In This Issue
Featured news
SCMA vaccine clinic ending Aug. 8
HOD convenes in October
Message from COVID-19 vaccine chief
Apply for CalVaxGrant by Aug. 13
PG&E medical accounts
Electronic Rx mandatory Jan. 1, 2022
Other highlights
Call for nominations: 2021 Contribution Awards
Discover Sonoma County hike schedule
Transcendence opens Aug. 6 at Jack London
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We are open, we are closing, no, wait, we are staying open. We are free to go without masks, if vaccinated. Is everyone without a mask really vaccinated? How safe are we actually in public settings? Is the pandemic over? Can I get a booster shot? Can we vaccinate the kids before sending them to school? There is now a new strain called Delta increasing cases to previous pandemic levels — and look on the horizon, at least three new variants on the radar that could cause more concern. When will this end? Have we done enough to protect ourselves and our community?
Anyone else's head spinning? I can only hope we can continue to be patient and gracious and do whatever we can not to get dragged into the politics that are trying to divide us.
August is on track to be spectacular! Today, as I write this sitting in the SCMA vaccine clinic at the Jockey Club on a Sunday, it's my birthday. Rachel and the SCMA clinic team are embracing the new weekend clinic schedule and have decorated the clinic in a delightful way. The guests are enjoying the energy of celebrating something. At this point, I think we are happy to celebrate anything! In all of its uncertainty, life is indeed moving forward. Breathe in the good. There is no time for negative. If this pandemic has shown us anything, it is that life is short.
As always, the team at SCMA is here in service to you and our community. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yours in health and service,
Wendy Young, Executive Director
Sonoma County Medical Association
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Welcome new HOD delegates! |
Welcome to our three new HOD representatives, who will join the District X delegation heading to LA Live Oct. 23–24 for a weekend of education, debate and advocacy (subject to change based on COVID safety gathering guidelines).
We are still seeking 8 physicians to serve 3-year terms as alternate delegates. This is your opportunity to be a part of discussions with your local and regional colleagues. Please consider joining District X Chairman Dr. Brad Drexler and your colleagues as an alternate delegate. Contact Wendy Young at exec@scma.org or 707-620-0808 for more details. (Click here for District X information.)
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New delegates
Indranushi Chaliha, MD
Patricia Chico, MD
Rachel Mayorga, MD
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Delegates
Brad Drexler, MD
Patricia May, MD
Richard Powers, MD
Rajesh Ranadive, MD
Regina Sullivan, MD
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Alternate delegates
8 open positions
YOUR NAME HERE
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COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC UPDATES |
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SCMA vaccine clinic ending Aug. 8 |
SCMA’s COVID-19 vaccine clinic moved to the Jockey Cub at the fairgrounds on July 28, and remains available for appointments and walk-ins through Sunday, Aug. 8. This date will be the last day of operations for our clinic.
It's been an extraordinary experience and honor to serve our community with the vaccine clinics — operating for seven months and administering more than 36,000 vaccinations. We couldn't have done it without the exceptional support from our dedicated pool of volunteers, sponsors, and donors, who generously donated time, goods, and expertise to make the clinic outreach possible. With deep gratitude, we thank you individually and collectively for being part of the SCMA team. You made a difference in Sonoma County!
Pictured above: Dr.Peter Bretan, CMA president, joins volunteers at first SCMA clinic in January.
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Vaccinations at Fun Fest
During the Summer Fun Fest at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, SCMA is partnering with the County pubic heath vaccine initiative and the Summer Fun Fest team to offer a FREE admission and ride ticket to anyone getting vaccinated at SCMA's Jockey Club vaccine clinic. Walk-ins welcome. See flier for details.
Jockey Club at 1450 Bennet Valley Road in Santa Rosa
July 28 – Aug. 8, 2021 • 11:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m.
Closed Monday and Tuesday during the Summer Fun Fest
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Please share this link with patients, family and friends.
SCMA Vaccine Clinic Appointments
Appointment questions: scma@scma.org or call Rachel at 707-525-4375.
