December 2013 December 1, 2013 General MMS, MMS News Briefs mms 0 Reminder: Refer prediabetic patients to YMCA prevention program Philippine Medical Society needs donations for typhoon victims Pay your dues by Jan. 15 and receive 5% discount Top stories from CMA Alert PEOPLE MEDICAL ORGANIZATIONS RESOURCES CLASSIFIEDS APPLICANTS ABOUT MMS Reminder: Refer prediabetic patients to YMCA prevention program Physicians throughout Marin County are reminded to refer prediabetic patients to the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program, which will be launching at the Marin Y on Dec. 3. The program helps those at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles by eating healthier, increasing physical activity and losing a modest amount of weight. Program participants work together in a small group led by a trained lifestyle coach over a 12-month period, beginning with 16 weekly sessions and continuing with monthly maintenance. Research has shown that prevention programs can reduce the number of cases of type 2 diabetes by 58%. The reduction is even greater, 71%, for people 60 or older. To qualify for the program, participants must be at least 18 years old, overweight (BMI ≥ 25), and at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes or have been diagnosed with prediabetes. Patients who have already been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes do not qualify for the program. The cost is $429 per year, but financial assistance is available. Health insurers may also pay for the program, depending on the patient’s coverage. For more information, or to refer patients, contact the YMCA at 415-281-6702 or ebachrad@ymcasf.org, or visit www.ymcasf.org/diabetesprevention. A patient flyer and a program application form are attached below. Diabetes Prevention Program flyer Program application form Philippine Medical Society needs donations for typhoon victims The Philippine Medical Society of Northern California is already providing medical care for victims of Typhoon Haiyan and is seeking donations for a medical mission to the Philippines in January. In addition to financial donations, the medical society is accepting sealed, unexpired pharmaceuticals. The society, a 501(c) charity (EIN #94-2922490) has coordinated annual medical missions to the Philippines for almost 30 years. To make a financial donation, write a check to the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California and put “Typhoon Haiyan Victims” on the memo line. Checks should be mailed to Dr. Peter Bretan, PMSNC President-Elect, 165 Rowland Way #303, Novato, CA 94945. Contributions will only be used for food, clothing, and medical and pharmaceutical supplies. Before donating pharmaceuticals, contact Dr. Bretan’s office at 415-892-0904 to see which drugs are needed. Pay your dues by Jan. 15 and receive 5% discount Invoices for 2014 were recently mailed to all MMS members. If you want to receive a 5% discount, simply pay by Jan. 15, 2014. The discount is already calculated on the invoice, and you can pay by check or credit card. In addition to the standard dues, the invoice allows members to make additional donations to CMA’s political action committee (CALPAC) at a variety of levels. Donations can also be made to the MICRA Education Fund and the CMA Physician’s Issues Committee. For questions on your invoice, contact Rachel Pandolfi at 707-525-4375 or rachel@scma.org. Top stories from CMA Alert Here are the top stories from the latest CMA Alert, the California Medical Association’s biweekly email newsletter. For a free subscription, visit www.cmanet.org/cma-alert. CMA calls for improvements to the new Medicare SGR reform proposal New MICRA brochure available for patients Covered California leads the nation in exchange enrollment CMA files amicus brief to protect patient privacy in CURES prescription data CMA Medi-Cal Survival Guide helps physicians understand numerous program changes PEOPLE Operation Access, which arranges medical care for uninsured patients, has presented awards to two Marin physicians for their work supporting the organization. Dr. Brian Delfanti, an otolaryngologist at Kaiser San Rafael, was recognized for more than a decade of volunteer service and for his commitment to caring for the underserved. Dr. Sabrina Kidd, a surgeon at Marin General Hospital, was honored for accommodating every referral request despite her busy schedule. MEDICAL ORGANIZATIONS The Redwood Community Care Organization has received permission from Medicare to form an accountable care organization (ACO) to serve about 7,000 Medicare patients at federally qualified health centers in the North Bay, including the Coastal Health Alliance in Marin County. The ACO