The Sonoma Mendocino Lake Medical Association continues to advocate for your interests while fostering community connections as we embrace the warmer and longer days of spring.


A delegation of SMLMA physician members recently participated in CMA's Legislative Conference in Sacramento, meeting with Assemblymembers Damon Connolly and Chris Rogers, and Senator Mike McGuire's staff to address critical healthcare issues, particularly focused on prior authorization reforms. Thank you to these physicians who took time to advocate on your behalf: Julia Shaver, MD, Alice Renaud, MD, Resident, Harjot Bhandal, MD, Warren Chin, MD, Avinash Ramchandani, MD and Catherine Gutfreund, MD. [Pictured below.] Review legislative priorities here.


Join us for two exciting May events [see details for both events further down in the newsletter]:


  • Our inaugural Professional Singles Spring Mixer on Friday, May 15th at Montagne Russe in Healdsburg (minimum 15 attendees required)


  • Specialty event: Psychiatrist Mixer on Wednesday, May 13th from 5-8pm at Cuver Belgian Brewery in Windsor.


Wishing you vibrant health this spring 2025!


Wendy Davies, Executive Director

exec@smlma.org | (707) 620-0808

Pictured : 2025 SMLMA Leg Day Caucus: Julia Shaver, MD | Alice Renaud, MD | Harjot Bhandal, MD | Warren Chin, MD | Avinash Ramchandani, MD | Wendy Davies | Catherine Gutfreund, MD.


NEWS AND SMLMA EVENTS

Practice-Changing Developments: Your Medical Knowledge Upgrade


The Dismantling of HHS: KFF Health News 'What the Health' Continue reading


A fifth of Americans are on Medicaid. Some of them have no idea. Continue reading


California Legislature Advances Bill to Reform Prior Authorization, aiming to streamline processes and reduce administrative burden on physicians. CMA supports the measure. Continue reading


Bay Area is home to the largest share of women giving birth at 40 or older in the U.S. Continue reading


Mental Health Integration Model Shows Promise in primary care settings, with new reimbursement pathways announced by major payers for collaborative care codes. Watch AMA Video Series


California has officially taken the first step in implementing Prop. 35, the voter-approved initiative to boost Medi-Cal access and physician payments. CMA is pushing for swift action to get 2025 funding out the door. Continue reading


CMA Partners with 49 state medical associations to launch 'Physicians for Medicaid,' a new campaign to help in the fight to secure Medicaid funding. Continue reading


Don’t forget to claim your share of the BCBS Provider Antitrust Settlement: The settlement is the largest antitrust settlement in the history of the U.S. health care sector. The claims period is now open and will run until July 29, 2025. CMA hosted a webinar to show physicians how to submit a claim for their share of the settlement proceeds. The webinar is available on-demand and is free for CMA members.

SMLMA EVENTS FOR MAY 2025

New! Pulse!

SMLMA Professional Singles Night!


Location:

Vino & Vinyls

Montagne Russe Tasting Room

Bacchus Landing, Healdsburg, CA


Date: Friday, May 16, 2025

5:30 - 8:00 pm


RSVP: Events@SMLMA.org

Or scan QR Code to register

Call: 707) 5245-4375

Cost: $45 per person

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

SMLMA members can run FREE classified ads in News Briefs?

($1 per word for non-members). To place an ad in the next issue....

contact Wendy Davies via email at exec@smlma.org.

Join us in providing extraordinary healthcare in Sonoma County.


Phone: Lori at 707-579-1400


Apply: Send resume to: Lroberts758@att.net

Concierge Medical Practice in Santa Rosa seeks Front Office Professional:


Concierge medical office seeks polished, detail-oriented professional to manage reception, communications, and administrative duties in our exclusive patient-centered environment.


Qualifications:

  • 2+ years office experience
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills
  • Strong organizational abilities
  • Hospitality experience a plus


Benefits:

  • Competitive salary and benefits
  • Professional work environment
  • Training and growth opportunities

MAY WEBINARS and CME ACTIVITIES

California Medical Association| CME Accredited Webinar Programs

See CMA's upcoming events and browse CMA's extensive library of pre-recorded webinars, covering a wide range of medical practice and public health topics.


Webinar: The Anatomy of a Lawsuit - Understanding a California Medical Malpractice Case | Tuesday, May 6, 2025 • | REGISTER HERE


May 13, 2025: Virtual Grand Rounds: Epidemiology Update with Erica Pan, M.D., MPH


May 20, 2025: Understanding California’s Fertility Coverage Laws - What Physicians Need to Know about SB 600 & SB 729

SHVGR on-demand library

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 including Interactive Q&A sessions with each live event. Join a Sutter Grand Round today.

The California Medical Association's (CMA) health law library is the most comprehensive health law and medical practice resource for California physicians. The library contains nearly 5,000 pages of up-to-date information on a variety of subjects of importance to practicing physicians. It includes content from the California Physician's Legal Handbook, as well as more specialized information on peer review, payor contracting and other topics. 

CMA Health Law Library 

Access is free to CMA members,

SMLMA NEW MEMBERS

Welcome new SMLMA member!

We look forward to supporting you and your practice.




SONOMA COUNTY INDIAN HEALTH PROJECT, INC.


Don Carlos Steele, MD

Family Medicine


CMA Member Benefits & Resources

Members: Do you need help?

  • Problems Getting Paid? CMA provides direct reimbursement assistance to physicians and their staff.


  • Practice Empowerment: CMA offers tools, resources and education to empower physician practices.

  • Experienced Staff: CMA's practice management experts have a combined experience of over 125 years in medical practice operations

  • Reimbursement Help Line: Members can get free assistance by contacting CMA at (800) 786-4262 or economicservices@cmadocs.org.

Celebrate 50 Years of

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