News

Tuesday Rx | May 29th, 2018 | A Big Win!

Specify Alternate Text

A Big Win for California's Physicians and Patients


 
Last week, the power of LACMA and CMA's collective voice was demonstrated when the California Medical Association (CMA) killed Assembly Bill 3087 (Kalra) – dangerous legislation that would have created a commission of unelected political appointees empowered to arbitrarily cap rates for all health care services in all clinics, hospitals and physician practices in California. Due in large part to the staunch opposition led by CMA, LACMA, and other component medical societies, the bill died in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Key to the bill's demise was a groundswell of physician opposition. Through CMA's Grassroots Action Center, thousands of physician members contacted their legislators because AB 3087 would have:
  • Decimated California's health care delivery system.
  • Disrupted care and limited choice for millions of California patients.
  • Caused 175,000 healthcare workers to lose their jobs.
  • Forced hospitals to close and pushed health care providers into early retirement
  • Caused a "brain drain" of talented medical students and residents fleeing California for more ideal working conditions.
"I want to thank each of you for your support and dedication to CMA," said CMA President Theodore M. Mazer, M.D. "We could not have dealt this bill such a resounding defeat without the united voices of our physician members. Together, we stand stronger."

Thank you to the many LACMA and CMA members who answered our call to action over the last month to stop this dangerous piece of legislation that would have resulted in enormous costs to the state and restricted access to care for millions.

Our work will continue as new versions of the bill could be introduced next year. It is LACMA and CMA's goal to find practical solutions to improve access and affordability of healthcare in California. It is crucial that lawmakers continue to hear from physician members about important issues affecting healthcare delivery in our local communities.

See the LA Times article here.

I encourage you to contact me with your thoughts and feedback.
 
 

Groundbreaking New Benefit for Members


 


Today, I am pleased to announce that PatientPop is the official Practice Growth Partner of LACMA. Members now have an exclusive and tremendous opportunity to create a strong digital presence for their practices through a dynamic and cutting-edge platform.PatientPop offers the only complete practice growth solution that's proven to help physicians thrive in the digital age. With PatientPop, physicians can attract more patients, manage online reputation, modernize the patient experience, and automate the front office.

PatientPop will provide LACMA members with a free audit to evaluate the competitiveness of their digital profile. In addition, PatientPop will provide a free one-hour consultation to any LACMA member who would like more information on how they can improve their online presence to attract more patients. LACMA members who become PatientPop customers will receive a one-time discount of $1,000*.
 


"With nearly 80 percent of healthcare searches beginning online today, physicians must evolve their approach to online marketing to remain competitive," said Luke Kervin, PatientPop co-founder and co-CEO. "PatientPop is an all-in-one solution that replaces disparate outside marketing vendors and technology point solutions entirely. With PatientPop, physicians can effectively grow and improve their practices without taking time away from patient care."To learn more or schedule a consult, please email me or call 213-226-0393. For more information about PatientPop, visit patientpop.com.

*One-time $1,000 discount also offered to physicians who join LACMA in order to unlock rebate. Other terms and conditions apply.
 
 
 
 

Last Chance


 
This week, we are hosting, in partnership with the American College of Healthcare Executives, a distinguished panel of physicians and healthcare executives as they discuss the journey from clinical practice to the C-Suite. The panel will be held this Thursday, May 31st at USC Verdugo Hills. Tickets are available for purchase here.
 
 

 

ACO Enrollment Deadline Quickly Approaching Deadline Extended to June 19th! 

 
The deadline for enrollment with National ACO, a Next Generation Accountable Care Organization (ACO), has been extended to June 19th. The deadline is a CMS requirement for NACO to send a list for potential providers to participate in the upcoming Performance Year (PY) 2019. During this time, CMS will check provider eligibility on PECOS and CMS integrity lists. Additionally, CMS will review the providers' billing and coding data to determine a preliminary attribution patient list for PY 2019.


Since NACO is a performance-based ACO, it selects physicians who p articipate through IPAs, medical groups, and associations. LACMA/CMA provides organizational oversight and value-added services that enhance quality performance through the NextGen ACO Model of care.
 
Contact me if you have questions and would like to get started! Learn more here.

 

 


 

 

 

 

Participation Requested Survey Regarding Family Caregivers of Older Patients

 

 



I have been asked by the Latino Caregiver Project (launched by the St Barnabas Senior Services in partnership with the American Association of Retired Persons, AARP) to assist with a brief survey of providers on their approach to identify family caregivers of older patients and their particular needs. This survey is based on Latino patients and their caregivers, but they anticipate that the results of this brief survey will inform efforts to support the practices of LACMA members and assist them in the care of all of their senior patients. Please take a few moments to participate in the survey.


 

EVENTS AND COMMUNITY

 
You are Invited!

Los Angeles County Medical Association's Annual Installation of Officers

June 21, 2018
Hotel Casa del Mar 1910 Ocean Way Santa Monica, CA 90405


See Press Release Regarding Dr. Freeman's Historic Installation!

R.S.V.P

lisa@lacmanet.org

CME Programs

MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACHES TO CANCER SYMPOSIUM

WHEN: September 20 to 23, 2018 WHERE: Loews Coronado Bay Resort 4000 Coronado Bay Road Coronado, CA 92118

Click here for more information.

This intensive program will provide participants with an enhanced ability to interpret and apply best treatment options to their individual cancer practices.
 


NEOPLASTIC HEMATOPATHOLOGY UPDATE

WHEN: November 8 to 10, 2018 WHERE: The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel 21100 Pacific Coast Highway Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Click here for more information.

Join experts for this exclusive interactive conference. This is a unique opportunity for up-close learning and discussion with experts in the treatment of neoplastic hematopathology.

For questions contact: cme@coh.org or 626-218-5622.
 
Thank you! Gustavo Friederichsen Chief Executive Officer Los Angeles County Medical Association "If it matters to our LACMA members, it matters to me."