E-Newsletter

PHYSICIANS: 

Monkeypox is emerging as a real concern among the medical community. To that end, the American Medical Association is working to inform and educate physicians about this disease:

San Diego County recently announced that, “People experiencing a suicide, mental health or substance use crisis will now be able to call or text to a three–digit 9–8–8 dialing code to get help for themselves or a loved one.”

“Starting July 16, San Diegans will be able to call 988 and be connected to a trained counselor who can help them and connect them to services in the area where they live. This new service is in addition to the County’s Access and Crisis Line (ACL) at (888) 724–7240.” For more information, CLICK HERE.

Many SDCMS members are familiar with the San Diego Annual Liver Walk organized by San Diego Liver Coalition with Scott Suckow, Executive Director. This time it will help Asian Pacific Health Foundation raise $20,000 to purchase a new bone densitometer to be used for osteoporosis screening in the community. Originally scheduled in mid–July, the Seven Bridges Walk is extended to Saturday, October 1^st, 2022. For more information or to donate, CLICK HERE.

In other news, Aetna recently announced it will no longer require pre–approval for most cataract surgeries. This decision came a year after Aetna implemented a policy requiring all cataract surgeries to be “pre–certified,” claiming that it would “help members avoid unnecessary surgery.”

California Medical Association (CMA) and others in organized medicine strongly objected to this policy, which created unnecessary delays and obstacles for patients and physicians, reducing availability of health care services and increasing insurance company profits at the expense of patient care.

An estimated 10,000 to 20,000 Aetna beneficiaries had their cataract surgeries unnecessarily delayed in just the first month after Aetna’s prior authorization requirement took effect, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

California Medical Association (CMA) continues to fight for medical decisions to be made by trained medical professionals instead of entities focused on the bottom line. This is why CMA is supporting legislation at the state and federal levels that would streamline and standardize prior authorization requirements.

A final reminder that you can come mingle, socialize, and network with your colleagues, and bring your spouse/significant other to our next physician networking opportunity and mixer on Thursday evening, July 28^th, from 5:30 — 8:30 PM at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in Liberty Station.

Complimentary hor d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided. There is no charge for current society members or their guests to attend this hosted event as included in SDCMS’ benefit offerings. Space is limited and RSVPs are required, so register now, and please spread the word. This is our first mixer since 2019!

As always, let me know if you have any questions! Paul Hegyi, CEO