As we enter the final throes of the year there is much to be optimistic about while we remain focused on issues that could impact providers and patients alike. Blue Shield Collaboration  LACMA President Dr. C. Freeman, board member Dr. Hector Flores, LACMA member Dr. Toni Johnson Chavis, Dr. Efrain …

Helping Members with Financial Literacy As LACMA continues to explore ways to help providers thrive in their respective practice models, financial assistance, from low-interest loans to student debt help, is a top priority, particularly for those providers serving vulnerable populations in diverse communities. In order to properly assess your needs, …

The past two weeks I’ve shared information related to gun violence as a public health issue in the U.S., specifically in the Los Angeles region and most recently in Thousand Oaks. The NRA told doctors to stay in their lanes. I asked membership to weigh in and below are some …

Season’s Greetings! I hope you found time to rest, share and connect with friends and family, especially after two profound tragedies struck our community. As most physicians know, there is a dispute between the National Rifle Association and the medical community.  Physicians released an editorial recently saying they disagree with the …

With Sincere Gratitude On behalf of the entire LACMA organization, I wish all physicians, both members and nonmembers alike, a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday this week. As always, we are grateful for our members who are constantly working to improve healthcare in our local communities and thankful for all that you …

Winston Churchill once said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Those words are emblematic of the past two weeks. The shooting in Thousand Oaks, which took the lives of twelve innocent victims and impacted countless more, physically and emotionally, followed by the wildfires resulting in more casualties and loss …

LACMA’s Patient Care Foundation Annual Los Angeles Healthcare Awards Twenty-five days until the Los Angeles Healthcare Awards hosted by the Patient Care Foundation and much progress is being made with honorees, sponsors and event logistics. This year’s event will be on November 30th at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. …

Remembering Dr. Jack McCleary I don’t usually begin with unfortunatenews but wanted to share that Dr. Jack McCleary, passed away on September 22. He was 91 years old. Dr. McCleary was a dermatologist who helped thousands of patients over the more than 60 years in practice serving the Sherman Oaks …

When members and even non-members ask about the value of membership, I usually share the three key areas of support: practice, personal and strategic (organizational). In other words, the LACMA value proposition is not a “one size fits all”scenario. Independent physician practices have unique needs. Health systems, IPAs andmedical groups …

MIPS Scores Deadline Looming Normally I don’t begin the Monday Message with critical dates to remember. That said, I’m breaking from tradition since October is both important and historic. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released 2017 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) performance scores and payment adjustment information for the …