Act Now to Avoid Medicare Penalties in 2015 By the California Medical Association (CMA) Over the past six years, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched a number of initiatives that offer physicians the opportunity to increase their net revenue by participating in quality reporting programs. Until now, these programs have been voluntary, and physicians have received bonuses for participating. That’s about to change. Failure to participate now means physicians could face significant penalties. The American Academy of Family Physicians estimates that participating in these initiatives in 2013, rather than waiting until 2014, could save a ... May 14, 2013 Medicare electronic prescribing, e-prescribing, meaningful use, PQRS, Value-based Payment Modifier Program 0 0 Comment Read More »
Prescription Drug Abuse An Interview With Thomas P. Lenox, Supervisory Special Agent, Drug Enforcement Administration By Roneet Lev, MD Dr. Lev, SDCMS-CMA member since 1996, is chair of the Prescription Drug Abuse Medical Task Force, current director of operations for the Scripps Mercy Hospital Emergency Department, current chair of the SDCMS Emergency Medicine Oversight Commission (EMOC), and past president of the California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians (CAL/ACEP). Part 1 of 2 — Be sure to read Part 2 of this interview in the May issue of San Diego Physician magazine. Dr. Lev: ... May 13, 2013 Prescription Drug Abuse opioids, prescription drug abuse 0 0 Comment Read More »
Novel Avian Influenza A (H7N9) in China By CAHAN San DIego May 2, 2013 On April 1, 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported the first known human infections with a novel avian influenza A (H7N9) virus almost exclusively in China. As of May 2, 128 human cases of influenza A (H7N9) virus infection have been laboratory-confirmed, including 26 deaths. While investigations are ongoing, there is currently no evidence that the virus has become easily transmissible from person to person. Most cases have been reported in the eastern part of China, with the highest case counts in the provinces ... May 13, 2013 Public Health avian influenza, flu, H7N9, influenza 0 0 Comment Read More »