Top Stories
Total Cost of Care Increases by 5.6 Percent
The total cost of medical care in Minnesota for commercially insured patients increased 5.6 percent from 2014 to 2015, according to data released Oct. 12 by MN Community Measurement. This data comes from 120 medical groups, representing 1,030 clinics across Minnesota and neighboring states. Read more here.
St. Cloud Medical Groups Kick Off Dementia Campaign
On Oct. 11, the Stearns Benton Medical Society and Central Minnesota Circle of Health kicked off their 2017-2018 public health campaign focusing on dementia care in the community. More than 80 physicians, nurses, public health workers and community members attended the event. Read more here.
Physicians Vote Less than Other Professionals
With the presidential election less than a month away, the MMA was curious to see whether physicians vote. As it turns out, the percentage who do was lower than expected. According to a 2007 study from Johns Hopkins Medical School, physicians have lower adjusted voting rates than lawyers, teachers and farmers. Read more here
Dinner with Legislators in Duluth Set for Nov. 16
The MMA will host a dinner with Duluth-area legislators, physicians, residents and medical students on Nov. 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Midi Restaurant at Fitger's Inn in Duluth. It's a great opportunity for physicians and physicians-in-training to share their views on political issues facing medicine in Minnesota with lawmakers who can make a difference. Confirmed legislators attending include Sen. Tony Lourey, Rep. Jennifer Schultz and Rep. Mary Murphy. To register, please visit: www.mnmed.org/duluthdinner.
MMA, AMA Provide Tools to Prepare for New Medicare Quality Payment Program
Although the new Medicare quality payment program created by the 2015 MACRA law doesn't take effect until 2019, physician practices are urged to prepare now. Performance on quality and other metrics in 2017 will serve as the basis for Medicare payments in 2019. Final program regulations and metrics will be released later this year and could involve new or different data collection requirements starting Jan. 1, 2017. To help members understand the new Medicare changes, the MMA has a comprehensive set of resources online. We also offer a no cost, in-person presentation to clinic leadership. The AMA also offers a MACRA website with useful information. Plus, here's a new link from the AMA on MACRA.
Save the Date: Day at the Capitol Set for Feb. 15, 2017
The MMA's annual Day at the Capitol event, at which physicians meet face to face with their state senator and representative to advocate for pro-medicine legislation, has been scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 15. Watch for more details. 
Minnesota Medicine

A look at how four specialties are using it.

On the go? Get the latest edition of Minnesota Medicine in one place. Read our Digital Edition.
Other MMA News
In Case You Missed It
Events
Mayo Clinical Reviews
Join Our Mailing List