Report from the CMS Board of Directors: Year End Review |
Report from the CMS Board of Directors |
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Today the Colorado Medical Society Board of Directors met to advance your priorities and those of the patients you serve. We reviewed our accomplishments from the past year and set an ambitious agenda for 2026 – one centered on strengthening your practice environment, elevating physician leadership, and expanding the value of CMS membership. Looking Ahead: How Our Work in 2026 Will Support You
In 2026 and beyond, CMS will: |
- Advance strong, physician-led advocacy on issues that directly impact your ability to care for patients.
- Deepen member engagement, with expanded opportunities for medical students, residents, and fellows to help build the future physician workforce.
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Reinforce public trust in medicine through effective communication and coalition building.
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We cannot do this work alone. CMS continues to form key partnerships with organizations across the health care landscape to amplify your voice and extend your impact.
Advocacy to Protect Your Practice and Your Patients |
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2026 Legislative Session: Protecting professional (peer) review remains a top priority, as does reauthorizing the Medical Practice Act. These efforts safeguard your clinical autonomy and ensure high standards for patient care.
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Navigating fiscal challenges: With the state facing an estimated $850 million budget shortfall, CMS will work to ensure that physician practices and patient care remain protected as policymakers make difficult funding decisions.
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Direct Support for Your Practice Outside legal counsel John Conklin briefed the Board on: |
- Prior authorization reforms taking effect in 2026 – changes that should reduce administrative burden and help you spend more time with patients.
- Problematic downcoding practices by certain insurers, which have resulted in inappropriate payment reductions. CMS will soon share tools outlining your legal rights and steps you can take to protect your reimbursement.
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New Member Benefit: On-Demand CME Library
CMS is launching a members-only enduring CME library (login required), making it easier to access quality education on your schedule. We welcome your input—simply reply to this email with topics you’d find valuable.
Colorado Physicians Leading Nationally Your elected Colorado Delegation represented you at the AMA Interim Meeting. |
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The Delegation successfully advanced a resolution supporting USAID.
- Colorado physicians also continue to serve in key AMA leadership roles, including Carolynn Francavilla, MD; Jan Kief, MD; Tamaan Osbourne-Roberts, MD; and Jacob Altholz, MD.
- Our state’s medical students, residents, and fellows were especially energized, signaling strong future engagement in CMS.
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2025: A Year of Impact for You |
- Advocacy: CMS tracked 62 bills and helped pass policies that expanded patient access, strengthened physician wellbeing, improved practice sustainability, and protected physician-led care.
- Membership growth: CMS welcomed more members in 2025 – and we are building on this momentum.
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Member services: CMS delivered 250 hours of CME, continued confidential support through Doc2Doc, and provided timely communications to keep you informed.
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You’ll find a full recap of 2025 wins for members in the next ASAP e-newsletter. Your Voice Drove Board Action
Thank you to everyone who voted through Central Line, your platform for shaping CMS policy. The Board acted on a Central Line proposal at this meeting, and you will receive a follow-up communication next week with the rationale for our decision and asking you to vote whether we “got it right.” If you need help accessing Central Line, please contact [email protected].
As I reflect on this first Board meeting of the year, I am energized by what lies ahead for our society and for Colorado physicians. My goal is to inspire deeper engagement and continued growth of our physician community.
If you have not yet renewed your membership, I encourage you to do so. And I invite each of you to recruit two new CMS members in the new year – every new voice strengthens our ability to advocate and deliver meaningful benefits.
Thank you for the countless ways you show up for your patients, your communities, and each other. I welcome your thoughts on this meeting and on CMS priorities for 2026. Reply to this email or contact [email protected] anytime. Warm regards, |
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Brigitta Robinson, MD FACS
CMS President |
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