The Colorado Medical Society updated our distribution list for Livewire to include all practice contacts in our database. To those receiving this e-newsletter for the first time, welcome! To all recipients, we are always looking to improve; let us know if you have questions or suggestions for content by replying to this email.
January 2022
Virtual workshops for practice managers - Friday, Jan. 21
Register today!

One of the CMS's 2022 goals is to bring joy back into the practice of medicine and give practice managers the opportunity to get involved with CMS in a new capacity.

Join us virtually this Friday, Jan. 21 for several timely, hot-topic workshops you do not want to miss! Register for one or all three! These workshops will be interactive and you’ll have the chance to win raffle prizes.
 
Workshops available:
 
  • 12 - 1:30 p.m. - Simplifying HIPAA and OSHA Compliance with Abyde
  • 2 - 3 p.m. - Experts Look Into Medical Billing Industry with RPM Medical Billing
  • 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. - Transforming the Patient Experience through Technology with PatientPop
The Colorado Medical Society values our close relationship with the Colorado Medical Group Management Association (CMGMA). Are you a member?
CMGMA CORNER

The Colorado Medical Group Management Association (CMGMA) is a statewide professional association comprised of medical practice managers, administrators and executives. CMGMA is an affiliate of the national MGMA. CMGMA offers local opportunities for education and networking. Our purpose is simple. We strive to provide our members the opportunity for both professional and personal growth through education and networking with colleagues.

Learn more about membership here or at www.cmgma.com
Let's be friends!
Is your practice on social media? Follow us or reply to this email with your handles so we can follow you back, share content and tag you in posts to promote your practice!
National Jewish Health
44th Annual Pulmonary and Allergy Update
February 2-5, 2022
Keystone Conference Center
Keystone, Colorado
The Pulmonary and Allergy Update highlights insights and recent advances in pulmonary medicine, asthma, allergy and immunology, presented by faculty from the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. Network with colleagues and nationally recognized experts, and learn the latest updates on management and treatment options for your patients. Workshops and small-group sessions provide great opportunities to discuss key issues and interesting cases with colleagues and National Jewish Health faculty.
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Relief funds available to physicians and their practices affected by the Boulder County wildfires

The Colorado Medical Society is here to help physicians when you need help. If your practice has been affected by the Marshall and Middle Fork fires and CMS can help, please email membership@cms.org or call 720-859-1001. 

CMS has funds available through the Jane Nugent Cochems Trust and we have applied for AMA disaster relief funds on behalf of all physicians affected by the fires. The deadline to apply for the Cochems funds is Feb. 1 (info: cms.org/about/cochems-trust); more information coming soon on the AMA relief funds.
Vaccine mandate for health care workers stands

On Dec. 29, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (federal CMS) released guidance on the Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Interim Final Rule that was published on Nov. 5, 2021. The emergency regulation requires vaccinations for eligible staff at health care facilities participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. While the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a mandate for large businesses, the court's opinion allows the interim rule to take effect for health care workers. Read more about who is affected by the mandate here.
AMA webinar: Implementing the No Surprises Act - Jan. 20, 11 a.m. MT

Register to join the American Medical Association for a webinar on Thursday, Jan. 20 at 12 p.m. CT/11 a.m. MT, “Implementing the No Surprises Act.” The No Surprises Act, which aims to protect patients from the financial impact of surprise medical billing, became law on Jan. 1. Learn what physicians need to do immediately to comply with the new law. Our experts will also address enforcement challenges and the interaction between state and federal surprise billing requirements.

Additional resources:
  • View the AMA's No Surprises Act Toolkit here.
  • View a fact sheet from the federal CMS here.
AMA: CPT update for third dose of the Pfizer pediatric COVID-19 vaccine

The American Medical Association (AMA) released a new vaccine administration code for a third dose of the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer. The new CPT code is effective immediately for use as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently expanded its Emergency Use Authorization to include a third primary series dose of Pfizer’s pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for certain immunocompromised children 5 through 11 years of age.

For quick reference, the new vaccine administration code assigned to the third dose of Pfizer’s pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is:

  • 0073A  Immunization administration by intramuscular injection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease [COVID-19]) vaccine, mRNA-LNP, spike protein, preservative free, 10 mcg/0.2 mL dosage, diluent reconstituted, tris-sucrose formulation; third dose
Thanks to our Partners in Medicine, who support Colorado physicians and practices!
Lower your overhead costs with new practice management service, “My Green Doctor”
My Green Doctor is the Colorado Medical Society’s new free practice management service to help offices, clinics, and outpatient centers “go green” and save money. My Green Doctor’s proven approach to environmental sustainability shows how to reduce overhead costs and waste. Most practices save money in the first month and everyone in the office enjoys working in a healthier place. The program adds just five minutes of My Green Doctor to each office staff meetings. Each five-minute session is fully scripted in the “Meeting-by-Meeting Guide” so that there is nothing for the practice manager or physician to study in advance. Your office will receive an attractive waiting room certificate just for registering. Start by registering at www.MyGreenDoctor.org (everyone in the office can register). Using the discount code MGDCOMS saves $60 instantly and makes My Green Doctor FREE. Your patients will be pleased as well.

One more service: My Green Doctor is mailing to practices free waiting room brochures to help patients make their own wise choices. Contact the editor if interested: mygreendr@gmail.com.
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