Latest News

HB2444: Pharmacist Test & Treat | SB1178: Naturopaths & IV Admin |

New CMS Rule: Payers Must Report Prior Authorization Data Publicly

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 20:08:02 GMT

Initial Round of Required Data Holds Little Insight, According to KFF News

A new federal mandate requires government-managed plans to post prior authorization metrics publicly for the first time. The first reports were due on March 31, and an initial review reveals just how much work remains for insurance reform and accountability.

While the federally-mandated reporting excludes commercial insurance plans, Arizona is ahead of the curve. The physician community is championing legislation that would require commercial payers to report medical claim and prior authorization denials data to the state. Read more about this important local advocacy initiative.

CMS's New Rule Addresses Prior Auth Transparency

For years, physicians and patients have navigated insurers' prior authorization processes with little transparency into the hows and the whys. This reality has bred frustration, life-threatening delays, and a weakened healthcare system.

However, under a new rule finalized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in 2024, payers are now required to publicly post key prior authorization metrics — including denial rates, processing times, and appeal overturn rates.

The first reports, covering calendar year 2025, were due March 31. Unfortunately, an early analysis from KFF Health News suggests that the data has significant gaps and limited usability for physicians, patients, and hospitals.

What the Rule Requires

According to its website, the CMS Interoperability and Prior Authorization Rule "focuses on efforts to improve prior authorization processes through policies and technology, to help ensure that patients remain at the center of their own care."

The rule applies to Medicare Advantage plans, state Medicaid and CHIP fee-for-service programs, Medicaid managed care plans, CHIP managed care entities, and carriers on the federally facilitated ACA exchanges. Commercial medical insurance plans are not included.

Payers must annually post aggregated metrics on their public websites , covering approval rates, denial rates, decision turnaround times, and appeals outcomes for medical items and services. Medicare Advantage plans report at the contract level; Medicaid and CHIP programs at the state level; managed care and exchange plans at the plan or carrier level. Notably, prescription drugs are excluded from the reporting.

The rule also introduces new decision timelines . Beginning in 2026, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and CHIP plans must process standard prior auth requests within seven calendar days and urgent requests within 72 hours — down from a previous standard of up to 14 days. When denying a request, payers must provide a specific reason and communicate it to the clinician. ACA exchange plans are not subject to these requirements.

Additional API requirements will take effect in 2027, when payers must implement a prior authorization API capable of receiving and responding to requests electronically, expand patient access APIs to include prior authorization data, and launch provider access and payer-to-payer APIs to improve data exchange across the system.

The Problem With the Data

Despite the mandate, a KFF analysis found that early reports offer limited insight into what actually gets approved or denied. The data is difficult to locate and varies widely in format and presentation across payer websites. Some insurers aggregate reporting within a line of business; others require users to navigate multiple pages.

More significantly, the data is aggregated across all items and services, with no breakdown by service type . There is no way to assess which procedures or specialties face the highest denial rates — or why. Payers are not required to disclose reasons for denials, making it impossible to evaluate whether their decisions align with their own coverage policies.

Prior Auth: A Burden on Physicians & Patients

Administrative strain on physician practices is well-documented. According to a survey conducted by the American Medical Association, prior authorization paperwork consumed an estimated 13 hours per week in the average practice in 2024.

KFF data found that Medicare Advantage insurers rejected or partially denied more than 4 million prior authorization requests in 2024. Of those that were appealed, over 80% were reversed — a reversal rate that calls into question the denials into serious question.

On the commercial side, dozens of insurers made voluntary pledges in 2025 to improve the prior authorization process for fully insured health plans. Despite this public pledge, Arizona physicians have not yet seen meaningful changes take effect. Patients are still experiencing delays, and the administrative burden on our clinics remains unsustainable.

Arizona Physicians Are Taking Action

CMS's latest rules address government payers, but Arizona physicians face the same cumbersome prior authorization burdens from commercial insurers — without the same accountability requirements. The Arizona Medical Association is working to change that.

Senate Bill 1628 , championed by ArMA and other healthcare stakeholders, would require commercial insurers to report data on medical claims and prior authorization denials to the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. DIFI would then publish an annual, publicly available report and share it with key legislative leadership — giving advocates the concrete data needed to drive future insurer reforms. The bill is advancing through the State Legislature with strong support.

ArMA and the Arizona Hospital & Healthcare Association have joined forces behind the measure, presenting a united front in the push to level the playing field between physicians and insurers, and most importantly, to improve health care for Arizona patients.

Information in this article was sourced from Becker's Hospital Review , KFF News , CMS , and the American Medical Association .

Arizona Joins Multistate Lawsuit Challenging Federal Rollback of Mercury and Air Toxics Standards

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 20:05:55 GMT

Multi-state Lawsuit Seeks Reinstatement of Stricter Air Pollution Limits

Arizona is among more than 20 states and local governments asking a federal court to reinstate stricter limits on toxic air pollution from power plants.

The multi-state lawsuit focuses on changes to the federal Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS), which regulate emissions of pollutants such as mercury, arsenic, and lead. A coalition of more than 20 states and local governments argues that the rollback reverses updated protections adopted in 2024 and could allow higher levels of harmful emissions.

State officials involved in the Arizona lawsuit contend the federal action does not adequately justify the change or account for advances in pollution-control technology. They are asking a federal court to reinstate the stricter Mercury and Air Toxics Standards.

Federal officials, however, have said the rollback is intended to reduce regulatory costs and support reliable, affordable energy production.

The legal challenge reflects a broader national debate over how to balance environmental protections, public health concerns, and energy costs, with the outcome now likely to be decided in the courts.

Arizona Lawmaker Requests State Review of Phoenix ICE Policy

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:24:43 GMT

Legislator Requests Legal Review of Phoenix's New ICE Policy

An Arizona state representative has triggered a formal legal review process over a City of Phoenix policy governing federal immigration enforcement access to city-owned property.

The policy limits when federal agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can use Phoenix city-owned property. In most cases, federal officers must first obtain approval from the city manager before using those facilities for activities such as staging operations or processing detainees. City leaders say the measure is intended to increase oversight and clarify how local resources are used.

Arizona Rep. Quang Nguyen has requested a "1487" investigation from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes to determine whether the Phoenix ICE policy violates Arizona law. He argues that restricting access to city property could interfere with the enforcement of federal immigration laws, which state law says local governments cannot limit. Nguyen's request triggers a formal review process. If the Arizona AG's Office determines the policy conflicts with state law, the city could face financial penalties unless the policy is repealed.

City officials, however, maintain that the policy is lawful. They say municipalities have the authority to control how their property is used and emphasize that the measure does not prevent federal enforcement, but instead sets conditions for the use of local facilities.

The dispute highlights an ongoing tension between Arizona state law, local governance, and federal immigration enforcement, with the final determination now resting with AG Mayes' office.

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Appoints Cody Reim to Arizona House of Representatives

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:04:43 GMT

Arizona Legislative District 3 Seat Selected by the Board of Supervisors

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appointed Cody Reim to fill a vacant seat in the Arizona House of Representatives for Legislative District 3 and he was sworn in just a few days later. The vacancy followed the resignation of former Arizona Representative Joseph Chaplik, who stepped down to pursue the open seat in Congressional District 1.

Reim, a small business owner from Rio Verde Foothills, was selected unanimously from a list of three candidates nominated by local party officials, in accordance with Arizona law. He will serve through the remainder of the current term, with the Legislative District 3 seat scheduled to appear on the ballot in the 2026 Arizona general election.

Supporters of the appointment highlighted Reim's community involvement, particularly his advocacy on local water issues — an ongoing concern for residents in parts of northeast Maricopa County. Reim has said he plans to focus on representing constituents' concerns and contributing to long-term solutions at the state level.

Arizona Legislative Committees Wrap Up, But Session is Far From Over

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:58:14 GMT

Legislative Roundup: Week 12 of Arizona's Session

Arizona’s 57th State Legislature has officially completed committee work for its second regular session. The last two weeks saw long committee agendas, late nights, and tense discussions as lawmakers fought to get their bills heard. Though the end of committee hearings signals a significant shift at the Capitol, it doesn't necessarily mean an end to the session is near.

Pharmacists' Test-and-Treat Bill Makes a Surprise Appearance

Committees' final push included a surprise strike-everything amendment for pharmacists’ attempted scope expansion, which would allow them to prescribe for flu, strep, COVID, and HIV PrEP. Although the striker narrowly passed out of the House Appropriations Committee with a 10-7 vote, the proponents have a difficult path ahead thanks to the dedication of ArMA’s physician advocates.

Nearly 650 emails have already been sent to the House of Representatives sharing physician’s concerns with the proposal. The fight is not over, however, and you can still help defeat this mis-guided legislation and the negative impacts it would have on patient outcomes.

Action Needed

Send a pre-drafted, customizable letter to the full House of Represenatives

and share your concerns about the dangerous "test and treat" bill.

All Eyes on the Floor & the Budget

With committees over, the focus will now shift to floor action, where bills are considered by the full chambers before being transmitted to Governor Katie Hobbs for a signature or veto.

If the legislature were on track to adjourn by its 100-day goal, then we would certainly be seeing more promising budget conversations happening. Unfortunately, ArMA's Advocacy Team doesn’t have promising news or rumors to share on state budget negotiations. Generally, once committee business wraps up, lawmakers shift their attention to passing a budget, but it seems that there are few meaningful conversations happening.

As a reminder, they must pass a budget before July 1 to prevent a state government shut-down. While this date seems far away, the last sessions have labored on almost that long.

Abrazo Health Launches 'The Nest' Maternal Care Program at Two Arizona Campuses

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:45:27 GMT

Tenet-owned Abrazo West and Abrazo Arrowhead Unite Women's Services

Abrazo Health recently introduced "The Nest," a re-branded space and concept for women's and maternal health services spanning its Abrazo West and Abrazo Arrowhead campuses. The initiative brings together obstetric, neonatal, and postpartum care into one cohesive program designed to support women, infants, and families from pregnancy through recovery.

A Family-Centered Environment

The Nest is designed to function as a comforting, home-like setting during what leaders describe as one of life's most powerful and vulnerable experiences. Both campuses offer spacious private labor and delivery suites, advanced wireless fetal monitoring, dedicated 24/7 OB hospitalist and neonatal coverage, lactation education and consultation, and sleep accommodations for family members.

Neonatal Care at the Core

For families navigating premature births or medically complex deliveries, neonatal services remain a central pillar of The Nest. Advanced NICU capabilities are paired with care environments designed to ease family stress and encourage bonding.

Recent Capital Investments

The Nest's unveiling follows significant upgrades at both campuses:

A $14 million NICU expansion at Abrazo Arrowhead, completed in 2023
A $415,000 labor and delivery renovation at Abrazo West, completed in 2024

Arizona Group CEO Brian Elisco said the program reflects a belief that clinical excellence must be accompanied by compassion and emotional support.

Sources: Abrazo Health , The Hertel Report

Arizona Pain Specialist Says CMS's WISeR Model is Disrupting Patient Care

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:43:02 GMT

Arizona Physician Describes Challenges Following WISeR Model's Implementation

In an exclusive article published by The Washington Post this week, physicians and patients weighed in on the immediate shortcomings of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services newly-launched Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model, which adds prior authorization requirements for select Medicare services.

The model utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning alongside human clinical review to “reduce clinically unsupported care.”

Prior Authorization Creates Disruptions

Healthcare is suffering because of prior authorization’s shortcomings. It routinely interferes with the physician-patient relationship and delays the delivery of care, even in life-threatening situations. It creates unrealistic administrative workloads for our clinics. And, it's adding to the dire healthcare workforce shortages our state and country face.

The WISeR Model is only making matters worse. Despite the physician community's concerns about the AI-driven model, its rushed implementation, and its lack of stakeholder input, CMS launched the program on January 1.

ArMA Physician Shares WISeR-driven Challenges

ArMA member Matthew Crooks, MD — director of Pinnacle Pain at OrthoArizona and president of the Arizona Society of Interventional Pain Physicians — spoke with The Washington Post about how the model is already disrupting patient care for pain specialists.

Richard Hynds, one of Dr. Crooks' patients, suffers from severe lower back pain, for which he receives steroid epidural injections. These injections allow him to exercise, developing core strength to mitigate the pain long-term, he told The Washington Post. However, once the WISeR Model began, Hynds was repeatedly denied prior authorization for the injection. He had to wait more than a month before he was approved, suffering through severe pain throughout.

Dr. Crooks described the WISeR Model as significantly different from other prior authorization processes: “we’re seeing far, far more denials with Medicare WISeR than we’ve seen in the past with commercial insurances and Medicare Advantage.”

He also described long wait times, with medical staff sitting on hold for up to 90 minutes at a time just to schedule a peer-to-peer review. "Once scheduled, those conversations often occur about a week or more later, leaving patients waiting," The Washington Post reported.

Medical Organizations in Arizona, Other Pilot States Oppose the Program's Implementation

The Arizona Medical Association and other medical organizations nationwide have taken a prominent role in opposing the program's implementation.

In a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz , ArMA President Dr. Jason Jameson, along with medical association leaders from the other affected states, requested a halt to the program and asked the agency to collaborate with "stakeholders to design payment processes that protect the Medicare Trust Fund while achieving value, without jeopardizing patient access."

The associations argued the initiative shifts critical clinical decisions away from physicians and patients without adequate transparency, stakeholder input, or evidence demonstrating improved patient outcomes.

Arizona's Prohibition of AI-driven Medical Claims

Last year, the Arizona Medical Association successfully advocated for state legislation to prohibit AI-driven medical claim denials. The legislation prohibits health insurance companies from relying solely on AI to deny medical claims, requiring medical directors to individually review denials and exercise independent medical judgment. The law was signed on May 12, and takes effect June 30, 2026.

The law sets a national precedent for regulating AI's use in commercial medical insurance, putting Arizona ahead in the race to ensure regulation keeps up with development and implementation. While the new legislation will put a stopper in an issue physicians have identified as pervasive, it does not apply to Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

Sources: The Washington Post

KFF Survey: ACA Enrollees Struggle With Rising Premiums After Federal Subsidy Expiration

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:34:33 GMT

Survey: ACA Enrollees Face Growing Financial Pressure as Enhanced Subsidies Expire

A recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll of Affordable Care Act enrollees found that rising premiums — driven by the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies — are forcing difficult financial tradeoffs, delaying care, and pushing some enrollees to reduce or drop coverage in 2026.

Survey's Key Findings

About 80% of returning enrollees report higher premiums or out-of-pocket expenses; roughly half say costs have increased significantly
55% plan to cut spending on other household expenses to cover health care costs
17% say they may be unable to continue paying their premiums through the end of the year

While most enrollees have maintained coverage, some have switched plans, sought alternative insurance, or dropped coverage altogether due to affordability concerns

Broader Implications

The survey highlights widespread anxiety about paying for medical care and suggests that rising health care costs could shape both financial decisions and political attitudes as the year progresses.

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation

Action Alert: Arizona Legislature Enters Final Committee Week

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:32:27 GMT

Arizona Medical Association

Vitals From the State Capitol: Physician Action Needed as Bill Hearings Enter Final Stretch

Week 10 of Arizona's Legislative Session | March 20, 2026

Jump to a section

HB2444: Pharmacist Test & Treat | SB1178: Naturopaths & IV Admin |

HCR2056: Medical Mandate Amendment

The Arizona State Legislature is in its final week for most bills to be heard in opposite-chamber committees — and agendas have been long.

Meanwhile, meaningful budget negotiations between Republican leadership, Governor Katie Hobbs, and Democrats legislators remain stalled over spending priorities including HR1 tax conformity, K-12 funding, and ESA oversight.

While budget negotiations continue to simmer, there are three ArMA-tracked bills that require your attention today.

⚠ Action Needed

HB2444: Pharmacist Test & Treat Bill

House Bill 2444 , which would authorize pharmacists to independently test and prescribe treatments for flu, strep, COVID-19, and HIV PrEP/PEP, narrowly passed the full House and has not yet been assigned a Senate committee. While that delay is encouraging, the bill could still receive a hearing in the next two weeks. ArMA's Advocacy Team continues to actively oppose the measure.

Now is not the time to ease up. Join us in urging the full Senate to oppose HB2444.

Action Needed

Send a pre-drafted, customizable letter to the full Senate and share your concerns about HB2444.

ArMA Opposed

SB1178: Naturopaths & Drug Administration

Senate Bill 1178 , which would permit naturopaths to administer antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals intravenously, passed the House Health Committee with a 7-4 vote on Monday.

ArMA has serious concerns about the patient safety implications of allowing individuals without medical training to administer these treatments in outpatient settings, and is actively lobbying against the bill's further advancement.

You can help us by contacting the full House of Representatives and urging members to vote no.

Action Needed

Send a pre-drafted, customizable letter to the House of Representatives asking them to oppose SB1178.

ArMA Opposed

HCR2056: Constitutional Amendment on Medical Mandates

House Concurrent Resolution 2056 is a legislative ballot referral that, if approved by the Senate and ratified by voters this fall, would enshrine a constitutional right to refuse vaccinations and other medical interventions in Arizona. The measure is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Government Committee on Tuesday, March 24.

ArMA opposes this resolution as a serious threat to public health. Sign in on the Request-to-Speak system to make your voice heard before Tuesday's hearing.

Action Needed

New to RTS? Learn how to use the Request-to-Speak system »

Action Alert: Arizona Legislature Enters Final Committee Week

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 20:09:44 GMT

Arizona Medical Association

Vitals From the State Capitol:

Physician Action Needed as Bill

Hearings Enter Final Stretch

Week 10 of Arizona's Legislative Session | March 20, 2026

Jump to a section

HCR2056: Medical Mandate Amendment

The Arizona State Legislature is in its final week for most bills to be heard in opposite-chamber committees — and agendas have been long.

While budget negotiations continue to simmer, there are three ArMA-tracked bills that require your attention today.

HB2444: Pharmacist Test & Treat Bill

Now is not the time to ease up. Join us in urging the full Senate to oppose HB2444.

Action Needed

Send a pre-drafted, customizable letter to the full Senate and share your concerns about HB2444.

SB1178: Naturopaths & Drug Administration

Senate Bill 1178 , which would permit naturopaths to administer antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals intravenously, passed the House Health Committee with a 7-4 vote on Monday.

You can help us by contacting the full House of Representatives and urging members to vote no.

Action Needed

Send a pre-drafted, customizable letter to the House of Representatives asking them to oppose SB1178.

HCR2056: Constitutional Amendment on Medical Mandates

ArMA opposes this resolution as a serious threat to public health. Sign in on the Request-to-Speak system to make your voice heard before Tuesday's hearing.

Action Needed

New to RTS? Learn how to use the Request-to-Speak system »

Arizona Legislature Advances Insurance Reforms on Prior Authorization and Claims Denials

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:58:26 GMT

Physician-backed Insurance Reforms Advancing in Arizona State Legislature

A key commercial insurance reform championed by the Arizona Medical Association is gaining momentum at the Arizona State Capitol — and enactment looks promising.

SB1628: Claims Denial and Prior Authorization Reporting

Senate Bill 1628 (claims denial; prior authorization; reporting) — which would require insurers to report data on medical claims and prior authorization denials — is scheduled for a hearing in the House Health & Human Services Committee on Monday.

The bill would require insurers to report key data to the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions. DIFI would then be charged with publishing an annual, publicly available report, which it would also disseminate to key legislative leadership. By arming advocates with vital, concrete data, the bill would pave the way for future insurer reforms to improve the practice of medicine and patient care.

While nothing is guaranteed at the State Capitol, ArMA's Advocacy Team is optimistic about the bill's path forward and will keep you updated on its progress.

ArMA and AzHHA: A United Front

ArMA and the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association have partnered to advance reforms designed to level the playing field between physicians and insurers, ultimately improving health care for Arizona patients.

Anti-medicine bills are still moving at the Arizona State Capitol. The ArMA Advocacy Team's Week 10 Legislative Roundup covers the harmful proposals still alive this session — and how you can voice your opposition before it's too late.

Read the Week 10 Legislative Roundup and take action »

ArMA Joins Lawsuit Against MultiPlan & Leading Insurance Providers Over Health Care Price-Fixing

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 20:14:33 GMT

Federal antitrust litigation seeks to hold MultiPlan and major insurance companies responsible for an alleged coordinated price-fixing scheme and resulting under-reimbursement for out-of-network services.

PHOENIX, Arizona — The Arizona Medical Association (ArMA) has joined a federal multi-district litigation against MultiPlan (rebranded to Claritev) and major insurers, including UnitedHealth, Elevance, Humana, Aetna, and Cigna, alleging they conspired to systematically underpay healthcare practitioners for reimbursements for out-of-network services, which often fail to cover operating costs. MultiPlan goes by many names, including Data iSight, Viant, NCN, ProPricer, and MARS. As of 2024, MultiPlan processes more than 80% of all commercial out-of-network reimbursement claims in the United States.

ArMA joins the American Medical Association (AMA) and hundreds of physician practices and facilities nationwide in this growing antitrust litigation. Plaintiffs allege that MultiPlan facilitated a price-fixing agreement among insurers that artificially suppressed out-of-network payment rates, costing clinicians billions of dollars. This lawsuit, filed in the Northern District Court of Illinois in 2024, seeks to end MultiPlan’s alleged anticompetitive scheme, which it has operated since at least 2015, and recoup financial damages for practitioners and practices.

“For many years, physicians in Arizona have been forced to accept increasingly insufficient reimbursements for providing healthcare to out-of-network patients,” said ArMA President Dr. Jason Jameson . “This lawsuit is an important step to ensure that physicians are justly reimbursed for the care we provide — not only today, but also for historical underpayments going back more than a decade — and end this alleged illegal collusion that hurts patients.”

Physicians who believe they have been harmed by MultiPlan and the insurance companies, whether current or in past years, can obtain a free case evaluation from one of the attorneys appointed by the court to lead the non-class claims. Clinicians may not always know whether MultiPlan — or one of its services, such as Data iSight, Viant, NCN, ProPricer, or MARS — re-priced their claims. However, clues can often be found in Explanations of Benefits or remittance advice.

The court has also appointed attorneys to litigate a proposed antitrust class action on the same issues, but a ruling on any proposed class certification is not expected until 2027. Physicians who believe they have been impacted by MultiPlan’s conduct can choose to pursue their claims individually on a non-class basis now and do not need to wait for any ruling on a proposed class.

"The Arizona Medical Association is dedicated to helping physicians navigate the increasingly turbulent and complicated landscape of healthcare so they can focus on what matters most: patient care," shared ArMA CEO Doug Laher, MBA, CAE . "We're proud to be a part of this historic lawsuit, which aims to protect and support those who heal our communities."

Members of the Arizona Medical Association interested in joining the lawsuit as litigants are eligible for discounted contingency fees. Anyone who would like to learn more about the case can do so by emailing communications@AZmed.org .

About Arizona Medical Association

Fostering medicine. Championing care. Serving Arizona.

About Court-appointed Counsel

Gilbert LLP

Seeger Weiss
One of the nation’s preeminent plaintiffs’ law firms, Seeger Weiss is best known for multidistrict mass torts and class actions in both state and federal court—and especially for taking those cases to trial. With the resources and dedication to take on the world’s largest corporations, the firm has an impressive track record of victories against companies like Merck, Monsanto, and 3M—and a reputation for sticking with a case from beginning to end. From offices in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, the firm has represented over 10,000 individuals, companies, and governments across the United States who have been injured or defrauded on a massive scale. Since its founding in 1999, it has led many of the most complex and high-profile cases in the country: the National Prescription Opiate Litigation, which the Washington Post called “the largest federal court case in U.S. history”; the “Dieselgate” scandal; the sprawling multistate litigation on behalf of survivors of child sexual abuse; and the history-making National Football League Players’ Concussion Injury Litigation. Learn more.

Napoli Shkolnik
Napoli Shkolnik is a nationally recognized law firm that has built an impressive track record by bringing a client-focused approach to complex, often large-scale litigation, largely in the areas of mass torts, environmental law, civil rights, product liability and pharmaceutical, commercial litigation, and medical malpractice & personal injury. Headquartered in New York, the firm has additional offices across the United States, as well as affiliate offices in Puerto Rico and Canada, affording the resources and reach to effectively pursue difficult cases and win favorable outcomes for its clients. Learn more.

Media Contact:

Shelby Job
(602) 291-4670
sjob@AZmed.org

ArMA Joins Lawsuit Against MultiPlan & Leading Insurance Providers Over Health Care Price-Fixing

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 17:12:35 GMT

Federal antitrust litigation seeks to hold MultiPlan and major insurance companies responsible for an alleged coordinated price-fixing scheme and resulting under-reimbursement for out-of-network services.

“For many years, physicians in Arizona have been forced to accept increasingly insufficient reimbursements for providing healthcare to out-of-network patients,” said ArMA President Dr. Jason Jameson . “This lawsuit is an important step to ensure that physicians are justly reimbursed for the care we provide — not only today, but also for historical underpayments going back more than a decade — and end this alleged illegal collusion that hurts patients.”

Physicians who believe they have been harmed by MultiPlan and the insurance companies, whether current or in past years, can obtain a free case evaluation from one of the attorneys appointed by the court to lead the non-class claims. Clinicians may not always know whether MultiPlan — or one of its services, such as Data iSight, Viant, NCN, ProPricer, or MARS — re-priced their claims. However, clues can often be found in Explanations of Benefits or remittance advice.

The court has also appointed attorneys to litigate a proposed antitrust class action on the same issues, but a ruling on any proposed class certification is not expected until 2027. Physicians who believe they have been impacted by MultiPlan’s conduct can choose to pursue their claims individually on a non-class basis now and do not need to wait for any ruling on a proposed class.

"The Arizona Medical Association is dedicated to helping physicians navigate the increasingly turbulent and complicated landscape of healthcare so they can focus on what matters most: patient care," shared ArMA CEO Doug Laher, MBA, CAE . "We're proud to be a part of this historic lawsuit, which aims to protect and support those who heal our communities."

Members of the Arizona Medical Association interested in joining the lawsuit as litigants are eligible for discounted contingency fees. Anyone who would like to learn more about the case can do so by emailing communications@AZmed.org .

About Arizona Medical Association

Fostering medicine. Championing care. Serving Arizona.

About Court-appointed Counsel

Gilbert LLP

Gilbert LLP is a nationally recognized law firm specializing in complex dispute resolution, insurance recovery and risk management, strategic corporate counseling, bankruptcy and receiverships, and high‑stakes litigation. The firm delivers results through innovative legal strategies that integrate business insight and practical problem-solving. Clients include corporations, creditor committees, trustees, and other stakeholders across industries, navigating intricate insurance matters, multidimensional commercial disputes, reorganization and trust implementation, and transactional risk issues. Gilbert LLP focuses on engineered, outcomes-driven solutions that align with broader business objectives. Learn more.

Seeger Weiss
One of the nation’s preeminent plaintiffs’ law firms, Seeger Weiss is best known for multidistrict mass torts and class actions in both state and federal court—and especially for taking those cases to trial. With the resources and dedication to take on the world’s largest corporations, the firm has an impressive track record of victories against companies like Merck, Monsanto, and 3M—and a reputation for sticking with a case from beginning to end. From offices in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, the firm has represented over 10,000 individuals, companies, and governments across the United States who have been injured or defrauded on a massive scale. Since its founding in 1999, it has led many of the most complex and high-profile cases in the country: the National Prescription Opiate Litigation, which the Washington Post called “the largest federal court case in U.S. history”; the “Dieselgate” scandal; the sprawling multistate litigation on behalf of survivors of child sexual abuse; and the history-making National Football League Players’ Concussion Injury Litigation. Learn more.

Napoli Shkolnik
Napoli Shkolnik is a nationally recognized law firm that has built an impressive track record by bringing a client-focused approach to complex, often large-scale litigation, largely in the areas of mass torts, environmental law, civil rights, product liability and pharmaceutical, commercial litigation and medical malpractice & personal injury. Headquartered in New York, the firm has additional offices across the United States, as well as affiliate offices in Puerto Rico and Canada, affording the resources and reach to effectively pursue difficult cases and win favorable outcomes for its clients. Learn more.

Media Contact:

Shelby Job
(602) 291-4670
sjob@AZmed.org

Governor Hobbs Vetoes Arizona Bill Requiring Hospitals to Ask About Immigration Status

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:05:39 GMT

Hobbs Says Measure Would Discourage Patients from Seeking Care, Undermine Public Health

Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed legislation that would have required Arizona hospitals to ask patients about their immigration or citizenship status, halting a measure that sparked intense debate among lawmakers, healthcare providers, and immigrant advocates.

What the Bill Would Have Required

The proposal would have required hospitals that receive funding through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to ask patients whether they are U.S. citizens or otherwise lawfully present in the country. Supporters said the information would help the state better understand how much healthcare is provided to undocumented immigrants.

Lawmakers who backed the bill said the intent was not to deny care but to gather data about the cost of treating undocumented immigrants in Arizona hospitals. They argued the state should have clearer information as it debates healthcare spending and border-related issues.

Why Hobbs Vetoed the Measure

In her veto message, Hobbs said the bill risked discouraging patients from seeking necessary medical care and could undermine public health. She argued that requiring hospitals to collect immigration data could create fear among patients and interfere with care in emergency situations.

The veto marks the latest clash between Hobbs, a Democrat, and the Republican-controlled Arizona State Legislature over immigration-related policies. With the veto, the measure will not take effect.

Arizona Legislature Week 8: Where ArMA's Priority Bills Stand After Crossover

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:03:22 GMT

Arizona Medical Association

Vitals From the State Capitol: Where ArMA's Priority Bills Stand After Crossover Week

Week 08 of Arizona's Legislative Session March 6, 2026

Jump to a section

SB1628: Claims Denial Reform | HB2444: Test & Treat | SB1178: Naturopathic Physicians |

HCR2056: Medical Mandate Amendment | HB2251: Licensed Midwives

With the Arizona State Legislature's Crossover Week in the rearview mirror and bills now being heard in their second chamber, the session is well underway — and things are looking good for the Arizona Medical Association's healthcare priorities.

✓ ArMA SUPPORTS

SB1628: Claims Denial, Prior Authorization & Reporting Reform

Senate Bill 1628 passed the Arizona State Senate with unanimous approval and is now awaiting a hearing in the State House. When enacted, the bill will require medical insurers to report claims denial, prior authorization, and downcoding data to the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions, which will then aggregate the information into a publicly available report.

This critical reform will ensure the physician and broader healthcare community has access to comprehensive data to support future insurance reform efforts.

⚠ ACTION NEEDED

 HB2444: Pharmacist "Test and Treat" Bill

House Bill 2444 , which would allow pharmacists to initiate testing and prescribe treatments for flu, strep, COVID-19, and HIV PrEP/PEP, has yet to receive a vote from the full House of Representatives. ArMA's Advocacy Team is actively lobbying legislators to ensure the bill does not advance any further.

If you haven't already, take a moment to contact the full State House and urge members to vote no on this harmful legislation.

Action Needed

Contact the full House of Representatives and urge them to oppose HB2444.

New to RTS? Learn how to use the Request-to-Speak system »

ArMA Opposed

SB1178: Naturopathic Physicians Drug Administration

Senate Bill 1178 , which would allow naturopathic physicians to administer antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals via IV, passed the Senate along mostly partisan lines. This legislation poses grave concerns for patient care, and ArMA is actively opposing it.

The legislation now moves to the House, where ArMA will continue to lobby legislators on the dangers of non-medically trained individuals administering these treatments in the out-patient setting.

ArMA Opposed

HCR2056: Constitutional Amendment on Medical Mandates

House Concurrent Resolution 2056 passed the House this week along partisan lines. If approved by the Senate, the measure would place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would establish a right for individuals to refuse medical mandates from the government.

Should voters approve such an amendment, the practical implications for public health in Arizona would be serious. ArMA opposed the resolution, and our Advocacy Team will continue to monitor its progress in the Senate.

Monitoring

HB2251: Licensed Midwives Bill Passes House

House Bill 2251 , addressing midwife medication administration and an advisory committee, has passed out of the House. While the bill is improved from its introduced version, more work remains to be done in the Senate to ensure appropriate oversight. ArMA's Advocacy Team will continue to monitor the legislation closely and participate in ongoing negotiations.

New ADHS Tool Gives Arizona Physicians Instant Access to Local Public Health Data

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:51:26 GMT

Community Profiles centralizes more than 280 health indicators — from care access to environmental conditions — in one interactive platform.

Arizona physicians now have a powerful new resource for understanding the communities they serve. The Arizona Department of Health Services has launched Community Profiles, an interactive data tool that consolidates local public health information into a single, searchable platform.

What Community Profiles Offers

The tool aggregates more than 281 indicators per community, covering demographics, health outcomes, healthcare access, workforce availability, facilities, and environmental conditions. Select datasets are updated in near real time. For physicians, that means faster access to the kind of community-level context that informs clinical decisions, grant applications, and advocacy efforts — without combing through multiple agencies or reports.

Key features include built-in guided tours, printable views, metadata, and data download options, making it accessible whether you're a first-time user or a seasoned analyst.

Practical Uses for Physicians

Community Profiles can help clinicians and practice administrators quickly identify nearby primary care, dental, and mental health providers, locate hospitals and long-term care facilities in a given area, and find community resources such as cooling centers during Arizona's extreme heat months.

The tool also enables side-by-side comparisons between communities, counties, and statewide data — useful for identifying care gaps and targeting areas where intervention may have the greatest impact.

How to Access It

Community Profiles is available now through the ADHS Public Health Data Portal . A recorded walkthrough from the ADHS GIS team is also available for those who want a guided introduction before diving in.

Arizona Joins Multistate Lawsuit Challenging Federal Childhood Vaccine Recommendation Changes

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:49:41 GMT

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes co-leads a legal effort to block CDC vaccine guideline rollbacks that shapes U.S. immunization policy.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced last week that she is co-leading a lawsuit that aims to restore the federal childhood vaccine recommendations after they were overhauled by the federal government earlier this year.

Alongside more than a dozen other state attorney generals, Mayes is requesting the judge block the new childhood vaccine recommendations and reverse recent federal panel changes.

What Changed — and Why It's Being Challenged

In January, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reduced the total number of vaccines recommended for all children by nearly half. Vaccines no longer included in the CDC's recommendations include those for preventing the flu, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, certain forms of meningitis, and RSV.

The lawsuit, filed jointly with California Attorney General General Rob Bonta , accuses the defendants of violating federal law and disregarding scientific evidence and expert consensus in its decision to significantly change the immunization schedule.

The suit also challenges Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision to fire 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

The Public Health Stakes

In her statement, Mayes highlighted that routine childhood vaccines prevented approximately 508 million illnesses, 32 million hospitalizations, and more than 1.1 million deaths among children born between 1994 and 2023.

"We want to ensure that families continue to be fully aware that vaccines continue to be safe and effective for their children, and we encourage them to vaccinate their children against diseases that are entirely preventable," Mayes said.

The Federal Government's Position

HHS publicly stated that the schedule changes were the result of a request from President Donald Trump, who asked the agency to review how peer nations approach vaccine recommendations. Officials framed the changes as a way to increase the public's trust.

Mayes disputed that framing on the basis that comparisons to other countries fail to account for key differences, including universal health care coverage.

The Physician Community's Response

The American Academy for Family Physicians, alongside several other national-level medical associations, have publicly adopted their own childhood immunization schedules. According to AAFP's website, it does not endorse the CDC's schedule. Instead, it has posted its own scheduling tables, which are available for download .

The Arizona Medical Association and other local medical groups publicly reaffirmed the importance of vaccination to the health of patients and our communities last year.

"Vaccines are one of the greatest and most reliable forms of modern medicine,” said Dr. Sarah Coles, an ArMA Board of Directors member , AzAFP member, and family medicine physician in Flagstaff. “Without them, millions of patients would unnecessarily suffer from preventable diseases and related complications each year.”

The Arizona Medical Association, the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Arizona Academy of Family Physicians urge all parents to consult with their child’s physician about vaccinations. Protecting one child’s health helps protect our entire community.

Information in this article was sourced from Arizona's Family .

Arizona Families Rally Over AHCCCS Changes Disrupting Therapy Access for Children With Autism

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:47:20 GMT

Contract terminations between AHCCCS plans and two major autism therapy services have left many families struggling to find care.

Families of children with autism and advocates rallied at the Arizona State Capitol this week, saying changes within the state’s Medicaid system have left many children without access to a critical therapy, applied behavioral analysis.

The Origin of the Dispute

The dispute centers on contract terminations between AHCCCS plans and two large autism therapy services, which forced many families to find new providers often with long waitlists or limited availability. Some parents say the changes could leave hundreds of children without consistent therapy.

Several families have filed lawsuits arguing that the state failed to ensure adequate access to care after insurers ended contracts with certain therapy providers. They claim the AHCCCS system did not provide enough alternatives for children who depend on ABA therapy.

What Advocates Are Asking For

Parents who gathered at the Capitol urged state officials to intervene and restore therapy options, warning that interruptions in care could cause children to lose progress they have made through early intervention programs.

What AHCCCS is Saying

Officials with AHCCCS have said that ABA therapy remains a covered benefit and that other healthcare professionals are available within insurer networks. But families say long waitlists, travel distances, and limited openings have made it difficult to secure new therapy placements for their children.

Where the Discussion is Headed

The dispute continues to unfold in court as families seek an order that would maintain access to therapy while the legal challenges move forward.

Member Spotlight: Chisom Okuagu, DO

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:02:28 GMT

We're proud to introduce Chisom Okuagu, DO, as ArMA's March Member Spotlight.

Dr. Chisom Okuagu is a family medicine resident at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix and a member of the Arizona Medical Association's Board of Directors.

A native Arizonan and the daughter of Nigerian immigrants — a nurse and a pharmacist — she knew medicine would be an important part of her life and has pursued it with a sense of purpose ever since.

Before entering medical school, Dr. Okuagu served as a special education teacher in New Orleans, Louisiana through AmeriCorps' Teach for America program, an experience she says helped her foster the humility, active listening, and patient-centered philosophy that define her clinical approach today. Now training in family medicine and focused on the future of primary care in underserved communities, she has returned to the state she fondly calls home and to patients she is driven to serve.

In her interview with the Arizona Medical Association, Dr. Okuagu reflects on what drew her to family medicine, how teaching laid a strong foundation for her clinical interactions, and what a successful career in medicine looks like to her.

Watch Dr. Okuagu's Full Interview

In this conversation, Dr. Okuagu shares her path to family medicine, the lessons she carries from Teach for America, and her vision for addressing the primary care shortage.

Career Journey

What drew you to a career in medicine and, more specifically, family medicine?

"Honestly, I credit the exposure to medicine to both of my parents, Nigerian immigrants that now have careers in healthcare, my mom a nurse and my father a pharmacist. Fortunately, I actually enjoyed my science courses in school so the dream became less far-fetched. As I got older, I saw loved ones experience health challenges both here in the states, as well as in Nigeria, that were ultimately the results of lapses in health care. It was through these experiences that cemented the importance of quality primary care for me. As I advanced through my medical education, my family medicine rotation and incredible preceptor Dr. Russ Kennedy truly showed me how family medicine was boundless and can be so impactful to patients."

"It was through these experiences that cemented the importance of quality primary care for me.

— Dr. Chisom Okuagu

What song have you had on repeat lately?

"Honestly, Bad Bunny's DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS has been on repeat since the Super Bowl, and it's not stopping anytime soon."

Prior to medical school, you served as a special education teacher in New Orleans through AmeriCorps' Teach for America program. How has that experience shaped your perspective and philosophy on the practice of medicine?

"I love this question. My experience with Teach for America has undoubtedly shaped the way I have moved throughout the world since that experience.

Honestly, my exposure to individuals in the disabled community was limited prior to teaching my students. Not to mention the naivety that is coming into the classroom as a 21 year old college graduate, serving as a team lead for several paraprofessionals/teaching assistants with several more years of teaching experience, and developing lesson plans for students with a variety of disabilities, all in the same classroom.

