Medical Society News

December 2021

Greetings!

With the year drawing to a close, I've had time to reflect on a chaotic year and the people who have been getting us through it. Without a doubt, some of the most important and impactful individuals this year have been our local public health officers:   Olivia Kasirye, MD - Sacramento County Aimee Sisson, MD - Yolo County Nancy Williams, MD - El Dorado County Rob Oldham, MD - Placer County   Their dedication to health and safety has saved countless lives during the pandemic. Their hard work and passion has earned my eternal gratitude. Despite this, they have frequently found themselves as the focus of anti-vaccine and anti-mask activists who have been filling public comment with misinformation about the virus, the vaccine, and the efficacy of safety protocols. Perhaps more upsettingly, our public health officers haven't always had the support of the county supervisors, some of whom have used their platform to disseminate unfounded and unsupported conspiracy theories. Our public health officers need our firm and unequivocal support.   I ask you to attend your county's Board of Supervisors meetings to support the fact- and evidenced-based protocols recommended by the public health officers.   Public comment is typically 2-3 minutes per speaker. Most in attendance won't be convinced to change their ways. But we can still support facts, data, and evidence. We can still support science and medicine. We can still support our public health officers as they've worked to support us.   Please find the information on upcoming Board of Supervisors meetings in your county here: Sacramento County Yolo County El Dorado County Placer County   Thank you for your consideration and thank you for supporting our wonderful public health officers!   Finally, as a personal note, I'd like to thank everyone I've had the pleasure of working with during my term as SSVMS President. We were able to accomplish a lot together in the face of significant barriers due to COVID. The work isn't done, however, and I look forward to continuing it as I transition to Immediate Past President.   Carol Burch, MD - SSVMS President

Apply to an SSVMS Committee or Volunteer Opportunity Deadline: Mon, Dec 20   Interested in serving on an SSVMS Committee, renewing your commitment to an SSVMS Committee, or volunteering for one of SSVMS's unparalleled community programs? Apply today!

Apply Today

CalGrantVax Application Deadline Extended New Deadline: Fri, Dec 17   As California continues its efforts to vaccinate all eligible residents against COVID-19, the state is offering providers up to $55,000 to support vaccination efforts. The application cycle has been extended to December 17, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. (PT) to allow CalVaxGrant applicants more time to begin and/or complete the myCAvax process. Funds are still first-come, first-served.   Application | FAQs | Grant Guidelines

Apply Today

Private Practices: Aid in the Future of Medicine as a Job-Shadow Host Several Opportunities Available in 2022   After the success of our inaugural program, SSVMS is hosting the Future of Medicine again in 2022! In addition to the Summer Program, we'll also be hosting White Coat Week during Spring Break.   Please consider offering a student a chance to experience a career in healthcare first hand! We need professionals in healthcare to host students in a job-shadowing position in their place of work. Admitted students will observe only, and adhere to strict rules of confidentiality.

White Coat Week Opportunities Students will job-shadow over a four-day period from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

Spring Break Week I Mon, Mar 14, 2022 - Thu, Mar 17, 2022

Spring Break Week II Mon, Apr 11, 2022 - Thu, Apr 14, 2022

Sign Up to Host Here

Summer Program Opportunities Students will job-shadow over two days from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

Summer Session I Mon, Jul 7, 2022 Fri, Jul 11, 2022

Summer Session II Wed, Aug 3, 2022 Thu, Aug 4, 2022

Sign Up to Host Here

Report Vaccine Adverse Event with HHS Reporting System

Healthcare providers are required to report adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination to VAERS. Learn more about the system and requirements at the HHS VAERS FAQ page.

New Affiliate Program with UserWay   Has your website been made ADA compliant? Do you know what steps need to be taken? Do you have time to figure that out? Do you know how much time and money it takes to address violations?   SSVMS has partnered with UserWay to provide you a resource to bring your website into compliance so you can focus your energy where it matters: your patients.   UserWay creates advanced website accessibility solutions that help ensure ADA compliance without refactoring your website's existing code.   UserWay is the #1 Web accessibility solution for WCHG & ADA compliance.  Get compliant and stay compliant The most powerful solution for lawsuit prevention and mitigation Trusted by more than 1 million users including many fortune 100 companies.   SSVMS members qualify for a 15% discount off the regular rate. Please email info@ssvms.org to receive the code.

SSVMS Events

Registration Open! SSVMS Honors Medicine Awards Night Sat, Feb 26, 2022

SSVMS Honors Medicine Awards Night will be in-person! To ensure a safe event, all attendees must be vaccinated against COVID-19.   Join us for Dinner, Wine, and a Night of Magic in Medicine as We Honor Physicians Who Make a Difference in Our Community   Featuring Magician Kevin Blake as seen on America's Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us.

Golden Stethoscope Award JaNanh C. Scalapino, MD   Medical Community Service Award SSVMS Alliance

Medical Honor Award Gary S. Chu, MD   Special Recognition Award Henry Go, MD

Register Today!

CMA Events

Virtual Grand Rounds: COVID-19 and the Holidays Tue, Dec 7 | 12:00pm-1:30pm

ACEs Online Wellness Engagement Groups: Tuesday Series Tue, Dec 14 | 7:00pm-8:00pm

See all upcoming CMA events here >>

Other Events

Establishing a Positive Patient Relationship…and Knowing When and How to Let Go Brought to you by The Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP) Thu, Dec 9 | 12:00pm-1:00pm

Sutter Health Virtual Grand Round Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: The Therapeutic Power of Microbiome Wed, Dec 15 | 12:00pm-1:00pm

The Ins and Outs of Managing Patient Complaints Brought to you by The Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP) Asynchronous recording

Membership Corner

Vanessa Walker, DO on the importance of SSVMS membership.

