Fascinating, fun and feel-good stuff from life in medicine.

Here's how to figure out whether your hectic days are actually profitable.

Ernest Agatstein, MD * Michael Sarti, MD * Moustapha Abou-Samra, MD * Eric Frykman, MD, MPH, MBA * Prem Reddy, MD

Problems persist despite agreements from health plans to correct their payment and contracting policies.

Prominent California physicians, hospitals, healthcare workers and insurers have formed an alliance to work toward comprehensive healthcare reform this year. Comprised of the California Medical Association, Service Employees International Union, Blue Shield of California, Kaiser Permanente, Catholic Healthcare West and Health Net, the coalition joined together to support three principles critical to achieving reform: universal coverage, shared responsibility and stable, long-term funding.

The California Medical Association reaffirms its position against physician-assisted suicide, citing ethical and professional objections.

Through better planning and infrastructure, Inland Empire residents can get healthier.

Urgency Growing to Stop Drastic Medicare Physician Payment Cuts * Riders' Journey Begins Here

Want to contract with managed care payers in a more productive fashion? Try these tips and tools to minimize frustration and maximize reimbursement. Collected from your peers and the professionals at the California Medical Association, these pointers will increase your negotiating power and improve your results.

Here are eight stepping stones on the path to using electronic medical records in your office.

There is nonpartisan momentum in the media today for universal financing of healthcare. Is this health reform momentum proceeding in a purposeful fashion toward a defined program or is it just a lot of talk buzzing about in heat-accelerated but random Brownian motion?

On March 7, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt a resolution that will provide $33.3 million in additional revenue for trauma and emergency services through January 2009. Physicians who treat uninsured patients in the ER will benefit, as will all hospitals that deliver unfunded care.

In response to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's health reform proposal, the Los Angeles County Medical Association launched a Health Insurance Task Force to join the debate regarding expanded healthcare access in California.

The OCMA formed the committee during its Strategic Planning Session in January. It was created in response to a request by Joe Dunn, the new CEO of the California Medical Association. Dunn recommended that the OCMA consult with Orange County physicians and get their input on healthcare reform in California. Ideas and suggestions from doctors countywide were compiled in February for possible inclusion in the healthcare reform plan under development by the CMA.

To increase funding for uncompensated emergency medical services, the Legislature passed and the governor approved SB 1773 in 2006. The law gives California counties the option of increasing vehicle fines to pay for uncompensated emergency room care through the Emergency Medical Services Fund Program.

For the 10th year, the California Medical Association and the CMA Foundation will present the California Health Care Leadership Academy. This year's theme is "Creating the Future of Health Care."

Members of the Riverside County Medical Association executive committee joined more than 600 physicians at February's American Medical Association National Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C.

In a famous play by Goethe, a doctor is accused of practicing quackery. At his trial, he defends himself by stating that the practice of medicine is as much an art as it is a science.

Physicians can now order flu vaccine for the 2007-08 flu season. You are encouraged to place your orders early to guarantee that you will receive your supply in time to vaccinate your high-risk patients in the fall. Place your orders directly with manufacturers or through your regular pharmaceutical distributor.

Because I work with women afflicted with infertility, my patients are either elated when their pregnancy tests become positive or disappointed when their menstrual flows begin. As time progressed, I questioned what I was really providing as a reproductive endocrinologist. If my product was a pregnancy and ultimately a baby, then what was I providing to those who test negative?

As a result of SB 1773, San Bernardino County physicians will receive between $1 million and $1.7 million in additional money for emergency medical services. The increased funds will greatly assist physicians who treat uninsured patients, providing much needed resources to keep the emergency care system intact.

Check out this master calendar for April and May activities at the San Bernardino County Medical Society.

On Feb. 20, 2007, the Ventura County Medical Association general membership dinner meeting featured special guest speaker Joe Dunn, the new CEO of the California Medical Association. He is a dynamic gentleman with excellent insight into politics and a vision for our future. The CMA is in good hands with him at the helm.

Contact the Ventura County Medical Association at 805/484-6822 or www.venturamedical.org for information and reservations on these three events.

As an anesthesiologist, actor and advocate, Jeffrey Glaser, MD, is working to create better lives for patients, doctors and others.