Become a CMS leader
Call for nominations: 2018 president-elect, AMA delegate and alternate delegate
The nomination period for the 2018 Colorado Medical Society all-member election will be open through
Jan. 31, 2018. The Colorado Medical Society encourages all members to consider nominating a colleague or self-nominating for one of the open leadership positions: president-elect (one position open), AMA delegate (one position open) and alternate delegate (one position open).
The election guide is available here. This guide provides all the information a potential candidate needs about the duties, eligibility, terms of office and honorarium for each open position, as well as candidate requirements, campaign guidelines and the election process. The position descriptions and qualifications for office are available starting on page three of the election guide and the candidate
requirements are on page five of the election guide. Questions? Contact Dean at dean_holzkamp@cms.org.
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Spots are filling up: Register today for the Public Policy Leadership Forum on Saturday, Feb. 3
Advocacy in the public policy realm can be a powerful tool to effect positive change -- if you understand the nuances of a powerful short game and strategic long game. The CMS CPMG Section, Medical Student Component and COPIC invite physicians and medical students to attend the CMS Public Policy Leadership Forum on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018.
You advocate for your patients every day. Take that advocacy to the next level by learning from some of the best in the business, getting the information you need and practicing the key skills for success in public policy advocacy. The interactive and action-packed program will cover the basics on the legislative and rule-making process, how to approach hot-button issues, the importance of knowing your elected officials and candidates, the mechanics of lobbying and real-world opportunities to get involved now.
The event will be held at CMS/COPIC headquarters. Seating is limited to 85 participants divided between physicians and medical students. The first five Western Slope registrants receive a complimentary overnight stay in Denver. Register today at www.cms.org/register. Find more information here.
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AMA report shows tremendous benefit of physicians to the state and national economy
A new report, the Economic Impact of Physicians in Colorado, released by the Colorado Medical Society and the American Medical Association last week, provides estimates of the total economic impact of patient care physicians on the economy of Colorado across four vital economic barometers: output, jobs, wages and benefits, and state and local tax revenue. As of December 2015, there were 736,873 patient care physicians within the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Of these, 12,840 physicians practiced in the state of Colorado.
The overall findings in Colorado are as follows:
- Total output: Colorado physicians created a total of $31.1 billion in direct and indirect economic output (i.e., sales revenues) in 2015. On average, each physician supported $2,422,969 in output.
- Jobs: In 2015, physicians supported 175,246 jobs (including their own), the total of direct and indirect positions. On average, each physician supported 13.65 jobs.
- Wages and benefits: Physicians contributed $14,922.4 million in direct and indirect wages and benefits for all supported jobs in 2015. On average, each physician supported $1,162,177 in total wages and benefits.
- Tax revenues: Physicians supported $1,141.1 million in local and state tax revenues in 2015. On average, each physician supported $88,867 in local and state tax revenues.
Across the country, physicians add $2.3 trillion to the U.S. economy, support more than 12.6 million jobs nationwide, contribute $1 trillion in total wages and benefits paid to U.S. workers, and generate $92.9 billion in state and local tax revenue. To view the full report and an interactive map, visit www.PhysiciansEconomicImpact.org.
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Fight continues against Anthem pay cut for same-day services
The Colorado Medical Society has joined the American Medical Association and other states in opposing a plan by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to reduce payment for significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management (E/M) services that are provided on the same day a procedure is performed or a wellness exam is conducted. The company announced in December that it would reduce the size of its planned payment cut for such services from 50 percent to 25 percent and move the implementation date back from Jan. 1, 2018, to March 1, 2018. However, the AMA feels strongly that no reduction is warranted and will continue their discussions with Anthem. Read more here from the AMA.
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Colorado State Innovation Model Telehealth Survey: Complete by Wednesday, Jan. 17
The Colorado State Innovation Model (SIM) and Health First Colorado (Medicaid) need your input on the use of telehealth and e-consults to improve patient access to care and identify barriers to the use of this technology. Please complete a short, telehealth/eConsult survey by Jan. 17, 2018. The information will be used to bolster sustainability of SIM's telehealth efforts. Survey link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/YKL3765
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SIM helps practices prepare for success with APMs; apply for final cohort by Jan. 19
SIM practices have a "glide path" to participate in the new Medicaid alternative payment model (APM). Take advantage of consultation support and resources (valued at over $25,000 per practice) to help you be successful. There are just a few days left to apply for SIM's final cohort. Deadline: Friday, Jan. 19.
Click here for more information and to access the application.
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Reminder: Transparency law went into effect Jan. 1. Here's what you need to know
The Colorado General Assembly passed legislation in 2017 requiring greater transparency in provider prices enabling consumers to be better informed. As of Jan. 1, 2018, physicians must disclose to consumers their charges for the 15 most common services they provide when payment is made directly by the patient rather than by a third party.
This applies to physicians in a solo practice, medical group, independent practice association or professional corporation. Health care providers are required to make available to the public the prices for at least the 15 most common health care services provided. Such information should be available in a single document, either electronically or by posting clearly on the provider's website if one exists.
