Weekly Roundup: In Case You Missed It |
|
COVID-19 Updates
-
As of December 3, there are five confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in Alameda County.
-
CDPH released a fact sheet on the Omicron variant.
-
Contra Costa County reports that ICU capacity is at 23%, with 39 confirmed COVID patients hospitalized. The county has administered 263,517 booster doses as of December 8.
-
Alameda County reports that ICU capacity is at 43%, with 48 confirmed COVID patients hospitalized. The county has administered 401,061 booster doses as of December 7.
Get Reimbursed for Vaccine Expenses, Apply by December 17
Applications are being accepted for CalVaxGrant through December 17. This state program reimburses providers for allowable expenses including staffing and training, technology, supplies, and more. Organizations can receive up to $10,000 for up to 5 vaccination sites. Access the application here or contact calvaxgrant@phcdocs.org for more information.
|
|
Dues Discount Ends December 15
ACCMA members who renew their 2022 membership by December 15 qualify for a 5% discount on their dues. This discount cannot be combined with any other discounted dues. Click here to pay your dues online. Nonmembers who join now and pay in full for 2022 will receive December membership for free. Click here to join now!
|
|
All Prescriptions Must Be Transmitted Electronically Beginning January 1
The electronic prescribing mandate takes effect January 1. All California physicians who have not yet implemented electronic prescribing in their practices should begin the process now. CMA hosted an informational webinar now available on-demand.
|
|
Senate Passes Legislation to Stop Medicare Cuts
Congressional action has successfully halted the Medicare physician payment cuts that were set to go into effect January 1. The AMA President released a statement highlighting that this is a big win in preserving the viability of physician practices and maintaining access to care.
|
|
New Health Laws in the New Year
Many new, significant health laws are going into effect in 2022. CMA published a summary of the new laws of interest to physicians, and is also hosting a webinar January 11 to provide an overview of the 2022 laws, highlight pending legislation, and explain CMA’s legal resources available to members.
|
|
Physicians Running for California Legislature
Two physicians are running for State Assembly in 2022 with CMA’s backing. Please consider making a financial contribution to these campaigns to help expand physician representation in the California legislature.
-
Dr. Sion Roy is a Past President of the Los Angeles County Medical Association and a member of the CMA Board of Trustees who is running for Assembly District 50 (West LA). Dr. Roy is running against a well-funded trial lawyer in the primary election and needs grassroots support from California physicians. Click here to donate.
-
Dr. Jasmeet Bains is a CMA Delegate and CALPAC Board member who is running for Assembly District 32 (South Central Valley). Dr. Bains serves as Medical Director at Bakersfield Recovery Services and has served as an appointed member of the California Healthcare Workforce Policy Commission. The race is expected to be competitive. Click here to donate.
|
|
CMA Objects to Surprise Billing Regulation
CMA recently submitted comments urging the Biden Administration to ensure a balanced independent dispute IDR process rather than one that supports the powerful insurance industry. The ‘No Suprises Act’ is set to take effect January 1, but CMA raises concerns that the bill as written will increase health care costs and reduce access to care for patients. CMA is hosting a webinar January 19 to address the impact this will have on physicians.
|
|
Tuesdays through December 14
Free to attend | CME Available | Presented by CMA
The California Medical Association's (CMA) wellness program (CMA Wellness) is pleased to launch free, online wellness engagement groups for health care providers who conduct patient screenings for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Treating patients with multiple ACEs or toxic stress can potentially impact your personal wellness and increase feelings of burnout. CMA Wellness's engagement groups will support providers by offering subject matter experts, best practices, and an open forum to share experiences, facilitated by trained, volunteer physicians. Each monthly webinar is organized around a prevailing theme with a stakeholder co-host to provide a variety of perspectives with a general discussion and breakout rooms. Registration is required, and providers will be joining the Tuesday series for a 6‑month duration.
For more information and to register, click here.
|
|
Available on demand
Free | CME Available
Review some of the most critical privacy and security standards in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Rules. In this one-hour webinar with expert HIPAA and practice management consultant David Ginsberg, you will receive important updates on who is covered, what information is protected, how you can stay secure in the Information Age, and how to avoid costly mistakes, as well as learning what is new for compliance. For questions, contact Jenn Mullins, Education and Event Associate, at jmullins@accma.org.
|
|
Available on demand
Member $29.00 | Non-member $79.00
Current and new staff can receive on-demand training on HIPAA, OSHA, and customer service. Intended for all staff encountering patients in person or by telephone, this course covers customer service techniques, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). For questions, contact Jenn Mullins, Education and Event Associate, at jmullins@accma.org.
|
|
ACCMA's On-Demand Library
|
|
Please contact ACCMA at 510-654-5383 or accma@accma.org with any questions or concerns you have.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
