Weekly Roundup: In Case You Missed It
July 2, 2021
We will be taking a short break from the newsletter next week, but we will be back in your inbox on July 16. You can always check www.accma.org for the latest news and updates.
COVID-19 Updates

Up to $55,000 Available to Private Practices for COVID Vaccination Costs
 
California is creating new support for community-based physicians to help our state reach its COVID‑19 vaccination goals. The CalVaxGrant is a new program administered by Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC) that will offer grant funding, one-on-one myCAvax support and vaccine administration resources for physician practices. You can receive up to $55,000 to support vaccination efforts (up to $11,000 per site). You must enroll in myCAvax, and have completed Section A of myCAvax application, to be eligible. If you are not already enrolled in myCAvax and need help enrolling, please email your practice and contact information to vaccinenetwork@cmadocs.org for additional support. For those enrolled in myCAvax, the application will open on July 12 at calvaxgrant.org .
 
Avoid Delays and Denials by Submitting COVID‑19 Vaccine Administration Claims to the Right Place
 
The California Medical Association (CMA) has recently received several inquiries regarding challenges with reimbursement of COVID‑19 vaccine administration services. While the federal government has purchased hundreds of millions of doses of the COVID‑19 vaccine and is providing those at no cost, vaccinating providers are still able to bill and be reimbursed for administering the vaccine. Providers should be aware, however, there are some nuances to successfully submitting claims for COVID‑19 vaccine administration services that differ from the normal claim submission process. To access the full article, please click here.
 
Next CMA Virtual Grand Rounds to Feature California HHS Secretary
Mark Ghaly, MD, MPH, and Erica Pan, MD
 
On July 13, 2021, the California Medical Association (CMA) will host a physician who has had a birds-eye view of the pandemic in California: Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, Mark Ghaly, MD, MPH. We will also welcome back Erica Pan, MD, California State Epidemiologist, who will give updates on the state of the COVID‑19 pandemic nationally and in California, review the progress of the vaccine rollout, and share the latest information on the evolving COVID‑19 variants.

Contra Costa County Requiring Masking and Testing of Unvaccinated Personnel Working in High-Risk Settings
 
Contra Costa Health Services released a health order requiring that personnel employed in hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities for the elderly, homeless shelters, and detention facilities in Contra Costa County provide proof of vaccination against COVID‑19 or wear face coverings on the job and get tested weekly for the virus, beginning July 27. Read the full health order here and a summary of the health order here

Contra Costa County reported on Wednesday that 78% of residents 12 years and older have received at least one COVID vaccine dose, and 72% are fully vaccinated.
 
Alameda County reported on Wednesday that 81% of residents 12 years and older have received at least one COVID vaccine dose, and 68% are fully vaccinated. 

Alameda County reports that it has administered more than 2,086,000 doses as of July 2. As of June 30, ICU capacity in the county is at 39% with 14 confirmed COVID patients hospitalized.

Contra Costa reports that it has administered more than 1,428,000 doses as of July 2. As of July 1, ICU capacity in the county is at 25% with 10 confirmed COVID patients hospitalized.

As of July 1, Statewide ICU capacity is 2,212 beds, a 1.4% decrease from the day before.
Registration Now Open for 20212022 Bay Area Physician Leadership Program
 
Today’s dynamic health care environment requires effective physician leaders to ensure organizational and individual success. The Physician Leadership Program, developed in 2016 by physician leaders in collaboration with faculty from the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and Haas School of Business, is a structured course that builds upon the deep knowledge that clinicians already have of complex systems such as the human body, families, and communities, as well as their experience of exerting influence through clinical encounters and clinical team leadership. Participants will enhance their leadership effectiveness, learn from nationally recognized experts, expand their network with local colleagues, and will gain practical skills and insights directly applicable to their practice opportunities and challenges. Participants can earn a Certificate of Completion and up to 24 hours of CME credit. To find out more and to register, please visit our website.
Deadline to Apply for Aledade ACO Is August 3
 
The California Medical Association (CMA) is collaborating with Aledade Inc. to help independent physicians succeed in value-based care, ensuring practices and health centers are able to thrive while delivering the best possible patient care. The deadline to join an Aledade Accountable Care Organization (ACO) for the 2022 performance year has been extended to August 3, 2021. Physicians are encouraged to contact Aledade no later than July 31 to ensure your application can be processed in time. Learn more by visiting www.aledade.com or contact outreach@aledade.com for more information.
 
The ACCMA recently hosted a meeting with Aledade, which was open to all ACCMA members. A recording of Aledade’s presentation to the ACCMA can be found here
Assembly District 18 Special Election Held June 29
 
Alameda Unified School District Boardmember Mia Bonta held a firm lead in a crowded field of candidates in a special primary election race Tuesday night to succeed her husband Rob Bonta as California’s 18th Assembly District representative, but didn’t appear to have enough support to win the election outright, according to preliminary election results. To view the full article, please click here
WEBINARS & EVENTS
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.
 
Click here to register. 
Tuesday, July 13, 2021 | noon-1:30 PM
FREE | CME Available | Presented by CMA 
 
Secretary of the Health and Human Services Agency in California, Mark Ghaly, MD, is a pediatrician by training and has long worked in the safety net systems of California with a focus on caring for vulnerable patients in our state who fall through the cracks, from children with complex care needs to residents of our jails and prisons and those experiencing homelessness. Dr. Ghaly will share his experience as a key decision-maker and leader during these unprecedented times. 

We will also welcome back Erica Pan, MD, California State Epidemiologist, who will give us updates on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic nationally and in California, review the progress of the vaccine rollout, and the evolving story of COVID-19 variants.
 
Moderator: Kimberly Newell Green, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, UCSF
 
Click here to register. 
Friday, July 16 | 8 AM –12:15 PM
CME Available | Presented by the Riverside County Medical Association
 
Topics to be covered at this year’s virtual conference include aging physicians, safe and legal monitoring of physicians in a treatment program, physician well-being committee roles and responsibilities, and more. The conference is open to anyone involved or interested in improving the health and well-being of physicians.
 
Speakers: David Bazzo, MD; Kai McDonald, MD; Ajeet Singhvi, MD; and Elizabeth Snelson, Esq.
 
Register here
Thursday, August 26 | 6:15–7:30 PM
FREE | CME Available
 
Using data and stories, together in conversation, we will focus on yourself, as well as your potential new directions and skills, and your “team,” whether at home or professionally.
 
Speaker: Linda Clever, MD, MACP
 
Click here to register.
September 21 – January 18
CME Available
 
Registration is now open for the 2021–2022 Physician Leadership Program, from the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA), is an innovative program developed in 2016 by physician leaders in collaboration with faculty from the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and Haas School of Business. Participants will enhance their leadership effectiveness, learn from nationally recognized experts, expand their network with local colleagues, and will gain practical skills and insights directly applicable to their practice opportunities and challenges. Participants can earn a Certificate of Completion and up to 24 hours of CME credit.
 
Discounts for medical society members and groups are available! Find out more and register here.
ACCMA's On-Demand Library

To access all on-demand programs, go to learning.accma.org.

QUESTIONS/CONCERNS?
Please contact ACCMA at 510-654-5383 or accma@accma.orgwith any questions or concerns you have.