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"News You Can Use" <> March 11, 2016



CONTENTS

ABOVE THE FOLD

2015 Meaningful Use Attestation Deadline Today, March 11:

  • For physicians who have determined that they CAN attest to meaningful use for a 90-day reporting period in 2015, CMS has extended the attestation deadline to midnight, March 11, 2016, EST.
  • CMS is ONLY extending the attestation period, not the reporting period, so physicians must have concluded their reporting by December 31, 2015.
  • Click Here for Details

Physicians: Please Join SDCMS and Your Colleagues at Our Next Physician Social on April 26 at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center: Come enjoy the exhibits while you mingle, socialize, and network with your colleagues, and be sure to bring your spouse / significant other and children. Note that the Center will be closed to the public during this event. RSVPs are required, so register soon — click here to register now!

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MEDICAL

CDC Factsheet on Penicillin Allergies (PDF) From Its “Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work” Program: Click Here

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FEDERAL

Geographic Practice Cost Index (GPCI) Articles — Your SDCMS at Work!

New / Updated FAQs on Public Health Reporting Requirements for the EHR Incentive Programs: Click Here

HHS Issues HIPAA Guidance on Exchange of PHI Without Patient Consent: Click Here

Reminder: CMS Extended the 2015 Meaningful Use Hardship Exception Deadline to July 1: Click Here

2016 PQRS Value Modifier Results and Upward Payment Adjustment Factor: Applied to physician groups that are subject to upward payment adjustments under the Value Modifier in 2016.

SDCMS-CMA Meaningful Use Member Benefits:

  • CMA FAQ on Meaningful Use Hardship Exception (Free to Members): Click Here
  • The SDCMS Foundation can assist primary care and specialty care physicians with new reporting to assure you receive maximum incentive funds. Those physicians registered for Medi-Cal (30% of practice) are eligible to receive FREE technical assistance, and very low-cost technical assistance available for Medicare providers. SDCMS members qualify for a 40% discount. For further information, email Barbara.Mandel@SDCMS.org or call (858) 300-2779.

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STATE

Help CMA Pass the 2016 Cigarette Tax Initiative by Collecting Signatures: The initiative will increase California’s cigarette tax (one of the lowest in the nation) by $2.00. To help collect signatures:

  1. Email your name and physical mailing address to SDCMS@SDCMS.org — SDCMS will mail you a petition with a return prepaid envelope.
  2. Collect the signatures of eight registered San Diego County voters.
  3. Mail your completed petition back to SDCMS in the return prepaid envelope NO LATER THAN MARCH 31, 2016.

The tax will fund healthcare programs (including Medi-Cal), anti-smoking programs, and medical research on tobacco-related diseases. For more information, visit SaveLivesCalifornia.com.

Reminder: Deadline to Register for CURES Is July 1, 2016: Click Here

Read CMA’s Feb. 29 “Rollercoaster of a Week” Capitol Insight With Anthony York: Click Here

IMQ Surveyors Needed: IMQ is looking surveyors for the Ambulatory Care, Corrections, or CME Review Programs. Click Here

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LOCAL

On KPBS: “Needy San Diegans Get Free Surgeries” — Spotlighting the SDCMS Foundation’s Saturday Surgery Day This Saturday in Carlsbad: Click Here

Golfers and Tennis Players Needed! Join the SDCMS Foundation for its 4th annual Aces for Health Golf and Tennis Tournament on Monday, April 18, at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club. New this year will be a round robin tennis tournament for all experience levels, and the Health Heroes awards reception. Click Here

Physicians Needed to Mentor UCSD Undergraduates: Click Here for Details

Help Spread the Message of Health by Making a Brief Presentation in Your Community: Educate children, adults, seniors, and employees on how to improve their lives and take charge of their health through the Live Well San Diego Speakers Bureau. Email Andrew.Gonzalez@SDCMS.org at the SDCMS Foundation to say YES, you will volunteer just one or two times a year, quarterly, or however your schedule allows.

SDCMS Foundation Patients Join the Undy Run / Walk on March 5: During the Colon Cancer Alliance's 2016 San Diego Undy Run / Walk, the SDCMS Foundation formed a team comprising staff, volunteers, and four Project Access San Diego patients who were diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer, and who were, thanks to the Foundation, successfully treated and cured. Funds raised support SDCMS Foundation efforts to reduce the impact of colorectal cancer on medically underserved San Diegans. Click Here to Support Your SDCMS Foundation Now

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MEMBER BENEFITS / PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

CMA Guide / May 4 Webinar to Help Physicians Prepare for Payor Contract Renegotiation: Click Here

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“With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.”
— William Shakespear, From The Merchant of Venice (1564–1616)



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