Physicians react to Congress’ vote to cut Medicare payments by 2.5% in 2023 The United States Congress passed their year-end omnibus legislation last week, which includes a Medicare physician payment cut of 2.5% in 2023. Physicians had been staring down cuts as much as 8.5%, but a nationwide advocacy campaign by the American Medical Association, California Medical Association (CMA) and more than 150 organizations representing over 1 million physicians helped stave off many of the reductions. However, physicians who care for Medicare patients and CMA are very concerned about how the cut will impact patient access to care. “Congress’ plan to cut Medicare demonstrates a lack of understanding ... January 3, 2023 CMA, Medicare 0 0 Comment Read More »
New California Health Laws for 2023 While the legislature passed various new laws impacting health care in California, significant focus was placed on legislation intended to protect physicians and patients in response to the United States Supreme Court decision in Dobbs. The California Medical Association (CMA) published a summary of new laws of interest to physicians that cover reproductive rights, emergency services, healthcare facilities, and more. You can view the PDF HERE. December 12, 2022 Advocacy, CMA, Drug Prescribing/Dispensing, General, Healthcare, Insurance, Medi-Cal, Medicare, Mental Health, Patient Care, Physician Workforce 0 0 Comment Read More »
CMA partners with UC Davis on free online CME course on preventing firearm violence The California Medical Association (CMA) has partnered with the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) BulletPoints Project on a free online course to help physicians and other health care providers reduce gun violence. The hour-long on-demand training teaches clinicians how to identify at-risk patients and how to intervene according to the type and level of risk of firearm violence. Each year, nearly 50,000 people in the United States die from firearm-related injuries, and twice as many are treated in emergency departments for nonfatal firearm injuries. In recent years, during the COVID-19 pandemic, ... November 14, 2022 CMA, General, Physician Workforce, Public Health, Trauma Informed Care CME, Firearm Prevention 0 0 Comment Read More »
CMA Publishes November 2022 Physician Voter Guide Mail-in-ballots for the November 8, 2022, California General Election will soon arrive in the mail. We hope that you will mail in your ballot or show up to the polls to help ensure the voices of physicians are heard loud and clear. Click here to view the California Medical Association's (CMA) November 2022 General Election Physician Voter Guide, which includes CMA’s positions on statewide ballot measures and endorsements for two CMA-supported physicians running for their first terms in office. Kermit Jones, M.D., is a candidate for the new Congressional District 3, a district based in the ... October 12, 2022 Advocacy, CMA, Physician Workforce California, General Election, Vote 0 0 Comment Read More »
Legislature passes CMA bill to protect patients and the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship August 23, 2022 The California Legislature unanimously passed an important California Medical Association (CMA) sponsored bill (AB 1636) that will ensure physicians who have committed sexual misconduct with a patient or client are prohibited from acquiring or reinstating their license. The bill—authored by Assemblymember Akilah Weber, M.D., (D-La Mesa) and co-authored by Assemblymember Al Murasuchi (D-Torrance) and Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger)—will protect patients from criminal sexual misconduct and ensure that any physician who so violates a patient’s trust cannot be licensed in California. “This important measure will ensure the Medical Board of California has ... August 30, 2022 Advocacy, CMA AB 1636 0 0 Comment Read More »