The Oregon Society of Anesthesiologists Spring Meeting for 2008 is rapidly approaching. We have some great speakers, great topics and several fun social events for you and your family. Once again, we will have a social gathering at a private home with spectacular views. We will also have a best ball golf tournament.

If you did not receive the brochure in the mail or accidently misplaced it, you can download it by clicking here. The room block and special rate closes April 16th, so make your reservations now!

The didactic part of the meeting will offer a broad variety of educational sessions. ASA President-elect Roger Moore, M.D. will give an update on ASA issues important to each of us. Aryeh Shander, M.D., a recognized expert on blood conservation strategies, will help us better understand ways to safely reduce use of this scarce resource. OHSU's Michael Hutchens, M.D. will translate lessons learned in intensive care medicine to anesthetic management options for our increasingly aged and complex patients. Also, new to this meeting, Dawn Dillman, M.D. and several OHSU resident physicians will discuss the management of three challenging cases, using the Problem-Based Learning Discussion format so popular at the ASA Annual Meeting. And, your OSA President, Christopher Swide, M.D., will lead a brief business meeting to update you on the OSA's business.

UPDATE: As of April 20th, rooms in the block still appear to be available. If you haven't reserved your room, please do so soon to take advantage of the discounted hotel rate.

Angela Kendrick files this report from the February 2008, Noridian Oregon Carrier Advisory Committee.

On May 16 to 18, 2008, the Oregon Society of Anesthesiologists will host our annual Spring meeting at the beautiful Salishan Resort on the central Oregon coast. In addition to an update on our national organization from American Society of Anesthesiologists President-elect Roger Moore, we will have additional educational sessions and a business meeting of our state society. New this year, we are planning on offering a Problem-Based Learning Discussion on Friday evening, moderated by some of OHSU's anesthesiology residents.

Reserve the dates on your calendar and check back soon for additional details about speakers, topics, hotel arrangements and social activities.

Portland Monthly magazine just published its January 2008 edition, featuring its annual "Best Docs '08" article. Over 8,000 Portland physicians responded to this year's survey, with a number of OSA members receiving recognition by their peers. Some even earned repeat honors! Congratulations to these fine physicians who represent our specialty with distinction.

Past-president of the Oregon Society, Angela Kendrick, M.D. prepared this report of the 2007 Haugen Lectureship and OSA Business Meeting and officer elections.

Many Blue Cross Blue Shield plans nationally recently entered into a settlement agreement to resolve a number of physician unfriendly business practices. As part of the settlement, many physicians and others who have provided healthcare services to Blue Cross Blue Shield beneficiaries are eligible for a monetary payment. Read on to learn more about whether you are a member of the settlement class, and how to participate if you are.

The ASA will be holding a Trans-esophageal and Vascular Access Workshop in Phoenix this November. Read on for the details provided by ASA on September 12, 2007.

The Department of Anesthesiology and Peri-Operative Medicine at OHSU along with the Oregon Society invite you to a reception for those attending the ASA Annual Meeting in San Francisco. The event will be at the ThirstyBear Brewing Company on 661 Howard Street (see map), conveniently close to the Moscone Center, Saturday night October 13, 2007 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Click here for the invitation (PDF file).

See you there!

The ASA recently held its annual Board of Directors meeting. Dr. Richard Johnston has written the report that follows. Every OSA member should know that this was Dr. Johnston's last meeting as your director. The Board recognized him for his many years of service to the OSA, the ASA and the AMA and also recognized his receipt of the OSA's distinguished service award, which had been presented at the 2006 Salishan Spring Meeting. Thank you Dick for all your work on our behalf.

The timeframe for letting the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services know about the need for a Medicare anesthesia payment increase is almost over, ending Friday August 31, 2007. If you haven't done so, go immediately to the ASA website and follow the simple instructions to file a comment.

ASA President Mark Lema has produced a brief, but very informative Podcast (available free from Apple's iTunes Store) explaining both the need for and the reasons behind this Medicare proposal.

Please do your part and help assure improved payments from Medicare for our work!