October 2015 October 13, 2015 MMS News Briefs MMS News Briefs 0 Download PDF Here Marin News Save 50% on 2014-15 Marin County Physician Directory Marin Medicine Focuses on the Spine Top CMA Stories Practice Resources Classified About MMS Marin News Save 50% on 2014-15 Marin County Physician Directory The annual physician directory offers detailed individual, specialty and geographic listings for Marin County physicians, making this popular publication an indispensable reference guide for medical offices, hospital staff and the general public. In preparation for the new 2015-16 directory (coming in late spring 2016), the 2014-15 physician directory is now available for just $15 each while supplies last. Click here to download the order form. Marin Medicine Focuses on the Spine The upcoming fall/winter issue of Marin Medicine explores spine care. Featured articles will include vertebroplasty, when to choose surgery for chronic back pain, minimally invasive spinal surgery, and detecting and managing malingering patients. In addition, there will be two out-of-office features: the art of M.C. Escher and a physician's view of Burning Man. The issue will also include a review of the late Oliver Sacks' autobiography and the regular clinics and public health updates. The new "Opioid Prescribing for Chronic Pain: Guidelines for Marin County Clinicians" will be included as a pull-out. These guidelines were recently developed in collaboration between the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, the RxSafe Marin Prescribers and Pharmacists Committee, and the Marin Medical Society. Watch for the magazine in late November. Top CMA Stories ICD-10 is here: CMA publishes new FAQ to help members survive the changeover After much debate and years of delay, the Oct. 1 implementation date for ICD-10 has finally arrived. While concerns remain about industry preparedness for this monumental transition, the full impact of the ICD-10 conversion will likely not be felt for several weeks or until the first payment remittances are received. In an effort to help practices navigate the transition, the California Medical Association (CMA) has published a new FAQ titled, "Surviving ICD-10: An FAQ for physician practices." This members-only resource is available free to CMA members at www.cmanet.org/icd10. Members of Congress urge HHS to pause meaningful use stage 3 Some changes in plan offerings for Covered California in 2016 Audit says state lab oversight is duplicative, should be eliminated Poll: Two-thirds of likely California voters support cigarette tax hike AMA offers resources to help physicians evaluate new payment model contracts Noridian Medicare announces web-based provider enrollment workshops CMA publishes the biweekly e-newsletter, CMA Alert, to keep its members up-to-date on critical issues affecting the practice of medicine in California. Click here to view the current issue. Practice Resources Updated payor profiles now available CMA's Center for Economic Services has published updated profiles on each of the major payors in California including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, CIGNA, Health Net, United Healthcare, Medicare/Noridian and Medi-Cal. Each profile includes key information on health plan market penetration, a description of the plan's dispute resolution process and the name and contact numbers for medical directors, provider relations and other key contacts. Don't waste your time searching the internet for this information: members can download CMA's Payor Profiles free of charge. Patient resources on end-of-life decisions now available online CMA has developed a number of resources to help providers, patients and loved ones with making these important end-of-life decisions. Click here for more information. Medi-Cal providers: Are you ready for ICD-10? To help physicians prepare for the ICD-10 transition, the California Medical Association (CMA) has published: ICD-10 Transition Guide: What physicians need to know," which includes an ICD-10 transition preparation checklist. ICD-10 transition webpage (www.cmanet.org/icd10 ) includes important news articles, ICD-10 training opportunities and other ICD-10 transition information. Archived webinars CMA's archived webinars are free to SCMA members and staff. Nonmember fee: $99. For more information, contact CMA's member-help center, 800-786-4262 or memberservice@cmanet.org. May 13-15, 2016 Western Health Care Leadership Academy Save the date for the 2016 Western Health Care Leadership Academy, which will be held at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square from Friday, May 13, through Sunday, May 15. Click here for more information. CMA Practice Resources (CPR) is a free monthly e-bulletin from the California Medical Association's practice management experts. It focuses on critical payor and health care industry changes and how they directly impact the business of a physician practice. Each issue includes tips on reimbursement and contracting-related issues, along with information on the latest practice management news. View the current issue. Classified Seeking licensed MD for part-time consultative work Retired with license? Want to cut back to one or two days a week? Rewarding work in friendly alternative care office in Marin looking for CA-licensed MD for consultative work. Part-time, excellent compensation. Please email CV to James Gould at knewidea@gmail.com or call 760-703-3767. Medical condo for sale Located on South Eliseo Drive in Greenbrae. 415-435-8589. Share beautiful medical suite in Novato Share on Wednesday and Thursday only. ALL YOURS other weekdays and Saturday! Lovely reception area, furnished patient rooms, plenty of parking, and utilities included. Call 415-897-9800. 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 Susan Gumucio at susan@scma.org or 707-525-0102. 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. Founded in 1898, MMS is affiliated with the California Medical Association and the American Medical Association. Visit us at www.marinmedicalsociety.org. © 2015 MMS, 2312 Bethards Dr. #6, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Comments are closed.