Weekly Roundup: In Case You Missed It | |
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Add an Audiobook to Your Day, Join the Conversation
Join Dr. Hilary Worthen, Program Director of the Physician Leadership Program, and fellow physicians on April 5th at 6 pm for a rich discussion on creating psychological safety in the workplace. Reading the book of the month is not required to join the discussion, however you can access the book to read on your downtime or download the free audiobook (with the 3-month Audible trial) to enjoy on your commute or add to your daily routine by clicking here. RSVP by clicking here.
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Guide to New NP Classifications
AB 890 took effect January 1, creating two new classifications of Nurse Practitioners, 103 and 104 NPs. CMA published a guide to help physicians understand the new law and the minimum “transition to practice” standard for NPs seeking to apply for licensure under these classifications.
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Improving Access to COVID-19 Therapeutics
The NYT stated “Doctors are now a major barrier to Paxlovid”. There are other contributing factors such as lack of public awareness, political polarization, and misinformed patients, however, some physicians are still hesitant to prescribe. CDPH has created a ‘Myths and Facts’ sheet for providers which may answer your questions or help answer your patients questions about treatment. If you would like to receive more information subscribe to the CDPH Weekly Therapeutics Updates for Providers. For clinical questions about treatment with COVID-19 outpatient therapeutic products, please contact Arnie Spanjers, MD, Alameda County Public Health Department at [email protected].
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COVID Public Health Emergency Ends on May 11
After 3 years, the Public Health Emergency due to COVID-19 is coming to an end. Read this article from Kaiser Family Foundation to understand what implications this change has on vaccines, at-home tests, PCR and rapid tests ordered/administered by a HCP, treatment, and telemedicine.
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Putting Patients First: Share Your Story
CMA is collecting stories to advocate on your behalf. Share your unique experience as a Medi-Cal physician or health care professional. Whether experiences have been good or bad, these stories will help shed light on why the Medi-Cal system is vitally important to every Californian. Moreover, CMA wants to hear how prior authorization hurts your patients. Share your story so you can ensure your patients receive the care they need when they need it.
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Emergence of Candida Auris in Northern CA
Several cases of Candida auris have been popping up around California. In an effort to prevent the further spread, the CDPH Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Program recommends healthcare facilities implement the following updated infection prevention and control (IPC) and containment strategies: screen all patients from vSNF ventilator units regardless of geographic location and proactive screening in high-risk facilities is also encouraged. Read the full health advisory from CDPH and find the actions requested of HCPs.
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Quality Payment Program Exceptions: MIPS EUC Deadline Extended
CMS has extended the deadline to file a 2022 MIPS Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances (EUC) hardship extension until March 3, 2023. The original deadline was Jan 3, 2023. If physicians feel they have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022 they may file a MIPS hardship exemption with CMS to avoid a 2024 MIPS penalty. Also part of the QPP, the Advanced Payment Model (APM) incentive payment has been extended for one additional year.
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Take Control of Your Online Patient Reviews
The Cooperative of American Physicians has developed a guide to help you take control of your practice’s digital presence, How to Build and Manage a Sterling Online Reputation. Learn how to develop a strong online profile essential for promoting your practice’s credibility, acquiring and retaining patients, and ensuring your continued success.
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Beware of Scam Calls
Some ACCMA members have recently reported receiving a scam call from someone trying to access your credit card information. This is a reminder to never divulge any personal information over the phone and beware of scam calls and scam emails. If you have any questions, please call the ACCMA at (510) 654-5383.
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New 2023 E/M Coding, Billing, and Documentation Rules Impacting Your Practice
Tuesday, February 21 | Noon to 1:00 pm
Hosted by the Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP)
This free webinar will address 2023 E/M coding and billing changes, led by renowned billing and coding expert Terry Fletcher. You and your staff will learn about updates to E/M billing, coding, and documentation rules, their impact on your patient care and reimbursements, and the steps you need to ensure that your practice is being appropriately reimbursed.
Register here
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Racial Equity Institute: Groundwater Training
Tuesday, February 21 | 3:00 to 6:00 pm
Hosted by the AMA | Free
The Groundwater metaphor is designed to help practitioners at all levels internalize the reality that we live in a racially structured society, and that that is what causes racial inequity. The metaphor is based on three observations: 1) racial inequity looks the same across systems; 2) socio-economic difference does not explain racial inequity; and 3) inequities are caused by systems, regardless of people’s culture or behavior. Embracing these truths helps leaders confront the reality that all our systems, institutions, and outcomes emanate from the racial hierarchy, on which the United States was built. In other words, we have a “groundwater” problem, and we need “groundwater” solutions. Starting from there, we begin to unlock transformative change.
Register here.
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New NP Classifications – What Physicians Need to Know
Thursday, February 23 | 12:15 to 1:15 pm
Hosted by CMA
Assembly Bill 890 (Wood), signed into law in September 2020, created two new classifications of nurse practitioners (NPs) - 103 and 104 NPs - who can perform certain functions without standardized procedures and protocols in California. The regulations implementing the bill became effective as of January 1, 2023. These regulations set the minimum standards for the law’s "transition to practice" requirements for NPs seeking to apply for licensure under these classifications. NPs can elect, but are not required, to transition to these new classifications. This webinar will provide an overview of the law and regulations, explain under what circumstances 103 and 104 NPs can practice and where, and show how this may impact physicians and patients.
Register here.
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49th Annual CMA Legislative Day
Wednesday, April 19
Join us for an all-day event in Sacramento to lobby legislators on priority health care issues. Members who join us will be provided an agenda that highlights all legislative meetings and talking points, so this is a great opportunity for first-timers to experience the legislative process in action.
Click here to RSVP.
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Health IT: Powering Value-Based Care
Monday, May 22 | 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sacramento, CA | Free for CMA members
Save the date for CMA’s first annual healt IT conference. The conference will bring together thought leaders from across California and the nation to explore the intersection of technology and payment reform. CMA expects a diverse set of attendees that will include physicians, medical groups and IPAs, health plans, health information organizations (HIOs) and others who will take the learnings from this conference to change how care is delivered in this state.
Register here.
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Please contact ACCMA at 510-654-5383 or [email protected] with any questions or concerns you have.
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