November 4, 2022

Retention Bonus Payments: Registration Open Now, Application Opens Soon

DHCS will be administering health care worker retention bonus payments of up to $1,000 available to physicians who provide patient care in hospitals, clinics that are 1206(I)s, and affiliated with a hospital, or SNFs during the eligible period (July 30-October 28, 2022). Registration is now open: independent/solo physicians will need to register with DHCS. Physicians employed by a medical group/other health care facility will not need to register or apply, as their employer is required to apply on their behalf. The application portal will open on November 29. Attend CMA’s webinar on Thursday, November 17 to answer any questions you might have. 

Contact Your Representatives: Stop Medicare Payment Cuts



Unless Congress takes action, physicians face more than 8.42% in Medicare payment cuts in 2023 which will ultimately lead to forced closure of physician practices and impede access to care. It takes less than 2 minutes to contact your Senators and Representatives. 

On Tuesday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2023 Medicare Physician Payment Schedule final rule leading to a 4.5% payment decrease. The decrease is largely a result of an expiring 3 percent increase funded by Congress through 2022. The additional approximate 1.6 percent decrease is the result of budget neutrality requirements that stem from the revised E/M changes. These payment cuts combined with the 4% Medicare cut stemming from the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act leaves physicians looking at a nearly 8.5% Medicare cut on January 1. 

Serve on an ACCMA Committee

ACCMA is currently accepting nominations from members to serve on committees in 2023. ACCMA committees are the workshops of the medical association and are responsible for developing many of the ACCMA’s policies and programs that assist physicians and improve the quality of medical care in our community. You can learn more about ACCMA committees here and apply by December 1. If you currently serve on ACCMA committees, you do not need to nominate yourself again. All current committee members will be automatically considered for reappointment in 2023. 

Medical Students: Grants up to $2,500



The Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC) MedStudentsServe program is accepting applications for its 2023 grant cycle. The MedStudentsServe grant funds medical student organizations to support educational, advocacy, community service, and outreach programs that enhance the health and well-being of California’s communities. Click here to learn more about eligibility and to apply today. Applications are due by January 17. 

Election Day is Around the Corner



This is a reminder to mail your ballots now or go vote on Tuesday, November 8. Check out CMA’s Physician Voter Guide for CMA’s positions on statewide ballot measures, physicians running for office, and CALPAC supported candidates. 

AMA Podcast: Flu, COVID, & RSV



Remind your patients of the importance of getting their flu shot, as well as their bivalent booster. Check out the AMA Update podcast from November 2 highlighting this flu season which is already more severe than any in the past 13 years and addresses the possibility of a “tripledemic” between influenza, COVID, and RSV this fall/winter.

Virtual Grand Rounds: COVID-19 Updates and the Health Implications of Wildfire Smoke 

Tuesday, November 8 | 12:00 to 1:00 pm 

FREE | Hosted by CMA 

Wildfires seem to have become a yearly norm in California. Many public health experts have wondered what the short -and long-term health impacts of this frequent particulate exposure are for California communities. In the past two wildfire seasons, scientists have also looked at the impact of wildfire smoke exposure on patients with COVID-19 infections. In this webinar, Erica Pan, M.D., MPH, and John Balmes, M.D., will discuss the evolution of COVID-19 in California, as well the impacts of wildfire activity on the state of our health. 

Register here. 

CMS Medicare Updates 2023 

Tuesday, November 8 | 12:15 to 1:15 pm 

FREE | Hosted by CMA 

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Regional Chief Medical Officer Ashby Wolfe, M.D., will provide an update on CMS policy for the 2023 calendar year. Information presented will be relevant to practicing clinicians, including an overview of the updates to the 2023 Physician Fee Schedule. 

Register here.

Bay Area Physician Wellness Collaborative 

Tuesday, November 15 | 6:00 to 8:00 pm 

FREE | CME Available | Online 

Join a roundtable of your colleagues – leaders from medical groups, hospital medical staffs, residency programs and other physician organizations – to learn and share how to apply the organizational culture and practice changes that can reduce physician burnout and drive professional fulfillment. Learn more here. 

The next meeting of the collaborative will focus on creating a center or committee for physician wellbeing within your organization. Learn about self-care support systems, peer support resources, mental health referrals and consultation services, life-needs support mechanisms, and other comprehensive wellbeing resources. This collaborative is by invitation only; please click here to indicate your interest in joining the collaborative. 

Making a Difference in 10 Minutes: Motivational Interviewing for Substance Use Disorders 

Tuesday, November 29 | 12:15 to 1:15 pm 

Hosted by CMA 

Motivational interviewing (MI) may have more research to support its effectiveness than most medications and using it increases the chances our interactions with patients will be more rewarding, more connected and less argumentative. MI is applicable to any behavior change, has been studied cross-culturally, and employs some strategies that can actually shorten some visit types. In this practical workshop, you'll get a brief overview of the most current and compelling research on MI and substance use disorders (SUD); learn the five most powerful strategies for helping patients struggling with SUD or other behavior changes; and learn two anti-growth statements to avoid saying to patients to increase the likelihood of positive care outcomes. 

Register here.

Crashing the Clinical Encounter 

Tuesday, December 6 | 5:00 to 6:00 pm 

Hosted by the Nocturnists, CMA 

This virtual storytelling workshop will explore political, legal, and corporate intrusion in the exam room, and its impact on the clinician-patient relationship. The Nocturnists medical storytelling podcast and live show amplifies physician voices by helping them tell their stories and enabling them to speak publicly about the fears, doubts, and joys that shape their personal and professional lives. 

Register here.