Chikungunya Case Confirmed in San Diego County Resident Chikungunya Case Confirmed in San Diego County Resident Date: July 9, 2014 This health alert informs the medical community about the first case of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection confirmed in a San Diego County resident and provides resource links for clinicians on this emerging disease. The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) requests that healthcare providers report suspect cases of CHIKV to the Epidemiology Program, especially when CHIKV testing is being considered or has been requested. Case Description A previously healthy San Diego County resident was visiting Haiti in ... July 9, 2014 Public Health Chikungunya 0 0 Comment Read More »
Eligible Professionals Must Submit Hardship Exception Applications by July 1, 2014 Eligible Professionals Must Submit Hardship Exception Applications by July 1, 2014 By the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services CMS reminds eligible professionals that the deadline to submit a hardship exception application is approaching. An interactive tool is available to help eligible professionals determine if they will avoid upcoming 2015 and 2016 Medicare EHR Incentive Program payment adjustments by demonstrating meaningful use, or if they should apply for a hardship exception. If an eligible professional determines that they need to apply for a hardship exception, the application must be submitted by July ... June 26, 2014 EHR, Meaningful Use EHR, Incentive Programs, Meaningful Use 0 0 Comment Read More »
Urge Your Assemblymember to Oppose Dangerous Optometrist Scope Expansion Urge Your Assemblymember to Oppose Dangerous Optometrist Scope Expansion CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION NOW A bill (SB 492, Hernandez) that would allow optometrists to examine, prevent, diagnose, and treat any disease, condition, or disorder of the visual system, the human eye, and adjacent related structures will be heard in the Assembly Business, Professions and Consumer Protection Committee next week. This bill would allow optometrists the ability to do delicate eye surgery with lasers and scalpels and to inject medications after minimal additional experience and an undefined amount of additional classroom work. ... June 20, 2014 Scope of Practice Optometrist 0 0 Comment Read More »
June 25 Seminar: Covered California Tips for All Physicians Covered California Tips for All Physician Practices • A Seminar for All Physicians on Wednesday, June 25, 5:30pm–7:30pm Get Timely Information at This Free Seminar: Verify and Document Patient Eligibility Identify Qualified Health Plans in the Exchange Understand the “Grace Period” Know When to Collect Deductibles From Patients Answer Patient Questions Easily and Efficiently Use CMA Economic Services for Members WHERE: Barnhart Cancer Center, Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, 769 Medical Center Court, Chula Vista, CA 91911 WHEN: June ... June 17, 2014 Covered California Covered California 0 0 Comment Read More »
June 30 Deadline Looms for Opting out of Anthem Individual / Exchange Network By the California Medical Association June 16, 2014 Physicians who do not want to participate in Anthem Blue Cross's individual / exchange network have until June 30, 2014, to opt out. In March, Anthem Blue Cross notified over 11,000 practices that are currently participating in its individual / exchange network of a contract addendum that will become effective July 1, 2014. The amendment only applies to physicians who are currently participating in the Anthem Blue Cross individual / exchange network. One provision of significant concern is language in section 12 of the addendum ... June 16, 2014 Health Plans Anthem Blue Cross 0 0 Comment Read More »
Physician Experiences With Access Issues in the Medi-Cal System The California Medical Association (CMA) is partnering with several organizations throughout the state to collect providers' stories that demonstrate Medi-Cal network inadequacy and hindered access to continuous, quality care for Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Collecting as many stories as possible is essential for mobilizing effective advocacy efforts around access and payment reform with Medi-Cal managed care health plans and the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). More than a million new beneficiaries have enrolled in Medi-Cal since January 1, 2014, yet impending cuts threaten to make Medi-Cal the lowest-paying Medicaid program in ... May 28, 2014 Medi-Cal Medi-Cal 0 0 Comment Read More »
2014 White Coat Gala SDCMS and the SDCMS Foundation Invite You to Join Us for Our 2014 White Coat Gala An evening of dinner and dancing celebrating 144 years of healing presented by the San Diego County Medical Society (SDCMS) and the SDCMS Foundation, welcoming J. Steven Poceta, MD, SDCMS president for 2014–2015, and thanking Robert E. Peters, MD, PhD, for his service as immediate past president. Saturday, June 14, 2014 Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine 3777 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla No-Host Cocktails: 6:00pm – 7:30pm Dinner & Program: 7:30pm – 9:00pm Dessert & Dancing: 9:00pm – 10:30pm — black tie optional — Note: A limited number of rooms at the ... May 28, 2014 SDCMS Membership White Coat Gala 0 0 Comment Read More »
Tattoo-associated Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Skin Infections Date: May 23, 2014 This health alert informs the medical community about recent San Diego cases of skin infection after tattoo placement caused by nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM). The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) requests that providers report similar cases. Case Descriptions Case #1: A previously healthy San Diego resident noted a pruritic rash within 48 hours of receiving a tattoo at a local shop in late February 2014. The individual sought care and on exam was found to have scaly papules and plaques along portions of the ... May 23, 2014 Public Health Tattoo Infection 0 0 Comment Read More »
Mercury Poisoning Linked to Use of Skin-lightening or Acne Creams From Mexico Date: May 20, 2014 The attached health alert from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) informs providers about recent cases of mercury poisoning linked to the use of skin-lightening or acne creams from Mexico. The CDPH alert recommends that clinicians consider mercury poisoning when working up patients with suggestive signs and symptoms. Flyers in English and Spanish are also attached to assist in educating patients about this potential health risk. Local providers can contact the California Poison Control Center at any time of day, seven days a week, at 1 (800) ... May 23, 2014 Public Health Mercury Poisoning 0 0 Comment Read More »
Financial & Legal Life Skills for (Financially & Legally Challenged) Docs Financial & Legal Life Skills for (Financially & Legally Challenged) Docs SDCMS Workshop Covering the Following Topics: Financial Legal Real Estate Taxes and Accounting Time vs. Money Insurance Picking Your Advisors This three-hour SDCMS members-only workshop is a must-attend for physicians wishing to boost their financial and legal literacy. This will be a very, very practical and user-focused vendor / brand-agnostic workshop where physicians will learn the right questions to ask ... May 20, 2014 Member Benefits SDCMS Workshop 0 0 Comment Read More »