This feed includes media advisories and media releases distributed by the California Medical Association's media relations team. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Wed, 13 Jun 2007 13:23:47 -0700 Wed, 13 Jun 2007 13:23:00 -0700 FeedForAll v1.0 (1.0.2.0) A rare Iron Lung used to treat polio patients in the 1950s, an early 20th Century doctor's office and amputation kits used by pioneers on the trail west are among the hundreds of items on display at CMA's 150th Anniversary Exhibit at the State Fair, which opens this week. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=366&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Tue, 8 Aug 2006 12:57:38 -0700 The California Medical Association Wednesday persuaded Governor Schwarzenegger to drop a wrong-headed emergency regulation that proposed banning the ability of physicians to bill for ER services provided to patients. The regulation, as filed Tuesday, threatened the emergency and trauma care system in California, CMA officials said. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=367&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Wed, 9 Aug 2006 12:56:05 -0700 For the fifth year running, Blue Cross of California has spent less than 80 percent of premium dollars on patient care, according to a report released today by the California Medical Association. Blue Cross, the state's largest for-profit health insurer, spent 78.9 percent of its premium dollars on patient care in fiscal year 2004-2005, with 21 percent to profits and administration, according to CMA's 13th annual report examining annual health plan expenditures. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=368&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Mon, 14 Aug 2006 12:55:10 -0700 Anmol Singh Mahal, M.D., President-elect of the California Medical Association, has been appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to the state Health Professions Education Foundation Board of Trustees, which oversees a variety of scholarship and loan repayment programs designed to improve health care in medically underserved areas. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=369&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Fri, 1 Sep 2006 12:52:19 -0700 The Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA) and The California Medical Association (CMA) have engaged in discussions with city, county, state and federal officials in an ongoing effort to keep open King/Drew Medical Center and the essential medical services it provides. LACMA President Ralph J. Di Libero, M.D., and CMA President Michael J. Sexton, M.D., today issued the following statements about the threat to health care in LA County. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=370&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Mon, 2 Oct 2006 12:50:45 -0700 The California Medical Association House of Delegates Annual Session will this week celebrate the 150th anniversary of its founding in 1856 in Sacramento. The medical society members will also debate a variety of health issues pertinent to Californians, including policies related to universal health care, physician assisted suicide, making California tobacco free, and improving Medicare and workers compensation programs. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=371&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Tue, 24 Oct 2006 12:49:59 -0700 Joe Dunn, a state senator from Orange County, has been appointed the new chief executive officer of the California Medical Association. Following a national search, Dunn was selected from a "field of outstanding candidates as the right leader at the right time for CMA," said CMA President Michael Sexton, M.D. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=372&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Fri, 27 Oct 2006 12:48:26 -0700 Anmol Singh Mahal, M.D., was installed this week as president of the California Medical Association, one of the most influential medical organizations in the United States. He is the first person of Indian origin to head the 35,000-member association. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=375&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Tue, 31 Oct 2006 12:47:38 -0700 Richard S. Frankenstein, M.D., has been elected president-elect of the California Medical Association, the nation's most influential state medical association. He took office at the conclusion of CMA's Annual House of Delegates, which concluded this week in Sacramento. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=374&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Tue, 31 Oct 2006 12:47:01 -0700 James T. Hay, M.D., a family physician in San Diego County, was elected Speaker of the House at the annual meeting of the House of Delegates of the California Medical Assn. The CMA is California's most influential professional health care association. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=373&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Tue, 31 Oct 2006 12:44:28 -0700 Image-X started development on MedMail to enable physicians, their staff, and other healthcare providers to communicate with each other as well as with patients. This system allows all subscribers to use secure e-mail that supports open communication with all healthcare participants, while ensuring the security of personal health information (PHI) and compliance with HIPAA regulations. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=376&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Tue, 21 Nov 2006 12:19:50 -0700 The physicians of California applaud the governor for addressing the long-ignored health care policies of this state, but urged policymakers to remember that the center of the health care system is patients and their ability to see and be treated by a doctor. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=377&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Mon, 8 Jan 2007 12:19:50 -0700 Although the governor acknowledged in his health care proposal earlier this week that reimbursements to physicians and others who treat Medi-Cal patients is unsustainably low, the CMA is disappointed that there is no provision in the budget for increases to these fees. For too long, California's Medi-Cal program has been sustained by the commitment of physicians to serve the state's neediest residents, even though they are often paid less than it costs to treat the patient. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=378&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Wed, 10 Jan 2007 12:19:50 -0700 The University of California Regents' decision last week to postpone a vote whether to take research money from Big Tobacco is truly a disappointment to the physicians of California, who expect the UC system to uphold the anti-tobacco values for which the state is known, said the president of the California Medical Association. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=379&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association Foundation will join with the UC Davis Cancer Center and women's and health organizations Wednesday to advocate for increased awareness and prevention of cervical cancer and its cause, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The California Department of Health Services estimates that 1,550 Californians are diagnosed every year with cervical cancer and that approximately 400 California women die annually. