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NEED TO KNOW
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Reminder: 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 |
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AMA Objects to Cigna’s Automatic Downcoding Policy Planned for 10/1
Last week, the AMA sent a letter to Cigna objecting to their new Evaluation and Management (E/M) Coding and Accuracy policy (R49), which goes into effect October 1, 2025. Under this new policy, Cigna may reduce E/M Current Procedural Terminology® (CPT®) codes 99204-99205, 99214-99215, and 99244-99245 “to a single level lower when the encounter criteria on the claim does not support the higher level E/M CPT code reported.” The AMA requested in their letter that Cigna immediately rescind this policy, as it conflicts with current E/M coding guidelines and threatens medical practices with unfair, unwarranted payment reductions at a time when practices face unprecedented financial challenges. |
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Immunization Update
Last Thursday, Merideth Plumpton, RN, the Immunization Program Manager with the Vermont Department of Health provided a webinar update on immunizations for VMS’ Public Health Update. Notes from the call can be found here.
The next VMS Public Health Update will be on October 2nd from 12:30-1pm. |
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VMS Urges Extension of Health Insurance Premium Tax Credits
The Vermont Medical Society has joined a letter sent by a Coalition of State Medical Associations urging Congress to extend expiring premium tax credits for working families, small businesses and the self-employed. According to CBO, if the tax credits are not extended, nearly 5 million Americans would lose insurance coverage and millions more would pay much higher premiums – especially in states like Vermont with high underlying premiums to begin with. The letter was sent to House and Senate leadership yesterday and VMS is working with our colleagues across the country to urge all members of Congress to support the extension. Read the full letter here. |
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Seeking Input on Employment Non-Compete Agreements
Several bills were introduced in the Vermont legislature in 2025 that would limit the use of non-compete agreements for certain Vermont workers - H. 205 and H. 334. (See a description of non-compete agreements here). VMS is currently engaged in a stakeholder group discussing the bills, the current impact of non-compete agreements on employment in Vermont, and whether limits in statute on the use of non-compete agreements in Vermont are necessary. We are seeking member feedback regarding the impact of non-complete agreements in the practice of medicine. Have you had a non-compete agreement in an employment agreement? Has this impacted your ability to change jobs, care for patients or remain in Vermont? Please send any feedback to Jessa Barnard at jbarnard@vtmd.org. |
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New Video: Trusted Help for Healthcare Professionals
The Vermont Practitioner Health Program (VPHP), a program of the Vermont Medical Society, is pleased to share the release of a powerful new video from the Federation of State Physician Health Programs (FSPHP): Trusted Help for Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals often face immense pressure to be perfect - even when struggling with their own health. This video features deeply personal stories from physicians who found hope, healing, and recovery through the support of Physician Health Programs. Each year, PHPs help thousands of physicians, pharmacists, dentists, and nurses reclaim their health and continue serving their communities. VPHP and the FSPHP are committed to ensuring that every healthcare professional knows where to turn and how to access the care they need. VPHP’s confidential phone line is: 802-223-0400. Or reach out directly to Colleen Magne, the VPHP Program Administrator at cmagne@vtmd.org. Colleen can also schedule a presentation to your practice or medical staff where VPHP staff can show the video and explain the services of VPHP. |
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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.
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Resources and Events from AMA Professional Satisfaction and Practice Sustainability (PS2)
Team Documentation
Boost efficiency and ease administrative load with this AMA STEPS Forward® toolkit designed to help your team share documentation responsibilities and optimize workflows. Learn more.
Saving Time Playbook: Build a Well-Run Ambulatory Practice by Optimizing Teamwork and Clinical Operations
A successful ambulatory practice balances clinical excellence with day-to-day efficiency. This newly updated playbook outlines practical strategies to reduce administrative burden, support physician-led teams, and improve both patient access and physician well-being. CME credit is available. Learn more.
In Case You Missed It
AMA STEPS Forward® most-watched webinars of the year are available on-demand and eligible for CME. Access the recordings anytime. |
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Clinician Wellbeing Workshops Available at No Cost for Your
Staff
VMS
is continuing our partnership with Doug Wysockey-Johnson of Lumunos Clinician
Well-Being Services to provide practices/medical staffs no-cost
clinician wellbeing workshops over 2025. Spots are still available for
this year – schedule now for a fall session.
Lumunos
Clinician Well-Being Workshops are designed to support clinicians in meeting
the demands of modern health care. Workshops are built around Lumunos’ daily
experience working with physicians, nurses, APPs and clinical leaders across
the country. These meetings are designed to be efficient, effective and
interactive, with topics that directly address the biggest challenges
clinicians face daily. Workshops are led by Doug Wysockey-Johnson,
Workplace Program Facilitator of Lumunos, a seasoned facilitator with 20 years
of experience leading clinician groups
Topics available include: Creating a Positive Team
Culture; Work/Home Boundaries; Hope; and Compassion (Fatigue). Click
here for more details and to see the full list of available
topics.
Doug is also partnering with VMS to offer no cost coaching
sessions to a select number of VMS members – slots are still available.
Read more here.
Contact Jessa at jbarnard@vtmd.org or
Doug at doug@lumunos.org with
additional questions or to book a workshop or coaching session. |
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Media Picks up News of VMS Legal Victory to Restore Medical Data to Federal Webpages
As covered last week in the Rounds, the Vermont Medical Society and a group of nine medical organizations and public health nonprofits from across the country announced last week 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 agreement was in response to the lawsuit brought by the organizations, Washington State Medical Association et al. v. Kennedy et al.. The announcement was widely covered by Vermont media, including the following:
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Participant Recruitment for Perinatal Substance Use Study
The Maternal Health Innovation Program at the Vermont Department of Health is currently recruiting participants for a study to learn how to make services better for pregnant and birthing people who are affected by substance use disorder and use/used illicit and/or non-illicit substances (this may include stimulants, opioids, cannabis, alcohol as well as other substances). Taking part in the study will involve an hour-long interview to share the patient’s experiences with maternal healthcare and community services. Patients do not need to share their name, and they will receive a $50 Visa gift card. The interview may be in-person or by phone. Recruitment materials for patients can be found here (business card) and here (flyer). |
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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
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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.
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
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2025 Collaborative Meeting November 7 - November 8, 2025 In-Person at Topnotch Resort, Stowe, VT
The 2025 Collaborative Meeting will be held on November 7th and 8th in-person with the option to join virtually for the Awards Ceremony.
Topics include:
- Battling Misinformation
- AI Uses in Local Practices
- Medical Student and Resident Case Presentations
- Beyond Moral Injury - Reclaiming Agency, Belief, & Joy in Medicine
- Health Reform Panel Presentations with Discussions
Hosted in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter, the Vermont Academy of Family Physicians and the Vermont Psychiatric Association, is a celebration of the unwavering commitment Vermont clinicians have to their practice and to the deep connection VMS members have with each other.
Register today. |
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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. |
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For more information about offerings from UVM
CMIE, visit here. |
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Vermont Medical Society 134 Main Street Montpelier, VT 05602 -- Unsubscribe -- |
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