Monday Rx: Covid-19 Update, Healthcare for All Survey Results, HOD and LACMA Member Appreciation Event October 18, 2021 California Medical Associaton, Congress, COVID-19, Delta variant, Federal, Healthcare for All, HOD, House of Delegates, LA County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles County, Member Appreciation Event, No Surprises Act, Physician, Resolution, Surprise Billing, Survey 1125 COVID-19 Update The number of coronavirus patients in Los Angeles County hospitals dropped by 20 on Sunday, Oct. 17, to 638, one day after increasing by 20 people. The number of those patients in intensive care ticked up from 182 to 184, according to state figures. The county’s number of COVID-19 patients has fluctuated in recent days after weeks of steady decline, rising for three straight days, then dropping for two straight days before Saturday’s increase. LA County Department of Public Health reported 898 new cases of COVID-19 and four additional deaths Sunday, bringing the county’s cumulative totals to 1,477,686 cases and 26,414 deaths since the pandemic began. The Delta variant continues to account for 100% of COVID-19 strains seen among samples sequenced in the area, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said Saturday. Regulators Must Follow Congress to Promote Fairness in Surprise Billing Dispute Resolution CMA CEO Dustin Corcoran weighed in on the debate about surprise billing in a recent issue of The Hill: "Congress appeared to end a year’s long debate when it passed the bipartisan No Surprises Act in December 2020. Legislators had considered a variety of policy proposals, carefully weighing the costs and benefits of each. To ensure fairness to both physicians and insurers, the law clearly states that median in-network billing rates, which enjoy overwhelming insurance industry support, are only one of many factors that arbiters should consider when resolving a billing dispute. Looks like Federal regulators want to now walk back the bipartisan agreement, that would give insurance companies another opportunity to increase their profits while reducing access to care for patients. If adopted, these changes will allow the insurance industry to continue to reduce their physician networks, hurting patients who need frontline physicians when an emergency strikes." To read the entire piece click here. Membership Survey Results & Next Steps The recent “Healthcare for All” membership survey yielded over 200 responses which means it was one of the most provocative surveys in quite some time. In summary, 59 percent of respondents stated the “current system” is the best approach to solving the health inequity challenges in the state and county followed by “single payer” at 15% and “Medicare expansion” at 12% and “public option” at nearly 8%. To see the full summary, click here. LACMA president-elect Dr. Omer Deen and board member Dr. Hector Flores will lead a series of town halls about access to care. CMA CEO Dustin Corcoran will be the first guest this winter. House of Delegates is Here! Shaping policy and influencing policymakers to make decisions in the best interest of patients and physicians is key to the annual House of Delegates gathering which will be virtual on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 9 am PST. The LACMA delegation, led by Dr. Stacey Ludwig, will look at the corporatization of health care, and racism and other barriers to health equity. Be sure to check your emails for your personalized meeting link login and credentials. If you're new to the House of Delegates, CMA is hosting a New Delegate virtual orientation on Wednesday October 20, 2021 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Click here to register. Member Appreciation Event is 19 Days Away! With only 19 days to go until the 150th anniversary “Member Appreciation Event” at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, I must ask, are you registered? The event will be safe and celebratory as LACMA thanks you, our valued member. The commemorative book written by Peter Rader will be available along with a chance to win a free retreat at the Four Seasons Resort Westlake Village. Click here to RSVP or email Noemi at noemi@lacmanet.org. #MondayMotivation "Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries." Gustavo Friederichsen Chief Executive Officer Los Angeles County Medical Association “If it matters to our LACMA members, it matters to me.”