IN THIS ISSUE
Featured news
From our county health officers
2023 SMLMA Board of Directors announced
2023 Medi-Cal changes and other reminders
Other highlights
SMLMA 2022 Physician Contribution Awards
Mercer is now AMBA
January webinars
Community Bulletin Board
Membership Matters
Fetured event:
SRCH Epic Trail Challenge
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As we come to the close of 2022 and I reflect on the year that has passed, I am inspired and awed by the continued sacrifice and dedication I have seen in my colleagues—as physicians for their patients and their communities. I am honored to have been elected as your SMLMA president for 2023. I wish to thank Dr. Trish Hiserote for her incredible leadership during the past year, and I will strive to continue the same exceptional level of service to each of you.
The SMLMA leadership team met recently, and it was clear to us that one of the main goals of SMLMA must be to protect and empower the physician. The oath we take as physicians is to serve and protect our patients and the health of our community. To make this possible, SMLMA realizes the importance of empowering the voice and ability of all physicians in our three-county area.
The current omnibus bill package approved in the U.S. Congress last week will result in a 2.5% cut to physician Medicare payments. Continue reading
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Announcing 2023 SMLMA Board of Directors |
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With much gratitude, we welcome the incoming leadership team and board of directors. We appreciate their willingness to be of service to SMLMA, their medical colleagues, and our communities. The Board kicks off 2023 with a meeting on Monday, Jan. 2 to finalize SMLMA's strategic plan for the next three years. Report and details to follow. |
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FROM OUR COUNTY HEALTH OFFICERS |
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Sundari Mase, MD, MPH
The new year has arrived, and with it has come a surge in respiratory illnesses. COVID-19 cases continue to climb, but we are also seeing high numbers of influenza cases and other illnesses, including RSV, which have caused local hospitals to see a spike in admissions.
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 and flu combined to total more than 50 patients for much of the fall and early winter. It has been a particularly severe flu season, in part because people have begun gathering again for the first time in three years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, masking and social distancing helped to keep other illnesses like the flu at low levels, but those illnesses have come roaring back as people have relaxed pandemic behaviors.
In mid-December, Sonoma County moved into the medium tier of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s levels of community spread of COVID-19. The move to the higher tier means that COVID is spreading more widely in the community and requires masks to be worn in certain non-medical congregate settings like jails and shelters.
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Andy Coren, MD
As the year turns, we wish that 2023 will be happier and healthier than the last three years have been for many. The medical community has worked extremely hard, and many became sick and even passed away during this COVID pandemic. The end of 2022 presented us with mpox, threats of Ebola virus, an early onslaught of influenza following a pediatric surge from RSV, and now COVID is rising. Our medical community has ridden this wave of illness with resolve and continues to work long and hard to protect our communities.
We may be seeing a shift this month with RSV waning and influenza admissions that seem to be decreasing in Mendocino and other Northern California counties. COVID is being driven by new variants, which are more contagious and immune evasive. It is increasing its toll slowly in Mendocino and north. So far we are not seeing the emergence of a surge or spike in cases. Nevertheless, we expect the holiday travel and gatherings will worsen the January caseload. Current projections are for an improvement in cases and hospitalizations toward the end of January. Continue reading
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REMINDERS
2023 Medi-Cal changes and more
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As the new year gets underway, new healthcare requirements abound. Some of the important changes are listed below; click links for more information.You may also want to register for CMA's Jan. 24 webinar on "New Laws Affecting Physicians" in the January Webinars section below.
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In a year when the world was starting to return to "normal," CMA made big gains for physician practices in a number of important areas—such as modernizing malpractice legislation, preserving reproductive rights, and encouraging grassroots engagement. See flier to learn more about these achievements. |
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A SPECIAL ROUND OF APPLAUSE
Celebrating local healthcare heroes
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The 2022 Physician Contribution Awards were presented at the annual SMLMA Awards Gala on Dec. 8 at Vintners Resort in Santa Rosa. Attendees enjoyed a champagne reception, dinner, and award presentations—followed by a special address by CMA President Dr. Donaldo Hernandez.The ceremonies concluded with SMLMA President Dr. Patricia Hiserote passing the gavel to 2023 President Dr. James O’Dorisio.
Congratulations to the awardees and all those nominated! So very proud of our medical professionals and their contributions to our community!
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To view additional photos of the evening’s festivities, visit SMLMA’s Facebook page. The congratulatory ad appearing in Sonoma Health magazine, Sonoma Magazine and the North Bay Business Journal is linked here. Please share with colleagues, family and friends.
