New Hampshire Medical Society

🏥 Important update on Catholic Medical Center's future: The Manchester hospital is seeking approval to join HCA Healthcare as it faces significant financial challenges, including $2-3 million in monthly losses. The proposed $110 million deal needs regulatory approval by December 24th. CMC employs over 2,500 people and serves more than 180,000 patients annually, including 30,000 emergency visits and 1,000 births. CMC employees have started a grassroots petition supporting the deal, with some saying jobs and healthcare access in Manchester hang in the balance. The state is currently negotiating terms with both healthcare organizations. What are your thoughts on this potential change for Manchester's healthcare landscape?

Congratulations to NHMS member Dr. Karen Huyck and her team at Dartmouth Health! 🎉 They've received a prestigious award from the U.S. Department of Labor for their innovative program helping Vermont workers stay employed while managing health conditions. The Resilient Workplace Certification program, funded by a $22 million grant, is making real differences in workers' lives, particularly those dealing with mental health challenges. Vermont was one of just five states chosen for this important initiative. Nice work, Dr. Huyck! #mentalhealth #mentalhealthcare

We recently recognized 4 distinguished NH physicians for their outstanding leadership and advocacy: 🎉 The NHMS Lifetime Achievement Award Nick Perencevich, M.D. The Honorable Gary Woods, M.D. This award recognizes their substantial contributions throughout their careers to the mission and ideals of the New Hampshire Medical Society. Both exemplify the integrity, courage, and leadership that the Society and the field of medicine aspire to uphold. 🎉 The 2024 NHMS Advocate of the Year Award Jeffrey Fetter, M.D. This award honors Dr. Fetter as a distinguished physician who demonstrates exceptional commitment to advocating for the Society’s legislative and policy priorities. Even in the most unfathomable circumstances, and in the immediate aftermath of the New Hampshire Hospital Shooting in November 2023, Dr. Fetter is a leader and an unwavering advocate for the prevention of gun violence in New Hampshire. 🎉 The 2024 NHMS Young Physician of the Year Award Amy Lee, D.O. Dr. Lee received this award in recognition of significant contributions to their colleagues, the New Hampshire Medical Society, and public health. Through service, leadership, and advocacy, Dr. Lee exemplifies the promise and potential of the medical profession. Congratulations, and thank you for all of your contributions to #healthcare in #NewHampshire.

23% of working-age Americans with health insurance struggle with high out-of-pocket costs. And 57% of underinsured patients report delaying necessary medical services, including specialist visits, follow-up tests, and prescribed treatments. 66% of these underinsured patients have employer coverage. 44% are currently managing medical debt. These findings have direct implications for patient outcomes and continuity of care. Read the full article with data from The Commonwealth Fund. #healthcare #insurance #healthinsurance

As families across the Granite State gather to give thanks this week, we want to express our deepest gratitude for our healthcare providers' unwavering dedication to the health of our communities. Your commitment to healing, your countless hours of service, and your compassionate care make such a difference in the lives of New Hampshire families. Whether you're celebrating with family or caring for others', please know how deeply appreciated you are. From all of us at the New Hampshire Medical Society, we wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyful Thanksgiving. 🦃

New CDC research identifies 8 key risk factors for severe flu complications, including: -Age (very young and elderly) -Lack of vaccination -Underlying health conditions (like certain neurological disorders, lung disease, heart disease, pregnancy, high blood pressure, and obesity) Vaccination remains our best defense against severe flu. But with less than half of eligible Americans receiving flu shots last year, your advocacy continues to be crucial for improving vaccination rates. The CDC report also reinforces the importance of early intervention with antivirals like Tamiflu for high-risk patients showing flu symptoms. See the full article 👇 #publichealth #flu #healthcare

Hampstead Hospital's East Acres residential psychiatric facility is expanding to better serve children with acute mental health needs. The $3M project will double the facility's space, providing individual rooms and enhanced therapeutic areas. Hampstead Hospital CEO Justin Looser MSW, MBA explains: “The area is nice, but it’s certainly small and that footprint would benefit from being expanded, both from a programming aspect and a patient-focus aspect. This is their home for a period of time, so we really felt like to expand upon that census we needed a bigger footprint.” This expansion will enable the state's only Level 5 psychiatric treatment center for youth to reach its full 12-patient capacity by June 2026. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/er7gdXfr #MentalHealthCare #NewHampshire #Healthcare

Big THANK YOU to our thought-provoking speakers, members and attendees, sponsors, and staff who made this year's Annual Scientific Conference such a success! 👏 Keep your eye out for a full event recap and more photos in the next issue of the NHMS Physician Magazine.

Congratulations to NHMS members Dr. Samantha House and Dr. Joanna Leyenaar of Dartmouth Health Children's on their election to two prestigious national pediatric societies. 👏 Dr. House joins the Society for Pediatric Research, recognized for her groundbreaking work on pediatric high-value care and rural health services. 👏 Dr. Leyenaar has been elected to the American Pediatric Society for her research on children with complex medical needs and her landmark JAMA study on pediatric psychiatric bed shortages in New England. These well-deserved honors highlight the exceptional pediatric care and research happening right here in NH.

New data from the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute shows promising trends in NH healthcare coverage. -75% of Granite Staters now have private insurance. -And the uninsured rate has dropped dramatically to just 4.7%. (That's less than half of what it was in 2013.) This improvement is largely thanks to Medicaid expansion and the Affordable Care Act. However, with NH's aging population expected to grow to 27% by 2050, our healthcare system faces new challenges ahead. This demographic shift will likely increase reliance on Medicare and other public insurance programs. #healthcare #healthinsurance #newhampshire