Board of Directors Meeting, April 9, 1953 2
Report for the Public Relations Committee on the Call System was made by Dr. Kent, who said that about 100 replies had now been received and all are seemingly willing to accept it as soon as a good plan is evolved, but that several men have written giving various excuses for not taking night calls. He said that many problems are associated with such Call System and that a practical method has not yet been completed, there being not enough general practitioners or general internists to cover it.
Dr. Kuhlman stated that he had thought this call system was to handle calls for people who have no doctor at all, and not to handle calls for those individuals who are in private practice.
Dr. Kent stated that this was so, but that these questions have come up in the course of the inquiries.
Dr. Steen explained that some of the men have found themselves taking calls for someone else who is taking the weekend off.
Dr. Kent also reported on a letter which has been forwarded to him by Dr. Samuel Grauman from a patient seen by Dr. Grauman in May of 1952. Dr. Harry Thompson thought this should be referred to the Board of Censors, and so moved. Dr. Thompson maintained that such an individual should be listened to, through the Board of Censors, to find out if more is there than meets the eye, else the next doctor he sees may find himself involved in a law suit. Motion seconded by Dr. E.M. Hayden and carried.
A letter written by Miss Courtney Rettger giving the revised plan of the Committee on Psychiatric Facilities for Children, Pima County Association for Metal Health, was read by the Secretary. Dr. Manning said that he had talked with Dr. Beaton about this, and that Dr. Beaton now agreed to the plan, as did Dr. Hugh Thompson. It was moved by Dr. Royal Rudolph that this report be approved. Motion was seconded by Dr. Harry Thompson and carried.
Information sent by the Alameda Contracosta [ Contra Costa ] Medical Association relative to fee schedules was read by the Secretary. It was pointed out in discussion that the By-Laws of this Society, Chapter V, section 3, provide that "Agreements and schedules of fees shall not be made by this Society...". Dr. Kent reminded that this matter came to a head because Dr. Wittels was accused of excessive charges and he requested advice as to what was considered a usual charge. Dr. Steen stated that in the Midwest practically all societies have a fee schedule, which is set up as a matter or guidance only. It was moved by Dr. Rudolph that this communication be accepted. Motion seconded by Dr. Kent and carried. Dr. Thompson felt that, in all fairness, Dr. Wittels should be answered to the effect that fees cannot be set up. Dr. Costin suggested that he be advised that no trouble will be involved if he will make prior arrangements with patients respective fees.
A letter received from Dr. A.L. Lindberg suggesting that the By-Laws be revised to provide that the Board of Censors be composed of the three immediate Past President of the Society was read by the Secretary. Dr. Harry Thompson remarked that this was not done because it usually works out that way without a formal change in the By-Laws, and suggested that Dr. Lindberg be answered to the effect that it has been reviewed and found that in the past out Censors have been composed of Past President and it is, therefore, the feeling of the Board of Directors that it is not necessary at this time to change the By-Laws. Dr. Steen remarked that it just happens to turn out that way, but that anyone who has been a member of the Society for five years is eligible to be a Censor.
Letter from Dr. Sidney W. Ballard requesting non-resident membership was read by the Secretary. He is to be advised that this Society has no such category.