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COVID-19 DEVELOPMENTS AND UPDATES |
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MESSAGE FROM CHIEF OF COVID-19 VACCINE TEAM
Vaccination strategies amidst increased COVID-19 cases
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We are in the final stages of vaccinating against COVID-19 in Sonoma County, but unfortunately we are seeing a rise in cases and hospitalizations amongst those who are unvaccinated. Two steps can be taken that have been found to be helpful statewide and nationwide: (1) providing COVID-19 vaccine in the office, and (2) calling unvaccinated patients to encourage them to get vaccinated.
The remaining 5–10 percent of our population amenable to vaccination are those willing to get the vaccine, but unlikely to go to a separate vaccination site on their own. Studies have shown that making the vaccine available where they are (e.g., in a trusted healthcare provider's office), increases the chances of vaccination. A call from a trusted provider's office to unvaccinated patients with information on where they can receive the vaccine, or even scheduling it for them, is a powerful way to encourage vaccination.
If your practice does not currently provide vaccinations, please check the Sonoma County website for vaccine clinic information. You might also consider applying for the CalVaxGrant program, especially if you are a pediatric or family practice provider. Our youngest community members will soon be eligible for the vaccine.
Almost 80 percent of the eligible County population are now partially vaccinated—70 percent fully vaccinated and 8 percent partially. Our collective efforts in this last stage of vaccination efforts may help prevent a true surge and curb COVID-19 cases in our clinics, ERs, hospitals, and ICUs as well as curbing additional fatalities. Thank you for your efforts and support in this matter.
Urmila Shende, MD, Chief, COVID-19 Vaccine Team
Sonoma County Health Department
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Workplace requirements for vaccinated healthcare workers
Guidance from Dr. Sundari Mase:
If a fully vaccinated HCW is exposed to someone with COVID-19:
- As long as the HCW is asymptomatic they do not need to quarantine and can continue working. However, they should get tested at time of exposure notification and again at days 5–7.
- They must continue to monitor for symptoms for 14 days.
- If at any time they develop symptoms or a test comes back positive, they can no longer go to work.
If a fully vaccinated HCW has a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, then:
- They cannot work and need to isolate for 10 days.
- The office should notify all patients who may have been exposed to the HCW.
- In a situation with critical staff shortage, the HCW can work, but only with COVID-19 positive patients or cohorts, wearing proper PPE including fitted N95, and may only travel between work and home (work-home isolation, may not go anywhere else).
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Still time to apply for funding! |
Funded by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and administered by Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC), CalVaxGrant is offering $10,000 per office location for physician practices to support vaccination efforts. The program also provides one-on-one myCAVax support and vaccine administration resources for practices.
CalVaxGrant application cycle open July 12 – Aug. 13, 2021
Need help with the myCAVax process?
The SCMA team will be making personal phone calls this week to PCP and Pediatric offices to offer help and assist with questions regarding the CalVaxGrant process.
Please feel free to call us at 707-525-4375.
Check links below for more details.
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PANDEMIC AFTERSHOCKS
Examining the decline in healthcare utilization
in California during COVID-19
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How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the health of Californians beyond the virus? What will be the impact of missed medical and preventive care in 2020? How can we catch up quickly?
Manifest MedEx, California’s largest nonprofit health information network, completed an analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare utilization in California in 2020 to explore these questions. The resulting report is a summary of key findings, based on an analysis of a longitudinal cohort of just over 4 million Californians, about 10 percent of the state’s population. Download the PDF.
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Click the images for current information in each county. |
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Serve on the SCMA/MLCMS Board of Directors
SCMA and MLCMS have leadership positions open for 2021 and 2022. SCMA is seeking representation for four important areas and Mendocino-Lake County is seeking regional physician representatives. For a complete listing of board positions and those currently serving, visit the SCMA website. Contact Wendy Young at exec@scma.org or 707-525-4375 for details. |
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2021 Board of Directors open
• North County
• Sutter Residency Program
• Community clinics
• Medical students
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2022 Executive Committee
• President-Elect
• Secretary/Treasurer
2022 Board of Directors
• Any open positions not filled in 2021
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Mendocino-Lake County Medical Society
- Treasurer/Secretary
- Mendocino Director
- Ukiah Director
- Lake County Director
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NEW ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL
Medical baseline program for PG&E customers
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PG&E’s Medical Baseline Program offers assistance to residential customers who need energy for certain medical needs. The program includes an additional monthly allotment of energy at a lower rate and extra notifications for Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events to help keep PG&E customers safe and prepared.
