NYCU September 12, 2023 October 3, 2023 Champions for Health, CMA, CMA Benefits, COVID-19, COVID-19 Vaccinations, Infectious Disease, Mental Health, new, Physician Workforce, Public Health, Regulations, SDCMS 0 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 PHYSICIANS: Some sad news. Greg Knoll, a giant of the San Diego community and a key leader in helping provide health care for impoverished San Diegans, has passed away. Greg spent 50 years as CEO of the Legal Aid Society of San Diego (LASSD). The organization was a small group of attorneys with a $700,000 budget when Knoll took over in 1974 and now has a staff of 212, including 80 attorneys, and a budget of $25 million. “Knoll revolutionized the delivery of public health care to low–income people,” the Legal Aid Society of San Diego said in a statement on his passing. “Under his leadership, LASSD founded the Consumer Center for Health Education and Advocacy in 1999 and was one of the founders of the Health Consumer Alliance, a coalition of 10 legal aid organizations throughout the state that provides health consumer advocacy services and education statewide.” I served with Greg on the Health Services Advisory Board for the past several years and he was a passionate advocate for patients and public health and a great ally. The LASSD is holding a Celebration of Life dinner to honor Greg at the US Grant Hotel on Saturday, October 7th at 5pm. Tickets can be purchased HERE. TRI–CITY MEDICAL CENTER SUSPENDS WOMEN AND NEWBORN SERVICES Tri–City Medical Center (TCMC) is informing the public that the following services encompassing Women and Newborn Services — obstetric, perinatal, postpartum and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) — will be suspended effective September 30, 2023 at 7:00 AM. The suspended beds include 38 perinatal and postpartum beds and 20 NICU beds. Staff will have opportunities to transition to open positions within TCMC. The following list identifies hospitals that provide inpatient obstetric, perinatal, postpartum and/or neonatal intensive care services: Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, Jacobs Medical Center at UC San Diego Health, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns, and Rady’s Childrens Hospital. The District will continue to offer Women’s Health Services including: Outpatient Ambulatory Practice: obstetrics and gynecology services, such as prenatal care, annual women’s visits, and gynecology surgery (e.g. hysterectomy). TCMC emergency department will continue to provide care to stabilize women’s obstetrical and gynecologic needs. CMA AND AMA URGE COURT TO PROTECT PATIENT SAFETY AND UPHOLD LONG–STANDING PROHIBITION AGAINST NON–PHYSICIAN USE OF ‘DOCTOR’ California Medical Association (CMA) and American Medical Association (AMA) have filed a joint amicus curiae brief defending California’s Long–standing law that prohibits the use of the term “doctor” or the prefix “Dr.” by anyone other than California–licensed allopathic and osteopathic physicians. In this case, Palmer v. Bonta, et. al., three nurse practitioners with Doctorate of Nursing degrees are suing state officials to block California Business and Professions Code section 2054, so the nurses can call themselves doctors. The nurses claim they are not misleading patients because they use “doctor” and the title “Dr.” in conjunction with their nursing degrees. Such usage, they admit, is not permitted under the law. The lawsuit seeks to invalidate the law on the basis that it violates the nurses’ First Amendment speech rights. In the brief, CMA and AMA emphasized that courts have repeatedly found a legitimate government interest in California’s 86–year–old statutory rule designed to protect Californians who interface with the health care delivery system. “While the laws delineating who can use the term ‘doctor’ have been on the books for decades, the public’s understanding of the physician–patient relationship goes back much further than that,” said CMA President Donaldo Hernandez, MD. “Patients understand and have longstanding expectations of who they are talking to when they’re speaking to their doctor. By ignoring that precedent, we risk deceiving or confusing our patients.” We will keep you updated as this case proceeds. JUDGE INVALIDATES FEDERAL REGULATIONS THAT ALLOW INSURERS TO ARTIFICIALLY DEFLATE PAYMENTS IN SURPRISE–BILLING DISPUTES On August 24, 2023, the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas invalidated regulations that establish the methodology insurers use to calculate the qualifying payment amount (QPA) in surprise–billing disputes — part of a series of federal rules being challenged in court by the Texas Medical Association (TMA) because they skew the arbitration process in insurers’ favor. As a result of this decision, federal agencies have temporarily suspended all federal independent dispute resolution (IDR) process operations. This marks the fourth victory for TMA in as many lawsuits. This particular lawsuit challenged certain portions of the July 2021 interim final rules implementing the No Surprises Act (NSA), arguing that the rules allow for the artificial deflation of the insurer–calculated QPA, which arbitrators are required to consider when deciding on the appropriate out–of–network rate in the IDR process. Effective August 25, 2023, federal agencies have temporarily suspended all federal IDR process operations in order to make changes necessary to comply with the court ruling in this case. Disputing parties should continue to engage in open negotiation. NEW FREE WEBINAR ‘DEMENTIA UPDATE: DISEASE MODIFYING MEDICATIONS FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE — RISKS & BENEFITS’ Champions for Health and San Diego County Medical Society, in conjunction with The Doctors Company (TDC), are presenting a new webinar on October 19th from 6:00–7:30pm. The program is available free of charge and is approved for 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. PCPs are receiving questions about the new monoclonal antibody medications and their potential use for older adult patients with memory concerns. What should providers tell their patients? How effective are the medications, and what to communicate with patients and their family members? This live stream webinar will explain the science behind the various