will enable the health centers, all of which belong to the Redwood Community Health Coalition, to receive financial rewards from Medicare’s “shared savings” program, which encourages providers to improve quality of care and patient experience while reducing costs. The new ACO is the second to be formed locally; the first was established earlier this year by the Meritage Medical Network. Kaiser San Rafael has been recognized as a Top Performer on key quality measures by the Joint Commission. The hospital received top marks for treating heart attacks and heart failures, and for its surgical care. In the November election, voters in Marin County overwhelmingly approved $394 million in bonds to help Marin General Hospital meet seismic standards by constructing new facilities. The finally tally was 68% in favor and 32% opposed. The massive project, expected to cost $500 million, involves replacing the existing hospital with a 300,000 square-foot facility, building a 100,000 square-foot ambulatory services building, and erecting two parking garages. RESOURCES Physicians needing help with substance abuse, stress, depression and other mental health issues are urged to contact the Physicians’ and Dentists’ Confidential Line. This longstanding service, sponsored by CMA and the California Dental Association, connects callers to a physician or dentist with extensive experience in helping health professionals cope with these pressing issues. Callers receive the support and referrals needed to better manage their situation. All calls are completely confidential. The number is 650-756-7787. A free oncology workshop for both doctors and nurses is being offered at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco on Saturday, Dec. 14. The topic is “contemporary strategies for management of solid tumors.” For more details, or to register, visit www.med-iq.com. The workshop has been approved for Category 1 credit. CMA has added two website resources at www.cmanet.org. The Exchange Resources page provides a wealth of information for physicians about Covered California, the state’s new health insurance exchange. The MICRA page tracks the latest developments in CMA’s campaign to defend California’s landmark Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act. Other resource pages on the website cover the Affordable Care Act, health information technology and accountable care organizations. The following CMA webinars are scheduled for December. Webinars, which are typically worth one CEU credit, begin at 12:15 p.m. and run until 1:15 or later. To register, visit www.cmanet.org. Seminars are free for CMA members and their staff; cost for nonmembers is $99 per person. ICD-10 Documentation for Physicians: Part 1 (Dec. 5) Updates on Key Developments Within California's Health Benefit Exchange (Dec. 10) ACA and the Insurance Impact on You as a Small Business Owner (Dec. 11) ICD-10 Documentation for Physicians: Part 2 (Dec. 12) ICD-10 Documentation for Physicians: Part 3 (Dec. 19) CLASSIFIEDS Primary care/immediate care physicians needed Physicians and MD medical director needed for new primary care/immediate care facilities located in Pittsburg/Antioch and San Rafael. Ideal for semi-retired MDs or if part time work desired. 6 hr shifts--7 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1-7 p.m. Prior supervision of NP/PAs and Medi-Cal existing provider credentialing a plus. Send CV and inquires to MD@practiceconsultants.net. FOR SALE: SF Boutique-Style Family and On-Call Practice Average revenue $407,000; very high profit margin. No third-party plans; all cash. Strong growth potential. The practice is approximately half urgent care and half primary care. Real estate also available. Practice Consultants, info@PracticeConsultants.com or 800-576-6935. MMS members get free classifieds! MMS members can place free classified ads in News Briefs or Marin Medicine. Cost for nonmember physicians and the general public is $1 per word. To place a classified ad, contact Linda McLaughlin at Linda@scma.org or 707-525-4359. APPLICANTS Note: Last month’s News Briefs contained incomplete applicant information for Dr. David Palestrant. The corrected listing appears below. David Palestrant, MD, Critical Care Medicine*, Neurology*, Vascular Neurology*, Neurocritical Care*, 7 Circle Way, Mill Valley 94941, Univ Arizona 1996 * board certified ABOUT MMS The Marin Medical Society, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association, supports local physicians and their efforts to enhance the health of the community. We are affiliated with the California Medical Association and the American Medical Association. © 2013 MMS, PO Box 246, Corte Madera, CA 94976 Comments are closed.