To this day, I would still say it was one of the hardest things I've ever done. It was also the most impactful. There was a humility that was crucial to being successful in that setting, because while you're serving as a leader in the classroom, you are also taking a backseat to truly and meaningfully observe the various dynamics in the classroom. It was in the listening and observing that I learned the most about what my students and paras needed in order to be successful both in the classroom, and in their communities. This is a philosophy I still practice when I see my patients and has helped me provide excellent care that helps me meet them where they are at."

"It was in the listening and observing that I learned the most about what my students and paras needed in order to be successful both in the classroom, and in their communities. This is a philosophy I still practice when I see my patients."

— Dr. Chisom Okuagu

What is the last book you read?

Rock My Soul by bell hooks

Returning Home

You grew up in Casa Grande, Arizona. After living and working in several locations around the country, you've returned to Arizona. What is it about our state that appeals to you as a place to live and serve patients?

"Well, as the saying goes, there's no place like home. I love the southwest — the sun, the red rock, the mountains, outdoor activities, diverse geography, the food, the culture. There is no other place like it across the country. These characteristics are reflected in the patients I serve which makes it that much more enjoyable. Plus, people tend to be generally happier and friendlier which is a huge bonus."

Where is your favorite place to grab food in Arizona?

"Cafe Desta is an Ethiopian restaurant in Tucson, AZ that I absolutely adore. I'm overdue for a trip but it is easily one of my favorite places to grab food in Arizona."

Advocacy & Primary Care

As a primary care specialist interested in serving rural communities, you are entering into the practice of medicine at a pivotal time. What do you see as crucial steps towards addressing the primary care shortage in the next decade?

"I think it comes in the exposure. There have been a number of developments made to increase teaching health centers in rural communities across the state and I hope these efforts continue nationwide. I would also urge medical schools to be intentional about incorporating all primary care core rotations into their clinical curriculum, especially family medicine. I've found that FM is a core rotation that tends to get excluded in medical school, especially in programs in the northeastern United States. This absence translates to decreased exposure to the specialty and perpetuates the shortage. These are just a couple of ideas that come to mind."

"I would urge medical schools to be intentional about incorporating all primary care core rotations into their clinical curriculum, especially family medicine."

— Dr. Chisom Okuagu

If you weren't practicing medicine, what would you be doing?

"Equally, if not more challenging, but I would have gone into astronomy! I remember in elementary school having the local community college's astronomy program do immersive events at my school and one of them involved a large inflatable dome in the cafeteria that you could enter and see the Milky Way projected onto the ceiling and it was one of the coolest things I have ever seen. I considered studying astronomy in college, but medicine had my heart."

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"During my 3rd year of medical school, my pediatrics attending invited me to an advocacy day for the American Academy of Pediatrics in Jefferson City, MO. After attending, I was immediately hooked. Joining like-minded individuals to advocate for our most vulnerable populations while providing medical education to the legislators that make the decisions that impact us in the clinical setting was all I needed to know that I wanted to integrate advocacy into my career permanently."

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

"I played the trombone for 7 years between middle school, high school, and college. Let me know if you're trying to put a jazz band together!"

Why is ArMA important to you?

"ArMA is multidisciplinary and multigenerational and brings together physicians and physician trainees from all walks of life with the ultimate vision of strengthening the communities we serve."

— Dr. Chisom Okuagu

What are your top 3 favorite movies or TV shows?

The Office, Portlandia, Insecure. These shows have very high rewatch value for me.

At the end of your career, what do you hope to say you've been able to accomplish and achieve throughout your journey with medicine?

"While this could change in the future, I am hoping to work in an FQHC, serving patients both in the exam room and through systemic efforts I envision achieving at a more administrative level. I haven't fully ironed out all of the details, but it would definitely involve a balance of clinical duties, public health research and quality improvement, grant writing to fund programming that benefits the community, and being in communication with staff and employees about what could enhance their experience in their workplace, all the while working with physicians-in-training, teaching medical students and residents in some capacity. I guess that answer evolved into a mid-to-end of career goal, but I am hoping to have achieved these things by the end of my career."

Join Dr. Okuagu and Arizona's Leading Physicians

Become an ArMA member and be part of the advocacy that's shaping
the future of healthcare in Arizona.

Continue Exploring

American Hospital Association

Physicians Defeat No Surprises Act Arbitration Bill

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:01:00 GMT

Late last month, the Arizona House Appropriations Committee heard House Bill 2211 , which would have given health insurers an advantage in No Surprises Act arbitration by introducing two new caps on what a physician or other healthcare practitioner may offer:

300% of the approved Medicare reimbursement rate, or
300% of the qualifying payment amount

A violation of the statute would have been considered unprofessional conduct and could have threatened a physician's license.

Thanks to a swift and coordinated response from the healthcare community, the bill was stopped in its tracks and is not expected to re-appear during this year's legislative session.

Background on NSA Arbitration & Latest Trends

The proponent of the bill claimed that the Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process has turned into a "jackpot" for clinicians, however, this is not the reality. For example, the American Hospital Association cites federal data showing that Anthem does not participate in 30% of disputes, and the increase in clinicians prevailing in IDR from 2023-2024 (80-85%) was largely attributable to default decisions, especially in Q4 of 2024.

Tying "provider offers" to the Qualifying Payment Amount (which is determined by insurers) or the Medicare rate would give physicians and other clinicians a deeply unfair disadvantage in negotiations.

To make matters more frustrating, physicians are not being paid in a timely fashion when they prevail in disputes. A recent survey from the Emergency Department Practice Management Association (EDPMA) found that nearly 60% of IDR decisions in favor of emergency physicians had not been paid under the statutory requirements. A broader survey of clinicians across 45 states found that 22% of IDR awards owed in 2023 and 11% of awards owed in 2024 had not been paid at all.

ArMA, Others Coordinate Swift Response

The health care community, including the Arizona Medical Association and the Arizona Hospital Association, was united in opposition. The bill did not receive a vote in committee, meaning it was successfully stopped from moving forward in the legislative process this year.

ArMA's Advocacy Team continues to monitor this and other issues most pressing to Arizona physicians and their patients. To learn more about our efforts, visit our webpage .

340B Drug Pricing Program's Latest: What Arizona Physicians Need to Know

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:15:00 GMT

HHS Starts Over on 340 Rebate Model, Stakeholders Push Back

A coalition of national healthcare organizations recently urged federal regulators to extend the public comment deadline on a reimagined 340B Drug Pricing Program rebate model — a separate initiative from the original pilot that was struck down by federal courts late last year and subsequently scrapped by U.S. Department of Health & Human Services last month.

On February 25, the Health Resources & Services Administration said it will extend the deadline for public comments to April 20, giving key stakeholder an additional month to share insight. The agency also suggested that it may expand the rebate model pilot program to all drugs included in the Inflation Reduction Act’s Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program through 2027, according to the American Hospital Association.

The Arizona Medical Association is closely monitoring the rulemaking process and actively advocating against proposed rebate models that pose a significant threat to the stability of local hospitals and the patients they serve.

The Bottom Line

The original 340B rebate model pilot, introduced in 2025, was scrapped by the agency after facing a court-ordered injunction and fierce opposition from stakeholders. HHS is now starting fresh with a new rebate model proposal, which is currently posted for public comment through April 20. All healthcare stakeholders potentially impacted by the program are welcome and encouraged to share their insight.

The healthcare community, largely led by the American Hospital Association, has voice concerns about the new concept and advocated for an adjusted comment period timeline.

What's Happened So Far: A Quick Timeline

July 2025 — Health Resources & Services Administration announces original 340B rebate model pilot, replacing up-front drug discounts with post-purchase rebates. More than 1,000 hospitals and stakeholders submit opposition.

Dec. 29, 2025 — A U.S. District Court judge in Maine grants a preliminary injunction, blocking the original pilot from taking effect Jan. 1.

Jan. 7, 2026 — The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denies the government's motion to stay the injunction.

Feb. 5, 2026 — HHS agrees to vacate the original pilot entirely, citing an unfavorable administrative record.

Feb. 13, 2026 — HHS issues a request for information on a new, separate 340B rebate model pilot — starting the process over from scratch.

Feb. 19, 2026 — The AHA and six national healthcare organizations urge HRSA to extend the comment deadline on the new RFI.

Feb. 25, 2026 — HRSA announces extension for public comment period, now closing on April 20, 2026.

The New Proposal: What to Know

HHS is not abandoning the rebate model concept. On Feb. 13, the agency issued a request for information signaling its intent to potentially develop a new and separate rebate model pilot program built through a formal rulemaking process.

Key details of the new Request for Information:

HRSA is soliciting stakeholder input on whether a new rebate model pilot should be implemented and how it might be designed
The current public comment deadline is April 20
If a new program moves forward, HHS has committed to issuing formal public notice and setting an effective date no earlier than 90 days following approval of drug manufacturer applications

Why Stakeholders Are Pushing Back

On Feb. 19, the AHA and six national healthcare organizations urged HRSA to extend the comment deadline from March 19 to April 20 , arguing the current timeline is insufficient to respond to dozens of detailed questions about a program that does not yet exist.

"A rebate mechanism would upend more than 30 years of practice using an upfront discount mechanism," the groups wrote in a public statement. "Without an extension, we have serious concerns whether the agency will be able to consider all aspects of the problem."

AHA Vice President of Advocacy & Grassroots Aimee Kuhlman said the AHA welcomes HRSA's effort to gather input but cautioned that "imposing hundreds of millions of dollars in costs on hospitals serving rural and underserved communities is not a sound policy."

Coalition signatories alongside the AHA include:

America's Essential Hospitals
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Association of American Medical Colleges
Catholic Health Association of the United States
Children's Hospital Association
340B Health

340B Program Background

Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act requires pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in Medicaid to sell outpatient drugs at discounted prices to health care organizations serving large numbers of uninsured and low-income patients. Hospitals use 340B savings to offer free vaccines, fund mental health clinics, and implement medication management and community health programs.

Annual drug spending through the 340B program grew from $6.6 billion in 2010 to $43.9 billion in 2021 , according to a nonpartisan analysis. Drugmakers argue the program has grown beyond its original congressional intent. Safety-net hospital advocates counter that the growth reflects the depth of healthcare need in underserved communities — and that a rebate model would divert critical resources away from patient care.

Many 340B-eligible facilities operate on minimal profit margins and serve as the sole healthcare access point in their communities. The financial disruption of a rebate model would be particularly acute for rural hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

How the Original Pilot Was Blocked and Scrapped

In July 2025, HRSA announced a pilot program that would have replaced the 340B program's traditional up-front drug discounts with a post-purchase rebate model. Under that original proposal, participating hospitals would submit dispensing reports to drug manufacturers within a 45-day window , and manufacturers would issue rebate payments within 10 days of receiving those reports — with logistics largely left to individual pharmaceutical companies.

The proposal drew fierce opposition from more than 1,000 340B hospitals and other stakeholders. The AHA, 340B Health, and others called the shift a major "sea change" that lacked adequate stakeholder input or logistical support.

A U.S. District Court judge in Maine granted a preliminary injunction on Dec. 29, blocking the original pilot from taking effect on Jan. 1. The AHA, the Maine Hospital Association, and four safety-net health systems had filed suit, arguing HHS failed to follow required administrative procedures before implementing such a significant departure from established program practice. On Jan. 7, the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the government's motion to stay that injunction.

Faced with two adverse rulings, HHS filed a joint motion on Feb. 5 agreeing to vacate the original pilot entirely , acknowledging it did not believe further litigation would be "fruitful" based on the full administrative record.

Sources:

HFMA

HHS Investigates Arizona Department of Health Services Over Religious Freedom Complaint

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 21:51:21 GMT

Local Group Alleges ADHS Violated Federal & State Religious Freedom Protections

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights has opened an investigation into the Arizona Department of Health Services following a complaint alleging potential violations of federal and state religious freedom protections.

The complaint, filed by the Center for Arizona Policy, asserts that certain faith-based behavioral health providers were pressured by state licensing officials to provide or facilitate gender-affirming and abortion-related services for minors — or risk losing their licenses and Medicaid reimbursement eligibility.

Federal investigators are examining whether state officials misapplied licensing standards in a way that conflicts with established religious exercise protections. The Arizona Department of Health Services has stated it is cooperating fully and seeking clarification regarding the specific allegations.

Read more from Arizona Central.

Governor Katie Hobbs Unveils Ethics and Transparency Reform Package

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 21:50:22 GMT

Package Aims to Strengthen Oversight of Campaigning, Lobbying & More

Governor Katie Hobbs this week unveiled a broad ethics and transparency reform package aimed at strengthening oversight of government contracting, campaign finance, and interactions with lobbyists amid ongoing scrutiny over "pay-to-play" concerns.

Her plan would create a searchable state contractor database, limit campaign contributions from potential bidders during active procurement, and ban lobbyist gifts to officials.

Sen. TJ Shope is championing a competing disclosure proposal — identical to a bill the governor vetoed last year. Shope's bill would require companies and their leadership to disclose financial support to a governor's campaign or political group when bidding on state contracts.

Discussions are underway as the Legislature considers how to move forward with legislation that addresses concerns from both sides.

Scottsdale Lawmaker to Resign Seat to Run for Congressional District 1

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 21:49:16 GMT

Legislator Steps Down to Focus on Congressional Campaign

Representative Joseph Chaplik of Legislative District 3, which covers parts of Scottsdale and Fountain Hills, announced he will resign his legislative seat to focus on his campaign for Congressional District 1. Chaplik announced his intention to run for the open seat in December.

Following his resignation, the LD3 Republican Party will nominate three candidates, from which the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors will choose one individual to serve the remainder of the term.

Arizona Legislators Consider Harmful Healthcare Policies: What Physicians Need to Know

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 21:48:13 GMT

Arizona Medical Association

Vitals From the State Capitol: These Physician-opposed Bills Are on the Move

Week 6 of Arizona's Legislative Session February 20, 2026

Jump to a section

HB2211: No Surprises Act | HB2444: Test & Treat | HB2251: Licensed Midwives | HB2250: Prior Auth |

HB1494: Patient Brokering

⚠ ACTION NEEDED

Upcoming Monday | HB2211: No Surprises Act Arbitration Bill

A bill to be heard by the House Appropriations Committee on Monday, House Bill 2211 , would give health insurers an advantage in No Surprises Act arbitration by introducing two new caps on what a health care provider may offer:

300% of the approved Medicare reimbursement rate, or
300% of the qualified payment amount

A violation of the statute would be considered unprofessional conduct and could threaten a physician's license. The health care community is united in opposition, and we need your help voicing it to the committee.

Action Needed before Monday

Sign in to the State Capitol's Request-to-Speak system and send the Appropriations Committee our pre-drafted letter to share your opposition.

New to RTS? Learn how to use the Request-to-Speak system »

⚠ ACTION NEEDED

 HB2444: Pharmacist "Test and Treat" Bill

The pharmacist-led "Test and Treat" bill, House Bill 2444, limped out of the House Health & Human Services Committee this week with a 7-5 vote. ArMA testified before the committee on the dangers this legislation presents, and we were joined in opposition by pharmacists who also view the bill as unsafe and overly burdensome.

A stakeholder meeting was held Wednesday, but no agreement was reached. ArMA's Advocacy Team will continue to fight against this mis-guided bill, but we need your help. Let the House of Representatives know physicians stand firmly against HB2444 by sending them a pre-drafted letter today.

Action Needed

Contact the full House of Representatives and urge them to oppose HB2444.

New to RTS? Learn how to use the Request-to-Speak system »

Monitoring

HB2251: Licensed Midwives Bill Advances with Amendment

The licensed midwives bill, House Bill 2251 , advanced this week with an amendment granting prescriptive authority for the following:

Antibiotics for Group B Strep
Antihemorrhagics strictly for the prevention of hemorrhage
Vitamin K prophylaxis
IV fluids for routine administration
Prophylactic eye medication for newborns
Local anesthetics

Work remains to be done on the bill but negotiations are continuing in good faith toward a solution that protects patients. ArMA's Advocacy Team continues to be a part of these discussions and closely monitor the legislation..

Monitoring

 HB2250: Prior Authorization Reform

House Bill 2250 , which originally included sweeping prior authorization reforms, passed committee this week after being scaled back to two key timeline changes:

Emergency requests: Decision required within 72 hours
Non-emergency requests: Decision required within seven days

The amendment included problematic language — pushed by the insurance industry — that would require all prior authorizations to be submitted electronically. While electronic submission may make sense in many situations, any such requirement must include a delayed effective date for implementation, as well as exceptions for access issues such as broadband outages or system failures like United's payment portal crash in 2024.

The bill's sponsor has committed to addressing ArMA's concerns before the bill advances further.

Monitoring

SB1494: Unlawful Patient Brokering — ArMA Testifies in Opposition

ArMA testified in opposition to Senate Bill 1494 Thursday. The bill, introduced as a strike-everything amendment, attempts to expand the unlawful patient brokering statute to make it a felony for a provider to "steer, advise, recommend, or encourage" a patient regarding their health insurance coverage.

While ArMA shares the goal of addressing fraud and abusive patient referral schemes, the bill's language is so broad and vague that it would ensnare routine doctor-patient interactions. The bill passed committee along partisan lines, though the sponsor and committee members committed to addressing the significant problems with the legislation.

Northern Arizona Healthcare Pauses New Hospital Plans Amid Financial Uncertainty

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:53:19 GMT

Flagstaff Medical Center's Future Campus Remains Undecided as Medicaid Cuts Loom

Northern Arizona Healthcare recently announced it will not select a site for a new Flagstaff Medical Center campus after years of planning for expansion. The system cited mounting financial pressures — including projected Medicaid funding cuts to the tune of $50 million annually — as the most critical driver of its board's decision.

The decision affects one of northern Arizona's most pressing healthcare infrastructure needs and has implications for physicians, patients, and communities across the region.

The Bottom Line

NAH's board affirmed the need for a new regional hospital — but says i t cannot commit to selecting a site or finalizing an expansion timeline due to significant financial headwinds . The three sites not owned by NAH are no longer under consideration. The two NAH-owned sites remain under review with no decision announced.

What Happened

NAH's board of directors announced it is ending due diligence on three non-NAH-owned candidate sites for a new Flagstaff Medical Center campus. The identities of those sites and their owners will not be disclosed due to nondisclosure agreements, according to NAH.

NAH owns two additional sites that had been under consideration — including the current FMC campus and the site adjacent to Fort Tuthill County Park where previous plans were rejected by voters in a 2023 referendum. NAH has not announced whether either of those sites remains actively under consideration.

Board members and NAH leadership will continue discussions throughout 2026 and beyond . According to NAH, "at such time that a substantive decision is made, NAH will share that information."

The Need Hasn't Gone Away

NAH leaders have been seeking a new FMC campus since 2021, and the capacity challenges driving that effort remain unresolved. According to NAH, Flagstaff Medical Center is at capacity every day for adult inpatients , creating emergency department bottlenecks and reducing regional access to care.

The need for additional patient beds, private rooms, updated technology, increased ED capacity, and resolution of operational inefficiencies are all ongoing. Building a new regional referral facility and achieving financial stability are both listed among the four imperatives in NAH's 2030 strategic plan.

ER Renovation Provides Interim Relief

While long-term planning is on hold, NAH has completed phase one of an emergency department renovation at FMC — a project described as a stopgap measure while new hospital plans are developed.

Phase one improvements include six new low-acuity treatment bays, an updated nurses' station, new sub-wait and continuing care waiting areas, a dedicated supply room, upgraded flooring and paint, LED lighting upgrades, and a new tube station connecting the ED to the lab and pharmacy.

A refresh phase is currently underway, and phase two began in February 2026 , focused on creating a designated, safe space for patients experiencing behavioral health crises who need evaluation.

NAH also began operating a mobile MRI unit at FMC last summer to expand imaging capacity until a permanent second MRI unit can be added — something the health system has said would be difficult to accomplish within the existing facility.

More information on NAH's expansion plans is available at nahealth.com/about-us/expansion .

Sources: Arizona Daily Sun , Northern Arizona Healthcare

ArMA Welcomes Pima County Medical Society to Its Society Management Department

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:19:32 GMT

Southern Arizona physicians gain enhanced resources through new administrative partnership.

PHOENIX, Arizona   — Organized medicine is all about community, collaboration, and ingenuity.

That's why, several years ago, the Arizona Medical Association established a department to help local county, specialty, and sub-specialty physician societies effectively manage their organizations and create intentional value for their members.

Today, ArMA's Society Management Department assists a dozen societies with their day-to-day operations — including services such as accounting, communications, and membership management — allowing physician leaders to focus on the bigger picture: strategically pursuing their unique mission and driving change in their specialty or region.

The Pima County Medical Society is the latest physician organization to trust ArMA's team with its administrative management. While receiving administrative support for its daily operations, PCMS will remain fully independent and governed entirely by its Board of Directors.

"The Arizona Medical Association is honored to support the Pima County Medical Society," said Jason Jameson, MD, President of ArMA . "Our society management team serves more than a dozen local physician organizations by providing the administrative support they need to focus their time and energy on the initiatives and programming most important to members. Our role is simple: amplify the collective voice of Arizona physicians while ensuring each organization remains uniquely effective."

For physicians practicing in Southern Arizona, this means their county medical society now has enhanced resources to serve them and pursue its board-driven mission. Whether currently a PCMS member or not, physicians are encouraged to leverage the society to impact healthcare in Southern Arizona and build their local network.

Dr. Wendy Huempfner, PCMS's President , and Emma Jensen, PCMS's Executive Director , warmly welcome Southern Arizona physicians: "Only unity can help us overcome the challenges we face. PCMS is the forum for Southern Arizona physicians to come together and address these hurdles collectively. You are always welcome at PCMS, whether you are new to the organization or a long-standing member."

This relationship strengthens ArMA's collaboration with PCMS and enhances its local presence in Southern Arizona. ArMA continues to work with a growing number of medical societies statewide — building stronger networks, amplifying collective impact, and ensuring every physician can engage in organized medicine, no matter where they practice.

ArMA is proud to support fellow medical societies, because when one is stronger, all are stronger.

About Pima County Medical Society

The Pima County Medical Society was established in 1904. Since then, PCMS has been a gathering place for Southern Arizona physicians to address concerns affecting the practice of medicine and health care.

PCMS's mission is to secure unity and harmony in the medical profession in Pima County; to bring together in one organization all reputable, ethical, and competent physicians of Pima County for the purpose of maintaining high standards in the medical profession, and for the purpose of promoting the respected high reputation to which the medical profession's history and achievement entitle it, and to promote the science and art of medicine; to develop a high type of ethical practice among its members; and to conserve and promote the public health. For more information, visit pimamedicalsociety.org .

About Arizona Medical Association

Fostering medicine. Championing care. Serving Arizona.

Media Contact:

Shelby Job
(602) 291-4670
sjob@AZmed.org

Member Spotlight: Mustafa Suppah, MD

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:53:20 GMT

We're proud to introduce Mustafa Suppah, MD, as ArMA's February Member Spotlight.

Dr. Mustafa Suppah is an aspiring cardiologist training and practicing in Phoenix. He currently serves as a chief resident at Creighton University.

a research scholar at Mayo Clinic, and serves as chair of the Arizona Medical Association's Resident & Fellow Section.

As a first-generation physician who grew up and attended medical school in Egypt, Dr. Suppah brings an especially unique perspective to medicine — one shaped by different healthcare systems, diverse patient populations, and an unwavering commitment to accessible, equitable care. Through his leadership, research, and clinical work, he continues to advocate for systemic change that supports both patients and physicians alike.

In his interview, Dr. Suppah reflects on his path from Egypt to the U.S., what he's learned as a young leader in organized medicine, and how the next generation of physicians must push for smarter, more compassionate healthcare systems.

Watch Dr. Suppah's Full Interview

In this conversation, Dr. Suppah shares his journey to becoming a cardiologist, how being a father has changed his life, his insights on medical leadership, and his vision for building a healthcare system that truly values both patients and physicians.

Career Journey

What drew you to a career in medicine and, more specifically, Cardiology?

"Medicine became personal for me very early. I lost my father when I was young, and I saw firsthand how having a sick family member can impact the entire family. That experience made me want to be the kind of physician who can be present in moments like that. Cardiology drew me in because it's intellectually challenging, which I look for every day, and I have always been fascinated by the dynamics and physics of how the heart works. It offers a perfect mix: an acute setting where you can walk into a room and change the course of someone's life that same day, while also allowing you to follow patients long term and build meaningful relationships."

"I saw firsthand how having a sick family member can impact the entire family. That experience made me want to be the kind of physician who can be present in moments like that."

— Dr. Mustafa Suppah

How has your journey from Egypt to the U.S. shaped your approach to medicine?

"Training in different countries taught me to be flexible and grounded. In Egypt, you learn to rely on strong clinical skills and deep connections with patients in the setting of limited resources. In the U.S., I've seen how technology and well-structured systems can improve outcomes when used thoughtfully. Having lived in both worlds helps me care for patients with empathy, cultural awareness, and a practical mindset."

What was the biggest pivot point in your career?

"Deciding to move from Egypt to the U.S. for training. A new system, culture, and system meant a lot of learning on the fly, but it changed everything in the best way."

Leadership & Advocacy

As Chair of ArMA's Resident & Fellow Section and a Chief Resident, what has been the most valuable leadership lesson you've learned?

"The biggest lesson I've learned is that leadership isn't about being the loudest voice in the room. It's about listening, showing up consistently and leading by example. People don't expect you to fix everything, but they do expect honesty, follow-through, advocacy and support when needed."

"Leadership isn't about being the loudest voice in the room. It's about listening, showing up consistently and leading by example."

— Dr. Mustafa Suppah

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"As a resident, I saw how many challenges residents face that aren't about medicine itself, but rather about workload, burnout, access to resources, and feeling unsupported. Organized medicine gave me a way to advocate beyond my own program and be part of meaningful conversations about change. It made me feel like I could contribute to something bigger than myself."

Why is ArMA important to you?

"ArMA gave me a sense of belonging and a voice as a resident. It's an organization that genuinely cares about physicians at every stage and gives trainees and even students the chance to lead and advocate early in their careers. For me, ArMA represents community, mentorship, and the chance to help shape the future of medicine in Arizona and hopefully eventually nationwide."

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

"Despite being in leadership and giving many presentations, I'm actually pretty low-key and an introvert. I value quiet time, family moments, and a good night's sleep…when that happens."

Changing Healthcare

As the next generation of medicine, what do you hope to change about the healthcare system?

"I hope we build a system that works better for both patients and physicians. Too often, great care is limited by access, paperwork, or burnout. I want to help create a healthcare culture that values prevention, equity, and physician well-being, not just productivity. My goal is to be part of the group that pushes for smarter systems while never losing sight of the patient sitting in front of us."

"I want to help create a healthcare culture that values prevention, equity, and physician well-being, not just productivity."

— Dr. Mustafa Suppah

Heart Health Insights

What is something you wish more people knew about heart health?

"I wish more people understood that heart disease doesn't start suddenly, it builds over time. Small things like blood pressure, diabetes, tobacco use, cholesterol, stress, sleep, and lifestyle really matter and can change the trajectory of someone's heart and overall health."

Personal Insights

What personal or professional achievement are you most proud of?

"Personally, becoming a father. It instantly redefined my priorities, balance, and what truly matters. Professionally, I'm proud of my journey as a first-generation physician and the first and only person from my family to move to the U.S; it was very challenging at times, but here we are."

What is one message you would give your younger self?

"Don't be too harsh on yourself, you're not behind! Keep showing up, doing the work, and things will fall into place."

How do you unwind after a stressful day?

"I'm easy to satisfy: quality time with my family (my wife and two sons), a good workout, and a peaceful drive home. If I can fit all three into a day, it's perfect."

Continue Exploring

Join Dr. Suppah and Arizona's Leading Physicians

Become an ArMA member and be part of the advocacy that's shaping the future of healthcare in Arizona.

Arizona Congressional District 1 Field Shifts as Republican Considers Different Office

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 22:10:44 GMT

Swoboda Signals Shift to Secretary of State Race

Former Arizona Republican Party chair Gina Swoboda, who had previously launched a 2026 campaign for Arizona's 1st Congressional District, is now exploring a run for secretary of state, according to recent filings.

Swoboda, who received an early endorsement from former President Donald Trump, filed a statement of interest this week indicating her intent to pursue the GOP nomination for secretary of state instead of Congress. That step does not officially place her on the ballot yet but signals a pivot in her campaign plans.

Impact on Competitive Congressional Race

Her potential shift out of the congressional contest reshapes a competitive and closely watched race, which includes parts of Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, and northeast Phoenix. This district is considered one of the country's most competitive and could even influence control of the U.S. House next year.

Democratic Frontrunner

Amish Shah, MD, a former state legislator, ED physician, and the Democratic Party's 2024 nominee, is again seeking the Democratic nomination. Shah narrowly lost to incumbent Republican David Schweikert in 2024 and remains the leading Democratic contender for the open seat.

Remaining GOP Contenders

With Swoboda likely stepping back from the congressional race, Republicans will consolidate support around the other GOP contenders: former Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely and state Rep. Joseph Chaplik.

The coming weeks will be important for both parties as candidates finalize their paths to the August primary and set the stage for a general election that national strategists view as pivotal.

Nine Arizona Hospitals Receive Federal Funding for New Residency Positions

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 22:08:42 GMT

Nine Arizona hospitals and health systems — including several in rural areas of the state — will add approximately 30 new Medicare-funded residency positions across multiple specialties following recent federal funding awards announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

National Program Overview

CMS distributed 400 new residency slots to more than 130 teaching hospitals nationwide through two federal programs designed to expand physician training capacity. The funding prioritizes hospitals in rural areas, health professional shortage areas, states with new medical schools, and institutions training residents beyond their current Medicare-supported caps.

Arizona Residency Funding Awards

Institutions across Arizona, including several rural areas, received slots in primary care, surgical, behavioral health, and other specialties:

Total Arizona Slots: Approximately 30 new residency positions

Note: Yuma Regional Medical Center received funding under both Section 126 and Section 4122 for psychiatry residency slots.

Two Funding Streams

The awards came through separate appropriations legislation:

Section 126 (Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021) : A five-year initiative distributing 1,000 new residency slots nationwide, with awards phased in over multiple years as programs expand.
Section 4122 (Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023) : Provides 200 additional slots beginning in fiscal year 2026, with at least half designated for psychiatry and psychiatry subspecialty training.

Both programs increase hospitals' Medicare-supported residency training caps, allowing institutions to receive federal graduate medical education funding for additional resident physicians.

National Workforce Concerns Drive Expansion

The federal expansion responds to projected physician workforce shortages. The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. Federal policymakers view residency pipeline expansion as a key strategy for addressing anticipated workforce gaps, particularly in underserved communities and shortage specialties.

Arizona's Rural Workforce Challenges

While all of Arizona faces a dire physician shortage, the state's rural communities face even greater challenges, which is reflected in national data. According to reports, approximately 92% of rural counties designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas. Primary care physician supply in rural areas is projected to meet only 68% of demand by 2037, below the national average of 73%. Research indicates that the loss of a single rural family physician can increase annual health spending by more than $1,300 per patient.

Recent GME Funding Wins in Arizona

The Arizona Medical Association continues to work alongside state leaders and healthcare organizations to secure additional graduate medical education funding to address physician workforce shortages.

In 2025, ArMA successfully passed state legislation that secured $4 million in federally matched GME funding for Arizona. The association also contributed to the state's Rural Health Transformation Fund application, which outlined workforce development as a strategic priority. The proposal called for increased residency slots, education subsidies for clinicians committing to underserved communities, and retention incentives for current healthcare professionals. Arizona will receive $167 million from the RHTP in FY2026.

ArMA Continues to Fight for Residency Slots

ArMA continues to advocate for increased GME funding and residency expansion as critical strategies to strengthen Arizona's physician workforce. The association remains committed to working with state and federal policymakers to secure resources that address rural health challenges and expand training opportunities for the next generation of physicians serving Arizona communities.

Healthcare Entrepreneur Enters Race for Arizona Governor

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:58:48 GMT

New Independent Candidate Competes in Gubernatorial Race

Hoping to "disrupt" Arizona's political landscape is healthcare entrepreneur Hugh Lytle, the latest candidate to announce a bid for Arizona governor.

In an interview with The Arizona Republic , Lytle cited frustration with the two party political system as a large motivator for the start of his political career. He entered the race as an Independent and has already received the full backing of his party.

Lytle Faces a Crowded Race

The newcomer will compete for Arizonans' vote against a crowd of candidates, including Karrin Taylor Robinson (R), Congressman Andy Biggs (R), Congressmen David Schweikert (R), and, seeking a second term, Governor Katie Hobbs (D).

A Serial Healthcare Entrepreneur

While not native to Arizona, Lytle has been a resident of the state since the mid-1980s, when he attended Arizona State University. Since his college days, Lytle has founded three Arizona-based healthcare companies:

Axia Health Management: A preventative care and wellness company
Univita Health: A home healthcare solutions company
Equality Health: A care coordination company with a focus on the social determinants of health and cost savings

Notably, his father founded national insurance giant Anthem, now called Elevance Health.

Lytle's Platform Tackles Education, Affordability & More

Lytle's platform centers on affordability and workforce recruitment. Education initiatives include launching a low-cost university program powered by artificial intelligence technology, with tuition set at $99 per semester to address student debt concerns.

Tax policy proposals would extend deductions to make youth sports more accessible to families and increase state-level incentives for charitable giving. Economic development priorities include fostering entrepreneurship and mentorship opportunities while strengthening the Arizona Commerce Authority's capacity to attract professionals — particularly educators and public safety personnel — through partnerships with private sector funding.

Information in this article was sourced from The Arizona Republic .

Physician-backed Legislation Advances in Arizona Legislature

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:56:06 GMT

ArMA Priority Legislation Advances in Arizona Legislature

Arizona's 2026 Legislative Session is in full swing, with key Arizona Medical Association priorities already advancing through the process.

Prior Authorization Reform Bill Passes Committee

On Monday, Feb. 2, ArMA-initiated House Bill 2194 (claims; prior authorizations; denials; contact) , which will require insurers to provide a point of contact and comprehensive explanation with denials, passed out of the Health Committee with unanimous support.

ArMA Opposes Naturopathic IV Antibiotic Expansion

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, ArMA testified in opposition to a dangerous proposal that would allow naturopaths to utilize IV antibiotics. Although the bill passed along partisan lines, there are many more opportunities to stop it before it becomes law. If you haven't yet done so, sign in opposed on Request to Speak * and send an email to the Arizona Senate detailing your concerns.

*Need guidance on how to use the Capitol's Request to Speak platform? Click here.

Licensed Midwife Legislation Under Negotiation

Negotiations are ongoing over legislation pushed by licensed midwives to increase oversight and regulation, as well as allow for some expanded prescriptive authority. After extensive testimony, the bill, House Bill 2251 , was held in committee with a commitment from the sponsor to work with stakeholders on finding common ground.

Upcoming Legislation: Be Ready!

Next week will be a busy one, with ArMA-initiated House Bill 2617 (insurance; prostate cancer; cost sharing) being heard on Monday. Notably, ArMA opposed legislation expanding pharmacists' scope to allow them to "test and treat" for flu, strep, COVID, and HIV PrEP. There is still a chance for it to be heard on Feb. 16, so please stay tuned for advocacy updates.

View ArMA's Full 2026 Legislative Agenda

These bills represent just a portion of ArMA's advocacy work this session. For a comprehensive overview of our key priorities and legislative positions, view our full 2026 Legislative Agenda on LinkedIn.

Physicians Strike Down Pregnancy Termination Restrictions in Landmark Lawsuit

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 19:27:02 GMT

Arizona physicians lift harmful pregnancy termination restrictions in landmark legal victory for patient care

PHOENIX, Arizona   — The Arizona Medical Association and fellow plaintiffs struck down several harmful reproductive healthcare restrictions in a landmark legal victory today.

The litigation lifts restrictions on pregnancy termination that infringed upon the physician-patient relationship, physicians' right to deliver essential care without fear of criminalization, and patients' right to access care.

Effective today and barring any further legal developments, the following laws have been enjoined and cannot be enforced:

Two Trip Scheme: A law that required 1) physicians to relay biased information about pregnancy termination to patients in person; 2) physicians to perform an ultrasound and other lab tests on every patient, regardless of any medical indication; and 3) a 24-hour waiting period before patients could obtain care — requiring patients to make two trips, often several days or even weeks apart.
Telemedicine Ban Scheme: The prohibition on the use of telemedicine for medication abortion, which is a safe, effective, and accessible form of care.
Reason Ban Scheme: A ban on pregnancy terminations based on the reason the patient is seeking one, forcing physicians to turn patients away if they suspect or know their reason for seeking care is due to a fetal condition.

As the judge stated in his opinion , the challenged laws universally suppressed medical judgment, which led him to render the restrictions "invalid in all circumstances."

"By lifting these laws, we have removed very real barriers that our OBGYN, MFM, and primary care colleagues faced in delivering care," shared Jason Jameson, MD, president of ArMA . "Now, they can freely exercise their medical judgment to counsel and care for patients without fear of criminalization or civil penalties under these laws."

"Restrictions like Arizona’s biased counseling requirement and forced delay period forced me to undermine my patients’ decisions and violate my professional code of ethics," stated Dr. Laura Mercer, an OBGYN and member of ArMA's Board of Directors . "I am relieved that my patients will no longer be forced to make additional unnecessary visits for care, nor will I be required to give them disinformation."

ArMA's Board of Directors voted to sign on to the lawsuit in alignment with the organization's policy on pregnancy termination — that pregnancy termination is an essential component of health care — and its mission to protect physicians from the criminalization of care and safeguard the physician-patient relationship.

"Today's victory is testament to the power of organized medicine," stated Dr. Jameson. "The Arizona Medical Association represents the collective physician voice in the arenas where it matters most — in court, at the Capitol, and anywhere physician autonomy and patient care are threatened."

About Arizona Medical Association

Fostering medicine. Championing care. Serving Arizona.

Media Contact:

Shelby Job
(602) 291-4670
sjob@AZmed.org

Lawsuit Filed to Challenge Arizona Physician-Only Pregnancy Termination Requirements

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:00:52 GMT

Lawsuit Challenges Arizona Physician-Only Pregnancy Termination Requirements Under 2024 Voter-Approved Amendment

A new lawsuit filed on February 4 in the Maricopa County Superior Court argues that Arizona laws limiting pregnancy termination care exclusively to physicians are unconstitutional under the pregnancy termination rights amendment approved by voters in 2024.

What the Lawsuit Challenges

The case challenges 10 statutes and four state regulations that require pregnancy terminations to be provided or directly overseen by a physician.

Plaintiffs contend these requirements unlawfully restrict access to care by excluding certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, despite their advanced training and licensure. The suit argues that these clinicians routinely manage care similar in complexity and are regulated under established safety standards.

Impact on Rural and Underserved Communities

The plaintiffs, who include Tucson-based midwives and nurse practitioners, say the restrictions disproportionately affect rural and underserved communities, where physician shortages can delay care, disrupt established patient-provider relationships, or require patients to travel long distances.

What Plaintiffs Are Seeking

The lawsuit asks the court to invalidate the physician-only requirements entirely or limit their application, asserting that scope-of-practice restrictions should be based on training, competency, and professional standards, rather than professional title alone.

Legal Defense

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is named in the case but will likely decline to defend the law, allowing state legislative leadership to intervene to defend the laws.

AHCCCS Director Virginia Rountree Resigns From Agency

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:04:57 GMT

Hobbs' Appointee for State Medicaid Agency Resigns

The Office of Governor Katie Hobbs announced that Virginia "Ginny" Rountree resigned from her role as director of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System , the state's Medicaid agency. Rountree served in the role for less than six months after being appointed by Governor Hobbs in late September 2025.

According to the Governor's press release, Rountree decided to resign due to personal health concerns after "deep consideration and conversations" with family. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside agencies and individuals who "all are committed to serving our members and nurturing collaborative and productive partnerships."

Rountree's final day with the agency will be February 13. The Governor's Office did not share any information on when a new appointment is expected.

Information in this article was sourced from the Office of Governor Katie Hobbs and Arizona Family .

