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Top Story: CMA urges legalization and regulation of medical cannabis to allow for wider clinical research
The California Medical Association has adopted official policy recommending legalization and regulation of cannabis. The decision was based on a CMA white paper that concludes physicians should have access to better research, which is not possible under current drug policy.
Also in this issue:
- San Diego family physician elected CMA president
- CMA delegates set policy on organ donation, Medi-Cal funding, health care workforce issues, and more
- Napa physician, innovator, volunteer and "Doc" to his patients wins CMA's "country doctor" award
- Reminder: Deadline to apply for e-prescribing exemption is Nov. 1
- Medicare begins mailing provider enrollment revalidation notifications
- Cigna reduces claim filing time limit to 90 days
- FAQ: How much can I charge for copying medical records?
- 2011 Legislative Wrap-Up is now available
- CMA calls on Congress to cut deficit using medical liability reforms
- CMA urges HHS to adopt comprehensive benefits package for children under ACA
- CMA urges Congress to authorize Medicare private contracting pilot
- MedPAC votes to repeal SGR with 10-year payment freeze for physicians
- Check out the new issue of CMA Practice Resources
- CMA Foundation offers Champions for Health Training
- Physicians and office staff: What webinar topics interest you?
- Upcoming webinars:
Featured member benefits:
CMA Credit Card: Physicians can show their CMA pride with CMA-branded credit cards from Bank of America.
Practice Financing: Members get reduced loan administration fees from Banc of America Practice Solutions (a subsidiary of Bank of America).
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1. CMA urges legalization and regulation of medical cannabis to allow for wider clinical research
The California Medical Association (CMA) has adopted official policy recommending legalization and regulation of cannabis. The decision was based on a CMA white paper that concludes physicians should have access to better research, which is not possible under current drug policy. The paper, available here, is a thoughtful study and response to an important issue, continuing CMA's tradition of providing guidance on public health.
CMA is the first statewide medical association to take this official position.
"CMA may be the first organization of its kind to take this position, but we won't be the last. This was a carefully considered, deliberative decision made exclusively on medical and scientific grounds," says CMA President James T. Hay, M.D. "As physicians, we need to have a better understanding about the benefits and risks of medicinal cannabis so that we can provide the best care possible to our patients."
CMA's Board of Trustees adopted the policy without objection at its October 14 meeting in Anaheim.
The federal government currently lists cannabis as a Schedule I drug. That classification restricts the research and ability to study the substance. Part of the policy adopted by CMA emphasizes that the drug should be rescheduled in addition to being legalized.
"There simply isn't the scientific evidence to understand the benefits and risks of medical cannabis," says Paul Phinney, M.D., CMA Board Chair. "We undertook this issue a couple of years ago and the report presented this weekend is clear – in order for the proper studies to be done, we need to advocate for the legalization and regulation."
"We need to regulate cannabis so that we know what we're recommending to our patients," says Dr. Phinney. "Currently, medical and recreational cannabis have no mandatory labeling standards of concentration or purity. First, we've got to legalize it so that we can properly study and regulate it."
Physicians, who are currently only allowed to "recommend" medical cannabis, have been stuck in an uncomfortable position, since California decriminalized the drug in 2006.
"California has decriminalized marijuana, yet it's still illegal on a federal level," says Dr. Hay. "That puts physicians in an incredibly difficult legal position, since we're the ones ultimately recommending the drug."
The regulation of medical cannabis will allow for wider clinical research, accountable and quality controlled production of the substance and proper public awareness. CMA also recommends the regulation of recreational cannabis so that states may regulate this more widely used cannabis for purity and safety.
Contact: Molly Weedn, (415) 209-4217 or mweedn@cmanet.org.
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2. San Diego family physician elected CMA president
San Diego family physician James T. Hay, M. D., took over as the California Medical Association's 144th president at the close of the association's annual House of Delegates on Monday in Anaheim.
