What We Did for You in 2006

• Worked closely with the Washington State Medical Association in representing your best interest on matters of meaningful tort reform before the public, policy makers and the media.
  
• Filed an amicus curiae memorandum (a friend of the court brief) in support of Kruger Clinic Orthopedics, LLC v. Regence Blue Shield. The brief argued that the un-bargained for arbitration agreement in the physician provider agreements are unenforceable and are being used to avoid payment for legitimate fees the insurers had promised to pay. In July the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Kruger Clinic Orthopedics.
  
• Cosponsored an amicus curiae memorandum with WSMA on the state’s anti-kickback statutes. A unanimous opinion by the Washington State Supreme Court held that the statute does not prevent a health care provider from making a profit on the furnishing of goods or care to patients.
  
• Created a new Provider’s Guide to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Resources in Snohomish County.
  
• Submitted recommendations to the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission and participated in Commission hearings on affordable, accessible, quality health care.
  
• Represented physicians in Snohomish County at the WSMA House of Delegates Meeting.
  
• Represented Snohomish County physicians on the Puget Sound Health Alliance.
  
• Produced regular news bulletins that featured legislative, practice management, clinical, and public health issues that affect you, your practice and your patients.
  
• Provided opportunities to exchange ideas and experiences, as well as enhance the fellowship and solidarity of the physician community at general membership meetings.
  
• Produced a 2006 Annual Pictorial Membership Directory that is used extensively by hundreds of physicians and health care associates throughout the region to assist with professional referrals and consultations.
  
• Maintained a SCMS Web site at www.snohomishmedical.org with an on-line physician directory that enables prospective patients and colleagues to be able to find your practice on the World Wide Web.
  
• Handled hundreds of referrals and inquiries throughout the year, directing prospective new patients to SCMS member physicians.
  
• Investigated physician complaints through the SCMS Grievance Committee and worked to resolve such matters in the interest of peace, conciliation or reformation.