Nov. 6, 2025

The Colorado Medical Society has teamed up with Immunize Colorado to present a workshop on motivational interviewing. The purpose is to understand the history of anti-vaccine sentiments and the current vaccination coverage landscape in Colorado, and learn how to apply motivational interviewing strategies to address common misconceptions and engage hesitant individuals, adapting these conversations to their cultural background.

This program will be presented virtually. If you are interested in bringing this training to your practice for a live session, please respond to this email. Ideal group size is eight, but larger groups of physicians and staff can be accommodated.

Credit Designation:
The Colorado Medical Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Accreditation Statement:
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Colorado Medical Society and Immunize Colorado. The Colorado Medical Society is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

This is not a typical respiratory season. Patients face new barriers to vaccination – confusion about updated recommendations, insurance coverage challenges, and misinformation. As reported in the last issue of CMS's ASAP e-newsletter, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) hosted an expert panel to discuss best practices for help increase vaccination uptake for flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumococcal disease.

Leaders from the NFID, American Medical Association, American Nurses Association, and American Pharmacists shared their personal experiences and expertise. Here are a few key takeaways:

For more resources and to watch the full briefing, visit the NFID website.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Colorado’s prior authorization reform law — HB24-1149 — takes effect. This new law, achieved through dedicated Colorado Medical Society advocacy, streamlines approvals, improves transparency, and reduces administrative burdens that delay patient care. 

Key changes include:

CMS will share more information as the implementation date nears, letting you know how these reforms will reduce burdens on your practice and patients. 

The Colorado Medical Society joined the American Medical Association and many other state medical societies and state/national specialty societies in signing a joint letter to Congress supporting H.R. 4002, the Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation would lift restrictions on the creation and expansion of physician-owned hospitals — a step that would empower physicians to innovate, expand access to care, and introduce much-needed competition in highly consolidated health care markets. Organized medicine is advocating for solutions that put patients and physicians, not corporate interests, at the center of care delivery.

The Pulmonary and Allergy Update highlights insights and recent advances in pulmonary medicine, asthma, allergy and immunology, presented by faculty from the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. Colorado Medical Society members receive discounted registration fees at: nationaljewish.org/PAU2026CMS

If you missed the live discussion on how H.R. 1 will reshape health care financing, you can now watch the recording and earn CME credit. CMS President Brigitta Robinson, MD, and Chief Strategy Officer Chet Seward explain how shifting funding responsibility from the federal government to the states could affect Colorado’s health care delivery and payment systems — and what physicians need to know as key provisions take effect.

Credit Designation
The Colorado Medical Society designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The Colorado Medical Society designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.75 Hour(s) Attendance w/ No Credit. Participants should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

In recent years physicians have faced reputational challenges brought on by broader frustrations with the health care system. Recognizing the need to better understand and address these challenges, the American Medical Association’s Advocacy Resource Center conducted extensive opinion research and found that Americans want to see more of their physicians.

89% of national voters agree that the doctor-patient relationship is central to health care – but structural factors have habituated them to the idea that physicians are hard to schedule and that they are forced to spend too little time with them.

As a result, Your Care is at our Core was developed directly from these research findings and was created to elevate the message of what drives physicians: trust, empathy, compassion, and time caring and fighting for their patients.

Since its launch in January 2024, more than half of state medical associations -- including the Colorado Medical Society -- have chosen to participate in Your Care is at our Core. Together, we’re using campaign messaging and materials to elevate physician’s reputations, fight legislative battles, and amplify the patient-physician relationship.

Dues invoices for Colorado Medical Society members for individual physicians and practices who have opted into group billing have been sent. All invoices are due Dec. 31, 2025 for the membership period ending Dec. 31, 2026. Pay early to ensure you have no disruption in benefits – especially if you are Copic insured and benefit from the significant discount in medical liability insurance! If you have updates to your contact information or billing contact, please contact our membership department at 720-859-1001 or [email protected].

It is strict CMS policy that your personal information is never sold or shared.

Starting your career after residency can feel overwhelming, but the right preparation sets the stage for long-term success. In this webinar, Panacea Financial will guide you through your first steps, from understanding contracts and compensation to tackling essential tasks before day one. Learn how to set up a solid financial foundation, manage loans, secure the right insurance, and plan for both career and financial growth. Join to gain practical strategies for building the career you want.

Mary Jo Heins is a former medical practice manager. As an independent Medicare insurance agent, she now helps people with all facets of Medicare – objectively and fee free.

720-484-6946   

www.medicareinsurancehelp.com

Medicare Insurance Help – Be Medicare CONFIDENT

Volunteer physicians needed to care for Colorado’s uninsured

Clinica Colorado in Adams County is seeking volunteer physicians to help provide primary care to uninsured and underserved patients, many of whom are Spanish-speaking. The clinic offers flexible onboarding and scheduling to make volunteering accessible for active and retired physicians alike. Retired physicians may also qualify for Copic’s volunteer liability coverage.

If you’re interested in giving back to your community, Clinica Colorado—and other safety-net clinics through the Colorado Safety Net Collaborative—would welcome your support. Contact Vanessa Vergara, FNP-BC, Clinica Colorado medical director at 720-443-8461 or [email protected]. Visit their website to learn more about their work at www.clinicacolorado.org.

Do you have a position open at your practice? Space to sub-let? Selling your practice? Place a CMS Community Marketplace ad! CMS members receive the first month free. Contact [email protected] for more information!