The Michigan Medical Group Management Association (MMGMA) has signed a collaboration agreement with the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS), making it the first state chapter of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) to sign such an agreement with its state medical society.

The agreement, designed to formalize the relationship between the two organizations, is modeled after the affiliation agreement between the American Medical Association and MGMA. The agreement covers five areas: advocacy, education, member benefits, administrative assistance and committee participation.

Advocacy
As part of the agreement, MMGMA members may now participate in the MSMS Physician Legislative Network -- a statewide system which issues alerts and updates to keep participants abreast of current legislative issues. It also encourages participants to use that information to develop relationships with lawmakers.

The agreement also directs MMGMA and MSMS legislative representatives to meet regularly to discuss issues and devise plans of mutual benefit to the organizations' members. In addition, MMGMA and MSMS will collaborate on providing legislative speakers and speaker information for conferences. They will also collaborate on sending teams of members to the Annual Joint MGMA/AMA Legislative Conference.

Education
Educating members is a top priority and strength for both organizations. As part of the agreement, members of either organization will be afforded the opportunity to participate in the other organization's educational offerings, and at a discount.

In addition, the groups will work together to coordinate the times and subjects of their conferences to avoid duplication and conflict. They will also share speaker information and provide speakers for conferences when appropriate.

Member benefits
Since both groups strive to offer benefits of value to its members, the agreement offers ways to enhance membership in both organizations.

MSMS offers its products and service discounts to MMGMA members, including discounts on cellular telephones, insurance and subscription services. In addition, MSMS has opened its discounted Internet connection (via MSMSNET) to MMGMA members. To enhance Internet access for both member groups, MSMS is helping MMGMA develop its own Internet homepage.

The agreement also supports the groups working together to enhance the MMGMA Placement Service, which provides information about job openings to MMGMA members.

Administrative assistance
For years, MSMS has provided quality administrative services to MMGMA. The agreement will serve to enhance our relationship, especially as it concerns confidentiality and independence.

Committee participation
MSMS has a sophisticated and influential array of committees on many subjects of interest to MMGMA. Though MMGMA has served on many of these committees, the agreement formalizes this arrangement, thus allowing MMGMA members to sit on most MSMS committees. Committees of particular interest include rural health care, Medicaid, federal and state legislation, risk management, technology, and third party payors.

A win-win situation
The agreement invites members of each organization to have a representative attend at least one of the other group's board meetings each year. It also establishes regular meetings of the organizations' leadership to ensure that the relationship grows and evolves appropriately in response to changing markets.

Though the agreement has been in effect for only a few months, it already has created a win-win situation for both organizations. The relationship between the two organizations has been affected significantly and positively. It is the belief of both MMGMA and MSMS that members will enjoy the benefits of this new relationship.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of the agreement, or would like to learn more about the process, you may contact me at (616) 381-7380 Ext. 230.

Marsha Bassett is the Administrator at both Kalamazoo Neurology, PC, in Kalamazoo, MI, and Neurology of Battlecreek, PC, in Battlecreek, MI.