PICTURED ABOVE Top: Awardees, SMLMA leadership and guests. Center: Drs. James O'Dorisio and Patricia Hiserote. Right: Dinner at the Rose Ballroom. Gala event photography by Anna Eisert.
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New AI tool with healthcare possibilities |
New Technology Alert: A new, artificial intelligence chatbot that specializes in dialogue may be helpful to physicians for a variety of uses (e.g., composing a prior authorization request that includes a list of supporting medical literature). The conversational technology used in ChatGPT is developing quickly, and those interested may enjoy exploring the possibilities. Be sure to do an internet search for ChatGPT overviews and assessments. |
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FOR YOU AND YOUR PATIENTS
Answers to tough questions about public health
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This section on the PHCC website provides talking points and answers to tough questions related to COVID-19 and other emergent public health concerns, such as flu and RSV. The message guidance is updated regularly to reflect new developments. |
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Magazines for SMLMA members |
Watch for your complimentary copy of Sonoma Health magazine in early January. It focuses on the latest medical advancements in cancer care, maintaining healthy eye and ear function, headache relief, and much more.
SMLMA collaborated with the publishers to produce the second edition of this important community-focused publication—our official partner magazine.
As an additional benefit in 2023, SMLMA members will also receive a subscription to Sonoma Magazine. Our aim is to help you keep in touch with local news, activities and events. Please share the bimonthly issues with patients in your office reception area.
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders affect 5 percent of us, yet remain vastly underserved. New California legislation has recently put FASD into Special Ed eligibility, so you may be asked to diagnose. For more information, contact FASD care advocate Kathryn Page at kathrynpage49@gmail.com or 530-249-1060. Also see California Health Report website.
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For more information or to apply for the positions below, please contact Kristine Coyle at 707-578-3000 or cvsolutionsllc@gmail.com.
Office Manager for solo surgeon with 2 excellent part-time employees at office established 7 years ago. Hours flexible, depending on applicant’s experience. Majority of work can be done remotely, but ideal for manager to be on site in Ukiah one day per week. Looking for experienced professional who is responsible, compassionate, detail oriented. Insurance-related claims/issues is a key responsibility. EMR and billing already in place. Excellent pay.
Ultrasonographer who would like to do venous mapping of ultrasound studies one day per week in Ukiah. Per diem payment and flexibility in scheduling. Could develop into a full-time position for other peripheral vascular studies if technician is interested.
Medical Assistant for Ukiah vein clinic and vascular surgery office. No previous experience necessary. Must speak Spanish. Lots of room to grow and flexibility with schedule, 8-16 hours per week.
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California Medical Association
Virtual Grand Rounds: COVID, RSV and Flu—Updates on the "Tripledemic"
Michael Vollmer, MD, infectious disease clinician with Permanente Medical Group, will share epidemiological and clinical data and stories about the so-called “tripledemic.” He will also help us learn from this year’s fall season and anticipate the remaining months of respiratory virus season. Erica Pan, MD, MPH, will also join to review COVID-19 and other important California public health issues.
Medi-Cal Managed Care Enrollment for Patients with Medicare and Medi-Cal
The Future of Telehealth
2023 E&M Coding Updates
New Laws Affecting Physicians 2023
Managing Medicare in 2023
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Congratulations, new SMLMA members!
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Welcome five new members with Sutter Medical Group of the Redwoods. We look forward to supporting you and your SMGR colleagues.
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NEW NAME, SAME TEAM
Mercer Affinity is now AMBA
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We are pleased to inform you of a new development that allows you to access more products, benefits, and services through your SMLMA membership.
You have come to know the knowledgeable and dedicated team at Mercer. Recently, Mercer’s association business was acquired by Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA), and your insurance benefits will now be administered through AMBA. The only change you will see is the AMBA name and logo. See Q&A for details.
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COOPERATIVE OF AMERICAN PHYSICIANS
Managing requests for medical records
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CAP's newest educational guide, Medical Practice's Quick Action Guide to Releasing Patient Records provides you with the knowledge to appropriately respond to the most common requests for medical records, while protecting yourself from potential violations of patient privacy and confidentiality. This valuable resource includes guidance for special confidentiality requirements, allowable copy fees, and medical records retention.
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To learn more about CAP's coverage options:
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Top 10 reasons to be a member |
SMLMA and the component medical societies of CMA have represented California's physicians for more than 165 years as the recognized voice of medicine. Together we fight to protect our patients and improve the health of our communities. See flier for why this matters for every practicing physician.
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