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=380&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Tue, 23 Jan 2007 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association, representing 35,000 physicians in the state, supports the Governor's commitment to increased preventive care in furthering efforts to deliver quality health care to all Californians. "The Governor is breaking new ground in addressing some very critical needs that have not been addressed adequately in the past -- and we are very pleased," said Anmol S. Mahal, M.D., president of the CMA, which represents 35,000 California physicians. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=383&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Tue, 6 Feb 2007 12:19:50 -0700 Prominent California doctors, hospitals, healthcare workers and insurers today announced the creation of an alliance to work toward comprehensive healthcare reform this year. The coalition, comprised of the California Medical Association, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Blue Shield of California, Kaiser Permanente, Catholic Healthcare West and Health Net, joined together in support of three core principles critical to achieving comprehensive reform: universal coverage, shared responsibility, and stable long-term funding. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=382&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Tue, 6 Feb 2007 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association, representing 35,000 California physicians, today reaffirmed its position against Physician-Assisted Suicide, believing that assisting in someone's death is in direct conflict with a doctor's ethical duties. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=384&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Thu, 15 Feb 2007 12:19:50 -0700 The Public Policy Institute of California released a study Wednesday that nine out of 10 Californians support health care reform but that the majority oppose taxing doctors. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=385&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:19:50 -0700 With interest growing in Sacramento to achieve meaningful health care reform, leaders of the statewide and broad-based coalition, Together For Health Care, today met with the state's top leadership and announced the latest steps in its efforts to support comprehensive reform in 2007. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=386&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Wed, 18 Apr 2007 12:19:50 -0700 The national health law firm of Hooper, Lundy & Bookman, Inc., today filed an amended complaint as the next step in the quest by California health care providers to stop Blue Cross of California, Blue Cross Life and Health, and their parent company, Wellpoint, Inc. from denying health care claims by attempting to rescind the patients' insurance coverage after the services have been provided to the patients. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=387&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Thu, 19 Apr 2007 12:19:50 -0700 The diverse statewide coalition Together for Health Care today praised Assembly Speaker Fabian NuC1ez and Senate President Pro Tempore Don Perata for their leadership in introducing comprehensive health care reform legislation. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=388&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Wed, 25 Apr 2007 12:19:50 -0700 Ronald P. Bangasser, M.D., who served as CMA president in 2003-2004, died Wednesday in Redlands after his struggles with cancer. He was 57. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=389&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Thu, 3 May 2007 12:19:50 -0700 An advertising campaign begun today by Blue Cross, under the guise of "Coalition for Responsible Healthcare Reform," is an abomination, criticizing all forms of health care reform while touting its own products as affordable, convenient and providing a variety of flexible choices. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=390&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Thu, 24 May 2007 12:19:50 -0700 Together for Health Care - a diverse coalition consisting of health providers, consumer advocates, labor unions, health plans, and business organizations - today launched a television advertising campaign as part of an ongoing effort to advance the cause of comprehensive health care reform in California. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm?article_id=391&docid=2&parent=1&templateinc=presssection2&all=yes Thu, 31 May 2007 12:19:50 -0700 Doctors in California think health care is in trouble, and 91 % say it's unsustainable, according to a statewide poll released today by the California Medical Association. Despite the challenges of practicing medicine, 81% of doctors would still choose the practice of medicine today, and they derive the most satisfaction from treating patients. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/393 Wed, 13 Jun 2007 13:23:44 -0700 Together for Health Care – a diverse coalition consisting of health providers, consumer advocates, labor unions, health plans, and business organizations – today stepped up its television advertising campaign with a new flight of spots urging the Governor and the Legislature to "get something done this year" on health care. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/394 Thu, 3 May 2007 12:19:50 -0700 "Access to Care, and access to a doctor, must be the centerpiece of any health care reform being considered for Californians," said Dr. Anmol S. Mahal, president of the California Medical Association. "We are pleased that the governor is addressing this issue today with small business owners and employees." http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/395 Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association said today that findings of a Public Policy Institute of California survey released today saying patients are largely dissatisfied with the state of health care are consistent with CMA findings in a similar survey. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/396 Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association joined the American Medical Association today in renewing its call for fiscal neutrality between Medicare Advantage HMOs and traditional Medicare, pointing out the gross inequity in payments between the two Medicare programs. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/397 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:19:50 -0700 Today it was announced that the Department of Managed Health care will postpone its public hearing on the status of Blue Cross of California's compliance with the undertakings provisions related to the 2004 merger with Anthem Health Care. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/398 Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association has appointed Deborah Winegard, an attorney from Georgia with extensive experience in health care, as its new Vice President and General Counsel. This appointment was approved by the CMA Board of Trustees on Friday. