Legislation Calls for Safety Warning Labels to Highlight Health Risks of Sugary Drinks By the California Medical Association Contact James Noonan at (916) 551-2870 Sacramento — Armed with overwhelming research linking soda and sugary drink consumption to skyrocketing rates of obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay, the nation’s first legislation requiring safety warning labels on sugary drinks sold in California was introduced today by State Senator Bill Monning (D-Carmel). “When the science is this conclusive, the state of California has a responsibility to take steps to protect consumers,” stated Senator Monning. “As with tobacco and alcohol warnings, this legislation will give Californians essential information they need ... February 13, 2014 Public Health Public Health 0 0 Comment Read More »
House, Senate Leaders Introduce SGR Replacement Bill House, Senate Leaders Introduce SGR Replacement Bill Bipartisan, Bicameral Proposal Ends the Cycle of Annual ‘Doc Fix’ Crises, Shifting Medicare to Reward Quality, Efficiency, and Innovation February 6, 2014 By the House Ways and Means Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and the House Energy and Commerce Committee WASHINGTON — House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-Mich.), House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.), and House Energy and ... February 7, 2014 GPCI, Medicare, SGR GPCI, Medicare, SGR 0 0 Comment Read More »
PHYSICIANS: Do You Know if You're Contracted to See Covered California Patients? Do you know if you're contracted to see Covered California patients? You could have been opted in without your knowledge, depending on your contracts. For more information on which health plans are participating in Covered California, and for information on how to check your participation status with these plans, CLICK HERE. February 5, 2014 ACA, Covered California ACA, Covered California 0 0 Comment Read More »
October 1, 2014 — Are You Ready? The ICD-10 Implementation Compliance Date Is October 1, 2014 — Are You Ready? Dear Physician: ICD-10 will bring significant changes to all physician practices, and, if you're not prepared, you may face significant financial impact, including claim denials, cash-flow issues, and decreased productivity. Please take advantage of SDCMS's member-physician ICD-10 resources we've compiled below — all free benefits of membership, and let us know if you have any questions. In addition, ensure your office manager or practice administrator is signed up for SDCMS's online office manager forum — a superb venue for your ... February 4, 2014 ICD-10 ICD-10 0 0 Comment Read More »
Physician Networking Opportunity & Mixer Physicians: Join us for a networking opportunity and mixer on Thursday, April 3, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Come mingle, socialize, and network with your fellow San Diego County physicians — all San Diego County physicians are welcome and encouraged to attend! Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided! Details: When? Thursday, April 3, 2014, 5:00pm – 8:00pm Where? Handlery Hotel, 950 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108 RSVP: Email Your Name and Telephone Number to Jen Ohmstede at JOhmstede@SDCMS.org Questions? Call Jen ... January 28, 2014 Member Benefits Mixer, Networking, Social 0 0 Comment Read More »
CURES Sign-up Event at SDCMS on February 28 ALL PHYSICIANS — SDCMS MEMBERS AND NONMEMBERS! Help Identify and Deter Drug Abuse and Diversion by Signing Up to Access CURES! On Friday, February 28, 2014, a representative from the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) will be at SDCMS’ offices from 9:00am to 5:00pm to sign up all physicians to gain access to the CURES system. Because the CURES representative will be here in person, you will NOT need to take the additional step of having your application notarized — a significant savings in time and money! RESERVE YOUR TIME ... January 28, 2014 CURES, Prescription Drug Abuse CURES, Prescription Drug Abuse 0 0 Comment Read More »
"Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question" Choosing Wisely: An Initiative of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation San Diego Physician magazine is publishing various Choosing Wisely lists of “Things Physicians and Patients Should Question.” Choosing Wisely is an initiative of the ABIM Foundation to help physicians and patients engage in conversations to reduce overuse of tests and procedures, and support physician efforts to help patients make smart and effective care choices. Originally conceived and piloted by the National Physicians Alliance through a Putting the Charter Into Practice grant, leading medical specialty societies, along with Consumer Reports, have ... January 28, 2014 Public Health Choosing Wisely 0 0 Comment Read More »
Love Your Heart This Valentine's Day You and your practice can be part of a countywide effort to increase San Diegans' awareness of their blood pressure (BP) values and the role BP plays in heart disease and stroke. San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency’s LiveWell San Diego iniitiative is sponsoring a countywide blood pressure screening day — called Love Your Heart — to be held on Valentine's Day, Friday, February 14. This is the third year the program has taken place, and the goal is to exceed 20,000 BP screens in one business ... January 27, 2014 Public Health LiveWell San Diego, Love Your Heart 0 0 Comment Read More »
Please Ensure Your SDCMS Public Profile Listing Is Correct! SDCMS Member Physicians: Our new website system allows you to take ownership of your record by logging in to your account and making all changes and updates yourself, ensuring your data is accurate without several people having to re-enter your changes and possibly making a mistake. Your SDCMS public profile information is listed in the following locations: online in SDCMS's Find a Doctor Tool — Click Here to Find Your Public Profile online in San Diego Magazine's FInd a Doctor Tool — Click Here to Find ... January 17, 2014 Directory SDCMS 0 0 Comment Read More »
January 15 Update on Influenza in San Diego County January 15, 2014 By the California Health Alert Network (CAHAN) Influenza is well established in the San Diego region with increasing numbers of cases reported. Seven deaths are among the 1,391 cases detected this season through the week ending January 11. Consistent with national and state reports, the predominant influenza virus identified here so far this season is influenza A (H1N1)pdm09. Compared to last flu season, a significantly greater proportion of flu detections are in adults ages 20 to 64, expected with the H1N1 strain. More details on influenza in the ... January 16, 2014 Influenza Flu, Infuenza 0 0 Comment Read More »