Tuesday Rx January 16, 2018 January 16, 2018 Monday RX 1148 Special Edition of the Monday Message to Membership The flu epidemic has reached catastrophic levels with one doctor stating, "The emergency room at UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica typically treats about 140 patients a day, but at least one day this week we had more than 200 patients — mostly because of the flu, said the ER's medical director, Dr. Wally Ghurabi. Dr. Ghurabi added: "The Northridge earthquake was the last time we saw over 200 patients." Health officials said recently that 27 people younger than 65 have died of the flu in California since October, compared with three at the same time last year. Nationwide and in California, flu activity spiked sharply in late December and continues to grow. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is convening a conference call this week for healthcare providers (HCP) to provide Influenza updates on the dates below. An agenda will be provided prior to each respective call. Date: January 17, 2018 Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM PST Participant Dial-in number: 866-233-3852 Participant Passcode: 442985 Date: January 31, 2018 Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM PST Participant Dial-in number: 866-233-3852 Participant Passcode: 442986 Date: February 14, 2018 Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM PST Participant Dial-in number: 866-233-3852 Participant Passcode: 442987 Date: February 28, 2018 Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM PST Participant Dial-in number: 866-233-3852 Participant Passcode: 442988 Two recent articles in the Los Angeles Times illustrate the human toll of the flu crisis: http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-ln-flu-surge-20180106-htmlstory.html http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-flu-shot-20180105-htmlstory.html State Budget Proposal Governor Brown released his state budget proposal for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. General Fund revenues are up $5.9 billion as compared to the 2017 Budget Act. Because of a "healthy, one-time surplus" the Administration proposes to fund several key priorities including: A $3.5B supplemental deposit to fully fund the state's Rainy Day Fund (established by Prop.2) bringing fund total to $13.5B. A full implementation of the Local Control Funding Formula with $3B in new funding for K-12 schools. Additional funding for an online community college to provide opportunities for Californians to improve their work skills and prospects. The Administration has sustained its commitment to maintain Proposition 56 funding to provide supplemental payments for Medi-Cal providers in the 2018-19 budget. The Governor's Budget includes $2 billion ($650 million state funds plus a federal match) for provider payments, with $1.3 billion ($417 million state funds plus a federal match) earmarked for physicians. Overall Medi-Cal General Fund expenditures are expected to total $21.6 billion in 2018-19, an 11-percent increase from 2017-18, while caseload remains relatively flat at 13.5 million beneficiaries. Bottom line: $2B for provider payments and $1.3B for physician payments. Now that the Governor has released his proposal, the budget subcommittees in both houses of the Legislature will hold hearings over the next few months to deliberate the issues. CMA and LACMA will be active in advocating for our budget priorities, including the full restoration of Proposition 56 GME funding. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. There is Still Time to Renew Your Membership Membership renewals were due by December 31st, but there is still time before your membership is dropped! Renew NOW! Saving Private Practice Consortium 2.0 March 3, 2018 9 AM - 3 PM Registration Now Open! You are invited to attend the 2nd annual Saving Private Practice Consortium. Become armed with tools and resources you need to run an efficient and successful practice. Industry experts will be available for personal one-on-one consults and breakout sessions to help solve your most pressing pain points. This event is more than a networking opportunity; it's a chance for physicians in solo and small practices to get real help so they can thrive, not simply survive. This is a FREE event for physicians and practice administrators!