In his address to the nearly 1,000 physicians in attendance, Dr. Hay challenged the members to set out to recreate the health care marketplace "like the tech industry does."
Rather than waiting for someone to pay us for our products and services under the new health care system, he said, physicians need to be active in its creation. Physicians need to set big goals, he said. It's time to think about the end point – a better profession, a more secure economic environment, a healthier and safer public – we need to design a way to get there.
But to get there, he cautioned, physicians must stop "fighting each other for pieces of a dwindling market," and to think about enacting plans that enhance the marketplace for patients and clinicians.
Physicians know a lot about what would improve care for patients and produce cost savings, he said. For example, if we can coordinate care better and make it possible for patients to receive "treatment at home rather than in a hospital or skilled nursing facility," this would save money and help patients. "If patient care and safety were improved this way," we might be able to "capture 25 percent of the market dollars rather than the 19 percent we currently own."
"We have met the enemy and he is us," Dr. Hay said quoting Walter Crawford's satirical cartoon character Pogo. Then he challenged CMA's members to stop thinking like victims. "If we have the power to create our own problems, we certainly have the power to fix them."
A native of Philadelphia, Dr. Hay, has practiced in the north county area of San Diego since 1978, when he founded North Coast Family Medical Group. He received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and his B.A. from Duke University in North Carolina. He completed his residency at Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton, and is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
Dr. Hay is a member of the San Diego County Medical Society (SDCMS) and the California Academy of Family Practice. He also has a long history of involvement in organized medicine at the local, state and national level. He is past president of SDCMS and the SDCMS Foundation and has been on the Board of Trustees of the California Medical Association (CMA) since 1994. He has been a member of CMA's House of Delegates (HOD) since 1986, serving as vice speaker and speaker of the HOD from 2003 to 2009, and is currently concluding a one-year term as CMA president elect.
He has served as a member of the Board of the San Diego and Imperial County Red Cross for six years and on the board of 211 San Diego for four years. Since 1977, he has received the AMA Physicians Recognition Award, which is given to physicians who demonstrate a commitment to patient care through continuing medical education.
Dr. Hay is active in local and state political action and enjoys running, travel and great restaurants. Dr. Hay and his wife, Tricia, have two grown children and four grandchildren.
Also serving on CMA's 2011-2012 Executive Committee are:
- Immediate Past President James Hinsdale, M.D., a San Jose trauma surgeon;
- President-Elect Paul Phinney, M.D., a general pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente Medical Group in Sacramento;
- Speaker of the House Luther Cobb, M.D., a surgeon in Humboldt County;
- Vice Speaker of the House Ted Mazer, M.D., a San Diego an ear, nose and throat specialist;
- Chair of the Board of Trustees, Steve Larson, M.D., an internist and
- infectious diseases consultant in Riverside County; and
- Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, David Aizuss, M.D., a Los Angeles ophthalmologist.
Contact: Molly Weedn, (916) 551-2069 or mweedn@cmanet.org.
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3. CMA delegates set policy on organ donation, Medi-Cal funding, health care workforce issues, and more
Hundreds of California physician convened in Anaheim this past weekend for the 2011 House of Delegates, the annual meeting of the California Medical Association (CMA). Each year, physicians from all 53 California counties, representing all modes of practice, meet to discuss issues related to health care policy, medicine and patient care, and to elect CMA officers. The following are summaries of some of the resolutions that the House adopted as policy.
Visa restrictions and health care provider shortage areas (Resolution 606-11): The delegates asked CMA to advocate for the expansion of the J-1 Visa program beyond 30 slots; and that visa waivers should be granted for six years initially and that preference should be given to physicians serving in rural and underserved areas.
Visa restrictions and health care provider shortage areas (Resolution 606a-11): The delegates asked CMA to advocate for the expansion of the J-1 Visa program beyond 30 slots; and that visa waivers should be granted for six years initially and that preference should be given to physicians serving in rural and underserved areas.
