NYCU July 5, 2023 July 18, 2023 Champions for Health, CMA, CMA Benefits, Infectious Disease, Public Health, Regulations, SDCMS 0 WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023 PHYSICIANS: There has been a historic development in Sacramento regarding health care funding and access. The largest Medi–Cal funding increase in state history is set to begin next year. California Medical Association (CMA) President Donaldo Hernandez, MD, explains further: “…the California Legislature passed the health budget trailer bill, which includes the renewal of the state’s Managed Care Organization (MCO) Tax. This important financial mechanism will raise a total of $19.4 billion, with much of it being spent on the state’s health care infrastructure, including the largest Medi–Cal rate increase in California history. This is a monumental achievement toward fulfilling Medi–Cal’s promise of access to health care and will help achieve justice and equity for the 14 million Californians who rely on the program for their health care. Included in the budget agreement, starting in 2024, provider rates will be increased to at least 87.5% of Medicare for primary care, maternity care and non–specialty mental health services. This action will restore funding from AB 97 rate reductions to those services, as well as build into the base rate Proposition 56 supplemental payments as part of the 87.5% threshold. Starting in 2025, the MCO Tax will also provide a new infusion of $6 billion in new funding for the Medi–Cal program and the health care workforce. Specifically, there will be an annual appropriation of $1.38 billion in primary care rate increases, $1.15 billion in specialty care rate increases, $700 million to increase emergency department access (including $200 million for emergency department physicians), at least $500 million for family planning and reproductive health care, and $600 million for behavioral health facilities, including increasing inpatient psychiatric beds. These rate increases will directly improve access to health care by supporting the Medi–Cal providers that are serving millions of patients daily in a variety of care settings. The budget will also provide at least $75 million annually to train hundreds of additional physicians by expanding graduate medical education (GME) residency slots. This investment in our health care workforce is critical as California faces a massive physician shortage and we must be prepared to meet California’s growing health care needs…” On a more playful note, the San Diego County Medical Society and the Padres are partnering up to honor your contributions to the community during Healthcare Appreciation Weekend. Please join us along with your physician colleagues and their families as the Padres take on the SF Giants! This exciting special event is happening on Saturday evening, September 2, 2023 at Petco Park. First pitch at 5:40 PM. Plus, as a special gift each Theme Game package ticket includes a limited–edition retractable badge reel. Tickets are limited and RSVPs are required, so REGISTER SOON. Hope to see you there. As always, let me know if you have any questions! Paul Hegyi, CEO WHAT TO KNOW … Billions in New Medi–Cal Funding for Physician Reimbursements Could Increase Access to Care CLICK HERE E–Cigs are Still Flooding the US, Addicting Teens with Higher Nicotine Doses CLICK HERE A Blood Test Predicts Pre–eclampsia in Pregnant Women CLICK HERE In Second Settlement in Two Weeks, Sheriff Agrees to Better Protect People in Jail from COVID–19 CLICK HERE Lack of Research on Women Undermines Protections from New Federal Pregnancy Law CLICK HERE Hepatitis C Can Be Cured. So Why Aren’t More People Getting Treatment? CLICK HERE CDC: Overdose Deaths from Xylazine–Laced Fentanyl Rapidly Increasing CLICK HERE Medical Schools will be Even Less Diverse After Affirmative Action Ruling, Experts Say CLICK HERE CDC to Start Tracking Cases of Bacteria Tied to Infant Formula Shortage CLICK HERE CMS Releases Revised Guidance for Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program CLICK HERE WHAT TO DO … JUL 11, 2023: 12–1pm, ‘Virtual Grand Rounds Fentanyl and “Tranq” (Xyazine): Emerging Threats in Illicit Drug Use’, Sponsored by California Medical Association. Moderated by Kimberly Newell Green, MD, CMA Trustee and Associate Clinical Professor at UCSF. Adding to the fentanyl crisis, a deadly drug threat that has overwhelmed our country in the past years, the mixing of a powerful sedative used in veterinary medicine, xylazine, into fentanyl has increased the risk of fatal drug poisoning. In addition to our usual updates on COVID–19 and other emerging public health issues, we will feature experts discussing this rapidly evolving crisis on our streets. 1 CME Credit available. Free for CMA Members and Non–Members CLICK HERE JUL 14-16, 2023: Dr. Ni–Cheng Liang, one of our leaders in physician wellness, along with Dr. Jessie Mahoney, is leading a retreat ‘The Mindful Healers Connect in Nature Retreat’, Green Gulch Farm & Zen Center, Muir Woods/Muir Beach, California. All are welcome and CME credit is available for participating physicians. Practice mindfulness and play in the beautiful outdoors while you restore your energy, nourish and heal you nervous system, practice meditation, breathwork and stillness, and help rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit CLICK HERE JUL 18, 2023: 12:15–1:15pm, Webinar ‘Demystifying the Medical Staff’, Sponsored by California Medical Association. FREE for Members and their Staff [with Promo Code], $99 for Non–Members, This webinar covers the basic structure, role, and purpose of the medical staff, and the physicians’ membership in it. A brief Q&A session at the end. Intended for those wanting a better understanding of the medical staff functions, or who contemplate involvement in the medical staff but either don’t know how to get involved or are undecided if it’s worth the time. The Featured Presenter is Shari Covington, CMA Legal Counsel CLICK HERE AUG 10, 2023: 12:15–1:15pm, Webinar ‘Medi–Cal Managed Care Plan Transition in January 2024 — What Physicians Should Know’, Sponsored by California Medical Association. FREE for Members and Non–Members. On January 1, 2024, Medi–Cal enrollees in 20 counties will exit some health plans and transition into a newly entering or expanding health plan. Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will present an overview of the transition, including health plan changes by county, work underway to ensure a smooth transition, the enrollee continuity of care policy, and physician and patient resources available. DHCS will be available for a question and answer session and would like to hear feedback from physicians about how to ensure a smooth transition for Medi–Cal enrollees and providers CLICK HERE AUG 15, 2023: 12:15–1:15pm, FREE Webinar for Members and Non–Members, ‘CMA Data Exchange Explainer Series #4 — How to Optimize Your Practice’s EMR for Data Exchange’. Starting January 31, 2023, California Health & Human Services Agency (CHHS) is launching the CHHS Data Exchange Framework. Over the next 3 years this Framework will require all CA physician practices to exchange data with other practices, health plans, hospitals, and others. To help physicians prepare CMA has partnered with CHHS and developed the ‘CMA Data Exchange Explainer Series’ to walk practices through various considerations in implementing robust data exchange. This webinar reviews an EMR data exchange inspection checklist to ensure your EMR is tuned–up and ready for a successful DxF implementation journey. Also receive an update on the latest DxF developments and important dates practices will need to know CLICK HERE SEP 2, 2023: 5:40pm, PETCO Park, San Diego Padres vs. San Francisco Giants. Join your fellow physicians at this SDCMS Event as the Padres honor San Diego’s physicians for ‘Healthcare Appreciation Weekend’. Plus, as a special gift each Theme Game package ticket includes a limited–edition retractable badge reel. Tickets are limited and RSVPs are required so please register soon! CLICK HERE SEP 14-15, 2023: San Jose Marriott, ‘Health Equity Leadership Summit’, sponsored by Physicians for a Healthy California. This event provides an opportunity for physicians, executives, advocates and allies to find community, engage in hands–on trainings and workshops, and hold in–depth conversations about how they are addressing the issue of health equity in California through their care of underserved communities throughout the state. Attendees will leave feeling energized and inspired to continue their important work to improve the lives of all Californians. Early Bird for Members is $225 and $249 for Non–Members, Full Price is $249 for Members and $299 for Non–Members, $99 for Students/Residents. A room block has also been secured CLICK HERE OCT 12, 2023: 12:15–1:15pm, FREE Webinar for Members and Non–Members, ‘CMA Data Exchange Explainer Series #5 — How to Optimize Your Practice’s Workflows for Data Exchange’. Starting January 31, 2023, California Health & Human Services Agency (CHHS) is launching the CHHS Data Exchange Framework. Over the next 3 years this Framework will require all CA physician practices to exchange data with other practices, health plans, hospitals, and others. To help physicians prepare CMA has partnered with CHHS and developed the ‘CMA Data Exchange Explainer Series’ to walk practices through various considerations in implementing robust data exchange. This webinar reviews best practices to ensure secure, timely, and accurate data exchange day–in and day–out. Also receive an update on the latest DxF developments and important dates practices will need to know CLICK HERE DEC 14, 2023: 12:15–1:15pm, FREE Webinar for Members and Non–Members, ‘CMA Data Exchange Explainer Series #6 — Incentives and Other Funding Opportunities for Data’. Starting January 31, 2023, California Health & Human Services Agency (CHHS) is launching the CHHS Data Exchange Framework. Over the next 3 years this Framework will require all CA physician practices to exchange data with other practices, health plans, hospitals, and others. To help physicians prepare CMA has partnered with CHHS and developed the ‘CMA Data Exchange Explainer Series’ to walk practices through various considerations in implementing robust data exchange. This webinar provides an overview of grant funding opportunities for technical assistance and connecting to a Qualified Health Information Organization to support practices meeting their DSA Requirements CLICK HERE WHAT TO READ, LISTEN & WATCH … CMA in the Courts READ HERE Podcast ‘What the Health?’ A Year Without Roe LISTEN HERE CMA Webinar: Telehealth Reimbursement and Privacy Laws: COVID–19 Emergency WATCH HERE CMA Webinar: What is Value–Based Care and What Does it Mean for My Practice? WATCH HERE SDCMS Webinar: Physician Financial Wellness (Part 1) WATCH HERE SDCMS Webinar: Physician Financial Wellness (Part 2) WATCH HERE SDCMS Webinar: Best Practice: Documenting Disruptive Patient Behavior WATCH HERE SDCMS Webinar: Understanding Malpractice Risks for NPs, PAs, and Supervising Physicians WATCH HERE SDCMS Webinar: COVID–19 for the Long Haul: Post COVID Recovery and Care WATCH HERE SDCMS Webinar: How to Avoid Being Reported to the Medical Board WATCH HERE SDCMS Webinar: Understanding the Risks: How to Dismiss a Patient from Your Practice WATCH HERE SDCMS Webinar: Physician Wellness WATCH HERE SDCMS Webinar: Biosimilars Overview & Policy Landscape WATCH HERE Alzheimer’s Project Clinical Roundtable Free On–Demand CME Webinar Series on Dementia WATCH HERE Please Consider Supporting Our Advertisers … Thank You! Comments are closed.