If Congress fails to act, physician Medicare payments are scheduled to be cut by 4.5 percent on Jan. 1, 2023. Cuts of this magnitude would severely impede patient access to care by forcing many physician practices to stop seeing Medicare patients or shut their doors completely -- further straining practices that have remained open through the pandemic. 

Time is running out to continue to protect our patients and practices by canceling Medicare cuts in their entirety. Your calls have been working – members of the Colorado congressional delegation have heard them. Please continue this momentum to ensure your voices are heard! 

Colorado Medical Society statement on Club Q shooting

Attributable to CMS President Patrick Pevoto, MD, MBA

"The Colorado Medical Society expresses our horror and sadness at the act of hate committed at Club Q in Colorado Springs on Saturday, Nov. 19, that robbed five individuals of their lives and injured many others physically and emotionally. We extend our condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to the larger community of Colorado Springs, especially those who identify as LGBTQIA+ and their loved ones. 

"As physician-healers, CMS recognizes the critical need for firearm safety and that firearm violence is a public health crisis. We urge focused action to reduce all acts of violence. Hate is not acceptable in any form and we acknowledge that the LGBTQIA+ community has been affected disproportionately."

Get a first look at the fourth-quarter Colorado Medicine

Your Colorado Medicine is on your way to your mailbox! Get your exclusive first look at the virtual edition.

• Meet newly installed CMS President Patrick Pevoto, MD, MBA, and read about his vision
• See results of the 2022 CMS member survey
• See photos from the 2022 CMS Annual Meeting and events around the state
• Read what's coming in the 2023 Colorado legislature

Influence medicine: Get involved in CMS leadership

Colorado Medical Society leadership positions and committees/councils bring physicians together who are passionate about making a difference in medicine beyond their practice or institution. We encourage all members to get involved in a way that speaks to your interests and availability.

The nomination period for the 2023 Colorado Medical Society leadership election is open through Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. Consider nominating a colleague or self-nominating for president-elect or AMA delegation. Read more here.

All CMS committee meetings and events are open to all members to attend; you are welcome and strongly encouraged to participate, especially if you are interested in volunteering for a committee when the call for volunteers goes out in the summer! View all groups here, upcoming meetings here and more information about the committee appointment process here.

There are many more ways to get involved. Don't know where to start? Contact us at membership@cms.org and we can help you make the most of your membership.

Reminder: Webinar on new CDC opioid prescribing guideline - Dec. 14, 12-1 p.m.

Are you interested in learning about the revised CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain? Dr. David Mendez and Dr. Allison Costello of the University of Colorado are providing a one-hour Zoom session on key takeaways from the 100-page guideline recently released by the CDC. The Zoom presentation is scheduled on Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 12-1 p.m. Zoom link here; registration not required. The CDC also has a Guidelines at a Glance publication.

Metro Denver Legislative Night: Jan. 25, 5-6:30 p.m.

All CMS members, especially those in the metro Denver area are invited to Metro Denver Legislative Night. Enjoy a reception and discussion of anticipated 2023 health care legislation, the post-election political landscape in Colorado, and how you can help advocate for your profession. There is no cost to attend, but please register by Jan. 18. This event is sponsored by Colorado Medical Society, Denver Medical Society, ADEMS, Aurora-Adams County Medical Society, and Foothills Medical Society. Register here.