Report: Arizona's Involvement in Federal Healthcare Advocacy

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:44:47 GMT

The Pulse of Policy: How Arizona’s Delegation is Shaping Medicine at the Federal Level

This past November, the Arizona Medical Association sent its delegation to Washington, D.C., for the American Medical Association’s Interim House of Delegates meeting.

Joined by colleagues from across the nation, Drs. Dowling, Leib, Jasser, Figge, Fagan, Baltazar, Kazi, and Rejbi stepped into the arena representing the voices of Arizona physicians and the profession’s future. The resulting deliberations painted a stark picture of the threats facing the practice of medicine, yet they also illuminated a clear, evidence-based pathway toward stabilization and renewal.

The following is a report of the proceedings , outlining the pathologies threatening our practice and the treatments we are prescribing through aggressive advocacy.

The Economic Siege: Payment Reform and the Private Practice Defense

The meeting opened with the proceedings of the Private Practice Physicians Section (PPPS), a gathering of more than 50 physicians dedicated to preserving the independent model of care. The atmosphere was one of urgent resolve. The central theme was the erosion of economic viability, specifically regarding the recently announced Medicaid reductions.

For Arizona, where Medicaid (AHCCCS) plays a vital role in our safety net, these reductions are not abstract budget adjustments; they are physiological shocks to the healthcare system. The delegation analyzed how these cuts threaten to alter care delivery and destabilize practice revenue. The consensus was clear: passive acceptance is not a strategy. Practices must engage in targeted advocacy to mitigate these disruptions, or risk a collapse in workforce capacity that will leave our most vulnerable patients without access to care.

Organization of Medical Association Presidents

Simultaneously, the Organization of Medical Association Presidents (OSMAP) convened to discuss a counter-offensive against the corporatization of healthcare economics. The discussion centered on the Multiplan Health Insurance Provider Litigation. This lawsuit alleges that major insurers colluded to artificially suppress payments for out-of-network services.

For Arizona physicians who have long battled opaque reimbursement structures, this litigation represents a rare opportunity to demand transparency and fair market restitution. ArMA has engaged Arnall, Golden, & Gregory LLC regarding potential inclusion as a litigant in this lawsuit. Stay tuned for more information.

The Looming Threat: WISeR and the Algorithmization of Care

Perhaps the most critical development for Arizona physicians involves the new and controversial pilot program from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) known as the "Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction" (WISeR) initiative .

Effective January 1, 2026, CMS introduced AI-driven prior authorization requirements for select outpatient Medicare procedures. Arizona is one of only six states selected for this pilot. The program targets categories such as skin and tissue substitutes and knee arthroscopy for degenerative joint disease.

The implications of WISeR are profound. We are witnessing the automation of denial. This model raises significant ethical and clinical concerns regarding the delay of critical care for older adults. By delegating medical necessity determinations to algorithms, CMS risks severing the patient-physician bond. The delegation’s stance is unequivocal: physicians electing not to submit prior authorization requests under this new regime will be subject to prepayment review. We must engage immediately to modify this program before it becomes an irreversible standard of care.

However, there is a counterbalance. Also taking effect on January 1, 2026, are new federal regulations mandating timeliness in processing prior authorization requests — 72 hours for urgent cases and seven calendar days for routine requests. This legislative victory provides a necessary check against the administrative friction that currently paralyzes practice operations.

The Administrative Burden: Confronting the "Prior Auth" Epidemic

The session on "Fixing Prior Authorization" revealed the staggering scale of administrative waste. Presenters underscored that prior authorization has metastasized from a cost-control mechanism into a barrier to care.

The AMA’s strategy is multifaceted, involving the deployment of tools like FixPriorAuth.org to aggregate data and support grassroots engagement. The House of Delegates (HOD) advanced policies to establish a national tracking system for authorization denials and advocated for "gold-carding" programs that exempt physicians with high approval rates from these onerous requirements.

Furthermore, Reference Committee J, which focused on insurer accountability, adopted vigorous new standards. The House voted to demand public reporting of denial rates and to investigate insurer financial gains derived from delayed care. In a significant move for clinical autonomy, the AMA will now advocate that low-cost medications and procedures should require no prior authorization whatsoever. This is a shift from defense to offense—demanding that the burden of proof lie with the insurer, not the clinician.

Protecting the Workforce: Scope, Visas, and Contracts

The integrity of the medical profession relies on maintaining rigorous standards of training. The Arizona delegation stood firm against the dilution of medical practice. So far this year, organized medicine has defeated more than 150 bills nationwide designed to inappropriately expand the scope of practice for non-physicians. The HOD adopted policies limiting laser surgery exclusively to MDs, DOs, or their equivalents, ensuring that complex surgical interventions remain in the hands of fully trained surgeons.

Yet, protecting the workforce also means ensuring we have a workforce. With one-fourth of U.S. physicians being International Medical Graduates (IMGs) or visa holders, the delegation opposed changes to the H-1B visa program that would impose exorbitant fees, up to $100,000 to sponsor a physician. For Arizona’s rural communities, which rely heavily on IMGs to fill critical gaps in primary care, such fees would be catastrophic. The delegation supported resolutions to increase transparency in residency programs for IMGs, recognizing that our ability to serve rural Arizona depends on a diverse and accessible talent pipeline.

Additionally, the changing landscape of employment was addressed. As consolidation forces more physicians into employed models, the AMA took a strong stance against restrictive covenants. The House directed the development of model legislation to prohibit "non-compete" clauses and indemnification requirements that force physicians to pay for tail insurance or assume liability for employer negligence.

Public Health and the Ethics of Innovation

Beyond the economics of practice, the meeting addressed the moral obligations of medicine. In the realm of public health, the delegation supported removing "red flag" designations for buprenorphine mono-products, ensuring that the treatment of opioid-use disorder is not stigmatized or bureaucratically obstructed.

Mental health also took center stage. Following the rescission of over $1 billion in federal mental health grants — a move that disproportionately harmed rural schools, the AMA resolved to advocate for sustained, automatic continuity protections for school-based mental health funding.

Finally, regarding the rapid integration of technology, the House adopted Reference Committee J’s policy on Artificial Intelligence. The consensus is that AI must be a tool for augmented intelligence, not a replacement for human judgment. New policies ensure that payer AI systems used for prior authorization are subject to physician oversight and strict transparency standards.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

The proceedings of the Interim Meeting demonstrate that the threats to our profession are not static; they are evolving. From the AI-driven scrutiny of the WISeR pilot in Arizona to the courtroom battles against insurance giants, the landscape is shifting.

However, the actions taken by your delegation prove that we are not powerless. By leveraging the collective strength of the AMA and ArMA, we are rewriting the rules of engagement. We are moving from a position of resilience to one of resistance and reform.

The medicine of the future is being legislated today. Through our continued engagement, we ensure that those who control the legislation hear directly from those who hold the stethoscope.

Health Alert: Measles Cases Confirmed in Maricopa & Pima County

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:39:56 GMT

�� URGENT HEALTH ALERT: First Measles Cases of 2026 Confirmed in Maricopa & Pima County

MARICOPA & PIMA COUNTY HEALTH ALERT NOTICE

Public Health Measles Surveillance Alert for Clinicians

⚠️ Measles in Arizona — Suspect, Isolate, and Report

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health has confirmed an adult case of measles and a separate incident of exposure in Maricopa County. Additionally, the Pima County Department of Public Health has confirmed its second case of measles involving a Tucson-based resident.

January 14: 2026 : Pima County's second measles case of 2026 involves potential exposure at the following locations, dates, and times:

El Rio Health Northwest, 320 W. Prince Road
Tuesday, Jan. 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
El Rio Health Congress, 839 W. Congress St.
Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

January 15, 2026 : Maricopa County's first measles case of the year was associated with overseas international travel and required hospitalization. The individual was not infectious at the time of travel. The location of the case was not identified.

January 16, 2026 : MCDPH confirmed a separate incident of measles exposure involving a non-county resident. Exposure occurred at the following location, dates, and times:

Hale Theatre Arizona, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, AZ 85233
January 5th, 6th, and 7th from 6:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m.
January 8th and 9th from 3:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m.
People should watch for symptoms through January 30, 2026

Both counties' public health departments are working to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed. Healthcare providers should be aware of these exposures and should consider measles in the differential of individuals who present with fever and a rash.

For more information from PCDPH, click here . For more information from MCPDH, please see below. Clinicians will also find clinical considerations below.

�� Recommendations for Physicians

Consider measles in the differential of unvaccinated individuals who present with fever and a rash. Adults who received only 1 MMR vaccine as a child are considered fully vaccinated but may have waning immunity, and measles should not be excluded.
Minimize exposures of patients and staff by utilizing the infection control guidance below.
Make sure that all patients and clinical staff are adequately vaccinated.
In Maricopa County: Immediately report suspect cases of measles to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health by calling

5. In Pima County: Immediately report suspect cases of measles to the Pima County Department of Public Health by calling

�� Ongoing Measles Spread

While the overall risk to the community remains low, residents should remain vigilant given the ongoing spread of measles across Arizona, including in Coconino, Pima, Maricopa, and Pinal counties, and beyond.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we see, but it is also highly preventable. The MMR vaccine is a proven way to protect yourself, your family, and our community.

�� Measles Laboratory Testing

In Maricopa County: For suspect measles cases, call

to coordinate with MCDPH for confirmatory testing through Arizona State Public Health Laboratory (ASPHL).

In Pima County: For suspect measles cases, call

to coordinate with MCDPH for confirmatory testing through Arizona State Public Health Laboratory (ASPHL).

Specimen Collection

Collect the following two specimens for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing through ASPHL:

Urine collection
Nasopharyngeal swab

⏰ Optimal Testing Window

�� Clinical Presentation of Measles

Rash Characteristics

Usually starts on the face (starting at the hairline)
Proceeds down the body and may include the palms and soles
Appears discrete but may become confluent
Lasts several days
Fades in the same order that it appears
Koplik spots are occasionally seen

Symptom Timeline

⚠️ Special Populations

Those who received vaccination between 1963-1967 and immunocompromised individuals may present with an atypical rash (atypical rash typically begins on the extremities).

Potential Complications

Diarrhea
Otitis media
Pneumonia
Hepatitis
Encephalitis
Death

�� Transmission

Measles is highly contagious. Approximately 90% of persons lacking immunity who are exposed to measles virus will develop the disease.

How Measles Spreads

Transmitted by airborne particles or direct contact with respiratory secretions of an infected person
Can live for up to 2 hours in an airspace where an infected person has coughed or sneezed
Individuals with measles are infectious from 4 days before rash onset through 4 days after rash onset (9 days total)
A person with measles can spread the virus to others before symptoms begin

�� Infection Control at Health Care Facilities

The following steps are recommended to prevent measles transmission in health care facilities:

Facility Preparation

Post signage outside your facility and have surgical masks available.
Do not allow suspect measles patients to remain in the waiting area or other common areas

Patient Isolation

Immediately isolate them in an airborne isolation, negative pressure room – if available – otherwise, utilize a private room with a closed door
If a potential measles patient is evaluated in a room that is not a negative pressure room, do not use that room for the next 2 hours
Immediately place a surgical mask on the patient

Arrival Procedures

When possible, ask the suspect measles patient or their guardian to call the facility when they arrive outside , so staff can meet them before they enter the facility
When possible, have the suspect measles patient use an alternative entrance into the facility, like a back door, that will minimize exposure to other patients

�� Vaccination & Immunity

✅ Vaccination is the Most Effective Protection

Evidence of Immunity for Healthcare Professionals

Ensure your healthcare staff is fully immunized. Review immunity to measles for all healthcare workers , including ancillary staff such as office staff, dietary staff, housekeeping, maintenance, etc. – anyone that shares airspace in your facility with a patient.

Documentation Requirements

Health care workers should have documented evidence of immunity to measles
Healthcare workers should receive two doses of MMR, at least 28 days apart, regardless of year of birth , unless they have documentation of previous immunity

�� What to Watch For

Symptoms of Measles

Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with measles should self-isolate, avoid contact with others, and seek medical care. Symptoms typically appear about 7-14 days after exposure and can include:

High fever (104 °F to 105.8 °F)
Cough
Runny nose
Diarrhea
Red, watery eyes
Full-body rash that usually starts a few days after the fever

⚠️ High-Risk Populations

Important Facts About Measles

Unvaccinated people have a 90% chance of becoming infected if exposed
Vitamin A does not prevent measles
In rare cases where a vaccinated person gets infected, their illness will be less severe than if unvaccinated
There is no treatment for measles – only supportive care
Infected individuals can spread measles to others before symptoms develop , while they still feel normal

�� Additional Resources

For Questions or to Report Suspect Cases:

Maricopa County Department of Public Health

MCDPH CARES Team (vaccination resources) — Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

U.S. Formally Leaves the World Health Organization

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:18:43 GMT

U.S. Government Ends 78-Year Commitment Despite Public Health Experts' Warnings

The United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization has been finalized, the federal government announced on Thursday.

The exit was initiated through an executive order issued shortly after President Donald Trump took office, citing the organization's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises. The order also referenced concerns about needed reforms and what the administration characterized as inappropriate political influence from member states on the agency.

Public Health Experts Condemn the Decision

Public health experts say the exit will hamper the nation's ability to produce vaccines and medicines to protect Americans from emerging diseases. They also warn that the withdrawal could undermine global health initiatives, including polio eradication efforts, maternal and pediatric health programs, and research to identify emerging viral threats.

Questions Linger Regarding Public Health Operations

The nation's withdrawal from the global health agency creates lingering questions. By leaving WHO, the U.S. no longer has access to international health data, which, among other applications, could help detect future pandemics early. The country has also ceased participation in WHO committees and technical working groups, including those that assess circulating flu strains and make recommendations for updating annual flu shots.

U.S.'s History of WHO Contribution

According to WHO officials, the U.S. still owes the agency more than $130 million in membership dues and other contributions. America has been among its largest contributors of funding and staffing since co-leading the agency's creation 78 years ago. On average, the nation contributed approximately $111 million annually in member dues and roughly $570 million more in voluntary contributions. Today, nearly every country in the world is part of the group.

WHO's Role in Global Public Health

The WHO serves as the United Nations' specialized health agency, tasked with coordinating responses to global health threats, including outbreaks of infectious diseases. The organization also provides technical assistance to countries with fewer resources, helps distribute vaccines and treatments, and establishes guidelines for numerous health conditions.

Federal Officials Signal Next Steps

Federal officials stated they are working to establish direct data-sharing arrangements with individual countries rather than relying on the WHO as an intermediary. However, specific details about how many such agreements are in place have not been provided.

Some experts have expressed skepticism about whether the U.S. can successfully negotiate bilateral agreements with many nations, particularly those with strained diplomatic relations.

Information in this article was sourced from AP News .

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs Announces FY2027 State Budget

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:15:17 GMT

On Friday, January 16, Governor Katie Hobbs shared her $17.7B state budget proposal. While many elements of the proposal face long odds in the Republican-controlled legislature, Hobbs’ budget serves as the opening move in negotiations expected to intensify later this spring.

The budget focuses on implementing the federal budget, HR1, as well as affordability and efficiency. With the Governor and legislative leadership already clashing over which tax cuts from HR1 will be included, the stage has been set for another contentious year. While Governor Hobbs has indicated that she will only support middle class tax cuts to the tune of $200M, the legislature is pushing for additional cuts that benefit businesses for $230M.

Governor Targets Affordability Investments & Government Efficiency

The Governor's budget includes $339 million in affordability investments, including housing, childcare, utility assistance, and school meals , funded through a mix of federal relief dollars, state funds, and a new nightly fee on short-term rentals. Hobbs also seeks to make nearly $45 million in childcare funding permanent.

In a bid to improve government efficiency, Hobbs proposes creating Arizona Capacity and Efficiency (ACE) , a state-level counterpart to the federal DOGE initiative. Unlike its federal inspiration, ACE would focus on asset sales, modernizing procurement, and training workers in artificial intelligence rather than cutting jobs. Additional oversight resources would target fraud and waste in state programs.

Hobbs Targets Scholarship Program Once More

The Governor is again calling for changes to the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts program, including income caps and limits on unused fund rollovers, while preserving support for students with disabilities. Her proposal also continues funding for public schools through the state land trust and extends last year’s temporary backfill tied to Proposition 123.

Reconciling With Healthcare Funding Needs

To meet new federal Medicaid and SNAP requirements, the budget adds staffing and one-time funding to avoid steep federal penalties that could reach nearly $200 million by 2027.

Additionally, Governor Hobbs' budget accounts for key healthcare funding, including:

$10M for heat mitigation efforts, including cooling centers and heat relief training for EMS.
HR1 Implementation
$10M for staff/operational changes
$4M for technology
$1M for investigating fraud, waste and abuse
$12M to mitigate impacts:
$4.3M for critical access hospitals
$3.2M for support services for navigating new requirements
$4M for crisis services hotline
$500,000 for rural transfers

Physician Advocates Speak Up for Healthcare Funding

While the outlook for this year's state budget is dismal, the Arizona Medical Association will not back down from advocating for commonsense healthcare funding, which is critical to the health and well-being of our profession and our patients.

Stay tuned throughout the 2026 Legislative Session!

Health Insurance CEOs Testify in Congress on Rising Costs

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:09:32 GMT

Health Insurers Address Questions About Healthcare Affordability & Insurance Practices

Leaders from five major U.S. health insurance companies appeared before two back-to-back congressional hearings on Thursday, January 22, to discuss escalating healthcare costs and insurance affordability, drawing sharp bipartisan attention to industry practices and broader system pressures.

Insurers Address Congressional Leaders' Questions

Executives from UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health, Cigna, Elevance Health, and Ascendiun (parent company of Blue Cross Blue Shield) addressed members of the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee and the Ways & Means Committee, responding to questions about premiums, claims denials, prior authorization practices and insurer market power.

Lawmakers of both parties underscored concerns about rising premiums, which industry leaders acknowledge have contributed to affordability challenges for patients.

CEOs Hear Physician's Perspective

North Carolina Republican Rep. Greg Murphy, a physician, cited his personal frustrations with excessive claims and prior authorization denials and pressed insurers on prioritizing patient care over profits.

Democrats focused on the effects of Affordable Care Act subsidy expirations on coverage costs. And, Congressional members on both sides of the aisle questioned the impact of vertical integration and consolidation in the insurance and pharmacy benefit management sectors, with questions about how these arrangements influence provider choice, pricing and administrative complexity in care delivery.

Insurers Point to Hospital & Drug Pricing

Insurance executives maintained that underlying healthcare cost drivers are hospital pricing and prescription drug costs, which lead to premium inflation. They asserted that insurer pricing mainly reflects these broader trends. UnitedHealth’s CEO also announced plans to rebate profits from Affordable Care Act plans back to enrollees in 2026, a move positioned as helping mitigate cost pressures while urging legislative solutions.

Arizona Physician Advocates Push Insurance Reforms

The Arizona Medical Association continues to champion significant insurance reforms at the Arizona State Capitol. In 2026, we have introduced legislation addressing downcoding, claims and prior authorization denials, prior authorization timelines, and requiring insurers to report claims data.

U.S. House Passes Healthcare Budget Package

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:07:08 GMT

U.S. House Passes Government Funding Legislation with Healthcare Provisions

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 341 to 88 on January 22 to pass a government funding package that includes several healthcare provisions backed by hospital and other healthcare groups.

The three-bill package is part of broader bipartisan legislation to fund the federal government through fiscal year 2026 and avoid a partial shutdown ahead of a January 30 deadline. The legislation provides appropriations for the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, and several other agencies.

Key Healthcare Provisions

The funding bill extends pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities through 2027 and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services hospital-at-home waiver program through 2030.
The package includes one-year extensions for two Medicare payment programs that support rural hospitals. It also delays Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts until fiscal year 2028.
Additionally, the legislation provides funding for rural health, behavioral health, maternal care, and healthcare workforce programs.

What's Not Included & Next Steps

Notably, the spending package does not address enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, which expired at the end of 2025. The Senate is expected to consider the bill next week.

Information in this article was sourced from Becker's Hospital Review .

Using the Arizona State Capitol's RTS System

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:06:54 GMT

The Arizona State Capitol's Request-to-Speak system , also known as RTS, is a public tool with many uses.

Creating and Enabling an RTS Account

To signal your position on a bill in RTS, you must first create and enable an account. While accounts can be created from anywhere in the world, they must be enabled by logging in at the Arizona State Capitol or on an associated campus.

To make this process more accessible, ArMA's staff collects members' information and enables RTS accounts at the capitol, so you don't have to. If you'd like our staff to create and enable an account for you, please fill out this form .

Signaling Your Position for Bills on an Agenda

Step 1: Logging Into RTS

→ Once you enter the RTS portal, you will be brought to the screen shown above.

→ Click "Sign On" in the upper right-hand corner to log in.

Step 2: Sign In to Your Account

→ Enter your login credentials to access your RTS account.

→ If you do not have an activated account, refer to the section above for instructions on how to create and enable one.

Step 3: Starting a Request

→ Click "New Request" on the left-hand tool bar.

→ You can add a position on any bill that is currently on an agenda.

Step 4: Locating the Bill

→ Enter the bill number and click "Add Request".

→ Senate Bills must start with a 1; House Bills must start with a 2.

→ If you don't know the bill number, you can search by agendas or keywords.

Step 5: Registering Your Position

→ Select your position: for, against, or neutral.

→ Only select that you wish to speak if you will be at the legislature in person to testify.

→ Add any comments you'd like to include.

→ Click "Submit" to register your position.

Signaling Your Position for Bills NOT on an Agenda

If you want to signal your position on a bill that is not currently scheduled on an agenda, follow these steps:

Step 1: Logging Into RTS

→ Select your position: for, against, or neutral.

Step 2: Adding Your Bill Positions

→ Click on "My Bill Positions" on the left-hand side menu.

→ Once on the "My Bill Positions" screen, you'll be able to enter any bill currently proposed at the Arizona State Legislature and signal your position on it.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact ArMA's staff .

Member Spotlight: Sarah Lee-Davisson, MD

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:29:05 GMT

We're proud to introduce Sarah Lee-Davisson, MD, FACS, as ArMA's January Member Spotlight.

Dr. Sarah Lee-Davisson is a board-certified general surgeon.

Dedicated healthcare advocate, and passionate champion for physician wellbeing. She currently serves patients in Tucson and the larger Southern Arizona community.

Dr. Lee-Davisson has found that organized medicine amplifies the fulfillment her career offers. By working with local and national organizations — including the Arizona Medical Association, the Arizona Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, and the Pima County Medical Society — she has been able to extend her impact on the issues that matter most to her, such as the 'Stop The Bleed' initiative and connecting with colleagues.

In her interview, Dr. Lee-Davisson reflects on finding her calling in surgery, how she applies the concept of humanism in her daily practice, and why physicians have to think bigger.

Watch Dr. Lee-Davisson's Full Interview

In this conversation, Dr. Lee-Davisson shares her journey from a moment of medical school uncertainty to becoming a leader in surgical advocacy, her passion for supporting fellow healthcare workers, and why she believes physicians need to "think bigger" about the future of medicine.

Topics Discussed in This Interview:

Finding Her Calling: From medical school uncertainty to finding her place in surgery

Doctor of the Day Experience: Meeting legislators and discovering they need physician input

Stop The Bleed Initiative: Planning Advocacy Day at the Arizona State Capitol

Finding Her Calling: From medical school uncertainty to finding her place in surgery

Doctor of the Day Experience: Meeting legislators and discovering they need physician input

Stop The Bleed Initiative: Planning Advocacy Day at the Arizona State Capitol

Career Journey

What drew you to a career in medicine and, more specifically, surgery?

"I was always interested in medicine and a helping career! I did have a moment of panic in my third year of medical school because I thought I would be a pediatrician or maybe geriatrician, so I scheduled lots of kid and medicine related rotations but really didn't like any of them. I was already so in debt from college and medical school that I knew I had to become a doctor, but worried that maybe I had made a mistake. Then my mandatory surgery rotation came up. My first shift was insane, as most times at USC County Hospital are, and I loved every single second. The pace, the instant results, the camaraderie of the team, the awesome trauma fellow who had so much confidence as he guided me through my first incision ever. It was amazing and I never looked back."

"I loved every single second. The pace, the instant results, the camaraderie of the team... It was amazing and I never looked back."

— Dr. Sarah Lee-Davisson

Where is your favorite place to grab food in Arizona?

"If you are ever in the area, make sure to stop at La Casita Mexican Restaurant in Mammoth. When I had my office in Oro Valley, patients would always bring me burritos from there and they were THE BEST!"

Advocacy and Leadership

You are an impressive physician advocate in Arizona and on the national stage. How have you grown your skillset as an advocate over the years? What aspect of advocacy do you enjoy the most? Which do you enjoy the least?

"We need to think BIGGER about the state of medicine than just what directly is difficult for our team, our practice, or even our community."

— Dr. Sarah Lee-Davisson

How do you unwind after a stressful day?

"There is nothing better than watching an Arizona sunset with a glass of wine, or taking a walk with a friend (human or canine!) after a stressful day. My other guilty pleasure is reality TV shows… I get a little addicted to shows like 'Love It or List It,' 'Love is Blind,' 'Love on the Spectrum,' etc."

You clearly value continued learning, even as a physician with decades of education under your belt. Why is furthering your knowledge, especially about politics and legislation, important to you? How has it changed your perspective on healthcare?

"As I became an expert in my chosen field and career, I found myself asking 'what next?' I still love operating and taking care of patients, but it no longer routinely provided the exciting challenges it once did. I felt compelled also by my core values, which are connection and stewardship, to do more for healthcare if I am able, and I know I am able. Advocacy became not only an exciting new learning opportunity, but also a way to increase my sphere of influence."

What is the last book you read?

"I love reading, both fiction and non-fiction. I recently finished 'The Christie Affair' by Nina de Gramont for my fiction, and it was a super fun story, with a 'who-dun-it' twist that was awesome. For non-fiction, I read another Brené Brown book called 'The Gifts of Imperfection.' It was amazing, but any of her books will change your life."

Humanism & Values

You are passionate about humanism in medicine. What is the most impactful way you've implemented humanism into your practice of medicine?

"When we stick together, and recognize each other for being amazing, it goes a long way for healing."

— Dr. Sarah Lee-Davisson

How do you unwind after a stressful day?

What are you most excited about in the New Year, both personally and professionally?

"New Year! Always a time of reflection for me. Personally, I am excited to continue my journey of growth with my surgeon coaching group. Coaching has been an integral part of my support and growth over the last couple of years and I love that I get to continue that. It has helped me to be a more effective surgeon, but also a happier and healthier person, friend, wife, and mother.

Professionally, I am super excited about the Advocacy Day at the state capitol that I am planning on behalf of the Arizona chapter of the ACS. I am the advocacy chair, and took a bill that one of my colleagues is introducing to get Stop The Bleed kits at schools as the theme for a day where as many surgeons as we can get will come to the state capitol, teach legislators how to Stop The Bleed and why this is important. I also really want the surgeons in our state to get to know the legislators so they can have ongoing influence and relationships with people making decisions that impact us all."

What was the biggest pivot point in your career?

"The biggest pivot in my career was when I made the decision to close my private practice. I actually moved to Arizona after training to open my own practice, and I truly loved it. After 7 years, when the ACA passed, I just couldn't keep up with the additional administrative financial burden, nor could I financially compete with the hospitals hiring general surgeons which cut into my referral pattern. I became hospital employed and it was a major mindshift and practice style change for me. I learned a lot during that process!"

If you weren't practicing medicine, what would you be doing?

"I think I would be a professional organizer! I love lists and organizing. Nerdy but true."

Why is being a member of organized medicine important to you?

Why is ArMA important to you?

"Being a member of organized medicine was my first organized commitment to my profession, starting in medical school, and it is important! Even for folks that are too busy or financially strapped to do much else outside of their direct clinical duties, joining your local and national Medical Association and specialty associations to me is critical—those numbers matter. This was my first step showing my commitment to the future of healthcare for physicians (and therefore for patients).

ArMA is my vehicle for constant contact with healthcare advocacy in our state. It is my source of statewide contact with my colleagues, to find out what they are experiencing and how we can work together to solve some of the problems we face."

Personal Insights

What personal or professional achievement are you most proud of?

"This is a super basic answer, but 100% true, my son Ryan is who I am most proud of, and my involvement in his life is my best achievement, and always will be."

What's the best advice you've ever received?

'It's okay for some people to be wrong about you.' I love that advice because it takes me out of convincing mode during conflict and lets me tap into who I authentically am. A more impactful way of saying 'just be yourself.'"

"It's okay for some people to be wrong about you... A more impactful way of saying 'just be yourself.'"

— Dr. Sarah Lee-Davisson

Continue Exploring

Click here to read more about the program & ArMA's advocacy to preserve Medicare services, coverage, and physician payments.

Join Dr. Lee-Davisson and Arizona's Leading Physicians

Become an ArMA member and be part of the advocacy that's shaping the future of healthcare in Arizona.

Know Before Session: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Arizona’s Legislative Process

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:11:31 GMT

Arizona's 2026 Legislative Session begins Monday, January 12.

The 57th State Legislature's Second Regular Session begins this Monday. The Arizona Medical Association is poised for another historic year of passing legislation to improve healthcare for physicians and the patients we serve.

Are you ready? As bills move through the process, we'll need your expertise and insight, which you can share in several different ways. You'll also hear a lot of slang, acronyms, and government terms — here's your guide to what you need to know to be engaged!

Legislative Terms You Need to Know

COW: Committee of the Whole, affectionately referred to as COW, is where the entire House of Representatives or the entire Senate convenes on the chamber floor to debate legislation and amend bills. Every bill must pass COW before advancing for a formal vote.

Strike Everything Amendment: Also known as a striker, this is an amendment that removes the text of a previously introduced bill and replaces it with different legislation. The new language can be unrelated to the old language but must be germane.

Caucus: A noun and a verb. The noun means a group of people with something in common (e.g., the Democratic or Republican caucuses). The verb is used to describe when these groups meet to discuss issues. In addition to the partisan caucus meetings, which are generally held on Tuesday mornings and are open to the public, there are issue-specific caucuses that meet periodically.

Do Pass (DP): Recommendation by a committee for the passage of legislation, this is required before a bill can be heard on the floor.

3rd Read: The official vote by the whole chamber on legislation

Crossover Week: A week midway through session where both chambers push live bills through COW and 3rd reads so they can move to the opposite chamber

Earmark: Government dollars/funding appropriated to a project, district, region, etc. for political reasons

Held: A bill that was on an agenda but then was not moved, this does not mean that the bill is dead as it can be added to another agenda at a later date.

Hostile Amendment: An amendment that was not discussed with the bill sponsor or that was discussed and rejected by the bill sponsor that is being offered as an addition to a bill, usually during COW.

Legislative Council: Refers to bipartisan staff attorneys that are responsible for drafting bills and amendments.

JLBC: The Joint Legislative Budget Committee is a bipartisan, bicameral committee. JLBC is also used to reference committee staff who address state budget issues.

Fiscal Note: An analysis written by JLBC on the impact that proposed legislation will have on state and local governments. This must be requested by a legislator.

Rules Committee: A committee in the House and Senate that only reviews constitutionality and legality of proposed legislation. A bill must pass the Rules Committee to continue through the legislative process.

Technical Corrections: A bill that makes a simple technical fix that will eventually be used as a vehicle bill.

Vehicle: Slang used to refer to a bill that is intended to be used for a strike everything amendment

Zombie Bill: A bill or subject that was considered dead that has found new life as an amendment or as a striker

General Effective Date: 90 days after the Legislature adjourns Sine Die unless otherwise stated in the legislation with a delayed effective date or emergency clause.

Delayed Effective Date: An effective date for new statute that is after the General Effective Date. This is typically used with complex legislation that may need more time to fully implement.

Sine Die: A Latin term meaning "without a day", when used in the political world it means to adjourn for the end of the session. The Arizona Legislature is supposed to adhere to a 100-day session, but often goes weeks longer.

Make Your Voice Heard: Arizona's Request-to-Speak System

Participating in the legislative process is easier than you think. Arizona's Request-to-Speak (RTS) system allows physicians to sign in support of or against key healthcare legislation that will shape the future of medicine in Arizona—all from your computer or phone.

If you're not already registered for RTS, click here to sign up . Once a member of ArMA's Advocacy Team creates your account, you'll receive an email with a user manual and all the information you need to get started. Click here to learn more about how RTS works.

Join ArMA's Doctor of the Day Program

ArMA's Doctor of the Day program is back! Sign-ups for our most popular program are now live for licensed physician members. Participate in the program and receive VIP treatment at the State Capitol, including a tour of campus, one-on-one meetings with legislators, and an introduction before the legislature. We've even saved you a parking spot! Less than 5 spots remain. Learn more about the program & sign up today »

Stay Informed This Session

ArMA's Advocacy Team will keep you updated on and engaged with the action as the session progresses. But we need your help to defend and advance the House of Medicine! Whether through RTS, the Doctor of the Day program, or staying informed on key legislation via Medicine This Week, your engagement makes a difference.

Thank you for helping us champion patient care and strengthen the communities we serve!

HHS, DEA Extends Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescribing Controlled Medications Through 2026

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 17:08:40 GMT

Federal Agencies Extend Telemedicine Prescribing Flexibilities Through 2026

Federal regulators recently announced a fourth temporary extension of telemedicine flexibilities. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the Drug Enforcement Agency have granted prescribers the ability to prescribe controlled substances through telemedicine appointments that do not include an initial in-person evaluation. The extension maintains current prescribing practices through the end of 2026.

What This Means for Prescribers

Physicians can continue prescribing controlled medications via telehealth under the same conditions that have been in place since the COVID-19 public health emergency. The fourth consecutive temporary extension prevents an abrupt return to pre-pandemic requirements that would have taken effect January 1, 2026.

Federal Data Shows High Reliance

Federal data indicate significant reliance on these flexibilities across medical specialties. More than 7 million controlled substance prescriptions were issued through telemedicine without prior in-person visits in 2024 alone. Patient populations most affected by these policies include those receiving treatment for mental health conditions and substance use disorder, as well as seniors, rural patients, and individuals with disabilities.

Impact of Policy Lapses

Previous expirations of telemedicine policies have resulted in measurable access reductions. When Medicare telehealth flexibilities expired in September 2025, fee-for-service telemedicine visits declined by 24 percent, according to federal agency analysis.

Permanent Regulations in Development

The extension provides additional time for DEA and HHS to complete permanent rulemaking. Proposed regulations include a Special Registration for Telemedicine that would establish ongoing standards for controlled substance prescribing through virtual care delivery. The agencies have indicated these permanent rules will address both patient access and safeguards against misuse.

Read more from HHS.

Arizona Receives $167 Million in Federal Rural Health Funding

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 18:07:21 GMT

Arizona Receives $167 Million in Federal Rural Health Funding, Sixth-Lowest Allocation Nationwide

Arizona will receive $167 million from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. The funding is allocated for FY2026 and ranks sixth-lowest among all 50 states. The award falls $33 million short of the state's request, which was drafted with input from the healthcare community and submitted in November.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the allocations in late December as part of a new $50 billion fund designed to support rural healthcare infrastructure and workforce development. First-year awards ranged from $147 million for New Jersey to $281 million for Texas, with an average allocation of $200 million per state.

Governor Katie Hobbs expressed concern about the allocation, with her spokesperson accusing the federal government of "shortchanging rural Arizonans." The Governor's Office has since contacted the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to inquire about the agency's scoring methodology and award allocations.

ArMA's Role in Developing the Proposal

The Arizona Medical Association contributed to the state's application alongside hospitals, community health centers, behavioral health providers, nursing organizations, Medicaid health plans, and other stakeholders. The proposal received bipartisan support from Governor Hobbs, Arizona's congressional delegation, and 17 state healthcare organizations.

Read more about ArMA's involvement in the proposal.

Proposed Use of Funds

Arizona's application outlined four strategic priorities for the funding, though these amounts will be revised in an amended budget due by January 30:

Rural healthcare workforce development , including increased residency slots, education subsidies for clinicians committing to underserved communities, and retention incentives for current healthcare professionals.
Expanded access initiatives through telehealth services, mobile clinics, improved care coordination, and enhanced health transportation.
Public health programs addressing behavioral health and substance use disorders, maternal-fetal health, and chronic illness prevention.
Healthcare resiliency investments to subsidize electronic health records systems, technology infrastructure, and reduce administrative burdens related to credentialing and licensing.

What This Means for Rural Physicians

The funding represents a significant federal investment in addressing workforce shortages, technology gaps, and administrative challenges that have contributed to rural healthcare instability. However, the reduced allocation will require the state to prioritize the competing needs outlined in its original proposal.

The federal program includes $10 billion in additional annual funding through fiscal year 2030. States must submit regular progress updates to CMS and risk having awards clawed back if they fail to demonstrate progress toward outlined goals. CMS will provide ongoing technical assistance and convene annual Rural Health Summit meetings for states to share implementation strategies.

The Arizona Medical Association continues to advocate for support and funding for rural health in Arizona to address the critical healthcare challenges physicians and their patients face.

Information in this article was sourced from Arizona Capitol Times and The Arizona Republic .

CDC's Unprecedented Overhaul of the Federal Childhood Immunization Schedule

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:21:08 GMT

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention announced an unprecedented paring-back of the federal childhood immunization schedule on Monday. The decision cuts the number of recommended routine childhood vaccinations from 17 to 11; vaccines to protect against diseases such as the flu, hepatitis A, and rotavirus are no longer broadly recommended by the CDC.

According to The Washington Post, the decision "blindsided" scientists and staff at the CDC. It was also met with fierce opposition from physician and healthcare organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Updates to the Childhood Immunization Schedule

Effective immediately, the new schedule organizes vaccine recommendations into three categories:

1. Immunizations Recommended for All Children

The CDC website recommends that all children be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (whooping cough), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Pneumococcal conjugate, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and human papillomavirus (HPV), for which there is international consensus, as well as varicella (chickenpox).
The CDC also amended the recommended number of HPV vaccine doses from two to one, citing recent scientific studies and the best practices of "several other peer nations."

2. Immunizations Recommended for Certain High-Risk Groups or Populations

The immunizations recommended for certain high-risk groups or populations are for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hepatitis A, hepatitis B, dengue, meningococcal ACWY, and meningococcal B.

3. Immunizations Based on Shared Clinical Decision-Making

The immunizations based on shared clinical decision-making are for rotavirus, COVID-19, influenza, meningococcal disease, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B.

Concerns About Insurance Coverage

In its publicly posted fact sheet , the agency clarified that all CDC-recommended vaccines through December 31, 2025, will remain covered at no cost under Affordable Care Act insurance plans and federal programs such as Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Vaccines for Children program.

Physicians, Healthcare Professionals Express Concern

Major medical organizations and experts have since spoken out about the decision, saying that the updated schedule creates unnecessary confusion for families and may lead to wider spread of preventable diseases.

In a statement posted online, Dr. Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, a trustee of the American Medical Association, emphasized the importance of "careful review, expert and public input, and clear scientific justification" for public health decisions of such significance. According to Dr. Fryhofer and other medical experts, that process was not followed in the CDC's recent overhaul.

The changes were influenced, in part, by the vaccination schedules used by peer countries, according to the CDC's statement. However, Dr. Sean O'Leary, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, told AP News that countries base recommendations on the disease spread occurring in their communities: "You can't just copy and past public health..."

What the CDC's Announcement Means for Arizonans

While the CDC has historically led recommendations for childhood immunizations nationwide, states reserve the authority to require vaccinations for school-aged children. At the time of writing, the Arizona Department of Health Services had not issued a statement in response to the decision. However, the agency publicly split from the CDC's updated guidance on hepatitis B vaccine timing for newborns late last year, setting a precedent for issuing its own, independent recommendations.

ArMA & the Physician Community Stand Behind Vaccination

Alongside several other local medical organizations, the Arizona Medical Association reaffirmed the importance of vaccinations in protecting children’s health and the well-being of our communities.

While skepticism toward science and medicine has increased, physicians remain among the most trusted professionals in the country. Their guidance is grounded in decades of rigorous research and public health experience.

Information in this article was sourced from AP News , the CDC , and The Washington Post .