monoclonal antibody treatments, discuss eligibility, risks and benefits, and the primary care providers’ role in testing, referral and ongoing patient management. Participants will demonstrate enhanced knowledge of new disease–modifying medications work, indications of use & FDA guidelines, effective communication of risks and benefits of the medications, and indications and timing for appropriate referrals to specialists. You can REGISTER HERE. ADDITIONAL VALUABLE SDCMS/TDC WEBINARS SDCMS in partnership with TDC is sponsoring two FREE webinars this Fall with 1 CME Credit available for participation in each webinar. On Wednesday, September 20th, from 6:00–7:00pm, is ‘Managing the Noncompliant and Nonadherent Patient’. The increase in noncompliant and nonadherent patients is a concerning issue for healthcare professionals. They must evaluate patients who do not follow recommendations for tests, lab, follow up appointments, and referrals to specialists. You can REGISTER HERE for this webinar. On November 8th, 2023, from 6:00–7:00pm is the other FREE webinar on ‘Strategies to Enhance the Patient Experience and Reduce Your Risk’. This program will focus on the role of communication and introduce strategies to enhance the patient’s experience. Patients with higher satisfaction may be less likely to have problems and complaints. You can REGISTER HERE for this webinar. As always, let me know if you have any questions! Paul Hegyi, CEO WHAT TO KNOW … The New COVID ‘Eris’ Variant and Rising Cases: What You Need to Know CLICK HERE COVID Continues to Rise, But Experts Remain Optimistic CLICK HERE 570 California Schools Targeted for Low Vaccination Rates CLICK HERE State Lawmakers Find America’s Medical Debt Problem ‘Can No Longer Be Ignored’ CLICK HERE Health–Insurance Costs are Taking Biggest Jumps in Years CLICK HERE The Shrinking Number of Primary–Care Physicians is Reaching a Tipping Point CLICK HERE Abortion Rose in Most States This Year, New Data Shows CLICK HERE Ketamine Can Be Transformative for People with Suicidal Thoughts — if They Can Access It CLICK HERE The Share of U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths Caused by Fake Prescription Pills is Growing CLICK HERE New State Abortion Numbers Show Increases in Some Surprising Places CLICK HERE WHAT TO DO … 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 SEP 20, 2023: 6–7pm, FREE Webinar, sponsored by SDCMS and TDC, ‘Managing the Noncompliant and Nonadherent Patient’. The increase in noncompliant and nonadherent patients is a concerning issue for healthcare professionals. They must evaluate patients who do not follow recommendations for tests, lab, follow up appointments, and referrals to specialists. Noncompliant and nonadherent patients are often associated with a variety of chronic and acute issues that need to be identified for treatment. Medical record documentation must reflect identification of patients who do not follow recommendations for treatment and follow up. Documentation is important to respond to health plan grievances, to respond to Medical Board complaints, and serves to support dismissal of a patient if warranted. 1 CME Credit available CLICK HERE SEP 28, 2023: 12:15-1:15pm, FREE Webinar, sponsored by California Medical Association, California Hospital Association, Texas Medical Association, & Texas Hospital Association, ‘New Federal Loan Forgiveness for CA and TX Physicians — Everything Physicians and Hospitals Need to Know’. Learn about the new federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) rules, which expand eligibility for California and Texas physicians. The webinar provides specific instructions about how more CA and TX physicians can qualify for PSLF. Plus how hospitals, foundations and other entities can serve as ‘qualifying employers’ for purposes of PSLF despite state prohibitions from employing physicians. The US Department of Education will provide information about eligible qualifying loans and the new eligibility criteria. There will also be a legal presentation about which types of practices that qualify, required written agreements between physicians and nonprofit entities, suggestions for documenting the required work hours, and field Q&A CLICK HERE OCT 7, 2023: 5–9pm, Champions for Health ‘Casino Night Masquerade’ fundraiser at The Vault in Veloce Motors, features casino–like entertainment and raffle prizes, proceeds to benefit Champions’ Project Access San Diego (PASD) and Immunization Programs 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 OCT 19, 2023: 6–7:30pm, FREE Webinar for Members and Non–Members, ‘Dementia Update: Disease Modifying Medications for Alzheimer’s Disease — Risks and Benefits’. Sponsored by CFH and SDCMS in conjunction with TDC. PCPs are receiving questions about the new monoclonal antibody medications and potential use for older adult patients with memory concerns. This live stream webinar explains the science behind various monoclonal antibody treatments, discusses eligibility, risks and benefits, and the PCP’s role in testing, referral and ongoing patient management. Presenters: Doug Galasko, MD, neurologist, UC San Diego; Michael Lobatz, MD, neurologist, Chair of San Diego County Alzheimer’s Project Clinical Roundtable; and Ian Neel, MD, geriatrician, UC San Diego. 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits available CLICK HERE NOV 8, 2023: 6–7pm, FREE Webinar, sponsored by SDCMS and TDC, ‘Strategies to Enhance the Patient Experience and Reduce Your Risk’. This program will focus on the role of communication and introduce strategies to enhance the patient’s experience. Patients with higher satisfaction may be less likely to have problems and complaints. We’ll illustrate risks using closed malpractice case studies and provide information to reduce and avoid risks in medical record documentation. 1 CME Credit available 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?’ Welcome Back, Congress. Now Get to Work LISTEN HERE Champions for Health & TDC’s Free On–Demand CME Webinar Series ‘Innovations and Smart Approaches in Safe Prescibing’ to Help Fulfill DEA Training Requirements (Modules 1–5) WATCH 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! This Email Was Sent to [[FIRSTNAME]] [[LASTNAME]] at [[EMAIL]] From the San Diego County Medical Society (SDCMS) Comments are closed.