Doctor Day to be virtual on February 8
After careful consideration, the Doctor Day planning committee has decided to change this year’s Doctor Day to an entirely virtual event. Doctor Day 2022 is scheduled from 10 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, February 8.

Physician advocacy is helping reshape nursing independence bill – more contacts needed
As reported in last week’s Medigram, legislation that would allow certain advanced practice nurses to practice independently has turned contentious in the State Legislature. Following a split 9-6 Assembly Health Committee vote, with Republican and Democratic committee members in both the Aye and Nay columns for passage, the bill’s eventual final status is still unclear.

Thanks for running for a healthier Wisconsin!
Thanks to everyone who ran for a healthier Wisconsin in 2021! Hopefully this brought everyone a little sanity as we navigated another crazy year. Your participation will allow the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation to help more communities in 2022.

Let your patients know: free COVID-19 test kits available
This week the federal government launched a simple process for the public to order four free COVID-19 test kits per household. Physicians can help their patients slow the spread of COVID-19 by reminding patients about this availability.

State med board elects leadership for 2022
At its first monthly meeting for 2022 on January 19, the state of Wisconsin Medical Examining Board (MEB) held its annual election to set MEB leadership for the year.

Payroll adjustments for 2022 retirement plan limits
With inflation comes inflation adjusted retirement plan limits, which may make it time for those participating in a 401(k) or 403(b) to adjust retirement contribution rates with their payroll department.

Independent nursing bill gets contentious committee vote - action needed
Legislation that will allow certain advanced practice nurses to independently provide care to patients passed out of the State Assembly Committee on Health January 12 on a contentious 9-6 vote.

Wisconsin Medical Society offices consolidate
Effective January 13, 2022, the Wisconsin Medical Society office has moved from the Rimrock location in Madison to the WisMed Assure office in Fitchburg. Telephone numbers have not changed, and the new address is below.

Insurance resources for WisMed Members
WisMed Assure and WisMed Financial worked with WMSN Fox 47 News to create an awareness campaign (additional resources can also be found below the commercial).

Member benefits to access today
Special discounts are currently available to Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) Members in addition to the standard WisMed Perks. WisMed Members can save up to 71% on high-performance tech and more via Lenovo’s New Year Savings event through January 23.

COVID-19 Task Force produces new patient flyer
The Wisconsin Medical Society (WisMed) COVID-19 Task Force has produced a simple, clearly-worded flyer describing how patients can help reduce their risk of catching COVID-19. It's also available in the Resources section of the WisMed COVID-19 web page and via the "Resources" section under the expandable menu in the WisMed Mobile app.

COVID-19 webinar on guidance changes
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is hosting a COVID-19 webinar for health professionals Changes to Isolation and Quarantine Guidance and other COVID-19 Updates on Friday, January 7 at 7:00-8:00 a.m.

Physician finances impacted by 2022 legislation
The backdoor may be closing on Roth IRAs, and federal student loan payments are postponed (again), which may make it beneficial to file for an extension on 2021 tax returns.

Waukesha County Medical Society trivia night March 3
Waukesha County Medical Society (WCMS) invites all members to register to attend the WCMS Trivia Night scheduled for Thursday, March 3, 2022. Trivia will be held at Raised Grain Brewing Co.