition, 2001

DO INCLUDE

DON’T INCLUDE

PUBLICATIONS

“Breakthroughs in Geriatric Internal Medicine”, Physicians Digest

• Your full legal name • Contact Information • Education • Certification and licensure • Postgraduate training • Practice experience • Professional or teaching appointments • Research and publications • Accomplishments • Professional society memberships • Personal and professional references

• Anticipated compensation • Reasons for leaving previous positions • Personal health problems or disabilities • Examination scores • License or DEA number • Race • Religion • Age • Place of birth • Citizenship • Marital status

PRESENTATIONS “Hidden Symptoms” American College of Physicians Internal Medicine Meeting, April 2006 “Communicating with your Geriatric Patients” Internal Medicine and Primary Care Update CME, September 2009

COMMUNITY SERVICE

National Down Syndrome Association LSU Alumni Association Krewe of Orion

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

Fluent in Spanish

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POTENTIAL TYPES OF QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR INTERVIEWER:

REQUESTING LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE...

i TIPS FOR RESIDENCY INTERVIEWS:

Your letters of recommendation can be different depending on the program for which you are applying. Always check your program requirements before reaching out to people to write them. Letters from attending physicians carry more weight in this process than letters from senior residents. However, you should always choose individuals who know you well enough that they can write about your specific qualities and experiences instead of generalities as they pertain to the program. When asking someone to write a recommendation, include supporting materials so the writer can reference them for specific accomplishments. This should include your most recent CV and personal statement. The number of recommendations you need varies by the program. It is standard for you to get at least one letter from a faculty member on an advanced rotation in the specialty that you are applying. If you have experience outside of the clinical field, you can seek out professionals from research positions, societies, volunteer, or international work to submit a letter as well. ERAS will control which letters go to which programs. INTERVIEWING FOR RESIDENCY First impressions are important during your residency interview. Your interview begins themoment youmake contact with the program. From the receptionist to the program coordinator that meets you in the lobby, everyone who you come in contact with can affect your interview outcome, so it is important to treat everyone with patience and respect.

Types of required rotations

LISTENS, CARES, AND COMMUNICATES.

• Wear formal business attire

Amount and type of elective rotations

PLAYS NICE WITH OTHERS. Hospitals not only want doctors who can communicate well with patients, but who can get along with each other and who are willing to be part of the team. COMES HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Make sure to give some thought to the professional recommendation you list on your job application. Hospitals are looking for doctors who listen to patients, who are invested in their health, and who know how to clearly communicate about their care.

• Remember to smile and maintain eye contact

Amount and type of supervision on rotations

Call schedule

• Being nervous is normal - take deep breaths to calm your nerves • Be familiar with your application packet and prepared for background questions • Practice answering common residency interview questions • If asked about a weakness, use the opportunity to discuss a weakness that developed into a strength

Board pass rate and job placement for previous residents in the program

Resident responsibilities for patient management

Amount of turnover in program directors and faculty

Balance of inpatient and outpatient responsibilities on various rotations

Structure and topics of formal educational curriculum

Leave policies for vacation, maternity/paternity leave and participation in education conferences

IS EHR READY.

Topics of particular interest to you

Facilities will train new physicians on their EHRs, and that is easier if the doctor is already familiar with the particular software, or is at least willing to learn without complaining.

RESEARCH RESIDENCY PROGRAMS

You must research each program thoroughly before you interview. Research should include the institution, the program itself, and staff in order to identify trends and issues to discuss in the interview. Are there trends or specific qualities this program tends to seek out? This information can help you pick which of your experiences and qualities to highlight in order to be chosen. Current residents in the program are a great resource for additional insight into the program as well.

IS HIGHLY ADAPTABLE.

IS WILLING TO SHARE IDEAS. Every hospital wants a doctor who will come in and make positive change — but not necessarily on the first day. Sharing new ideas is a good idea, but generally only after there has been time for the existing team and the new doctor to get to know each other. Recruiters love candidates who are open to change and who will adapt to new systems, policies, patient volumes, or anything else that may pop up.

YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE

Your social media presence can affect your interview. Interviewers often review your various sites in order to learn more about potential residents. Medical boards monitor these sites as well. Make sure your account is private or only post content that you would be comfortable for all to view.

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Visit physicianspractice.com/blog/six-characteristics.com to see more.

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LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATES

The LSBMEmay issue aGraduate EducationTemporary Permit (GETP) to an international medical graduate (a graduate of a medical school located outside of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico) for the purpose of enrolling and participating in an accredited program of postgraduate medical education (residency or fellowship) at a Louisiana medical school, college, or other accredited medical institution. Qualifications for International Medical Graduates to Obtain a GETP License from LSBME:

THE LOUISIANA STATE BOARD OF MEDICAL EXAMINERS

The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) issues all medical licenses in the state of Louisiana. The LSBME processes hundreds of applications for licensure. Visit lsbme.la.gov to find the LSBME specific application and documents.

The board conducts a thorough evaluation of:

• Credentials • Employment of Work History

• Be at least 21 years of age and of good moral character.

