One physician responds to the health reform debate with an idea about universal coverage while another physician shares a heartwarming story about a successful patient outcome.

The national medical community lost one of its finest members and fiercest advocates when, on May 2, Ronald  Bangasser, MD, passed away after struggling with cancer. We cherish the memory of our distinctive leader, physician and friend.

Debra Judelson, MD * Barry Behrstock, MD * Brian Palafox, MD * Satinder Swaroop, MD * David Ginsberg, MD

Scores of organizations, including the CMA, have come together this year with the hope of amplifying their voices in the debate.

Three developments at the state and federal level since March are moving electronic health records closer to becoming a reality for all practices.

Physicians can help with routine opt-out HIV testing and rapid HIV testing.

AMA Litigation Center Steps Into California Tuition Case * Electronic Claims May Benefit You

What's more important than conveying information to patients? Here are seven tips.

The California Medical Association's 33rd Annual Legislative Leadership Day drew physicians from all over the state to discuss health reform and the push for laws that doctors and patients like. Learn about the lobbying visits and read more on the high-stakes, practice-altering changes to come.

To understand California's current healthcare environment, it is first necessary to go back in time and learn how the concerns of three basic groups--patients, doctors and third-parties--developed, interacted and progressively evolved organized healthcare delivery. These lessons from history inform our future.

The global marketplace of today will be the only marketplace of tomorrow. In 2010, the medical ecolo-nomic influence of globalization rose to a political force sufficient to reshape the course of healthcare delivery within the U.S. Globalization, therefore, is and was the fifth watershed in the great American medical ecolo-nomic evolution.

The Los Angeles County Medical Association's annual Legislative Reception had a strong showing this year, drawing about 100 attendees to eat, drink and talk politics at the Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel.

Held on April 23, the day before the California Medical Association's Legislative Leadership Day, the reception created an informal, convivial setting for seasoned physician-lobbyists and first-timers alike, who compared notes and got acquainted with Los Angeles County lawmakers.

The crowd welcomed at least five state legislators, including Assemblyman Mike Eng (D-Monterey Park), Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-Pasadena), Assemblyman Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), Sen. Gilbert Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-San Fernando Valley).

In an effort to reach out to California community organizations, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America hosted an April 18 reception at the Los Angeles County Medical Association's headquarters. The event featured Billy Tauzin, the former U.S. representative from Louisiana who serves as president and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based organization.

One day of advocacy isn't enough. Don't forget to contact your own legislators on a regular basis. Know who they are and visit their county offices. Making that person-to-person connection helps with today's causes and tomorrow's issues.

In April, I attended the California Medical Association Health Care Leadership Academy in Monterey and then went to a planning session with my peers. The information and ideas seemed inconsistent, which is perhaps consistent with the turmoil within the field of medicine.

It's sad what I hear in talking with physicians. They mostly express feelings of frustration and anger at the way insurance companies and health plans are second-guessing their recommendations and cutting their reimbursements. Further, their greatest unhappiness seems to stem from a feeling of loss about not being "the captain of the ship" with regard to patient care.

Announced in April, the National Provider Identifier contingency plan allows physicians who are covered entities to escape penalties for noncompliance if they demonstrate good faith effort in becoming ready to use NPIs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is quite clear that this does not absolve you from obtaining your NPI by May 23, 2007!

The Riverside County Medical Association will honor several individuals with awards at its October Annual Association Meeting and Awards Presentation. These awards are significant honors that reflect the respect, recognition and appreciation of our membership.

Could it be that we physicians have heard it all? Our voice was described as "blah, blah, blah" and a "pox" was wished upon us! Read on to learn how such strong words came about.

The San Bernardino County Medical Society shares a review of activities in several key areas, including membership, physician advocacy, Alliance programs, legislative advocacy, community advocacy, medical student activities and communications.

Two physicians share their impressions--positive and negative--of the major lobbying event sponsored by the California Medical Association in April.

Ron Greeno, MD, helped develop the field of hospital medicine and is looking forward to future advancements with excitement.