Benefits and activities for MMS members are detailed below. They include: 

• Collegial events 

• Legal and financial services

• Legislative advocacy

• Membership committees

• Publications

• Community relations

Collegial Events

MMS members are invited to attend the following free events:

Awards Dinner. This annual fall dinner includes presentations of MMS awards to local physicians and community members.

Membership Dinners and Receptions. These events, which often feature speakers, are offered throughout the year.

Women Physicians' Potluck Dinner. This informal dinner is a great opportunity to gather with colleagues in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. 

In addition, the California Medical Association sponsors several statewide events every year, including:

Annual Session. MMS physicians regularly attend the CMA House of Delegates, which establishes the policies that guide CMA.

Leadership Academy. This Academy helps physicians develop leadership skills and understand the latest trends in health care.

Legislative Day. On this day, physicians from around the state meet in Sacramento to visit their local representatives. 

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Legal and Financial Services

MMS offers a range of legal services to members, including:

CMA Legal Information Line. Members can receive free information on legal issues by calling the CMA legal department at 415-882-5144.

CMA ON-CALL. An online library containing over 3,000 pages of medical-legal, regulatory, and reimbursement information. ON-CALL documents are available free to members (nonmembers pay $2 per page). For details, visit www.cmanet.org.

California Physician’s Legal Handbook. Available in print, CD-ROM or subscription versions, this handbook answers legal questions most frequently asked by physicians. For details, visit the CMA On-Line Bookstore at www.cmanet.org.

CMA Member Helplines. MMS members can call the numbers listed below for help with general, legal and reimbursement issues:
CMA Member Hotline: 800-786-4262
Legal Information: 415-882-5144
Reimbursement Helpline: 888-401-5911

Legislative Advocacy

Physicians consistently indicate that influencing public policy is a top priority. Our members regularly meet with candidates for public office, enabling physicians to be effectively involved at all levels of government.

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Membership Committees

MMS members can meet their responsibilities to the medical profession and the community by participating in our committees, including: 

Professional Standards and Conduct. Investigates complaints against members about the quality or efficacy of medical services.

Legislative. Regularly meets with local representatives to discuss health-care legislation.

Editorial Board. Approves editorial content for Marin Medicine, a quarterly magazine published by MMS.

Awards. Oversees the nomination process for the annual MMS awards, including Physician of the Year and Citizen of the Year.

Publications

MMS members receive subscriptions to the following publications:

Marin Medicine. Each issue of this quarterly magazine focuses on a particular medical topic, with articles by MMS members and other health professionals. The magazine also includes articles of general interest on a wide range of topics.

MMS News Briefs. This monthly newsletter provides a handy roundup of local, state and national medical news, along with updates about MMS activities and CME events.

Marin County Physician Directory. This annual pictorial directory offers detailed listings for all MMS members, along with specialty listings for almost every physician practicing in Marin County. A valuable list of resources is included as well.

CMA Alert. Biweekly newsletter covers public health, practice management, and other topics. Available via fax, e-mail, or audio podcast. 

Community Relations

MMS has a strong presence in the community. Our activities include:

Community Involvement. MMS members serve on boards of many local health organizations, including the Specialty Access Task Force, the Pacific Foundation for Medical Care, and the Marin General Hospital District Board. MMS physicians throughout Marin County volunteer at clinics and other health-related activities.

Specialty Access Coalition. MMS is proud to participate in this coalition, whose mission is to improve access to specialty care among the low-income population in Marin County.

Public Inquiries. MMS receives over 100 inquiries each month about members, including their education, training and board certification; who accepts Medi-Cal and Medicare; and how to file a complaint against a physician.

Physician Complaints. MMS handles public complaints about the quality or efficacy of medical services performed by MMS members. Our Professional Standards and Conduct Committee has avoided many potential lawsuits by resolving questions and disputes through mutual understanding and education. Patient complaints against nonmember physicians are referred to the Medical Board of California.