IN THIS ISSUE
Featured news
COVID-19 updates
• Weekend vaccine clinics
• Health order continues
• Rapid tests explained
• County links
SMLMA clinics featured in NorthBay Biz magazine
Other highlights
E-prescribing FAQ
Good faith estimates
Resident financial health dinners in March
SMLMA
Calendar of Events
SMLMA
Presidents' Lunch
Monday, Feb. 21
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
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SMLMA Lake County
Physician Lunch
Wednesday, Feb. 23
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
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SMLMA Sunset on the Patio at Paradise Ridge Winery, Santa Rosa
Friday, March 18
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Co-hosted by:
Ehrlicher Styles
Real Estate Group
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SMLMA Ukiah Area
Physician Lunch
Wednesday, March 23
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
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48th Annual Legislative Advocacy Day
Tuesday, April 19
8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel
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SMLMA Lake County
Physician Appreciation Event
Thursday, May 19
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location TBD
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SMLMA Ukiah Area
Physician Appreciation Event
Thursday, May 19
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location TBD
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SMLMA Physician Appreciation Event
Thursday, May 26
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location TBD
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RSVP to all events:
call 707-525-4375
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Dear Colleagues:
It’s been a busy 2022 and we’re only in February. As we move into this second month of the year, the hope is that we’re on the downward slide of this most recent Omicron surge. Unfortunately, there remains an increase in patient demand that we’re struggling to cope with. In addition, we face continued challenges from lack of PPE and rapid antigen testing for staff. I want to reiterate that the SMLMA is committed to you and our community, and we want to hear from you.
Please take five minutes to complete this survey (if you have not already) so we may focus our efforts to support you. Click here for Member Survey.
I know all medical staff are overwhelmed with Omicron, and lack of testing is the latest challenge for us all. The SMLMA staff has been working tirelessly to locate tests for you, but without success. Leveraging all resources to purchase tests for our patients, staff, ourselves, and our family is important. Here are some suggestions:
- The Biden administration has approved four tests per household monthly. These tests may be ordered HERE.
- As a physician, you may sign up for an Amazon Business account. This provides you priority to order rapid antigen tests, in addition to other discounts.
- Additional community-based testing sites may be found HERE.
We will continue to work on securing tests for you and will keep you updated on our progress. There’s no shortage of difficult situations that we’re encountering each day, and yet there’s still no other place in the country I’d rather live. As physicians, we’re leaders and your leadership is needed now more than ever. It doesn’t take much — small, random acts of kindness are shown to increase energy, a sense of well-being and productivity. If you want to learn more, here’s a great website:
Did you know that Feb. 17–22 is Random Acts of Kindness Week? I encourage you to take advantage of these dates and inspire kindness in your workplace.
Speaking of kindness, I believe that getting vaccinated is an act of kindness to those we love. To continue the trend to vaccinate, Sonoma County has opened a vaccine clinic for the next three weekends in February (see details below.) Please share the clinic details with your patients and let's help get Sonoma County vaccinated!
As always, if there is anything SMLMA can do to assist you, please contact Wendy or Rachel at 707-525-4375 or via email at scma@scma.org.
Gratefully,
Patricia Hiserote, DO, MSHPE, FAAFP
President
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COVID-19 DEVELOPMENTS AND UPDATES |
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SONOMA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
Three weekend COVID-19 vaccine clinics in February
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The County of Sonoma is expanding access to pediatric and adult COVID-19 vaccines and boosters with a series of large-scale vaccine clinics at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Up to 500 vaccines can be administered per day at these clinics, which will be held in the Garrett Building on the Fairgrounds campus.
- Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 5 – 6 • 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 12 – 13 • 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 19 – 20 • 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The clinics are open to everyone in the community, but particularly focused on children and those 12 years and older who still need their boosters. Though appointments are not needed, people can make one by signing up on myturn.ca.gov. As is true for all clinics throughout Sonoma County, vaccines are free, the clinics are open to all, and proof of citizenship status is not required.