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/399 Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:19:50 -0700 TThe California Medical Association today will ask the Department of Managed Health Care to take action against Blue Cross of California for jeopardizing the physician-patient relationship and reducing patient access to care by engaging in unlawful business practices that make Blue Cross a leader in profits at the expense of patient care. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/400 Tue, 07 Aug 2007 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association (CMA) today applauded Governor Schwarzenegger and the legislature for demonstrating a continued commitment to health care reform. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/401 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association criticized President Bush's veto of a bill to extend health coverage to children, calling the move a huge setback for access to health care for millions of children. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/402 Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:19:50 -0700 Legislation sponsored by the physicians of the California Medical Association to help make HIV testing a routine part of medical care was signed by Governor Schwarzenegger Friday. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/403 Sat, 13 Oct 2007 12:19:50 -0700 Dr. Horacio Rodiles shunned his comfortable Orange County life as professor and researcher to treat patients in the desert. Award will be given Saturday in Anaheim. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/404 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association Annual Session and House of Delegates will meet this week to debate and consider policies on public health, science and health care. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/405 Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:19:50 -0700 Richard S. Frankenstein, M.D., of Santa Ana, has been elected president of the California Medical Association, the nation's most influential state medical association. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/406 Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:19:50 -0700 A physician who started a program to help reformed gang members get tattoos removed for free was elected president-elect of the California Medical Association earlier this week at the CMA's Annual House of Delegates in Anaheim. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/407 Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association called today for renewed focus on passing health care reform in California, noting the rare convergence of strong gubernatorial and legislative interest in an issue of such magnitude. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/408 Wed, 31 Oct 2007 12:19:50 -0700 Richard Frankenstein M.D., President of the California Medical Association, issued the below statement in response to the Governor's proposed budget, which cuts 1.1 billion in state funds from Medi-Cal, the state's health care program for low-income families. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/410 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:19:50 -0700 The Alliance for Patient Care, a broad coalition of health care groups, released the following statement in response to the historic cuts to health care services proposed in the budget this week. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/410 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:19:50 -0700 Doctors and other health care providers will testify today before an Assembly subcommittee that the proposed 10 percent rate cuts will create more barriers for low income Californians. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/412 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:19:50 -0700 We are here not to rejoice in the demise of another health reform plan, but to praise the efforts of those who have worked to further its important goals, and to declare our hope for and continued commitment to health reform in the near future. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/413 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:19:50 -0700 Fines announced today against UnitedHealth/PacifiCare in response to CMA complaints on behalf of doctors and patients send an important message to health insurers http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/414 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:19:50 -0700 and other health care providers facing a 10 percent cut in payments for services to Medi-Cal patients will testify today before the Senate Budget Committee that the proposed cuts will devastate access to care for patients. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/415 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:19:50 -0700 Assembly Budget Hearing Today, Full House Vote Expected Friday http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/416 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:19:50 -0700 With both the Assembly and Senate voting today to approve $1 billion in cuts to health care funding after only two hearings, the California Medical Association reaffirmed its opposition to the 10 percent cuts to Medi-Cal, the state's program that funds health services to low-income families. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/417 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:19:50 -0700 Reductions to Provider Reimbursement Could Further Limit Access to Care http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/418 Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:19:50 -0700 A Los Angeles City Attorney's lawsuit accusing Health Net Inc. of promising medical coverage, then dropping patients if they needed expensive treatment, sends a strong message to insurers that such mistreatment of patients will not be tolerated. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/419 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:19:50 -0700 After more than two years of negative press coverage and unfavorable court and regulatory decisions, two major California health insurance companies have announced their support for external review of their decisions to rescind or cancel policies. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/421 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:19:50 -0700 A study released today by the Center for California Health Workforce Studies at University of California, San Francisco, reveals that minority physicians are underrepresented in California, particularly among Latinos and African Americans. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/422 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:19:50 -0700 More than 350 physicians from throughout California marched on the Capitol Tuesday to protest the 10 percent cuts to state's Medi-Cal program, which funds health care for California's low-income patients. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/423 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:19:50 -0700 In an effort to ensure that all Californians have continued access to vital health care services, a coalition of health care providers today filed a lawsuit against the state of California to prevent a planned 10 percent cut in Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal payments from taking effect on July 1. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/425 Mon, 05 May 2008 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association issued the following response today to Governor Schwarzenegger's revised budget. Dr. Richard Frankenstein, M.D., President of CMA... http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/426 Thu, 15 May 2008 12:19:50 -0700 The first wave of budget cuts hits California today, when the state begins a two week freeze of Medi Cal reimbursements to health care providers, ending July 7. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/427 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:19:50 -0700 Private health insurance companies regulated by the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) spend 6 billion each year on administration, and divert an additional 4.3 billion to profit, according to a report released today by the California Medical Association (CMA). http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/428 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:19:50 -0700 Court Rules Medi-Cal Cuts Harm Access to Health Care; Denies Preliminary Injunction on Narrow Procedural Grounds http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/430 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:19:50 -0700 Doctors hail decision as critical for survival of state safety net and emergency medical services http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/431 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:19:50 -0700 Veto betrays Governor's promise, denies Californians health care they can count on http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/432 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:19:50 -0700 Statewide policy will be made at meeting of nearly 1,000 doctors in Sacramento http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/433 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:19:50 -0700 Orange County Medical Association's 2004 "Physician of the Year", Brennan Cassidy, M.D. was elected President-Elect of the California Medical Association, this past weekend at CMA's annual House of Delegates. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/435 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:19:50 -0700 Assemblymember De La Torre Introduces AB 2, Continuing his Efforts to Limit Health Insurance Cancellations http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/436 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association, as part of the Health Network for Clean Air, announced its support of proposed regulations from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to reduce unhealthy diesel emissions. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/437 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association filed an amicus brief yesterday with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case brought by the Golden Gate Restaurant Association against San Francisco's Healthy San Francisco program. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/438 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association on Tuesday praised the First Five Commission for contributing $16.8 million to the Healthy Families Program in a stopgap measure to prevent the state from cutting poor children off from health care. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/439 Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:19:50 -0700 Solution still needed to address HMO underpayment for ER services... http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/440 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association on Tuesday endorsed federal legislation extending health care coverage for millions of poor and near-poor children. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/441 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association today applauded the U.S. Senate's passage of legislation funding health care coverage for 11 million children who have no insurance. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/442 Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:19:50 -0700 President Obama signed legislation today reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and expanding its coverage, bringing California a total of $1.5 billion in much-needed funding for 2009. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/443 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association today implored Congress to boost the state's Medicaid funding, as unemployment rises and thousands of families lose health insurance. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/444 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association called on state lawmakers to roll back eligibility restrictions on Medi-Cal, the government health care program for the poor, to take advantage of 11.2 billion in federal funding available in the economic stimulus package signed today by President Obama. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/446 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association is co-sponsoring legislation authored by Assemblymember Manuel Perez (D – Coachella) that requires health plans to fully reimburse physicians for the costs of immunizations. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/447 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association hailed today's U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding a 6.7 million judgment against the Wyeth pharmaceutical company for failing to provide adequate warning about the dangers of administering the anti-nausea drug Phenegran. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/448 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association applauded President Obama today for holding a summit on health care reform and inviting a wide variety of advocates, experts and policymakers to the table to help draft a workable plan. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/449 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association warned today that time is running out for the state to restore Medi-Cal eligibility rules allowing it to qualify for more than 10 billion in federal health care funding. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/450 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association and the American Medical Association have joined individual physicians and other state medical groups to file a class action lawsuit against health insurance company WellPoint, Inc. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/451 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association has asked the federal government to restore funding for the Stanislaus Family Medicine Residency Program so it can continue to train much-needed primary care physicians in the San Joaquin Valley. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/452 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association today praised the governor and state legislators for restoring Medi-Cal eligibility rules, an action that allows the state to collect $10 billion from the federal stimulus package for health care. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/453 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:19:50 -0700 California physicians, who have long supported health system reform that will expand access to care to the millions of Americans who do not have it, today applauded President Obama's push for comprehensive reform this year. