July 2024

Register for MOA's Annual Autumn Conference

New Location!

This fall, join osteopathic colleagues from around the state to learn about the latest treatments and trends in OMT, AI in medicine, chronic illnesses, and more.

Oct. 25-27, 2024 | Downtown Grand Rapids

25 AOA Category 1-A, AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ anticipated.

If you can't join us in person, the Autumn Conference will be available on demand in the Learning Center and begins Nov. 13, 2024. Pre-register by Oct. 24 to take advantage of discount rates.

In Person

On Demand

Register Now for Fall Wellness Conference

The Michigan Osteopathic Association and Michigan State Medical Society are collaborating to offer a new wellness conference!

Join us at the Updates on Wellness for Your Medical Practice Conference to learn more about lifestyle medicine and bringing the concept of general wellness to your practice. Hear from experts in the areas of diet, lifestyle, mental health, billing, and more.

Friday, Oct. 4, 2024

8:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. | MOA Headquarters, Okemos

NMOA Summer Conference Recap

Last month, the Northern Michigan Osteopathic Association's (NMOA) Summer Conference on Mackinac Island attracted over 70 physicians and nurses from around the state, as well as 21 exhibitors. The conference provided attendees with insightful sessions and networking activities, including a fun run and a mini-golf outing.

Mark your calendar for next year's conference: June 12-15, 2025.

Learn More

Osteopathic Advocacy Alert

Michigan lawmakers are once again considering a bill (S.B. 279) that would significantly expand the scope of practice for nurse practitioners by granting them autonomous practice authority.

Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) President Emily Hurst, D.O., recently testified in front of the state legislature, urging lawmakers to oppose this bill due to the potential harm it poses to patient safety. While we deeply value the essential contributions of nurse practitioners in our health care system, this expansion could jeopardize patient safety and the quality of care by allowing practices that should be reserved for fully trained and qualified physicians.

Help us bolster our message by sharing your voice and letting your lawmakers know your concerns about this bill. Send your elected officials an email today.

Take Action

Mini Medical School

The Michigan Osteopathic Association proudly sponsored another mini medical school at the annual Gregory Kelser's Basketball Camp. Community partnerships are important opportunities to spark an interest in the medical field for young people, create mentorship connections, and strengthen a talent pipeline for medical school.

Nominations Open for ACOI Awards

Nominations are open for two American College of Osteopathic Internists (ACOI) Awards:

The David Susser, D.O., MACOI Award is for ACOI members who are internal medicine residents or fourth-year students who have matched to internal medicine.

The Anthony J. Malcoun, D.O., MACOI Award is for ACOI members who are nephrology fellows.

Nomination materials for both awards are due July 31, 2024.

Dr. Susser Award

Dr. Malcoun Award

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Change of Coverage in GLP-1s for weight loss

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network have changed coverage of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, known as GLP-1, drugs indicated for weight loss for their fully insured large group commercial members. These drugs include: Saxenda® (liraglutide), Wegovy® (semaglutide), and Zepbound® (tirzepatide).

Prior authorizations for these drugs will end at midnight on July 31. A new prior authorization request will be required, and new prior authorization criteria will be applied for these members for dates of service from Aug. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024. Coverage for GLP-1 weight loss drugs for fully-insured large group commercial members will end starting Jan. 1, 2025.

Learn More

Track Legislation Impacting Osteopathic Profession

The Michigan Osteopathic Association maintains a Council on Government Affairs (CGA) to monitor and report on the issues and legislation that impact our members and their patients.

Click the button below for a table with legislative bills that the CGA has determined could impact osteopathic physicians, health care providers and patients.

See the Bills

Blue Cross Blue Shield Announces New CEO

Congratulations once again to Tricia A. Keith, who has been tapped as the next president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

When she takes the helm in Jan. 2025, she will become the company’s first female chief executive.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Specialty Benefits

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s specialty benefits support members’ whole health

through dental, vision, and financial protection plans.

When employers offer comprehensive coverage, it can help establish healthy dental and vision habits that can lead to reduced medical costs in the future. Blue Cross’ dental and vision benefits are backed by a large national network with access to in-network licensed dentists and vision care providers.

Integrating and implementing Blue Cross’ specialty benefits into your benefits package is simple. You’ll get the support of one account team and integrated reporting that will demonstrate utilization and cost savings as a result of adding these benefits to your package.

To learn more about Blue Cross’ specialty benefits, visit the following web pages:

Dental Plans

Vision Plans

Specialty Benefits

Free Webinar

Join the Blue Cross Well-Being team on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 11 a.m. for the Foods that Boost Body and Brain Health webinar. The free webinar will focus on how you can incorporate foods into your daily diet that fuel both your body and brain.

All MOA on-demand CME programs are available 24/7/365 at CMElearningcenter.com.

MOA Learning Center delivers over 200 hours of on-demand CME courses, all qualifying for AOA Category 1-A and AMA PRA Category 1-A Credit(s)™to help you meet state licensing requirements.

Featured CME Sessions

Check out these sessions from the 2024 MOA Spring on Demand

Meditation and Mindfulness Practice in Medicine

The session hosted by Sarah Denham, D.O., discusses what meditation and mindfulness practice actually are and how to incorporate its use for yourself and your patients.

Identifying and Managing Elder Abuse

This session, hosted by Jonathan Beaulac, D.O., covers definitions related to elder abuse, statistics of elder abuse and identifying the "red flags" of elder abuse.

View the Sessions

MOA honors the contributions of these recently deceased osteopathic physicians from our D.O. family. Thank you for your dedication to caring for patients, advancing research and treatments, and improving health

David Swayze, D.O. | April 18, 2024

Dr. Swazye was a Life Professional who joined MOA in 1961.

Link to local obituary

Chester Joseph Skrocki, D.O. | June 18, 2024

Dr. Skrocki was a Life Professional member of MOA.

Link to local obituary

Stephen F. Friedl, D.O. | May 29, 2024

Dr. Friedl practiced general surgery in Wyoming, MI.

Link to local obituary

Robert B. Sauter, D.O. | May 21, 2024,

Dr. Sauter was a Life Professional who joined MOA in 1967.

Link to local obituary