|
|
|
|
NEED TO KNOW
|
VMS Celebrates Legal Victory to Restore Medical Data to Federal Webpages
The Vermont Medical Society (VMS) and a group of nine medical organizations and public health nonprofits from across the country announced today that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has agreed to restore vital public health and science data that was removed from federal webpages earlier this year. The VMS joined the lawsuit, Washington State Medical Association et al. v. Kennedy et al., in May of 2025 in order to stop the practice that began last January in which the federal executive branch deleted numerous webpages that medical providers, scientists and public health professionals rely upon, on issues covering LGBTQ health, gender and reproductive health, clinical trials, vaccine guidance, HIV/AIDS research, and other essential topics. Please read the press release here. |
|
|
VMS Shares Resources and Information on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability; Webinar this Thursday 12:30-1pm
Last Friday, VMS distributed an email with additional resources and information following the FDA revocation of the Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for COVID‑19 vaccines for the general public. Now, healthy individuals under age 65 no longer have convenient access to the vaccines. The end of EUAs marks a major change in COVID-19 vaccine accessibility. Only high-risk groups can receive vaccines through standard approval pathways. For others, getting vaccinated will be considered “off label,” potentially reducing access and raising insurance complexities. This information will continue to evolve, with upcoming CDC guidance and state-level regulations likely determining whether vaccination remains accessible at local pharmacies. See the full VMS email from last Friday here. VMS, working alongside AAPVT, ACOGVT and VTAFP will continue to monitor and work with state and national partners to advocate for science and the health and safety of Vermonters. Also, attend the VMS Public Health Update Webinar this Thursday, September 4th from 12:30-1pm with the VDH immunization department staff to learn more.
Thursday, September 4th
12:30 – 1
VMS Public Health Update Featuring
Immunization Manager, Merideth Plumpton, RN
Join Zoom Meeting - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86726253105?pwd=VkVuNTJ1ZFQ2R3diSVdqdlJ2ZG4yQT09
Meeting ID: 867 2625 3105 / Passcode: 540684
One tap mobile - +16468769923,,86726253105#,,,,*540684# US (New York) |
|
|
Prior Authorizations Submitted Trend Downwards Following Act 111
Act 111, passed by the Vermont Legislature in 2024, exempts primary care clinicians from needing to submit prior authorization requests for certain services. Last week, at a regularly scheduled implementation meeting including the Department of Financial Regulation (DFR), payers and clinician organization, including VMS, DFR shared recent data submitted by payers indicating that the number of prior authorization requests submitted by PCPs has declined since the law went into effect in 2025. For example, the number of prior authorizations submitted by PCPs to BCBSVT declined from 841 in Quarter 2 of 2024 to 225 in Q2 of 2025; the number submitted to MVP declined from 21 in Q2 of 2024 to 8 in Q2 of 2025. The exception is Cigna, where the number submitted increased from 39 in Q2 of 2024 to 67 in Q2 of 2025. The prior authorizations still being submitted tend to fall in in-patient and out-patient procedures, with a smaller number for diagnostic imaging and DME/Home Health and lab services. Primary care practices with questions or concerns about implementation and whether prior authorization requests still need to be submitted should reach out to jbarnard@vtmd.org. The implementation work group also continues to look at barriers to implementation as well as other areas of the law, such as allowing exemptions to step therapy and extending the length of time that PAs are valid. |
|
|
Please Join Us for the VMS Congressional Town Hall Sept 17th
Please join us on September 17, 2025 from 6-7:30pm, when VMS members can meet with Senator Peter Welch to hear an update on the actions of Congress that impact health care and ask your most pressing federal questions. Other members of Vermont’s Congressional Delegation have been invited as well. Please send any questions you have for Senator Welch by September 17th to Jill at jsudhoffguerin@vtmd.org.
No preregistration required. To join the Zoom meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87565864162?pwd=PTJUJlKmaOnXUb5nTAyt6YEuM7SELg.1
Meeting ID: 875 6586 4162
Passcode: 199753 |
|
|
Provide Input to Vermont’s Maternal Health Strategic Plan – September Webinars
On July 30, 2025, over 100 maternal health partners from across Vermont gathered at the Waterbury State Office Complex for the first-ever Maternal Health Strategic Planning Summit. The day brought together voices from across the system including public health professionals, nurses, physicians, midwives, doulas, mental health providers, community-based programs, care coordinators, parents with lived experience, and more. Together, the group explored root causes of maternal health disparities, identified innovative strategies already underway, and elevated equity as the guiding principle for Vermont’s first Maternal Health Strategic Plan
In September the Vermont Department of Health Maternal Health Innovation Team will host two webinars to present draft priorities and strategies for the Maternal Health Strategic Plan. These are open to all partners and community members to provide feedback and ensure diverse voices shape the plan.