Hospital foundation ownership of medical groups (Resolution 207a-11): The delegates directed CMA to advocate for stronger regulatory enforcement of California 's ban on the corporate practice of medicine.
Generic versus brand medications (Resolution 504-11): The delegates asked CMA to oppose the profit-motivated removal of generic medications from the market in favor of much more expensive brand products.
Presumed consent for organ donation (Resolution 509a-11): The delegates asked CMA to study and develop new policy recommendations for relieving the organ donor shortage, including presumed consent.
Legal prohibition of circumcision (Resolution 106-11): The delegates directed CMA to oppose any attempt to legally prohibit male infant circumcision and to refer this for national action.
Regulation of electronic cigarettes (Resolution 113-11): The delegates voted to support the prohibition of the use of electronic cigarettes and other nicotine delivery devices not approved by the FDA as smoking cessation aids in places where smoking is prohibited by law, and to support requiring a tobacco permit for the sale of electronic cigarettes and other nicotine delivery devices not approved by the FDA as smoking cessation aids.
Medi-Cal enrollment at point of care (Resolution 204a-11): The delegates voted that CMA support allowing eligible uninsured patients to enroll in public health programs at the time they receive care.
Effect of Medi-Cal funding cuts on access to care (Resolution 205a-11): The delegates asked CMA to request that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services require the State of California to provide independently verified studies and data comparing access to physician services by Medicaid and commercially insured patients in California since state cutbacks.
Coverage of contraception as health insurance benefit (Resolution 403-11): The delegates directed CMA to support coverage, without copayments, of all FDA-approved contraception methods and sterilization as a mandated health benefit of all health plans.
The rest of the actions of the 2011 House of Delegates are available to members at http://www.cmanet.org/hod.
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4. Napa physician, innovator, volunteer and "Doc" to his patients wins CMA's "country doctor" award
Napa family physician R. Robert Darter, M.D., 78, was awarded the California Medical Association (CMA) Frederick K.M. Plessner Memorial Award during the association's annual meeting this past weekend in Anaheim. The award honors the California physician who best exemplifies the ethics and practice of a rural country practitioner.
Dr. Darter, who has delivered more than 1,000 babies in his home town of St. Helena, seems to be the epitome of the rural doctor. He still makes house calls. His patients can reach him at home by phone. And, for his patients and other Napa Valley residents, he plays a special part in his community.
As the father of four boys, his involvement with the Boy Scouts was a natural outgrowth. Since the 1960s, he has served the Boy Scouts in a number of capacities, including committee chair (a position he still holds) and assistant Scoutmaster. And, as his boys grew up and entered sports, he became the official physician for the St. Helena High School football teams – something he has done since 1962.
Dr. Darter has also been an integral part of public service organizations in his town. A member of the St. Helena Kiwanis for 46 years, he has served as president and treasurer, and is currently secretary.
His community often recognized him for his contributions. Dr. Darter received the Scouts' Award of Merit, the Scouter's Training Award and the Silver Beaver Award. In addition, he has been named a Napa Valley Distinguished Citizen. First District Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) nominated him for the Healthcare Heroes Award. In 2006, the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce awarded Dr. Darter the chamber's first Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition to his volunteer work, Dr. Darter likes to keep up-to-date on technological advancements. "It's really important to keep on the cutting edge of medicine and the business of medicine," he says.
An early innovator, he purchased one of the first home computers built in 1975. "It was bigger than a desk," he notes, and a far cry from the sleek laptop he now uses.
He and his practice have been using electronic medical records for three and a half years. In the process of moving from paper to digital records, he found himself taking computer programming courses so he could customize the software to his practice. "You learn to adapt," he explains. "It's what you have to do; you have to stay ahead of the curve if you can."
Dr. Darter earned a B.S. in public health, graduating with honors from UC Berkeley in 1954. He then headed to Chicago, where he earned an M.S. in microbiology from Northwestern University, served as a March of Dimes Summer Research Fellow and, in 1958, earned a medical degree from Northwestern. He completed an internship at Alameda County's Highland Hospital and has also worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
View the video on YouTube.