Federal Medicare Prior Auth Model Now in Effect in Arizona; CMS Issues New Guidance

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:19:04 GMT

Federal AI-Driven Medicare Review Program Now in Effect in Arizona; CMS Issues Updated Guidance

A controversial federal pilot program using artificial intelligence and other processes to review and potentially deny certain Medicare claims is now in effect in Arizona and five other states, despite ongoing concerns from physicians about inappropriate denials of necessary care.

The Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction program, known as WISeR, launched January 1 and represents a significant departure from traditional Medicare's typical operations. The six-year pilot requires prior authorization for specific medical services through private companies using enhanced technologies, including AI algorithms.

Arizona joins New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington in the program, which collectively covers one in five traditional Medicare beneficiaries nationwide. Approximately 744,000 Arizonans enrolled in traditional Medicare are affected — roughly half of the state's 1.5 million Medicare enrollees.

According to federal officials, the goal of the pilot program is to cut back on fraud and abuse in Medicare. However, healthcare experts remain concerned about unintended consequences.

CMS Issues Updated Implementation Guidance

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released updated frequently asked questions addressing operational concerns about the program's rollout. Key updates include:

Electronic Portal Availability: CMS is working with WISeR participants to implement electronic portals by January 5, 2026, for providers to submit prior authorization requests. Participants unable to deliver operational portals will face payment penalties or other corrective actions.

Interim Submission Process: Until electronic portals are operational, providers can submit prior authorization requests through their Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC), though processing may take longer than the standard 72-hour turnaround time. Alternatively, providers may choose not to submit prior authorization requests, though claims for services provided on or after January 15, 2026, would then be subject to pre-payment medical review.

Turnaround Time Requirements: The 72-hour turnaround time for requests submitted through electronic portals applies starting January 5, 2026, for dates of service on or after January 15, 2026. CMS will monitor compliance with this requirement and implement corrective actions for failures to meet the deadline.

The full FAQ is available on the CMS website.

Medical Organizations in Arizona, Other Pilot States Opposed the Program's Implementation

The Arizona Medical Association and other medical organizations nationwide took a prominent role in opposing the program's implementation.

In a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, ArMA President Dr. Jason Jameson, along with medical association leaders from the other affected states, requested a halt to the program and asked that the agency "work collaboratively with stakeholders to design payment processes that protect the Medicare Trust Fund while achieving value, without jeopardizing patient access."

Information in this article was sourced from CMS and Arizona Central (article accessible to subscribers only) .

University of Arizona, Onvida Health Partner on New Rural Medical School Branch

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:15:08 GMT

University of Arizona, Onvida Health Partner on New Rural Medical School Branch in Yuma

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and Onvida Health recently announced a partnership to establish Arizona's first rural regional medical school branch in Yuma County.

Beginning in July, the program will offer a three-year primary care pathway leading to a medical degree, with clinical training based entirely at Onvida Health facilities. Up to 45 students committed to careers in internal medicine, family medicine, or pediatrics will be admitted over the first three years — 15 students per year — each receiving full-tuition scholarships funded by Onvida Health.

Students will complete the first 18 months of foundational science education in Phoenix, then transfer to the Yuma branch for 18 months of clinical training across eight core specialties. The program can support up to 300 rotations annually.

Addressing Arizona's Critical Workforce Needs

Arizona currently needs approximately 500 additional primary care physicians to meet healthcare demands, according to the Arizona Graduate Medical Education Policy Brief. Nearly 70% of communities designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are in rural regions.

Yuma County has been identified as a shortage area since 2013. Onvida Health's existing Family and Community Medicine Residency Program has graduated 65 family medicine residents since 2013, with 34% choosing to remain in the community — demonstrating the effectiveness of localized training in addressing rural workforce gaps.

UA COMP and Onvida Health's partnership in medical education aims to bolster the success and retention of the system's local residency program.

Onvida's Investment in Medical Education

Onvida Health is committing $32.9 million over eight years to fund scholarships and support the development of the regional branch, ensuring program sustainability while reinforcing community-centered medical education.

The partnership builds on more than a decade of collaboration between Onvida Health and the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix as clinical training affiliates, creating a pathway from medical school through residency training to clinical practice opportunities in Yuma County.

Hospital Groups Secure Injunction of 340B Rebate Pilot Program in Federal Lawsuit

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:13:36 GMT

A federal court halted implementation of the controversial 340B Drug Pricing Program rebate model in late December as part of a lawsuit filed by the American Hospital Association and other healthcare organizations.

The ruling, issued by a U.S. District Court judge in Maine, requires the Health Resources & Services Administration to pause its newly proposed rebate model , which was to take effect on January 1. The plaintiffs, having secured an injunction, are expected to seek an order requiring HRSA to permanently discontinue implementation of the model.

The Arizona Medical Association is actively advocating for the discontinuation of the model, which poses a significant threat to local hospitals, physicians, and the patients they serve.

HRSA Reimagines 340B Program & Process

The program was designed to "test run" a model that replaces up-front drug discounts for safety-net hospitals with post-purchase rebates for at least one year. The pilot would require participating hospitals to submit a report to drugmakers within a 45-day window of the drug being dispensed.

The drugmaker would then be responsible for issuing a rebate payment within 10 days of receiving the report. The logistics of the process would largely be left to participating pharmaceutical companies, posing another concern for hospitals and healthcare professionals.

340B Program Background and Proposed Changes

Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act requires pharmaceutical manufacturers participating in Medicaid to sell outpatient drugs at discounted prices to health care organizations that care for many uninsured and low-income patients.

The program allows 340B hospitals to stretch federal resources in order to reduce the price of outpatient pharmaceuticals for patients and expand health services to the communities they serve. Hospitals often use 340B savings to offer free vaccines, provide services in mental health clinics, and implement medication management and community health programs.

The plaintiffs argue that, despite significant oversight from the HRSA and the program’s proven record of expanding access to vital patient care, critics want to drastically reduce the benefits that eligible hospitals and their patients receive by transitioning the program to rebate model.

Proposed "Rebate Model" Draws Sharp Criticism

The rebate model, announced in July 2025, was received with fierce opposition from the healthcare community, including the American Hospital Association, 340B Health, and other advocates. According to its opponents, the proposed model signifies a major "sea change" for hospitals, especially Federally Qualified Health Centers and sites operating on razor-thin financial margins, without appropriate stakeholder insight or logistical support.

Financial Impact on Safety-Net Hospitals

The legal challenge centers on concerns about overwhelming financial and administrative burdens the new program would place on 340B hospitals. Many of these facilities report operating on minimal profit margins while serving as critical healthcare access points in their communities, with some functioning as the sole care provider in their service areas.

According to AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack, the government acknowledged the program would fundamentally shift how the 340B program has functioned for more than three decades. The lawsuit contends that, despite the government's awareness, appropriate administrative procedures warranted by such a significant change were not followed.

Drugmakers Argue Program Extended Beyond Intent

Annual spending on drugs through the 340B program grew from $6.6 billion in 2010 to $43.9 billion in 2021, according to a nonpartisan analysis. Drugmakers point to this increase as evidence that the program has grown beyond federal lawmakers' original intent.

Hospitals & Stakeholders Voice Opposition

More than 1,000 340B hospitals and other stakeholders submitted concerns about the program during the development process. Many highlighted substantial costs and community impact associated with administering the rebate model. The plaintiffs assert HHS disregarded these documented concerns.

Sources: HFMA , American Hospital Association , HHS , and Fierce Healthcare

Banner Thunderbird Expands Pediatric Emergency Services in Northwest Phoenix

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 18:10:23 GMT

West Valley Hospital Reopens Renovated Space to Meet Growing Need for Pediatric Services

Banner Children's at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center reopened its pediatric emergency department lobby after closing for renovations, marking the first phase of a comprehensive facility expansion in northwest Phoenix.

The pediatric emergency department lobby reopened on December 9, creating a dedicated space for pediatric emergency care separate from adult services. The renovation includes updated pediatric emergency rooms and a distinct adult patient lobby, with the complete emergency department remodel scheduled for completion in June 2026.

The expansion addresses growing demand for pediatric emergency services and specialized care in the West Valley. Banner Thunderbird serves as a critical access point for emergency pediatric care in northwest Phoenix metro.

Construction continues on a five-story women and infant services tower expected to open by the end of 2026. The new tower will house labor and delivery suites, dedicated obstetrics units, OB triage facilities, C-section rooms, and a neonatal intensive care unit.

A third construction phase scheduled for 2028 will add six surgical suites along with expanded pre-operative and post-anesthesia care unit space. The multi-phase project aims to expand access to advanced medical services across the West Valley.

Arizona Legislature to Examine Obesity as Chronic Disease, GLP-1 Coverage Costs

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 18:09:31 GMT

Legislators Form Committee to Tackle Policies on Obesity & GLP-1 Coverage

Arizona lawmakers created an advisory committee examining whether to recognize obesity as a chronic disease and to analyze the financial impact of covering preventative treatments through the state's Medicaid program.

The bipartisan legislative panel, chaired by Senator David Gowan (R-Sierra Vista), approved the formation of the committee, which will deliver a comprehensive report to the Arizona State Legislature on obesity-related healthcare costs and potential preventative care interventions.

The panel explored expanding Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) coverage for GLP-1 weight loss medications but opted to refer the coverage decision to the newly formed advisory committee for further analysis.

An AHCCCS representative reported the agency currently spends approximately $73 million annually on GLP-1 medications, with $13 million coming from the state general fund. Recent federal price reductions for certain GLP-1 drugs are projected to decrease AHCCCS spending to $23 million overall and $5 million in state expenditures.

AHCCCS noted that six of 14 states previously covering GLP-1s for obesity treatment have discontinued coverage due to higher-than-anticipated utilization costs. The advisory committee will examine these coverage patterns and cost implications as part of its recommendations to Arizona legislators.

The committee's findings will inform potential policy changes regarding obesity treatment coverage and preventative care investments in Arizona's healthcare system.

Information in this article was sourced from KJZZ .

North Country HealthCare Files Bankruptcy, Enters Acquisition Agreement with El Rio Health

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 18:08:19 GMT

Following an acquisition agreement with El Rio Health, North Country HealthCare announced that it will begin the process for filing bankruptcy this week.

North Country CEO Anne Newland informed employees earlier this week that El Rio Health submitted a written offer to acquire certain North Country assets, though her communication didn't specify which assets were to be acquired.

North Country also confirmed that its Bullhead City clinic will cease operations on December 23, 2025, after longstanding clinician recruitment and retention difficulties. North Country said it will prioritize placing Bullhead City staff in available positions at Kingman and Lake Havasu clinics.

North Country HealthCare operates 13 clinical sites and two mobile clinics that serve patients in 11 communities throughout northern Arizona, including Flagstaff, Williams, and Grand Canyon. As a federally qualified health center, the system provides care to medically underserved populations across the region, which faces challenges unique to rural areas of the state.

El Rio Health maintains 16 community health clinics in Tucson and also holds federally qualified health center designation. The acquisition would mark El Rio's geographic expansion into rural northern Arizona communities.

Information in this article was sourced from the Arizona Daily Sun .

Member Spotlight: Lindsay Ackerman, MD

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 20:23:53 GMT

We're proud to introduce Lindsay Ackerman, MD, as ArMA's December Member Spotlight.

Dr. Lindsay Ackerman is a board-certified dermatologist, dedicated physician advocate, and leading educator on dermatology & internal pathology. She serves patients as the founder and president of Medical Dermatology Specialists , now a part of US Dermatology Partners, located in Phoenix. Outside the clinic, she advances patient care and medicine through her docuseries, SKINTELLAGENT , and leadership in local and national medical organizations.

Since 2005, Dr. Ackerman has served as a representative to the American Medical Association, where she tackles complex legislative and policy issues, tirelessly working to improve healthcare on a national level. She also sits on the Dermatology Section Council, where she shapes decisions impacting dermatologists across the country. In recognition of her long-term commitment to organized medicine, Dr. Ackerman was presented ArMA's Award in Memory of Edward Sattenspiel, MD , earlier this year.

In her interview, Dr. Ackerman reflects on how informal decisions can be some of the most meaningful, how humility and authenticity make all the difference in the clinic, and how advocacy empowers her to change the lives of patients she'll never meet.

You're the Founder and President of Medical Dermatology Specialists in Phoenix (now a part of US Dermatology Partners). With over 17 years of experience, what have been the biggest lessons you've learned about owning and running a medical practice?

1. We are in the people pleasing business folks! Not in any way that diverges from the mission of providing medically necessary and comprehensive care but rather converges with the philosophy that we are here to recognize, appreciate, and meet patients' needs. Sometimes it may be that the patient needs to get in a quick assessment and get back to work. Sometimes there is a need for additional handholding, a hug, sitting down, or even just eye-contact and open ears. Sometimes I send someone a card that is going through a rough time. I believe that humility builds connection. Being authentic and attentive allow you as a physician to read the room and understand the 'unspoken' word, and what it is saying. This has helped me connect with patients with sincerity, in a way that is more satisfying for both of us.

2. There is always more to learn – and that's okay. The 'human' condition is dynamic. It is important that we, as professionals, remind ourselves that we won't necessarily have exactly all the answers at every moment, but that we are equipped to find the right answers when they otherwise seem evasive. (Never give up!)

3. I recognize the value in having an incredible office administrator. Tracey has been with me for over 17 years, and she is someone I can't say enough good things about! Tracey runs the office with ethics and expectations that demand the best of everyone around her. She motivates by example and leads in a way that is trustworthy and sincere. Tracey also has built the best personnel-infrastructure we ever could ask for. I believe we have patients that return because they like the front-office staff, or back-office staff, as much as they like me (and that's something to be extraordinarily proud of!!!). Without Tracey I would never have been able to create this remarkable 'space' in downtown Phoenix that serves our entire state, and beyond."

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"I got started by just saying 'Sure'. I was asked by the American Academy of Dermatology, during my Dermatology residency, if I would like to serve as the 'Resident Representative to the American Medical Association'. I didn't even know what that meant – but I said, 'Sure'. Sometimes, the best things come from scenarios that weren't planned or expected, but that just presented themselves in an informal way .... and then the journey begins!"

Career Journey

Earlier this year, you were awarded ArMA's Award in Memory of Edward Sattenspiel, MD, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate a long-term commitment to organized medicine and healthcare advocacy in Arizona. How has being involved in organized medicine and advocacy changed your relationship with your profession?

"Receiving this award was a true highlight of my career. I have given of myself (time and supra-tentorial resources) for over 20 years in organized medicine, both nationally and at the state level. I believe that with great privilege comes great responsibility – and that when you see something that needs your knowledge, experience, or expertise, you do something with it. Advocacy has allowed me to bring healthcare benefits to patients I'll never meet. Advocacy takes my skillset beyond the four walls of my practice and works to do things much greater than that which I can deliver alone. The future of healthcare began 'yesterday', and by being in the room pushing for policies that are important for patients in Arizona, and throughout our country, makes the actual execution of the work I do clinically, much more meaningful. Being recognized for my work in healthcare policy by ArMA was an enormous honor."

Where is your favorite place to grab food in Arizona?

"Could be any Sam Fox restaurant, Ocotillo, or Buck and Rider."

What drew you into the field of medicine and, more specifically, dermatology?

"First, I'd be remiss not to 'open' with the fact that I absolutely love my specialty of Dermatology... However, I also do love the day-to-day privilege of practicing medicine.

I am especially fond of the long-standing relationships I have shared with patients and their families over the 17-year duration of my career here in Phoenix.

Dermatology, very specifically, is an incredible specialty to practice. As a field of medicine, it touches every component (and remains often at the crux) of human disease: From infections and infestations, to malignancies, metabolic disorders, immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, genetic disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and more. We treat from infancy to the elderly. We touch the rigors of medical science, surgery, counseling, physical exams, and the microscope – literally every day! The diseases we treat often require cross-over into multi-disciplinary care, from GI to Rheumatology, ID to Oncology, OB to Cardiology, and Rad-Onc to Plastics – we get to remain connected with other specialists, which keeps us bright. We can do hospital work for critically ill patients and help an adolescent triumph over an acne condition that feels devastating at a difficult time in life. We have aspects of our work that span aesthetics, where we can restore one's sense of self; and in the next room we may gently help someone decide when it is time to forgo additional treatment in the interest of giving back quality to the remainder of one's life. Dermatology is a subspecialty of medicine that is remarkable for all the reasons I've mentioned, and even many more."

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

"I set the state record for greatest number of consecutive free-throws made in women's high school basketball."

What's one thing you wish more people knew about their skin and taking care of it?

"This could be my favorite question. Skin is an incredible window into hidden internal pathology! In fact, I built a medical docuseries, ' SKINTELLAGENT with Dr. Lindsay Ackerman' (housed on YouTube), to display just that! Built to captivate, fascinate, educate, and illustrate, we brought a film crew into the hospital and clinic to document patient journeys, where I knew the skin finding was telling me something critically important was otherwise going on ... and we captured these journeys from disease presentation to discovery. From the skin findings that revealed a hidden leukemia diagnosis, or rare tumor abutting the aorta, or protein synthesis disorder, or, or, or .... I'm educating the public and healthcare professionals about the importance of skin findings in detecting internal disease!"

If you weren't practicing medicine, what would you be doing?

"News broadcasting – or some form of media-related 'education'."

What was the biggest pivot point in your career?

"When I decided to 'go for it' and build a medical docuseries to make medical Dermatology 'sexy' again. While I value all aspects of our precious specialty, I believe we have glamourized so much of what we do in aesthetics, that we've marginalized the incredible scope of our field. I am giving visibility to how immensely amazing our skin is as an organ system to tell us about internal pathology, to 'fix' the misconception that Dermatology is only superficial.

I built a 501(c)3, ' SKINTELLAGENT: Dermatology Undressed ' (Skintellagent.org), to house my medical docuseries on YouTube, and other media-related materials, and quite literally put my money where my mouth was. Again, with great privilege comes great responsibility. I know better than to let Dermatology be diminished in its importance. I want to change the public opinion of Dermatology. I want to reposition our specialty as one that is of critical importance in the House of Medicine. And, I want to ensure that the future pipeline for medical dermatology is robust. I'm making medical dermatology 'sexy' to give visibility to how meaningful our work really is, quite literally putting our skillset on display, as the skin provides clues to uncover hidden internal disease .... and how immensely gratifying this work is!!! Yes, I could make more money doing other things. But I guarantee, I wouldn't be happier."

What is one message you would give your younger self?

"You are enough, but it is okay to also want to keep trying."

Why is ArMA important to you?

"ArMA is a critically important organization for our healthcare delivery in Arizona – for us as physicians, and for the patients we serve. We as a collective group of physicians have ArMA to do the heavy lifting for us at our state legislature. ArMA listens to the voices of clinicians and works tirelessly to ensure that our needs are met. If you have frustrations with how your practice workflow feels, or how 'truth in advertising' has affected your business (and the fairness you believe patients deserve), or the insurance policies that tie your hands in getting efficient medically necessary care to

your patients, ArMA is your workhorse and lobbying body to get things to change! If you aren't 100% pleased with healthcare delivery today in Arizona, you should be an ArMA member, helping provide them the resources they need to help you (and the patients you want to help)!"

What personal or professional achievement are your most proud of?

"My wife and children bring me tremendous pride!!! There is no better accomplishment than knowing you've made an exceptional choice in a spouse, and watching your children grow into loving, hard-working people with good values."

What's the best advice you've ever received?

"Begin anywhere....."

Continue Exploring

Click here to register for the second town hall in Glendale on December 15 at 5:30PM →

Together, we stand stronger. Become a member today!

Arizona Attorney General Announces Town Halls on Medical Claim Denials: What Physicians Need to Know

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:16:36 GMT

Arizona Medical Professionals & Patients Invited to Share Experiences With Insurance Company Practices

AG Mayes Seeks Input from Healthcare Community

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced earlier this year that her office will host listening sessions for patients and healthcare providers affected by health insurance companies denying medical claims. The announcement comes amid growing concerns about insurance industry practices that may impact patient care and physician practices across the state.

"From the stories that Arizonans have shared with the public, we are concerned that some health insurance companies may be participating in potentially unlawful practices," Attorney General Mayes stated in the announcement.

Arizona Above National Average in Insurance Denial Rates

Recent data reveals concerning trends for Arizona healthcare providers and their patients. In 2023, health insurance companies denied an average of 19% of in-network claims filed nationally. However, Arizona's numbers paint a slightly more troubling picture, with the state experiencing an average in-network denial rate of 21%.

The Financial Impact on Arizona Families

The ripple effects of claim denials extend far beyond individual medical bills. Approximately 460,000 adults in Arizona – representing 8.2% of the adult population – report carrying medical debt, despite the majority having health insurance coverage.

Some families have faced bankruptcy following claim denials, while others have been forced to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in unexpected medical expenses. These financial pressures can strain the physician-patient relationship and impact treatment decisions.

Next Town Hall Scheduled for Later This Month

Healthcare professionals, patients, and families are invited to participate in the Attorney General's listening sessions. The first town hall is scheduled for:

�� Date: December 15, 2025
�� Time: 5:30 PM
�� Location: Pella Communities Church, Glendale

Members of the public can RSVP to attend HERE. Additional town hall dates and locations are expected to be announced soon.

Implications for Arizona Medical Practices

For Arizona physicians and healthcare providers, these town halls represent an opportunity to share firsthand experiences with insurance claim denials and their impact on patient care. Medical practices often face administrative burdens when appealing denied claims, diverting resources from patient care.

The Attorney General's investigation could potentially lead to enforcement actions against insurance companies found to be engaging in unlawful denial practices, which could benefit both patients and healthcare providers.

How Physicians Can Participate

Arizona medical professionals are encouraged to:

Attend town hall meetings to share experiences with insurance denials
Document patterns of inappropriate claim denials in their practices
Provide examples of how denials have affected patient care
Share information about administrative burdens created by the appeals process

The input gathered from these sessions could help shape future policy decisions and enforcement actions related to health insurance practices in Arizona.

Looking Ahead

The Arizona Medical Association has prioritized important commercial medical insurance reforms for more than a decade, and we are grateful to the Attorney General for joining us in spearheading the issue. We are optimistic that AG Mayes' initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing this major systemic issue affecting healthcare delivery across Arizona.

You May Also Be Interested In...

Arizona is keeping healthcare human. New legislation will require that final determinations on medical claims be made by a human with medical expertise, not Artificial Intelligence.

Here's when it will take effect »

Governor Hobbs Appoints Debbie Johnston as Arizona Department of Health Services Director

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:13:40 GMT

Governor Katie Hobbs recently appointed Debbie Johnston to lead the Arizona Department of Health Services. Debbie previously worked for the Arizona Hospital & Healthcare Association and will bring more than two decades of healthcare and legislative expertise to the agency.

Extensive Public Health Background

Johnston spent over 20 years serving hospitals across the state at AzHHA, where she concentrated on policy development and regulatory affairs. She retired earlier this year after serving as executive vice president.

Throughout her tenure at AzHHA, Johnston participated on multiple ADHS public health boards and committees, including the State Trauma Advisory Board and the Arizona Health Improvement Plan Steering Committee.

Focus on Rural Healthcare and Provider Relations

In her press release, Governor Hobbs emphasized Johnston's established relationships with the Arizona healthcare community, particularly rural hospitals, as key assets for the position. The department licenses hundreds of thousands of healthcare providers across the state.

Johnston said she will focus on fostering an accessible and efficient public healthcare system to support Arizonans' prosperity and well-being. She also expressed her commitment to protecting the public while supporting clinicians, indicating plans to collaborate with community partners, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to advance health outcomes.

Background and Transition

A third-generation Arizonan, Johnston began her career in the Arizona State Senate, where she worked as a research analyst for the Appropriations, Commerce and Economic Development Committees before being promoted to research staff director.

She will succeed Sheila Sjolander, who has served as interim Director since April 2025. Sjolander will return to her previous position within the agency. Johnston's appointment requires confirmation by the State Senate.

Source: Governor's Office

WISeR Model Introduces AI-driven Claims Review Program in Arizona

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:12:37 GMT

New Federal Pilot Program Targets Traditional Medicare in Arizona; Physicians Voice Concerns

A controversial federal pilot program launching January 1 will use artificial intelligence and other processes to review and potentially deny certain Medicare claims in Arizona and five other states, raising concerns among physicians about inappropriate denials of necessary care.

WISeR Program Overview

The Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction program, known as WISeR, represents a significant departure from traditional Medicare's typical operations. The six-year pilot will require prior authorization for specific medical services through private companies using enhanced technologies, including AI algorithms.

Arizona joins New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington in the program, which collectively covers one in five traditional Medicare beneficiaries nationwide. Approximately 744,000 Arizonans enrolled in traditional Medicare could be affected—roughly half of the state's 1.5 million Medicare enrollees.

According to federal officials, the goal of the pilot program is to cut back on fraud and abuse in Medicare. However, healthcare experts are concerned about unintended consequences.

Medical Organizations in Arizona, Other Pilot States Oppose the Program's Implementation

The Arizona Medical Association and other medical organizations nationwide have taken a prominent role in opposing the program's implementation.

In a letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz , ArMA President Dr. Jason Jameson, along with medical association leaders from the other five affected states, requested a halt to the program and asked that the agency "work collaboratively with stakeholders to design payment processes that protect the Medicare Trust Fund while achieving value, without jeopardizing patient access."

The associations argued the initiative shifts critical clinical decisions away from physicians and patients without adequate transparency, stakeholder input, or evidence demonstrating improved patient outcomes:

"While our organizations appreciate the aim of [CMS] to increase accountability, value in healthcare delivery for Medicare beneficiaries, and reduce spending on services deemed low-value or wasteful, we believe the current design of this pilot risks unintended consequences, including delayed care, reduced access, and increased burdens on both patients and physicians."

Targeted Medical Services

The program focuses on treatments federal officials identified as vulnerable to fraud and abuse, including:

Impotence diagnosis and treatment
Incontinence control devices
Deep brain stimulation for essential tremor and Parkinson's disease
Image-guided lumbar decompression for spinal stenosis
Skin and tissue substitutes

Federal officials characterize these services as having limited clinical value, though healthcare experts note some represent critical, time-sensitive care.

Prior Authorization Shift for Traditional Medicare

Prior authorization remains uncommon in traditional Medicare, unlike Medicare Advantage plans where the practice is standard. Arizona State University College of Health Solutions Professor Swapna Reddy emphasized this distinction, noting prior authorization creates significant administrative challenges for healthcare systems and can become adversarial.

In a 2024 American Medical Association survey , 93 percent of physicians reported that prior authorization causes care delays, 82 percent indicated that the process can lead to treatment abandonment, and an alarming 29 percent said that prior authorization had led to a serious adverse event (hospitalization, disability, or even death) for a patient in their care.

Arizona's Prohibition of AI-driven Medical Claims

Earlier this year, ArMA successfully advocated for state legislation to prohibit AI-driven medical claim denials. The legislation prohibits health insurance companies from relying solely on AI to deny medical claims, requiring medical directors to individually review denials and exercise independent medical judgment. The law was signed on May 12, and takes effect June 30, 2026.

The law sets a national precedent for regulating AI's use in commercial medical insurance, putting Arizona ahead in the race to ensure regulation keeps up with development and implementation. While the new legislation will significantly stopper an issue physicians have identified as pervasive among private payers, it does not apply to Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

Arizona Physicians Say the Program is Coming Too Fast, With Too Few Details

Despite the program being scheduled to begin on January 1, the physician community is voicing confusion amid a lack of operational details released to date. For a program of its magnitude, the WISeR Model is advancing at a notably quick pace, especially considering its implementation lacks sufficient transparency, stakeholder input, or evidence it will improve patient care.

Read more about the WISeR Model.

Information in this article was sourced from Arizona Central (article accessible to subscribers only). (article accessible to subscribers only).

Arizona Physician Groups Urge Protection of Patient–Doctor Decision-Making

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:34:05 GMT

Physician groups in Arizona are urging patients to base healthcare decisions on credible information and counseling from a trusted physician or medical professional amid confusion stemming from misinformation and partisan tension.

PHOENIX, Arizona   — The physician community is increasingly concerned about the negative impacts of political and corporate interference on patients’ health. The spread of misinformation and a rise in partisan battles over healthcare are distracting our communities from the quality care patients deserve and physicians are trained to deliver.

The Arizona Medical Association (ArMA), the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AzAAP), the Arizona Academy of Family Physicians (AzAFP), the Arizona Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AzACOG), the Arizona Healthcare Advocacy Coalition (AHAC), and the undersigned physician-led organizations stand behind healthcare informed by:

Rigorous scientific evidence and peer-reviewed research
The clinical expertise and professional judgment of licensed physicians
Established, widely recognized medical guidelines and best practices
The individual needs and circumstances of each patient and their health
Ethical principles that prioritize patient health, safety, and well-being

"Physicians are collectively committed to advancing healthcare decisions guided by the highest standards of evidence and clinical rigor,” explained Dr. Marc Leib, chair of AHAC, a coalition of more than a dozen physician organizations. “By championing data-driven practices in all aspects of healthcare, we aim to improve patient outcomes and ensure that policies reflect the best available science.”

High-quality healthcare depends on the practice of evidence-based medicine. In turn, evidence-based medicine depends on scientific studies conducted by experts free from influence or bias. When political or corporate interference overshadows this process, the integrity of healthcare is compromised.

“Healthcare is one of the most important systems in the nation,” stated Dr. Jason Jameson, a urologist and president of ArMA. “It impacts every single one of us. As a major system, healthcare has fine-tuned processes in place to protect patients, advance medicine, and create healthier communities. We must continue to rely on these proven processes to evolve in the field of medicine. If we do not, we risk undermining public health and harming patients.”

Healthcare, medicine, and science evolve continuously. New understandings in the field of medicine are gleaned from rigorous and peer-reviewed studies. Clinical practices are then refined as new evidence emerges. This evolution is a strength of modern medicine.

“Research has produced life-saving advancements in medicine, including diabetes management, immunizations, and anesthesia,” remarked Dr. Mariolga Mercado, a family physician and president of AzAFP. “These advancements do not happen overnight, and they shouldn’t because we are talking about people’s lives. Rather, they are the result of careful and peer-reviewed research conducted by physicians and medical experts over the span of decades, and they only work when patients are heard, respected, and free to choose after discussing benefits, risks, and alternatives with their doctor.”

When medicine becomes subject to politics or third-party decision-makers, it often results in conflicting guidance and creates confusion for patients. This confusion is harmful, and it worsens patient outcomes by delaying or diverting the care they need. A patient’s health can be complex, but the approach to delivering quality healthcare is straightforward.

"The physician-patient relationship is built on compassion and trust, and decisions made are evidence-based and shared between patient and physician," stated Dr. Tori Fewell, an OBGYN and chair of AzACOG. "When healthcare is subjected to political and corporate agendas, it erodes trust in medical professionals who have the expertise and compassion required to care for patients. Ultimately, this erosion leads to worsened patient outcomes.”

“Physician-led care means decisions are made in the exam room — between you and your doctor — based on individual needs, verified medical evidence, and the latest clinical guidelines,” said Dr. Jodi Carter, a pediatrician and president of AzAAP. “It also means that, if you ever have questions about your health or your children’s health, you can always bring them to your physician for clear, quality, and expert answers that you can trust to make important medical decisions.”

Arizona's physician community is calling on elected officials across the political spectrum to support a healthcare system where public health and medical decisions are made based on scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and individual patient needs. As physicians advocate for a reimagined healthcare system, they want patients to know: your care is at our core — not politics, not profit, not partisanship.

“As physicians, we put patient care above all else,” shared Dr. Jameson. “We’re asking that patients, elected officials, and community leaders do the same when it comes to decisions impacting their personal health and healthcare in Arizona.”

This release is signed and supported by 22 physician-led organizations in Arizona:

American Academy of Pediatrics, Arizona Chapter
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Arizona Section
American College of Physicians, Arizona Chapter
Arizona Academy of Family Physicians
Arizona Allergy & Asthma Society
The Arizona Clinical Oncology Society
Arizona College of Emergency Physicians
Arizona Dermatology Society
Arizona Latin-American Medical Association
Arizona Medical Association
Arizona Orthopaedic Society
Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association
Arizona Pain Society
Arizona Psychiatric Society
Arizona Radiological Society
Arizona United Rheumatology Alliance
Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists
Arizona Society of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Arizona Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons
Arizona Urological Society
Maricopa County Medical Society
Pima County Medical Society

About Arizona Medical Association

Fostering medicine. Championing care. Serving Arizona.

The Arizona Medical Association is the largest organization in the state representing the interests of all physicians and physicians-in-training. Since 1892, ArMA has been advancing patient care and providing its members with leadership, advocacy, education, and community. Alongside our members, we foster the practice of medicine, champion patient care, and strengthen the communities we serve. For more information, visit   www.AZmed.org  and follow ArMA on  Facebook , Instagram , Twitter/X , and LinkedIn .

Media Contact:

Shelby Job
(602) 291-4670
sjob@AZmed.org

Arizona Rural Healthcare Faces Challenges Amid Policy Changes & Other Stressors

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:18:31 GMT

Rural Hospitals Brace for Financial Struggles, Access to Care Gaps Amid Policy Changes

Thursday, November 20, marked National Rural Health Day — a recognition that comes at a pivotal moment for Arizona's rural healthcare system. From Tuba City to Yuma, physicians and other healthcare professionals are defying the odds to deliver quality, compassionate care in rural Arizona. And while they enjoy the unique joys of practicing medicine in close-knit communities, they also face unique challenges that experts say are worsening.

Federal Medicaid Funding Changes Threaten Arizona Rural Hospital Stability

The latest federal spending package, signed on July 4, projects $900 billion in federal Medicaid spending reductions over the next decade. Experts say that these cuts will limit states' ability to fund their Medicaid share through provider taxes — a mechanism historically used to leverage federal matching. This leaves many states where Medicaid funding is critical to healthcare delivery in rural communities, including Arizona, in a position to cover the difference, which isn't possible without major budgetary and policy changes.

Five Arizona Hospitals Face Highest Closure Risk

While rural hospitals in all 15 Arizona counties will face challenges from the federal cuts, some facilities are more financially vulnerable than others. A University of North Carolina study identified five Arizona rural hospitals at greatest risk of closure due to financial instability:

Carondelet Holy Cross, Nogales
Copper Queen Community Hospital, Bisbee
Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center, Globe
Page Hospital
Winslow Memorial Hospital

The financial reality of hospitals in rural Arizona is also reflective of national trends. Since 2020, more than 115 rural hospitals have closed or eliminated labor and delivery units, with more closures anticipated in 2025 than in the previous year.

Urban safety-net hospitals also face vulnerability, with researchers identifying two Arizona facilities among 109 hospitals nationwide at the highest risk of closure amid funding changes due to significant Medicaid patient populations and razor-thin operating margins.

Primary Care Workforce Shortages Compound Access Challenges

The reality of patients and clinicians in Arizona's rural communities is a part of a national narrative highlighting significant primary care access gaps. Approximately 92% of rural counties nationwide are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas , with 43 million people living in rural areas lacking sufficient primary care clinicians.

Nearly 40% of rural adults have used emergency departments for conditions manageable in primary care settings , according to recent Commonwealth Fund data. Fewer than 30% report easy access to after-hours primary care. Beyond healthcare shortages, transportation challenges and limited broadband access further restrict timely care access for rural residents.

By 2037, primary care physician supply in rural areas is projected to meet only 68% of demand — below the 73% national average. This results in delayed care for patients, which can worsen their health outcomes and increase their healthcare costs. According to some research, the loss of a single rural family physician can increase annual health spending by more than $1,300 per patient, or $5,200 for a family of four.

Meanwhile, a smaller number of rural physicians are increasingly managing broader patient needs — including chronic disease management, behavioral health services, and community-based care coordination — with fewer clinical resources, increasing administrative burdens, and fewer clinicians per capita.

Arizona's Rural Health Transformation Proposal Offers Some Hope

On November 5, the State of Arizona submitted an application to the Rural Health Transformation Program seeking $180 million annually for five years. The Arizona Medical Association joined 16 other healthcare organizations in informing and supporting the proposal, which received bipartisan backing from Arizona's congressional delegation.

The application addresses four strategic areas designed to stabilize rural healthcare delivery:

Rural Healthcare Workforce Development: Accounts for the largest allocation at $57 million annually. This funding would expand residency slots across rural Arizona and provide education subsidies for clinicians committing to underserved communities. The proposal includes retention, relocation, and commuting incentives for current rural healthcare professionals, alongside upskilling grants and a statewide Arizona Healthcare Workforce Project to coordinate training networks.
Broader Healthcare Access: Would allocate $45 million annually for innovative care delivery models, including expanded telehealth services, co-located healthcare services, mobile clinic deployment, improved care coordination, and enhanced health transportation for rural patients.
Key Public Health Initiatives: Would dedicate $27 million annually to critical gaps: $10 million for behavioral health and substance use disorder services, $5 million for maternal-fetal health initiatives, and $12 million for chronic illness prevention and expanded screening programs.
Rural Healthcare Resiliency: Would provide $51 million annually to subsidize fixed costs including electronic health records systems, healthcare technology, and back-office resources. Significantly for physicians, this funding aims to reduce administrative burdens related to credentialing, licensing, and interoperability challenges.

Arizona expects a funding announcement before December 31. If approved, the state will begin distributing funds to rural Arizona clinicians in early 2026. Learn more about Arizona's proposal to strengthen rural healthcare access and physician workforce.

While this proposal offers meaningful support, nearly $1 trillion in projected Medicaid cuts over the next decade threatens to widen existing disparities unless additional comprehensive policy interventions succeed in addressing them.

Information in this article was sourced from The Hertel Report and Becker's Hospital Review .

Health Alert: Measles Case Confirmed in Maricopa County

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 18:37:02 GMT

�� URGENT HEALTH ALERT: Measles Exposure in Maricopa County

MARICOPA & PIMA COUNTY HEALTH ALERT NOTICE

Public Health Measles Health Alert for Physicians & Healthcare Clinicians

⚠️ Measles in Arizona — Suspect, Isolate, and Report

Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has been notified of one confirmed case of measles that visited Maricopa County with public exposures on 11/5-6. MCDPH is working to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed to this case. Healthcare providers should be aware of this exposure and should consider measles in the differential of individuals who present with fever and a rash.

�� Public Exposure Locations

MCDPH has identified 2 public locations where people may have been exposed to measles. Individuals who were at the following locations at the listed dates and times may have been exposed and should watch for symptoms for the 21 days following their exposure :

�� Location 1: Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown

Address:

125 E Jackson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Exposure Date/Time:

November 5th at 3:00 PM through November 6th at 1:00 PM

�� Watch for symptoms through November 27, 2025

�� Location 2: Concert at Mortgage Matchup Center

Address:

201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Exposure Date/Time:

November 5th at 6:00 PM through November 6th at 12:30 AM

�� Watch for symptoms through November 27, 2025

�� Recommendations for Maricopa County Healthcare Providers

Consider measles in the differential of individuals who present with fever and a rash. Adults who received only 1 MMR vaccine as a child are considered fully vaccinated but may have waning immunity, and measles should not be excluded.
Minimize exposures of patients and staff by utilizing the infection control guidance below. Signage and masks should be posted at the entrance to encourage prompt masking and isolation of

3. Make sure that all patients and clinical staff are adequately vaccinated.

4. Immediately report suspect cases of measles to Maricopa County Department of Public Health by

�� Measles Laboratory Testing

For suspect measles cases, call

to coordinate with MCDPH for confirmatory testing through Arizona State Public Health Laboratory (ASPHL).

Specimen Collection

Collect the following two specimens for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing through ASPHL:

Urine collection
Nasopharyngeal swab

⏰ Optimal Testing Window

�� Clinical Presentation of Measles

Rash Characteristics

Usually starts on the face (starting at the hairline)
Proceeds down the body and may include the palms and soles
Appears discrete but may become confluent
Lasts several days
Fades in the same order that it appears
Koplik spots are occasionally seen

Symptom Timeline

⚠️ Special Populations

Those who received vaccination between 1963-1967 and immunocompromised individuals may present with an atypical rash (atypical rash typically begins on the extremities).