Register: Monday, September 22nd from 10am-11am
Register: Tuesday, September 23rd from 1pm-2pm Following the draft review, VDH finalize membership of the Maternal Health Task Force – Core Partner group and will also launch topical workgroups, aligned with regional needs and statewide priorities. Additional materials, including published reports and updates, can always be found on the Maternal Health Innovation Landing Page. For questions, email Courtney.Smalt@vermont.gov |
MISC.
|
Register Today for the 2025 Collaborative Meeting – Book Your Room by October 6th
Join us for the 2025 Collaborative Meeting of the Vermont Medical Society, American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter, Vermont Academy of Family Physicians, and Vermont Psychiatric Association, November 7–8 at Topnotch Resort & Spa in Stowe, VT.
Accommodations:
- Topnotch Discounted Rooms – inclusive of all fees; block expires October 6th.
- Nearby Hotels & Airbnbs – confirm the dates and your travel time to Topnotch to ensure you arrive for the meeting start.
Childcare: Register by October 1st to access complimentary childcare.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, collaborate, and celebrate with colleagues across Vermont.
For more information about the agenda and to register, click here. |
|
|
Register Now for the Vermont ACP Chapter Annual Scientific Meeting
The Vermont ACP Chapter's Annual Scientific Meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2025. This will be an in-person meeting at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT. We will again host a poster competition for resident and student members.
The ACP is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The American College of Physicians designates this live activity for a maximum of 5.25 AMA PRA Category 1 credits (s).
Successful completion of this CME Activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 5.25 medical knowledge MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine's (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. Participants will earn MOC points equivalent to the amount of CME credit claimed for the activity. It is the CMA activity providers responsibility to submit participant information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.
Visit the Meeting Hub for registration, agenda, and details of the meeting here. |
EVENTS
|
|
|
VAHHS Annual Meeting: Era of Change: Healthcare Transformation, Challenges & Opportunities
September 25 - 26, 2025
Please join VAHHS at our Annual Meeting on September 25th and 26th at Jay Peak!
Our theme is Era of Change: Healthcare Transformation, Challenges and Opportunities
Sessions include:
- Transforming Rural Healthcare Through Purposeful Regionalization
- What the Heck is Interoperability, and How Do We Get It?
- Mobile Integrated Health (MIH): Where Leveraging Community Partnerships, Population Health and the Quadruple Aim Meet
Learn more and register here.
|
|
|
What the Living and the Dead Owe Each Other: How the Burke and Hare Murders Changed Medicine and How We Think About Bodies
September 30, 2025
We will be taking a look at how the 1828 Burke & Hare Murders in Edinburgh changed both the medical and legal practice of human dissection, as well as current events that continue to make us think about how we view dead bodies and their role in medical education.
Anastasia Arvin-DiBlasio is a medical student at University of Vermont, just finishing her 3rd year. She became interested in medical history when her AP US History teacher did a lesson on Civil War amputations - she was hooked! The 19th century is her favorite for medical history. What fascinates her is how many things were discovered or pioneered in this era (and others) that are still in use today, and the far reach it has outside medicine proper.
Register here. |
|
|
Vermont Public Health Association: Federal Cuts to Global and Public Health Programs: Effects and Responses
October 16, 2025 - 5pm to 8pm In-Person and Virtual
Join the University of Vermont and Vermont Public Health Association for an evening of critical exploration of the impacts federal funding cuts and policy changes are having on global and public health. With global and public health systems facing unprecedented headwinds, what’s the latest on these disruptions? How is the global and public health community responding? What more can and must be done to protect the health of our communities here and around the world?
Come engage with our event’s keynote speaker and two panels of global health and public health experts (bios below) as we explore how to best navigate these tumultuous times.
This is a free event, but pre-registration is required here.
|
|
|
Clinical Quality Symposium: Building & Expanding Collaborative Systems for Maternal Health
October 28, 2025
Join us for a one-day symposium focused on strengthening partnerships across maternity care, primary care, and public health. Designed for maternity providers, primary care clinicians, public health professionals, and community organizations, this event will explore collaborative models to improve maternal health outcomes—particularly in the face of growing maternity care deserts in Vermont and New Hampshire.
Sessions will include:
- Innovative approaches to integrating maternity and primary care
- Dedicated breakout tracks for maternity and primary care providers
- Strategies to support postpartum care and mental health
- Practical tools for building cross-sector collaboration
Register here. |
|
|
2025 Obesity Medicine & Weight Management Conference
November 14, 2025 Delta Hotel, South Burlington, VT
This conference is designed to improve the skills of primary care healthcare teams as they navigate new treatments in obesity medicine and weight management. The target audience includes primary care physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and other health professionals who pertain to primary care.
Learn more and register here. |
|
|
For more information about offerings from UVM
CMIE, visit here. |
|
|
|
|
Vermont Medical Society 134 Main Street Montpelier, VT 05602 -- Unsubscribe -- |
|
|
|
