Letters to the Editor 
Letters to the editor of the Rockford Register-Star Re: "ISMIE response to Dec. 1 article"
Fri, 8 Dec 2006 14:54:33 -0600
Wally Haas’ December 1 st column stated that “it looks like competition—not the caps—will lead to lower insurance rates.” If this is true, then why did one such insurer’s recent rate reduction announcement directly attribute its Illinois expansion not only to increased access to ISMIE data, but also to “tort reforms [that] have together improved our ability to predict losses and refine our pricing”? Of interest is that this insurer’s 32% rate decrease merely brought its 2007 premiums to ISMIE’s current base rates.
Letters to the editor of Crain's Re: "ISMIE response to Crain's Nov. 27 article"
Tue, 28 Nov 2006 14:52:43 -0600
Crain’s Nov. 27 th article featured commercial medical liability insurers declaring “it’s the ability to crunch ISMIE’s numbers that is spurring rate competition, not the caps on malpractice payouts.” If this is true, then why did one such insurer’s recent rate reduction announcement directly attribute its Illinois expansion not only to increased access to ISMIE data, but also to “tort reforms [that] have together improved our ability to predict losses and refine our pricing”? Of interest is that this insurer’s 32% rate decrease merely leveled its 2007 premiums to ISMIE’s current base rates.
Letters to the editor of the Rockford Register-Star Re: "Public Misinformed on Malpractice Caps"
Mon, 20 Nov 2006 14:52:07 -0600
The November 10 editorial (“Public misinformed on malpractice caps”) was based on an inaccurate study written by trial attorneys with an obvious financial stake in maintaining the status quo: a very expensive and inefficient litigation environment to the detriment of both Illinois patients and physicians. Contrary to the study’s claims, medical liability reform—signed into law over a year ago—not only allows those injured by medical negligence to receive fair and timely justice, but also ensures continued access to medical care for all citizens.
ISMS Letter to Alderman Frank Kunz Re: Springfield Smoking Ban
Fri, 17 Nov 2006 14:51:14 -0600
On behalf of over 14,000 physician members of the Illinois State Medical Society, I am writing to document our strong opposition to your proposed ordinance to amend Springfield’s smoking ban to exclude “public places and places of employment that are permanently restricted to persons 18 years of age and older.”
Letters to the editor of statewide papers Re: "Flu Vaccine"
Tue, 7 Nov 2006 14:46:33 -0600
Autumn is the most practical time for physicians to vaccinate patients for the flu. Our offices aren’t yet filled with patients who have the typical winter illnesses. Also, come mid-October, my office receives hundreds of flu shot requests from patients who are reminded to call after seeing the Walgreens and Wal-mart ads offering vaccines. Many doctors only receive a partial vaccine order before the flu season starts, but it appears the big chain stores have little trouble receiving their shipments.
Letter to the editor of the Rockford Register-Star Re: "Medicare and access to medical care"
Wed, 20 Sep 2006 14:45:46 -0600
A looming crisis threatens Rockford's Medicare beneficiaries from having access to medical care. Unless Congress takes action soon, Medicare reimbursement to providers will be reduced by more than 5 percent next year.
Letter to the editor of the Chicago Daily Southtown Re: "Medicare SGR"
Wed, 13 Sep 2006 14:33:17 -0600
Act Now! Your health care shouldn’t rely on the health of the economy
Letter to the editor of the Chicago Tribune Re: "Medicare reimbursement cuts"
Wed, 13 Sep 2006 14:32:34 -0600
A looming crisis threatens our community’s Medicare beneficiaries from having access to medical care. Unless Congress takes action soon, Medicare reimbursement to providers will be reduced by more than 5 percent next year.
ISMS letter to all Illinois representatives in the U.S. House and Senate
Fri, 8 Sep 2006 14:31:56 -0600
As you know, Medicare payments to physicians are set to be slashed by more than five percent at year’s end unless you and your colleagues in Congress provide the necessary leadership to prevent the cuts. Congress has stopped similar cuts in past years, and we strongly urge you to prevent this rollback before you return home for the November elections.
Letter to the editor Re: "Sangamon County Smoking Ban"
Thu, 17 Aug 2006 14:31:16 -0600
The Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) and the Sangamon County Medical Society would like to applaud the Sangamon County Board for passing an ordinance to enact a comprehensive smoking ban in the unincorporated areas of Sangamon County.
Letter to the editor Re: "Smoke-free Illinois"
Wed, 7 Jun 2006 14:30:44 -0600
Warnings are given for a reason, most often to alert us in time to take action to avoid unfavorable outcomes. Local and state elected officials have just received yet another serious warning about smoking. It should serve as an immediate call to action.
Letter to Governor Blagojevich Re: "State to honor commitments to physicians and medically vulnerable patients"
Wed, 17 May 2006 14:29:09 -0600
Over the last several months, the Illinois State Medical Society has become increasingly alarmed that access to medical care for our most medically vulnerable patients - those covered through Medicaid - is being compromised by the state's payment and budgetary processes. ISMS continues to hear from our members at a steadily escalating pace about lengthy payment cycles and the harsh impact it is having on their capacity to continue caring for Medicaid patients.
Letter to the editor of the Bloomington Pantagraph Re: "Ordinance to ban smoking in most public places and places of employment"
Wed, 17 May 2006 14:28:48 -0600
The Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) and the McLean County Medical Society would like to applaud the Normal and Bloomington City Councils for passing an ordinance to ban smoking in most public places and places of employment.
Letter to the editor of the Daily Herald Re: "Ordinance to ban smoking in most public places and places of employment"
Tue, 16 May 2006 14:26:10 -0600
The Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) and the Lake County Medical Society would like to applaud the towns of Lincolnshire, Deerfield, Highland Park and Buffalo Grove on the passage of an ordinance to ban smoking in most public places and places of employment.
Letter to Governor Blagojevich Re: "Proposal to enhance Illinois' organ donation program"
Fri, 5 May 2006 14:25:28 -0600
The 14,000 physician members of the Illinois State Medical Society strongly urge you to sign House Bill 5259 into law. This proposal to enhance Illinois’ organ donation program received strong bi-partisan support and will dramatically reduce the shortage of organs available for transplant.
Letter to the editor of the Chicago Tribune Re: "State Lets Medicaid Payments Pile up"
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 14:24:41 -0600
Your April 14 th story, State Lets Medicaid Payments Pile up, illustrates what happens when government’s worthy goal of expanding health care benefits for those in need collides with financial realities and tight budgets.
Joint Letter to Illinois Congressional delegation Re: "Medicare payment system"
Mon, 6 Feb 2006 14:23:56 -0600
We, the members of the Illinois State Medical Society Board of Trustees, are writing on behalf of all Illinois doctors and the millions of patients in our care to thank you for halting the scheduled Medicare payment reduction of 4.4 percent. However, we remain extremely disappointed that Congress did not display the necessary leadership to permanently reform the Medicare payment system. Our patients are also your constituents, and many will suffer as a result.