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SONOMA COUNTY LOOSENS BAN ON LARGE GATHERINGS
Public health order in effect until Feb. 11
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Effective Jan. 27, Sonoma County slightly loosened limits on indoor public gatherings, specifying that attendance caps at indoor events would apply only to spectators and visitors. The Jan. 10, 2022, Order of the Sonoma County Health Officer required postponing large gatherings of more than 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors (where social distancing is not feasible) until Feb. 11. See the County's website for details about the Jan. 10 order and other Sonoma County health orders currently in effect.
County of Sonoma recently published new videos about updated CDPH guidelines for COVID-19 isolation and quarantine:
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PCR vs. rapid antigen test results timeline explained
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You may find this graphic helpful for explaining the COVID rapid test positivity timeline to patients. The chart was shared by Dr. Brian Prystowsky, a member of our local Vaccine Communications Group.
Source: Michael Mina, MD, PhD—epidemiologist, immunologist, and pathologist practicing in the Boston area.
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Click images for COVID-19 info in each county |
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Save these links in your browser for quick reference. The county websites contain frequently updated information for COVID-19 testing locations and vaccine events that you can share with patients.
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"OPERATION VACCINATION"
SMLMA vaccine clinics featured in NorthBay Biz
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Don't miss "Operation Vaccination" in the February issue of NorthBay Biz magazine. This comprehensive feature article chronicles the full story of SMLMA's 2021 vaccine clinics—from our first clinic on Chanate Road to Grace Pavilion at the fairgrounds and community outreach efforts with pop-up clinics at Sonoma County events, businesses and homeless shelters.
Kudos and much gratitude to the many medical volunteers, businesses and nonprofit organizations that helped make the clinic operation possible! From January to August 2021, almost 36,000 people were vaccinated at the SMLMA clinics. This is a story to read and share with your colleagues—a wonderful example of bringing community together for the common good. See the magazine in print or online at NorthBayBiz.com.
Photo: Rachel Pandolfi, SMLMA Director of Operations & Engagement (left side), and Wendy Davies, SMLMA Executive Director (right side) join a small group of our volunteer physicians outside Grace Pavilion.
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Have questions about California's
new electronic prescribing mandate?
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Effective as of Jan.1, 2022, almost all prescriptions written in California must be transmitted electronically. To help physicians understand the new e-prescribing requirements, CMA published an FAQ, “Frequently Asked Questions: California’s Electronic Prescribing Mandate,” available to members only. The electronic prescribing mandate was contained in a law passed by the California State Legislature in 2018.
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NEW FEDERAL LAW
Good faith estimates required from all physicians
for uninsured and self-pay patients
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published an FAQ about the good faith estimate requirement under the federal No Surprises Act (NSA), which went into effect on Jan.1, 2022. Under the NSA, providers and facilities that schedule items or services for uninsured or self-pay patients must comply with the NSA’s good faith estimate requirement.
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PROGRAM STARTS IN MARCH
Financial health dinner programs for Residents
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SMLMA is pleased to introduce a new series of dinner programs, specifically designed to guide local Resident physicians in financial matters.
The twice-monthly Thursday evening dinners are a collaboration with Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health Family Medicine Residency and Adventist Health Ukiah and our Business Partner, Russell Van Sistine CFP®, financial planner with SONOMA WEALTH ADVISORS. The program is designed to bring this community connection and a unique networking opportunity to all Residents.
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Seating is limited. Reserve your place now.
Cost: No charge for Residents & physician members
Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Santa Rosa & Adventist Health Residents
First Presentation: Thursday, March 3, 2022 • 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Repeat presentation: Thursday, March 17, 2022 • 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
The March dinner program will cover budgeting, student loans, CMA grants, disability insurance, physician mortgage vs rent options, investing, and more.
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RESIDENT DINNER PROGRAM PARTNERS |
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Online Financial Therapy series for all: A video series created specifically for physicians, nurses and PAs. This series by SMLMA Business Partner Russell Van Sistine, CFP® provides tips and insights designed to help medical professionals reach their financial goals more quickly and tax-efficiently.
Click links to see short video presentations with quick tips*
Visit Sonoma Wealth Advisors' website page for medical professionals.
*videos are for informational purposes only, and not intended as tax or legal advice. Please contact your financial planner or tax advisor for specific information regarding your individual situation.
