The Colorado Medical Society is proud to deliver exclusive news to the inbox of CMS members and additional partners. Update your subscription preferences by contacting [email protected] |
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MultiPlan update: Federal antitrust case could impact Colorado physicians’ payments |
A major federal antitrust lawsuit now moving forward could have significant implications for how Colorado physicians are paid—particularly for out-of-network services by large commercial insurers. CMS is closely tracking this case and what it could mean for physician practices across the state, including potential financial recovery for past underpayments and broader accountability for unfair payer practices. Learn why this case matters, what progress has been made, and how CMS is working to keep you informed and protected.
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Join us next week for Legislative Night |
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It's not too late to register for Legislative Night, hosted by the Colorado Medical Society and your local component medical society. Physicians, medical students and legislators are invited. The event begins with an optional 4 p.m. session at the Capitol, during which Senator Kyle Mullica and Representative Lindsay Gilchrist will join us to share what to expect in their committees this legislative session. Introductions will be provided by Senator Dafna Michaelson-Jenet. Following will be a come-and-go happy hour at the University Club of Denver starting at 5:30 p.m. where you can meet and mingle with peers and elected officials.
There is no cost to attend and guests are welcome. Appetizers and drinks will be provided, and several parking options are available. |
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Register today for this CMS CME webinar, March 2, 6-7 p.m. |
Vaccine Communication Beyond Primary Care: What Every Clinician Should Know |
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| Physicians across all specialties are invited to join a timely webinar on Monday, March 2, 6-7 p.m., focused on strengthening communication on vaccines with patients in any care setting. Vaccine Communication Beyond Primary Care: What Every Clinician Should Know will feature David Higgins, MD, MPH, FAAP, a Colorado-based general pediatrician, preventive medicine specialist, and health services researcher who has practiced in both urban and rural communities in Colorado and Montana.
Drawing on his work in community-based interventions and vaccine delivery, Dr. Higgins will review the latest vaccine recommendations and policy updates—including key takeaways from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting scheduled for Feb. 25-27—and share practical, evidence-based messages physicians can use during a patient encounter. Attendees will leave with strategies to reinforce consistent, trusted vaccine messaging across specialties. |
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If you provide vaccines and are willing to share your experience publicly — with media, policymakers, and patients — we want to hear from you. There is a critical need right now for physicians who can speak directly to patient care realities, particularly those who are fluent in languages other than English, especially Spanish.
Your voice can help ensure patients receive accurate, trusted information and that policy decisions reflect real-world clinical practice. If you are willing to speak on behalf of your patients in a public setting, please respond to this email. |
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| The Colorado Medical Society is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. |
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AVAILABLE CREDITS/POINTS Credit Designation |
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The Colorado Medical Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
- The Colorado Medical Society designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 Hour(s) Attendance w/ No Credit. Participants should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
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Successful completion of this CME activity enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME requirement(s) of the American Board of Surgery's Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit. |
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Exclusive member benefits |
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Announcing a new member benefit: 10 percent tuition discount for KinderCare |
Work-life integration isn’t always easy for families—you could say child care is the glue that keeps all the pieces together. Colorado Medical Society is here to help you with the cost that comes with it. If you have a child ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, a new benefit exclusive to Colorado Medical Society members provides a 10% savings on full-time, part-time, and drop-in tuition at KinderCare centers near you, or with Champions extended-day learning programs at participating elementary schools. Find your location, and get the routine, stability, and peace of mind you need. Planning for summer? This discount also applies to Champions Champ Camp. |
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Prior authorization reform is in effect: How has it changed for your practice? |
Colorado’s prior authorization reform law went into effect Jan. 1, making prior authorization simpler, longer-lasting, and more transparent.
Physicians and practices can now expect: |
- One-year approvals for most services, three-year approvals for chronic medications.
- Protection for surgeons performing medically necessary related procedures.
- Public access to plan requirements and data.
- Programs that reward high-quality providers with fewer prior auth requirements.
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We want to know: Has your practice seen changes since Jan. 1? Are you having to educate your health plan representatives? Respond to this email with your experience. |
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Take action to stop health plan downcoding |
The Colorado Medical Society is collecting information from physicians to document downcoding by health plans and strengthen our advocacy with the Colorado Division of Insurance. Please take a few minutes to complete our survey; your input is critical to protecting appropriate reimbursement and patient access to complex care. CMS has already notified the Division of Insurance and sent formal letters to Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. Resources for your practice are available on the CMS members-only resource page. Log in with your email address or CMS member number to stay informed and access tools to protect your practice. |
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The Ludeman Family Center for Women’s Health Research at CU Anschutz is proud to host the 24th Annual Women’s Health Symposium on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, 1 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. This free event designed to meet the educational needs of health care professionals can be attended in-person or online and offers 4.75 CME and MOC credits. There will be six talks discussing important primary care/family medicine topics and promoting women’s health. For more information, registration and full CME accreditation information, please visit https://cvent.me/gb2gOw. Students and the general public who are interested in women’s health are also encouraged to attend.
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AMA Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship applications now open |
Are you a physician or resident seeking to advance your advocacy leadership skills to improve health outcomes in your community? Apply to join the fourth cohort of the Medical Justice in Advocacy Fellowship (MJAF) by March 16, 2026.
The MJAF fellowship, created by the American Medical Association (AMA), in collaboration with the Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), mobilizes physicians to be part of the next generation of advocacy leaders, driving meaningful policy changes that produce optimal health outcomes in the communities they serve.
Apply Today What to know before applying: |
- The fellowship is open to all physicians and residents who have a demonstrated interest in optimal health outcomes and health advocacy.
- The deadline to apply is March 16, 2026.
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The fourth cohort runs from Sept. 2026–Nov. 2027, and includes in-person sessions around the country (Atlanta, D.C., Chicago and Chula Vista, Calif.), as well as virtual sessions.
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For additional information regarding the fellowship, please contact [email protected]. |
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Your Care is at our Core: Did you know 91% of patients say a physician’s education and training are vital for optimal care? Colorado physicians want to spend time with patients, providing comprehensive, compassionate care. It’s at the core of their work. Learn more and share your story to be used in CMS publications.
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Save the date: CMS Annual Meeting in Vail, Sept. 18-19 |
Join colleagues from across Colorado in beautiful Vail for the Colorado Medical Society’s Annual Meeting, Sept. 18–19 — an experience designed to reconnect, recharge, and refocus on what matters most to physicians.
The meeting will feature timely education on issues shaping medical practice today, plus a Saturday night celebration honoring CMS members with dinner and entertainment. Don’t miss an unforgettable keynote from Tracee Metcalfe, MD, a Vail physician and world-class mountaineer — the first U.S. woman and third American to summit all 14 of the world’s highest mountains — who will share her extraordinary climbing journey alongside her powerful path to recovery through Colorado’s Physician Health Program.
This is your opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, earn valuable education, and strengthen connections with peers in an inspiring mountain setting. |
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CMS Community Marketplace |
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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! |
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Upcoming CMS meetings and events |
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All Colorado Medical Society committee meetings and events are open to all CMS members and you are welcome to attend! All are held via Zoom unless otherwise noted. Find a full list of events here: cms.org/events. Questions? Contact [email protected].
Registration is required for most meetings; non-members or those unable to be identified at the time of virtual meetings may be removed. Unsure if you are a CMS member? Contact [email protected]. |
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