Weekly Roundup: In Case You Missed It |
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COVID-19 Updates
On Tuesday the CDC approved the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. The two-dose vaccine regimen consists of 10 μg each, 21 days apart.
Napa County’s free public COVID vaccination clinics will extend to separate sessions for 5- to 11-year-olds starting the week of November 18. Families can visit countyofnapa.org to find an upcoming clinic. St. Helena Hospital Foundation is also hosting a COVID vaccination clinic for younger children on November 12 from 3 to 6 pm in Calistoga at a location to be announced. Local pharmacies and MyTurn are also offering online appointments for the COVID vaccine for younger children.
For resources to communicate with your patients about COVID booster shots, see the Public Health Communications Collaborative Booster Dose Toolkit.
Solano County reported on Wednesday that 80% of residents 16 years and older have received at least one COVID vaccine dose, and 70% are fully vaccinated.
Napa County reported on Tuesday that 93% of residents 16 years and older have received at least one COVID vaccine dose, and 85% are fully vaccinated.
Solano County reports that, as of November 4, it has given more than 581,000 vaccinations (first and second doses). As of October 28, ICU capacity in the county is 21% with 9 confirmed COVID patients hospitalized.
Napa County reports that as of November 4, more than 215,000 vaccine doses have been administered by the county. As of October 28, ICU capacity is 12% with 3 COVID patients in ICU.
CalVaxGrant Application Deadline Extended to December 17
Under CalVaxGrant, a state program to increase COVID‑19 vaccination rates, physicians and medical practices can apply to receive up to $55,000 in reimbursement for related expenses incurred since November 2020 and through November 2021. Qualifying expenses include staffing and training (most common expenses), technology, infrastructure, supplies and equipment, and administrative overhead. Click here to apply before December 17.
ICYMI: Monoclonal Antibody Infusion Treatment for COVID Now Available in Napa
Eligible patients in Napa who have tested positive for COVID-19 and show signs of likely progression toward hospitalization can now receive monoclonal antibody infusion therapy. The one-time infusion, which was authorized by the FDA for emergency use in the treatment of COVID-19, may help keep certain individuals with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 from progressing in their illness and may make it less likely for them to be hospitalized. The antibodies used in the therapy are similar to the ones your body makes naturally in response to an infection. For more information on the therapy, eligibility, and how to schedule an appointment, please see the attached flyer.
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CMS Releases Final Rule for CY22 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
The final rule for the CY22 Medicare physician fee schedule confirms the cuts that are in store that Congress must address before the end of the year. Notably, the 2022 Medicare conversion factor will be reduced by approximately 3.85% from 34.8931 (2021) to 33.5983. This is largely a result of the expiration of a 3.75% increase to the conversion factor at the end of calendar year 2021. The NSMS has been urging local Congressional representatives to stop three Medicare payment reductions, which add up to a combined 9.75%, from going into effect on January 1.
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CMA Testifies on Physician Loan Forgiveness
The CMA recently testified before the US Department of Education, urging it to fix the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to ensure qualifying California and Texas physicians can receive federal loan forgiveness consistent with their colleagues in every other state. CMA has been advocating for a fix for many years, but regulators have been unwilling to reopen the regulations and fix the PSLF program to allow all eligible California and Texas physicians to participate. The department recently announced, however, plans to transform and improve the PSLF through the negotiated rulemaking process. |
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Are You Prepared for the Medi-Cal Rx Transition on Jan. 1?
On January 1, 2022, the DHCS will transition all Medi-Cal pharmacy services from managed care to fee-for-service (FFS). The CMA encourages physicians, particularly those who currently prescribe medications for Medi-Cal patients, to register for the secure Medi-Cal Rx Provider Portal as soon as possible and ensure you are prepared for the upcoming transition to avoid any disruptions in patient care. |
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New CA Law Requires Timely Follow-up Care for Mental Health Issues
A law (SB 221) signed by Gov. Newsom on Oct. 8 requires that mental health and substance abuse patients be offered return appointments no more than 10 days after a previous session, unless their provider approves less frequent visits. The law takes effect on July 1, 2022. |
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Extension to File MIPS Hardship Requests
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has reopened its reweighting request period for performance categories during the 2020 MIPS program year. Physicians, groups, virtual groups and alternative payment model (APM) entities now have through Nov. 29 to submit a request for the reweighting of one or more of the MIPS performance categories, which are: quality, cost, promoting interoperability, and improvement activities. |
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CalHealthCares Loan Repayment Program Opens January 24
CalHealthCares administers loan repayment on educational debt for California physicians and dentists who provide care to Medi-Cal patients. Eligible physicians can apply for up to $300,000 in loan repayment in exchange for a five-year service obligation. Webinars to assist in the application process will begin in early January. Click here for eligibility requirements and to find out more. |
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Dues Discount Ends December 15
NSMS members who renew their 2022 membership by December 15 qualify for a 5% discount on their dues. Click here to pay your dues online. Nonmembers who join now and pay in full for 2022 will receive the remaining months of this year for free. Click here to join now!
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Available on demand
Member $29.00 | Non-member $79.00
Now available! 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.
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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.
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