Potential Complications

Diarrhea
Otitis media
Pneumonia
Hepatitis
Encephalitis
Death

�� Transmission

Measles is highly contagious. Approximately 90% of persons lacking immunity who are exposed to measles virus will develop the disease.

How Measles Spreads

Transmitted by airborne particles or direct contact with respiratory secretions of an infected person
Can live for up to 2 hours in an airspace where an infected person has coughed or sneezed
Individuals with measles are infectious from 4 days before rash onset through 4 days after rash onset (9 days total)
A person with measles can spread the virus to others before symptoms begin

�� Infection Control at Health Care Facilities

The following steps are recommended to prevent measles transmission in health care facilities:

Facility Preparation

Signage and masks should be posted at all entrances to encourage prompt masking and isolation of symptomatic individuals.

Do not allow suspect measles patients to remain in the waiting area or other common areas

Patient Isolation

Immediately isolate them in an airborne isolation, negative pressure room – if available – otherwise, utilize a private room with a closed door
If a potential measles patient is evaluated in a room that is not a negative pressure room, do not use that room for the next 2 hours
Immediately place a surgical mask on the patient

Arrival Procedures

When possible, ask the suspect measles patient or their guardian to call the facility when they arrive outside , so staff can meet them before they enter the facility
When possible, have the suspect measles patient use an alternative entrance into the facility, like a back door, that will minimize exposure to other patients

�� Evidence of Immunity for Healthcare Providers

✅ Ensure Your Healthcare Staff is Fully Immunized

Review immunity to measles for all healthcare workers , including ancillary staff such as office staff, dietary staff, housekeeping, maintenance, etc. – anyone that shares airspace in your facility with a patient.

Documentation Requirements

Health care workers should have documented evidence of immunity to measles
Healthcare workers should receive two doses of MMR, at least 28 days apart, regardless of year of birth , unless they have documentation of previous immunity

�� Additional Resources

For Questions or to Report Suspect Cases:

Maricopa County Department of Public Health

MCDPH CARES Team (vaccination resources) — Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Member Spotlight: Lauren Ondrejka

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 19:11:32 GMT

We're proud to introduce Lauren Ondrejka as ArMA's November Member Spotlight.

Lauren is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. , where she has distinguished herself through academic excellence and a dedication to leadership, advocacy, and research.

Last month, she was one of three students awarded an academic, merit-based scholarship by the Mutual Insurance Company of Arizona . And, her research — a longitudinal scholarly project examining the social needs of children with medical complexity and inpatient care utilization — was presented at ArMA's 2024 Annual Meeting and the Pediatrics Hospital Medicine's 2024 Annual Meeting, with the findings recently published in Hospital Pediatrics.

In her interview, Lauren reflects on her journey through medicine thus far, from medical scribe to physician-in-training, and shares how she has come to understand medicine as extending far beyond diagnosis and treatment. As she prepares to complete a residency program in pediatrics, she is already demonstrating excellence in medicine, which impact the lives of our youngest patients for years to come.

Read more about Lauren and her journey as a medical student below!

What drew you to pursuing a career in medicine and, more specifically, pediatrics?

"I was initially drawn to medicine when I discovered my fascination with physiology in high school. Seeking a career that could combine this interest with continual personal growth, positive community impact, and human connection, I found my way to medical school. Pediatrics was a natural first interest given my experiences working with children as a camp counselor and hospital volunteer. Once I began my clinical rotations, I knew pediatrics was the right place for me. I was inspired by the opportunity to impact patients early on in life and enjoyed the creative, collaborative environment."

You recently received an academic merit-based scholarship from the Mutual Insurance Company of Arizona (MICA) Medical Foundation Board of Trustees, which included meeting members of the board and having breakfast with University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Dean, Dr. Fred Wondisford. What was that experience like, and what does this honor mean for you as one of only three students selected?

"Receiving the MICA Foundation scholarship was both an honor and surprise. I am incredibly grateful for the financial support and acknowledgment of my hard work and dedication throughout medical school. The breakfast with Dean Wondisford and the MICA team was a wonderful way to celebrate and learn more about their perspectives on the future of medical training and healthcare in Arizona."

You're in your final year of medical school and preparing for residency. Looking back at your time in medical school, what is the greatest thing you've learned about yourself and the practice of medicine?

"I have learned I am far more capable and resilient than I ever imagined. The last three years have gone by so quickly. It is absolutely true when they say, 'the days and weeks are long, but the years are short.' I am very proud of all I have been able to accomplish and explore in addition to my coursework and clinical rotations. Looking back on my first day of medical school, I did not realize I would eventually leave as an advocate, educator, researcher, and author as well as a physician.

That is the greatest thing I have learned about the practice of medicine, the invaluable intangibles. Being a physician is much more than investigation, diagnosis, and treatment. We have the great privilege to connect with people and try our best to understand them and walk beside them through their unique journeys in health and illness. It comes with the equally important responsibility to contribute to the evolution of this field, whether through research, advocacy, or education."

You worked as a medical scribe prior to beginning medical school. How has that experience aided you in your education? How did it influence how you see medicine?

"Working as a medical scribe was incredibly helpful in allowing me to envision what daily life could look like as a physician in a number of different specialties and practice settings. I always recommend it to premedical students. I came into medical school already understanding the structure of documentation, the basics behind billing and coding, and how to navigate multiple electronic health records. This helped immensely in our Doctoring course and in my clinical rotations. Working in this role allowed me to understand the realities of modern-day medicine and better prepared me to function effectively within it."

What makes you most excited about the next steps in your career?

"I am most excited to focus on my chosen specialty of pediatrics in this next chapter. I feel lucky to have participated in multiple pediatric rotations in medical school and look forward to dedicating all my training and educational time to working with and caring for children."

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"I got involved in organized medicine to better understand how policy and advocacy shape the care we provide. My first exposure came through my role as a chapter leader for Medical Students For Choice (MSFC), where I saw how legislation directly impacts patient care. That experience sparked my interest in working with organizations like ArMA to advocate for change at the state level, and to ensure physicians' voices are heard in shaping healthcare policy."

Why is ArMA important to you?

"ArMA is important to me because it allows physicians and trainees to come together to advocate for our patients and our profession. ArMA's work at the state level ensures that lawmakers hear the perspectives of those on the front lines of care delivery. I'm grateful to be part of that conversation and learn how to get involved in legislative advocacy early in my career."

What song have you had on repeat lately?

"Anything from Olivia Dean's new album The Art of Loving."

Where is your favorite place to grab food in Arizona?

"Glai Baan, First & Last, Mensho Ramen."

What personal or professional achievement are you most proud of?

"The professional achievement I am most proud of is my longitudinal scholarly project entitled 'Social Needs of Children With Medical Complexity and Inpatient Care Utilization.' Our findings demonstrate children with medical complexity who have unmet social needs have significantly greater readmissions and longer length of stay in the hospital. It was an honor to present our work locally at the ArMA Annual Meeting and nationally at the Pediatrics Hospital Medicine Annual Meeting in 2024. Our manuscript was just recently published in Hospital Pediatrics along with a commentary piece."

What is the last book you read?

"Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt."

How do you unwind after a stressful day?

"Reality TV – anything from Dancing With The Stars to The Real Housewives."

What is something on your bucket list you hope to cross-off soon?

"I've loved travelling to new places with my classmates during medical school. Hoping Greece is next after graduation!"

Federal Judge Orders Full SNAP Benefits Be Sent to Americans

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 18:38:59 GMT

Federal Judge Orders Full SNAP Benefits Be Sent to States by Friday

On Thursday afternoon, a federal judge from Rhode Island ruled that the Trump administration must send full food stamp benefits to Americans for the month of November.

The administration had previously said it would fund partial benefits for the month but has now been ordered to provide the full funding to states by Friday, November 7. The administration swiftly appealed the judge's order and a previous ruling that required partial funding for food stamp benefits in November to the First Circuit Court of Appeals.

Partial funding of the benefits would have come from the $4.65 billion contingency fund maintained by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the formal name for food stamps. However, this fund falls short of what's needed to issue full payments, and the government will have to tap into a separate reserve of funding kept by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Even if the funding for November's SNAP benefits are made to the states by Friday, it is unclear when beneficiaries would see the funds loaded on their EBT cards.

Arizona Searches for Alternate Funds to Support SNAP Recipients

In Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs allocated $1.8 million of the state's remaining COVID funding to support food banks and a new emergency fresh food program late last month. However, the Governor acknowledged that the allocation fell "short of the $150 million in food assistance the federal government delivers to Arizonans every month."

In a recent interview , Governor Hobbs said her office is still exploring additional channels for supporting Arizona's SNAP recipients. At this time, she said that "no options are off the table," including declaring a state of emergency, which would open up an additional, limited pool of funds.

Arizona Advances Proposal to Strengthen Rural Healthcare Access and Physician Workforce

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:49:16 GMT

Arizona Medical Association, statewide coalition supports federal funding application for rural health

On November 5, the State of Arizona submitted an application for federal funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), which was designed to help rural communities offset changes in Medicaid funding and improve patient care.

The proposal, developed with extensive input from Arizona's healthcare community, seeks $180 million annually for five years to reimagine rural healthcare delivery .

Bipartisan Support for Rural Healthcare Investment

Governor Katie Hobbs announced the submission alongside bipartisan letters of support from Arizona's congressional delegation and 17 state healthcare organizations , including the Arizona Medical Association. The application addresses urgent concerns including potential hospital closures, physician shortages, extended wait times, limited specialty care access, administrative burdens, and outdated healthcare technology.

ArMA proudly contributed to the state's proposal alongside hospitals, community health centers, behavioral health providers, nursing organizations, Medicaid health plans, and other key stakeholders throughout the development process.

Four Pillars of Arizona's Rural Health Transformation

Rural Healthcare Workforce Development ($57 million annually)

For physicians, this represents the proposal's largest investment area. Funding would increase residency slots across rural Arizona while providing education subsidies for future clinicians who commit to practicing in underserved communities. The plan includes partnerships with universities, colleges, and technical education schools to build a sustainable pipeline.

Additionally, the proposal offers retention, relocation, and commuting incentives for current healthcare professionals serving rural areas , recognizing the financial challenges of rural practice. Upskilling and training grants would also enhance the existing workforce, while a new Arizona Healthcare Workforce Project would coordinate statewide training networks and workforce strategy.

Broader Healthcare Access ($45 million annually)

These investments focus on innovative care delivery models, including expanded telehealth services , co-location of healthcare services, mobile clinic deployment, improved care coordination , and enhanced health transportation for rural patients.

Key Public Health Initiatives ($27 million annually)

Targeted funding addresses critical gaps:

$10 million for behavioral health and substance use disorder services, including naloxone access, tele-behavioral health, and crisis intervention
$5 million for maternal-fetal health initiatives to improve obstetrician care and maternal mental health resources
$12 million for chronic illness prevention and treatment, including expanded screenings and public health resources

Rural Healthcare Resiliency ($51 million annually)

Recognizing the administrative and financial pressures facing rural physicians and other healthcare professionals, this funding stream would subsidize fixed costs including electronic health records systems, healthcare technology and equipment, and back-office resources. Crucially for physicians, the plan also aims to reduce administrative burdens related to credentialing, licensing, and interoperability challenges.

What This Means for Arizona Physicians

Rural physicians face unique challenges that impact both practice sustainability and patient care quality. This comprehensive proposal addresses systemic barriers that have contributed to rural healthcare instability, from workforce recruitment difficulties to technology gaps and administrative complexity.

The Arizona Medical Association, alongside the broader healthcare coalition, is urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to fully fund the application. If approved, this investment would significantly transform healthcare delivery for patients in rural Arizona while creating more sustainable practice environments for physicians serving these communities.

Timeline and Next Steps

Arizona expects to receive an announcement regarding its funding award before December 31, 2025. If approved, the state will begin awarding contracts and subgrants and distributing funds to rural Arizona clinicians in early 2026.

Physicians are invited to attend a public webinar on Thursday, November 13, at 11:30AM, to learn more about Arizona's application for RHTP. Learn more & register in advance of the session today »

Information in this article was sourced from the Office of the Governor .

Arizona Medical Association Joins National Coalition on Critical Federal Health Policy Issue

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:46:16 GMT

ArMA Advocates Alongside Medical Association on Prior Authorization, Hospital Ownership Restrictions & Expiring Insurance Tax Credits

The Arizona Medical Association joined dozens of medical associations nationwide to address three critical federal healthcare issues impacting Arizona physicians and their patients. Through coordinated advocacy, organized medicine is pushing for action on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' prior authorization pilot program, restrictions on physician-owned hospitals, and expiring health insurance tax credits.

Challenging CMS Prior Authorization Expansion Under WISeR Model

Beginning January 1, CMS plans to launch a prior authorization pilot program under the WISeR model, expanding prior authorization from Medicare Advantage and commercial insurance into Traditional Medicare. Arizona is one of six states where the program will be implemented.

ArMA joined a coalition raising substantial concerns about this rushed rollout. The expansion threatens to amplify administrative burdens physicians already face, with research demonstrating that prior authorization delays care, contributes to treatment abandonment, and can lead to serious adverse patient outcomes.

Concerns About AI-Driven Decisions

The coalition specifically highlighted concerns about using artificial intelligence in authorization decisions without adequate governance. AI-driven denials could remove clinical judgment and inappropriately deny medically necessary care — decisions that belong with physicians, not algorithms.

Questions About Implementation

CMS is moving forward with this large-scale program without providing operational details, adequate transparency, or evidence demonstrating patient care improvement.

ArMA and other medical associations urge CMS to halt implementation and collaborate with stakeholders to create payment processes that safeguard the Medicare Trust Fund without compromising patient access.

Read the full WISeR coalition letter.

Removing Barriers to Physician-Owned Hospitals

Federal law currently prohibits new physician-owned hospitals and significantly limits expansion of existing facilities. As healthcare consolidation continues, many communities—particularly rural areas—face reduced care access. This issue resonates in Arizona, where rural communities confront hospital closures and service reductions.

Impact on Access and Competition

ArMA supports removing statutory restrictions that prevent physicians from establishing or expanding hospitals. These limitations reduce patient choice and prevent innovative care delivery models from emerging.

The restrictions disadvantage independent physician practices facing declining reimbursement rates and increasing regulatory requirements. Research shows that highly consolidated healthcare markets result in elevated costs and poorer patient outcomes.

The coalition supports bipartisan legislation (H.R. 4002) to eliminate these restrictions and enable physicians to open and expand hospitals, improving access in underserved areas.

Read the full physician-owned hospitals letter.

Preventing Coverage Crisis: Extending Premium Tax Credits

Enhanced premium tax credits helping over 24 million Americans afford health insurance expire at the end of 2025. Without congressional action to extend them, millions will lose coverage with significant healthcare consequences.

Projected Impact

Without extension, 24 million Americans face average premium increases of 75%, causing at least 4.2 million to lose coverage. For Arizona physicians, this means patients will postpone necessary care until conditions become more complex and expensive to treat.

Coverage loss will burden hospitals with uncompensated care costs and force facility closures, especially in underserved and rural communities already struggling with access. The ripple effects include millions of lost healthcare jobs and reduced care access for all Americans.

Medical associations join 82% of Americans urging Congress to extend tax credits before year-end to prevent coverage disruptions and maintain patient access to timely care.

Read the full tax credits letter.

ArMA's Advocacy Commitment

The Arizona Medical Association's participation in these national advocacy efforts demonstrates the organization's commitment to addressing federal policies affecting Arizona physicians and patients. By joining state and national medical associations in coordinated advocacy, ArMA amplifies Arizona's medical community voice on issues impacting practice sustainability, administrative efficiency, and patient care access.

Arizona physicians can stay informed about these advocacy efforts and access the full letters at AZmed.org/sign-on .

New State Prescription Discount Program Offers Savings Tool for Arizona Patients

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:42:46 GMT

AZRx provides free discount card for all Arizona residents, potentially reducing medication costs by up to 80%

Arizona has launched AZRx, a prescription drug discount program designed to help patients afford their medications. The initiative, announced by Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Department of Health Services, provides Arizona residents with access to a free discount card through ArrayRx, a multistate public pharmacy collaborative.

What Arizona Physicians Need to Know

The AZRx program represents an additional resource physicians can recommend to patients struggling with prescription costs, particularly those facing high out-of-pocket expenses or insurance coverage gaps.

The ArrayRx discount card is available at no cost to all Arizona residents and can be used at nearly 1,200 pharmacies across the state, part of a network exceeding 64,000 locations nationwide. The program covers FDA-approved prescriptions, including mail-order and specialty medications, as well as select over-the-counter drugs and diabetes supplies.

"We are working to make critical and lifesaving medicines more affordable for Arizona families," said Governor Hobbs. "At a time when prescription drug prices are too high, we are giving Arizonans access to lower prices."

Clinical Practice Implications

For physicians, this program offers another option when discussing medication affordability with patients. The discount card can be particularly valuable in several scenarios:

When Insurance Falls Short: Patients can use the card when their insurance does not cover a specific medication or when the insurance copay exceeds the discounted price. However, patients cannot combine the card with insurance—they must choose whichever option provides greater savings.
For Uninsured Patients: The estimated 11% of Arizonans without health insurance can access prescription savings through this program, potentially improving medication adherence and health outcomes.
During Coverage Transitions: Patients experiencing insurance loss or gaps in coverage can maintain access to medications through the discount card, reducing interruptions in treatment for chronic conditions.
Medication Adherence Support: Cost remains a significant barrier to medication adherence. This program provides physicians with a concrete resource to offer patients who express concerns about affording prescribed medications.

Program Eligibility and Restrictions

The program has minimal barriers to access. Any Arizona resident with a valid Arizona address can enroll, with no age limit or income restrictions. Each family member requires their own digital card.

The program does not cover veterinary prescriptions and cannot be combined with insurance or other discount programs. Patients should compare prices to determine whether their insurance or the discount card offers better savings for each prescription.

How Patients Can Access the Program

Physicians can direct patients to sign up through a straightforward three-step process:

Enroll : Patients can register for free here .
Download or Print : After enrollment, patients receive a digital card they can save to their phone or print
Present at Pharmacy : Patients show the card to their pharmacist at checkout to receive the discount

Patients can verify participating pharmacies through the AZRx website, though the program is accepted at most major

pharmacy chains and many independent pharmacies statewide.

Supporting Patient Access to Medications

While the AZRx program does not address all challenges related to prescription drug costs, it provides physicians with another tool to help patients access necessary medications. By familiarizing themselves with this resource, Arizona physicians can better support patients in navigating the complex landscape of prescription drug pricing.

For more information about AZRx and to access patient enrollment resources, visit the program's webpage on ADHS's website here .

Prop 409 Hits Arizona Voters' Ballots in Maricopa County

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 18:40:25 GMT

Maricopa County voters are currently deciding on ArMA-endorsed Proposition 409, an $898M bond proposal that will allow Valleywise to expand and meet growing demand from the community. Valleywise is a safety-net hospital system, a national leader in burn and trauma care, and a cornerstone of physician training for our state.

Voting for Prop 409 strengthens the overall health of the entire community and ensures that critical services remain accessible.

If passed, Prop 409 will fund:

Expansions to primary and pediatric care,
A new 200-bed behavioral health hospital,
An outpatient specialty center on the main campus,
Growth in emergency services by expanding beds,
Enhancement of their residency program.

If passed, the bonds will be paid for though a secondary property tax that would cost Maricopa County taxpayers an estimated 11 cents per $100 of net Assessed Limited Property Value. For a determination on exactly how this would impact your annual property tax burden, check out this online calculator .

Ballots were mailed out for this all-mail election on October 8 and must be returned by October 28. For more information about the voting process and ballots, visit the Secretary of the State's website here .

Member Spotlight: Leah Sanford, MSY4

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:20:21 GMT

We're proud to introduce Leah Sanford as ArMA's October Member Spotlight.

Leah Sanford is a fourth-year medical student at Midwestern University. Earlier this year, she earned first place in ArMA's 2025 Poster Symposium for her clinical vignette research titled "Pulmonary Point of Care Ultrasound: A Case Series." Beyond her research achievements, Leah is also a passionate philanthropist. In 2024, she was recognized by Midwestern University with the Gold Touch Award for completing over 100 hours of volunteer work in a single academic year.

In her interview with ArMA, Leah shares how her personal journey into medicine was inspired by her own experiences with chronic illness and service in resource-limited communities abroad. Currently preparing for residency interviews, she reflects on this milestone as a culmination of years of dedication to her craft.

From excellence in clinical research to selfless dedication in serving others, Leah demonstrates the commitment and compassion fueling the next generation of physicians.

Read more about Leah and her journey as a medical student below!

Becoming a physician is no easy feat! What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?

"I became interested in medicine at a young age while battling my own chronic illnesses, but what really inspired me was a volunteer trip to Ometepe, Nicaragua as a senior in undergrad. Experiencing healthcare in a resource-limited setting opened my eyes to the global need for compassionate, patient-centered care and solidified my commitment to becoming a physician."

What is a project you are working on right now? Why is it meaningful to you?

"Currently my focus is preparing for residency interviews. This milestone is meaningful in many ways, but most of all, it represents the years of hard work and dedication I've put into my training so far."

You secured first place in the clinical vignette category of ArMA's 2025 Poster Symposium for your research, "Pulmonary Point of Care Ultrasound: A Case Series." What do you enjoy most about medical research? What was the most important thing you learned throughout the process?

"I enjoy seeing the impact that medical research has on patient care. My previous research has been in bench work, so this project gave me my first opportunity to apply what I'd learned in a clinical setting and translate that knowledge into an organized presentation."

You received the “Gold Touch Award” from Midwestern University for volunteering over 100 hours during the academic year. Can you describe your volunteering efforts and share why donating your time is important as you pursue your medical degree?

"I was a mentor for the health careers institute for the summer of 2023 where I guided a small group of eight high school students through a week long exploration of healthcare professions. I facilitated daily discussions with these students and answered questions regarding the beginnings of their journeys to a career in healthcare. I also led break out sessions for anatomy comparing human and animal hearts, biomedical sciences exploring blood typing, and clinical medicine serving as a standardized patient in a simulation competition. Between preparing for the event (interviewing applicants and setting up sessions) and the weeklong program, I had volunteered 90 hours. My other volunteering hours consisted of other events ongoing at school by the pediatric interest group and other organizations.

Volunteering while pursuing a medical degree not only allows me to connect with people in the community from different backgrounds but also reinforces why I chose to pursue a career in medicine. Healthcare isn't just a career but a commitment to the community and volunteering early on in medical school helps to establish this mindset."

Why is ArMA important to you?

"ArMA connects students and physicians who share a common goal of improving healthcare in Arizona and strengthening the community we serve."

What song have you had on repeat lately?

"I've been listening to the KPop Demon Hunters album on repeat."

What are your top 3 favorite movies or TV shows?

"Harry Potter and Parks & Recreation."

What personal or professional achievement are you most proud of?

"I am the first person in my immediate family to go to college and the first in my extended family to attend medical school."

What is the last book you read?

"I just started reading Stephen King's The Long Walk."

What do you like best about living in Arizona?

"The people I have met that have supported me through school while my family was a thousand miles away."

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

"I took ceramic wheel throwing in college and still throw pottery at a local studio."

If you weren't practicing medicine, what would you be doing?

"I've wanted to be a physician since I was in high school so I've never really considered it. I do love to travel though... so maybe a pilot?"

Member Spotlight: Ashish Patel, MD

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:50:18 GMT

We're proud to introduce Ashish Patel, MD, as ArMA's September Member Spotlight.

Dr. Ashish Patel is a pediatric gastroenterologist serving as Phoenix Children's Physician-in-Chief. In this role, he leads over 900 physicians, advanced practitioners, and mental health therapists in pursuing the medical group's mission. Even as he leads within the state's largest pediatric health system, he remains passionate about engaging with patients and contributing to research that shapes healthcare globally.

In his interview, Dr. Patel talks about how he achieves a careful balance between strategic leadership and the core of every physician's profession: patient care. He also brings a fresh perspective on Arizona, its merits, and its culinary scene, having recently relocated from Texas.

From medical research to clinical care to systems thinking, Dr. Patel demonstrates all of the unique skill sets that make physicians invaluable in our communities. He is not only shaping healthcare for the better but finding a rhythm in work that allows his passion for medicine to grow.

Read more about Dr. Patel and how he is shaping pediatric healthcare in Arizona below!

You currently serve as Phoenix Children's "Physician-in-Chief," which you were appointed to in 2024. What do your days look like while serving this role and which aspect do you enjoy the most?

As Physician in Chief, I lead over 900 physicians, advanced practitioners and mental health therapists within Phoenix Children's Medical Group. Our health system is the largest provider of pediatric health care in the state and that comes with great responsibility to children and their families. My days are a combination of administrative time and clinical work, which was very important to me when I accepted this role. I love clinical medicine and as a pediatric gastroenterologist who specializes in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease, I could not see giving up my passion for caring for children and their families.

My current leadership position allows me to share this passion throughout our health system to impact care delivery in our more than 75 subspecialties, plus our primary care practices. I'll be honest, some days my calendar looks like Tetris but with a great support team and keeping in mind our mission "To advance hope, healing and the best healthcare for children and their families", it has been a rewarding journey so far!

How did you find yourself specializing in pediatric gastroenterology? Did you always have a passion for caring for children and their health?

My mom was a general pediatrician in a small town in Texas and I loved how she talked about taking care of families and often generations of children. I went into medical school knowing I wanted to do pediatrics and I was first exposed to pediatric gastroenterology in residency. I loved the diverse disease process involving many different organs of the gastrointestinal tract as well as the opportunity to use endoscopy to diagnose, treat and sometimes cure these diseases.

Where is your favorite place to grab food in Arizona?

\I am a huge foodie and love the explosion of the culinary scene here in Arizona! Some of my favorite spots are Uchi, Little Miss BBQ and Bacanora.

You have an impressive track record of research and publication, with over 50 original publications, guidelines, and reports. Which part of the research and publication process do you find most fulfilling or exciting?

Research continues to be an important part of my career. I always felt like participating in research was a way to push medicine forward, learn what we don't know and help future generations of children. When you see a patient in clinic, you are focused on their health and their success.

Research allows you take a more global approach to a disease and try to make an impact that will affect many more children.

What was the biggest pivot point in your career?

Moving to Arizona! I was part an excellent medical group in Dallas and had been there for 17 years when the opportunity came up to be Division Chief of Gastroenterology at Phoenix Children's. Since taking that role, the division has achieved significant growth, going from 15 doctors to 25, plus launching the first pediatric gastroenterology fellowship in Arizona. That work translated to the opportunity to be Physician in Chief, which I am fully engaged in now.

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

I like being involved in organized medicine because it allows us to share our voice, address concerns and frustrations, and in the end hopefully make medicine better. I'm involved nationally with the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology (NASPGHAN), our pediatric gastroenterology organization. I'm also involved with a large pediatric IBD collaborative called ImproveCareNow.

What do you like best about living in Arizona?

My family loves all the outdoor activities Arizona has to offer, especially going up to Flagstaff. Our favorite Indian restaurant in Arizona is up there, called Delhi Palace. We love sports and the arts, so we enjoy going to Suns games (even though I am a die-hard Spurs fan), Cardinals games, concerts and have season tickets to the Arizona Speaker Series.

Why is ArMA important to you?

When my family and I moved from Texas to Arizona in 2020, the Arizona Medical Association allowed me to start connecting with other physicians and learn the challenges and successes we experience in Arizona.How do you unwind after a stressful day?

I spend time with my kids and explore the culinary scene in Phoenix and across Arizona.

What personal or professional achievement are you most proud of?

On a personal note, my wife is an accomplished pediatric hospitalist at Phoenix Children's. I love watching our two kids grow up and become great human beings.

What is something on your bucket list you hope to cross off soon?

My family loves to travel, so we have several places on our bucket list. We went to Argentina last year which was incredible. Iceland, Africa and Europe are high on the list!

Arizona Physicians Face Growing Financial Pressures Despite Overall Satisfaction, Survey Confirms

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 20:57:18 GMT

Data Confirms Physicians' Challenges

A recent survey conducted by the Arizona Medical Association and the American Medical Association has revealed the complexity of Arizona physicians' satisfaction with practicing medicine, current work situation, level of administrative burden, financial outlook, and experience with commercial payers.

The survey also probed the pressures independent physician-owned practices feel that may motivate them to sell their practice or seek outside funding.

Mixed Results on Overall Physician Satisfaction

The survey findings paint a generally positive landscape regarding overall physician satisfaction, with most respondents expressing contentment with their role as healthcare professionals. However, the results also reveal declining views on key operational aspects of medical practice, particularly around financial stability and administrative efficiency.

Insurance-Related Challenges Top Physician Concerns

Unsurprisingly, Arizona physicians reported widespread dissatisfaction with commercial insurance interactions, citing three primary areas of concern:

Fair reimbursement rates
Timely payment processing
In-network referral accessibility

The administrative burdens placed on physicians, especially in the private practice setting, are a significant point of frustration. The Arizona Medical Association has been aware of these barriers for years, and we've spearheaded several pieces of legislation to address them. We are dedicated to continuing our efforts around administrative burdens and insurance reform.

Independent Practices Under Market Pressure

The survey results indicate that independent practice owners and partners are experiencing significant pressure from the growing presence of hospital insurance groups and private equity firms in the Arizona healthcare market. This trend mirrors patterns observed in other states across the nation.

Financial pressures topped the list of physician concerns, with respondents citing flat or declining reimbursement rates and unfavorable contract terms compared to hospitals and large medical groups. Meanwhile, practice costs continue to rise for physician salaries, staff compensation, and overhead expenses related to administrative and technological requirements.

Private Equity Interest in Arizona Medical Practices

A notable finding revealed that a majority of survey respondents have been approached by private equity firms for investment or acquisition opportunities. Some physicians have also received approaches from hospitals and insurance-affiliated groups seeking practice partnerships or acquisitions.

Despite these external pressures, nearly all respondents indicated they would prefer to continue operating physician-owned practices if financially viable.

Key Factors Driving Practice Sale Considerations

The survey identified several primary factors pressuring physicians to consider selling their practices or seeking external funding:

More favorable contract negotiations and reimbursement rates
Reduced paperwork and administrative burden
Simplified compliance management
Lower technology and electronic medical record (EMR) costs
Improved work-life balance

Prior Authorization Issues Affecting Practice Decisions

Three-quarters of surveyed physicians reported experiencing problems with prior authorization processes and increased claim denials, issues that have made them more likely to consider selling their practices.

Additionally, a significant majority of respondents encountered difficulties with timely payment processing and increased medical records requests from insurers.

Implications for Arizona Healthcare

While the survey sample may not represent the entire Arizona physician population, the findings reinforce what we already know: that administrative and financial challenges are creating substantial pressure on physicians, especially in independent medical practices.

At the same time, private practice physicians report being overall satisfied with their career and would prefer to continue in a physician-owned practice setting. This data shows a clear opportunity and desire to preserve the private practice model, but it also strongly suggests that it will take broad and deep reforms.

ArMA Continues to Advocate for You

The Arizona Medical Association is committed to preserving the private practice model and your profession by advocating for legislation that alleviates external pressures. The data generated by this survey will significantly aid our efforts, and we extend our gratitude to everyone who took the time to complete the survey.

Stay tuned as we champion legislation to transform healthcare during future legislative sessions.

Arizona Physicians Face Growing Financial Pressures Despite Overall Satisfaction, Survey Confirms

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 19:33:26 GMT

The survey also probed the pressures independent physician-owned practices feel that may motivate them to sell their practice or seek outside funding.

Mixed Results on Overall Physician Satisfaction

Insurance-Related Challenges Top Physician Concerns

Unsurprisingly, Arizona physicians reported widespread dissatisfaction with commercial insurance interactions, citing three primary areas of concern:

Fair reimbursement rates
Timely payment processing
In-network referral accessibility

As Arizona approaches the 2026 Legislative Session, ArMA is dedicated to continuing our efforts around administrative burdens and insurance reform.

Independent Practices Under Market Pressure

Private Equity Interest in Arizona Medical Practices

Despite these external pressures, nearly all respondents indicated they would prefer to continue operating physician-owned practices if financially viable.

Key Factors Driving Practice Sale Considerations

The survey identified several primary factors pressuring physicians to consider selling their practices or seeking external funding:

More favorable contract negotiations and reimbursement rates
Reduced paperwork and administrative burden
Simplified compliance management
Lower technology and electronic medical record (EMR) costs
Improved work-life balance

Prior Authorization Issues Affecting Practice Decisions

Additionally, a significant majority of respondents encountered difficulties with timely payment processing and increased medical records requests from insurers.

Implications for Arizona Healthcare

At the same time, private practice physicians report being overall satisfied with their career and would prefer to continue in a physician-owned practice setting.

This data shows a clear opportunity and desire to preserve the private practice model but strongly suggests that it will take broad and deep reforms.

ArMA Continues to Advocate for You

everyone who took the time to complete the survey.

Stay tuned as we champion legislation to transform healthcare during Arizona's 2026 Legislative Session.

Physicians Reaffirm Importance of Vaccines Amid Measles Outbreak

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:53:46 GMT

Vaccination remains a safe, reliable, and heavily tested form of protecting families from preventable communicable diseases.

PHOENIX, Arizona  — As millions of children across the state return to classrooms, the Arizona Medical Association (ArMA), the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AzAAP), and the Arizona Academy of Family Physicians (AzAFP) are reaffirming the importance of vaccinations in protecting children’s health and the well-being of our communities.

Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in modern medicine, preventing the spread of infectious diseases that once posed widespread threats. However, declining childhood vaccination rates in Arizona and nationwide are placing families at increased risk — particularly from measles, a disease that had been eliminated in the U.S. but is now re-emerging.

“Before a vaccine was developed, millions of children, teens, and adults suffered from measles,” stated Dr. Pamela Murphy, chair of ArMA’s Public Health Committee and pediatrician in Phoenix . “The history of this disease in the U.S. demonstrates our vulnerability should vaccination rates continue to decline. We risk a resurgence of avoidable diseases and with them, preventable hospitalizations, complications, and deaths.”

This year, the nation is experiencing the highest number of measles cases in 33 years, with more than 1,350 confirmed infections, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention . Arizona is not immune to this trend, especially as neighboring states, including Texas , experience severe outbreaks. With at least four cases already reported within the state, physicians anticipate further spread as children gather in schools, at sporting events, and in other group settings.

"Vaccines are one of the greatest and most reliable forms of modern medicine,” said Dr. Sarah Coles, an ArMA Board of Directors member, AzAFP member, and family medicine physician in Flagstaff. “Without them, millions of patients would unnecessarily suffer from preventable diseases and related complications each year.”

While skepticism toward science and medicine has increased, physicians remain among the most trusted professionals in the country. Their guidance is grounded in decades of rigorous research and public health experience.

“We have decades of science and everyday experience to confirm that vaccines are safe and effective. There is no doubt about it in my mind: vaccines save lives. If I had any reservations, I wouldn’t have gotten vaccinated myself, and I wouldn’t have vaccinated my own children. I have seen how devastating vaccine-preventable infections can be firsthand. The doctors who trained me lived in a time when that wasn’t possible. We are truly fortunate to live in an era where we can prevent these terrible infections,” said Dr. Nathan Price, AzAAP Infectious Disease and Immunizations Medical Director and pediatric infectious disease specialist in Tucson.

Generations of physicians and medical researchers carefully developed vaccines with a vested interest in protecting communities and saving lives. By dedicating their careers to vaccine development, these individuals have prevented millions of children and adults from dying due to diseases such as pertussis, diphtheria, and measles.

“Parents can breathe a sigh of relief knowing our children are protected from some truly horrible infectious illnesses,” stated Dr. Scott Olson, AzAAP Infectious Disease and Immunizations Medical Director and pediatric infectious disease specialist in Tucson . “While any medication or treatment can potentially cause side effects, vaccination has been proven as a safe and effective means of protecting ourselves against life-threatening diseases without taking the associated risks of acquiring immunity through exposure to infection. That’s why my children have received all recommended childhood vaccines, and thanks to my time in the U.S. Navy, I have received all my adult vaccines.”

The Arizona Medical Association, the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Arizona Academy of Family Physicians urge all parents to consult with their child’s physician and ensure their vaccinations are up to date. Protecting one child’s health helps protect our entire community.

“With the measles outbreak, we are seeing children and adults die. We know that many more will develop brain disease, the effects of which can be permanent. If you want to avoid risk, the best way to do it is to get vaccinated,” Dr. Price continued.

“Physicians have done the research, the reading, and the testing,” Dr. Coles reiterated. “I am vaccinated, my family is vaccinated, and I urge the same for my patients.”

Member Spotlight: Saira Kalia, MD

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:36:33 GMT

We're proud to introduce Saira Kalia, MD, as ArMA's August Member Spotlight.

Dr. Saira Kalia is a psychiatrist practicing in Tucson who has dedicated her career to supporting women's mental health during some of life's most transformative moments. She founded and directs the Perinatal & Pediatric Psychiatry Access Lines (APAL) , a groundbreaking program addressing Arizona's need for maternal and pediatric mental health resources.

In her interview, Dr. Kalia shares how her journey with perinatal psychiatry began, her passion for systemic change in maternal mental health care, and the lessons learned from building statewide access programs. She also shares some of her proudest and most memorable moments, many of which involve the joy and experience of being a mother.

Dr. Kalia's work represents the intersection of clinical excellence and systems thinking, demonstrating how physicians create lasting impact beyond the exam room.

Read more about Dr. Kalia and her vision for the future of maternal mental health below!

What drew you to the field of perinatal psychiatry? When did you first discover your passion for delivering care to perinatal patients?

I've always known that I would work with women in some capacity — that part of my path felt clear even before I went into medicine. During medical school, it became even more apparent that supporting women's mental health was where I belonged. I was struck by how central mothers are to the health, stability, and wellbeing of families and communities — and yet how often their needs are overlooked, especially during transitions like pregnancy and postpartum. Those moments are profoundly vulnerable and transformative, and they deserve more attention, not less.

Working in perinatal psychiatry has been both a passion and a privilege. It's deeply humbling to walk alongside someone as they navigate the emotional complexities of becoming — or being — a mother.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

People are often surprised to learn that I love dystopian coming of age fantasy novels. My son and I read them together and debate over the merits of different powers.

What recent development in maternal mental health are you most excited about?

The growing national recognition of maternal mental health as a public health priority has been incredibly encouraging. In particular, I'm excited by the integration of psychiatric consultation services into primary care and obstetric settings — including models like perinatal psychiatry access programs — which make timely, expert support available to front-line providers.

Additionally, the inclusion of maternal mental health metrics in federal quality reporting programs is a game-changer. It signals a shift toward accountability and sustainable systems of care.

What has been the biggest challenge for maternal mental health in the past five years? What does the path towards a solution look like?

The most pressing challenge has been the workforce shortage — both in mental health broadly and in reproductive psychiatry specifically. We simply do not have enough trained clinicians to meet the growing need, especially in rural and underserved areas. The solution lies in capacity building: equipping non-specialist providers to offer competent care, investing in pipeline training, and scaling programs that deliver consultation, education, and resource navigation. We also need to continue advocating for policy and reimbursement changes that make integrated, longitudinal care feasible.

You serve as director of the Perinatal & Pediatric Psychiatry Access Lines, a program you founded in response to Arizona's lack of maternal mental health resources for patients and physicians. What has been the most important 'lesson' you've learned through leading the program?

The most important lesson has been that relationships are the foundation of systems change. It's not enough to build a good program — you have to build trust. That means listening — to everyone involved. The success of our program has depended as much on our team's ability to show up with humility and consistency as it has on our clinical expertise.

Where is your favorite place to grab food in Arizona?

Tumerico, hands down!

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

Organized medicine gives physicians a seat at the table where those decisions are made. It's where we can translate our on-the-ground experiences into systemic advocacy. So many of the challenges patients face —especially in perinatal mental health — are rooted in policy decisions, structural inequities, and funding gaps.

Why is ArMA important to you?

Being part of ArMA allows me to contribute to something bigger than myself, and to join with colleagues across specialties in shaping a better future for our state.

