CMS to hold webinars for providers on updates to the Physician Compare website The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will host a series of one-hour webinars about recent updates to the Physician Compare website and future plans for public reporting, including benchmark and star ratings. The Affordable Care Act required CMS to create a website that would allow consumers to search for and compare physicians and other health care professionals who provide Medicare services. That site—the "Physician Compare" website, initially launched in 2010—provides contact information, specialties and clinical training, hospital affiliations, and group practice information. In 2014, the website also began phasing ... February 1, 2016 Medicare CMS, Medicare, Webinars, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 0 0 Comment Read More »
IMQ offers free online training course on child abuse and neglect Over 1.5 million children in California suffer at least two instances of childhood abuse and neglect, according to a report by the nonprofit Children Now. There has also been a 3 percent increase in abuse nationally, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In an effort to prevent more childhood trauma, the California Medical Association's Institute for Medical Quality (IMQ) is offering a free online course to help physicians recognize and report child abuse and neglect. This interactive course, approved for 1.25 continuing ... February 1, 2016 General Continuing Medical Education, Institute for Medical Quality, Maternal and Child Health, CME, IMQ 0 0 Comment Read More »
CDC issues clinical guidelines for possible congenital Zika virus infection The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued interim guidelines for health care providers in the evaluation, testing and management of infants with possible congenital Zika virus infection. The guidelines, developed in conjunction with the American Academy of Pediatrics, were published in the January 26 issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Zika virus is a mosquito-borne infectious disease primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes, which also transmit dengue and chikungunya viruses, are found throughout much of the Americas, including parts of the United States. The ... February 1, 2016 General Public Health, CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 0 0 Comment Read More »
CMA President's Message: Thinking big to save lives On January 1, 2016, a California Medical Association (CMA) co-sponsored law went into effect that will help protect the health of California’s children and communities by eliminating the personal belief exemption from school immunization requirements. As a physician who has a vested interest in the advancement of California’s public health efforts, I can’t think of a better way to start 2016. With the new year underway, I’m thrilled to stand with you all, as your CMA president, during what will surely be an exciting time for the future of health care ... February 1, 2016 General Physician Leadership, Political Advocacy, Save Lives California, Election, President's Message 0 0 Comment Read More »
