Terry Zimmerman, MD CSPS President

Many of us welcomed in the New Year with open arms, hoping to put the calamities of 2020 behind us. It has been historic times with historic challenges for most of us. Unfortunately, many of those same factors will carry over into 2021. We remain a nation divided, and these next few months are certain to test the resolve of democracy in this nation as we face the Senate runoff elections in Georgia, the challenges to the Presidential election, and the growing recall effort of our Governor of California.

California remains in varied states of lock-down due to the pandemic. Work performed by the efforts of our colleagues in the Los Angeles area has shown that elective surgery can be safely performed with proper protocols during the time of a pandemic. The vaccine against Covid-19 has started rolling out, and during the next month greater access to the vaccine will be available at local pharmacies and drug store chains.

Legislative News

On a National level, 2021 brings reforms to the E&M coding and further clarification of CPT coding for breast procedures. Through intense efforts of the AMA, ASPS and ASAPS, the proposed 7% to 18% reduction in Medicare reimbursement by the CMS was averted for 2021.

On the State level, 2021 begins the enforcement of AB149 which requires tracking serial numbers and Bar Codes present on all written narcotic prescriptions. Despite intense efforts by the entire Medical Community, AB 890 was passed last year allowing certain Nurse Practitioners to work autonomously beginning in 2023. The CSPS is working to place a Plastic Surgeon on the seven- member Nurse Advisory Committee and in developing further legislation to carve out the un-intended consequence of this Bill which would allow for NP’s to independently own and operate Med-Spas. The CSPS is also seeking new legislation that would require physicians to only perform surgical procedures in their office that have privileges to perform in accredited surgical facilities and that all complex surgical procedures only be performed in accredited operating rooms.

Regional Societies

The Pandemic continues to interrupt efforts for CA Regional Societies to hold their educational events. The Orange County Society of Plastic Surgeons has begun virtual meetings and we may see more collaboration between the Regional Societies to jointly hold meetings as times progress. California Regional Societies include The Greater Sacramento Society of Plastic Surgeons (GSSPS), The Los Angeles Society of Plastic Surgeons (LASPS), The Orange County Society of Plastic Surgeons (OCSPS), and the San Diego Society of Plastic Surgeons (SDSPS).

Annual Meeting

The CSPS is proceeding (with cautious optimism) with planning the 2021 Annual Meeting in person in Monterey, CA over the Memorial Day Weekend. A request for submission of abstracts has been sent and please save the date in your calendar for May 27 -30, 2021.

The California Society of Plastic Surgeons is continuing its’ rejuvenation process, with its new website, new management company, and increased relevancy efforts. Please read and vote on the changes proposed for our Bylaws. It is only through the support and participation of California Plastic Surgeons that the CSPS can continue to perform its important educational and advocacy efforts and I remind all members to come current with their reduced 2020-2021 dues and to encourage their colleagues that are not members to join their peers in this important and prestigious society.

Thank You,

Terry Zimmerman, MD
CSPS President