To make applying for PG&E’s Medical Baseline Program easier, customers and medical practitioners can now visit a new online application portal. The portal eliminates the need to schedule an in-person visit with a medical practitioner for Medical Baseline Program enrollment and re-certification.
Please inform your patients about PG&E's Medical Baseline Program and the new online application portal. To ensure a simple verification process for you to confirm your patients’ program eligibility, learn more through these FAQs. Questions may also be sent to MBLPartnerInquiries@pge.com.
For additional program details, a list of qualifying medical conditions and
a program application that is available in 16 languages, visit:
Note: Eligibility for the Medical Baseline Program is based on medical conditions or needs, not on income. It is not connected to other medical assistance programs, such as Medicare or Medi-Cal.
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BROADWAY UNDER THE STARS
Road Trip opens Aug. 6 at Jack London
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SCMA is proud to be a medical sponsor for Transcendence Theatre Company’s 2021 outdoor concert season. Please join SCMA and TTC at Jack London State Historic Park for an epic musical tour of the USA, celebrating what makes this country so very special!
Volunteer for SCMA's first-aid tent
COVID-19 safety precautions will be monitored at the park, and SCMA will provide a first-aid tent staffed by a volunteer physician. Benefits for volunteer physicians and their guest include two show tickets, VIP parking, and dinner. Only three volunteer spots remain open. Sign up via link below and enjoy the show.
Broadway Under the Stars
Jack London State Historic Park AUG. 6–SEPT. 19
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Electronic Rx mandatory Jan. 1, 2022
Assembly Bill (AB) 2789 of 2018 created a California state-level mandate that all prescriptions must be transmitted electronically by Jan. 1, 2022. The law applies to all physicians and almost all prescriptions, with very few exceptions. CMA has compiled frequently asked questions in a Fact Sheet to help physicians understand their requirements under the new law. You may also contact CMA at memberservice@cmadocs.org or 800-786-4262.
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AUGUST CALENDAR: WEBINARS AND EVENTS |
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California Medical Association
Revised Reporting Requirements for Provider Relief Fund
Webinar covers how physicians must report on their Provider Relief Fund (PRF) expenditures. Revised requirements went into effect on June 11, 2021, and reflect significant changes to prior guidance. CMA and representatives from accounting firm Moss Adams will share the latest information and how it could affect your organization, as well as help in navigating the reporting requirements.
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Sonoma County Medical Association
Discover Sonoma County
Take a break and join your colleagues for a series of hikes sponsored by the SCMA Physician Wellness Committee and the Sonoma County Parks Foundation.
Brunch or lunch provided by SCMA.
food and beverages for all attendees.
Monday, Aug. 9, 2021. 9:30 a.m. – Noon
Jenner Headlands Preserve: 12001 CA-1, Jenner, California. Hike with us at this scenic coastal property managed by the Wildlands Conservancy. The preserve offers expansive views up and down the Sonoma Coast with trails through a variety of habitats and terrain. We will hike the Sea-to-Sky/Raptor Ridge loop, about 4+ miles with a 1,000 ft elevation gain. Bring layers for wind or fog, water, snacks, sunblock, hat and binoculars for possible early raptor sightings! Meet in parking lot by trailhead sign; lunch provided at hike’s end.
Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Riverfront Regional Park: 7821 Eastside Road, Healdsburg, California. Join your colleagues for an easy hike around “the lake” and under the redwoods. Trail is family friendly and flat with a full loop of about 2 miles. Lunch will be provided under the canopy of a redwood grove. Regional Parks ranger or expert will join us with an informative talk about this wonderful park.
Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Tolay Lake Regional Park: 5869 Cannon Lane, Petaluma, California. Hike a 4.5-mile mildly strenuous out and back trail to beautiful 3 Bridges Vista Point, and enjoy breakfast/brunch burritos at Vista Point. Regional Parks ranger or expert will be present to share history of the area, a scared place of the Miwok tribe—original descendants of the Tolay Valley.
