SSV Medical Society News - 2026 - Volume 15 - Issue 04 Upcoming Events, Latest News, and More MEDICAL SOCIETY NEWS STAY CURRENT WITH IMPORTANT MEMBER-ONLY NEWS AND INFORMATION THANK YOU FOR YOUR SSVMS/CMA MEMBERSHIP PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE The Defense of Science The recent federal ruling on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is a reminder that science and medicine require strong, informed voices at every level. When those voices are absent, decisions risk drifting away from evidence and toward uncertainty. That is why advocacy matters everywhere. It matters when we join colleagues from across the region for Cap-to-Cap with the Sacramento Metro Chamber. It matters when we stand alongside physicians statewide at the California Medical Association’s Legislative Advocacy Day. And it matters just as much at the local level, where impactful public health decisions are often made without major news coverage. Our local Boards of Supervisors make decisions that directly shape the health of our communities. Showing up to offer informed, science-based perspectives during public comment is one of the most immediate and impactful ways we can lead. SSVMS invites you to share your experiences during public comment and highlight the importance of policies based on data and not politics. Message lelsharif@ssvms.org to participate! Use your voice. Your patients and your community are counting on it. Thank you! Rick Vitangcol, MD SSVMS President I'm Defending Science! SSV MEDICINE MAGAZINE FEATURED ARTICLE Doctor's Bags, X-Ray Machines, and an Iron Lung - Oh My! By Bob LaPerriere, MD Read SSV Medicine Practice Management CMS to require use of new Advance Beneficiary Notice starting May 13 DHCS to require diagnosis codes on all pharmacy claims beginning fall 2026 See More In The News Reminder: DHCS will soon enforce Medi-Cal prescriber enrollment requirement Anthem extends pause on E/M downcoding policy through May 1 CMA opposes dangerous ballot measure threatening community health clinics CMA opposes misguided ballot measure that threatens patient care Bipartisan bill would exempt physicians from $100,000 H-1B visa filing fee Federal judge blocks changes to childhood vaccine recommendations Anthem to implement controversial out-of-network penalty policy in California CMA joins legal effort to protect immigrant children in ICE custody CMA sponsors bill to protect patients from "deepfake doctor" scams See More UPCOMING CMA/SSVMS WEBINARS AND EVENTS April 8, 2026 CMA Legislative Advocacy Day April 8, 2026 Monthly Meetup – El Dorado Hills April 8, 2026 Monthly Meetup – Newcastle April 11, 2026 Second Saturday at the Museum of Medical History April 14, 2026 CMA Webinar: Virtual Grand Rounds: Psychedelic Therapy - What we Do and Don't Know April 25, 2026 Speed Mentoring Brunch May 7, 2026 SSVMS Editorial Committee Meeting May 9, 2026 Second Saturday at the Museum of Medical History May 11, 2026 SSVMS Board of Directors Meeting May 12, 2026 Fentanyl & Beyond: A Community Response Summit May 12, 2026 Shaping Your Future: Residents Social May 13, 2026 Spring Surge May 13, 2026 Monthly Meetup – El Dorado Hills May 13, 2026 Monthly Meetup – Newcastle May 19, 2026 CMA Webinar: Understanding the Impact of Patient Nonadherence on Clinical Outcomes and Malpractice Claims See More CMA Questionnaire Response Thank you to all who shared feedback in CMA’s recent questionnaire on administrative burdens in your practices! Key concerns included increased downcoding by health plans, ongoing challenges with prior authorization, and the growing volume of mandated training and CME requirements—each contributing to rising costs, staff strain, and delays in patient care. In response, SSVMS and CMA are advancing targeted solutions, including sponsoring AB 2431 to prohibit automatic downcoding, implementing last year’s prior authorization reforms to improve transparency and timeliness, and continuing to oppose unnecessary CME mandates that do not enhance patient outcomes. SSVMS and CMA remain committed to reducing administrative barriers and look forward to seeing you at Legislative Advocacy Day on April 8! Join the SSVMS Delegation to the CMA House of Delegates! The Nominating Committee is currently seeking Active members who are interested in shaping health policy by becoming a member of the SSVMS Delegation to the California Medical Association (CMA) House of Delegates. Members of the Delegation are responsible for representing their colleagues at the CMA House of Delegates and actively participating in quarterly Delegation caucus meetings. In 2026, the House of Delegates will meet in Sacramento October 17-18 at the Safe Credit Union Convention Center. For more information contact: Chris Stincelli, Associate Director, at cstincelli@ssvms.org. I Want to Know about the House of Delegates! Call for Awards Nominations The SSVMS Scholarship & Awards Committee is seeking nominations for the Society’s most prestigious awards to be presented to the recipients at the SSVMS Honors Medicine annual meeting in February 2027. Please use this link to complete the nomination form for The Golden Stethoscope Award, The Community Impact Award, or Excellence in Advocacy. For more information contact: Chris Stincelli, Associate Director, at cstincelli@ssvms.org. I Have a Nomination! Who Should We All Know About? Share the name of a colleague and they may be featured in SSV Medicine magazine, the Medical Society News, or SSVMS social media pages! I Know Someone You Should Know About! *PAID ADVERTISEMENT Medical Society News Sponsored By The Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society is dedicated to bringing together physicians from all modes of practice to promote the art and science of quality medical care and to enhance the physical and mental health of our entire community. #JoyOfMedicine | #SPIRITHeals #SSVMSFutureOfMed | #SSVMed Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society | 5380 Elvas Avenue, Suite 101 | Sacramento, CA 95819 US Unsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice April 5, 2026 2026 - Volume 15 2026, Issue 04, SSV Medical Society News, Volume 15 0 0 Comment Read More »