March 2025

Colorado physicians should be aware of an important change in Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements for medical license renewals. Starting with the 2027 renewal cycle, physicians will be required to complete at least 30 hours of approved AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ every two years. This new requirement, established by 2024 legislation, marks a significant shift in the state's approach to ongoing medical education.

It is important to note that the 30-hour CME requirement will not be implemented immediately. The Colorado Medical Board has not completed work on this issue yet and will host a stakeholder meeting to discuss the proposed new rule. This meeting will be on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. View the meeting notice here.

The implementation is set for the 2027 renewal cycle, giving physicians ample time to prepare for this new obligation. Until then, physicians should continue to follow their current CME practices, and any existing requirements set by their specialty boards, which often exceed this upcoming state mandate. Additionally, physicians should be mindful of the separate requirement to complete two hours of substance use disorder training for each license renewal period, which is already in effect. For full details regarding medical license renewals go to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations website. Watch for future updates from CMS.

There are still opportunities 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 through the link below.

How are the changes in the practice environment affecting your practice? What does it mean for the profession of medicine in Colorado? How does that compare to other states? We need input from your physicians! 

CMS is partnering with the American Medical Association on a survey to help identify specific pressures faced by physicians—including commercial payer practices and other environmental/market factors—that may nudge physicians into alternate practice arrangements such as private equity (PE).

Looking at independent practice owners, employees, physicians in PE arrangements, and former practice owners-turned-employees or physicians in PE arrangements, the survey aims to gauge the impact of specific payer practices on physician practices, as well as to discover reasons why practice owners might enter alternate financing arrangements.

It also touches on the nature of the practice environment within such arrangements. Results will be used to inform how CMS can best support physicians across different practice arrangements in a time of increased consolidation in health care.

The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) has announced that OptumInsight (Optum) will be the new vendor for the Provider Services Call Center, effective May 1, 2025.

The Provider Services Call Center answers questions about enrollment, billing, payment, member eligibility verification, the provider web portal and more from providers who serve Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plans Plus (CHP+) members.

What providers should know:

News updates will continue to be shared in the Provider Bulletin. Not subscribed to the Provider Bulletin? Sign up here!

The Colorado Medical Society launched a new benefit for members, their spouses, and now their practice staff: a simplified issue life insurance + long-term care benefit through Transamerica! 

Watch the on-demand recording of a launch webinar that takes you through the importance of having this coverage and the unique offering now available. CMS-member physicians who work full time can get rates locked in based on current age, and spouses are eligible to enroll. Now small groups within a practice that includes a member physician are also eligible. 

Enrollment is open on a rolling basis; calculate your cost in seconds using the handy calculator on the enrollment page.