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Sutter Health
The Sutter Health Virtual Grand Rounds is a Continuing Education (CE) webinar series hosted by Sutter Health Network providers for all medical professionals across Northern California. Interactive Q&A session takes place with each live event. Learn about the entire series here.
Wednesday, August 11, 2021 • 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. REGISTER HERE
Presented by Armen J. Moughamian, MD
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Shriners Hospitals for Children: Northern California
Part Two: Early Identification & Treatment of Hip Dysplasia in Children
with Cerebral Palsy
Presented by Vedant Kulkarni, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit Designation for 1.0 contact hour
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Supporting physician practices |
CMA/SCMA/MLCMS membership is an investment in your practice—with exceptional member benefits that include help with reimbursements, COVID-19, telehealth, physician well-being, and expert guidance for medical practice operations. Learn more about CMA tools and resources here or call CMA's live-person call center at 800-786-4262 Monday through Friday during business hours.
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Congratulations to our new SCMA member!
We are pleased to have you aboard and look forward to supporting your practice and collaborating with you and your colleagues.
Family Medicine
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Stay one step ahead in your practice |
In One Step Ahead: An Essential Guide for Running a Successful Independent Medical Practice, the latest practice management guide created by the Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP), you will find resources to help you stay ahead of issues stemming from the pandemic, regulatory changes, and more.
Learn more about CAP's medical malpractice coverage.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Congratulations to SCMA business partner Russell Van Sistine, CFP®, who recently earned his CFP (Certified Financial Planner) credentials and joined Sonoma Wealth Advisors as a fiduciary financial advisor. Russell will continue as an SCMA business partner, focusing on the needs of the medical community. He can be reached directly at 707-766-4765 or russell@sonomawealthadvisors.com.
SCMA/MLCMS members may schedule a no-cost financial check-up or make an appointment with Russell by calling 707-584-6202. Appointments are available in the Santa Rosa or Sonoma offices. See www.wealthadvisors.com.
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Walk-in clinic at Redwood Empire Dermatology is back! Patients with an urgent skin problem that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment can call the day of the clinic to reserve a slot. View clinic details at www.sonomaderm.com.
Oakmont: Tuesday, Thursday 4–5 p.m. • 707-579-4239
Healdsburg: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 4–5 p.m. • 707-433-4239
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Fall enrollment open for MY FIRST 24 (12-week Life Coaching CME Program for Physicians by Emily Shaw, MD). Life doesn't have to be a tug-of-war between home & work or self-care & patient care. Regain the intimacy and connection with your spouse, joy in your work, and presence with your kids. Claim time for yourself without feeling selfish! Alumni of the program call it "transformative" and "undoubtedly worth it." This will be the most useful 24 hours of the rest of your life! Join us!
Sunday, August 29, 2021 – Sunday, November 21, 2021
11 hours of Category 1 CME Credit • Tuition = $3,900
Receipts can be submitted to employers (if using CME money).
(Note: Notice is for information only. Program not affiliated with or endorsed by SCMA).
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RETIREES AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED |
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Physician retirees help the underserved via Encore Physicians Program. Bay Area Community Health Centers and underserved patient populations have a clear need for additional physician help. The health centers have reached out for retired physicians who can work part-time caring for their patients. The Encore Physicians Program currently has 12 retired physicians working in these clinics and is seeking to fill additional positions.
The clinics are in counties around the Bay Area, where physicians are placed locally and compensated for a typical schedule of two days per week and a one-year commitment. The greatest need is for primary care physicians — Family and Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, and Behavioral Health — but many clinics also seek targeted specialist physicians. Interested physicians can find more information on the Encore website or may contact program director Mike Rizzo, MD, at mrizzo@encore.org or 510-882-5710. Recent blog: Encore Physicians Help Community Health Clinics
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Operation Access needs volunteer physicians to provide surgical and specialty care for low-income and uninsured adults in Northern California. You determine the frequency of participation and types of cases you accept. Please contact Operation Access to learn more about how you can get involved. 415-733-0052 | info@operationaccess.org or visit the Operation Access website.
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Contact SCMA or MLCMS: exec@scma.org
or rachel@scma.org | 707-525-4375
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