What was the biggest pivot point in your career?

The biggest pivot point in my career was founding APAL. Up until that point, I had been focused primarily on direct clinical care and teaching — work I deeply valued. But I kept encountering the same systemic barriers: long waitlists, limited access in rural areas, and providers feeling ill-equipped to support perinatal patients with mental health needs. It became clear that we needed to do more than treat individual patients — we needed to change the system. Launching the access program shifted my role from individual care to statewide impact.

What personal or professional achievement are your most proud of?

Being asked to judge an elementary school science fair might top the list. It felt like I had finally arrived — clipboard in hand, pretending I understood the laws of aerodynamics as explained by a very confident third grader.

What is one message you would give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self:

You don't have to shrink to belong. Trust your instincts, even when the path isn't clear, and know that you're allowed to take up space.

Amanda Sheinson Promoted to Vice President of Government Affairs at the Arizona Medical Association

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 17:01:50 GMT

Sheinson’s elevated role reflects her outstanding track record of successful lobbying on behalf of the physician community and its patients.

PHOENIX, Arizona  — In recognition of her role in the physician community’s legislative success, Amanda Sheinson has been promoted to Vice President of Government Affairs at the Arizona Medical Association.

In her new role, Sheinson will continue to develop ArMA’s advocacy strategy, lobby for physicians’ legislative priorities, and forge key relationships with political stakeholders. She will also serve as the principal policy advisor for physician leadership, developing and executing the organization’s legislative agenda in collaboration with ArMA’s Board of Directors and Legislative & Governmental Affairs Committee.

As a seasoned lobbyist with fifteen years of experience in public policy, Sheinson has been instrumental in upholding the association’s reputation as the leading physician voice in healthcare advocacy since her tenure began in 2021.

Most recently, she led the introduction and passage of House Bill 2175, a proactive and precedent-setting policy regulating health insurers’ use of Artificial Intelligence to review and deny medical claims. As evidence of AI-driven claim denials skyrockets, HB2175 ensures patients’ health isn’t decided by pattern-based algorithms and that physicians aren’t burdened by unnecessary administrative complications. The bill is the first of its kind in Arizona and one of the first in the nation.

During her time with ArMA, Sheinson has shepherded legislation to increase Arizona’s investment in graduate medical education (GME) funding, address the harmful stigma surrounding physician mental well-being, protect science-based health policy, and reduce administrative burdens to allow physicians to focus on what matters most: patient care.

Outside of the Capitol, Sheinson has developed high-impact advocacy programming to prepare physicians to get involved in the legislative process. Her original and award-winning course, Advocacy University, is highly-regarded by participants and entering its fourth year.

“Amanda’s deep political knowledge and fierce dedication to physicians and their patients have fundamentally strengthened ArMA’s advocacy footprint,” said ArMA CEO Douglas Laher, MBA, CAE, CMP . “Her promotion is a reflection of the extraordinary impact she’s had on healthcare policy in Arizona.”

Prior to joining ArMA, Sheinson served as a director of legislative affairs in the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. She holds a master’s in public administration from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s in political science from the University of Arizona.

ArMA Welcomes 134th President Dr. Jason Jameson and Newly-elected Board Members

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 17:40:48 GMT

Alongside other elected leaders, our newest president will address some of the largest issues facing physicians and their patients, including health insurers’ red tape, Medicare physician payments, and healthcare equity.

PHOENIX, Arizona  — The Arizona Medical Association is pleased to announce Jason Jameson, MD, as the organization's esteemed 134th president. Under his leadership, and alongside newly-elected board members, ArMA will continue to champion patient care and strengthen healthcare for all of Arizona.

Dr. Jameson is a dedicated healthcare advocate and the first urologist to lead the association. He has practiced medicine in Arizona since 2005 across clinical settings, including private practice, academic medicine, and government healthcare systems. He previously held leadership positions at the Phoenix Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Arizona. Most recently, he transitioned to part-time consulting work and holds academic appointments at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science as well as the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix.

“We are at a critical point in time for healthcare,” Dr. Jameson stated. “From Medicaid funding to health insurers’ burdensome red tape, physicians and patients are up against many challenges and barriers. I’m honored to lead ArMA, the largest physician organization in Arizona, fighting for our patients to receive the high-quality care they deserve and also for physicians to practice medicine as they so choose, free from administrative burdens.”

Dr. Jameson’s presidency follows nearly two decades of active involvement within the association, including multiple terms on ArMA’s Board of Directors and key member committees. In 2025, he played a central role in advancing legislation to expand care team flexibility by allowing medical assistants to place urinary catheters, which was signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs earlier this year.

“Dr. Jameson is stepping up to lead Arizona’s House of Medicine at a pivotal and challenging time for physicians and patients. I have every confidence that he will leverage his thoughtful, visionary, and passionate leadership to shepherd in a brighter future for healthcare in Arizona,” said ArMA's outgoing president, Nadeem Kazi, MD, AGAF.

In addition to Dr. Jameson, the following individuals have been elected to ArMA's Board of Directors and began their terms on July 1, 2025:

James Nachbar, MD — President-elect
Plastic Surgeon — Scottsdale Plastic Surgery, LLC, Scottsdale
Ajay Bhatnagar, MD — Maricopa County Director
Radiation Oncologist — Prostate Cancer Institute of Arizona, Chandler
Ricardo Correa, MD — Executive Committee At-Large Director
Endocrinologist — Phoenix Allies for Community Health, Phoenix
Rachel Dunn, MD — Medical Resident Director
Family Medicine — University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix
Anna Leah Eisner — Medical Student Director
3rd Year Medical Student — University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix
Sami Hashmi, MD — Early Career Director
Cardiology — HonorHealth, Phoenix
Sarah Lee-Davisson, MD — Pima County Director
General Surgery — Tucson Medical Center, Tucson
A. Chisom Okuagu, DO — Medical Resident Director
Family Medicine — University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix
Sarah Patel, MD — Treasurer
Sleep Medicine — Sonoran Sleep Center, Glendale
Vishal Verma, MD — Maricopa County Director
Internal Medicine — Abrazo Health, Glendale

The new board members join a dynamic group of leaders dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission. Collectively, members of ArMA's Board of Directors are responsible for good governance, strategic leadership, financial management, and promoting the interests of Arizona's medical and patient communities.

“We are honored to welcome these accomplished, driven individuals to our board — each of whom brings an extraordinary level of experience, insight, and above all, a selfless commitment to the betterment of healthcare in Arizona," stated ArMA CEO Douglas Laher, MBA, CAE, CMP. “Their dedication to the physician community and to the patients we serve will strengthen ArMA’s ability to lead with integrity, advocate with purpose, and drive meaningful change across our state.”

In addition to welcoming new members, ArMA extends its heartfelt gratitude to its outgoing board members for their service and leadership, including: 133rd President William Thompson IV, MD; Rural Director Bahrat Magu, MD; Executive Committee At-Large Director Timothy Graham, MD; Arizona Medical Political Action Committee Chair Gary Figge, MD; Pima County Director Christopher Bailey, MD; Medical Student Director Jennifer Codd; Medical Resident Director Viktorya Tannenbaum; and Medical Resident Director Thomas Varkey, MD.

Digital Assets

[Image] Jason Jameson, MD, Headshot

[Image] Doug Laher, MBA, CAE, CMP, Headshot

ArMA Member Spotlight: James Nachbar, MD, Esq.

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:52:30 GMT

We're proud to introduce James Nachbar, MD, Esq., as ArMA's July Member Spotlight.

Dr. James Nachbar is a plastic surgeon practicing in Scottsdale, where he owns and operates Scottsdale Plastic Surgery.

Earlier this month, Dr. Nachbar was elected to the position of president-elect by his colleagues, meaning he will serve as the Arizona Medical Association's 135th president in 2026.

In his interview, Dr. Nachbar shares his thoughts on leading the House of Medicine as the landscape of healthcare changes rapidly, nodding to his priorities as ArMA's future president. He also talks about his early journey with medicine, what drew him into plastic surgery, and the uncle who inspired it all.

Dr. Nachbar's interview reveals someone deeply interested in understanding systems (whether its the legal system or computer coding) and helping people heal through confidence.

Read more about Dr. Nachbar's philosophy on enhancing patients' lives and his "just for fun" law degree below!

Organized medicine must continue to evolve as the landscape of healthcare changes. What do you see as the association’s largest area of opportunity or innovation?

Healthcare has changed dramatically—but so has society, especially in how we connect and access information. When I came to Arizona in 1995 to start my private practice, I joined all the local medical societies right away. That was just what everyone did—it was understood to be part of being a physician in the community. But that culture has shifted.

Today, many physicians—especially those employed by large healthcare systems—may not see the immediate value of ArMA membership. At the same time, a lot of physicians aren’t as aware as they should be of the legislative and regulatory challenges we face. That’s where ArMA has a huge opportunity: not just to continue advocating at the Capitol and with the Department of Health, but to better communicate the why and how of that work to all Arizona physicians.

We need to bring more physicians into the process, make our advocacy work more visible, and remind people that organized medicine is essential—perhaps now more than ever.

If we can meet doctors where they are, and show them the relevance of what ArMA is doing for their own practice, we can strengthen our community and our voice in a very meaningful way.

What is your top priority or strategic goal as ArMA’s president-elect?

My top priority as ArMA’s president-elect is to expand our membership. We need more physicians at the table, and that starts with helping them clearly see the value of being part of ArMA.

Too often, doctors don’t realize how much of what affects their day-to-day practice—reimbursement issues, scope-of-practice battles, regulatory burdens—is shaped at the state level. ArMA is working hard behind the scenes on these fronts, but if physicians don’t know that, or don’t feel represented, we risk losing both engagement and influence.

A big part of meeting this challenge is modernizing how we communicate. We have to meet physicians where they are—whether that’s through digital platforms, more targeted messaging, or simply making it easier to understand how ArMA’s work connects to their professional lives. The more accessible and relevant we can make our message, the more likely we are to bring new voices into the fold.

With my legal background and experience testifying at the legislature on health-related issues, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for physicians to have a strong, informed voice in policymaking. Whether a physician is in solo practice, academia, or employed by a large system, we all benefit from unified advocacy—and that starts with building a larger, more engaged membership.

What initially drew you into plastic surgery? What made you stay?

What initially drew me into medicine was my uncle, an internal medicine physician who had fled from Egypt and rebuilt his life in Chicago. Our families spent many summers together during my childhood, and I was deeply inspired by his dedication and his ability to help people in such meaningful ways. That planted the seed for me to pursue medical school.

During my third year of medical school, I had hoped for an orthopedic surgery rotation but was instead assigned to plastic surgery. As it turns out, that was a fortunate twist. I was already drawn to surgery because of its potential to make lasting changes in a patient’s life—but plastic surgery offered something more: the precision, the creativity, and especially the intricacy of hand surgery really resonated with me.

After seven years on the faculty at the University of New Mexico, I came to Arizona and transitioned into private practice, where I now focus on cosmetic surgery. Some may view cosmetic procedures as superficial, but I’ve found the opposite to be true. There’s something incredibly powerful about being able to make a dramatic, positive impact on someone’s life—often in a single day. Whether it’s a breast augmentation or complex tissue tightening after major weight loss, I never take for granted the emotional thank-you that comes from someone who’s struggled with an issue for years.

While we as physicians are trained to save lives, I’ve always believed that it’s just as important to enhance them. Helping someone feel confident and whole—that’s healing, too.

What is your philosophy on effective leadership? How do you hold yourself to it?

My philosophy on leadership is rooted in the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to contribute their ideas. Diversity of opinion isn’t just valuable—it’s essential. The best decisions come from hearing different perspectives and really taking the time to consider an issue from all angles.

At the same time, I believe strongly about respecting everyone’s time. I’ve been in meetings where the leader spent most of the time sharing their own views, and while leadership does require direction, I think it’s far more effective to listen first and speak last. That way, you foster a culture where people feel heard and are more willing to engage.

I try to hold myself to that standard by encouraging open dialogue, staying open to feedback, and focusing discussions so that they’re productive—not just lengthy.

Ultimately, leadership is about bringing people together around a shared goal, and that only happens when everyone feels their voice matters.

You attended law school “for fun” and graduated second in your class. How has a law degree changed, aided, or informed your approach to medicine and patient care?

I’ve always been fascinated by how systems work—how all the components come together to create something functional and logical. That curiosity has driven me in medicine and surgery, in computer programming and software design, and ultimately, in my interest in the law. Believe it or not, in high school I used to ride my bike to the library and read statute books—though in retrospect, that might sound a little concerning!

When I started medical school, I even looked into combining it with a law degree, but at the time, there weren’t any formal programs to do that. Fast forward to 2014—one of my staff members mentioned she was going to re-take the LSAT, and I told her I would take it with her. I ended up scoring well, and I was offered a full scholarship to a part-time law program in Phoenix. With no real pressure—I still had my surgical career—I dove in. Honestly, law school was probably the most fun I’ve ever had.

What stood out to me most was how elegantly the pieces of legal reasoning fit together. Reading court opinions, I developed a deep respect for the way judges analyze issues—logically, thoroughly, and from multiple angles before reaching a conclusion. It reminded me of diagnosis and surgical planning, just applied to a different kind of system.

In terms of how it’s changed my approach to medicine, I’d say the biggest shift has been in how I view the legal system itself. Like many physicians, I used to find it intimidating—almost something to fear. But once I understood how it works, with all its checks, balances, and structure, that fear disappeared. Now, I’m much more comfortable navigating legal and regulatory aspects of medicine, and that confidence has made me a better advocate—for my patients and for my profession.

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

I’ve been a member of medical societies almost continuously since finishing my residency in 1988, and I’ve participated in the Doctor of the Day program at the legislature since the 1990s. But for many years, I wasn’t especially involved beyond that.

What really prompted me to get more deeply involved came in 2017. I saw a communication from ArMA taking a position on a controversial issue before the U.S. Senate. I reached out to Chic Older, ArMA’s Executive Director at the time, and he explained that the position had been unanimously approved by the 11-member Executive Committee. That struck me—not because I necessarily disagreed, but because it suggested a lack of diversity in perspective. In a profession filled with smart, thoughtful individuals, I believe healthy debate and a range of views are essential.

The following year, I had just finished law school and passed the bar exam when I received an invitation to apply for a position on ArMA’s board. I felt I could offer something meaningful, so I applied and I joined the board in 2018.

Since then, my legal training has proved especially valuable. So much of ArMA’s most important work involves advocacy, shaping legislation, and even supporting litigation that protects patients and physicians alike. Being able to apply my understanding of legal systems, statutory interpretation, and the broader policy landscape has allowed me to contribute insights that I hope have helped the organization make more informed, strategic decisions.

Why is ArMA important to you?

For me, it really comes down to ArMA’s mission: to be the strongest advocate, ally, and resource for Arizona’s physicians and physicians-in-training. That mission resonates deeply. Together, we’re fostering the practice of medicine, championing patient care, and strengthening our communities—and that’s exactly the kind of work I want to be part of.

There are so many forces today that challenge the integrity of medical practice. One that concerns me greatly is the growing presence of lesser-trained non-physicians and naturopathic physicians presenting themselves as providing equivalent care. That not only puts patients at risk but also undermines the work and training of dedicated physicians. At the same time, I see how many of my colleagues are stressed and burned out. That weighs heavily on me.

What gives me hope is that I’ve seen the long-term impact ArMA can have. Over the years, ArMA has successfully advocated for safeguards against unfounded legal actions, and championed meaningful public health efforts—most recently during the COVID pandemic. These are not small wins; they’re lasting changes that benefit both patients and physicians.

That’s why ArMA is important to me. It’s about protecting the profession, improving care, and ensuring that physicians have a strong, unified voice in shaping the future of medicine in Arizona. I’m proud to be part of that mission.

What are your top 3 favorite movies or TV shows?

Two movies stand out for me, both for their deeper messages: Groundhog Day, with Bill Murray, is a favorite because of the powerful insight it offers—that our own actions, even the smallest ones, can profoundly shape the world around us. Watching the protagonist relive the same day over and over, slowly learning how to become a better person and make a positive impact given exactly the same situation each time, is both entertaining and surprisingly moving.

WarGames is another favorite. The way it explores a computer nearly triggering global destruction, only to be stopped by the realization that some games—like thermonuclear war—are unwinnable, has stuck with me. That lesson applies to a lot of life: sometimes the only way to win is not to play.

As for TV, my go-to is the nightly news—on multiple networks. I regularly watch CBS, ABC, and Fox. I like to hear different perspectives on the same issues. I’ve always believed that if you’re only watching content you already agree with, that might be entertaining—but it’s not how you learn anything new.

What is one message you would give your younger self?

That one’s easy:

Do not get married without a prenup! Without question, that was the most expensive mistake of my life.

But what I later came to understand—especially through law school—is that a good prenuptial agreement isn’t about planning for failure. It’s about clarity. It sets expectations from the beginning and can actually strengthen a relationship by ensuring that both people are entering it with transparency and mutual understanding.

It’s a lesson I learned the hard way, but one I now see as rooted in respect, not distrust.

What is the last book you read?

The last two books I read share a common theme: how to improve the quality of life as we and our patients age. One was Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD, and the other was Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity by Eric Topol, MD.

What stood out to me in both is the idea that, while modern medicine has given us remarkable tools, so much of our health still comes down to lifestyle. But when we combine healthy habits with science and thoughtful medical strategy, we can start focusing not just on living longer—but on living better.

Dr. Attia introduced the concept of the “centennial decathlon,” which I really connect with. It’s the idea of training today for the more-than-ten physical tasks we want to be able to do at age 100—things like hiking up a hill with a 20-pound backpack, lifting a suitcase into an overhead bin, or picking up a grandchild from the floor. That kind of practical, purpose-driven longevity really resonates with me.

I’m also fascinated by the idea of “longevity escape velocity”—the possibility that science may one day extend our healthspan, not just our lifespan, by more than 12 months every year. It’s an exciting frontier, and I hope to be around long enough to see us get there.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

The best advice I’ve ever received is something I wish I could credit to a specific person—but it stuck with me regardless:

Whenever you’re not sure which way to go, figure out what’s best for the patient, and do that.

It’s remarkably clarifying. Medicine can be complex, and we’re often balancing competing demands—clinical, legal, administrative. But when in doubt, that principle cuts through the noise. Focus on what’s best for the patient, and the right path usually becomes clear.

If you weren't practicing medicine, what would you be doing?

If I weren’t practicing medicine, I’d probably be doing one of the things I already enjoy in my spare time—developing software and system architecture, or practicing law. I’ve always been drawn to how systems work, whether they’re technical, legal, or biological.

The truth is, there are so many different paths a career can take. Either of those options might have been more financially lucrative, but I honestly can’t imagine they would be anywhere near as rewarding as medicine. There’s something deeply meaningful about the connection with patients and the ability to make a real difference in someone’s life.

Simply put—I love my job!

If you weren't practicing medicine, what would you be doing?

What do you like best about living in Arizona?

What I like best about living in Arizona? The summer heat—yes, really—and the people.

There’s something I genuinely enjoy about Arizona summers. When the temperatures rise, the visitors clear out, the big events pause, traffic thins, and suddenly everything feels a bit more peaceful and open. It’s like the state takes a collective breath.

And the people here are truly wonderful—both pleasant and intelligent. I grew up in the Midwest and on the East Coast, and I still go back to visit family. Every time I do, I’m reminded of how different it feels. For one thing, everyone’s honking their horn all the time back east! Arizona just has a calmer, friendlier energy—and I really appreciate that.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

People might be surprised to learn that when I was in high school in Connecticut back in 1969, our school got one of the earliest computers—a PDP-8L. I was completely fascinated. It had no monitor, no disk of any kind (not even a floppy), no ROM, and just 4K of RAM. Input and output came through a typewriter-like terminal. To boot it up, you had to manually enter around 200 commands using physical switches on the front panel—just to get it ready to read the operating system from a paper tape punched with holes.

I was so eager to learn how it worked and how to program it that I started leaving the computer room window unlocked so I could sneak back in over the weekends and spend more time with it.

(To be clear—kids, don’t try that today! It was a different time.)

Looking back, it reflects the curiosity that has driven me ever since. Whether it’s computing, medicine, or law, I’ve always been drawn to understanding how complex systems work—and how to make them better.

ArMA Member Spotlight: Teresa Bertsch, MD!

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:03:36 GMT

We're proud to introduce Teresa Bertsch, MD, as ArMA's June Member Spotlight.

Dr. Teresa Bertsch is a psychiatrist living in Flagstaff, where she currently serves as the NARBHA Institute’s Chief Medical Officer and Chief Wellbeing Officer. In these roles, she leads efforts to improve follow-up care after hospitalizations and emergency visits while also strengthening support systems for physicians and other healthcare professionals.

In her interview, Dr. Bertsch shares how an ordinary trip to the library transformed her approach to life, patient care, and leadership. Through a deeper exploration of the human condition, she has since developed a framework that drives her to lead with compassion, develop effective systems, and make the world a better place.

She is consistently recognized as kind, generous, and graceful by colleagues. For her outstanding achievements and reputation, Dr. Bertsch was honored with the Health & Fitness Award during ArMA’s 2025 Health Care Awards Ceremony earlier this year.

We invite you to read more about Dr. Bertsch’s journey with medicine and how a misspelled word was an ironic prediction of her future below!

Your colleague described you as being rooted in humility, generosity, and grace. How do you keep centered in a space of compassion in your work and life?

Back in about 2000, I was at the public library looking for resources for my patients when I came across two books that changed so many things that I knew about the mind, emotions and my approach to life. One was called “Working with Anger” by an American Buddhist nun, and one was a compilation of The Mind & Life Dialogues between neuroscientists, philosophers and HH Dalai Lama, called “Destructive Emotions.” The idea that my negative emotions, like anger, harm me more than the targets of my anger made so much sense. How could I, as a psychiatrist, not have understood this before? The Buddhist theory of mind and its antidotes to all the different types of suffering are so compelling and practical for personal and professional wellbeing. New research also backs up those approaches.

In medicine and especially public psychiatry, we are privy to the diversity of humanity’s suffering in ways that most people only experience through movies and novels. Being able to have a framework to understand the human condition and our habitual responses to it has been life-changing and life-affirming for me.

I resonate with HHDL’s statements that “kindness is my religion” and “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

How do you unwind after a stressful day?

My husband almost died in a mountain bike accident when our children were young. I bought the only hot tub in Flagstaff that could be installed on the day he was discharged from the hospital. We have “jacuzzied” every night since then, looking up at the Flagstaff dark skies, no jets on so it’s quiet, reviewing the day.

You serve in multiple c-suite roles for The NARBHA Institute and its Northern Arizona Alliance for Behavioral Health Accountable Care Organization. What is your personal philosophy on leadership, and what do you enjoy most about leading others?

As a leader, I get the opportunity to make changes that go beyond what I can do in a one-on-one patient visit. I choose mission-driven systems that work well for the people who work in them, as well as for those who benefit from them. I view regulations and rules as solutions to problems that probably started with good intent but can still go awry. So, when something starts to feel like it’s stupid or has too much friction to follow correctly, I feel obligated to do what I can to achieve the intent, but in ways that don’t burn out healthcare workers or deny appropriate care.

I think leadership’s responsibility is to develop and drive smart, effective, compelling systems and initiatives that benefit as many as possible.

I mentor and coach medical students, residents, physicians and clinicians to not be afraid to take a leadership role even if they don’t think they have the expertise. Healthcare needs us! Too many of us have abdicated the “business” of medicine because we thought we weren’t experienced enough, or that it wasn’t as important as direct care. Research shows that healthcare organizations led by clinicians have better clinical and financial outcomes. I say, don’t wait to get an MBA or another credential! Join the Finance committee! Budgets are how an organization codifies its values into action. Physician leaders who participate in healthcare finance have considerable influence and impact. The other committee is Peer Review. Having a compassionate and realistic perspective on what it is like for a physician to have an adverse event may literally save that physician’s personal and professional life. And when a regulatory organization asks for feedback on a policy, give it. You might be the only one who did, and that can be very powerful.

I would say my philosophy on leadership is, believe you can make the world a better place, and then do it.

What personal or professional achievement are you most proud of?

Personally, I’m still married to my high school sweetheart who surprises and delights me constantly, as well as making it through having two children during medical school and residency.

Professionally, receiving the Arizona State Behavioral Health Leadership in Services Award for designing and delivering innovative behavioral health care systems and lifelong dedication to public service.

You received a master’s degree in linguistics from Stanford University. How has your background in the arts influenced the way you approach medicine and patient care?

I studied developmental linguistics with an emphasis in American Sign Language. My sister, who is 15 months younger than me, is deaf. Her experience of the world, especially when we were young, was so different than mine because of language, not intelligence. Language shapes our thinking, our relationships, our socioeconomic status and our perceptions of the world. Being her sister, sensitized me to the stigma that people with disabilities experience, especially hidden disabilities like deafness and psychiatric disorders.

Studying linguistics made me curious about the mind’s interface with society, behavior, emotions and actions. As a psychiatrist, you become very aware of the impact of your language and presence on a patient. Our minds are constantly making meaning about our experiences. What physician hasn’t been surprised by the patient who comes back and says how your one sentence made all the difference in their healing, or the stories about “medical curses” that derailed them or a family member? I teach everyone I can about the placebo effect and how physicians who display warmth and competence get the best results.

We are an active ingredient of healing too!

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I lost a regional spelling bee in elementary school by misspelling “physician.” Decades later I still hesitate when I have to spell that word, which can be multiple times per day or week!

What was the biggest pivot point in your career?

Transitioning as CMO of a Medicaid managed care health plan to CMO of NARBHA’s affiliate, The Guidance Center, a community mental health center and psychiatric hospital. The five years I was at TGC were some of the most rewarding and stressful times for me personally and professionally because it spanned the entire pandemic with two EMR upgrades, major renovations to the psychiatric hospital and outpatient facilities, opening a new SMI BHRF and an integrated care clinic, two JCAHO accreditation surveys, and pandemic policy pandemonium.

You were recently recognized with ArMA’s Health & Fitness Award for, in part, your leadership of the Arizona’s Public Psychiatry Academy, a program to help early-career psychiatric practitioners navigate the challenges of Medicaid. As Medicaid funding is threatened, how has your approach to leading this program changed?

There is moral injury and resultant burnout in healthcare professionals when we are asked to treat patients we don’t feel competent enough to treat, or to ration or abandon care that we know is necessary. AHCCCS is complicated. Public health is complicated. Psychiatry is complicated. And rapid federal and state changes make it even more so!

We started the Arizona Public Psychiatry Academy to be a community of practice for those working in the public psychiatry system. Our goals are to support and train public psychiatry practitioners, especially early career, to understand and respond to the changes, to translate their academic knowledge into practice, and ultimately to thrive. We teach up-to-date information about healthcare finance, coding, credentialing, privileging, quality improvement, controlled substance and telehealth regulations, wellbeing, impostor phenomenon, time management, as well as psychiatric evaluation and treatments for all populations. We try to fill in the blanks and model clinical humility in a constantly changing environment.

It’s been incredibly rewarding, and we are going to be expanding to additional tracks in leadership, personal growth and ethics.

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

I’ve been a Chief Medical Officer continuously for the past 30-ish years, first at Northern AZ RBHA (NARBHA), and then at our partner Medicaid Health Plan, and now at The NARBHA Foundation where I also am CMO of our two behavioral health ACOs, The Alliance and the Thrive Health Alliance. When our state was building a system for community mental health, I was able to impact many of the policies and programs at the state level because DBHS, ADHS and AHCCCS were very participatory. Now with our ACOs, we advocate for behavioral health agencies to be able to participate in value-based payment models to improve patient outcomes, collaborate not compete, support clinician wellbeing and continue NARBHA’s 58-year legacy of building and supporting public behavioral health care for rural, frontier and underserved populations.

What is the last book you read?

I read science fiction and fantasy and all the titles and plot lines blur together, especially on a Kindle! I find them entertaining because they are far removed from “real” life!

What is the best advice you've ever received?

From my mom, “if other people can do it, you can too.” This can be applied to childbirth, medical school, programming a new phone, running a marathon, etc.

Why is ArMA important to you?

I joined ArMA as a physician peer support during the pandemic when it started the Virtual Doctors’ Lounge. As part of the Wellbeing Collaborative of Arizona Health Professionals, I have been impressed with ArMA’s successful advocacy for licensure changes to remove mental health treatment attestations and its commitment to physician wellbeing.

Having a united voice is empowering.

Physician Advocates Celebrate New Law to Regulate Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, Medical Claims

Tue, 13 May 2025 23:59:17 GMT

The Arizona Medical Association and other healthcare advocacy groups applaud Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona State Legislature for safeguarding patients from the inappropriate use of Artificial Intelligence.

PHOENIX, Arizona   — The Arizona Medical Association celebrates the historic passage of House Bill 2175 , which was signed by Governor Katie Hobbs on Monday, May 12. The legislation — introduced by ArMA and sponsored by Representative Julie Willoughby — sets a national precedent for regulating and safeguarding patients from the use of Artificial Intelligence in commercial medical insurance.

HB2175 is among the first legislation of its kind in the U.S. to prohibit medical insurance companies from using AI as the final decision-maker in the review and denial of claims for medical necessity and prior authorization requests. Once in effect, the bill guarantees cases requiring medical judgment are reviewed by licensed medical professionals with the training, experience, and ethical responsibility to make clinical decisions.

The gap between AI’s application and its regulation is wide, meaning its use across all industries, especially healthcare, is going largely unregulated across the nation.

“While AI promises innovation for healthcare, the review and denial of medical claims — some of which represent life-changing treatments and procedures — should be left to physicians who can make nuanced clinical judgments about each patient’s unique healthcare needs,” stated ArMA President Nadeem Kazi, MD . “In healthcare, there are no simple, straightforward cases. Each patient’s medical needs are nuanced and best understood by trained professionals — and they should be treated as such.”

Throughout its journey, HB2175 received nearly unanimous support from the Arizona State Legislature. Elected officials and healthcare advocates agree that Arizona patients deserve healthcare delivered by humans with compassionate medical expertise, not pattern-based computer algorithms designed by insurance companies.

“As a nurse, I was proud to champion HB2175 and put Arizona on the forefront of addressing emerging technology in healthcare,” said Rep. Willoughby . "I’ve seen firsthand how insurance denials can inappropriately interfere with patient care and wreak havoc on our health system. The need for reform to ensure that AI is used in a fair and responsible manner was undeniable; 2175 takes a meaningful step forward to halt the use of AI in medical decision-making.”

In a recent interview with Arizona Horizon, ArMA Board Member and private practice owner Michael Dunn, MD , recounted his experience of dealing with AI-denied medical claims. He explained how denials driven by insurer-created algorithms are often obvious because they don’t follow clinical logic. So, while reportedly aimed at creating new efficiencies, insurers’ implementation of AI in the medical claim denial process is hindering physicians and the patients they serve.

“Physicians and patients already face daunting challenges in navigating medical insurers’ bureaucratic administrative processes,” shared Dr. Dunn . “Taking physicians’ clinical experience out of these processes entirely is a misguided step that inflates healthcare costs, increases frustration for patients and physicians, and worsens patients’ health outcomes.”

ArMA proudly introduced HB2175 earlier this year with overwhelming support from the healthcare community, including Yuma Regional Medical Center, Arizona Chronic Care Together, the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association, the Arizona Nurses Association, the Health System Alliance, the Arizona Hospital & Healthcare Association, the Arizona Pharmacy Association, and the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers.

Once in effect next year, HB2175 will be the first state law to regulate AI’s implementation in healthcare and the second of its kind in the nation.

Digital Assets

[Image] Michael Dunn, MD, Headshot

Physicians Celebrate New Law to Regulate Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, Medical Claims

Tue, 13 May 2025 17:53:23 GMT

The Arizona Medical Association and other healthcare advocacy groups applaud Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona State Legislature for safeguarding patients from the inappropriate use of Artificial Intelligence.

Digital Assets

[Image] Michael Dunn, MD, Headshot

7 Physician-backed Policies Move Ahead at Arizona State Capitol

Fri, 09 May 2025 06:34:55 GMT

It was a banner week at the Arizona State Legislature for the House of Medicine with several priority bills advancing through the final stages of the legislative process.

From international medical graduate licensing timelines to physician credentialing, here are the seven ArMA-supported bills that advanced this week:

1. Artificial Intelligence Regulation Signed Into Law

Among the bills to advance was House Bill 2175 (prior authorizations; claims) , sponsored by Representative Julie Willoughby , which will prohibit insurance companies from utilizing Artificial Intelligence to deny claims and prior authorizations for medical necessity. HB2175 received its final vote from the State House and was signed by Governor Katie Hobbs on Monday, May 12.

The unregulated use of AI has resulted in systemic denials that have caused undeniable harm to patients and the healthcare system. The Arizona Medical Association is proud to be one of the first states in the country to pass this legislation , putting Arizona at the forefront of tackling the issues that matter most.

�� LISTEN: ArMA Board Member Michael Dunn, MD, talks about Artificial Intelligence's impact on his private practice with KJZZ's The Show.

2. Physician Credentialing Timeline Successfully Shortened

A part of ArMA's efforts to reform commercial medical insurance practices, Senate Bill 1291 (health insurers; provider credentialing; claims) was signed by Governor Katie Hobbs late last Friday afternoon. S ponsored by Senator Hildy Angius , this ArMA-supported legislation shortens the credentialing timeline from 100 days to 60 days and allows for retroactive billing for services provided during the credentialing period.

What does SB1291 mean for physicians & patients? It will allow physicians to begin serving patients sooner after being employed by a new hospital or healthcare system. It is a safe and efficient way of streamlining physicians' administrative burdens and boosting patients' access to care.

�� POST NOW: Celebrate this momentous win by sharing ArMA's post on LinkedIn.

3. Marijuana Advertising Restrictions to Protect Children

This week also saw the legislature's final approval of ArMA priority HB2179 (marijuana advertising; restrictions) , sponsored by Rep. Selina Bliss . The bill prohibits marijuana advertising that targets minors and was signed by Governor Katie Hobbs on Monday, May 12. Congratulations to the bill’s champion and ArMA member, Dr. Gary Kirkilas!

4. Obesity Treatment for AHCCCS Patients

ArMA-supported SB1711 (AHCCCS; obesity treatment; study committee) , sponsored by Senator David Gowan , was voted out of the House 31-19 and now just needs final approval from the Senate . The bill creates a study committee to look at the costs and benefits of comprehensive obesity treatment for Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) patients.

5. Continuous Glucose Monitors for AHCCCS Patients

ArMA-supported SB1132 (AHCCCS; continuous glucose monitors) , which requires AHCCCS to provide continuous glucose monitors as both a pharmacy and medical benefit, passed the House with a vote of 48-10 and has been transmitted to the Governor for a signature.

6. Postpartum Health & Education in Rural Arizona

ArMA-supported HB2332 (postpartum health; education; advisory committee) , sponsored by Rep. Julie Willoughby , which requires the Arizona Department of Health Services to establish the Advisory Committee on Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Maternal Mental Health in Rural Communities to ensure these services are available in low-volume, high risk, rural communities, received final passage and is waiting for a signature from the Governor .

7. International Medical Graduate Licensing Timeline

ArMA-initiated SB1395 (requirements; international medical graduates) , sponsored by Senator TJ Shope , was signed into law this week! This legislation allows residents who went to medical school outside the U.S. to receive their medical license on the same timeframe (one year) as their peers who attended medicals school in the U.S.

The Arizona Medical Association thanks the stakeholders, physicians, and legislative champions who have made this year's legislative session a resounding success thus far. As ArMA's Advocacy Team continues to fight for physicians and their patients, we'll keep you posted.

ArMA Member Spotlight: Vanuyen Pham!

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:22:54 GMT

We're proud to introduce Vanuyen Pham as ArMA's May Member Spotlight!

For Vanuyen Pham, medicine and advocacy go hand in hand. A proud second-generation Vietnamese American and medical student at Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix, Vanuyen entered medicine with a passion for community-building, policy change, and amplifying voices that are too often unheard. Her background as a history major at Stanford University and former program manager at the Economic Security Project fuels, in part, her commitment to driving social change.

Today, she leverages her position as a medical student to stand up for patients, including facing Medicaid cuts. In her interview with ArMA, Vanuyen shares how her background in the humanities shaped her approach to medicine, her first experience at the Arizona State Capitol, and her perspective on the importance of physician-led advocacy.

Learn more about Vanuyen's story below!

You’ve had experience in nonprofit and government work — how have those roles influenced your approach to medicine and advocacy?

"I learned a lot from my previous roles about collaboration, coalitions, and the importance of forming strong, trusted relationships. Policies can’t be properly made without working with folks who are directly impacted. I see that as very tied to part of why I chose to go into medicine. I think physicians are in a very key position to work closely with patients, see what policies would be most beneficial for patients, and have the access to spaces to be listened to. I learned about physicians whose clinical care directly informed their advocacy work, and I deeply admired that. It was hopeful to see that it was possible. That is the tension and balance that I think I will continue to keep exploring in the coming years."

What was the most memorable moment during your Doctor of the Day experience with ArMA?

"This was the first time I visited the State Capitol, and I learned a lot. Things like learning about how the Arizona state legislature is structured with staffing and how different it is from other states or federally was interesting. It was also nice to stop in on a caucus meeting and observe how representatives ask questions on different bills, and see how ArMA staff (shoutout Eva and Amanda) advocate for bills to legislators. I think it’s helpful to learn how the system works. On the outside we can call legislators and submit comments, but seeing how things are structured and what priorities may be important to legislators is useful.

In college, I met a community organizer who was heavily involved in state advocacy. I didn’t know anything really at the time and only had a small idea that I might be interested in policy and politics. I wish I could remember the exact example she told me about, but it was an example of junior high school students organizing to have a policy initiated at their school. While I don’t remember the specific details, this stood out to me because it made policy seem approachable and possible – anyone could get involved in advocacy. In college, I saw this through students pushing to have more funding for ethnic studies professors and community centers. I’ve thought before of advocacy and policy seeming intimidating, and it is, to think about it on a big level, sweeping changes. But it doesn’t need to be that big.

I guess that’s what led me to writing the article on possible Medicaid cuts . I read an article about the House proposed bill and was alarmed. I saw a small note about Arizona being one of the states with a trigger law, and just kept reading articles from there that led to me learning more information. I reached out to Dr. Murphy for support, and she looped me in to the work that ArMA was doing. I had no illusions of making any big changes. But I think I was just curious and I felt like it was important, and I wanted to be able to do something small on my own.

So I would say, if you see something that you don’t think is quite right or should be changed, do something about it. Follow what makes you curious. It could be starting off small like researching a topic that piques your interest, and go from there. Reach out for help, because lots of people know more than you do and are happy to help."

How has your background in the field of humanities influenced your approach to medical education?

"A key part of writing history papers was sifting through sources, formulating an argument, and then citing evidence to support the thesis. I think this is essentially what a differential diagnosis is, which is at the heart of medicine. While the two subject matters are fairly different, I would say being curious and constantly asking questions is important in both. In history, it’s about asking what resources can be found to fill in the picture, and whose perspective the writings are from. In medicine, I’m still learning that along with memorization, asking why things happen helps connect the dots and cement the knowledge. I did love being a nerd and digging around for sources in archives, and I do see that investigative part in medicine as well in trying to find the answers to your questions. There is also an aspect of honing in on very specific details, while keeping in the back of your mind that context is everything and that having a sense of the bigger picture is also important.

It also forced me to be better at articulating my thoughts. When you’re in a two person seminar for two hours, you do have to do the readings, learn how to read quickly to get the gist of things, and have things to say. So I would say it helped me become better at communicating. Overall, it is a different background and has taken time to adjust to learning the science content, but I’m glad to have had the experience of taking humanities classes. And I always knew I enjoyed them and thought in high school that I wanted to major in history! I always felt like studying history was basically learning different people’s stories – reading historical fiction when younger will likely do that to you."

What song has been on repeat lately?

"'Do What You Do' - Baek Hyun, EL CAPITXN, and UMI."

What’s the last book you read?

"Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao – whimsical fantasy about the adventures of a magical pawnshop owner. I didn’t love all parts of it, but it ended up being a comforting read, and I thought the world-building was very creative."

If you weren't pursuing medicine, what would you be up to right now?

"I might have still been in some sort of role in the nonprofit or policy space. I always thought being Chief of Staff might be cool. There’s another world where I’m fully on the creative side as a writer or doing something like a PhD in history. A possible middle ground, if I had more of a quantitative background, would be a journalist on health policy issues for an organization like Kaiser Family Foundation."

Can you share a clinical experience that helped you connect the dots between policy decisions and their real-life impact on patients?

"There wasn’t necessarily a single experience but more when I was a Vietnamese interpreter in a county hospital ED in college, I realized I was interested in looking at bigger picture factors. Many of the patients reminded me of my grandparents and parents, from the way they talked about using green oil for pain relief or wind chills causing their symptoms. The fact that interpretation services are available in the hospital is a result of both hospital policies, and a reflection of how the Civil Rights Act codified language access on a federal level. I saw how critical language access was in ensuring patients got the best care they could, and while it’s something we are lucky to see as the norm now, was a conscious policy that was implemented.

There were other aspects of ED care, like seeing unhoused patients often coming in, that made me question how beyond their hospital care, what support they were receiving outside. What were the economic and housing policies in place that related to healthcare? Policies can seem abstract, but they shape our lives. Language access policies help patients like my own parents do things like apply for insurance, make appointments, communicate with their doctors, and better understand their care. Learning about history too, I became curious about policies and the policymaking process because of how both harmful and helpful policies greatly influence people’s lives."

What is one message you would give to your 18-year-old self?

"Keep going – you have no idea what’s in store for you. When things get hard, remember why you do what you do. Things aren’t always going to turn out the way you expect, and that’s okay. Just keep going, and be happy."

What do you like best about living in Arizona?

"This is my first time in a new state, so there’s been lots of exploring! I’ve been able to go with friends to see the fall leaves at Flagstaff, (attempt to) ski for the first time there, and hike in Sedona. I’ve also loved exploring new places and finding places for myself here like Palabras Bookstore in Phoenix and Blue Corn Cafe & Bakery in Glendale. I’ve liked trying new things like reading at an open mic, getting into running, watching the sunrise at Papago Park. Also, I have to say Arizona sunsets in particular are quite beautiful."

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"I don’t think I h eard about the term “organized medicine” before ArMA, but it seems like a natural progression of my interests. I remember a class activity in college learning about the Chevron refinery fire in 2012 in Richmond, CA. In the exercise, we role-played being community members meeting with refinery representatives to voice concerns about the environmental effects of the refinery on health. One thing that stood out and that we all reflected on after was that part of the exercise involved the “community members” standing while the “corporation employees” were seated. A small detail, but one that had us thinking about power dynamics at play in a room and any setting.

I think this question about access to resources has been at the background of my mind throughout my education and career so far. I am very lucky to have had access to spaces and opportunities that my family before me never dreamed of having. And I do see it as my responsibility to leverage the opportunities I am given to make the most of it.

The spaces I’ve been a part of have only emphasized to me how important community is. Community-driven policies are where we need to keep heading to. Unfortunately, by nature of how things work, a lot of positions where the most change can be made is not readily accessible to most people. I see my role in being part of organized medicine as meeting others who are driven by the same hopes to collectively work together to make things a little better for the people we love. Sometimes things don’t work out and sometimes it feels like things get broken down and have to be rebuilt. It can be demoralizing. So change is slow, but there’s no way to do big things alone, and I truly believe the only way forward is working together. Small groups with a big and persistent vision can do a lot. "

Why is ArMA important to you and those you lead?

"Being in a classroom setting again for the past few years, it has been easy to get lost in the books and theory. ArMA works to make concrete changes and is completely based on what members believe is important and worth fighting for. It has been a good reminder for me to remember why I do this work, and again, the importance of community and collective action."

Advocacy in Action: Dr. Gary Kirkilas II on Taking Pediatric Care and Policy on the Road

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:16:31 GMT

Dr. Gary Kirkilas II on Taking Pediatric Care & Policy on the Road

Dr. Gary Kirkilas doesn't practice medicine in a typical office. His clinic is a 40-foot mobile medical unit that travels to shelters throughout Phoenix, providing essential pediatric care to children and families facing homelessness. However, his mission goes far beyond the exam room. After seeing the real-world consequences of youth cannabis use and advertising targeting children , Dr. Kirkilas began pushing for policy changes to protect some of Arizona’s most vulnerable patients.

That commitment brought him to the Arizona State Capitol, where his advocacy efforts are recognized by fellow advocates and legislators he’s collaborated with over the years. Through his work with the Arizona Medical Association and the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, he shaped public health policies and elevated physician voices in conversations that matter.

In our "Advocacy in Action" interview, Dr. Kirkilas reflects on what moved him to act, what it takes to advance change, and how others in medicine can become more engaged in shaping the future of care.

How many times have you served in ArMA’s Doctor of the Day program? What has been the most memorable part?

"I believe it has been 4 times now. My most memorable moment was just this last legislative session when I was being introduced in the Senate & House while standing in the gallery. During my introduction I was able to meet eyes with several different legislators on the floor that I’ve worked with in the past four years on the cannabis advertising bill. It was nice being recognized by our legislators as someone who is working for the common good for Arizona children."

Click here to read into House Bill 2179, the marijuana and advertising legislation Dr. Kirkilas authored, as he mentioned above.

You’ve turned advocacy into action by authoring ArMA-supported legislation. What inspired you to take that step, and what was the process like?

"As a pediatrician who travels daily to different shelters/schools within the inner city, I have come to see how youth substance use negatively affects their potential to lead a healthy and happy life. I’ve also seen in my travels many cannabis advertisements that directly target youth. I know youth targeting is just one small part of the problem, but it’s one small part that I can take on to better my patient’s lives and potential."

How have you expanded your reach outside of the Arizona State Capitol?

"I’ve made several trips to the U.S. Capitol to speak on behalf of several agencies that are also trying to stem the tide of youth substance use. It critically important to remind our federal legislators that any attempts to make cannabis legal federally will absolutely have impacts on our youth. I’ve also made appearances at medical and parenting conferences to help spread awareness that our youth are being targeted."

How has organized medicine supported your advocacy efforts?

"Partnering with groups like the Arizona Medical Association and the Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics has really been a game changer for me. They have a wealth of advocacy and lobbying experience as well relationships with legislators that I have benefited from. They have stood at the war front with me for several years and have been a tremendous source of support."

What advice would you give to physicians who are hesitant to get involved in advocacy?

"JUMP IN! Most physicians are unaware of how many legislative bills that get introduce that would directly affect their profession and patients. We absolutely need to be present and vocal with our profession, if we don’t, we only have ourselves to blame if bills gets signed into law that negatively affect us."

How do you prepare for a day at the Capitol to be the best advocate?

"I try to read up on the legislators that I’m going to meet with to see if we have some commonality. This is an important starting point to get partnership rolling."

What hopes do you have for Arizona’s physician advocacy in the future?

"I would hope for a more robust showing of both practicing physicians and those who are retired to come down to the capital and testify on bills. I would also hope that more Arizona physicians would contribute financially to the Arizona Medical Political Action Committee, or ArMPAC.

This may seem like a shameless plug, but I can tell you from first-hand experience, it is an absolute necessity. Other allied health professionals contribute greatly to their PACs and, as a result, have made great strides in their scope of practice. Physicians can no longer sit by idly: we must have a strong voice, and that can only happen when we all support ArMPAC."

Click here to explore Arizona Medical Political Action Committee (ArMPAC)'s advocacy priorities and the House of Medicine's potential with your backing support.

2025 ArMA Health Care Awards Presented to Local Champions, Leaders During Arizona Physicians Month

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:41:01 GMT

Twelve Arizona leaders, physicians, and organizations were honored by the state's largest physician-led organization for their dedication to supporting, delivering, and advocating for high-quality health care in Arizona.

PHOENIX, Arizona   — The Arizona Medical Association proudly honored eight local physicians, three healthcare professionals, and a medical school as recipients of the 2025 ArMA Health Care Awards. Recognition of those going above and beyond in healthcare advocacy and delivery came alongside an announcement of April as Arizona Physicians Month, which was proclaimed by Governor Katie Hobbs earlier this year.

For more than 30 years, the ArMA Health Care Awards have recognized the achievements of physicians, organizations, and health care champions in supporting, delivering, and advocating for high-quality health care. From their innovation in medical education to their service in underserved communities, ArMA's award recipients are championing patient care and strengthening the health and well-being of Arizonans.

"Arizona's healthcare community upholds impressive standards of excellence, dedication, and innovation in transforming patient care," stated Douglas Laher, CEO of ArMA . “As the healthcare landscape becomes increasingly challenging for physicians and their patients to navigate, it has never been more critical to recognize the valiant and selfless efforts being made to improve the system. ArMA is proud to honor those among us who, despite the sacrifices and obstacles, drive change in healthcare. We warmly congratulate them on their prestigious awards and thank them for their service."

ArMA's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, was presented to 132nd President Jennifer Hartmark-Hill, MD , for her fierce commitment to caring for those experiencing homelessness, addressing the social factors impacting patient health, and furthering organized medicine. The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson’s Department of Psychiatry, former ArMA CEO Libby De Bie, CAE , and Arizona Families for Vaccines’ Executive Director Ashley Chambers, JD , were among the other recipients honored.

2025 ArMA Health Care Award Recipients

Distinguished Service Award: Jennifer Hartmark-Hill, MD

Presented to an individual or organization providing outstanding service to the community, the Distinguished Service Award is ArMA's highest honor. This year, the award was presented to Jennifer Hartmark-Hill, MD. A distinguished medical educator, research mentor, and social justice advocate, Dr. Hartmark-Hill has spent her career championing the intersection of medicine, education, and public health. Her dedication to service is evident in her work providing primary care to vulnerable populations, including her efforts at Federally Qualified Health Centers and her leadership with Street Medicine Phoenix, where she has played a crucial role in delivering care to individuals experiencing homelessness. Read more .

David O. Landrith Humanitarian Award: Sara Beste, MD

The David O. Landrith Humanitarian Award is presented to an individual who acts unselfishly to improve their community, as the award’s namesake — ArMA’s long-time lobbyist and vice president of policy and political affairs — did before his passing in 2015. This year’s recipient of the David O. Landrith Humanitarian Award is Sara Beste, MD. As St. Vincent de Paul's Co-Director of Pediatric Medicine, Dr. Beste creates a vital bridge between hospitals and community care. Read more .

ArMA & ADHS Public Health Service Award: Holly Geyer, MD

Presented jointly by ArMA and the Arizona Department of Health Services, the ArMA & ADHS Public Health Service Award recognizes an Arizona individual, organization, or educational program for their significant contributions to public health. This year’s recipient is Holly Geyer, MD, an associate professor of medicine and consultant in Mayo Clinic Arizona’s Division of Hospital Internal Medicine. A nationally recognized expert on opioids and addiction neurobiology, Dr. Geyer has authored more than 200 journal articles, book chapters, abstracts, and educational pieces. Read more .

Award in Memory of Edward Sattenspiel, MD: Lindsay Ackerman, MD

This award is given in memory of Edward Sattenspiel, MD, a former ArMA president and champion for health care in Arizona, in recognition of an individual’s long-term commitment to organized medicine. ArMA is proud to name Lindsay Ackerman, MD, as this year’s recipient for her dedication to advancing organized medicine. She has served on the American Academy of Dermatology’s American Medical Association Delegation since 2005 and has influenced national dermatologic policy through AAD task forces, the Women’s Dermatologic Society, and the Dermatology Foundation Advisory Council. Read more .

Health & Fitness Award: Teresa Bertsch, MD

The Health & Fitness Award recognizes someone dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our communities. This year’s recipient, Dr. Teresa Bertsch, has made an extraordinary impact on mental health access and clinician wellness across the state. Dr. Bertsch is the chief medical officer and chief wellbeing officer for The NARBHA Institute and chief executive officer of its behavioral health accountable care organization, The Alliance. In these roles, she oversees medical strategy, quality, and transformational initiatives across NARBHA’s affiliates. Read more .

Walk the Talk Award: Ashley Chambers, JD

ArMA’s Walk the Talk Award recognizes those who go above and beyond in support of medicine, particularly in health policy. This year, ArMA proudly honors Ashley Chambers, JD, for her unwavering commitment to advocating for children’s health in her capacity as Arizona Families for Vaccines’ Executive Director. She also serves as director of legal affairs for SAFE, where she specializes in coalition-building and policy translation to make complex legal issues accessible to diverse stakeholders, including community groups, businesses, and policymakers. Read more .

Walk the Talk Award: Brandi Giles, RN

ArMA’s Walk the Talk Award recognizes those who go above and beyond in support of medicine, particularly in health policy. ArMA is proud to recognize the achievements of Brandi Giles, RN. Brandi significantly impacts vaccine and public health advocacy through her roles with the Arizona Families for Vaccines and Mountain Park Health Center. In these roles, she works tirelessly to promote vaccine access, combat misinformation, and empower communities to make informed health decisions. Read more .

Wallace A. Reed, MD Award: Hahn Soe-Lin, MD

The Wallace A. Reed, MD Award, named after the anesthesiologist who opened Arizona’s first free-standing ambulatory surgical facility, recognizes innovation in healthcare. This year’s award is presented to Dr. Hahn Soe-Lin. Dr. Soe-Lin was recognized for his innovative program, the Knowledge Donor Program, which addresses a major gap in medical education wherein 22% of surgical residents don’t complete their training due to a lack of hands-on experience. Read more .

C.H. William Ruhe, MD Award: Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson

The C.H. William Ruhe, MD Award recognizes excellence in innovation, creativity, and successful implementation of new ideas that enhance continuing medical education, graduate medical education, or other professional learning in Arizona. This year, we are proud to present the award to the University of Arizona College of Medicine ‒ Tucson's Department of Psychiatry, which is led by Jordan Karp, MD. The department has spearheaded efforts to comprehensively prevent and treat psychiatric disorders, conduct cutting-edge research, prepare future clinicians, scientists, and educators through rigorous, experiential education, and strives to provide responsive community outreach and compassionate service. Read more .

National Leadership Award: Priya Radhakrishnan, MD

The National Leadership Award recognizes an Arizona physician who has made a significant impact through leadership in a national medical organization. This year, we proudly honor Priya Radhakrishnan, MD. As the American College of Physicians’ Chair Emeritus of the Board of Governors, Dr. Radhakrishnan is at the forefront of national advocacy efforts, championing transgender health, physician mental well-being, and reproductive healthcare access. Read more .

Rising Star Award: David Baltazar, DO
The Rising Star Award recognizes a medical student, resident, fellow, or early-career physician who shows exceptional enthusiasm and leadership in organized medicine. This year’s recipient is David Baltazar, DO, a passionate physician advocate who is already making a significant impact on Arizona's healthcare landscape. Dr. Baltazar is an early career physician and dermatologist who has demonstrated impressive leadership since being appointed to ArMA’s Resident & Fellow Section Governing Council in 2020, where he later served as chairperson. He now sits on ArMA's Board of Directors, its American Medical Association Delegation, and several key committees, including the Legislative & Governmental Affairs Committee. Read more .

President’s Award: Libby De Bie, CAE

The President's Award is a prestigious honor given by the association's outgoing president. It recognizes an individual who provided invaluable support to the president throughout their term. This year, ArMA's 133rd President, Nadeem Kazi, MD, AGAF, recognized Libby De Bie, CAE. Libby served as ArMA’s Chief Executive Officer for eight years before retiring earlier this year. During her tenure, the organization made tremendous strides, from leading the physician community through the COVID-19 pandemic to addressing the state’s dire healthcare workforce shortage. Read more .

ArMA's 134th President, Jason Jameson, MD , presented this year's awards and highlighted the unique contributions each recipient has made to healthcare in Arizona. “Our awardees’ tireless efforts and groundbreaking work serve as an inspiration to us all, and it is through their dedication that we continue to make strides towards a healthier and more compassionate world,” shared Dr. Jameson during the ceremony. To learn more about our awardees and their achievements, visit our website.

A large gathering of healthcare community leaders and physicians was present for the 2025 ArMA Health Care Awards Ceremony, which took place during the association's annual Uplift Fundraising Gala at the Sheraton Hotel at Wrigleyville West in the Phoenix Metro area on Saturday, April 5.

The evening began with an announcement of Governor Hobbs’ proclamation of April as Arizona Physicians Month, an observation to recognize "...physicians' invaluable contributions in Arizona… [and] …to celebrate their service, commitment, and impact on patient care, public health, and medical innovation.” The Governor’s proclamation, co-signed by Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes , was on display for attendees.

After honoring awardees, the gala concluded with a live auction, which raised funding for the ArMA Foundation's initiatives to address childhood obesity, promote 'Blue Zone' communities, further patient screening for the social determinants of health, and support medical student education.

To view the full press release online and download digital assets, visit ArMA's Newsroom: www.azmed.org/page/releases .

Digital Assets

[Images] ArMA Health Care Award Recipients

[Image] Douglas Laher, MBA, CAE, CMP, Headshot
[Image] Jason Jameson, MD, Headshot
[PDF] Governor Katie Hobbs' Proclamation of Arizona Physicians Month

ArMA Member Spotlight: Theresa Costales, MD!

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 15:40:32 GMT

We're proud to introduce Theresa Costales, MD, as ArMA's April Member Spotlight!

Dr. Costales is a Phoenix-based psychiatrist and the newly appointed Chief Medical Officer of AHCCCS, Arizona’s Medicaid agency. With a career grounded in behavioral health, a passion for systemic reform, and a drive to serve vulnerable communities, she brings both lived experience and visionary leadership to her role.

From her early work in adolescent addiction treatment to overseeing a statewide psychiatric crisis center, Dr. Costales has remained steadfast in her belief that better systems lead to better care. Today, she stands at the helm of a program serving over 2 million Arizonans, committed to reshaping healthcare delivery and defending access to care.

Learn more about Dr. Costales's story below!

What aspect of your work as AHCCCS’s CMO do you find most fulfilling or exciting?

"I just came on board with AHCCCS in January, so at this early stage of my tenure, it’s still really thrilling to consider the potential scope of impact. AHCCCS provides health insurance coverage to over 2 million Arizonans, covering more than half of all births and two-thirds of nursing facility days in the State. As the Arizona Medicaid agency, we oversee the AHCCCS Complete Care plans, the RBHAs (which are responsible for care of patients with a Serious Mental Illness designation), CHP (which covers care for children in DCS custody), the ALTCS plans (which provide long-term care coverage for the elderly and physically disabled, as well as for the developmentally disabled populations), and the Fee for Service System (which includes the American Indian Health Program, the Federal Emergency Services program, and the Tribal ALTCS and RBHA IGAs).

It’s hard to find an area of healthcare in Arizona that AHCCCS does not touch. And as a physician who spent much of my time on the community provider side contemplating ways by which our healthcare system could and should work better for patients, I almost cannot believe that I am here being given the opportunity to turn those daydreams into reality."

How does your expertise in behavioral health influence you in your current role?

"I came to Arizona in 2019 to work in the Serious Mental Illness (SMI) system here. It was my first real job after training, and I was excited to continue consolidating the knowledge I had gained during residency by treating chronically mentally ill patients in a statewide system designed to do just that. I had never heard of such a system – they do not exist elsewhere – and I could not wait to start.

I had formed this image in my head of what the SMI system would be, and it included truly integrated physical and psychiatric treatment, easy access to high quality services and evidence-based treatments of various modalities, sophisticated care coordination, and evidence of great outcomes, such as lower rates of psychiatric hospitalization and recovery from SMI.

Unfortunately, that’s not what I encountered upon arrival. I spent my days fighting for my patients to receive care that could be considered even mediocre in quality, navigating a somewhat disjointed system full of barriers to do so, and over time, I watched patients get sicker and sicker. I started to get a picture of where the gaps were, and which, if addressed, had the potential to be most impactful for the patients.

That picture truly came into focus when I left the SMI clinics to oversee a psychiatric crisis center, where all parts of the system seem to connect. It was there that I began advocating for systemic change while simultaneously advocating for individual patients, and that both led me to my current role at AHCCCS and informed my perspective on what that role should look like."

Looming Medicaid cuts are on everyone’s mind. What would you say to policymakers who are considering cuts to this funding or changes to patients’ eligibility?

"Put simply, making any significant cuts to Medicaid funding and/or eligibility would be short-sighted, harm many Americans, weaken our economy, and adversely impact the electability of any policymaker who voted to do so. So, if I had the chance, I suppose I would advise against doing so."

What is something unexpected that you’ve encountered in your transition from direct patient care to leading a large healthcare institution?

"I came to AHCCCS with an understanding that problems in our healthcare system would be complicated and have multiple layers, but I had no concept of how numerous and entangled those layers would be. It turns out there are very few truly “easy fixes” in a statewide agency."

What goal are you most excited to accomplish in 2025?

"Just making it through my first year as CMO of a state Medicaid agency in the current political climate in one piece will be a win for 2025."

What song has been on repeat lately?

"The Fever to Tell album from Yeah Yeah Yeahs is experiencing a revival in my car of late. That album debuted towards the end of my Senior year of high school, so when I first listened to it, I was preparing to leave the proverbial nest, and still had all of that teenage angst going on, but was simultaneously so excited about the future, which I hoped would include making the world a better place. The songs feel full of all of those emotions and sentiments, with a hefty dose of formidable female energy, all of which feels oddly relevant to me once again, and is totally helping me prepare for my day as the AHCCCS CMO."

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?

"Phoenix City Grille – it was the neighborhood spot that my husband and I frequented in the first place we lived together, and we got to know the staff there pretty well, some of whom have been watching our son grow since he was still in the womb. Though we have since moved to another neighborhood, it is still our go-to for a family dinner or Friday date night."

What’s the last book you read?

"In all honesty, the last book I actually read cover to cover was Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, which I read to my 6-year-old daughter at bedtime over the last month or so. I think learning to read has been the first major cognitively challenging skill she has attempted to master, which was leading her to avoid it as much as possible, so I wanted to get her excited about reading by showing her how it can unlock new worlds and endless adventures, and decided the Harry Potter books were the way there. The plan seems to be working."

How would you describe your approach to patient care?

"When supervising medical students, residents, PAs or NPs, I often say, 'When in doubt, be a human.'

I see my patients as people first and foremost, and I want them to experience me that way as well, which means that I present during visits as myself – personable, warm, and as imperfect as humans tend to be. I make an effort to get to know my patients, because the better I understand them, the easier it is to get to the root cause of what’s troubling them. I self-disclose at times, always thoughtfully and with the intention of building therapeutic rapport, which is key to eliciting a good history and getting buy-in for a treatment plan.

When I don’t know something, I tell them that I don’t know and then discuss how we can figure it out. When I’ve made a mistake, I acknowledge that I did so, apologize, and do what I can to fix it. And when they need someone to fight for them or help them to navigate a complex system, I am there for it. I treat my patients the way I would want a loved one to be treated. "

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"The Associate PD in my residency program once said to me, 'You are someone who always need a project,' which I have since found to be highly accurate.

It seems to be in my nature to reject the status quo and instead seek continuous systemic improvement, so it was really less of a conscious choice to get involved in organized medicine and more of a compulsion. Finding ways to make the system better is what drives me, so I tend to find my way to positions that allow me to focus my energy there."

Why is ArMA important to you and those you lead?

"ArMA is the collective voice of the experts who do the work, and can thereby provide a perspective on AHCCCS initiatives that is critically important to seeing our mission through."

Arizona Medical Association Names Douglas Laher, MBA, CAE, CMP, as New Chief Executive Officer

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:19:50 GMT

A seasoned nonprofit and association leader, Laher is committed to advancing ArMA’s mission and tackling Arizona’s most pressing healthcare issues alongside physicians and community partners. t

PHOENIX, Arizona  — The Arizona Medical Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Douglas Laher, MBA, CAE, CMP , as its new chief executive officer. Effective April 1, Laher will succeed Libby De Bie, CAE , who announced her retirement earlier this year.

Laher brings over 15 years of experience in healthcare, association management, and nonprofit leadership. Most recently, he served as chief operating officer for the American Association for Respiratory Care in Dallas, Texas, where he successfully generated substantial new non-dues revenue while supporting a global membership of over 40,000 healthcare professionals. Prior to his career in the nonprofit industry, Laher practiced as a clinically trained respiratory therapist and hospital administrator at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic. His extensive knowledge of organized medicine and healthcare uniquely qualifies him to champion the needs of physicians and patients alike.

“Doug’s comprehensive background in healthcare and nonprofit leadership, combined with his passion for driving meaningful change, makes him the right choice to guide ArMA forward,” said ArMA President Nadeem Kazi, MD . “Following an extensive, months-long national search for candidates by ArMA’s Board of Directors, we are confident that Doug's inspired vision, proven track record in association management, and deep understanding of healthcare will help us advance our mission to foster medicine, champion patient care, and strengthen the communities we serve.”

Laher will focus on strategically expanding ArMA’s impact by enhancing physician programs, further strengthening the organization’s award-winning advocacy efforts, and fostering a thriving, connected physician community. He will work in concert with ArMA’s Board of Directors to oversee all aspects of the association.

“I am honored and humbled to join the Arizona Medical Association, especially as we navigate a changing landscape for the physician and broader healthcare community,” said Laher. “ArMA is already the most effective physician advocate in the state, and I am committed to building on that foundation to drive meaningful change, making Arizona the best place to practice medicine and receive care.”

Laher assumes the role of CEO following Libby De Bie, CAE, who announced her retirement after a distinguished, 8-year tenure marked by significant advancements in physician advocacy and organizational growth. Under De Bie’s leadership, ArMA strengthened its financial, programmatic, and legislative impact, ushering in a new era for organized medicine.

“I know Arizona's physician community will achieve new heights under Doug’s leadership,” shared De Bie. “Serving this organization has been the highest honor of my career, and while I pass the responsibility and privilege of leading it to Doug, I will always be a strong supporter of ArMA and its mission to strengthen Arizona.”

Laher will officially assume his role on April 1, and he will be introduced to the healthcare community at ArMA's 2025 Annual Meeting & Gala on April 5 in the Phoenix Metro area.

Digital Assets

[Image] Douglas Laher, MBA, CAE, CMP, Headshot

Physicians Warn of AI-driven Medical Claim Denials, Urge Legislators to Act

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 19:23:42 GMT

As commercial medical insurance companies adopt Artificial Intelligence in the medical claim review and denial process, physicians warn of the need for regulation and patient protection.

PHOENIX, Arizona  — The Arizona Medical Association is calling on the Arizona State Senate to put patient safeguards in place as commercial medical insurers deploy Artificial Intelligence in reviewing and denying patients' claims by passing House Bill 2175 .

While AI promises innovation for healthcare, the review and denial of medical claims — some of which represent life-changing treatments and procedures — should be left to physicians who can make nuanced clinical judgments about each patient's unique healthcare needs.

"Patients deserve healthcare delivered by humans with compassionate medical expertise, not pattern-based computer algorithms designed by insurance companies," stated ArMA President Nadeem Kazi, MD . "Physicians and patients already face daunting challenges in navigating medical insurers' bureaucratic administrative processes. Taking physicians' clinical experience out of these processes entirely is a misguided step."

The gap between AI's application and its regulation is wide, meaning its use across all industries, especially healthcare, is going largely unregulated. That's why ArMA introduced HB2175 alongside bill sponsor Representative Julie Willoughby at the Arizona State Capitol earlier this year.

"As a nurse and Arizonan, I am proud to champion HB2175," shared Rep. Willoughby . "I've seen firsthand how insurance denials can inappropriately interfere with patient care and wreak havoc on our health system. I came to the legislature to stand up for patients and fight for better care. The need for reform to ensure that AI is used in a fair and responsible manner is undeniable; HB2175 takes a meaningful step forward to rein in the use of AI in medical decision-making, which requires human oversight."

Arizona is in a position to set a precedent for the regulation of AI in U.S. healthcare. HB2175 is among the first legislation in the nation to prohibit the use of AI in reviewing and denying claims for medical necessity and prior authorization requests. The bill would guarantee that cases involving medical judgment are reviewed by licensed medical professionals who have the training, experience, and ethical responsibility to make clinical decisions.

"Perhaps the biggest concern is how AI removes the human element from medical decision-making. Algorithms can process vast amounts of data, but they can't understand the nuances of an individual's health or the judgment calls that doctors make every day," said Michael Dunn, MD , an East Valley physician, in an op-ed published by Arizona Capitol Times . "Instead of trained professionals weighing the specifics of each case, algorithms determine what gets approved and what doesn't — often without enough transparency or accountability."

Following its unanimous passage out of the Arizona State House, HB2175's trajectory is promising, but it still has hurdles left to clear. As it awaits consideration by the Senate, physicians are strongly urging senators to recognize and act on the need for guardrails against AI in situations where Arizonans' health and well-being are at stake.

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[Image] Michael Dunn, MD, Headshot

ArMA Member Spotlight: Holly L. Geyer, MD!

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:49:03 GMT

We're proud to introduce Holly L. Geyer, MD as ArMA's February Member Spotlight!

Dr. Geyer is a hospitalist specializing in internal and addiction medicine at Mayo Clinic Arizona and a previous member of ArMA's Legislative & Governmental Affairs Committee. She is a leader in research, advocacy, and policy, with a track record of driving change in public health and patient care throughout the Valley and beyond.

Committed to combating the opioid crisis, Dr. Geyer spearheaded STOP-IT, an initiative to equip Arizona schools with life-saving overdose preparedness resources. Her work is a testament to the unique power of physicians in shaping healthcare policy and improving public health.

Learn more about Dr. Geyer's story below!

Share a project or campaign that triggered your interest in grassroots initiatives. How did you hear about it, and how did you get involved?

"All of us have titles. And most of us shrug the two-lettered ones when we step across our ‘welcome’ mat. The most treasured designation I will hold in this life is ‘mom’. But emerging data made it apparent that the threat of addiction and overdose my three young kids would face in our country was anything but theoretical. And it wasn’t waiting for adulthood.

With more than 50% of all US fentanyl coming directly through Arizona borders and America losing a classroom worth of kids weekly, it was time to get proactive. I formed a small group of clinicians and government representatives to help investigate the topic of opioid overdose preparedness in Arizona schools. We identified that there were no standardized overdose policies/procedures, naloxone procurement plans, school referral resources for addiction or staff/student overdose prevention and management training tools.

Together, we drafted an executive summary and brought it to the attention of the Arizona Department of Education. Superintendent Tom Horne embraced the opportunity to address the subject and I was invited to chair the ‘ S chool T raining O verdose P reparedness and I ntelligence T askforce’ (STOP-IT), a now 60+ member multidisciplinary working group. We were pleased to meet our deliverables and release a finalized Toolkit to all 2000 Arizona schools this January, along with a replenishable supply of 16,000 doses of naloxone-graciously supplied by our AZDHS and AHCCCS partners. There is an appetite for grass-roots engagement in this state and impending budget cuts may make our collaborative support all the more necessary in the coming years. "

What have you gained personally and professionally from being part of initiatives that drive change in healthcare?

"A sense of purpose that my day job could never deliver.

Let me be clear: I adore patient care, particularly when caring for patients struggling with addiction, but my level of impact on the ‘n of 1’ each day left thousands of patients outside my walls bereft of the same intervention. It didn’t sit well. If we’ve built answers for one, why not apply them on a mass scale?

I’ve been blessed to serve with an organization that embraces this same philosophy and empowers the providers that champion them. Mayo Clinic put forth a host of resources and tools to help enable systematic change to the healthcare system’s role in addressing the opioid crisis-both inside and outside our organization’s borders.

A few years ago, we started an Opioid Stewardship Program (OSP). As Physician Lead in Arizona, I’ve worked to build an external form of our program for third party purchase targeting the 77% of US healthcare systems that lack one. Once available, this resource will offer access to 100’s of patient educational handouts and videos, protocols/policies, department workflows, EHR enhancement builds, healthcare provider training tools, consultation hours and more.

Mayo further supported the authorship of my book, ‘Ending the Crisis: Mayo Clinic’s Guide to Opioid Addiction and Safe Opioid Use’ which serves as the only patient-facing resource addressing the topics of pain management, safe use of opioids, and management of opioid-related complications, including addiction. Our School of Professional Development (MCSCPD) recently converted this into an audiobook and it is now CME approved plus meets the DEA 8 hour training mandate required of all DEA-licensed US providers.

A surprising addition to my roles was a recent appointment as Medical Advisor to the NFL Alumni Association’s Health Initiative (NFLAH) and the request to initiate national opioid-related healthcare campaigns on their behalf. Last year, I was able to foster a partnership between the DEA and NFLAH, and our NFL alumni are now the leading face of the DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign strategy.

These are just a few of the initiatives I’ve had the privilege of partnering in, and it’s gratifying to see contributors build on their momentum. The more partners willing to participate, the sooner this crisis ends."

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

"I grew up in rural South Africa during the 1980’s apartheid. My parents had moved us there when I was four to offer humanitarian work as Christian missionaries. I spent much of my young childhood in the impoverished Black townships and I’ve witnessed states of social depravity even modern television censors. Add this to the years of serving in the non-profit realm and the result is a mental phenotype that finds little satisfaction in chasing the material. I’m convinced that life is about people, about souls and chasing our God-given purpose. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better environment to execute this viewpoint in than medicine. It’s a mindset we work to instill in our kids as they navigate our increasingly materialistic society. The friction is real. But they’re adapting. And if there’s one thing they’ve learned thus far, it’s that it’s hard to beat the deals at Goodwill!"

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"When I was 10, my parents started a small, non-profit substance use disorder treatment program in Minnesota and I grew up immersed in the recovery world. But as the organization grew, I witnessed the explosive transformation that took place once they chose to pursue non-mandated state licensure.

As the standards went up, so did client outcomes. Bed availability followed and this once fledgling organization now serves more than 1000 inpatients daily. Witnessing the incredible impact of adhering to evidence-based standards and engaging in benchmark monitoring set the stage for my career commitment to building standards in healthcare.

Transitioning from behavioral health to the world of medicine, I carried this passion but lacked change-management skills. So, after finishing residency, I joined ArMA’s Legislative and Government Affairs Committee and for the following eight years, observed the intricacies of how viewpoints and positions become policy and policy drives results. Watching ArMA navigate divergent viewpoints, balance strategy pros and cons, and forecast the long-term political and patient care impact of their decisions offered an unmatched training experience.

The information I’ve since been able to apply to the multiple state and national boards and committees I chair/serve on has guided critical decisions and opened new doors. For providers investigating ways to bring large-scale impact to their field through legislative or state agency channels, I cannot more highly recommend approaching ArMA to explore involvement."

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?

"Our kids are 3, 5 and 7. Date night usually consists of me and my husband foraging for chicken nuggets that don’t defy health codes still stuck between the car seats. I suspect I am in a better position to take suggestions than offer them."

How has a book changed your perspective on life?

"The book, The One Thing by Gary Keller was revolutionary. For providers that face the daily battle of organizing competing priorities and keeping an ever-growing to do-list manageable, this is the book for you.

Its premise is simple: for any list of to-do items, you’ll often find that a single intervention seemingly unrelated to the items on the list will resolve many items all at once. It’s hard to believe, but I’ve seen it in action.

A few years ago, I struggled with keeping my to-do list accurate. I was writing myself emails, scribbling reminders on paper, and relying on my 3-year-old to jog my memory. It was chaos, and I was missing deadlines.

My initial reaction was to begin dropping activities. But the logic in this book helped me realize that my schedule was not out of control- my ability to capture it in one place was. I ended up researching the best ‘to-do list’ apps, installed one on all my devices and made it Alexa-friendly. I now speak new to-do items directly into my iWatch and its updated on all technology within seconds. Life-changing! "

If a physician has an issue that they're passionate about, where should they start if they want change? Are there any pitfalls for them to avoid?

"If you want to go far, travel together. I didn’t coin this phrase- I just quote it like it’s on sale and about to catch on fire.

I can’t overstate the value of forming an initial working group to review the problem. When choosing members, identify what content is within your lane and liberally recruit all other expertise to the table. If your topic is of a political nature or involves a specific sector of government, ensure legal expertise and invested government stakeholders are in the group. High-ranking elected representatives from medical societies germane to your topic can carry significant influence!

Remember, our industry’s greatest tool is evidence. Do your homework and pull multiple high-quality studies to make your case. Be sure to also include an assessment of current state including metrics-you’ll need these numbers as benchmarks when you later review the value of your interventions. Once all of this is collected, compile it into a summary document and include the risks of inaction and your team’s proposed solutions. If available, approach your institution’s Government Relations team for assistance on next steps. If not an option, consider reaching out to advocacy organizations like ArMA or your local legislative representatives.

Remember that state agencies are usually strapped for resources and staff. They are unlikely to solve your problems for you. But if you do your homework and offer evidence-based solutions that account for current infrastructure barriers (such as funding) plus bring a workforce to work towards change, it will be hard to turn down your offer. "

What is one message you would give to your 18-year-old self?

"Life is not a marathon. It’s a series of sprints and breaks. There have been periods of my life when 24 hours/day seems a subatomic injustice to the size of my agenda, and other stretches where I’m convinced the only thing I contribute to society is carbon dioxide. In looking back, I wish I had embraced the pauses-seen them not as moral evasions from productivity, but recovery periods critical to surviving the next phase. Busy people create business-it’s the nature of momentum. But results don’t materialize all at once. If you’ve been given the rare privilege of a season to relax while previous investments cultivate, take it and appreciate the moment."

Why is ArMA important to you and those you lead?

"We often apply the phrase ‘medical community’ when wishing to convey the cohesive philosophical and operational station of our profession. But are we actually unified? There is always something we can agree on, and ArMA exists to negotiate and champion that undivided voice. The organization harnesses our expertise and earned credibility, then delivers it to the public and policymakers in the form of common-sense solutions that validate our industry’s collective resolve. "

ArMA Member Spotlight: Christina Ferraro, MD!

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:05:18 GMT

We're proud to introduce Christina Ferraro, MD as ArMA's February Member Spotlight!

Dr. Christina Ferraro is a diagnostic breast radiologist at Valleywise Health Medical Center and an assistant clinical professor of radiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix and Creighton University. Dr. Ferraro received her medical degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and now has over 10 years of experience in the medical field.

Dr. Ferraro is a longstanding advocate for radiology, a leader within organized medicine, and a determined philanthropist for Arizona's communities. ArMA proudly invites you to get to know Dr. Christina Ferraro and her journey through Arizona's health landscape.

Learn more about Dr. Ferraro's story below!

How has your specialty shaped your philosophy on patient care?

"Radiology is often misunderstood. While we do sit in the dark, it is a very patient centered field and we interact with all types of clinicians. We also have interface directly with patients primarily in the procedural setting. Sometimes with limited history provided it truly is kind of like a puzzle to put everything together by combing the medical chart, and having a breath of knowledge about many disease processes, anatomy and the imaging findings thereof.

My specialty of Breast Radiology in particular is a very fast paced environment with lots of face time with patients in the diagnostic and procedural setting. This has allowed me to truly treat each person as an individual; with different concerns, stressors, risk factors, health literacy and life circumstances. The principles of cura personalis or 'care for the whole person' learned from my Jesuit training allow me to pause and consider how best to help each patient and to tailor conversations. My favorite part of the job is working closely with my amazing team to take wonderful care of these women. Well, sometimes the topic of breast cancer is tough, I hope that I am making a meaningful impact on our very deserving patients."

Have you always been interested in physician advocacy? If so, recount one of your earliest involvements. If not, can you pinpoint a catalyst for your recent interest?

"I have been involved with physician advocacy since medical school, but more seriously since residency.

I was accepted as a Rutherford Lavanty Fellow for the American College of Radiology in 2015 and spent a week in Washington DC shadowing the Government Relations Team. That was an eye opening experience to see different medical societies often asking for things that were counterproductive but also the time, persistence and money required to get your ask heard.

Since then, I have remained involved and have attended Hill Day as part of the annual ACR meeting a handful of times. I also serve as current president of the Arizona Radiological Society and am involved in advocacy at the state level."

