Resources for Practices Transitioning, LACMA Advocacy Highlights and Remembering Robert H. Elsner May 11, 2020 Los Angeles Department of Public Heath, Advocacy, covid-19, US Department of Health and Human Services 1157 Continuing to Shelter In Place As we enter week 7 of the LACMA COVID-19 Rapid Response Initiative, I want to share that LACMA has an abundance of resources for physicians in the community. We’ve ordered close to 10,000 masks, shields, hand sanitizers and office supplies for physicians. We had a successful PPE curbside pickup event where we helped 130 practices with supplies. We are closing in on nearly 400 practices helped during the pandemic. We now have a way for physicians to order their own masks and shields by visiting www.la4docs.org. If you need help reopening your practice, CMA has put together guidelines and recommendations to assist you with the transition. View Guidelines Here Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Highlights LACMA's Efforts I wanted to extend a special thanks to the LACMA Executive Committee and staff for their tireless efforts, even delivering PPE's to physician homes and offices, during this pandemic. To that end, the Los Angeles Department of Public Heath’s director, Dr. Barbara Ferrer, recognized LACMA last week as well during her live press conference. View Video Financial Help Last month the US Department of Health and Human Services announced the second phase of a $20 billion dollar fund, for a total of $50 billion. Hospitals directly receive payments in the second phase, and physicians who received some of the first $30 billion in payments are eligible but must apply for this additional funding. This week HHS clarified the Provider Relief Fund payment allocation methodology and eligibility. A provider’s estimated total allocation (from both the $30 billion tranche and the $20 billion tranche) should be approximately 2% of their 2018 gross patient revenue. Providers should not apply for the second tranche of funding if the payments they have already received exceed their estimated total allocation. Providers who believe they have received an overpayment should contact the HHS provider relief hotline at (866) 569-3522. Learn More One of Our Own Former LACMA President Dr. Vito Imbasciani, head of the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs, was featured in the Los Angeles Times this past Sunday. Under his leadership and with an abundance of clients, Dr. Imbasciani’ s department has seen low COVID-19 cases and related deaths. Learn more Remembering Robert H. Elsner It is with sadness that I share the passing of Robert H. Elsner, CAE, former CMA and LACMA CEO who passed away on May 4th after suffering a stroke 10 days earlier in his home in Palm Springs, California. He was 86 years old. Bob is the father of Alison Elsner, the Executive Director of the San Bernardino County Medical Society, who is a colleague and friend. Many of you knew Bob. He was a great resource for me. Last year he sent me one of only two historical books on the history of LACMA. Bob’s work in the field of association management and organized medicine began in the 1960s when he became CEO of the Multnomah County Medical Society (MCMS) while living in Portland, Oregon. In 1977, Elsner was named CEO of LACMA and in 1985, he was chosen as executive vice president and CEO of the California Medical Association (CMA). During his medical society tenure, Bob advocated for the advancement of organized medicine and the protection of physicians and their practices throughout California and the nation. He was also a member of the American Society of Association Executives and in 1985, was named chairman of ASAE’s Board of Directors. He briefly retired in 1994 but returned to the professional arena to serve as executive director of the California Sesquicentennial Commission under Gov. Pete Wilson. He didn’t slow down after his permanent retirement, volunteering in Palm Springs and serving two terms as chairman of the Palm Springs International Airport Commission. He also was Palm Springs Rotary president, interim CEO of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, a member of the advisory committee for the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau and served in other community roles. Those wishing to support Bob’s preferred charities are asked to donate to Paralyzed Veterans of America or Boys Town. #MondayMotivation "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying 'I will try again tomorrow." Gustavo Friederichsen Chief Executive Officer Los Angeles County Medical Association “If it matters to our LACMA members, it matters to me.”