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June 2024

Celebration of life for Marilyn Rissmiller

Marilyn Rissmiller, the original author of this column who retired from the Colorado Medical Society in 2019, died last month after complications from surgery. Marilyn worked for CMS for over 20 years as director of health care finance and was a policy savant who was regularly consulted by the American Medical Association, state regulators and legislators for her expertise on health care policy and its impact on practicing physicians. Many long-serving practice administrators undoubtedly interacted with Marilyn and experienced her ready willingness to help, kindness and extensive knowledge.

Her family is hosting a celebration of life for her on Sunday, June 30, at the Ken Caryl Ranch House in southwest Littleton, and all are welcome to attend. Learn more and RSVP at this link: https://punchbowl.com/g/evvd9kd46e

Follow-up on cultural competency education

In the May 2024 issue of Livewire, we reported on a recent communication from Anthem to their network, "Colorado requires collection of diversity and cultural competency training," that cites Colorado Regulation 4-2-80. To clarify, this regulation requires payers to report on what percentage of their networks (providers and front-office staff) have completed a cultural sensitivity and anti-bias training in 2023; it does not require providers and front-office staff to complete these trainings.

The requirement for all carriers is that 90 percent of in-network physicians under state-regulated plans and their front office staff have completed cultural competency training by Jan. 1, 2025. Carriers will survey their participating providers and offer options for self-directed cultural competency training. While we suspect the carriers will accept training recommended by other carriers or education providers as fulfilling their requirements, we recommend asking the carriers.

It remains to be seen what the carriers will do to force compliance by more practices. Practices should be alert for contractual terms that require compliance as you renew contracts. There are no carve-out exceptions for network providers who do not directly interact with patients.

Related: CMS was recently alerted of a new federal rule effective July 5, 2024, that requires language interpretation and cultural competency training for health systems and medical practices (physicians included) that bill Medicare, Medicaid or see patients insured through an ACA exchange plan. While we analyze the full impact on Colorado physicians, we advise tracking who and when any physician or practice staff member completed any kind of cultural competency training since there appears to be no list of courses that would satisfy all requirements. CMS will continue sharing and developing cultural competency education for our members to help where we can.

Join an expert panel of speakers from National Jewish Health for our next physician wellbeing webinar, Breathing for Wellness, Tuesday, July 23, 6-7 p.m. The panel will take participants through the neurobiology of breathing, the science behind breathing properly, how breathing techniques can improve wellbeing, and lead you through a mindfulness breathing exercise. Plus, panelists will answer your questions.

When: Tuesday, July 23, 6-7 p.m.

Where: Zoom; click here to register

Speakers: Evan Stepp, MD, pulmonologist and critical care specialist; Cori Fratelli, FNP-C, breathing specialist in the division of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine; Jinny Tavee, MD, neurologist and chief of the NJH division of neurology

This webinar is brought to you by the Colorado Medical Society Committee on Physician Wellbeing.

Register for a CMS webinar to learn more about HIPAA compliance - July 24

Register today for the Colorado Medical Society's next Lunch and Learn webinar, Wednesday, July 24, 12-1 p.m. The webinar is open to all CMS members and their practice staff. Matt Leatherman, Abyde Lead Compliance Consultant, will present "5 HIPAA Compliance Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make." Register here.

Abyde, a CMS Partner in Medicine, is a technology company specializing in HIPAA & OSHA compliance education and solutions for independent medical practices. Abyde’s unique approach to simplify government requirements allows practices to implement an action plan to ensure compliance and focus on what they do best - patient care. Colorado Medical Society members receive complementary educational consultations, HIPAA/OSHA resources and preferred member pricing on your Abyde subscription.

Nominate an exceptional physician for COPIC's Humanitarian Award

Nominations accepted through Aug. 15

The Colorado Medical Society is proud to support COPIC in their award of the COPIC Humanitarian Award, which is given to a physician who has shown outstanding volunteer medical services and contributions to their community. Nominations are accepted through Aug. 15. The recipient of the award designates a $10,000 donation to a Colorado 501(c)(3) of their choice. The recipient is also invited to the CMS Annual Meeting, this year in Breckenridge Sept. 13-14. Find more information and the nomination form on COPIC's website.

Thanks to our Partners in Medicine, who support Colorado physicians and practices!

CMS Job Board

Job Listing: Full-Time Optometrist

Are you an optometrist looking for a welcoming and fulfilling work environment? We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our dynamic team at a multi-level eye care practice in beautiful Longmont, Colorado. We are a busy medical/surgical MD/OD practice dedicated to providing exceptional eye care to patients of all ages. Our team is like family, and we take pride in maintaining a supportive and collaborative work environment. With our well-established practice, you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients. Read more about this opportunity here.

Do you have a position open at your practice? Space to sub-let? Selling your practice? Place a job board or classified ad with CMS! CMS members receive the first month free. Contact debra_will@cms.org for more information!

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