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FEBRUARY CALENDAR: WEBINARS AND EVENTS |
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California Medical Association
Managing Medicare in 2022
Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022 • 12:15 – 1:30 p.m
Webinar will cover Medicare updates along with the following topics: overview of evaluation and management (E/M) changes and documentation tips; targeted probe and educate resumes; local coverage decisions and collaborative ICDs; responding to audits and appeals; questions and answers about off-label use; and new information-blocking rules and patients’ rights: what doctors should know.. REGISTER HERE
HIPPA Privacy and Security: Still a Challenge After All These Years
Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 • 12:15 – 1:15 p.m
Presentation will address privacy and security measures required by HIPAA. You will learn how to assess your clinic for risks of privacy and security incidents and what steps to take to minimize those risks. Webinar will also provide an overview of a HIPAA breach and the required steps of a breach analysis. REGISTER HERE
CMA 48th Annual Legislative Advocacy Day
SAVE THE DATE! Tuesday, April 19, 2022
CMA will host its 48th Annual Legislative Advocacy Day at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento on Tuesday, April 19. Attendees will have the opportunity meet with legislators on priority healthcare issues. This event is FREE for all CMA physician members, residents and medical students. Plan to join your colleagues as they lobby their legislative leaders and serve as champions for the house of medicine. More details coming soon.
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Sutter Health Network
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 entire series here.
Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
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Shriners Hospitals for Children: Northern California
Diagnosis & Management of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022 • 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Presented by Eric O. Klinebert, MD, orthopedic spine surgeon at Shriners and director of the spine fellowship program at UC Davis School of Medicine | REGISTER HERE
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit Designation for 1.0 contact hour
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The evolving physician-patient relationship |
The February edition of Physician Today addresses the latest issues physicians face in adapting to evolving patient expectations and care. Download the magazine to receive a comprehensive collection of articles and resources to help you stay ahead of trends impacting your patient relationships and much more. Download now.
Physician Today is published by the Cooperative of American Physicians, a leading provider of medical malpractice coverage for California physicians—committed to providing resources to help you navigate current challenges in healthcare, including those that continue to arise as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
Learn more about CAP's medical malpractice coverage.
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Congratulations & WELCOME to our newest SMLMA members! |
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The Permanente Medical Group
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Renew your membership before March 1 |
Your support through SMLMA/CMA membership is absolutely critical to the success of our efforts on behalf of medical professionals. If you haven't already done so, please join or renew your membership now. Prefer to pay your dues monthly? Select the monthly option when you renew online. Renew today before your membership expires March 1.
Questions about your membership or paying your dues? Contact Rachel Pandolfi at
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Effective Jan. 1, 2022, the Community Clinic Consortium (CCC) merged with the Redwood Community Health Coalition (RCHC) into a single association of community health centers. The merger expanded membership to 19 health centers across six adjacent Northern California counties – Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo. Key programs will continue to be centered on population health and data informatics initiatives, providing enrollment services for Covered California, CalFresh, and MediCal, and advocating for the interests of uninsured and underinsured patients. See the press release and learn more at www.rchc.net.
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The St. Joseph Community Partnership Fund (SJCPF) and Providence – Northern California announced on Jan. 20, 2022, that a Santa Rosa-based public safety and mental health collaborative has been selected to receive a grant as part of the Fund’s new Providence Community Capacity Initiative.
The Santa Rosa inRESPONSE team, championed by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa and comprised of representatives from Santa Rosa police and fire departments and Sonoma County Behavioral Health, will improve crisis response to non-emergency medical and mental health episodes. The Community Capacity initiative is providing a $250,000 grant to support this work.
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FOR LEASE
Sebastopol medical office space (1,232 sq. ft.) for lease in a prime location. Please call 707-823-3210.
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GOOD TO KNOW
SMLMA members can place FREE classified ads in News Briefs. (Cost for nonmember physicians and the general public is $1 per word.) To place a classified ad or display banner, contact Susan Gumucio at susan@scma.org or 707-481-8995.
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Share the love. Shop for your Valentine at smile.amazon.com and confirm Medical Society of Sonoma County as your charity of choice. AmazonSmile will donate a portion of your eligible purchase price to MSSC, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. MSSC works in tandem with SMLMA, supporting physicians and their work to improve the health of our community. Thank you and HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY from the SMLMA Team!
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