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/454 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:19:50 -0700 A bill requiring health plans to fully reimburse physicians for the cost of immunizations, a measure considered crucial for maintaining the state's high vaccination rates and safeguarding public health, cleared its first legislative hurdle today when it passed the Assembly Health Committee. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/455 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:19:50 -0700 Legislation requiring an independent review of health plans' and insurers' decisions to cancel insurance for patients after they get ill passed the Assembly Health Committee today. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/456 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:19:50 -0700 Nine in 10 physicians believe the health care system is in serious trouble or crisis, according to an independent survey. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/457 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association applauded the U.S. Senate Finance Committee today for producing a thoughtful analysis of ways to expand the nation's health care coverage. The committee's paper, titled "Expanding Health Care Coverage: Proposals to Provide Affordable Coverage to All Americans," includes certain market reforms that all participating health plans would be required to participate in. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/458 Thu, 14 May 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association announced today it is endorsing propositions 1A, 1B and 1C in the statewide special election on Tuesday. "Health Care spending, including Medi-Cal and Healthy Families, is the largest unprotected section of the state budget," said Dr. Dev GnanaDev, a trauma surgeon and president of the California Medical Association. "In this budget crisis, no program is safe. But, health care will be hit particularly hard if these propositions do not pass." http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/459 Fri, 15 May 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association praised state lawmakers for ordering an audit of Medi-Cal's costly Treatment Authorization Request (TAR) process today and said the state should streamline the program and use the savings to pay for health care for children. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/461 Wed, 27 May 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association issued the following statement today about the tragic shooting of Dr. George Tiller of Kansas: "The killing of Dr. George Tiller is outrageous and appalling, and California physicians join many across the country in sending their condolences and best wishes to Dr. Tiller's family, colleagues and patients." http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/462 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:19:50 -0700 Dr. Dev GnanaDev, president of the California Medical Association, issued the following statement after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called on the state Legislature to swiftly enact his proposed budget cuts. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/463 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:19:50 -0700 Legislation requiring an independent review of decisions by health plans and insurers to rescind coverage for patients passed the Assembly on a 46-24 vote today. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/464 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:19:50 -0700 U.S. Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today introduced legislation sponsored by the California Medical Association to eliminate one of the biggest barriers for seniors to get access to health care – low Medicare reimbursement rates in several counties. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/465 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association supports the passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act that would allow the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to finally set standards for cigarettes and regulate chemicals. In 1963, CMA was the first among state medical societies to create policy to inform people about the harmful effects of cigarette smoking. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/466 Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association called on President Obama today to fix the flaws with Medi-Cal and Medicare, the government's two biggest health care programs, as part of efforts to reform health care and extend coverage to those who are uninsured. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/467 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:19:50 -0700 Legislation protecting patients from the practice of health insurers and health plans canceling their coverage when they get seriously ill today passed the Senate Judiciary Committee. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/469 Tues, 14 Jun 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The president of the California Medical Association, Dev A. GnanaDev, issued the a statement today in regards to the announced state budget deal. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/470 Tues, 21 Jun 2009 12:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association today praised the state Department of Insurance (DOI) for conducting a public hearing this week on its proposed regulations to prevent private insurers from unjustly canceling health coverage for patients after they get sick and file an expensive claim. The DOI released the proposed regulations last month. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/471 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 4:19:50 -0700 The California Medical Association expressed grave concerns today about the budget passed by the Legislature, pointing to deep cuts in Medi-Cal and the Healthy Families Program that will deny hundreds of thousands of the state's most vulnerable residents – children, the elderly and the poor – from getting the health care they need. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/472 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:29:50 -0700 The California Medical Association (CMA) and the Los Angeles County Medical Association (LACMA) have filed an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit filed against Blue Cross of California for illegally cancelling patients' health insurance policies. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/473 Thur, 13 Aug 2009 10:29:50 -0700 The California Medical Association issued the following statement today, attributable to CMA President Dr. Dev GnanaDev: "CMA is deeply concerned about two examples of medical treatment recently used by President Obama to make his case for health reform. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/474 Thur, 13 Aug 2009 14:29:50 -0700 Alfred D. Gilchrist, the CEO of the Colorado Medical Society and former longtime director of state and federal governmental advocacy for the Texas Medical Association, has been named the new chief executive officer of the California Medical Association. