President’s Page: First Do No Harm
by Irene J. Lo, MD, FACS, ACCMA President
Presidential administrations significantly impact the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities. Through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its agencies, presidential administrations have significant influence over how financial resources are allocated, the focus of federal research, and how our public health care insurance systems are managed, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the Children’s Health Insurance Program, the Vaccines for Children program, Medicare, and Medicaid. These decisions impact all Americans but are usually felt most acutely by those most underserved and vulnerable.
As we embark on the next four years, the ACCMA is urging President Trump and his administration to make decisions that are based on facts, evidence, and science, just as physicians do for our patients every day. Like physicians, the new administration should first and foremost do no harm. Misinformation and disinformation must not guide policymaking decisions and undermine evidence-based public health strategies.
As physicians, we must reaffirm our commitment to evidencebased medicine and redouble our efforts to educate our patients about what the evidence shows. Here are the facts:
• Vaccines are safe, effective, and protect against life threatening disease such as measles, polio, tetanus, and meningococcal disease. Because of vaccine mis- and disinformation, there has been a resurgence in vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough, endangering those who are too young or unable to be vaccinated.
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• Fluoride in drinking water at the recommended level of 0.7 parts per million, like we have in our EBMUD water, is safe and keeps teeth strong. Because 72.3% of the U.S. population has access to fluoridated
water, there has been a reduction in cavities by about 25% in both children and adults.
• Public health agencies are critical to preventing and responding to health crises in our communities. Federal funding and technical assistance allow local and state public health agencies to develop response plans, implement intervention strategies, and work with hard-to-reach communities.
• Since the passage of the ACA in 2010, the number of uninsured Americans fell from 48 million in 2010 to 25.6 million in 2023. California has led the way by investing and expanding MediCal. Voters affirmed this commitment by passing Proposition 35 in November, significantly expanding federal Medi-Cal funding.
These are just a few of the many issues we are likely to confront in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Regardless of the president in power, physicians will always put the best interests of our patients and communities at the forefront. We will continue to be a resource to our patients, providing evidence-based and scientifically proven information and striving to better their lives and our community's health. We urge this administration to do the same.
Medical Malpractice Coverage for Members of ACCMA
GUIDANCE FOR HEALTH FACILITIES RESPONDING TO IMMIGRATION ISSUES
The Trump Administration has overturned policies that banned immigration enforcement in “protected areas,” which includes hospitals and doctor’s offices. Practices should consider developing or updating protocols for responding to immigration enforcement visits and requests for access. The ACCMA has compiled concise guidance to assist members in understanding how immigration actions may intersect with clinical practice considerations so that physicians and their teams can make informed choices that minimize harm to patients. Please contact the ACCMA with any questions or requests for additional information.
OP-ED: LIKE PHYSICIANS, U.S. HEALTH INSTITUTIONS MUST ‘FIRST, DO NO HARM’
In a February Op-Ed, ACCMA expressed concern with President Trump’s nominations to critical healthcare-related positions. In addition to their lack of government and healthcare-related experience, many of their previous statements and positions are rooted in misinformation. It is critical that the leadership of Health and Human Services and its agencies make decisions based on facts, evidence, and evidence-based science. ACCMA is urging the Trump Administration to put the best interests of patients and communities at the forefront and “do no harm.”
HOUSE MEMBERS INTRODUCE BILL TO STOP MEDICARE PHYSICIAN PAYMENT CUT
A bipartisan group of 10 House members introduced the “Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act” to stop this year’s 2.83% cut in Medicare payments to physician practices while providing a 2% payment update, aiming to stabilize physician practices and protect patients’ access to care. Use the QR code on this page to contact your representative and urge them to include this bill in the March 14th spending package.
ACCMA'S STATEMENT ON BIAS AND DISCRIMINATION
During times of heightened racial, ethnic, religious, and political tensions, it is incumbent upon us, as health care leaders, to take the necessary steps to strive for inclusiveness and provide the highest quality of care to our patients. We encourage you to read ACCMA’s full statement on our Health Equity webpage.
