Tell your members of Congress to co-sponsor bill to provide annual inflation update for Medicare physicians

CMA is urging physicians to contact their members of Congress and ask that they co-sponsor HR 2474, a bipartisan bill that would require an annual inflation-based update for Medicare physician payments. Starting in 2024, the bill would provide an automatic, annual inflation update to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule tied to the Medicare Economic Index (MEI)—similar to updates other Medicare providers receive. More details here.

Apply now for CMA standing councils and committees

CMA is seeking recommendations for member physicians who are willing to serve on its standing councils and subcommittees for 2023-2024. CMA urges special consideration for recruiting the talent and experience of your younger colleagues, as well as ethnic and women physicians, who will bring new perspectives to policy-developing committees.

Current members who are eligible for reappointment must submit an application for the 2023-2024 term. Even if you previously submitted an application and there are no changes, you must complete the online form. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, June 5, 2023.

Stop unnecessary fee increases and keep the Medical Board of California a physician member majority

CMA urges you to take action on SB 815, the Medical Board of California Sunset Review bill. Several proposed changes are troubling to physicians across the state. Ask your representatives to vote NO unless amended on SB 815.

Hundreds of physicians, Residents and medical students gathered in Sacramento on April 19, 2023, for CMA's annual Legislative Advocacy Day. Attendees met with their legislators and heard updates from CMA President Dr. Donaldo Hernandez and CMA's chief lobbyist Stuart Thompson regarding key issues impacting healthcare in California. Primary concerns in 2023 include Prior Authorization reform, truth in advertising, and access to MediCal coverage.

See flier for details, photos, and winner of the CALPAC Golden Gavel award. More Leg Day photos are available on CMA's Flickr album.

Our June workshop is designed for all types of cameras, including smart phones. We will experiment with different types of photography, including portraiture and nature shots. Group will meet at Julliard Park (to capture the golden hour), so please dress for an evening outside. 

Thursday, June 15 • 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Julliard Park • 227 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Visit the MAPS website for workshop details and to register.

General questions: sonomamedicalarts@gmail.com

SMLMA is pleased to sponsor this PHYSICIAN WELLNESS INITIATIVE, a collaboration between Sutter Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency and Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency, with sessions open to all community physicians, Residents, and faculty of the residency programs.

Pictured right: Two participants at the May 26 MAPS improv workshop taught by Dr. Ninad Athale at Fulton Crossing Artisan Center.

Presented by SMLMA and the Bay Area medical societies

Join physician colleagues from across the Bay Area on Friday, June 16, for a robust day of thought leadership and information sharing through interactive workshops and panel discussions focused on tackling the daily pain points of medical practice. Workshop highlights include:

• Paul DeChant, MD, event chair and keynote speaker: Healthy Workplaces Equal Healthy Physicians / Making Healthy Places for Physicians to Practice
• Interactive Workshop: Managing Your Inbox, Medication Management, and Other Pain Points of Practice 
• Expert Update: Current Advocacy Efforts to Reduce Administrative Burdens
• Panel Discussion: Practical Solutions to Alleviate Daily Administrative Challenges  

Continental breakfast and a catered lunch will be served. Stay after the workshop for a summer wine and beer reception. See event flier for details and register at link below.

Join us for lite bites and refreshments and learn about developing strategies for implementing important goals. SMLMA Supporting Partner Melanie Keil / Principled Medical Management will present and lead the discussion.

Location: Partnership HealthPlan

495 Tesconi Circle, Santa Rosa

Wednesday, June 21, 2023 | 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

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To reserve your place, contact

Rachel Pandolfi at 707-525-4375 or rachel@smlma.org

Principled Medical Management provides financial management, operations management, organizational governance, business development and marketing, human resource management, risk and compliance oversight, and strategic planning for solo and small group practices. Visit www.principledmedical.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pulmonologist Gary LeKander, MD, joins Sutter Health on June 6, 2023. Dr. LeKander’s patients may reach his office by calling 707-573-5261.

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A Better Exit, a new nonprofit organization in California, is working to broaden California’s End of Life Option Act. (EOLOA). California, along with nine other states, has Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) laws modeled on legislation first passed in Oregon 26 years ago. In California, the only people who can legally obtain medication to end their lives are those with a terminal illness and less than six months to live. This restriction rules out anyone with dementia or many neurological disorders.

A Better Exit is planning to request changes to the current law via a legislative bill in 2024. To learn more about the proposal, visit ABetterExit.org. Summary information is also available in the attached flier.

The Jewish Community Free Clinic provides free healthcare to those in need, regardless of religious affiliation, immigration status, or ability to pay. Our team is made up of almost 100 volunteers—medical providers, nurses, translators, front desk personnel, and more. If you are looking to share your kindness, have time for one shift per month, are just starting your career, now retired, or close to retirement, please consider being part of our team. Visit our website to find out more information about JCFC services, submit a volunteer application, or email us at director@jewishfreeclinic.org to set up an appointment.

California Medical Association

CMA Data Exchange Explainer Series #3: Deep Dive into the Data Exchange Framework and Data Sharing Agreement

In January 2023, the California Health and Human Services Agency (CHHS) launched the CHHS Data Exchange Framework (DxF). Over the next three years, this framework will require all physician practices in California to exchange data with other practices, health plans, hospitals, and others. To help physicians prepare for this change, CMA has partnered with CHHS to develop the “CMA Data Exchange Explainer Series.” 

In this webinar, we build on webinar 1 and 2 data exchange foundational knowledge and dive into the DxF requirements, implementation, and technical and funding resources. This webinar will also include an update on the latest DxF developments and important dates practices will need to know.

Thursday, June 15, 2023 • 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

Sutter Health

The Sutter Health Virtual Grand Rounds is a Continuing Education (CE) webinar series hosted by Sutter Health Network providers for all medical professionals across Northern California. Interactive Q&A session takes place with each live event. Learn about the series here.

When Surgery Makes Sense for Asymptomatic Valvular Disease

Wednesday, June 7, 2023 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

Prostate Cancer: From Screening to the Urologist's Office

Wednesday, June 14, 2023 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

Multiple Sclerosis: Why Early Diagnosis and Treatment Matters

Wednesday, June 21, 2023 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

Evolution of Endovascular Treatment and Systems of Care for Stroke

Wednesday, June 28, 2023 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

Please join us in thanking these exceptional physicians for their service and dedication to the practice of medicine, their colleagues, and our community. A special round of applause for all.

To learn more about becoming a CAP member, please contact Dorine Leong at 650-543-2183 or DLeong@CAPphysicians.com. Request an Instant Quote today to see how much you can save on medical malpractice coverage as a member of CAP.