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/480 Mon, 21 Sept 2009 12:29:50 -0700 For the second year in a row, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has rejected legislation that would put a stop to the insurance industry's outrageous practice of wrongfully canceling patients' coverage once they get very sick and run up large medical bills. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/481 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:00:00 -0700 Health care reform being drafted by the U.S. Senate Finance Committee fails to fix fundamental funding problems in the nation's Medicare and Medicaid systems and therefore threatens the ability of senior citizens and poor Californians to gain reliable access to a doctor, the California Medical Association said today. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/482 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association filed a lawsuit in state Superior Court today seeking to end furloughs for the staff of the California Medical Board, which is backlogged with physician license applications and other important administrative work affecting the quality and accessibility of medical care. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/484 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:00:00 -0700 Dr. Brennan Cassidy, a former emergency physician who rushed to the aid of earthquake victims in Nicaragua and Guatemala years ago and presently works in cosmetic dermatology in Santa Ana, took over as president of the California Medical Association on Monday, as the group concluded its annual House of Delegates session. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/485 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association has endorsed Sacramento pediatrician Dr. Richard Pan for the 5th Assembly District. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/488 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association (CMA) and AARP are calling on the U.S. House of Representatives to pass H.R. 3961, which would ease the difficulty seniors now face in finding a physician who accepts Medicare. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/489 Wed, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association praised the U.S. House of Representatives today for passing HR 3961, legislation that will ease the difficulty seniors face in finding a physician who accepts Medicare. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/490 Wed, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0700 As the U.S. Senate begins debating sweeping health care legislation, California physicians called for changes to the bill today to ensure reform delivers on its promise of providing patients access to a doctor when they need it. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/491 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:00:00 -0700 A state appeals court sided with the California Medical Association (CMA) and the Los Angeles Medical Association (LACMA) in a decision today clearing the way for a lawsuit against Blue Cross of California for illegally cancelling health care coverage for patients after they got gravely sick. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/492 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing a measure Wednesday that delays deep cuts scheduled in Medicare funding from taking place until March and called on Congress to fix the problem once and for all with a long-term solution. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/493 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:00:00 -0700 California physicians will visit Washington, D.C., next week to talk with congressional leaders and advocate for changes in health reform legislation that would ensure patients get the access to care they need. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/495 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association launched a campaign today urging members of Congress to make important improvements in federal health reform legislation to ensure patients have the access to care they need. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/496 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:00:00 -0700 A delegation of California's physician leaders is scheduled to arrive in Washington, D.C. today to lobby Congress for important changes in health care reform to ensure patients have access to the care they need. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/497 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:00:00 -0700 As part of a campaign launched this week to protect patients' access to care, the California Medical Association joined a broad coalition of physician, provider and patient groups opposing a plan to delegate congressional authority over Medicare to a non-elected board that could make deep cuts to the program with little input or consequences. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/498 Thur, 14 Jan 2010 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association, the nation's second-largest state medical association, announced today that Dustin Corcoran, who has worked for CMA for nearly 12 years, has been promoted to chief executive officer. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/502 Mon, 1 Feb 2010 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association announced today that it has endorsed Assemblyman Hector De La Torre, D-South Gate, in the race for state insurance commissioner. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/503 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association (CMA) joined with the California Society of Anesthesiologists (CSA) to file a lawsuit today asking a court to overturn a decision by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to opt out of the federal requirement for physician supervision of anesthesia care for Medicare patients. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/504 Tue, 2 Feb 2010 14:00:00 -0700 State legislation sponsored by the California Medical Association aims to protect patient access to care, hold private insurers accountable and ensure that vaccinations continue to be widely available and administered. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/505 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:00:00 -0700 Discount health plans that provide few or no discounts, often overstate benefits and send patients to phantom networks of physicians are illegal and should not be allowed to operate in this state, the California Medical Association testified today. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/506 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:00:00 -0700 The long list of state violations by Anthem Blue Cross, California's largest for-profit insurer, underscores the need for market reforms to hold insurers accountable so patients get the care they deserve when they need it, the California Medical Association said today. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/507 Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association today praised Attorney General Jerry Brown for subpoenaing the financial records of the state's seven largest insurers and investigating if they are illegally exercising market power and inappropriately denying claims, raising premiums or inaccurately rating doctors. