Fairways & Philanthropies: 2^nd Annual Charity Golf Scramble! 

FORE! A Good Cause! ~ Registration is open for the Center for a Healthy Maryland 2nd Annual Charity Golf Scramble! Join the Center for a day of Hole-In-Fun on FRIDAY, August 22nd, 2025, at The Timbers At Troy Golf Course in Elkridge, Maryland! Register Here: 2nd Annual Charity Golf Scramble Registration

The Return of Dr. John Davidge

A surprise discovery returned Dr. John Davidge to his rightful place at the University of Maryland’s Davidge Hall in Baltimore

MedChi Invites Readers to View the following AMA Message:

Statement attributable to:

Bobby Mukkamala, M.D., President, American Medical Association 

“Today is a sad and unnecessarily harmful day for patients and health care across the country, and its impact will reverberate for years. Care will be less accessible, and patients may simply forego seeing their physician because the lifelines of Medicaid and CHIP are severed.

“This is bad for my patients in Flint, Michigan, and it is devastating for the estimated 11.8 million people who will have no health insurance coverage as a result of this bill.

“The American Medical Association’s mission is promoting the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health. This bill moves us in the wrong direction. It will make it harder to access care and make patients sicker. It will make it more likely that acute, treatable illnesses will turn into life-threatening or costly chronic conditions. That is disappointing, maddening, and unacceptable."

Click here to view full statement.

5 Types of Business Insurance Every Healthcare Practice Needs

Discover the 5 essential types of business insurance every medical practice should have to safeguard against risk and ensure long-term stability.

CMS Fraud Alert

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an alert about increasing fraud schemes targeting Medicare providers. Bad actors are impersonating CMS and sending fake fax requests for medical records and documentation, falsely claiming they’re related to audits. These phishing attempts are a form of social engineering aimed at tricking providers into sharing sensitive information. CMS has made it clear that it does not initiate audits by requesting medical records via fax. Physicians and practices should stay vigilant, protect their data, and confirm any suspicious requests with their Medical Review Contractor. Please see here for more details on fighting and reporting fraud: Crushing Fraud, Waste, & Abuse | CMS

MRCS would like to make you aware of a recent fraud scheme identified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) targeting Medicare providers and suppliers.

What’s happening:

Scammers are impersonating CMS by sending fraudulent fax requests for medical records and documentation. These faxes falsely claim to be part of a Medicare audit.

Important to know:

• CMS does not initiate audits by requesting medical records via fax.
• If you receive a suspicious or unsolicited fax request, do not respond or provide any information.
• If you’re unsure whether a request is legitimate, please contact your designated Medical Review Contractor to verify its authenticity.

Protecting your practice and patient data is critical. Please remain vigilant and share this information with your staff.

Heat Stress: A Growing Public Safety Concern

Heat stress is an increasing public safety concern, particularly during periods of extreme heat or high humidity. It can cause serious health conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke—both of which require immediate medical attention. Certain groups are especially vulnerable, including older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and individuals with chronic health conditions.

In response to this risk, the Maryland Department of Labor implemented new workplace standards in 2024 for environments where the heat index reaches 80°F or higher. These standards aim to protect workers from heat-related illnesses.

 As physicians, we play a vital role in educating our patients. We can remind them to stay well-hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours, and take proper precautions when exposed to hot working conditions.

Karen Dionestoes, M.D.

Chair, MedChi Public Health & Disaster Preparedness Committee

 Resources:

• MOSH Key Requirements: Maryland Heat Stress Standards
• MDH Fact Sheet: Working Outside in Hot Weather
• MDH Fact Sheet: Hot Weather Health Issues and Concerns