UMass FMCH Tuesday Talk - February 3, 2026/CLINICAL | | |
Table of Contents
Upcoming Events
Focus of the Week - Clinical
Announcements
Department Member Recognition
Frankly Speaking Podcast
Resources
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Upcoming Events
FMCH Grand Rounds
Tuesday, February 3rd, 12:00 - 1:00pm, Hugh Silk, MD, MPH, and Susan Hogan, MD, MPH, present "Oral Health Across the Life Span: Updates from Fluoride to MassHealth".
Meeting ID: 191 986 273
Passcode: FMCH
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/191986273?pwd=NEtlZmNkdWlSUGwyeTJQU3dCeUs1QT09
Department of Medicine Grand Rounds
Thursday, February 5th, 12:00 - 1:00pm, Anjali Oberoi, MD, PGY-3, Darya Herscovici, MD, PGY-2, Diana Liu, MD, PGY-2, Maria (Elena) Navedo, MD, PGY-2 and Nicolas Fandino-Rudio, MD, PGY-4 present "Language, Trust, and Transitions: Advancing Equitable Care Through Provider-Patient Concordance and Interpreter Partnership". Hiatt Auditorium (S1-608) and Zoom.
https://umassmed.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qsBdErX1SjSiyUobQFnGQA
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Focus of the Week - Clinical
Josephine Fowler, MD, MBA, Vice Chair of Clinical Services
Updates on Weight Management
Tufts MassHealth and Weight Loss 2026
In 2026, Tufts MassHealth no longer covers weight loss medication except for patients who have diabetes, or those with a few specific comorbidities. This includes the GLP-1 medications. Active authorizations for weight loss drugs will no longer be effective as of January 1, 2026. Members affected by the change should have been notified. See attached pharmacy facts for details of Mass Health eligibility requirements.
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Blue Cross Blue Shields Massachusetts
BCBS made the decision to end coverage for GLP-1 medications, except for type 2 diabetes. This change took effect upon your plan renewal, starting January 1, 2026.
Harvard Pilgrim Massachusetts
As of January 1, 2026, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (HPHC) and its parent company, Point32Health, have largely discontinued coverage of GLP-1 and other weight-loss medications for weight management in Massachusetts, except when prescribed for diabetes treatment, although some large employers may still offer coverage options.
*Information regarding weight loss coverage and insurers can be found on the insurers page. (See Attached Mass Health Update for Weight Loss Medications)
Flu Surge in MA
Respiratory illness is increasing in Massachusetts; the flu is responsible for most of the illness. The state has experienced a notable increase in flu cases, hospitalizations, and deaths — including multiple pediatric deaths this season. Massachusetts has seen 5 childhood deaths from the flu this season. To date in the US, there have been 52 cases of pediatric flu. Based on this data, the number of flu cases is expected to outnumber the cases in 2024-2025 season.
Public health officials are urging vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, especially high-risk groups (young children, older adults, pregnant people, immunocompromised). Comparatively, the number of cases of RSV is lower.
(See Attached Mass Health Update for Weight Loss Medications)
What “health equity” means in MA and at UMass
Massachusetts is actively working to advance health equity through various initiatives aimed at eliminating disparities in health outcomes based on race, socioeconomic status, and geography. UMass is also working to close the gap.
Health equity means everyone has a fair opportunity to reach their full health potential, and that no one is disadvantaged because of race, income, where they live, language, disability, or other factors. It includes access to care and addressing the underlying causes of unequal health outcomes — such as housing, education, and economic opportunity.
Key initiatives for Massachusetts include:
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Maternal health — targeting gaps in outcomes for Black and other historically underserved mothers.
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Social determinants of health — such as housing, food security, and chronic disease prevention.
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Community partnerships to co-design solutions with residents.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s plan embeds racial equity across public health programs, guiding interventions and partnerships to address systemic inequities. Advancing Health Equity in MA | Mass.gov
Each month the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health review health equity measures that are both system measures and department metrics. Each year, these metrics are reviewed with the goal of closing the gap between white and BIPOC groups. Below are the areas of focus:
Our areas of focus:
- Well child visits
- Breast Cancer Screening
- Colon Cancer Screening
- Patient Experience
- Breast Cancer Screening
Thank you for the time and efforts that you are taking to help us meet these metrics and improve health equity among our patients and families.
MassHealth ACO - Tufts Health Together with UMass Memorial have programs available to support both you and your patients:
- HEALTH-RELATED SOCIAL NEEDS SERVICES
Qualifying patients can receive help with housing stabilization or food supports. How to access: Place an Ambulatory Referral to Flexible Services. A team member will screen your patient and coordinate services if they qualify.
A nurse care manager contacts patients with complex medical needs, assesses their support needs, and coordinates services, including community programs. How to access: Place an Ambulatory Referral to Complex Care Management.
- BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICE NAVIGATION
Tufts BH Navigators help patients connect with behavioral health providers and support services. How to access: Ask patients to call BH Navigation at 888-257-1985.
Patients can earn gift cards for completing health care services such as vaccinations or check-ups. How to access: Patients complete and return the EXTRAS Reward Form by mail or fax. Your office can also help with this process.
