President’s letter: Moving the society forward in 2020

In this quarter's president's letter, newly installed NCMS President Claire Murphy, MD, recaps the events of a very busy year so far and outlines other major projects in the works. She welcomes any and all member comments about what NCMS should focus on in 2020. Read more here.

Executive update: Introducing John Ward

The NCMS Board of Directors unanimously approved the hiring of John Ward as our new executive director starting in January. He comes with more than 30 years of experience in health care planning and business development and he is passionate about working with physicians to promote healthier communities in northern Colorado. We're excited to have him on board! In his first executive update he shares his background and expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to serve northern Colorado physicians. Read more here.

Attention! Update your listing for the 2020 NCMS Physician Directory and Patient Resource Guide

Staff is preparing for the publication of the 2020 NCMS Physician Directory and Patient Resource guide, which features business/practice contact information and photos of actively practicing physician members. All actively practicing members will receive an email proof of their listing. We encourage to you respond with any edits as soon as possible. See the 2019 directory here. Questions? Additional changes? Email Kate at kate@nocomedsoc.org.

NCMS names Physician of the Year: Aaron Hoover, MD

The Northern Colorado Medical Society is pleased to announce our 2019-2020 NCMS Physician of the Year, Aaron Hoover, MD. Dr. Hoover started Front Range Dermatology Associates in 2012, and since then the practice has grown to a four-provider office covering four locations. He is dual board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology. Dr. Hoover is a veteran who, during his service, deployed to Camp Monteith, Kosovo, Baghdad and Ramadi, Iraq. During his career, he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. As a dermatologist, Dr. Hoover practices “patient-first medicine” and he regularly gives back to the communities he lives and practices in. His goal is to provide outstanding dermatologic care and education in a compassionate manner. Read more about Dr. Hoover here.

Report from the AMA National Advocacy Conference

The American Medical Association 2020 National Advisory Conference was held in Washington, D.C., Feb. 10-12. NCMS President-elect Ted Norman, MD, and NCMS Executive Director John Ward, as well as several other physicians and staff from component medical societies around Colorado and across the nation attended this informative conference. Several elected and appointed representatives from the federal government spoke to NAC attendees to brief them on the current legislation being considered by Congress and the current administration, and the Colorado CMS delegation met with members of the Colorado Congressional delegation and/or their staff. Read more here.

Coronavirus resources and guidance for Colorado physicians

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that was first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. Since then, more than 30,000 cases have been reported, with the vast majority in mainland China. In this article, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides guidance to providers on identifying, reporting and treating a patient suspected of having 2019 novel coronavirus. Read more here.

Also, the Colorado Medical Society has compiled helpful resources from a variety of sources -- including accredited continuing education -- on this CMS.org coronavirus resource page and will continue to update it as new tools are available.

A primer for physicians on the out-of-network law

Surprise medical bills from out-of-network providers continue to be a hot issue nationally and in Colorado. During the 2019 legislative session the Colorado General Assembly passed HB 19-1174, which aims to limit the impact of these bills on patients. Though the law took effect Jan. 1, 2020, the Colorado Division of Insurance is still working to finalize rules to implement HB 19-1174, specifically regarding payment and provider disclosures. In the meantime, CMS developed a resource for physicians to help you understand how the new law will affect your practice -- and will continue to update this resource as final rules and regulations are published. Access "Out-of-network law: What physicians need to know" here.

Welcome, new members!

We welcome our new members to NCMS, the largest component chapter of the Colorado Medical Society. Your membership connects you to your colleagues and a host of benefits through NCMS and CMS. Go to www.nocomedsoc.org or www.cms.org to learn more.

Thank you to our "Friends of NCMS" annual sponsors

Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities here or by contacting nocomedsoc@gmail.com.

Northern Colorado Medical Society | www.nocomedsoc.org