I'm a member because...   Share with us why you're an SSVMS member! Maybe it's because of SPIRIT, Joy of Medicine, the Museum of Medical History, the camaraderie of your fellow physicians, the practice assistance, or even just using Sammy the Skeleton for demonstrations.   Whatever your reason is, please share it with Brandon J. Craig at bcraig@ssvms.org.

Not yet a Member?  Join Today!

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SSVMS Campaigns and Programs

Make A Plan with Honoring Wishes

Get Your Advance Directive Today!

SSVMS invites all physicians and office staff to communicate your end-of-life-care wishes by completing an advance directive.   Honoring Wishes provides the Five Wishes advance directive to members at no cost. Don't make your family guess as to what you want or force them to make uncomfortable decisions. Completing this form will save a lifetime of pain for your friends and family by making it clear exactly what you want to happen.   Contact Marlee Turner at mturner@ssvms.org to get your advance directive today!

Honoring Wishes Quick Tips for Advance Care Planning From Howard Homler, MD - Honoring Wishes Advisory Committee Member

When meeting with a patient about future care, before doing anything else, ask if they have already completed a living will or advanced care plans! If they have, get a copy for their file, and confirm that it fits with their desires.

COVID-19 Vaccine Community Letter

Over 700 local physicians have signed the plea for the community to be vaccinated. Read the letter here! (Spanish version available here.) Read what the Sacramento Bee had to say about it here.   Haven't signed yet? Message Brandon J. Craig at bcraig@ssvms.org to sign today!

COVID-19 Vaccine Buttons and FAQ Cards

SSVMS's "Got My Vaccine!" buttons promote vaccination and our digital FAQ cards include facts about the COVID-19 vaccine. Our FAQ cards are available at ssvms.org in English, Spanish, Russian, Hmong, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. The buttons have a barcode on the back that gives immediate access to the FAQ cards. Button supply is limited and available only to SSVMS members.   SSVMS members, to order your free buttons, email Brandon J. Craig at bcraig@ssvms.org.

Social Media Corner

There's no use in pretending: 2021 was a challenging year. But as we close it out, let's look back to see where we've been and all that we've accomplished.   Over the course of December, SSVMS will be sharing some of our successes from 2021 and we encourage you to do the same! What have you done, either professionally or personally, that you want to brag about? Tell us via e-mail (bcraig@ssvms.org) or by tagging us on social media!   #Reflections

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In the News

Bipartisan legislation introduced to stop Medicare physician payment cuts UnitedHealth will repay providers underpaid for COVID-19 vaccine administration AMA publishes detailed summary of 2022 Medicare physician payment rule Last day to change your Medicare participation status for 2022 is December 31 Change coming to Medicare Advantage claims for vaccine administration services CMS releases the final 2022 Medicare physician fee schedule Transgender man can sue hospital for discrimination after Supreme Court does not hear appeal CA hits new milestone with over 500K people screened for Adverse Childhood Experiences California physicians encourage caregivers to get children vaccinated against COVID-19 See all news from CMA here

Guide to Running an Independent Medical Practice   The Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP) created One Step Ahead: An Essential Guide for Running a Successful Independent Medical Practice to help you stay ahead of issues:   ▪ Human Resources Compliance in the Age of COVID-19 ▪ The Patient Experience and Your Bottom Line ▪ Managing the Billing Office ▪ Consent and Privacy in a Virtual World ▪ Standards for Proper Documentation   Download Your Free Guide   Guaranteed Life and Disability Insurance When You Join CAP   Did you know medical liability coverage from the Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP) not only provides the best protection from malpractice lawsuits but also provides eligibility for new members to purchase $10,000 per month of disability insurance and up to $500,000 of life insurance – all guaranteed with no health exam required and at favorable rates? Plus you automatically receive additional coverages, such as cyber risk liability insurance, employment practices and administrative defense insurance, and more, all at no additional cost to you! Take advantage of significant savings on your medical malpractice coverage, which includes telemedicine coverage and free tail coverage at retirement, and get the protection you need for your practice and your well-being.   Request Your Quote   Other no-cost benefits and services include: Group purchasing program One-on-one practice management consulting Human resources support Customized risk management resources and consultations   As a leading provider of superior medical malpractice coverage in California for more than 40 years, CAP remains committed to providing physicians with secure and affordable protection and relevant practice and risk management resources to help you run a safe and successful practice.   To learn more about becoming a CAP member, please contact Al Malasig at 650-543-2185 or via email at AMalasig@CAPphysicians.com

Joy of Medicine Corner

Joy of Medicine Wellness Checkup   SSVMS encourages physicians to schedule a free resiliency consultation with one of our Joy of Medicine psychologists or life coaches. Every physician in the Sacramento region is eligible for up to six sponsored sessions with a provider of your choice.   Learn More>>

Sierra Sacramento Valley Medicine

Read the November/December Issue of Sierra Sacramento Valley Medicine

Partners in Medicine

Please consider SSVMS's Partners in Medicine when in need of services. We look forward to continuing our important relationships with each of these Partners.

Diamond Level Cooperative of American Physicians NORCAL Group  Vitalant

Gold Level Ameriprise – Crumley & Associates UC Davis Health 

Silver Level Maloof Law Group First Citizens

Bronze Level Jamie Baker & Company Executech

Medical Society News Sponsored By:

The Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society is dedicated to bringing together physicians from all modes of practice to promote the art and science of quality medical care and to enhance the physical and mental health of our entire community.

#Reflections | #JoyofMedicine | #SPIRITHeals