• Malpractice History • Disciplinary History

• Be a citizen of the United States or possess valid and current legal authority to reside and work in the United States duly issued by the commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. • Possess a Doctor of Medicine degree duly issued by a medical school approved by the board. This diploma must be in English; if not, must be accompanied by a certified translation into English. • Possess a standard Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate. • Have received written commitment from an accredited Louisiana medical school, college or other accredited medical institution formally appointing the IMG to a postgraduate medical education training program which is conducted by such medical school and is not on probation status with the ACGME. This letter must be signed by the director of the program and must be mailed directly to the LSBME.

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IMPORTANT TIP: Make multiple copies of your diploma (shrink down to fit on a standard letter size (8.5 X 11) piece of paper before you frame it. This will save time and hassle later.

Present to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) a valid diploma from a medical college in good standing with the LSBME or have been actively engaged in the practice of medicine, in a manner determined by the LSBME to have been satisfactory.

OBTAINING A TRAINING PERMIT

The process of obtaining a training permit can be challenging and time consuming. To help make sure you are submitting all the necessary documents, below is a checklist of required items for the application process. For LSU Health School of Medicine and Tulane School of Medicine graduates who match to Louisiana-based residency programs, each medical school hosts a LSBME application fair after Match Day to assist with the compilation of the items required by the LSBME for receiving a training permit in Louisiana.

• Pay the appropriate non-refundable fee of $200.00.

Checklist for an initial GETP license:

• Complete the required LSBME online application

U.S. MEDICAL SCHOOL GRADUATES

• Complete and mail: • LSBME Oath

Checklist for an initial Louisiana training permit (PGY):

• LSBME Third Party Authorization document • Certificate of Dean/Registrar with recent photo attached • Background check • Valid Visa • Certified birth certificate

• Complete the required LSBME online application

• Complete and mail: • LSBME Oath

• LSBME Third Party Authorization document • Certificate of Dean/Registrar with recent photo attached • Background Check • Notarized Birth Certificate

• Personal appearance with a member of the LSBME

• Initial fee of $50

i BASIC QUALIFICATIONS FOR A LOUISIANA MEDICAL LICENSE: • Be 21 years of age • Be a citizen of the United States • Be of good moral character

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COMPARING MEDICAL PRACTICE SETTINGS Physicians have numerous practice options, each offering a different degree of clinical autonomy and financial risk. Choosing a practice setting ultimately will be based on your professional and personal preferences. As a physician, your first decision should be whether you want to practice clinical medicine as your full-time duty or include non-clinical duties. You can be the owner of a solo practice, an equity owner in a group practice or an employee of a group practice, hospital, academic institution or health care system—which could be a private and public organization. If splitting your time with non-clinical duties, you should consider hospital systems or group practices that allow you to hold an administrative role or perform research. Keep in mind that opportunities will vary depending on medical specialty, geography, patient populations, and the health care market dynamic between providers and payers.

FULL ACTIVE LICENSURE

i *MORE INFORMATION ON FCVS APPLICATION:

Once a physician in training completes his or her training and they plan to practice medicine in the state of Louisiana, a full active license must be applied for.

Applicants who complete the FCVS verification process establish a permanent, lifetime portfolio of primary- source verified credentials - allowing easy and cost- effective access to medical credentials whenever they are needed. This service is especially valuable to those physicians graduating from medical school outside the United States or Canada, where verification can be time-consuming, costly and difficult. It is also extremely useful for those applicants applying to several state boards simultaneously, or those whose postgraduate training programs have closed.

Checklist for an initial full active license:

• Complete the required LSBME online application

• Complete and mail: • LSBME Oath

• LSBME Third Party Authorization document • Statement of legal name • Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS) Application* • Background check

OWNING A MEDICAL PRACTICE

The LSMBE may design or administer its own examination, or it may use examinations from any national examining agency, either public or private as long as such examinations are, in its view, sufficient for such purpose.

Owning a medical practice offers physicians the highest levels of autonomy and financial risk. If you choose to own a solo or a group medical practice, you will have to decide whether to establish a new practice, buy an existing practice, or buy into an existing practice as a partner.

Follow these tips to help ease the process of applying for medical licensure:

ESTABLISHING A PRACTICE

• Request a Copy of Current Medical License Requirements. When contacting a licensing board for the 1st time, request a copy of its current licensing requirements and the average time it takes to process applications. This helps prevent unreasonable expectations in processing time and gives a better idea of when to close a practice, plan a move or arrange a start date with a new employer to minimize financial loss. • Send Your CV. Physicians should provide the licensing board with a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) when they first make contact. This will allow a licensing board to evaluate potential problem areas early in the process. • Disclose All Information. Don’t try to hide potentially derogatory information from a licensing board. It is much better to come forward with the information, assist the board in obtaining records and other necessary >Page 1 Page 2-3 Page 4-5 Page 6-7 Page 8-9 Page 10-11 Page 12-13 Page 14-15 Page 16-17 Page 18-19 Page 20-21 Page 22-23 Page 24-25 Page 26-27 Page 28-29 Page 30-31 Page 32-33 Page 34-35 Page 36-37 Page 38-39 Page 40

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