Ohio State Medical Association

10/27/2025

Many of the CMS Medicare telehealth billing concessions expired on September 30, 2025. The current status remains uncertain pending the conclusion of the government shutdown. An extension has been contemplated, but a definitive determination is yet unresolved.

The Doctors Company shares what clinicians need to know now: https://bit.ly/432Pe2u

10/24/2025

The time physicians spend with patients equips patients with the resources they need to make treatment decisions. During Health Literacy Month and beyond, physicians are on patients’ side — explaining health conditions, answering questions, and ensuring patients truly understand their care — every step of the way.

Learn more: https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/health-equity/boost-outcomes-first-unlock-power-health-literacy

10/23/2025

On Tuesday, October 21, in response to the government shutdown, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services updated its Medicare claims hold guidance to Medicare Administrative Contractors.

Find the updates and links to additional information here: https://bit.ly/4nlqCJo

10/22/2025

During International Medical Graduate (IMG) Physicians Recognition Week, OSMA honors and celebrates IMG physicians who are a vital component of the physician workforce. Physicians representing international medical schools bring a wealth of diversity and are a vital part of Ohio’s physician community.

We are especially appreciative of OSMA's IMG Section, which focuses on outreach, communication, benefits and other issues important to IMGs in Ohio. Learn more about this section's happenings and how you can get involved: osma.org/img

10/21/2025

It's tough to balance patient care with the external pressures that shape healthcare. That's why Dr. Shannon Trotter is an OSMA member.

OSMA provides the support and advocacy that ensures physicians can focus on what matters most: their patients.

Membership means having a partner who's got your back. Join us today: https://osma.org/aws/OSMA/pt/sp/membership

10/20/2025

Strong patient-physician relationships enable physicians to make more accurate diagnoses and improve care. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, physicians are dedicated to working with patients to prioritize preventive health.

Learn more about what physicians wish patients knew about breast cancer prevention: https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/chronic-diseases/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-breast-cancer-prevention

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. Two physicians share how you can reduce your risk.

10/17/2025

There’s a path back to independent practice — and it’s not as hard as you think.

Better tools, support services, and shifting hospital compensation are fueling a return to autonomy. More physicians are rethinking life inside hospital systems and starting to wonder if independent practice might be the better fit after all.

Learn more from OSMA partner ScrogginsGrear:
https://osma.org/aws/OSMA/pt/sd/news_article/604028/_PARENT/layout_details-news/false

10/16/2025

Over the last few weeks, there has been significant activity on insurance reform proposals that OSMA is supporting in the Ohio Legislature.

Get caught up with quick summaries on recent hearings for SB 160 (Non-Medical Switching), HB 219 (Network Adequacy), SB 162 (Takebacks), SB 207 (Copay Accumulators) and SB 165 (Automatic Downcoding & Prudent Layperson): https://bit.ly/479nDh9

10/15/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Did you know that 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime? OSMA stands with the millions affected by cancer and recognizes Ohio’s physicians leading the fight through early detection, innovative treatment, and compassionate care.

As physicians, our role is critical:
✓ Encouraging routine mammograms.
✓ Providing patient education.
✓ Teaching how to conduct a self-exam.
✓ Understanding family history.
✓ Supporting those on their journey.

Awareness of the data around breast cancer is key to empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and increase survival rates. Together, we’re working towards a healthier Ohio.

10/14/2025

OSMA VP of Advocacy, Monica Hueckel, recently testified in support of HB 219 in a hearing before the Ohio House Insurance Committee.

This legislation would establish standards for both the creation and maintenance of insurance networks and assure the adequacy, accessibility, transparency, and quality of health care services being offered under a network plan.

Insufficient networks not only significantly decrease a medical practice’s negotiating power, but contribute to longer wait time for appointments, physician burnout, and even increased potential liability associated with care delays, and OSMA believes that creating network adequacy standards for commercial insurers is imperative in order to properly address access issues Ohio is currently facing.

Watch or read the testimony here: https://osma.org/aws/OSMA/pt/sd/news_article/604480/_PARENT/layout_details-news/false

10/10/2025

Today, on World Mental Health Day, OSMA reminds every Ohio healthcare worker: Your mental health matters.

As physicians, we dedicate ourselves to caring for others, but often don't spend enough time caring for ourselves. With more than 60% of physicians reporting burnout and 400 doctors dying by su***de each year, it's time to prioritize our own well-being.

OSMA's free Well-Being CARE Service offers a confidential, 10-minute checkup for your mental and emotional health to help identify and address burnout, anxiety or depression.

Visit wellbeingcare.org today to better understand your mental and emotional health. It's time to give yourself the same care you give your patients.

10/09/2025

Reminder to all OSMA members: The language OSMA advocated for related to fees for electronic fund transfers (EFTs) is now the law in Ohio. As of September 30th, health plans are prohibited from charging a fee for a check or EFT payment made to a provider.

Learn more about the guidelines behind this exciting new law: https://osma.org/aws/OSMA/pt/sd/news_article/603998/_PARENT/layout_details-news/false