ACCMA SUCCESSFULLY ADVOCACTES FOR SMOKING AND VAPING BAN
ACCMA advocated for an ordinance that banned smoking and vaping on bar patios, as well as in multi-unit housing. During its second reading on December 3rd City Council meeting, the Council unanimously voted to pass this Ordinance which became law on January 2nd. ACCMA strongly supports efforts to mitigate secondhand and third hand smoke.
MEDICAL BOARD PHASING OUT PAPER RENEWALS
The Medical Board of California is transitioning to a paperless renewal process and will not accept paper renewal forms for Physician’s and Surgeon’s licenses expiring on or after June 30. Those licenses must be renewed through the BreEZe online system.
To find more information or to view full articles on any of these topics, scan the QR code, visit accma.org/Bulletin, or contact us at accma@accma.org or (510) 654-5383.
STATUS OF 2024 & 2025 MEDI-CAL RATE INCREASES
CMA has published a fact sheet providing an overview of and status update on both the 2024 targeted rate increases and the 2025 Prop 35 increases. CMA is proud to have led the coalition that brought Prop 35 to the voters.
MEDI-CAL REINSTATED PRIOR AUTH REQUIREMENTS FOR PEDIATRIC CLAIMS
As of January 31, Medi-Cal Rx has reinstated claim edits and prior authorization requirements for patients 21 years of age and younger, and implemented policy giving certain providers prescribing authority for a limited list of medications and supplies.
OVER $25 MILLION AWARDED TO EXPAND HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE
Physicians for a Healthy California announced more than $25 million in CalMedForce awards to support 184 residency positions in 142 GME programs at hospitals and clinics providing care to the medically underserved.
DEA EXTENDS TELEHEALTH PRESCRIBING FLEXIBILITIES FOR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
DEA and HHS extended the pandemic era waivers allowing controlled substances to be prescribed via telemedicine through the end of 2025. CMA strongly supports a permanent extension of the flexibilities.
PHYSICIAN SURVEY ABOUT COMPETITION & COMMERCIAL PAYOR PRACTICES
CMA is encouraging physicians to take the AMA survey "California Practice Landscape: Challenges and Needs in a Time of Practice Acquisition/Consolidation" to help inform legislative and advocacy efforts. It should take about 10 minutes.
YOUR CARE IS AT OUR CORE CAMPAIGN
CMA has launched a campaign in partnership with the AMA to strengthen the patient-physician relationship during a time of eroding trust in science and medical institutions. In recent years, mis- and disinformation, and battles over the COVID-19 pandemic, science, and evidence-based care, have created challenges for physicians and health care workers.
DID YOU KNOW?
DHCS is reminding providers that under California law, they may not charge patients a fee for providing information or filling out forms regarding eligibility for a public benefit program, such as Medi-Cal or Social Security Disability Insurance.
Each month, ACCMA proudly honors a remarkable member making a difference. Do you know a physician who goes above and beyond, creating a lasting positive impact in their community? Share their story with us! Use the QR code at the top of this page to make a nomination.
Taking care of your mental wellness sustains and extends your ability to care for patients. The ACCMA provides support for physician and resident members by offering up to four virtual sessions with a therapist at no charge. Learn more by scanning the QR code on the opposite page.
We're thrilled to kick off our inaugural Health Equity Leadership Program, creating a space for physicians to develop strategies for more equitable healthcare delivery. Special thanks to our outstanding Co-Directors, Dr. Meghan O'Brien and Dr. Brenda Oiyemhonlan, whose expertise and commitment have turned our vision into reality!
To promote physician wellness and prevent burnout, ACCMA is offering up to $500 to members to help fund self-organized events and activities open to other ACCMA members. Visit accma.org to apply, or contact Christine at cmaki@accma.org for more information.
The LifeLong and Contra Costa Family Medicine Residency Programs recently hosted their 3rd annual job fair at the Richmond Arts Center where representatives from local health organizations were on hand to meet with and share resources with the programs' Residents. ACCMA President Dr. Irene Lo was on hand to talk with the Residents about the benefits of membership and the many ways to get involved with both ACCMA and CMA through programs and events.
