The Advancing Practice Transformation in Ambulatory Practices (APT) Program is accepting practices!

Now in its third year, the APT program assists practices with assessing readiness for transformation, redesigning workflows, completing transformation milestones, and providing training to practice staff, all at no cost to the practice. The MedChi Team is hosting an educational webinar on Thursday, November 21^st at 12:30pm. We hope that you will join us! Register here. Please contact Alyssa Mills at amills@medchi.org or 410-878-9689 for additional information or questions.

Gather with the Washington County Medical Society December 4, 2024

Join us at Café Del Sol East, 1130 Conrad Court, Hagerstown, MD, 21740 at 5:30 PM. Greet your colleagues and enjoy great food and drink! It’s happening in Hagerstown! RSVP here.

BCMA's upcoming Legislative Breakfast

The BCMA will hold a legislative breakfast on Friday, December 13th. It will be from 7:30am-8:30am at GBMC in the new Louis and Phyllis Friedman Building located at 6715 N Charles St, Towson 21204. Contact info: Russ Kujan 410-296-1232 (bcma@medchi.org). Register Here

Maryland Medicaid: Updated Post-PHE Guidance for Practitioners

The Maryland Medical Assistance Program has issued updated guidance for practitioners following the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). Key points include continued coverage for COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatments, with small copayments for certain services. Updates to Long-Term Services, Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, and the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) and Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) clarify premium requirements and eligibility changes. Telehealth services, including audio-only, remain available through June 2025. See PDF for more details.

Medical schools should help students exercise free speech while upholding professional standards

Schools need policies and teachings to help students make themselves heard on education and social issues. It’s not easy. Read more.

Protect Your Business from Costly Data Breaches!

The risk of a cyberattack—whether through phishing, ransomware, or hacking—doesn’t seem likely until you realize how frequently these events happen, even to small businesses. One day, a staff member opens an email that looks legitimate, and within minutes, your system is compromised, with critical patient data now in the wrong hands. That’s the moment when you start thinking about the costs—not just the immediate loss but the long-term financial impact. Read more

Calling All Prescribers: Can You Help Maryland Addiction Consultation Service (MACS) With a Brief Survey? 

As part of an ongoing effort to understand the landscape of buprenorphine access, the Maryland Addiction Consultation Service (MACS) is surveying prescribers across the state. We would greatly appreciate your assistance with this effort by taking a few moments to complete this voluntary survey. The survey can be accessed online by clicking this link or by using the QR Code. Instructions to return this survey via mail or fax can be found by accessing the survey link. 

The Maryland Health Care Commission is Requesting Feedback

The Maryland Health Care Commission is requesting feedback from physicians on the important issue of acquisitions of health care organizations and health care market concentration in Maryland. Participants are welcome provide feedback on all or some of the ten questions.

For further information on this request click here.

To provide feedback via a fillable form click here.

The deadline to provide feedback is Tuesday, November 26, 2024. We encourage all physicians to consider providing feedback on this important matter.

If feasible, please send a copy of your responses to MedChi at adelong@medchi.org.

Uniting for Prosperity: The Benefits of a Family Financial Summit

With the Holidays coming up, isn’t it time to have a different kind of family conversation? Click HERE to learn more about why you need a Family Financial Summit to get your family on track for sharing your financial values and meeting your goals.

Tell your Representative to cosponsor the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act (H.R. 10073)

UPDATE: Now that the elections are over, Congress will be heading back to Washington, DC for the final "lame duck" session before the end of the year. This will be our last opportunity to pass H.R. 10073 before the 2.8% goes into effect on January 1, 2025. Physicians have sent 2,769 emails to Congress in support of H.R. 10073. Please add your voice if you have not already taken action. Take Action Here.

We want to hear from you: Take our vaccines survey today!

MedChi is looking to better understand how different policies and regulations around vaccine administration can impact the ability for Maryland physicians to deliver care to their patients. Please consider taking this 5-minute survey and share your experience with shared clinical decision making (SCDM) recommendations and how it can impact vaccine uptake.

SCDM is a vaccine recommendation option used by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a sub-committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ACIP members develop recommendations on the use of vaccines in the U.S.

Many vaccines have a ‘routine’ recommendation, meaning that all people in that age category should receive those vaccines, but a SCDM recommendation leaves the decision of whether to vaccinate up to a discussion between a physician and their patient. SCDM recommendations result in a lack of education around the vaccine, leaving patients unsure or unaware how to bring up the vaccine during a wellness visit. 

Tell us more about how vaccines with a SCDM recommendation impact you and your patients: Take Our 5-Minute Survey Today!

Helping one physician helps a thousand patients

Educate for the advancement of medicine and quality of medical care. Promote the health of MD Citizens. Preserve the history of Maryland medicine.

PDMP Web Hub Available On Line for Prescribers and Pharmacists

The PDMP has a web hub to allow prescribers and pharmacists access the information and resources needed to prescribe and dispense opioids safely. Visit the MarylandPDMP.org today for helpful tools such as:

-Referral Resources

-Naloxone Resources

-Safe Opioid Prescribing Resources and Printable Fact Sheets

-Educational Notifications

J & J Innovative Medicine is Leading Where Medicine is Going

J&J releases their eighth U.S. Pricing Transparency Report  which provides key data, analysis and insights that will help advance solutions to create a more sustainable, equitable and innovative healthcare system. Included in this issue is Transparency at a Glance. Please stay tuned for Transparency Rebates and Discounts from Johnson & Johnson.

Protecting Your Medical License in Maryland: Key Do’s and Don’ts

Facing disciplinary action as a physician in Maryland can jeopardize your career. To protect your license, act decisively: understand the allegations, explore potential outcomes, and consult an experienced professional license defense lawyer immediately. Avoid costly mistakes like making assumptions or handling your case alone. Build a cohesive defense strategy and leverage every opportunity to safeguard your license. Don’t wait—take proactive steps today to secure your future. Call us at 410-210-4737.

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.

Seven Keys to Navigating Market Volatility

Market volatility can be unsettling, especially when you see your investments fluctuating wildly day by day.

However, staying calm and sticking to a well-thought-out strategy can help you navigate these turbulent times effectively.

Click here for key steps to consider when dealing with market volatility.