Patient Care
No Surprises Act Updates
No Surprises Act Updates By: American Medical Association CMS announced today that it is has reopened the Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) portal for new single and bundled (but not batched) claims. Following the TMA III and TMA IV decisions, the IDR portal was suspended on August 3 for all claims, and on September 21, the…
Read MoreCOVID-19: Updated mRNA Vaccines for Patients 6 Months & Older
COVID-19: Updated mRNA Vaccines for Patients 6 Months & Older September 14, 2023 On September 11, the FDA approved and authorized for emergency use updated Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines formulated to more closely target currently circulating variants and provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. These vaccines have been updated to include a monovalent (single)…
Read More2023 MedChi Legislative Report
MedChi Monthly Legislative Report 2023 (September) Bills Effective October 1, 2023 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Senate Bill 213/House Bill 278: Health Occupations – Clinical Nurse Specialists – Prescribing allows Clinical Nurse Specialists to prescribe. Senate Bill 375/House Bill 453: State Board of Physicians – Inactive and Emeritus Status allows certain physicians who no longer actively…
Read MoreMontgomery County Board Vacancies
Montgomery County Board Vacancies Apply Online at Links Below County Executive Marc Elrich is committed to representation on all of the County’s boards, committees, and commissions that is reflective of, and responsive to, our County’s residents. Public participation contributes to the work of County government and provides an important service to the community when…
Read MorePrivate Equity Investment in Your Medical Practice: Is it Right for You and Your Patients?
Private Equity Investment in Your Medical Practice: Is it Right for You and Your Patients? by Susan D’Antoni Medical practices are hot commodities these days especially in particular specialties, like dermatology and ophthalmology. Investment companies, large for-profit corporations, insurance companies and hospitals are recognizing there is profit to be made from investing in or acquiring…
Read MorePrescribing Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder Just Got Easier
Prescribing Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder Just Got Easier Maryland’s healthcare teams, with support from the Maryland Department of Health, play a crucial role in tackling the opioid crisis by offering access to buprenorphine. Buprenorphine, a proven treatment for opioid use disorder, is an important tool for preventing overdose. Despite the overwhelming evidence for buprenorphine’s…
Read MoreEQIP Open to Additional Specialties; September 1 Enrollment Deadline
EQIP Open to Additional Specialties; September 1 Enrollment Deadline The Episode Quality Improvement Program (EQIP) is designed to bring to specialists the benefits of Maryland’s value-based care model. MedChi is leading efforts to connect physician practices with the incentive payments made available by this program. First, we want to make sure you’re aware of the…
Read MoreThe Medical Reserve Corps Needs YOU!
The Medical Reserve Corps Needs YOU! Get ahead of potential disasters and be the first line of support for your community by joining the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Network. As a Maryland Responder, you’ll be part of a dedicated team of volunteers working to enhance public health infrastructure and emergency response capabilities, ensuring…
Read MorePhysician Member Perspective on National HIV/AIDs and Aging Awareness Day
National HIV/AIDs and Aging Awareness Day is September 18 and is one of fourteen nationally declared awareness days for HIV/AIDs. MCMS thanks physician member and past president Carolyn B. O’Conor, M.D. for sharing her perspective on this important topic of public health concern and patient care. Author: Carolyn O’Conor, M.D. Family Medicine – Comprehensive…
Read MoreSmoking Cessation during COVID-19: Use Trends and Opportunities
Tobacco cessation has long been a key public health aim. It can only be considered more critical now during the pandemic, as smoking has long been known to hamper immune system responses, especially with regards to pulmonary diseases and infections. With calls to quitlines down 27% in 2020, we must ask: How has COVID-19 impacted rates…
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