For TIER 3 PRACTICES (Benedict Primary Care, Benedict Family Medicine, Pediatric Primary Care, Hahnemann Family Health, Barre Family Health, Tri River Health Center, South County Pediatrics, Health Alliance Fitchburg Family Practice), additional services for your (MassHealth ACO?) patients include:
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Integrated Pharmacists - Medication reviews, consultations, and pharmacogenetic testing. How to access: Place an Ambulatory Referral to Pharmacotherapy. Pharmacists are also available in clinic on select days.
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Integrated Social Workers - Support for navigating complex social and medical situations, social workers evaluate patients and connect them to resources. How to access: Place an Ambulatory Referral to Social Work. Social workers are also available in clinic on select days.
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Community Health Workers - Assistance with finding community support for utilities, housing, food, and childcare. How to access: Patients who indicate a positive need on an SDOH screener in Epic are automatically added to the CHW work list. Providers can also send an in-basket message to "UMMH CHW [WCAC]" with the clinic name.
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Announcements
Richard Sacra is Orator for the Worcester District Medical Society Meeting on February 11th, 5:30pm at the Beechwood. He will share: "Stories from Healthcare at the Frayed Edge". The registration deadline is February 4th. Register here.
Worcester's Black Community Calendar has some great events planned for Black History Month! Check them out:
www.tinyurl.com/worcbcc2026
Save the Date - School of Medicine Annual Education Retreat
Vista Reflections: Looking Back, Moving Forward
Monday, February 9th, 12:00-5:00pm, University Campus.
The Education Policy Committee's annual Education Retreat is intended for anyone who interfaces with medical students including preceptors, faculty and residents. This event is a great way to hear about current hot topics in medical education and connect with fellow educators. The event is free and on the university campus. Register here. See flyer for more information.
Getting Started: Qualitative Research Methods
Tuesday, February 24th, 12:00-1:00pm. Presenter: Catherine Dube, EdD; Professor of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences. Register here.
Save the Date for the MassAFP 2026 Annual Meeting & Spring Refresher
Friday-Saturday, March 13-14, 2026. Watch the www.massafp.org website for more information.
Save the Date-Warren Ferguson Community Health Professor Grand Rounds-April 14th
Former Worcester District 5 City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj will talk about how we can engage in our communities as medical providers, researchers, and educators. Etel has a background in advocacy and justice - she will share her story of fleeing violence in Albania, serving the public in the Attorney General's office, and working nationally on homeless issues at National Healthcare for the Homeless. The event will be hybrid.
Call for 2026 National Conference of Constituency Leader (NCCL) Delegates
Mass AFP is seeking active physician members interested in serving as a delegates at the upcoming AAFP leadership development conference which will be held Thursday, April 23, 2026 - Saturday, April 26 2026, in Kansas City, MO. Mass AFP is looking for physician members who can represent the following five recognized special constituencies:
- International Medical Graduate (IMG) graduated from medical schools outside the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico)
- LGBTQ+ Physician or Ally
- BIPOC
- New Physician (in the first seven years of practice following residency)
- Women
Please submit a letter of interest for which constituency no later than Tuesday, February 3rd. You must be a MassAFP active member in good standing. If you have any questions or would like additional information please email massafp@mms.org.
Limited spots remain in the Established Clinician Group Coaching Program, presented by the UMMHC Clinician Experience Office at no cost. Registration will close when spots are filled. This virtual coaching program offers physicians and APPs with 3+ years post‑training experience a confidential, supportive peer space to reflect, connect, and grow—guided by Diane Shannon, MD, MPH, PCC an experienced clinician coach. The program is designed to address common challenges to women in medicine. Four 1‑hour virtual sessions in small groups of 5–8 with rolling cohort start dates from February–April 2026. CME eligible. Choose the small‑group schedule that works best:
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Wednesdays, 7–8 pm: February 25, March 4, March 11, March 18
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Thursdays, 9–10 am: February 26, March 5, March 12, March 19
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Fridays, 9–10 am: February 27, March 13, March 27, April 10
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Tuesdays, 5–6 pm: March 3, March 17, March 31, April 14
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Tuesdays, 7–8 pm: March 3, March 17, March 31, April 14
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Thursdays, 5–6 pm: April 2, April 16, April 30, May 14
Learn more on The Hub , review Program FAQs, and apply today! For questions, please contact BWell@umassmemorial.org.
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Department Member Recognition
Dee O’Connor was recognized in the Worcester T&G for publishing her late husband, Curt Curtin’s poetry in English and in Spanish, “Hogar/Home”.
Medical students and MassAHEC rural health scholars were highlighted by UMass Chan for their work leading a monthly culinary workshop at the Barre/Hardwick Senior Center. With funding from a Remilard grant and guidance from Nick Hajj and Suzanne Cashman, the students provide shared meals, teach hands-on cooking skills tailored to common senior dietary needs, and create a welcoming space for learning, conversation and community. Read about the 2025 Remillard Family Community Service Fund award that has made the project possible.
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Frankly Speaking Podcast
Please join us for a weekly Podcast series. Social media use is nearly ubiquitous among adolescents, raising concern about its role in rising rates of depression, anxiety, insomnia, an suicidality. Although prior evidence has been mixed, emerging studies offer new insights on the relationship between social media use and adolescent mental health. Join us as we review current literature and discuss potential strategies to mitigate negative impacts and improve outcomes. Guest: Susan Feeney, DNP, FNP-BC, NP-C, presents, "Are the Kids All Right? Social Media's Impact on Teen Mental Health". Frankly Speaking Episode #470. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frankly-speaking-about-family-medicine/id1194659367
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