May 20, 2022

*There will be no newsletter next week. We look forward to connecting with you after Memorial Day*

We Value Your Opinion: NSMS Membership Survey

Complete the 2022 membership survey and will receive a $5 Starbucks gift card and be entered in a drawing to win a Marshall Stockwell II portable speaker! The NSMS conducts a yearly survey to gather information about our members, your needs, your satisfaction with the NSMS overall and with various member services and benefits, and the issues impacting the medical profession. We kindly ask that you complete the 2022 membership survey no later than June 15th, so that we may continue to serve you to the best of our ability and make improvements based on your feedback and recommendations.

DMHC Releases Guidance on COVID-19 Testing & Vaccine Reimbursement

The Department of Managed Health Care issued guidance on implementation of SB 510, a CMA-sponsored law that requires health plans and insurers to cover COVID-19 testing and vaccine administration with no patient cost-sharing, no prior authorization, and regardless of provider’s network status. The DMHC’s guidance should be helpful for physicians who have not been reimbursed or have been underpaid.

CMA Publishes June 2022 Physician Voter Guide

The California Primary Election is coming up: June 7, 2022. View CMA’s June 2022 Statewide Primary Election Physician Voter Guide, which includes endorsements for two CMA-supported physicians running for their first terms in office. Kermit Jones, MD, is a candidate for the new Congressional District 3, a district based in the Sierra foothills and Placer County, and Jasmeet Bains, MD, is a candidate for the new Assembly District 35, a district based in Kern County and largely the city of Bakersfield. Visit CMA’s Civic Action Center to check your voter registration and see which candidates will appear on your ballot.

Gov. Newsom’s May Budget Proposal Continues to Prioritize Health Care

On Friday, May 13, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom released his revised budget proposal for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The $300.7 billion budget proposal prioritizes health care and demonstrates a continuing commitment to providing universal health care access and coverage for all Californians. “The governor’s proposed budget includes important investments to reduce disparities in the health care system and improve access to and quality of care for children’s preventative health, maternity care, women’s reproductive health and integrated behavioral health services,” said CMA President Robert E. Wailes, MD.

CMA President Issues Statement in Response to Shooting that Took OC Physician’s Life

CMA President, Dr. Robert E. Wailes issued the following statement in response to the shooting in Laguna Woods last weekend: "Our nation continues to be plagued by an epidemic of gun violence. Physicians as healers are often on the front lines of these tragic events, treating the wounds of the victims of gun violence. Today, we learned that one of our own – John Cheng, M.D. – took heroic measures to stop another act of senseless gun violence, and in the process gave his life to save others...”. Click here to read the full statement.

Prescribing COVID-19 Therapeutics: Everything You Need to Know 

On-Demand

Free for members and non-members | CME Available 

Learn how to treat COVID-19 using authorized therapeutics available to physicians specifically in the Napa and Solano area. Receive an overview of the treatments available, how to prescribe them to patients, and review real-life scenarios to help you better care for patients with COVID. This webinar is brought to you by the Napa Solano Medical Society in collaboration with the Napa County Public Health Dept. and Solano County Public Health Dept. 

Watch the webinar here.

Restoring Joy to the Practice of Medicine Together  

On-Demand | CME Available 

Physicians passionate about wellness from medical groups, health clinics, medical staffs, residency programs, and other physician organizations throughout the Bay Area are invited to this free online conference over two half-days on April 21 and 28. Keynote speakers are Marie Brown, MD, AMA Director of Practice Redesign; Paul DeChant, MD, Healthcare Consultant; and John Chuck, MD, Former TPMG Regional Chair for Physician Health and Wellness Leaders. Three panel discussions will cover practice improvements in action; developing evidence-based interventions; and transforming leadership for a culture of wellness.  

Register here. 

Thrive, Not Survive: Why Committing to an ACO Helps Your Primary Care Organization Thrive 

Wednesday, May 25 | 12:15 to 1:15 pm 

FREE | Hosted by CMA and Aledade 

The national shift from a fee-for-service system to one based on value is speeding up, leading independent primary care practices, clinics and community health centers to explore joining an Accountable Care Organization (ACO). Too often, however, practices and primary care organizations are allowing concerns about risk, practice readiness and limited resources to get in the way of the multitude of benefits that would come from joining a physician-led ACO. This webinar will explore the three most common concerns about ACO participation - risk, readiness and resources - and examine the benefits of joining an ACO for independent primary care organizations of all sizes and types. 

Register here.

34th Annual Virtual Conference on Physicians’ Wellbeing

Friday, July 15 | 8:00 am to 12:15 pm 

CME Available 

Presented by Riverside County Medical Association, this program is designed to assist hospitals and health care organizations comply with Title 22 Regulations on matters related to health and wellness, addiction, mental illness and behavioral issues of physicians and other health care providers. This event is endorsed by CMA. Registration is $169, with a discounted price of $50 for residents and medical students. 

Register here.