Congressional Hearing Addresses Problem of Obesity

If we continue to deliver healthcare with our present system we will see an increase in cost of about one trillion dollars over the next 10 years. The health care/economic cost of obesity is projected to be about 147 billion dollars this year.

DMHC "Timely Access" Regulations

On January 17, the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) promulgated "timely access" regulations that HMOs and Blue Shield and Blue Cross plans must comply with by January 17, 2011. Physicians are rightly concerned that these regulations impose unrealistic requirements for seeing patients or responding to phone calls within certain timeframes. Importantly, these regulations are imposed on health plans; DMHC cannot penalize physicians for failing to comply.

Announcing the New SBCMS Website

A website should be a reflection of the company it represents. Not full of useless gadgets and widgets, or of needless material and endless content. But instead, contain valuable resources for its intended viewer. It was from this perspective that our Medical Society created a new website for our membership, the community at large and prospective members as well. As with any quality resource, we are committed to ongoing improvement and enhancement of our site. Therefore we welcome your input and ongoing commentary as we strive to provide you with the best service imaginable.

Public Health Tab to Hit Milestone

February 4, 2010 - 6:03pm
Government programs are projected to account for more than half of U.S. health-care spending by 2011, amid slower growth of private insurance and an influx into Medicaid.

What Happens If Nothing Happens?

February 4, 2010 - 9:34am
Barring a political miracle, we're going to learn the cost of doing nothing on health care—nothing significant to restrain cost increases, nothing to expand coverage. This, too, will be ugly and unpopular.

Health Official Cant Guarantee Openness in Talks

February 4, 2010 - 9:15am
Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of health and human services, said administration officials provided technical support to Congress, but did not control the negotiations on the health bill.

Senate Republicans Create Medicaid Fraud Task Force

February 4, 2010 - 7:29am
(New York,N.Y.)-Rampant abuse of the Medicaid system continues to drive up spending and taxes at the local and state levels and is costing New York taxpayers in the billions of dollars, said Senator Kenneth P. LaValle. In an effort to strengthen the

Obama Tries To Bridge Democratic Divide On Health Reform

February 4, 2010 - 7:23am
President Obama advanced this idea even as some think he's having a hard time holding Democrats together on a health bill.

What Costs $282 Million an Hour?

February 4, 2010 - 6:11am
In 2009, health spending as a share of GDP showed the biggest jump since 1960.

Teens' kidney function harmed by even low lead levels

February 4, 2010 - 5:01am
Concentrations below those considered elevated are still damaging, a study reports. The government is reducing lead levels in toys and the atmosphere, the CDC says.

Today's Opinions And Editorials

February 4, 2010 - 4:00am
Let's Work On Drug Costs And Premiums U.S. News & World Report Face it: Since most of the uninsured fall into the relatively healthy under-40 group, the current bills will force tens of millions of Americans to overpay for coverage, a juicy de

Health Care's Share of U.S. Economy Rose at Record Rate

February 3, 2010 - 9:05pm
Spending on health care represented 17.3 percent of G.D.P. in 2009, a record 1.1 percent increase over 2008.

Problems at D.C.-funded AIDS program also reported at homes for mentally ill

February 3, 2010 - 9:00pm
The founder of a city-funded AIDS program that recently closed amid reports of alleged fraud and neglect also operated eight facilities for the mentally ill that were racked for years by similar problems, city officials said.

Federal government sounds warning on health care costs

February 3, 2010 - 9:00pm
Federal government could be paying more than half of tab next year In a stark reminder of growing costs, the government estimated today that health care consumed a record 17.3 percent of all spending in the U.S. economy last year - or about $2.5 tril

Dems protect backroom deals

February 3, 2010 - 8:38pm
All but "Cornhusker Kickback" will likely stay.

Poll: Americans Doubtful Health Overhaul Will Pass

February 3, 2010 - 3:45pm
Following the special election in Massachusetts, most Americans do not think passage of health care legislation is likely, a new poll found. Still, optimism seems to be on the rise.

Trace of Thought Is Found in Vegetative Patient

February 3, 2010 - 3:05pm
Experts said a finding could raise ethical questions about consulting severely disabled patients on care.

Kinked Carotids

February 3, 2010 - 1:55pm
An 80-year-old woman presented with congestive heart failure due to aortic insufficiency associated with a markedly dilated ascending aorta. On physical examination, she was noted to have a pulsatile mass ...

Oral Fingolimod or Intramuscular Interferon for Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

February 3, 2010 - 1:55pm
In this 12-month trial involving patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, oral fingolimod was more effective than intramuscular interferon beta-1a in reducing relapse rates. Adverse events associated with fingolimod included herpesvirus

Merced County in CA Struggles with Therapy Demands, Budget Cuts

February 3, 2010 - 1:00pm
A GoodTherapy.org News Headline Like many communities across the nation, Merced, situated in central California, has been hit hard by the financial downturn ravaging the global markets. Yet in this particular community, home foreclosures have been pa

Senate Dem Blasts Obama Budget

February 3, 2010 - 12:29pm
In a classic case of vote your district, Democratic Senator Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia expressed strong objections to President Barack Obamas fiscal year 2011 budget in todays Senate Finance Committee hearing. Rockefeller was very unhappy with

California Turf War: Anesthesiologists vs. Nurses

February 3, 2010 - 11:55am
The fight centers over 2001 Medicare rules that physicians supervise the administering of anesthesia

Obama Continues Policy Outreach to Republicans

February 3, 2010 - 11:46am
The White House wants to force Republicans to make compromises or be portrayed as obstructionist.
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SBCMS Member Benefits

Discounts on Professional Liability Insurance

NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company, a professional liability carrier, offers a 5% Loss Prevention Discount to solo practice and physicians practicing in small groups of 2-4. Contact NORCAL at 877-443-7232 or http://www.norcalmutual.com.

Need Help in Getting Your Claims Paid?

Call CMA's reimbursement help line at 888-401-5911.

CMA On-Call

An online library with over 4,500 pages of legal information on a variety of subjects of everyday importance to practicing physicians at http://www.cmanet.org/member

SBCMS Important Events

CMA Leadership Academy

April 9-11
San Diego Marriott. Register through SBCMS for early-bird and group discounts.

Southern California Medical Museum Open House

April 25 @ 2:00 pm
The Needle Versus the Pox, call 951-787-7700 to register.

CMA Legislative Day

April 27
Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sacramento. Call Lucy Garcia, 951-787-7700 for details.

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