Winnebago County Medical Society


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Benefits

Through our strong relationships and partnerships with local and professional organizations, members have access to numerous benefits including, health insurance, evaluation of contracts and managed care programs, legal services and seminars.

The WCMS along with state and national organizations stands ready to assist physicians as they navigate through the maze of rules and regulations associated with such issues as contracting, Medicaid, Medicare, third party reimbursements, credentialing and managed care.

Physician members are eligible for theses services. Others member benefits include:

Legislative Advocacy

The Winnebago County Medical Society represents a grass roots effort to meet face to face with legislators at state and national levels to discuss pending legislation relative to the practice of medicine. We inform members of pending legislation that needs immediate attention so they may become involved in the legislative process by contacting legislators. Physicians may access updated information on current legislation through the Illinois State Medical Society's web site: www.isms.org or the American Medical Association's web site: www.ama-assn.org.

Physician Newsletter

Members receive regular newsletters that provide information on federal and state laws and regulations that affect physicians, patients, and the practice of medicine. Members are encouraged to offer articles on their special interests, socioeconomic issues and events. The newsletter also keeps physicians informed of monthly events, programs and services and highlights CME programs in the area.

Mediation

A physician committee reviews and mediates patient claims relating to the medical care provided by member physicians. This avenue offers patients and physicians an opportunity to defuse problems locally.

Medical-Legal Issues

Physicians from the Medical Society and attorneys from the Bar Association meet to discuss areas of common interest such as medical records, medical testimony, judicial process, and medical practice issues in order to learn from each other and to find common grounds of agreement. These meetings have served as a catalyst to develop an annual joint medical/legal conference.

Educational Opportunities

The Winnebago County Medical Society offers educational opportunities through programs in practice management, socioeconomic and personal/professional growth. Continuing Medical Education (CME) is available through some of the programs.

Through participation in the WCMS, you have the opportunity to be directly involved in the discussion and deliberation that shapes policies that affect your practice, the operation of the WCMS and its many programs and activities, and the health care environment.

Community Outreach

The Winnebago County Medical Society is steadfastly involved in the community through participation in the Northern Illinois Blood Bank, Crusader Clinic, Winnebago County Department of Public Health, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford, Rockford Health System, SwedishAmerican Health System, and OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. We are also involved with the Rockford Health Council, Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce, area health care agencies and educational programs for the elderly through senior citizen programs.

Membership Development

The Winnebago County Medical Society constantly seeks ways to market our medical society and better retain and recruit members.

Through participation in the WCMS, physicians have the opportunity to be directly involved in the discussions and deliberations that shape policies that affect their practices, the operation the WCMS and its many programs and activities.