Indianapolis Medical Society
Resources
IMS Foundation
Leadership Spotlight
J. Mark Michael, MD, Former Chief of Staff of the St. Vincent Department of Ophthalmology and a founding partner of 20/20 Eye Physicians of Indiana, was the 129th President of the Indianapolis Medical Society, serving the Society during 2003-2004.
Dr. Michael received his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1973. He completed a laboratory medicine residency, an internal medicine internship, and a second residency in ophthalmology, after which he served as a clinical instructor of ophthalmology at Washington University. In 1984, his wife, Dr. Helen B. Michael, obtained an appointment as a surgical pathologist at Indiana University Hospital, which prompted their move to Indianapolis. Soon after arriving, Dr. Michael joined the Indianapolis Medical Society and opened a solo ophthalmology practice. In 1990 he co-founded the ophthalmology group practice, 20/20 Eye Physicians of Indiana.
Dr. Michael received his board certification from the American Board of Ophthalmology in 1984. He has served on the IMS Board of Directors since 1995 and has been an ISMA Delegate since 1999. He is on staff at St. Vincent and Clarian North Hospitals and at the Naab Road and Eagle Highlands Surgery Centers. He's a member of the Indiana Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American Medical Association. Drs. Mark and Helen live in Indianapolis and have two sons, Justin and Kevin.
F. A. Q.'s
Society F. A. Q.
- Do you provide physician referrals?
- Yes, we have more than 2,100 IMS Physicians in the greater Indianapolis and Marion County area. We can provide names of physicians by specialty or zip code, as you prefer. Generally, you will be provided with three names of physicians within the specialty you are seeking or zip code.
- What if I have a complaint against my doctor?
- If the physician is an IMS Member, there is a formal review process through the IMS's Commission on Professional Affairs. You will need to provide a brief overview of your concern so that Release of Information forms might be sent to you. The Society does not review any complaints related to fees. If the physician you are inquiring about is not an IMS Member, then you are referred to the Consumer Protection Division of the Indiana Attorney General's Office at (317) 232-6330.
- How can I obtain a copy of my records?
- Whether a physician moved, retired, or passed away, we try to determine where patient records are kept. IMS has NO medical records in their possession. Physicians are required by an Indiana statute, to maintain patient records seven years after the date of your last visit. You will be asked to sign a Records Release Form by the physician before they can provide you with a copy of your information. You will also be charged a fee for this information, also established by Indiana Code.
Membership F. A. Q.
- A new doctor has joined our practice. How do I enroll this physician as an Indianapolis Medical Society Member?
- Print the PDS Membership Application. Complete, sign, and date the online application and return it via the most convenient payment method; i.e., email to ims@imsonline.org, fax to (317) 262-5609, or mail to 631 E. New York St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-3706.
- What is the cost of Membership?
- The amount varies due to the time of year and the physician's status (i.e. Active, 1st Year of Practice, or Resident/Fellow). Dues amounts are listed on the back of the application, however, do phone the IMS Membership Secretary, Tyna, at (317) 639-3406 for the exact amount when the application is ready for submission. Membership processing begins once full payment has been received.
- What are Membership benefits?
- IMS Member benefits include: Free Physician Referral Service; Free $100,000 Air Travel Flight Insurance; Free Medi-file cards for Members' patients; Free first-time Announcement Labels; a Free annual IMS Pictorial Roster of Members; discount for Subscribers of The Medical Society Exchange (the Society's wholly-owned medical answering service); discount on group health insurance through ADVANTAGE Health Solutions, a local health plan owned by local providers; 20% Discount with iSalus OfficeEMR®; Collection services through I.C. System; Discounts with Staples® & Hertz®. In addition to all of these benefits, IMS Members can also rent the Society's newly-renovated Conference Center for either their professional events or personal celebrations!
- What are membership qualifications?
- Any physician (M.D. or D.O.) who resides or practices in the Marion County area or any county immediately adjacent to Marion is eligible for IMS Membership.
- Can I just join the county, or do I have to join the state as well?
- IMS Membership requires membership in the Indiana State Medical Association and the 7th District Medical Society. The 7th District includes those counties contiguous to Marion County. While membership in the American Medical Association is encouraged, it is not required.
- If a physician currently holds membership through another county, can he/she belong to the Indianapolis Medical Society as well?
- Yes, this is known as an Affiliate Membership and carries the same membership benefits as an Active Member. Full, Annual Dues are $325.00, but, do phone Tyna at (317) 639-3406 for the exact amount, which might be less, depending upon the time of year the Membership Application is submitted.
- If a physician currently holds ISMA Membership through another county and has relocated either their residence or practice, how do they transfer their membership?
- Simply print and complete an IMS Membership Application and note the county from which the transfer is being made. No dues are necessary during the first calendar year that a Transfer occurs, as long as dues to the originating county were already paid.
- Do I need to complete a separate application for the Indiana State Medical Association or the American Medical Association?
- No. Membership begins at the county level. Once an application is approved, it is forwarded to the state and national associations, as appropriate.
- How will I know when the application is approved?
- All applications are presented to the IMS Executive Committee Members for consideration on a monthly basis. Following each EC Meeting, acceptance packets are mailed to New Members.
- What documentation should accompany my application?
- Copies of State & Federal DEA Licenses and Board Certifications are required. While a black & white or color photo is requested for inclusion on the IMS website and the IMS Roster of Members; it is optional. The lack of a photo will not delay the application process.
Exchange F. A. Q.
- Must I be a member of the Indianapolis Medical Society to subscribe to the Medical Society Exchange?
- Although it is not necessary to be an IMS Member to be a Subscriber with the Medical Society Exchange, membership is encouraged. IMS Members receive a special discount on their service with The Exchange.
- Does a live Operator answer all calls?
- Yes. Automated messages are never used, nor are you directed to Voice Mail to leave your message. An Operator familiar with Indianapolis ... because it is her home ... answers every call.
- Does the Exchange have email?
- Yes, it is available. The preference, however, is that schedules or changes arrive via fax or phoned in personally, to ensure accuracy.
- Is it possible to get a record of a specific call?
- Yes. Call records are kept for three years, on paper and electronically. If you need information on a particular call, contact the MSE and it will be faxed, emailed, or mailed to you personally.
- Can our office calls be forwarded directly to the Exchange for answering?
- Yes, we handle the "office closed" or "office busy" calls for lunch, evenings, nights and weekends. The Medical Society Exchange is your 24/7/365 personal answering service.
- What greeting is used to answer calls?
- All calls are answered "Medical Society Exchange."
- Do you have different plans for groups?
- No, our fees are per physician with discounts for IMS members.
- Are there any additional charges?
- Each subscription includes with 100 calls per month. All calls over 100 are billed at $.40/call. Incoming patient calls are the ONLY calls considered as part of the Subscriber's 100 calls. All calls and pages to the physician, covering physician, or office are not included as part of the 100 calls. There are NO extra charges for Faxes, changes to Call Schedules, Holidays, or the need for additional MSE staff due to inclement weather.