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/508 Thur, 25 Feb 2010 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association called on Congress to act immediately to prevent deep Medicare cuts scheduled to take effect Monday that would hamper senior citizens' access to care and force physicians to contemplate turning away patients or dropping out of the program altogether. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/509 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association renewed its call for Congress to reverse deep Medicare cuts that took effect today and threaten the ability of senior citizens to get access to medical care. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/510 Mon, 1 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0700 Deep cuts in Medicare reimbursements that took effect on Monday are forcing physicians across the state to consider turning away new patients, dropping out of the program altogether or even, in some cases, closing their practices. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/511 Tue, 2 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0700 Only days after an Alameda County Superior Court ruled that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger lacks authority to furlough employees of special fund agencies, including the Medical Board of California, a San Francisco County Superior Court issued a contrary opinion today saying the governor acted legally in furloughing Medical Board staff and shifting the agency's funding to other state programs. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/512 Thur, 4 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0700 An Assembly committee will question state officials Wednesday about settlements reached with insurers over the thousands of cases in which coverage for patients was cancelled once they got seriously ill and medical bills mounted. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/513 Tues, 9 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association, a strong advocate for reform that provides universal access to health care, is lobbying Congress for important changes to legislation it is considering to ensure patients have the access to care they need. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/514 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association, California's largest and most influential doctor's organization, today announced its support and opposition to different parts of the health care reform legislation before Congress. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/515 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association pledged today to continue working on health reform issues after the U.S. House of Representatives for passed legislation overhauling the health care system that will extend coverage to millions of the state's uninsured but does not provide the funding and stability required to ensure that patients can get access to a doctor when they need it. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/516 Tues, 23 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0700 Legislation to prevent the outrageous practice of health plans and insurers wrongfully canceling coverage for patients after they become seriously ill and their medical bills mount passed the Assembly Health Committee today. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/517 Tues, 23 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0700 Furloughs for the staff of the Medical Board of California are officially over, effective today, after an Alameda County Superior Court ruled that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger lacks authority to furlough employees of special fund agencies. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/518 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0700 For the second time this year, Congress has failed to prevent deep cuts in Medicare reimbursements from taking effect, jeopardizing senior citizens' access to health care. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/519 Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association has withdrawn from a Blue Shield-led initiative to rate doctor performances because the insurer intends to move forward with publishing its ratings on June 1 despite serious and disturbing flaws in how data is collected on physicians that result in gross inaccuracies. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/520 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association issued the following statement today in support of a lawsuit filed by the physicians who make up the City of Hope Medical Group against the City of Hope National Medical Center Corporation. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/521 Tue, 4 May 2010 14:00:00 -0700 For the third time this year, Congress has failed to prevent deep cuts in Medicare reimbursements from taking effect, jeopardizing senior citizens' access to health care and aggravating physicians who are doing their best to serve their patients but don't know if they can pay their bills month to month. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/522 Fri, 28 May 2010 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association has appointed Rosanna Westmoreland as Vice President of Communications and Marketing. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/523 Wed, 2 Jun 2010 14:00:00 -0700 Legislation mandating an independent review of any decisions by insurers to cancel coverage for patients who get very sick – a vital safeguard to ensure the federal ban on rescissions is followed – passed the Assembly today. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/524 Wed, 2 Jun 2010 14:00:00 -0700 Legislation designed to ensure all children have access to life-saving immunizations passed the Assembly today. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/525 Wed, 2 Jun 2010 14:00:00 -0700 The California Medical Association announced today that it has hired Jay Hansen as its Chief Strategy Officer. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/526 Mon, 7 Jun 2010 14:00:00 -0700 Legislation designed to ensure that all children have access to life-saving immunizations, passed the Senate Health Committee today on a bipartisan vote. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/527 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:00:00 -0700 U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, who has been a strong advocate for improving access to health care and voted for landmark federal legislation reforming the health care system, has received the "2010 Legacy Award" from a collection of Northern California county medical societies. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/528 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:00:00 -0700 Dr. Richard Pan, a Sacramento pediatrician who is a member of the California Medical Association's Board of Trustees, received the Medical Board of California's 2010 Physician Humanitarian Award today. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/529 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:00:00 -0700 The Assembly today passed legislation designed to ensure that all children have access to life-saving immunizations and sent it to the governor. http://www.cmanet.org/publicdoc.cfm/2/1/presssection2/530 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:00:00 -0700