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5. Reminder: Deadline to apply for e-prescribing exemption is November 1
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued a final rule that makes several significant changes to the 2011 Medicare e-prescribing initiative. Among the changes is a one month extension to the deadline to apply for a hardship exemption. Physicians now have until November 1 to file for an exemption.
The final rule requires physicians in individual practices to have submitted at least 10 Medicare Part B claims with the electronic measure code eRx G8553 and an eligible encounter code by June 30, 2011. Physicians who failed to do so will see their 2012 Medicare payments reduced by 1 percent, unless they fall into one of the six new exemption categories:
- Physician's practice is located in a rural area without high speed internet access.
- Physician's practice is located in an area without sufficient available pharmacies for electronic prescribing.
- Physician is registered to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid electronic health record incentive (EHR) program and has adopted certified EHR technology.
- Physician is unable to electronically prescribe due to local, state or federal law or regulation (e.g., prescribes controlled substances).
- Physician infrequently prescribes (e.g., prescribe fewer than 10 prescriptions between January 1, 2011, and June 30, 2011).
- There are insufficient opportunities to report the e-prescribing measure due to program limitations.
- Physicians can apply for more than one exemption category if applicable to their particular situation.
Individual physicians can apply for an exemption from the 2012 e-prescribing penalty via an online web-portal. Exemption requests from individual physicians will not be accepted via mail, email or fax. Group practices already participating in the 2011 e-prescribing group practice reporting option must submit an exemption request via mailed letter (group exemptions cannot be submitted online or via e-mail).
Physicians who met the 10-claim minimum by June 30, and who report at least 15 more qualifying electronic prescriptions before the end of 2011, will be eligible for a 1 percent Medicare bonus next year.
Questions regarding the use of CMS' web-portal should be directed to the Quality Net Help Desk, at (866) 288-8912 or qnetsupport@sdps.org.
Contact: Michele Kelly, (213) 226-0338 or mkelly@cmanet.org.
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6. Medicare begins mailing provider enrollment revalidation notifications
Physicians who enrolled in the Medicare program prior to March 25, 2011, will be required to revalidate their enrollment by March 25, 2013, under new risk screening criteria required by the federal health reform legislation. California's Medicare contractor, Palmetto GBA, has recently began notifying physicians via mail of this requirement. The notices contain instructions for the revalidation process.
The revalidation requirement is necessitated by new screening criteria that were implemented this past March. Newly enrolling and revalidating providers and suppliers will be placed in one of three screening categories representing the level of risk to the Medicare program. The level of risk will determine the degree of screening to be performed when processing the enrollment application.
Palmetto's is first notifying physicians and other organizations that are enrolled in Medicare, but do not yet have complete profiles in Medicare's online enrollment system, PECOS (Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System). Other physicians and providers will receive notices over the next 18 months, in an order still to be determined. Upon receipt of the revalidation notice, physicians and organizations have 60 days to respond. Failure to respond may result in deactivation of your Medicare billing number.
Do not do anything until you get a letter instructing you to revalidate. (This is very important in order to ensure an orderly enrollment process.) Physicians who are making changes (moving, closing practice, etc.) should continue to submit their changes as usual.
Institutional providers will be required to pay an application fee of $505 to enroll or revalidate. This does not apply to physicians or physician groups. Note, however, that physicians or other providers enrolling as suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies must submit the required application fee.
For more information, see the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website.
Contact: CMA reimbursement help line, (888) 401-5911 or economicservices@cmanet.org.
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7. Cigna reduces claim filing time limit to 90 days
On November 1, 2011, Cigna will change the claim filing time limit for contracted providers from 180 days to 90 days. Those impacted will be notified in writing of any changes and will receive an amendment to their agreement, or will be contacted by a Cigna representative.
