Save the Date: Medical Marijuana Forum Set for March 4
With 21 states now allowing the use of medical marijuana and legislation looming in St. Paul, marijuana is a hot issue. The MMA will host a policy forum on the topic to gather input from members on March 4 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Eagan Community Center.
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MMA Asks CMS to Modify Basic Health Program Funding
The MMA sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Jan. 22 asking the agency to alter the funding methodology for the Basic Health Program. The current methodology could short-change Minnesota by up to $91 million, according to estimates by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
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Register Now for Day at the Capitol
Join the MMA for one of the most important days of the year for Minnesota physicians. Registration is now open for the 2014 Day at the Capitol, which takes place March 13 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the state Capitol and St. Paul's University Club.
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Calling Nonmembers - We Need Your Support
Physicians from around the state are renewing their MMA memberships. Your support is critical as we tackle issues that affect your practice every day. We are working on a variety of initiatives including a new protocol for opioid prescribing. We're striving to improve the Prescription Monitoring Program to prevent opioid misuse; improve the process around prior authorization for medication; and advocate for physician-led, team-based care in the face of advanced practice registered nurses' push for an expansion in their scope of practice. If you're a past member, we want you back; and if you've never been a member, we need your support. Call 612-362-3747 to renew now or join us for the first time.
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Physicians Wanted for Study on Chronic Disease
A physician and medical student at the University of Minnesota are conducting a study on how having a chronic disease affects a physician's approach to practicing medicine. John Song, M.D., and Amy Kosel hypothesize that physicians, acting both in the roles of physician and patient, will have values and experiences that inform and change how they work with patients with chronic disease. If interested in helping out, contact Amy Kosel or call 612-961-4904.
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Choosing Wisely Webinar Available Online
A free 60-minute webinar on the Choosing Wisely campaign is now available on the MMA website. The program, with CME available, provides background on the initiative and includes videos that help educate Minnesota physicians on how they can decrease harm and improve outcomes by reducing unnecessary tests and procedures.
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How does MMA offer value to physicians?
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 By improving the health of your patients with higher tobacco taxes
MMA has long been a champion of reducing tobacco's harmful effects. In 2013, MMA helped support legislation that increased the tobacco tax by $1.60 a pack, a tax that is expected to help 36,000 more Minnesotans stop smoking and prevent 47,000 children from starting. Your patients are the big winners as fewer will experience chronic conditions such as emphysema, cancer and heart disease. Being an MMA member is part of being a physician.
Check out this one-minute video message on the importance of being a member.
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 Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Julia Louis-Dreyfus were seen puffing on e-cigarettes at the Golden Globes on Jan. 12. Sure, they are big stars, but that doesn't mean the product is cool.
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If you prescribe opioids, you will want to attend a free seminar on Feb. 8 at the University of Minnesota. Jaime Olson, MMA's manager of continuing education, details what will be learned at the half-day event. CME credit is available.
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One of every five new physicians is a D.O., and their ranks are growing.
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