MMA Weighs in with the FDA on Sunlamps and Melanoma
On June 28, the MMA offered its full support of a U.S. Food and Drug proposal to reclassify sunlamps used in artificial tanning facilities with the intent to better protect the public from the dangers of artificial tanning.
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Physicians Needed on Drug-Review Board
Two openings are now available for physicians on the nine-member Minnesota Medicaid Drug Utilization Review Board. Applications will be accepted until July 23.
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Task Forces Formed to Guide $45 Million Reform Grant
The Department of Human Services and the Department of Health have formed two task forces to support the Minnesota Accountable Health Model initiative, which is working to improve community health and ensure access to quality care for all Minnesotans.
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CMS Releases Proposed Physician Fee Schedule Rule
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have released a proposed rule to update payment policies and payment rates for services furnished under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for 2014. The rule also would change several quality reporting initiatives that are associated with PFS payments including the Physician Quality-Reporting System. In addition, the rule would change the Physician Compare tool on the Medicare.gov website. Plus, the rule includes proposals for implementing the value-based payment modifier required by the Affordable Care Act that would affect payment rates to certain groups based on the quality and cost of care they provide to those enrolled in the traditional Medicare Fee-for-Service program. Click here to read more from CMS.
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Insights Explores the Future of the MMA
What does the future hold for the MMA? That question is explored in the latest edition of Insights, MMA's quarterly opinion piece on topics of interest to Minnesota physicians. MMA Board Chair Dave Thorson, M.D., discusses whether the current governance structure needs to change in order for the MMA to better engage its members.
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Comments Sought for Smoking Cessation Study
The Agency for Research and Quality (ARQ) is seeking comments on a new report: "Smoking Cessation Interventions in Pregnancy and Postpartum Care." The comment period is until July 17.
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Member Honored by NAMI with National Award
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) honored MMA member Jonathan Uecker, M.D., psychiatric medical director at Nystrom & Associates, Ltd., with its annual Exemplary Psychiatrists Award at the American Psychiatric Association's annual conference in May. He was among 20 psychiatrists throughout the United States who were honored. NAMI state organizations and affiliates nominate psychiatrists who have "gone the extra mile" in their commitment to providing excellent mental health care and by working alongside NAMI members in their communities for public education and advocacy each year.
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New "8 Things Physicians Need to Know..." Online
A new factsheet on the primary care physician workforce shortage is now online. It's the third factsheet the MMA has created for its members to help them stay better informed when talking with colleagues, patients and other health care providers.
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Honoring Choices Minnesota's Annual Advance Care Planning Conference
Health care professionals are invited to attend the 4th annual Sharing the Experience advance care planning conference on July 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ramada Plaza Minneapolis. The event, which is sponsored by Honoring Choices Minnesota through the Twin Cities Medical Society, will unite physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, multicultural and faith leaders, and health and human service professionals. At the event you will learn about best practices, community resources and innovative approaches to health care decision making and join the discussion concerning "who would speak for you if you couldn't speak for yourself?" Click here for the agenda and online registration.
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Do you Use Mobile Apps for Patient Care?
Physicians now have access to mobile apps that they can use for diagnosing conditions and monitoring patients. Some work with devices that can turn an iPhone into an EKG or portable ultrasound machine. Others can monitor blood pressure or allow elderly patients with serious retinal diseases to monitor their vision in between doctor visits. Minnesota Medicine wants to know about your use of such apps. Please click here to answer a few questions.
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Recognizing Leaders in Public Health
Nominations are being accepted for the 2013 Community Health Awards. These annual awards recognize individuals or groups who make significant contributions to public health in Minnesota. They will be presented at the Community Health Conference. Nominations are due July 26.
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On July 1, the price of a pack of cigarettes in Minnesota increased $1.60. If that's not enough to get people to quit, check out the latest ad from ClearWay Minnesota - it might do the trick.
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The MMA's Dave Renner discusses the recent AMA Annual Meeting including how one of our members became an AMA board member, the resolutions we supported and other issues.
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