Membership Matters

CMA sponsored bill would reduce administrative burdens in Physician Practices CMAdocs.org – Sept. 14

A bill that will reform prior authorization for Medicare managed care plans has unanimously passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives on a voice vote. The legislation – the Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2022 (HR 3173) – will streamline Medicare Advantage prior authorization for routinely-approved services, ensure plans adhere to evidence-based guidelines developed by physicians, mandate public reporting of prior authorization decisions and timeframes, and implement an electronic process to reduce physician administrative burdens. The California Medical Association (CMA) strongly supports this bill and is working to pass the bill before Congress adjourns in December. CMA thanks the California Members of Congress for moving the bill and we urge the Senate to act swiftly to get it across the finish line.

Medical Groups Warn Of 'Irreparable Harm' To Patients In Confusing Post-Roe Era

The American Medical Association and three other major health groups warned Thursday patients across the nation could suffer “irreparable harm” due to the shattered legal landscape left in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

In a statement, co-authored with the American Pharmacists Association, the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists and the National Community Pharmacists Association, the groups said they were deeply concerned by state efforts to limit access to medically necessary medicine. Ongoing questions about state laws are already impacting patients, and language in newly enacted rules is “vague,” “unclear” and “disrupting care,” they said. https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/press-releases/statement-state-laws-impacting-patient-access-necessary-medicine

Rotacare Bay Area Free Clinic in San Rafael is Seeking Physician Volunteers

Rotacare Bay Area is a volunteer alliance of medical professionals, organizations, and community members, dedicated to providing free primary quality healthcare services to uninsured families and individuals with limited ability to pay for medical care. Rotacare Bay Area is a non-profit 501(c) (3) public benefit corporation supported solely through locally based philanthropies. This organization was formed in 1989 by a Rotarian who identified the needs of many residents who had limited access to primary care services in the Bay Area.

Rotacare Bay Area Free Clinic is seeking physician volunteers of any specialty to donate their time to help with this underserved population.

E-Cigarette Company Juul Settles Multistate Inquiry for Over $438 Million

Among SFMMS' highest priorities is an unerring dedication to reducing the consumption of tobacco products, particularly by young people and underrepresented communities targeted by these companies' marketing practices. This week, Juul, whose headquarters was once located in San Francisco, settled a multi-state inquiry that began in San Francisco and California thanks, in part, to the physician leadership at SFMMS. The settlement is another victory following years of advocacy by organized medicine, which also resulted in SB 793, a 2020 bill that would ban the sale of flavored tobacco products in California. This fall, California voters will be asked to vote on Ballot Proposition 31, a referendum on whether to uphold SB 793's ban on flavored tobacco.

Register for the Fall SFMMS Book Club

As part of SFMMS' Physician Wellness efforts, we host quarterly a book club for our members! Join your colleagues as we read and discuss Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience" by Brené Brown.

SFMMS members who register for this session receive a copy of the author's book.

When: November 3rd at 6:45pm

Retired SFMMS Members Meetings in Marin

Since April 2022, SFMMS Retired Members have been meeting up in Greenbrae on the third Thursday of every month for casual conversation, connection, & coffee. Thank you to retired SFMMS Member, Joan Saxton, MD, for her efforts to start this group and her continued coordination to gather our retired SFMMS Members each month. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Joan Saxton, MD at jsaxton6505@gmail.com.

Scan this code using your smartphone to view the Slate of Candidates for the upcoming 2022 SFMMS Election. Voting begins on 10/31/22 and ends at 5pm on 11/14/22. Electronic ballots will be available at this link the day voting begins.

You can also find the information our website: sfmms.org/advocacy/leadership-opportunities

Join Us for our Next Fireside Chat: Winding Down Your Practice with Debra Phairas

Effectively transitioning your practice for your patients, staff, and family requires careful planning and sufficient time to accomplish. During this 1-hour, free evening webinar, Deb Phairas, President of Practice & Liability Consultants, LLC, will discuss creative strategies to help you accomplish your goals, including: bringing in an associate, recruiting, selling the practice, or closing the practice.

Special thanks to our sponsor Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP)!

Marin Vaccine Strategy Presented to National Advisory Committee

The Marin County COVID-19 vaccine success has gained the attention of the federal government. The partnerships forged locally are held as a model for building trust and reducing barriers to access to vaccines in our most vulnerable communities.

On September 22, Dr. Willis will be presenting Marin’s vaccine equity strategy to the National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) in Washington DC. The presentation will be broadcast live for the public. Visit NVAC’s website for the meeting agenda and webcast link.

CMA bill to provide more eRx flexibility for low volume prescribers passes state legislature

A CMA-sponsored bill to provide exemptions to e-prescribing requirements for low volume prescribers has passed the state legislature. Assembly Bill 852 will also provide exemptions for practices affected by federal, state or local emergencies or disasters. The bill passed the State Senate by a vote of 32 to 2 and is now on Governor Newsom’s desk.

Editor Gordon L. Fung, MD, PhD, FACC, FACP Managing Editor Steve Heilig, MPH Production Maureen Erwin

SFMMS OFFICERS

President Michael C. Schrader, MD, PhD, FACP President-elect Heyman Oo, MD, MPH Secretary Jason Nau, MD Treasurer Dennis Song, MD Immediate Past President

Monique Schaulis, MD, MPH

SFMMS STAFF

Executive Director

Conrad Amenta Associate Executive Director, Public Health and Education

Steve Heilig, MPH Director of Operations and Governance

Ian Knox Director of Engagement

Molly Baldridge, MPH

2022 SFMMS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Edward Alfrey, MD Melinda Aquino, MD Ayanna Bennett, MD Julie Bokser, MD Kristina Casadei, MD Anne Cummings, MD Manal Elkarra, MD Mihal Emberton, MD Beth Griffiths, MD Robert A. Harvey, MD Harrison Hines, MD Ian McLachlan, MD Jason R. Nau, MD Heyman Oo, MD Sarita Satpathy, MD Monique Schaulis, MD Michael C. Schrader, MD Yalda Shahram, MD Neeru Singh, MD Dennis Song, MD Kristen Swann, MD Kenneth Tai, MD Melanie Thompson, DO Matthew D. Willis, MD, MPH Joseph W. Woo, MD Andrea Yeung, MD

Cover Art:

“Rewilding”

by Cynthia Fletcher, 20x16, oil on panel, 2021, from her Coronavirus series.