The Louisiana State Medical Society was formed in 1878 with the sole purpose of advancing "healthcare in the state of Louisiana. Today our mission is to be the trusted advocate for patients and physicians in the State of Louisiana. Learn more about the history of LSMS here: https://lsms.org/page/History.
Established 1878
MARCH 2026
Policy & Legislation
Policy & Legislation Legal Action Ethics & AI Protection Healthcare System Advocacy Public Health
Legal Action
Public Health
Ethics & AI Protection
Healthcare System Advocacy
WHAT’S INSIDE
Recent Actions of the Louisiana State Medical Society
4 ANNOUNCING NEW PARTNERSHIPS 5 LSMS CENTURY CLUB 6 RECENT ACTIONS OF THE LOUISIANA STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY 7 MARK YOUR CALENDARS 8 AMA 8 LSMS WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS 9 ASMAC 2025 10 THE LSMS CENTURY CLUB ISN’T JUST A GROUP MEMBERSHIP —IT’S A PARTNERSHIP. 12 THE ASCENSION CATTLE BARON’S BALL BENEFITING THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY! 14 LSMS BOARD OF GOVERNORS CHRISTMAS PARTY 2025
Page 6
Membership IT’S TIME TO RENEW More than a
The support of our members plays an essential role in our work, and your investment in LSMS allows us to continue to focus on you, so you can focus on your patients.
Contact membership@lsms.org to discuss your status or click the button below to access our quick pay link.
Free your mind to think about something other than medical professional liability insurance.
Since we’re focused on medical malpractice protection for physicians, your mind is free to go other places. LAMMICO is not just insurance. We’re a network of insurance and legal professionals experienced in medical liability claims. A network of robust in-person and online Risk Management educational resources to help you avoid a claim in the first place. A network that prides itself on personalized customer service to exceed your expectations. LAMMICO’s a partner – so that when you insure with us, your mind is free to focus on your patients.
lammico.com 800.452.2120
PAGE 3
ADVOCACY • LEGISLATIVE • REGULATORY LSMS CENTURY CLUB
ANNOUNCING NEW PARTNERSHIPS
RENEWALS: West Jefferson Emergency Physicians Acadian ENT The Spine Institute of Louisiana NW LA Nephrology Flex Institute/ Orthopedic Specialists of LA/ aka musculoskeletal institiute of la Imperial Health Renal Associates of Baton Rouge Lake Charles Anesthesiology Drs. Schwartzenburg, Lafranca, Guidry, & Chapman (SLGC, APMC) Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates Culicchia Neurological Clinic Northeast Louisiana Kidney Specialist LLC The Woman’s Clinic Southern Orthopaedic Specialists - NOT 100% Dermatology Associates of SW La
NEW: Covington Trace ER & Hospital: WK Pediatric Healthcare Associates/ WK Portico Pediatrics
We are excited to announce that MedHab is the newest Preferred Benefit Partner of the Louisiana State Medical Society. MedHab provides turnkey Remote Patient Monitoring, Remote Therapeutic Monitoring, Chronic Care Management, and Principal Care Management services and devices with no financial risk to providers. MedHab performs the work, the work is billed, you are paid directly by the payer, and then MedHab is paid. You will not be charged for work that is not reimbursed by the payer. MedHab provides services for the following: PCP’s, Cardiology, IM, Pain Management, Endocrinology, Oncology, orthopedics, FQHC’s and for ALF’s and LTC’s.
If you are interested in gathering more information schedule a 15-minute Zoom, contact Johnny Ross, CEO at johnnyross@medhab.com
Pediatric Surgery of Louisiana Lafayette Bone and Joint Clinic The Family Doctors New Orleans Nephrology Associates
Register today to attend White Coat Wednesday on May 20
The LSMS has also recently partnered with Callagy Recovery. This company was born from Callagy Law, a firm founded by Sean Callagy to fight for fair medical reimbursements. Since becoming an independent entity, Callagy Recovery has processed thousands of files each month for hundreds of medical provider clients nationwide. With custom-built, AI enhanced workflow technology and API connectivity to client systems, Callagy Recovery makes it seamless to engage with the No Surprise Act (NSA) arbitration process. Callagy Recovery provides full-contingency reimbursement enforcement services for healthcare providers nationwide and has returned more than $1.1 billion to medical professionals. If you would like additional information about Callagy Recovery, the NSA process, or to explore whether support may be available for your practice, you are invited to learn more by visiting https://GoCallagy.com/Louisiana-MA or by contacting Brian Hart at Brian.Hart@medicalrevenue.com .
