The nationwide malpractice crisis is constantly in the news, but here in Garrett County we have a very immediate problem needing support. My partner has worked in the medical field for many years and still has close ties to the medical community. I have asked her to explain our situation.
Garrett County has 4 physicians that do OB – deliver babies. These physicians are Family Practice Physicians, not OB/GYN’s. This is an important distinction as OB/GYN’s have a surgical component – a family practice physician does not.
Two years ago the Maryland legislature enacted a subsidy bill that made the purchase of medical malpractice coverage by these 4 family practitioners somewhat affordable. The bill was necessary because insurance company, Med Mutual, decided that these 4 family physicians who deliver babies are to pay the same premium that OB/GYN physicians pay. An unaffordable amount.
Even with this subsidy these 4 physicians still pay about 3 times the medical malpractice premiums they would pay if they did not provide obstetrical services. They continue to provide this service because they recognize that it is a true public health issue and absolutely essential for the citizens of Garrett County and surrounding WV counties. It would be a tragedy if Garrett Memorial Hospital were forced to abandon this service – thus endangering the lives of expectant mothers and newborns forced to travel at least 50 miles for this service.
The bill allowing the subsidy has a sunset provision which will end in December 2009.
A family physician not providing obstetric services pays an average of just over $12,000 per year for malpractice coverage. The rate for a family physician doing obstetrics is $100,000 per year. The subsidy reduces that amount to about $35,000 per year. Still very expensive, but worth the cost for the additional services provided the community.
Senator Edwards and Delegate Beitzel have introduced legislation into the current session which would make the subsidy permanent. While it seems likely that the Maryland legislature will pass this bill, the state’s poor financial health raises concerns as the subsidy will be harder to fund.
WE ALL NEED TO DO OUR PART. PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS AND EMAIL THE FOLLOWING HOUSE AND SENATE COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS.
Peter.Hammen@house.state.md.us thomas.mclain.middleton@senate.state.md.us
The email can be very short. “Please support HB 815 and SB 774.
Your children and grandchildren will thank you!
There really isn't a Deep Creek Lake Book Club (as far as I know) but I do enjoy reading. Every once in awhile I find a book that is truly a gem. Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker is one such book. The story of Truly, an oversized person at birth due to a pituitary gland condition is one of those characters that will stay with you for a long time. "Truly" worth the read.
The Deep Creek Dunk, sponsored by the Maryland State Police to benefit Spedical Olympics will be held tomorrow, Saturday, February,28th 2009, at Pizzeria Uno's. The dunk is free to spectators and promises a day full of fun while at Deep Creek and Wisp Resort.
Friday evening, February 27th is the warm up to the Dunk. "Dunkfest" behind Unos - A great family event. Hope to see you there.
With recent cuts in almost every budget, Garrett Lakes Arts Festival is truly in need of support, There will be a meeting on March 17th at 10am in the Commissioner's room at the Oakland Courthouse. Please enter from the 4th street side. If you are unable to attend, we encourage to write to the commissioners expressing your interest in saving the Arts in Garrett County. Garrett Lakes Arts Festival brings our local area wonderful entertainment, music and shows every year. The most popular in recent years has been concerts by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Let's get behind Garrett Lakes Arts Festival.
Pokey is 6th in the country. Over 1400 votes. Sounds like he is quite proud of himself - holding his tail a little higher than normal. Slobbering more than usual as well. Again Pokey and Margie want to thank everyone for the support you have shown him (and Julie). The Spay and Neuter program in Garrett County goes a long way to make these wonderful animals we love happier. They have asked me to remind people to please check with your local animal shelter if you are considering a pet. Many great animals hoping for a person to love. Our local animal shelter phone # is 301-334-3553 - please tell them that Pokey referred you. Don't forget to vote if you haven't, or vote again.
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With over 150 years of family history in the Deep Creek Lake, MD area, Betsy Spiker is the Deep Creek Lake's leading real estate professional. Call her today for a free consultation
With over 150 years of family history in the Deep Creek Lake area, Betsy Spiker is the seventh generation of Garrett County natives. Like her ancestors before her, she has a special place in her heart for this picturesque region. With such extensive knowledge about and passion for the area, it's easy to understand why Betsy is so successful as one of Deep Creek Lake's leading real estate professionals. She knows the community and its amenities like the back of her hand and is the ultimate resource for buying or selling a home here. When it comes to working with the right real estate professional for your next move, you want someone who has Deep Roots In Deep Creek Lake. That's Betsy Spiker. Call her today for a free consultation.
SEARCH ALL AVAILABLE DEEP CREEK LAKE AREA PROPERTIES:
Each member of my team is a life long resident of Garrett County. Like me, they all have Deep Roots in the Deep Creek Lake area.
Karen Doerr is a licensed real estate agent and our Transaction Coordinator. We rely on her to keep us organized and the team running smoothly.
Andrew Eiswert is a Buyer Specialist and has a deep affinity for the lake area and its beauty. He can guide you through the real estate buying process helping to make finding the right property an enjoyable experience. Andrew enjoys all of the activities in the Deep Creek Lake area such as skiing, fishing, boating, etc. He prides himself on educating second home buyers in all this area has to offer.
Kathy Johnson is also a Buyer Specialist, coming to real estate after raising her family. She enjoys working one-on-one with people, and takes great pride in finding the home that fits your needs.
As for me, I am the Managing Member of the team. I focus primarily on being a Listing Specialist and strive to give all of my clients exceptional service, head and shoulders above the competition.
"Dear Betsy,
Thank you again for all your help and support in the sale of our home in Deep Creek. Thanks for putting up with our anxious moments. We have recommended you to our neighbors. We will contact you again if we're in the market to buy.
Sincerely, Nancy and Ken"
"Betsy,
My wife, Val, and I just completed the purchase of our lake front house at Deep Creek Lake. I'm sure you are aware of the transaction.
What I want to comment on is the incredibly good service performed by Andrew. He bent over backwards to ensure our interests were well represented during the rather laborious procedure. (Laborious due to the seller, not the buyer!) All the while Andrew was doing this "bargaining," he and his wife became first time parents of their new baby, Sean. That was a full time job in itself yet he devoted lots of his time to share our concerns. He never missed a beat for us.
His friendly disposition and work ethic are noteworthy. I wanted to take the time to write and to tell you what you probably already know: You have a gem of an agent!
We look forward to spending time in our new home and owe much of the enjoyment of buying our new property, to Andrew.
He gave us totally impressive customer service!
We look forward to meeting you sometime in the future around the Deep Creek area.
Sincerely,
Mark and Valerie"
"Betsy,
I wanted to let you know that Kathy Johnson was so wonderful to us. She was great from the time she showed us the house until they day it settled. Kathy had a lot to do a lot to make sure will settled on Monday, the 15th, and she made it happen. Even though this was a small sale, Kathy made us feel like it was a million dollar settlement.
We are very happy in our new digs.
Take care,
Janice"
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