Top Stories

Medical Marijuana Heats Up Again in St. Paul

Once appearing to be DOA, legislation to legalize marijuana for medical purposes has new life in both bodies of the Legislature. Read more here.

Minnesota Physicians Also Hit by Tax Scam

Since publishing a story in the April 24 MMA News Now, the MMA has heard from more than two dozen physicians from across the state who have been affected by a tax scam directed at doctors. Read more here.

Dayton Signs APCD Bill into Law

On April 29, Gov. Mark Dayton signed into law a bill that suspends provider peer grouping and instead calls for use of the all-payer claims database as a tool for expanding knowledge and insight into health care and health care delivery in Minnesota. Read more here.

Policy Council Convenes for First Time in St. Paul

The MMA's Policy Council met for the first time on April 26 to establish processes for the group and begin initial discussions about issues on which to focus. Read more here.

Minnesota Ranks No. 1 for Access, Quality and Outcomes

Minnesota once again is the top state in the nation for health care access, quality and outcomes, according to a report by The Commonwealth Fund, which conducts research on health care policy reform. Read more here.

Forum on E-Cigarettes Planned for May 28

The Twin Cities Medical Society is hosting a forum on e-cigarettes on May 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ramada Plaza Minneapolis in Minneapolis. Read more here.

MMA President Wins Mankato Alumni Award

MMA President Cindy Firkins Smith, M.D., received the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award from the Minnesota State University, Mankato Alumni Association on April 25. Read more here.

Scholarships Available for St. Thomas Leadership Program

University of St. Thomas Executive Education has received a gift of $15,000 that will be used toward scholarships for its Physician Leadership College (PLC), which begins in September. The scholarship is meant to support physicians from organizations that have sent three or fewer physicians to the PLC. At least three, and no more than six, scholarships will be awarded; qualifying applicants can receive between $2,500 and $5,000. The application deadline for both the PLC and the scholarship is June 30.

New Email Address Created for PQRS Support

Physicians and clinics with questions about participating in the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) can now reach the help desk at the following address: qnetsupport@hcqis.org. The help desk can provide general PQRS program information and assistance with portal password issues and feedback report availability.

National Survey Asks Physicians' Opinions on Medicine

Minnesota physicians have until May 21 to voice their opinion about the current state of medicine in the United States by taking part in The Physician Foundation's third national survey. Last conducted in 2012, the survey captures physicians' views on the current and future states of medicine, their attitudes about medical practice and their thoughts on many other issues facing medicine today. Results will be shared with the public, patients, the media and policymakers. The Physician Foundation emailed the survey in March. If you did not receive or complete it, click here to take the survey. All participants who include their email will receive a full survey report and be entered in a drawing for a $10,000 travel voucher, a $2,000 Apple voucher and multiple iPad Airs.

Networking Event for Residents, Fellows, Young MDs

Residents, fellows and young physicians are invited to an afternoon of networking and fun on May 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Pinstripes in Edina. Attendees can bowl, play bocce ball or simply relax with colleagues around an outdoor fire pit. Sponsors Dave Denniston, CFA, and Roger Anderson, CFP, from the Capitol Advisory Group are providing appetizers and activities at no cost to physicians and a guest. A drawing for a $100 gift card to McCormick & Schmick's will be held at 1:15 p.m. Spots are limited so register early.

MMA Launches Online Community to Engage Members

Wonder what your fellow physicians think about administrative burdens, the recent Medicare data dump or medical marijuana? Here's a chance to have an engaging discussion with others doctors on a variety of health care topics. The MMA has launched an online community via LinkedIn - the social network for professionals - called the "Minnesota Medical Association Physicians' Lounge." The group is invite-only and exclusive to MMA members and staff. We hope to use the online community as a way to engage members on timely topics in Minnesota health care. If you are interested in taking part in the group, send an email to Dan Hauser and he'll send you an invite after confirming your membership.

Show Your Creative Side

Do you have a story to tell? A photo you'd like to share? Then Minnesota Medicine is looking for you. Enter your essay, poem, short story or photograph in Minnesota Medicine's writing and photography contests by May 12. Winners will be featured in the July issue of the magazine. For more information and to enter, visit the Minnesota Medicine contest website.

Digital Rounds - The MMA Blog

Digital Rounds MMA's Blog A recent article online said physicians are pretty miserable about their jobs. Is it really true? Is being a physician that horrible? Read more here.

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June 17 - Health Disparities Policy Forum
Sept 19 -20 - MMA Annual Conference (Brainerd)