When Cigna is the primary insurance, claims must be received within 90 days of the date of service. When Cigna is secondary, claims must be received within 90 days of receipt of the Explanation of Payment from the primary payor.
The change also applies to health care professionals whose Cigna contract includes GWH-Cigna business.
Contact: CMA reimbursement help line, (888) 401-5911 or economicservices@cmanet.org.
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8. FAQ: How much can I charge for copying medical records?
As the health care system moves in a direction of transparency and increased access to medical information, physicians are often put in the position of deciding if and how much they should charge patients and patient representatives who request copies of medical records.
Physicians and office staff should be aware that there are several statutes that specify how much can be charged for copies of medical records in certain circumstances.
CMA medical-legal document #1125, "Medical Records: Allowable Copying Charges," details how much a physician can charge based on the type and source of the request, including requests from patients, patients' attorneys and insurers, as well as subpoenas for medical records. The document also includes a discussion of specific limitations for HIPAA-covered entities when responding to patient access requests, as well as the rules that apply to physicians who use electronic health records.
Medical-legal document #1125, "Medical Records: Allowable Copying Charges," as well as the rest of CMA's medical-legal library (formerly CMA On-Call), is available free to members in CMA's online resource library. Nonmembers can purchase medical-legal documents for $2 per page.
Contact: Samantha Pellon, (916) 551-2872 or spellon@cmanet.org.
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9. 2011 Legislative Wrap-Up is now available
It was a year fraught with budget woes, redistricting chaos and an unpredictable new Administration. The California Medical Association (CMA) overcame these shifts in the legislative and political landscapes to successfully protect physicians from a number of threats. For more information, please read CMA's 2011 Legislative Wrap-Up.
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10. CMA calls on Congress to cut deficit using medical liability reforms
The California Medical Association (CMA) joined with the American Medical Association and 98 other medical societies in signing a letter to Congress' Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reductions, urging its members to include "meaningful medical liability reforms" in the final legislative package.
Citing a Congressional Budget Office estimated savings of $62.4 billion over 10 years if comprehensive medical liability reform was adopted, the letter states: "The inefficiencies of our current medical liability system, escalating and unpredictable awards and the high cost of defending against lawsuits, contribute to the increase in medical liability insurance premiums and add billions of dollars to the cost of health care each year."
The letter was sent to committee co-chairs Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) and include these suggested reforms:
- A $250,000 cap on noneconomic damages;
- Collateral source rule reform that would allow evidence of outside payments be submitted in court and would ban subrogation by certain collateral sources;
- Language that would prohibit new causes of action against physicians and other health care providers based on standards or guidelines specified in the Affordable Care Act;
- Liability protections for physicians and other health care providers so that evidence of nonpayment or payment adjustments based on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' policies would be inadmissible as evidence in a liability claim or lawsuit to prove liability or establish a presumption of liability on behalf of a physician or other health care provider;
- Liability protections for physicians and other health care providers who provide emergency care or volunteer to treat victims of a disaster by requiring clear and convincing burden of proof; and
- Reforms to require individuals who serve as expert witnesses in liability cases to meet standards of expertise and knowledge.
The letter also urged the committee to ensure that any federal reforms allow individual states to maintain or enact their own effective reforms. This critical detail will ensure that states like California with successful liability reforms will not see their own reforms undermined if the federal reforms are not as robust as those already in place.
Contact: Elizabeth McNeil, (415) 882-3376 or emcneil@cmanet.org.
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11. CMA urges HHS to adopt comprehensive benefits package for children under ACA
Joining with 25 other California children's health advocacy groups, the California Medical Association (CMA) is urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to define a strong and comprehensive health benefits package for children under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
In a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the organizations called for a package of benefits that treats the "whole child," ensuring that disadvantaged children receive appropriate screening and interventions to help make up for nutritional, environmental and socioeconomic deficits that could hinder development. The groups also recommended that non-discrimination policies be included in the standards.