The Pathology Laboratory Center for Women’s Health Southern Urology, llc Colon & Rectal AssociatesBaton Rouge Clinic
PAGE 4
PAGE 5
RECENT ACTIONS OF THE LOUISIANA STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY
MARK YOUR CALENDARS May 15, 2026 – 2026 Resolution Deadline May 20, 2026 White Coat Wednesday June 3, 2026 Board of Governors July 30, 2026 Annual Meeting September 16, 2026
z Letter to Cigna opposing their proposed policy for downcoding of E&M.
z LSMS Foundation awards both Jefferson Parish Medical Society and Orleans Parish Medical Society grants to be used for local public health initiatives. z Joined Amicus Brief supporting Tobacco Free Kids’ lawsuit against vaping. z Submitted comments to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners opposing proposed rules for Residency Trained Athletic Trainers.
z Letter to LA Attorney General seeking assistance and guidance around creating a cybercrime for using AI deep fakes to impersonate a physician. z Letter to Elevance Health opposing their proposed policy of penalizing hospitals with a 10% reimbursement cut when out- of-network physicians are used for care. z Letter to Congress supporting the repeal of current law that bans physician owned hospitals. z Canceled marketing agreements and sponsorship with Advantage Physicians Health Trust.
z Submitted formal complaint to the Louisiana State Board of Chiropractic
Examiners for chiropractors believed to be practicing medicine without a license.
Board of Governors December 16, 2026 Board of Governors
Policy & Legislation
Policy & Legislation Legal Action Ethics & AI Protection Healthcare System Advocacy Public Health
Legal Action
Public Health
Ethics & AI Protection
Healthcare System Advocacy
PAGE 6
PAGE 7
AMA
ASMAC 2025
LSMS Vice President of Legal Affairs, Lauren Bailey , who serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the American Society of Medical Association Counsel, joined a panel of peers at their Fall Conference to discuss the intricacies of how they balance their duties representing the physicians of their individual states.
LSMS WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS District 5 Benjamin Morehead, MD Monroe District 8 Christina Lord, MD Leesville District 9 Maria Doucet, MD Lafayette TO THE TEAM Wlecome
PAGE 8
PAGE 9
THE LSMS CENTURY CLUB ISN’T JUST A GROUP MEMBERSHIP — IT’S A PARTNERSHIP. Our Century Club members work alongside LSMS leadership to strengthen
advocacy, receive direct legislative updates, gain visibility for their practices, and open doors to future leadership opportunities.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
z If your practice wants to become a group member, here’s what’s in store:
z Group CEOs have direct access to the LSMS EVP/CEO and the LSMS Advocacy Team
z Physicians can get directly involved with matters that mean the most to them
z Members can gain valuable experience through the LSMS that will help them pursue leadership positions with their practice or hospital
Congratulations to everyone who participated in Match Day on March 20 MATCH Day
z One convenient bill to reduce staff and administrative burdens
Your practice, one voice. Join today by contacting our Medical Group Engagement Manager, Kristen Broussard at kbroussard@lsms.org!
March 30 Happy National Doctor’s Day T hank You Doctor’s
PAGE 10
PAGE 11
THE ASCENSION CATTLE BARON’S BALL BENEFITING THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY! MARIA BOWEN AND JEFF WILLIAMS JOINED LSMS MEMBERS DR. WILL FREEMAN, DR. BEAU CLARK, AND DR. CLAY RUNFALO—ONE OF THIS YEAR’S BARON HONOREES—AT THE ASCENSION CATTLE BARON’S BALL, BENEFITING THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY!
It was a night filled with generosity, community spirit, and plenty of boots and bling—all in support of lifesaving cancer research and patient programs. We’re proud to stand alongside leaders in our medical community who continue to give back and make a measurable difference in the fight against cancer.
PAGE 12
PAGE 13
LSMS BOARD OF GOVERNORS CHRISTMAS PARTY 2025 A night to pause, connect, and celebrate. 🎄✨ We were overjoyed to gather around for the LSMS Board of Governors Christmas Party at Jubans in Baton Rouge. Between incredible dishes, festive cocktails, and meaningful conversation, the evening was a reminder of the community that makes this work so special. As we look ahead to a new year, we’re thankful for your dedication and hopeful for all we’ll accomplish together. Cheers to the season and to what’s next. 🥂
PAGE 14
PAGE 15
SAVE
DATE!
the
2026 LSMS Annual Meeting:
July 30 – August 1, 2026
Tiger Stadium • Baton Rouge, LA
Details and agenda coming soon. Mark your calendars and plan to attend!
Page 1 Page 2-3 Page 4-5 Page 6-7 Page 8-9 Page 10-11 Page 12-13 Page 14-15 Page 16Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software