Describe the goal you're most excited to accomplish in 2025.

"I am fortunate to have been asked to be a dancer this year in Dancing with the Stars, a major fundraiser for the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona. In addition to learning ballroom dance and competing in a competition on March 15 at the Phoenician, I am fundraising with a goal of $35,000!

This supports services throughout Arizona (inclusive but not limited to help with dialysis, rides, food, shelter, dental services) and also supports kids with renal disease to attend a camp in Prescott called Camp Kidney. The entire experience is outside of my comfort zone but I believe we have to push ourselves to grow.

Please help me achieve my goals with a donation! It is greatly appreciated and helps to better serve our medical community."

Click below to support Dr. Ferraro!

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?

"Mariposa in Sedona and Buck & Rider in Phoenix."

What do you like best about living in Arizona?

"The beautiful sunny winters and getting out to hike! I also like to get out to explore different areas around the state as we have very interesting geography. Some of my favorite places I’ve visited include Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Flagstaff and Pinetop."

What success in your career are you most proud of?

"SB 1601 was a bill I initiated and ultimately got passed in 2023 with the invaluable support from ArMA and guidance from leaders in my specialty. This bill was sponsored by Senator Janae Shamp. This bill guaranteed tomosynthesis coverage for screening mammograms for all Arizona woman and updated guidelines to reflect recommendations of the NCCN.

While this bill was definitely a step in the right direction, more needs to be done. We need to follow suit of other states and look into additional coverage for supplemental screening of dense breasts, as well as eliminating cost sharing for diagnostic examinations. My hope is within the next couple years we can work on legislation to get Arizona one step further and to be following trends in the nation."

If you weren't pursuing medicine, what would you be up to right now?

"Honestly, I would probably be a veterinarian (but really would only want to see dogs). Or an interior designer… it’s fun to shop!"

Why is ArMA important to you and those you lead?

"ArMA and Arizona Healthcare Advocacy Coalition (AHAC) have been instrumental in keeping our Arizona Radiological Society in the loop on things happening here in the state. They are often able to let us know of legislation or pending legislation that we may not be aware of. They also seek our opinion at times on healthcare legislation, and vice versa. The team is truly 'boots on the ground' and it’s inspiring. They also have many programs to inspire future physician leaders and to engage with other like minded physicians.

I was honored to give a presentation at ArMA’s medical student and resident fellow section annual meeting last year on advocacy. I love teaching medical students and residents and that is a favorite part of my job at Valleywise Health, where we teach students and residents from Creighton University Medical School, as well as University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix. I strongly believe it’s my duty to give back and hopefully make a lasting impact on future leaders in the field."

ArMA Launches Campaign to Reclaim Healthcare From Politics and Bureaucratic Red Tape

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 19:48:20 GMT

In collaboration with the American Medical Association, ArMA hopes to strengthen the bond between Arizona's physicians and patients through "Your Care is at Our Core," a national publicity campaign.

PHOENIX, Arizona   — The Arizona Medical Association is proud to launch the "Your Care is at Our Core" campaign in partnership with the American Medical Association . This campaign highlights physicians' tireless dedication to providing high-quality patient care despite the healthcare system's barriers. In so doing, it hopes to strengthen the bond between physicians and patients, who face many of the same challenges in navigating healthcare.

Over the past few years, physicians have faced growing reputational challenges ignited by partisan battles over healthcare, including the COVID-19 pandemic, science and evidence-based care, administrative burdens imposed by insurers, and the prevalence of mis- and disinformation. These factors have distracted from what matters most — the compassionate and essential care Arizona physicians provide for their patients.

"The corporatization and politicization of medicine have driven a wedge between physicians and their patients," stated ArMA President Nadeem Kazi, MD, AGAF . "However, we must unite. Both physicians and patients are growing increasingly frustrated by the barriers to high-quality and comprehensive care. It is time for us to direct our shared frustrations towards collaboratively developing solutions."

The data speaks for itself — nearly all Arizonans believe that it is important for physicians to be involved in their diagnosis and treatment, and nationally, 79% of patients agree that red tape bureaucracy makes it harder for physicians to provide the best care to patients.

Physicians are often pulled away from direct patient care by the growing demands of administrative tasks, insurance complexities, and systemic pressures. Yet, despite these burdens, they remain steadfast in their mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care.

Physicians understand that time spent listening to and treating patients is essential to providing the care they deserve. Healthcare is a vulnerable space for patients, and establishing a meaningful relationship is necessary to build trust and provide the most effective care and treatment. Unfortunately, decisions made by third parties in healthcare, like insurance companies and others, are dramatically limiting the time physicians can spend with patients.

"Insurers' red-tape and delayed processes are primary drivers of physician burnout, healthcare inefficiencies, and most critically, poor health outcomes for patients," shared ArMA CEO Libby De Bie, CAE . "That's why ArMA is leading efforts to reform commercial medical insurance and increase transparency. Through targeted legislation and awareness, we hope to make Arizona the best place to practice medicine and receive care."

The "Your Care is at Our Core" campaign not only highlights the clinical expertise of physicians but also celebrates the resilience and humanity required of them to navigate a healthcare system that, at times, hinders the very care they strive to deliver. As we advocate for solutions to mend the healthcare system's broken parts, the physician community is reassuring patients: your care is at our core.

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Read into Dr. Alexander's award the 2024 Health Care Award Ceremony!

ArMA Member Spotlight: Edward Kalpas, MD, MAS, MPH!

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:12:21 GMT

We're proud to introduce Edward Kalpas, MD, MAS, MPH as ArMA's December Member Spotlight!

Dr. Kalpas received his master's in public health from Columbia University, his medical degree from Uniformed Services University, and his master's in health informatics from Arizona State University. Dr. Kalpas found his way to the Valley, where he worked with organizations like HonorHealth, taught classes at Arizona State University's College of Health Solutions, and conducted research at The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen).

Most recently, Dr. Kalpas joined the Community Health Center of Yavapai as chief medical officer. In this role, he is empowering patients and healthcare professionals to improve healthcare through technology. In our interview with Dr. Kalpas, he shines a much-deserved spotlight on rural healthcare.

Learn more about Dr. Kalpas's story below!

What led you to practice in Yavapai County specifically?

"Yavapai County Community Health Services contains both a County Public Health Department and Federally Qualified Health Center in one department. As the Chief Medical Officer of this integrated department, I get to bring Public Health interventions directly into the primary care setting in addition to leveraging our primary care, pediatric, OB/GYN, dental and behavioral health providers to improve the health of the entire county.

This unique role allows me to fully utilize my training in public health, preventive medicine and clinical informatics. I still get to see patients part-time and also mentor students which are all important to me."

What is your favorite thing about serving that community?

"It is truly fulling to work in an underserved area. We see all types of patients from those with no insurance to patients with Medicaid, Medicare or commercial health insurances.

We have areas that are more densely populated such as Prescott and Prescott Valley and rural areas extending from Ash Fork and Seligman in the North to Cottonwood and Camp Verde in the East, Bagdad in the West, and Yarnell and Congress in the South.

In addition, it is a very collaborative environment where we work closely with our colleagues from Yavapai Regional Medical Center, the Prescott Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Northern Arizona Healthcare. As a department of Yavapai County government, we have been able to forge strong relationships with Yavapai College, and several school districts."

What hurdles have you and your team overcome in the rural health landscape?

"It is challenging working in an area with insufficient specialty providers. We often have to send patients to Phoenix or Flagstaff for specialty care and this can be challenging, particularly when patients don't have reliable access to transportation."

How did your military service prepare you to lead in a medical environment?

"I learned in the Army to 'Leave No One Behind'. This prepared me for my current position where I'm committed to bringing quality healthcare to every Yavapai County resident."

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"I first became involved with ArMA as a member of the Residents and Fellows Section where I was the Vice-Chairperson. I wanted to advocate for Graduate Medical Education participants and network with other providers in Arizona."

Why is ArMA important to you and those you lead?

"As of member of the ArMA Public Health Committee, I feel it is important to advocate for the the physician specialty of Public Health and General Preventive Medicine. Many physicians and medical students I've talked to don't know there is a residency and board certification in this area."

What song has been on repeat lately?

"Little Blue - Jacob Collier"

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?

"Pomo Pizzeria is my favorite restaurant in Arizona. Both my parents grew up in Italy and I got to visit Italy every summer to visit my grandparents when I was growing up. This is the most authentic Neapolitan pizza I've found in all of Arizona."

If you weren't pursuing medicine, what would you be up to right now?

"If I wasn't practicing medicine, I would be at a meditation center, flying airplanes, taking personal development courses or scuba diving."

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

"I developed and taught a course at Stony Brook University called 'Geniuses of Italian Science'. We learned about important scientists from Italy ranging from Leonardo Da Vinci to Enrico Fermi."

How do you unwind after a stressful day?

"I like to ride my mountain bike, go trail running, play guitar, meditate or take my golden retrievers Hugo and Mr. Chips to the dog park."

ArMA Member Spotlight: Heather Saran, DO!

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 11:29:09 GMT

We're proud to introduce Heather Saran, DO as ArMA's November Member Spotlight!

We're proud to introduce Heather Saran, DO, as the Arizona Medical Association's November Member Spotlight! Dr. Saran attended medical school at Midwestern University’s Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, Arizona. She completed a residency in internal medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, and completed a fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at Ohio State University.

Dr. Saran recently opened Scottsdale's first-ever concierge endocrine medical practice, Bright Endocrinology. In her interview, Dr. Saran highlights her preventative treatment approach, emphasis on individualistic patient care, and lessons from her venture into private practice!

Learn more about Dr. Saran's story below!

What led you to start your own medical practice? What hurdles are you most proud to have overcome in opening your own practice?

"I launched Bright Endocrinology in order to bring change to the healthcare in the Valley. The biggest hurdle I had to get over was my own fear of failure. There is not another direct care endocrine practice in the Valley so I figured this would be either the best or worst idea I ever had. Practicing outside of health insurance limitations has given me the time I need to deliver individualized care, and my patients benefit from more time and information I am able to provide."

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"I think busy physicians do not want to deal with bureaucracy of medicine, but this has led to new problems in healthcare. I firmly believe that we need organized medicine to advocate for physicians' rights, promote public health initiatives, and help set ethical standards in medicine."

If you weren’t pursuing medicine, what would you be up to right now?

"My family always jokes that I should have been a travel agent. My attention to detail and planning logistics lends itself to both medicine and planning travel. Much like treating patients, a good travel agent tailors their trip to the individual needs of each person. I keep all my travel-related emails in separate folders and save things to Google Maps, so I am always quick to offer travel suggestions if it’s someplace I have been before.”

How do you unwind after a stressful day?

"I am unapologetic about the fact that I thoroughly enjoy reality TV. The Bachelor franchise is my OG favorite, but I also enjoy Below Deck and Million Dollar Listing."

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?

"My favorite casual spot to grab a bite is OHSO. It’s a place my whole family enjoys. Their menu is diverse, and you can’t beat a cold pitcher of Boom Dynamite on a warm afternoon."

What success in your career are you most proud of?

"I was honored to be chosen at a Phoenix Magazine Top Doctor in 2024. This means so much because the voting is done by my peers."

What aspects of being a practice owner are you most passionate about? What invigorates you?

"Running my own practice has given better work-life balance. Setting my own schedule has allowed me to spend more time with my family and be present in my kids’ lives. I am now able to volunteer at my Kindergartener’s school and be a Girl Scout leader.”

How would you describe your approach to patient care?

"My approach to patient care is centered around personalization and building a strong relationship with each individual. I believe that effective care goes beyond just treating symptoms—it's about building trust and understanding the whole person. By taking the time to listen to patients and engaging in open, compassionate communication, I aim to create a treatment plan that empowers them in their decision-making and supports their overall health journey."

Why is ArMA important to you and the physicians you lead?

"I joined ArMA so I could help support physicians lobby governments and lawmakers on issues like healthcare reform, reimbursement rates, malpractice laws, medical licensing, and patient safety. ArMA was also a huge resource for me before I even opened the doors of Bright Endocrinology. The staff is so friendly and reached out to me to offer connections I needed to start a new private practice.”

ArMA Member Spotlight: Marjorie Bessel, MD!

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 16:34:43 GMT

We're proud to introduce Marjorie Bessel, MD as ArMA's October Member Spotlight!

Dr. Bessel currently serves as the chief clinical officer at Banner Health. She attended Rush Medical College in Chicago, Illinois, where she earned the James B. Herrick award for most outstanding performance in internal medicine and earned the honor of acting as a chief resident.

She began her journey at Banner 12 years ago, and since, has served as a progressive leader with the organization. Her clinical philosophy centers empowering patients through transparent clinical interactions and information. Learn more about Dr. Bessel below!

Which aspect of your role as Banner Health’s CCO are you most passionate about? What about it invigorates you?

"I have been passionate about taking care of our caregivers. Since 2017, we have implemented an evidence-based strategic plan to promote wellness and reduce burnout. The challenges of clinical care continue to mount and it is imperative for all of us in leadership roles to listen and support our caregivers who deliver care.

As the expectations and cognitive load on caregivers seems to ever-increase, I am however invigorated by the technology advances that are becoming within reach to reduce burden on our teams. I believe the next 5-10 years will have amazing changes to workflow that will ultimately allow the day in the life of our caregivers to improve which then will directly improve care received by our patients."

Which of of Banner Health’s recent achievements are you most proud of?

"We just celebrated our 25th anniversary. As a not for profit organization focused on caring for our communities, this is a milestone of pride for me as I reflect on the amazing care provide over a quarter century."

What initiatives is Banner Health undertaking in the near future?

"We are embarking on an HRO (high reliability) journey and I am excited by the energy and enthusiasm our organization has for this. The impact of being leading enterprise-wide learning to improve safety, quality, patient experience and team member engagement is exhilarating for me.”

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"My journey is similar to others I believe. I never chartered a course to be in a role like the one I am currently so privileged to have. It’s a credit to my parents for encouraging me to always take on new challenges and to many mentors along my path that identified opportunities they saw for me that I usually did not at the time."

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite in Arizona?

"This is an unusual one, I am sure. I grew up in Buffalo and Teds hot dogs in Tempe is a chain from Buffalo. The Tempe location is the only one outside the Buffalo area."

What success in your career are you most proud of?

"Banner Health, like so many others, did almost unimaginable stretch during the pandemic to care for our communities. I am so proud of the leadership role I played, Banner played and our team members played."

If you weren't pursuing medicine, what would you be up to right now?

"My husband, who is also a physician, and I are dog lovers. We have rescued dogs together and would likely do full-time rescue if we weren’t both in medicine right now"

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

"My dad was my running coach in my younger days and my mom was also a runner. She and I were featured in Sports Illustrated in Faces in the Crowd. I believe that the rigor, pacing and dedication that I learned from being in sports also has helped me throughout my entire career.”

What do you like best about living in Arizona?

"I love living in Arizona and appreciate the beauty of the desert, the ability to get to the mountains in just a few hours, sitting by the pool in winter telling my family and friends in Buffalo that I am doing so (!) and the ease of traveling anywhere from Sky Harbor Airport."

Why is ArMA important to you and the physicians you lead?

"As we all worked through the incredible challenges of the pandemic, it became very clear that collective voices of those doing work were critical. ArMA is a way for trained professionals to collaborate for the betterment of health of our communities.”

ArMA Member Spotlight: Richard J. Gray, MD, FACS!

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 16:41:26 GMT

We're proud to introduce Richard J. Gray, MD, FACS, as ArMA's September Member Spotlight!

Dr. Gray currently serves as the CEO of Mayo Clinic in Arizona. He received his medical degree from Michigan State University before pursuing a fellowship for surgical oncology at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida.

In 2001, Dr. Gray joined Mayo Clinic's faculty, and he has been an integral member ever since. His patient-centered approach to care delivery earned him a spot in the U.S. News and World Report's Top 1% of Surgeons. Dr. Gray became an ArMA member in 1995 and is a strong supporter of organized medicine.

Which aspect of your role as Mayo Clinic in Arizona's CEO are you most passionate about? What about it invigorates you?

"As CEO, my greatest passion lies in ensuring we live up to our primary value: the needs of the patient come first. This commitment drives everything we do—from pioneering new cures and leveraging data to generate actionable insights, to transforming our approach with advanced technologies like AI.

I am invigorated by the creativity and dedication of our employees, who bring novel approaches and groundbreaking discoveries at the forefront of patient care. Witnessing our teams deliver answers and cures that patients cannot find elsewhere is profoundly rewarding.

Moreover, working at this exceptional institution, which has a rich history spanning 160 years, adds a unique sense of fulfillment. Being part of a legacy of excellence and innovation, and contributing to a tradition of advancing medical care, is a privilege that continually inspires and motivates me. "

Which of Mayo Clinic in Arizona’s recent achievements are you most proud of?

On a daily basis, I am most proud of the outstanding outcomes our teams achieve for our patients. Independent organizations’ recognitions affirming this excellence are particularly meaningful. For instance, Vizient's ranking of Mayo Clinic in Arizona as having the best cancer patient quality and outcomes in the U.S. last year was a significant achievement, and our consistent top performance across rankings from U.S. News, HCAHPS, Leapfrog, and CMS Stars, which consistently place us at the highest percentile in the nation, underscores our commitment to exceptional patient care.

I’m also proud of our Arizona. Bold. Forward. strategic investments over the past five years, which have significantly strengthened our foundational areas of practice, education, and research. We doubled the size of our Phoenix campus to support rapid growth in the Southwest, adding 99 new inpatient beds, two additional floors of outpatient space, and a 35-bed observation unit. Additionally, we increased our research space by 40% with our newly opened Integrated Education and Research Building. Together, these enhancements enable us to Cure, Connect, and Transform healthcare to serve more patients.

I’m equally proud of achievements that point to innovation and a future that will be even better for our patients and staff. Over the past five years, we’ve more than doubled the number of patients participating in clinical trials and doubled the number of patents our innovators have had issued. Our research funding and investments have increased by 19% in the last year, fueling further advancements and discoveries.

What are your 3 favorite movies?

"Shawshank Redemption, 12 Angry Men, and Princess Bride.”

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

"My involvement in organized medicine stems from Mayo Clinic’s strong belief in physician leadership. By partnering with organizations that represent physicians and influence healthcare policies, we amplify our collective voice. This strengthens our ability to drive quality improvements and support community health initiatives, enabling us to make meaningful changes and have a significant impact on the field of medicine."

Which of Mayo Clinic in Arizona’s future-focused initiatives are you most excited about? How is the initiative poised to impact our community?

"I am particularly excited about our Discovery Oasis initiative, a biotech innovation hub which focuses on creating an ecosystem of innovative collaborators across an expansive, 100-acre development. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to advancing healthcare through cutting-edge partnerships that push the boundaries of medical science, including biomanufacturing, cell and gene therapies, next-generation diagnostics, and more.

I’m also excited about Mayo Clinic Platform , now the world’s largest healthcare distributed data network which is a true platform connecting AI and other digital solution developers with the healthcare organizations who can benefit from and iterate on those solutions. By developing safe, impactful AI models, we aim to transform healthcare not only for Mayo Clinic but also across the globe for all."

What has been the biggest change in your career?

"Transitioning from my surgical practice to the role of CEO presented a significant shift, both professionally and personally. At Mayo Clinic, while physician leaders continue practicing, the CEO role necessitates a full commitment to executive responsibilities. So, stepping away from direct patient care was challenging. The personal fulfillment I derived from surgical practice was profound, and it was not immediately clear whether the same sense of satisfaction would translate into my new role. To my surprise, I discovered that the strategic and organizational impact of leading Mayo Clinic was equally rewarding, allowing me to continue to contribute to patient care, albeit in a different way.

Another aspect of that transition was navigating a change in professional dynamics. Long-time colleagues who used to call me by my first name began interacting with me more formally and addressing me as “Dr. Gray.” Despite this shift, I remain committed to fostering a collaborative and approachable environment, which is crucial for effective leadership and organizational success."

What’s the last book you read?

"Look Again by Tali Sharot and Cass Sunstein"

What does a typical day in your life look like?

"A typical day in my life is far from predictable—each day brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. I start early by working out at the gym or playing basketball at 5 a.m., or 6:30 a.m. on weekends, at least three times a week. I like to get into the office by 7 a.m. so I can dive into the day’s activities, which often include meetings with leadership teams, physicians and administrators, and rounds in our facilities. These rounds allow me to gather spontaneous feedback from patients and staff, which in turn helps me understand what’s working well and where we have room for improvement.

Much of my time is spent working on future initiatives, such as integrating new technologies like AI to support our staff and patients and responding to a high volume of emails throughout the day. I typically leave work around 6 p.m., though my schedule occasionally includes evening events and meetings in the community.

I try to reserve evenings for family time, though I do read briefings to prepare for the next day. I usually wind down and go to bed by 10 p.m. Most days are a dynamic blend of activities, making each one both engaging and rewarding."

How would you describe your approach to patient care?

"My approach to patient care is fundamentally guided by the Mayo Model of Care, which emphasizes both patient care and the environment in which care is delivered.

In terms of patient care, the model prioritizes collaborative teamwork with multispecialty integration, thorough and unhurried patient examinations, personalized care with continuity, high-quality service with compassion, and efficient, advanced evaluations.

The model also emphasizes that the environment that enables this outcome includes skilled and valued staff, a culture of research and education, strong physician leadership, integrated medical records and support services, quality-focused compensation, and distinctive professional standards.

This model ensures that our patient care is both exceptional and delivered in an environment that supports and enhances the quality of care we provide.”

What do you like best about living in Arizona?

"Arizona offers an exceptional quality of life with a wealth of diverse lifestyle opportunities. Within just a couple of hours' drive, you can enjoy everything from expansive warm desert landscapes and stunning red rock formations to cooler mountain ranges and pine forests. The friendliness and warmth of the people here are also remarkable. I’ve also noticed that many residents are from the Midwest who bring a welcoming “Midwest nice” attitude that makes the community feel especially inviting. Additionally, the strong spirit of collaboration and mutual support here is so noticeable – people are genuinely willing to help one another and offer their time and assistance."

Why is ArMA important to you and the physicians you lead?

"The Arizona Medical Association has long been the leading voice in public policy for Arizona's "House of Medicine." ArMA has been and will continue to be on the front lines of legislative debates on critical issues involving medical care – ranging from protecting the physician/patient relationship, advocating for graduate medical education funding, and more. And ArMA's long-standing "Doctor of the Day" program at the Legislature is an immensely effective way to build strong relationships with lawmakers and showcase the vital role of physicians in tomorrow's healthcare. Mayo's physicians have played a prominent role in ArMA's committee and leadership structure, and I'm confident they will continue to do so in the years to come.”

Arizona Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Physicians in Medical Malpractice Case

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 19:03:21 GMT

ArMA & Other Advocates Preserve Expert Testimony for Standard of Care Lawsuits

Expert testimony remains a requirement to establish the standard of care in medical malpractice lawsuits, according to a recent ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court.

The Arizona Medical Association joined the American Medical Association, HonorHealth, and other healthcare advocacy groups in supporting the defendants of a local medical malpractice lawsuit, Francisco, et al. v. Affiliated Urologists, et al . The case challenged the state’s statute that requires expert testimony to establish the standard of care. The plaintiffs argued that a “black box warning” from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration was sufficient to establish the standard of care, therefore removing the need for expert testimony.

Physician advocates, including ArMA, quickly stepped up to emphasize the importance of expert testimony in deciding cases of medical malpractice.

Why Expert Testimony Plays a Critical Role in Medical Malpractice Cases

ArMA submitted an amicus brief in support of upholding the current state statute that expert testimony is required in negligence claims concerning medical malpractice. While important to patient care, the FDA’s “black box warnings” are no replacement for expert clinical opinions. In determining whether the standard of care was followed in medical malpractice lawsuits, the Courts should have all of the available information, including the opinion of a clinical expert who has examined the unique case in question.

The Court’s Opinion on Francisco, et al. v. Affiliated Urologists, et al.

Arizona Supreme Court Justice Montgomery issued the Opinion of Court, stating that Arizona law does not permit “a warning required by the [FDA]” to be used as a “substitute for the required testimony and independently establish the standard of care.”

Physician Advocacy Protects Healthcare

The Arizona Medical Association proudly serves as Arizona physicians’ strongest advocate, ally, and resource. We amplify the physician voice at the Arizona State Capitol and beyond by lobbying for strong healthcare policies, fighting against inappropriate legislation, and engaging an energetic base of volunteer advocates.

Arizona Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Physicians in Medical Malpractice Case

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 04:45:37 GMT

ArMA & Other Advocates Preserve Expert Testimony for Standard of Care Lawsuits

Expert testimony remains a requirement to establish standard of care in medical malpractice lawsuits, according to a recent ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court.

The Arizona Medical Association joined the American Medical Association, HonorHealth, and other healthcare advocacy groups in supporting the defendants of local medical malpractice lawsuit, Francisco, et al. v. Affiliated Urologists, et al.

The case challenged the state’s statute that requires expert testimony to establish standard of care. The plaintiffs argued that a “black box warning” from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration was sufficient to establish standard of care, therefore removing the need for expert testimony.

Physician advocates, including ArMA, quickly stepped up to impress the importance of expert testimony in deciding cases of medical malpractice.

Why Expert Testimony Plays a Critical Role in Medical Malpractice Cases

ArMA submitted an amicus brief in support of upholding the current state statute that expert testimonies must be required in negligence claims concerning medical malpractice. While important to patient care, the FDA’s “black box warnings” are no replacement for expert clinical opinions. In determining whether the standard of care was followed in medical malpractice lawsuits, the Courts should have all of the available information, including the opinion of a clinical expert who has examined the unique case in question.

The Court’s Opinion on Francisco, et al. v. Affiliated Urologists, et al.

Arizona Supreme Court Justice Montgomery issued the Opinion of Court , stating that Arizona law does not permit “a warning required by the [FDA]” to be used as a “substitute for the required testimony and independently establish the standard of care.”

Physician Advocacy Protects Healthcare

ArMA proudly serves as Arizona physicians’ strongest advocate, ally, and resource. We amplify the physician voice at the Arizona State Capitol and beyond by lobbying for strong healthcare policies, fighting against inappropriate legislation, and engaging an energetic base of volunteer advocates.

To learn more about ArMA’s advocacy efforts, read our 2024 Legislative Report.

ArMA Member Spotlight: Gretchen B. Alexander, MD, DLFAPA!

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 16:50:38 GMT

This month, we introduce Gretchen B. Alexander, MD, DLFAPA as August's ArMA Member Spotlight! Dr. Alexander works as a board-certified psychiatrist caring for patients in the Phoenix metro area. Dr. Alexander attended the Perelmen School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and completed her psychiatric residency training at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center.

Dr. Alexander led ArMA as president from 2017-18 and currently serves as Chair of the Medical Aid in Dying Task Force and Chair of the Arizona Medical Political Action Committee's Board of Directors. She recently was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award during the Heart Beat Gala at ArMA's 2024 Annual Meeting.

What inspires you?

"As a psychiatrist at Maricopa County’s safety net hospital, I work with patients who are struggling with the gravest challenges—medical, emotional, economic and social. Trying to make sure that our patients leave the hospital with a sense of hope about the world and their situation is a consistent goal for me and our entire group; meeting that goal is a powerful inspiration to me."

What are your 3 favorite movies?

"Albert Brooks’ Defending Your Life, The Adjustment Bureau with Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, and Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal.”

What does a typical day in your life look like?

"My day starts at 6:45AM reviewing emails and checking for overnight transfers to the medicalcenter from inpatient psychiatry, since we need to follow those cases.

At 7:00AM I start our group’s daily group chat and assign the overnight consults, discuss dispositions and transfers for active cases, and introduce new trainees to the team.

At 8:00 I head down to the hospital for 8:15 table rounds where we review all cases, discuss interesting/educational aspects of patients we’re seeing and coordinate the legal work on patients who are on involuntary status. Sometimes we have a med student give a presentation on a topic which is always interesting.

From 8:45-11:00 I assign work to the resident and medical student on my team, deal with administrative matters , review charts, and call families and outside providers for collateral information on my forensic and risk assessment cases. Sometimes I will have a lecture to give for our residency training program.

From 11:00 to 4:30 I’m on the floors seeing patients, staffing cases with the residents, communicating with medical and surgical teams about the cases they’ve consulted us on, putting out administrative fires, and teaching our medical students.

From 4:30-5:30 or 6 I’m back in my office finishing notes and returning phone calls, or in the ED seeing late consults."

What is a meaniful project to you that you're currently working on?

"Currently, I serve as board chair for the Arizona Medical Political Action Committee. Our role as board members is to support our amazing legislative staff as they advocate for our patients and our profession at the state legislature. I am grateful to have this opportunity to engage with our membership and ArMA leadership as we work to improve our fundraising and advocacy work. ArMA’s effectiveness at the state legislature is closely tied to our engagement with state lawmakers and our PAC is just one of many tools which can be extraordinarily effective in building strong relationships with our allies. Those strong relationships are a critical foundation when we seek to get laws written and passed that will help us achieve our legislative goals."

What is a meaniful project to you that you're currently working on?

How would you describe your approach to patient care?

"Old School: I trained in an era where being detail oriented, thorough and curious about your patients was of paramount importance to being a good physician. So when I walk into a patient’s room, I have already reviewed all of their medical records in detail, sometimes back to the 1990’s. This allows me to spend far less time trying to get the patient to remember their often complicated past history, and to spend more time just chatting with the patient and establishing rapport and addressing their current concerns. "

ArMA Announces 133rd President Dr. Nadeem Kazi and Newly Elected Board Members

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 20:08:04 GMT

Alongside other elected leaders, ArMA's newest president strives to address some of the largest issues facing physicians and their patients, including commercial medical insurance, healthcare inequity, and childhood obesity.

PHOENIX, Arizona  — The Arizona Medical Association is pleased to announce Nadeem Kazi, MD, AGAF, as the organization's esteemed 133rd president. Under the leadership of Dr. Kazi and its newly elected board members, ArMA will continue its mission to champion patient care and strengthen healthcare for the communities we serve.

Dr. Kazi is a practicing gastroenterologist, dedicated physician and patient advocate, and passionate philanthropist. After visiting Arizona in the late 1990s, Dr. Kazi was struck by the unusually high rate of young people experiencing advanced liver disease and cancer. In 1997, he began practicing medicine in Arizona and established a solo medical practice in Casa Grande. Throughout his 27 years of caring for patients in Casa Grande, he has become a pillar of the community and deeply respected by those he compassionately serves.

“I am deeply honored to contribute to the Arizona Medical Association’s rich legacy of serving physicians and their patients,” stated Dr. Kazi . “Throughout my practice, I have witnessed the power and success of collective action in healthcare again and again. From commercial medical insurance to inequity in healthcare, the largest challenges threatening Arizonans can only be met by organizations like ArMA. As president, I stand ready to tirelessly and loudly advocate for physicians and their patients.”

Dr. Kazi's presidential priorities include securing commercial medical insurance reform, increasing private practice viability, protecting quality health care, addressing healthcare workforce shortages, and implementing programs to curb the childhood obesity crisis.

“I’m very pleased that Dr. Nadeem Kazi will serve as my successor and the organization’s next president. He brings a wealth of experience, a visionary mindset, and a passion for our mission that is truly inspiring,” said ArMA's outgoing president, William C. Thompson IV, MD, FASA.

Dr. Kazi is a long-time, active member of ArMA, having served in nearly every leadership role within the organization. He is a leader who not only understands the complexities and challenges facing our healthcare community but also possesses the ability to creatively navigate them with foresight.

In addition to Dr. Kazi, the following individuals have been elected to ArMA's Board of Directors and will begin their terms on July 1, 2024:

Jason Jameson, MD — President-elect
Urologist — Urology Care Clinic, Tucson
Corinna Saldanha, DO — Secretary
Anesthesiologist — Valley Anesthesiology Consultants, Phoenix
Laura Mercer, MD — Executive Committee Member At-Large
OB/GYN — University of Arizona, Phoenix
Michael Dunn, MD — Maricopa Director
Family Medicine — Primary Care Practice of AZ, Gilbert
Ilana Addis, MD — Pima Director
OB/GYN — Banner University Medical Center, Tucson
Stephen Curtin, MD — At-large Director
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon — Tucson Orthopedic Institute, Tucson
Viktorya Tannenbaum, MD — Medical Resident Director
Pediatric Residency — Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix
Thomas Varkey, MD — Medical Resident Director
Neurology Residency — Banner University Medical Center, Phoenix
Jennifer Codd — Medical Student Director
4th Year Medical Student — University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix
Adam Thompson — Medical Student Director
3rd Year Medical Student — University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson

The new board members join a dynamic group of leaders dedicated to advancing ArMA's mission. Collectively, members of ArMA's Board of Directors are responsible for good governance, strategic leadership, financial management, and promoting the interests of Arizona's medical community.

"We are thrilled to welcome these accomplished individuals to our board," stated Libby De Bie , ArMA CEO. "With the support of our board, staff, members, and community partners, ArMA will continue to strive towards the goal of making Arizona the best state to practice medicine and receive care in the U.S.”

In addition to welcoming new members, ArMA extends its heartfelt gratitude to its outgoing board members for their service and leadership, including: Timothy Beger, MD (2016–2024), Robert Aaronson, MD (2016-2024), Ajay Bhatnagar, MD (2018-2024), Dale Guthrie, MD (2015-2024), Lee Ann Kelley, MD (2021-2024), Ricardo Verdiner, MD (2021-2024), Elizabeth Braunreuther, MD (2023-2024), Carleen Cuevas (2023-2024), and Eshaan Kashyap (2023-2024).

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[Image] William C. Thompson IV, MD, FASA, Headshot

2024 ArMA Health Care Awards Presented to Local Champions, Leaders

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:22:49 GMT

Ten Arizona physicians, leaders, and organizations were honored by the state’s largest physician-led organization for their dedication to supporting, delivering, and advocating for high-quality health care in Arizona.

PHOENIX, Arizona  — The Arizona Medical Association proudly honored eight local physicians, a state legislator, and a not-for-profit organization as recipients of the 2024 ArMA Health Care Awards .

For more than 30 years, the ArMA Health Care Awards have recognized the achievements of physicians, organizations, and health care champions in supporting, delivering, and advocating for high-quality health care. From their innovation in dementia care to their selfless acts of service in underserved communities, ArMA's award recipients are championing patient care and strengthening the health and well-being of Arizona’s communities.

“Arizona's healthcare community continues to demonstrate excellence, dedication, and innovation in transforming patient care,” stated Libby De Bie , CEO of ArMA. “As physicians and their patients continue to face a myriad of challenges in healthcare, it is crucial to recognize the valiant efforts being made to improve the system. ArMA is proud to honor the achievements of those moving health care forward, one step at a time. We warmly congratulate them on their prestigious and well-deserved awards.”

ArMA's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, was presented to Gretchen Alexander, MD , for her fierce commitment to leadership within organized medicine. Arizona State Senator Brian Fernandez , family medicine specialist Andrew Carroll, MD , and physician executive Keith Frey, MD , were among the other recipients honored.

2024 ArMA Health Care Award Recipients

Distinguished Service Award: Gretchen B. Alexander, MD
Presented to an individual or organization providing outstanding service to the community, this year’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to Gretchen B. Alexander, MD. Throughout her career, Dr. Alexander has proven to be a fierce advocate and leader for organized medicine in Arizona, inspiring women physicians, healthcare leaders, psychiatrists, and mental health experts. Read more .

David O. Landrith Humanitarian Award: Nadia L. Norton Anspach, MD
The David O. Landrith Humanitarian Award is presented to an individual who acts unselfishly to improve their community, as the award’s namesake — ArMA’s long-time lobbyist and vice president of policy and political affairs — did before his passing in 2015. This year’s recipient of the David O. Landrith Humanitarian Award is Nadia L. Norton Anspach, MD. Dr. Norton Anspach is a member of the Diné (Navajo) Nation and has dedicated her career to serving the health and well-being of Native American communities in Arizona. Read more .

ArMA & ADHS Public Health Service Award: Craig D. Norquist, MD
Presented jointly by ArMA and the Arizona Department of Health Services, the ArMA & ADHS Public Health Service Award recognizes an Arizona individual, organization, or educational program for their significant contributions to public health. This year’s recipient is Craig D. Norquist, MD. Dr. Norquist has devoted much of his career to addressing Arizona’s opioid crisis through the creation of prescribing guidelines for healthcare professionals, which he has done with notable empathy and compassion. Read more .

Award in Memory of Edward Sattenspiel, MD: Andrew J.P. Carroll, MD
This award is given in memory of Edward Sattenspiel, MD, a former ArMA president and champion for health care in Arizona, in recognition of an individual’s long-term commitment to organized medicine. ArMA is proud to name Andrew J.P. Carroll, MD, as this year’s recipient. Dr. Carroll demonstrates unwavering support of organized medicine within his profession, at the Arizona State Capitol, and within the media. Read more.

Wallace A. Reed, MD Award: Keith A. Frey, MD
Recognizing an individual or organization for innovation in health care, this year’s Wallace A. Reed, MD Award was presented to Keith A. Frey, MD. Dr. Frey’s innovative vision for clinician well-being is evidenced by his leadership of the Wellbeing Collaborative, an initiative that has offered widespread support and impact within the healthcare community. Read more.

Walk the Talk Award: Senator Brian Fernandez
The Walk the Talk Award recognizes individuals or organizations that go above and beyond in support of medicine, often in matters related to health policy. This year, ArMA proudly presented the Walk the Talk Award to Senator Brian Fernandez, the esteemed representative of Legislative District 23 in the Arizona State Senate. Senator Fernandez is a staunch ally for healthcare, championing good health policy within the legislative chamber and beyond. Read more.

C.H. William Ruhe, MD Award: Hospice of the Valley’s Dementia Care & Education Campus
The C.H. William Ruhe, MD Award recognizes excellence in the implementation of ideas enhancing professional medical learning in Arizona. ArMA recognizes Hospice of the Valley’s Dementia Care & Education Campus as this year’s recipient for their innovation in training healthcare professionals to treat and care for patients living with dementia. Read more.

National Leadership Award: Daniel J. Briceland, MD
The National Leadership Award is presented to an Arizona physician or other individual who has served in a leadership position of a national medical organization. This year, ArMA proudly presented the National Leadership Award to Daniel J. Briceland, MD. Dr. Briceland’s presidential leadership of the American Academy of Ophthalmology drove record levels of engagement and enabled the organization to achieve its strategic goals. Read more.

Rising Star Award: Christine J. Erie, MD
Presented to an ArMA medical student, resident, fellow, or physician in the first five years of their practice who has demonstrated enthusiasm for organized medicine, this year’s Rising Star Award recognizes Christine J. Erie, MD, a resident physician within Creighton University’s Family Medicine Residency program in Phoenix. During her clinical training, Dr. Erie has gone above and beyond to advocate for her profession by taking on extracurricular activities and programs on physician leadership. Read more.

President’s Award: Timothy H. Beger, MD
Each year, ArMA’s president honors an individual who has gone above and beyond in health care or provided them with unwavering support over the course of their presidential term. This year, ArMA’s 132nd President, William C. Thompson IV, MD, FASA, proudly presented the President’s Award to Timothy H. Beger, MD, for his steadfast and long-standing support of Dr. Thompson’s leadership and organized medicine. Read more.

ArMA's 133rd President, Nadeem Kazi, MD, AGAF , presented this year's awards and highlighted the unique contributions each recipient has made to healthcare in Arizona. To learn more about each awardee and their achievements, click here .

A large gathering of healthcare community leaders, political figures, and physicians were present for the 2024 ArMA Health Care Awards Ceremony, which took place during the association’s inaugural Heartbeat Fundraising Gala at the Marriott Phoenix Resort in Tempe, Arizona, on June 22.

The evening began with recorded remarks from Governor Katie Hobbs, who applauded the dedication, skill, and compassion of this year's award recipients. After honoring awardees, the gala concluded with a fundraising auction, which raised $55,000 for the ArMA Foundation's initiatives to address childhood obesity, promote 'Blue Zone' communities, and support medical education.

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