Because children's health care needs are considerably different from adults, CMA is also recommending that HHS reference the American Academy of Pediatrics' Bright Futures guidelines, which include regular and periodic screenings and checkups. The letter also urged HHS to take into account national Medicaid standards for children, which focus on preventing developmental delays and promote the early detection of disease.
CMA is also encouraging HHS to look at existing benefits already in place in many states. California, for example, already requires private health insurers to provide more benefits to children than any other state. CMA also supports allowing states, like California, to continue with more generous benefits even if the national standards are not as comprehensive.
Contact: Elizabeth McNeil, (415) 882-3376 or emcneil@cmanet.org.
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12. CMA urges Congress to authorize Medicare private contracting pilot
The California Medical Association (CMA) recently sent a letter to Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health, urging the committee to include authorization for a Medicare private contracting pilot program in its recommendations to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction.
CMA has long sought a private contracting option for Medicare patients. Currently, seniors who wish to see a doctor who does not accept Medicare must pay for all services by that physician out of their own pocket. The physician may not seek reimbursement from Medicare for the care provided, nor will Medicare reimburse the beneficiary—despite the fact that seniors have paid into the program in the form of payroll taxes throughout their working lives.
Medicare private contracting approach would expand access to care without costing the federal government additional resources. It would allow seniors to continue to use their Medicare benefits, even if the physician they choose does not accept Medicare. In such a scenario, the patient would only be responsible for the difference between what Medicare typically covers and what the physician charges.
CMA has also been actively involved in crafting legislation—HR 1700, the Medicare Patient Empowerment Act—to fully authorize private contracting in the Medicare program.
Contact: Elizabeth McNeil, (415) 882-3376 or emcneil@cmanet.org.
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13. MedPAC votes to repeal SGR with 10-year payment freeze for physicians
In the face of wide spread opposition from organized medicine, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) yesterday voted to support the elimination of Medicare's flawed sustainable growth rate (SGR) and to offset the cost of repeal by freezing or cutting physician rates for the next 10 years. Although the elimination of the SGR is one of the California Medical Association's (CMA) top priorities, the association is extremely concerned by MedPAC's proposed solution.
MedPAC, which advises Congress on Medicare payment policy, voted to recommend that lawmakers pay for the SGR repeal by freezing primary care physician payments at current levels for 10 years. Specialists would see their pay cut by 5.9 percent a year over the next three years (for a total of almost 18 percent), followed by a seven-year freeze. The committee hopes to eliminate the SGR and avert the 29.5 percent physician pay cut that the formula mandates on January 1, 2012.
MedPAC estimates that its SGR repeal would cost about $200 billion. The cost would be offset not only by cuts to physicians, but also by cuts to Medicare Part D drug plans, post-acute care facilities, hospitals, laboratories, durable medical equipment, Medicare Advantage, and others.
CMA strongly opposes the Medicare physician payment recommendation voted on yesterday by MedPAC. A long-term payment freeze in an era of 6 percent average annual practice cost increases essentially equates to a significant payment cut. The freeze, plus the 5.9 percent cuts to specialists, will be devastating for seniors trying to find a physician in California.
The cost of physician payment reform has been growing over the years as Congress enacted frequent short-term fixes. Congress must act now to stabilize the Medicare system for patients and physicians.
CMA believes that this year could be the last realistic opportunity to repeal the SGR because of the huge price tag. "It's now or never," says CMA President James G. Hinsdale, M.D. CMA will continue to oppose this proposal and will work with the American Medical Association and others in organized medicine on a permanent repeal of the SGR.
CMA is asking Congress to repeal the SGR and work with us over the next few years to test and develop alternative payment models and health care delivery systems that ensure access to efficient, appropriate, high-quality, coordinated care.
CMA is also urging physicians to join us in this effort and tell Congress that repealing the SGR not only ensures patients can see a doctor when they need one, but that it also makes economic sense.
