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Happy Holidays & New DAC Opportunity
Happy Holidays,
As we look ahead, I'd like to share a new opportunity: The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and Maryland Commission on Health Equity (MCHE) are actively recruiting for the Data Advisory Committee (DAC) to support the data strategy required for the State Health Equity Plan as a part of the State's Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development (AHEAD)model.
The DAC was established under previous legislation to make recommendations to the MCHE on data collection, needs quality, reporting, evaluation, and visualization. We are evolving the DAC to advise on the Statewide Population Health, Quality and Equity Measures for AHEAD.
Members of the DAC do not have to be MCHE members. The attached document provides an overview of the responsibilities and expectations of the committee. We are seeking patients/consumers with lived experience in the health care system, along with individuals who have experience in measure development (qualitative and quantitative), population health analytics and/or health equity target-setting.
If you are interested in participating in MCHE's Data Advisory Committee, I strongly encourage you to complete this form. Please feel free to forward this opportunity to others in your networks. The deadline to submit is 5pm on December 31, 2024. Individuals selected to participate will be notified by January 7, 2025. DAC and MCHE meetings are open to the public.
If you have additional questions, please contact Thomas Weaver, MCHE Coordinator.
Once again, I wish everyone a happy holiday season. I am deeply appreciative of all we have accomplished together. Our physicians, staff, and community truly make a difference, and I look forward to all we will achieve in the upcoming year.
Wishing everyone and their families a fantastic holiday season,
Gene Ransom III
MedChi CEO
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AMA: Congress Fails Patients and Physicians
The following statement is attributable to:
Bruce A. Scott, M.D. President, American Medical Association
“The Continuing Resolution utterly fails to address declining reimbursement rates for Medicare, pushing our health system down a path that will have predictable and deleterious results. For the fifth consecutive year, Congress has adjourned and allowed Medicare cuts. What will be the result? Patients struggling to access health care. Physicians closing or selling their private practices while others opt to leave the profession.
“Congress heads home today leaving in place a 2.83 percent cut for doctors. It did not provide a rational permanent, inflation-based update as the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission recommended. It didn’t even offer doctors a Band-Aid in the form of a cut reduction, as the cost of delivering care rises 3.5 percent next year.
“With this new cut going into effect next year, Medicare payment rates have fallen by 33 percent over the past two decades, when adjusted for the costs of running a practice, leaving physicians struggling to figure out how they can continue to provide needed care to their elderly and chronically ill patients.
“Congress also inexplicably missed a golden opportunity to improve patient care by refusing to include prior authorization reform in the final package – a reform with vast bipartisan support in both chambers. Leaving it on the cutting room floor is an unnecessary gift to the insurance industry at the expense of our patients. Physicians have unique training and expertise when prescribing appropriate care, and we don’t need insurance companies delaying and interfering with our patients’ vital treatments.
"Physicians are frustrated and patients are angry. Obviously, the Medicare payment system is broken. With another cut almost certain to take effect, Congress must enact meaningful long-term reforms. The American Medical Association has put forward many substantive solutions and is eager to work with the new Congress and administration. Patients and physicians are counting on cooperation to reform Medicare and avoid a sixth year of last-minute cuts and a further hollowing out of access to care.”
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Give to the Center for the Holidays!
Educate for the advancement of medicine and quality of medical care and Promote the health of MD Citizens. As you embark on your holiday journeys, we wish you safe travels and happy holidays!
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Retired Maryland Emergency Physician Is Still in the Fight
Dr. Morhaim spent more than two decades in the Maryland House of Delegates, fighting for legislation to protect health care workers and patients before his final legislative term ended in 2019. His health care focus included hospital efficiency, physician and patient satisfaction, and emergency department (ED) wait times, as well as a host of nonhealth issues.
Today, Dr. Morhaim is donating his time to a recently established Maryland commission focused on ED wait times. Read more.
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CY 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule Now Published
The Final Rule includes updated payment rates, updated telehealth policies, and new coding for caregiver training and social determinants of health services. It expands access to preventive and behavioral health care, addresses health equity, and incorporates lessons from value-based care models to strengthen primary care and accountable care organizations (ACOs). The rule also advances drug price controls under the Inflation Reduction Act and modernizes reimbursement for preventive services, telehealth, and advanced care management. These policies will take effect on January 1, 2025, unless otherwise noted. For a more detailed summary, please see the AMA MPFS Final Rule Summary.
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7 Reasons Medical Malpractice Insurance is Essential
Securing medical malpractice insurance should be a non-negotiable part of any Maryland healthcare professional’s business strategy. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or part of a larger practice, a small business insurance agency like our Maryland insurance agency can help tailor coverage that meets your needs.
Read more.
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Announcing The New and Improved BHIPP Website!
Maryland Behavioral Health Integration in Pediatric Primary Care (BHIPP) is pleased to announce the launch of our new and improved website! The new site features an online webform for submitting consultation requests, an interactive calendar of events, a training library, and more! Please visit our website here.
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CME Accredited Radiation Oncology Symposium – “Best of” 2024 with Happy Hour Reception, Thursday, January 9 in Baltimore
The University of Maryland is proud to host the 20th Annual Radiation Oncology Symposium – “Best of 2024”. This half-day symposium is a comprehensive review of major developments in standards of cancer care and treatment modalities and an overview of practice-changing studies. Speakers include University of Maryland faculty and national experts. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged, which includes lunch, two “Meet the Expert” speaker sessions, a happy hour reception, and lots of networking opportunities with area providers -- all at the same price as virtual. (Registration fee is waived for virtual resident trainees who do not need credit.) If there is a topic you would like a speaker to cover, comment on our Twitter / X page.
Learn More or Register
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Documenting Continuing Education: Staying Compliant and Avoiding Pitfalls
Physicians in Maryland must understand and document their continuing education requirements to stay compliant and competent. While mandatory for some, continuing education benefits all professionals by keeping them informed of industry developments. Each licensing board has unique requirements, and failing to meet or document these can result in serious consequences. Avoid common pitfalls like neglecting non-mandatory education or relying solely on providers for records. Consulting one of our Attorneys can help safeguard your license and ensure compliance with these essential obligations. Call us today, 410-210-4737. Read more Here.
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Is Your Practice Losing Up to 20% Of Its Revenue?
An MGMA poll in 2022 found that 40% of medical practices did not reach their revenue goals. If you’re “going it alone” consider boosting your practice’s earning potential with a physician-led consulting service that understands the unique demands of healthcare. Consult CMF knows firsthand the fundamental drivers to success, including digital technology, operations, and practice management. Our tailored solutions are customized to help your practice achieve sustainable growth. Our Revenue Cycle Screen uncovers revenue leakage and delivers actionable strategies to streamline operations and maximize profitability. Don’t leave your practice’s success to chance. Partner with Consult CMF and let us help you transform your practice by increasing revenue and reducing operational inefficiency. To learn more, visit ConsultCMF.com or call (443) 472-6529.
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Thank you for your support! | | |
Your Advocate. Your Resource. Your Profession. |
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MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society
800.492.1056 • www.medchi.org
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