‘When Good Care Confronts Red Tape’: What to Do?

Since I began practicing as a psychiatrist, the regulation of medical practice has increased exponentially. As physicians, we need to participate in a complex set of requirements that did not exist years ago. For example, if we want to extend hospitalizations for patients, we often have to discuss (argue) the rationale to outside reviewers. We have increasing requirements for renewal of state medical licensure, not just CME credits, but mandatory trainings in ethics, pain management/palliative care, safety, and sexual harassment (depending on the state). Many of us need to participate in the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) maintenance of certification requirements. In addition, we are faced with “meaningful use” requirements of electronic health records, HIPAA requirements, reporting requirements, and increasing awareness that when we chart in medical records, our notes may be seen by many people, including other providers, payers, and even our patients. We do all of this while striving to provide a high level of quality care that our patients deserve.

But how do we provide that care while balancing these demands? To answer that question, I suggest attending the IPS: The Mental Health Services Conference, which is being held October 8 to 11 in New York City. This year’s theme is “When Good Care Confronts Red Tape. Navigating the System for Our Patients and Our Practice.”

A number of the top thought leaders in the field of psychiatry will be at this small but dynamic meeting. I want to highlight a few of the sessions that specifically relate to this theme:

This meeting will also be an opportunity for attendees to hear many presentations about community psychiatry and attend a reception sponsored by the American Association of Community Psychiatrists on Friday evening. Network with colleagues and share your challenges as well as success stories.

In addition, there will be presentations by the APA Division of Diversity and Health Equity and a course on cultural formulation by Dr. Francis Lu on Thursday afternoon. The APA Caucus of Black Psychiatrists is conducting two topical workshops on Friday titled “Lessons From Ferguson: The Role of Psychiatrists in Caring for Traumatized Minority Communities” and “Sexual Trafficking of the Black Female: Surviving Modern Day Slavery.” The Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists is sponsoring the symposium “My True Masculinity: Views From Professional Transmen.” There will also be multiple presentations about integrated care.

As you can see, there are many exciting learning opportunities at this meeting, and its intimate size makes it easy to interact with experts and spend time with colleagues. Also, there’s no bad weather or crowded shuttle buses to worry about because the conference is being held at one venue, the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. I hope you will come to New York and enjoy this very walkable city, soak up all that the meeting has to offer, and take a few minutes to share with me and other APA leaders what’s on your mind. See you in October! ■

Register now and take advantage of advance registration rates here.