For more information, including background information, talking points and a sample letter, click here.
Contact: Elizabeth McNeil, (415) 882-3376 or emcneil@cmanet.org.
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14. Check out the new issue of CMA Practice Resources
The October/November issue of CMA Practice Resources (CPR) is now available. CPR, a free email bulletin from the reimbursement experts in CMA's Center for Economic Services, is full of tips and tools to help physicians and their staff improve practice efficiency and viability. Sign up now for your free subscription
Contact: CMA's reimbursement helpline, (888) 401-5911 or economicservices@cmanet.org.
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15. CMA Foundation offers Champions for Health Training
The CMA Foundation champions community health through partnerships between physicians and their community. If you're interested in becoming a "physician champion" in your community, plan to attend the Foundation's Champions for Health Training, Friday, November 4, in Sacramento.
The goal of the program is to train and inspire attendees to achieve practice excellence and become more effective spokespersons, community health advocates and community leaders. Attendees will participate in skill building sessions on health advocacy, media training, social media, practice excellence, building partnerships and reducing health disparities.
Physicians, residents, medical students, health care professionals and community based organization members who want to advocate for health and wellness in their communities are encouraged to attend.
For more information or to register for this free training program, click here.
Contact: Leslie Barron, (916) 779-6630 or lbarron@thecmafoundation.org.
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16. Physicians and office staff: What webinar topics interest you?
The California Medical Association (CMA) is currently working on its 2012 online education program. This coming year, CMA will offer two, one-hour webinars per month covering 24 topics that will increase staff knowledge and improve the business of medicine through education. In keeping with last year's program, webinars will be held on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. and will be free for CMA members and their staff.
CMA has identified topics that we believe would benefit our physician members and their staff. However, we want to hear what topics are important to you before making a final decision. Please take a few minutes to rate your interest in the topics that we have identified by taking a brief survey.
The survey is open until Friday, October 21. Thank you in advance for your participation.
Contact: CMA member help center, (800) 786-4262 or memberservice@cmanet.org.
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17. Upcoming webinars
10/19: EOB Analysis: Successful Claims Appeal: There's a healthy chance that some of your insurance claims will be denied or underpaid. The reasons vary from a simple coding mistake to more complex issues such as medical necessity. This webinar will cover the who, why, what, and when of claim appeals, including getting the patient involved, when needed. The one-hour webinar will be October 19 at 12:15 p.m.
10/25: Literacy, Health Communication & Diabetes Disparities: The California Medical Association Foundation is planning a webinar to support physicians and other health care providers in improved diabetes management. The webinar will be led by Dr. Dean Schillinger, practicing physician and Director of the UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations at San Francisco General Hospital and Chief of the California Diabetes Prevention and Control Program in the California Department of Public Health. The one-hour webinar will be October 25 at 12 p.m.
10/26: Key Financial Ratios to Increase Practice Profitability: Today's physicians and office managers need business management skills. This workshop will teach critical skills for analyzing profit/loss statements for overhead expense, accounts receivable, and staffing ratios and how to access specialty comparison norms for benchmarking. The one-hour webinar will be presented twice on October 26, at 12:15 p.m. and again at 6:15 p.m.
To register for these webinars, visit the CMA event calendar.
Contact: CMA's member help center, (800) 786-4262 or memberservice@cmanet.org.
18. Featured member benefits:
CMA Credit Card: Physicians can show their California Medical Association (CMA) pride with CMA-branded credit cards from Bank of America. CMA members receive competitive interest rates, a premier rewards program, and free access to a personal assistant via Bank of America's MyConcierge service.
Practice Financing: Members get reduced loan administration fees from Banc of America Practice Solutions (a subsidiary of Bank of America) for software upgrades, practice expansion and equipment purchasing.
Members-only codes are required to access these benefits. Get your code online or by contacting CMA's member help center at (800) 786-4262 or memberservice@cmanet.org.