Two physicians write about the article on doctor salaries and the editor of Southern California Physician explains the salary charts in detail.

Michael Radin, MD * Emanuel Shaoulian, MD * Ilse Levin * Jeffrey Deckey, MD * Ray Glendrange, MD

A similar plan would be too expensive for the Golden State. Legislators are still seeking solutions.

Starting May 23, 2007, physicians who are covered under HIPAA are required to use a National Provider Identifier (NPI) to submit electronic healthcare claims. Designed to replace the Unique Provider Identifier Number, the NPI is a 10-digit code that must be used in all administrative and financial transactions specified by HIPAA.

The governor's proposal does not increase Medi-Cal provider rates, but does allocate $400 million for disaster preparedness.

A few statistical bright spots are eclipsed by many more negative indicators. Perhaps worst is the fact that the incidence of diabetes in U.S. adults is indeed rising rapidly, increasing from 4.9 per 1,000 in 1997 to 6.9 per 1,000 in 2003.

Patients depend on hospitals and medical staffs to work together to build better healthcare delivery systems. But years after medical staffs were recognized as legal entities, where do these sometimes sensitive partnerships with hospitals stand? Hear what physicians have to say and learn how to strengthen the links in healthcare.

Now the nation's top advocate for doctors, Dr. Plested was once a local surgeon, having practiced in Southern California for more than 30 years. Learn his plans for political action and act on his imperative: "Stand up and take responsibility for your profession."

The Joint Committee on Biomedical Ethics of the Los Angeles County Medical Association and Los Angeles County Bar Association issued revised guidelines for physicians about "Forgoing Life-Sustaining Treatment for Adult Patients." Marking the document's third major revision, the guidelines were amended this spring in order to bring about consistency with the Health Care Decisions Act of 2000, which simplified the advance healthcare directive in California.

The Los Angeles County Medical Association Alliance wrapped up its year by enjoying "Tea With Queen Victoria" and an installation ceremony for its 2006-07 officers.

No one would dispute wanting a cost-effective healthcare delivery system that would offer universal healthcare, integrated with modern technology and supported by the latest information systems. But the real issue is how this can be achieved. Change will only occur if we take the lead to effect the change. Major cultural changes are daunting, but have been accomplished at least twice in the past 50 years in our country. The first example is the civil rights movement. The second example is the HIV/AIDS movement.

Physicians may not recognize it, but medicine in on its way toward a flawed management style. Frederick W. Taylor's scientific management concepts are being applied to medicine by government health planners in the hopes of solving the conundrum of providing healthcare.

Remembering the life and accomplishments of Fred M. Kay, MD, a former president of the Orange County Medical Association.

On April 4, 45 physicians and medical students from Riverside and San Bernardino Counties joined with more than 500 California colleagues in Sacramento for the California Medical Association's 32nd Annual Legislative Leadership Day.

In search of new ways to earn continuing medical education credits? Turn to your malpractice insurance carrier. A partner of the Riverside County Medical Association, NORCAL Mutual Insurance Co. mailed its 2006 CME Course Catalog to policyholders a few months ago. The catalog contains its current CME curriculum for physicians and allied healthcare practitioners.

Remembering the lives and accomplishments of two leading Riverside physicians--Herman H. Stone, MD, and Joseph Gropen, MD.

The Riverside County Medical Association is soliciting nominations to recognize and honor deserving individuals for the 2006 Annual Outstanding Contribution Awards. Nominations will be screened by the Awards Committee, with final selection determined by the Board of Councilors. The awards will be presented at the General Membership Meeting in October. The deadline for nominations is Aug. 1, 2006.

June is a time of transition and reflection, and we look back over our achievements with a sense of satisfaction that we did our best work. This article reviews several highlights from the activities of the San Bernardino County Medical Society in 2005-06.

We physicians are making every effort to increase the funds for uncompensated medical care and to prevent further transfer of funds to the county health system. To support our message, we presented the recent Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development data from the first two quarters of 2005. This data showed a breakdown of the total number of uninsured (self-pay) and underinsured (Medi-Cal) seen at each hospital emergency room in Ventura County. Surprisingly, the majority (67 percent) of these patients are treated through private hospital ERs.

In April, the Ventura County Medical Association board initiated the first countywide chiefs of staff meeting. The chiefs of staff, chiefs of staff-elect and past chiefs of staff of all hospitals in Ventura County were invited. Attendance was outstanding.

Six tips for securing medical office space that suits your practice needs and doesn't break your pocketbook.

Riverside family physician Tarek Mahdi, MD, launches an organization dedicated to educating physicians on dealing better with end-of-life care.