In this Issue...

1. Limited Relief for Medicare Physician Fee Cuts
2. Assistance for Physicians Impacted by Change Healthcare Cyberattack 
3. IMA Seeking Interested Physicians for AMA Task Force
4. Congratulations to Rebecca Adams for 25 Years at IMA!
5. Join/Renew IMA Today
6. IAPA Annual Meeting & CME Conference
7. IMA Education Webinar - April 10th
8. Idaho Health Care Conference Schedule
9. Medical Practice Opportunities

Limited Relief for Medicare Physician Fee Cuts

Last week Congress passed a budget deal to keep the government operating, and it includes a provision that reduces the Medicare physician fee cut by half. It takes the 3.37% cut implemented in January down to a 1.68% cut effective as of March 9. This limited relief is not retroactive and follows a 2% Medicare physician pay reduction in 2023.

The current situation illustrates the need to keep up the pressure on Congress to enact comprehensive Medicare physician payment reform. Physicians fall into the only group that does not automatically get an annual inflation increase to cover the rising costs of doing business. In January, the influential Medicare Payment Advisory Committee again recommended increasing payment rates based on an inflation-based index for Medicare.

Learn about the American Medical Association’s (AMA) efforts to reform Medicare physician reimbursement below:

Assistance for Physicians Impacted by Change Healthcare Cyberattack 

A February 21 cyberattack on Change Healthcare has led to far-reaching impacts on physicians using the technology company, which is a part of Optum and owned by UnitedHealth Group. The incident disrupted payment and revenue cycle management operations in medical practices and health systems across the country. Physicians have experienced severe interruptions in claims processing, eligibility checks, and day-to-day practice operations due to ongoing system outages.

On March 9, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced a new opportunity for physicians impacted by the cyberattack and resulting disruptions with Change Healthcare to request advanced Medicare payments to help with cash flow disruptions. The details of the program, terms, and the steps needed to apply can be found in the links below. 

Fact Sheet - https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/change-healthcare/optum-payment-disruption-chopd-accelerated-payments-part-providers-and-advance

CMS Statement - https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-statement-continued-action-respond-cyberattack-change-healthcare

The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates recently voted to establish a “Task Force to Preserve the Patient-Physician Relationship When Evidence-Based, Appropriate Care Is Banned or Restricted”. The AMA Board approved a plan to appoint representatives from AMA Councils and identified state and specialty medical associations. IMA has been selected to participate in the Task Force and nominate a physician member to serve as our representative.

The Task Force will advise the AMA Board of new and emerging threats to the provision of evidence-based medical care and appropriate and innovative responses to protect access to care and to preserve the role of the patient-physician relationship as a central element in medical decision making. The Task Force will primarily focus its work on reproductive health services and gender-affirming care.

The Task Force will hold four in-person meetings over a two-year period. IMA will cover travel expenses for the physician selected to participate. If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, please email a brief statement of interest to Susie Keller at Susie@idmed.org by Monday, March 25.

Seize the Moment: Join or Renew Your Membership Now!

Idaho Medical Association (IMA) is the leading organization representing physicians in all specialties, practice settings, and geographic locations in our state, and is recognized as the voice of medicine in Idaho. IMA’s mission is to unify and advocate for all Idaho physicians, promote the art and science of medicine, and remain dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all Idahoans.

Idaho Medical Association has over 4,000 members, all Idaho medical professionals who meet the Association's stringent membership requirements. Predominant membership is comprised of over 2,000 actively practicing physicians, including residents, with the balance of members comprised of retired physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and medical students.

* NOTE: Non-Renewals Become Delinquent on March 31st

• Our membership period spans from January 1st to December 31st, with a generous three-month grace period to allow you to enjoy uninterrupted access to the various benefits and services we offer. However, it's important to note that, without timely renewal, your membership will be considered delinquent as of March 31st.

* Don't forget: If you pay your AMA dues through IMA, IMA benefits.

Visit www.idmed.org or contact us at (208) 334-7888 for more information.

Acquire one Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit upon successful completion of the webinar

Family Medicine Physician (No OB) for Pioneering Health Center

Emergency Responders Health Center (ERHC)

Medicine, as it was meant to be.

Once-in-a-career opportunity to care for an engaged and motivated population of first responders and their families, in a dynamic, multidisciplinary setting. Seeking an MD/DO to deliver broad-spectrum family medicine (no OB); 3 years’ experience required. Sports Medicine background an advantage.

Competitive salary starting at $250,000; bonus opportunity based on productivity/performance. Relocation stipend considered.

Since 2004, ERHC has served as a leader in first responder medicine, caring for those who safeguard our communities. We’re excited to expand our unique practice model through a second clinic in the Northern Idaho/Northeastern Washington region.



Full Listing: https://er-hc.org/careers