March 5, 2025

The latest Colorado Medicine features voices from physicians and staff of health care safety net clinics that are nearing financial crisis. These clinics care for low-income and rural Coloradans across the state and are facing devastating decisions due to lower funding from Medicaid disenrollments and increased rates of uninsured, coupled with the rising cost of running a practice and many other factors. 

Also in this issue: 

The Colorado Medical Society is pleased to launch a new newsletter for members only that delivers a regular inside look into what's happing at the Colorado Capitol and beyond. Insiders' Edge contains insight from our dynamic lobbyist duo, Jerry Johnson and Dan Jablan, plus the latest updates on priority bills and other rumblings from hot topics that may or may not be in the health care realm -- but certainly can affect calendars, bill sponsors and other parts of the legislative ecosystem. This opt-in for our super advocates who want more than our monthly Policy Pulse e-newsletter that goes to all members. Opt in here!

As you know, late last year Congressional inaction led to another round of physician payment cuts, this time to the tune of 2.83% that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, marking the fifth consecutive year that Medicare physician payment has been cut.

Kicking the can down the road has occurred the past few years, but the end of that road is fast approaching – the current government funding package is set to expire on March 14 and this may be the last, best opportunity to include much needed payment relief to help stabilize physician practices and ensure access to high quality care their patients deserve.  

Urgent action needed – please join the thousands of physicians from across the country who have already taken action by contacting your members of Congress today and urging them to include the "Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act" (H.R. 879) in the next spending package!

Last month, a bipartisan group of legislators reintroduced the "Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act" (H.R. 879). If passed, this legislation would take effect April 1 and prospectively cancel the 2.83% payment cut that went into effect on Jan. 1, while also providing a 2.0% payment update. This would help to stabilize physician practices and protect patients' access to care. Please contact your members of Congress today and urge them to support including H.R. 879 in the next spending package before it's too late!

Sessions remain in March and April for physicians to complete two free, 1-hour CME presentations regarding opioids live via Zoom. Medical providers may use these presentations to meet the two hours of training requirements as stated by the Colorado Medical Board for licensure renewal in 2025. All Colorado physicians can attend these sessions and attest to the training even if you are not insured with Copic. View more information and accreditation here.

The 10th Annual Chronic Liver Disease Seminars, jointly provided by the Colorado Medical Society and SC Liver Research Consortium, offer a comprehensive educational series on liver diseases. The program includes nine live events nationwide and an enduring material course, each offering up to 10 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. The curriculum covers:

The enduring material course launches on Feb. 21, 2025. Live seminars will be held in Louisville, Chicago, Philadelphia, Costa Mesa, Miami, New Orleans, Houston, Cincinnati and Pasadena. Access registration links through the buttons below.

As a medical professional, planning for the future is crucial, not just for your patients but for your own well-being and that of your loved ones. Simplified issue life insurance with a long-term care benefit can be a valuable addition to your financial plan. Read on for seven reasons to purchase life insurance with a long-term care benefit.

This is an exclusive benefit for actively practicing CMS members, offered in partnership with Copic Financial and BuddyIns.

Do you have a position open at your practice? Space to sub-let? Selling your practice? Place a job board or classified ad with CMS! Members receive the first month free. Contact [email protected] for more information!