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The SMLMA keeps you up to date on the latest news,
policy developments, and events

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April 2016

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SCMA NEWS

Register now for CURES 2.0 with streamlined registration

The Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) is a database of Schedule II, III and IV controlled substance prescriptions dispensed in California. Effective July 1, 2016, physicians with an active medical license and a Drug Enforcement Agency certificate must be registered for access to CURES. To register using the new fully automated system, visit oag.ca.gov/cures.

Have questions or need help registering?

  • CURES 2.0 webinar: Navigating the State's New Prescription Drug Monitoring Database. This webinar gives physicians an overview of the registration process and key features of the newly upgraded system. The webinar is FREE for members and nonmembers and is available on-demand in the CMA Resource Library.
  • Physicians experiencing problems with the new system can call CMA's member help line at 800-766-4262 or email memberservice@cmanet.org

Join us for Hidden Talents Art Show May 5

All local physicians, along with their families and friends, are urged to attend the Hidden Talents Art Show to enjoy the wealth of artistic talent in the local medical community. Sponsored by the SCMA Alliance Foundation, the event will be held at the Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa on Thursday, May 5, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The show will also include an outdoor stage for performing artists to entertain guests with music, poetry and storytelling. A La Heart Catering will offer a delicious array of appetizers, and complimentary wine will be provided by a generous donation from Kendall Jackson Wines. A silent auction will feature a painting donated by Bob Nugent, well-known artist and former curator of the Imagery Winery Gallery. The winner will be announced during the show. The event is family friendly, with on-site child care and art activities available to SCMA members with children 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets ($50), visit the Foundation website.


Wine & Cheese Reception May 19 at Orpheus Wines

Join your colleagues at SCMA's annual Wine & Cheese Reception, to be held at Orpheus Wines in Kenwood on Thursday evening, May 19. The popular event, hosted this year by Orpheus owners Dr. Rachel Friedman and her husband, runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and features a delightful sampling of fine wines and cheeses. The event is absolutely FREE for SCMA members and their spouse or guest. Cost for nonmembers is $55 per person.

To RSVP, contact Rachel Pandolfi at rachel@scma.org or 707-525-4375. For more information about the winery, visit www.orpheuswines.com.

Dr. Peter Sybert nominated as SCMA president-elect

SCMA President Dr. Mary Maddux-González and incoming President Dr. Regina Sullivan, announce that Dr. Peter Sybert, a Santa Rosa anesthesiologist, has been nominated as SCMA president-elect. Others nominated to the SCMA Board of Directors are Drs. Brad Drexler (treasurer), Patricia May (secretary), Richard Powers (West County district), Peter Sybert and Jan Sonander (Santa Rosa district), James Pyskaty (TPMG), and five nominees for the CMA delegation: Drs. Rob Nied, Richard Powers and Jeff Sugarman (delegates); and Regina Sullivan and Stephen Steady (alternates).

SCMA members will receive ballots by postal mail in May. For more information, contact Cynthia Melody at cmelody@scma.org or 525-4375.


SCMA applicants

Welcome, new SCMA/CMA members!

Ryan Kime, MD, Emergency Medicine*, 533 Shagbark St., Windsor
Jonathan Rutchik, MD, Neurology*, 20 Sunnyside Ave. #A321, Mill Valley, Hahnemann Univ 1990
* Board certified

 

PRACTICE RESOURCES & CME

NEW! 2016 PQRS updates
For physician groups subject to payment adjustments, two new documents are available from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Value Modifier Results and Payment Adjustments Based on Performance on Quality and Cost Efficiency Measures.

NEW! Practice Management Tip of the Month (April)
Make sure your practice isn't penalized under the new provider directory accuracy law (SB 137). The new law requires payors to maintain accurate and current directories, and also requires physicians to keep information up-to-date. Failure of practices to comply may result in payment delays, removal from directories and contract termination. Click here for more information and how to sign up for the April 27 webinar on SB 137.

 

April 22, Buck Institute seminar
Buck's Formal Research Seminar Series on Friday, April 22 features "Lessons from the Worm: Novel Insights for the Nrf2 Cytoprotection Pathways," presented by Sean Curran, PhD. The seminars are held at the Buck Institute for Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd., Novato, in the Drexler Auditorium from 11 a.m. to Noon.

CME April 30, Annual HIV/AIDS Review. This year's annual HIV/AIDS Review will take place on Saturday, April 30 at Finley Community Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event features an educational seminar and luncheon for physicians, mid-levels and pharmacists who provide care to people with HIV and AIDS. Click here for details.

NEW member benefit! 5% discount on Workers' Compensation rates SSCMA/CMA is pleased to welcome Preferred Employers Insurance Group as the sponsored carrier. Call Mercer at 800-842-3761, email CMACounty.Insurance.service@mercer.com or visit www.CountyCMAMemberInsurance.com for more information.

CMA publishes the biweekly e-newsletter, em>CMA Alert, to keep its members up-to-date on critical issues affecting the practice of medicine in California. Click here to view the current issue.


CLASSIFIEDS

Steal my practice; I'm retiring.
Fall in love with practicing medicine again. Proven, profitable weight loss practice in Marin County. Multiple 6 figures, ready to take it to the next level. Work-life balance, time freedom, financial security, relationship-driven practice.

I'm 100% committed to all the support necessary to ensure a smooth transition. Call for more information or to schedule a visit. Gail Altschuler, MD, 415-309-6258.

Free classifieds for SCMA members!
SCMA members can place FREE classified ads in News Briefs or Sonoma Medicine. Cost for nonmember physicians and the general public is $1 per word. To place a classified ad, contact Susan Gumucio at susan@scma.org or 707-525-0102.


ABOUT  SCMA

The Sonoma County Medical Association, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association, supports local physicians and their efforts to enhance the health of the community. Founded in 1858, SCMA is affiliated with the California Medical Association and the American Medical Association.

© 2016 SCMA, 2312 Bethards Dr. #6, Santa Rosa, CA 95405

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