Top Stories

Interstate Licensure Bill Introduced at Capitol

Legislation that supports the creation of a new system to expedite the process for physicians who want to be licensed in multiple states was introduced at the Capitol on Jan. 22. This issue is one of the MMA's top legislative priorities this session. Read more here.

State's Smoking Rate Declines; E-Cig Use is Up

Minnesota's adult smoking rate is the lowest in its recorded history and many of those surveyed cite the increased tobacco tax as the main driver for quitting. So says the latest Minnesota Adult Tobacco Survey (MATS), conducted by ClearWay Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health. Read more here.

Registration for Day at the Capitol Now Open

Registration is now open for MMA's annual Day at the Capitol, which will be held March 11 from noon to 6:15 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Paul Downtown, 411 Minnesota Street. Read more here.

Health Department Releases First APCD Report on Chronic Pain

An examination of the state's all-payer claims database has revealed that about 83,000 Minnesotans per year received chronic pain procedures from 2010 to 2012, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Jan. 20. Read more here.

MMA Requests Greater Transparency in Medicaid Managed Care Data

In a Jan. 12 letter to the Minnesota Department of Human Services, the MMA responded to a state request for information on the implications of allowing public access to Medicaid and MinnesotaCare data held by private entities, such as managed care plans. The MMA urged full transparency. Read more here.

Save the Date: Day-Long Health Policy Conference Set for April 25

The MMA Policy Council will hosts its first-ever, day-long health policy conference on Saturday, April 25, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington - Minneapolis South. Exact times are still to be determined. More details to come.

Physicians Sought for Cancer Care Workgroup

MN Community Measurement is seeking six to eight physicians to join a workgroup for a new cancer care measure. The application deadline is Jan. 30. Workgroup members will be asked to participate in three to five two-hour meetings beginning in March. To apply, click here.

Meaningful Use, Stage 3, Webinar Available

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality will host a webinar on Jan. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on meeting Stage 3 Meaningful Use objectives. This presentation will outline findings from research on Meaningful Use of clinical decision support, care coordination and electronic health records in pediatric primary care settings. AHRQ is still working on determining whether CME credit from the American Academy of Family Physicians will be available. Click here to register.

Physicians Needed for Telehealth Policy Task Force

The MMA is looking for up to 12 members who are interested in shaping the policies and approach the association will take toward telehealth in Minnesota. This includes creating recommendations with respect to telehealth quality, practice, regulations and payment. If interested, contact either Barbara Daiker or Teresa Knoedler by Jan. 30.

Time to Renew Your 2015 MMA Membership

Join your colleagues from around the state who have already renewed their 2015 MMA memberships. Physicians from all specialties are finding value in the MMA's work and are continuing their support. Please help us improve the prior authorization process on medications and protect the medical profession from corporate interference. You should have received a second invoice reminder this week. To renew, just return your invoice with payment, call us at 612-362-3728 or email us.

Welcome 12 More New or Returning Members

Please welcome 12 new or returning members who have joined the MMA during the 2015 membership campaign. This week we welcome physicians from St. Cloud, Duluth, Willmar, the Twin Cities, Cambridge and St. Peter. Each week we will recognize several new members who are helping MMA work on important issues such as improving prior authorization for medications and protecting physician professionalism. Thank you for your support. See our new and returning members. If you want to renew your membership, or join MMA, call 612-372-3728 or email.

Take the Choosing Wisely Pledge, Part 3

During the first quarter of 2015, MMA News Now will feature a specialty and one test or procedure that physicians in that area of medicine should consider cutting back. This week's focus is family medicine:

Most patients with sinusitis seen in the clinic setting have viral infections. Talking with patients about their diagnosis and course of treatment instead of prescribing antibiotics is one of the Choosing Wisely recommendations for family medicine. See the other 14 recommendations and join your colleagues in taking the pledge to Choose Wisely.

All physicians are asked to take the Choosing Wisely pledge. Click here to see the pledge, who has taken it and then add your name.

Members In The News

MMA President Donald Jacobs, MD, was quoted in a Medpage Today story on the Avera Marshall Supreme Court decision.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune quoted Michael Trangle, MD, in its series on mental illness treatment.

Member Dan Sampson, MD, is featured in a story in the Minneapolis Star Tribune regarding him and his wife's work in Mexico helping children born with cleft lips or palates.

Minnesota Medicine

January MN Med 2015

Package deal
Practices are turning to bundled pricing for certain procedures.

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Events

March 11, 2015 - Day at the Capitol (St. Paul)
April 25, 2015 - Health Policy Conference (Bloomington)

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