Read more about the new provision here.
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Medical marijuana information for physicians
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Buy tickets today to attend "Dreamland" opioid event Jan. 24 in Denver
Make plans to attend a high-profile, high-impact event on Jan. 24, Dreamland in Denver: Confronting the Opioid Epidemic in the Mile High City. This event is headlined by author Sam Quinones (author of Dreamland), Admiral Sandy Winnefeld (former Vice Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) and dynamic local heroes in Denver's fight to end the opioid epidemic promises to be a unique educational and inspirational event.
CMS is a Bronze sponsor of the event. It will be held Wednesday, Jan. 24 on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m and the event starting promptly at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $50 for a limited number of VIP tickets. VIP Select tickets are sold out.
Purchase your tickets here.
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CMS celebrates the achievements of our members in the 2017 CMS Year in Review
 2017 brought us many great moments in the legislature, regulatory arena, in organizational excellence and with patients. We invite you to read about these and other accomplishments in the 2017 CMS Year in Review through the virtual issue,
here, or PDF,
here. Our work is only possible with the support of our members and medical community. We express our sincere gratitude for all that you do for your patients and our profession.
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Michael Conway appointed interim Colorado Insurance Commissioner
Michael Conway has been selected by Gov. John Hickenlooper to serve as interim Colorado insurance commissioner, effective Jan. 1, 2018. As insurance commissioner, Conway will also head the Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
Former Insurance Commissioner Marguerite Salazar, who was appointed insurance commissioner by Gov. Hickenlooper in 2013, has been serving in two roles since her appointment as DORA executive director in July 2017. Salazar has chosen to step down as commissioner in order to focus exclusively on her role as DORA executive director.
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COPIC Insurance Company is Colorado's leading medical liability insurance provider. Three out of four physicians choose COPIC for this critically important coverage. CMS members receive a 10 percent premium discount from COPIC.
For more information, call (720) 858-6000 or visit www.callcopic.com.
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We are the nation's leading provider of commercial real estate services for healthcare tenants and buyers. Our team of experts can save you time and money on your next lease or purchase negotiation.
www.carrhr.com
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Officite builds websites that are attractive, powerful and easy to launch. Call 866-602-7850 or visit Officite.com or to see their offerings, including SEO, reputation tracking, social media, patient education, and more.
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Digitize your CV and save time and money in managing your credentialing and health plan enrollment data and documentation with the new CMS Credentialing and Enrollment Services (powered by 3WON). Visit www.3won.com or call 630-328-7930.
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You are unique.
More than 50% of physicians feel they have more complicated financial needs than other professions. Our firm works with physicians and their families to tackle these unique challenges. Call (720)-887-1299 or visit www.goldmedalwaters.com.
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Compliments of CMS: Reduce patient callbacks, HIPAA compliant, RX Savings up to 75%, click for free customization COLORADO DRUG CARD.
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OPTIONS and MyPLAN enable young adults to provide honest answers about sexual behavior from their smartphones in minutes. Satisfies new Medicaid guidelines and generates revenue.mypreventtech.com/cms
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Time is money! FREE banking services designed for medical professionals. Call 303-840-8484 today to schedule your appointment with a Relationship Banker.
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 MTC's management team has over 50 years of experience in medical answering services. Owned and operated by the Colorado Medical Society and backed by an all-physician board of directors, MTC is uniquely focused on the needs of its clients.
MTC Benefits include: Arch and Metrocall pagers, Sprint cell phones, voice logger, personalized announcements, custom applications and services, and competitive rates!
Contact MTC today for your FREE two-month trial.
Monthly discount for CMS members.
(866) 345-0251 or (303) 761-6594;
Fax: (303) 761-4026;
info@medteleco.com
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Colorado Opioid Safety Summit: Jan. 25
The Colorado Hospital Association is proud to host the first Colorado Opioid Safety Summit. This Summit will bring together a broad range of experts to increase participant knowledge of the state of Colorado's opioid epidemic and progress in opioid reduction strategies.
Register here.
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Clinician Well-Being and Resilience Webinar: Feb. 2
The National Academy of Medicine's Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience will host a webinar from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. MST to release several resources and provide a first look at an online repository aimed at providing users with resources related to clinician burnout and promising solutions to promote clinician well-being.
Register here.
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Medical Spanish and Cultural Competency Class: April 20-23
To enhance physician communication capabilities with Spanish-speaking patients, Denver Medical Society is offering a four-day intensive, total-immersion learning experience in conversational and medical Spanish for physicians, nurses, PAs, NPs and other medical staff.
Find more information here.
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Physician Burnout: Integrated Strategies for Diverse Stakeholders: May 10-11
This two-day conference in Avon, Colo., will focus on the root of physician burnout and provide tools and resources for mitigating burnout and achieving a holistic approach to physician wellness. Speakers from all over the country will share their research and experience on this important subject at this innovative and exciting event.
Register here.
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