The LACMA & CMA represent the voices of more than 44,000 physicians state-wide
The time has come for LACMA to focus on physicians in private practice. That is why we launched a campaign to provide an entire suite of new services specifically designed for independent physicians. We know how hard all physicians work to take care of patients. Let LACMA take care of you.
-Gustavo Friederichsen, CEO, Los Angeles County Medical Association
PREMISE | The Medical Practice Makeover Initiative is more than a slogan. It’s a promise to small, independent medical practices that meet certain criteria, that help is on the way in the form of $5,000 grants, robust resources, PPE supplies, staff support for 20 practices in early 2022, with practice transformation consultancy, offered free of charge for 30 practices starting in early 2022.
20 small practices will receive $5,000 grant + practice transformation assessment, guidance and resources (5 practices in each season of 2022, Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall)
8 additional practices will receive practice free transformation assessment, guidance and resources
Q: How much is LACMA giving to qualified medical practices?
A: In September 2021, the LACMA board of directors approved $100,000 to be used for $5,000 grants to be distributed to small, independent medical practices. Twenty practices overall will benefit from the effort.
Q: How do practices qualify for the grants?
A: Practices need to apply and meet the following criteria:
Practice must be located in Los Angeles County
All physicians within the practice must be LACMA members in good standing
Practice does not have any legal liabilities, judgments, liens, or medical board investigations
Practice must agree to:
Site visit(s) from LACMA staff.
Provide data on how funds will be used (i.e. 20% supplies, 50% salaries, 30% equipment). This information will be compiled and used to evaluate future LACMA initiatives.
Videotaping/interviews to capture impact
A 90-day follow up assessment to chronicle outcome and impact.
Additional consideration will be given to practices that:
Serve a severely impacted community due to COVID-19.
Laid off or furloughed staff due to COVID-19
Closed or reduced hours
Demonstrate, validate economic hardship.
Practice has fewer than 10 providers.
Q: How are practices selected for grants?
A: LACMA staff will first develop the database of applicants, like the Rapid Response initiative of 2020 when more than 500 practices populated a database. Staff will review each application and compile recommended finalists. Finalists will be reviewed by a four-physician review team and select five practices per quarter (season).
Q: When will the initiative kick-off?
A: Target date or ‘virtual open enrollment’ will commence November 15th thru December 15th, 2021 (subject to change). In early January 2022, the Physician Review Committee consisting of solo and small practice physicians will review final applicants pre-screened by LACMA staff, CMA, and consultants.
Q: Is LACMA providing medical practice transformation assistance as well?
A: In January 2022, LACMA will kick off the second phase of the Medical Practice Makeover Initiative, the practice assessment portion which will provide free practice assessments for 8 additional practices who are not grant recipients.
Q: What does a practice assessment entail?
A: A practice transformation expert will assess your practice for any deficiencies around finance, operations and technology and provide solutions to help you build on the success of your practice by arming your staff with the tools and resources needed to grow and thrive.
Q: How do practices qualify for the assessment?
A: Practices can apply for 1) Grants and/or 2) Free Assessment. Thirty practices will be selected in 2022 to participate.
Q: What are the criteria for getting the free assessment?
A: Criteria:
Practice meets 75% of grant criteria (location, membership, economic hardship, underserved communities etc.)
Practice is interested in exploring possible operational workflow efficiencies in patient scheduling, accounts receivable, other workflows, patient satisfaction/experience.
Q: Will practices not selected for grants, qualify for free practice transformation assessments?
A: Yes. Depending on practice response (as part of the application process), each practice could be eligible for the free assessment. The key prerequisite is that all physicians in the practice must be LACMA members to qualify.
Q: How will LACMA guard against fraud? Misuse of funds?
A: LACMA will conduct a site visit of each finalist and meet with staff and provider (s) to assess medical practice setting, community, patient population and needs. LACMA will then conduct pre-interview (award phase) and post-award interviews to collect data on use of funds and impact. LACMA will develop an annual summary of 20 practices (i.e., “before and after”) and 30 practices (i.e., how the assessment and tools expertise impacts reimbursement, workflows, outcomes, patient experience).
Q: How will practices learn about the program?
A: LACMA will email all member practices about the opportunities (2021/2022: Phase 1: Grant driven, 2022: Phase 2: Assessment driven). Non-members will receive information as well on how to first join LACMA to be eligible.
Q: When will the campaign begin?
A: Now that the LACMA Board of Directors has approved the funding of $100,000+$50,000 for consulting respectively, staff will assemble various assets (digital, email language, application), review, test, and deploy the week of November 15th. Several emails will be launched (as Rapid Response showed many went to “junk” mail).
Q: Will the campaign be “one and done”?
A: No. There are 4 application cycles:
Winter 2021/2022
Applications open November 15, 2021-January 12, 2022 | Recipients announced late January, 2022
Spring 2022 (Applications open March 1, 2022-April 1, 2022)
Summer 2022 (Applications open June 1, 2022-July 1, 2022)
Fall 2022 (Applications open August 1, 2022-September 1, 2022)
*Returning applicants must re-apply each quarter.
Quarter 1 deadline: January 12, 2022
Quarter 2 deadline: March 16, 2022
Quarter 3 deadline: June 15, 2022
Quarter 4 deadline: September 14, 2022
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Practice Support
Lockton Affinity CAP: Malpractice Coverage and Risk Management CMA: Reimbursement Assistance
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