San Mateo County Medical Association

06/02/2026

Today, CMA physicians stand with Xavier Becerra for California governor. As our healthcare system faces mounting pressures, Xavier Becerra brings the leadership and experience needed to navigate complex issues and protect California communities. https://www.cmadocs.org/newsroom/news/view/ArticleId/51180/CMA-Endorses-Xavier-Becerra-for-Governor

06/02/2026

More young people are turning to AI chatbots for mental health advice, drawn by their accessibility, privacy, and instant responses. But experts caution that AI cannot replace the empathy, clinical judgment, and human connection provided by trained mental health professionals. As these tools become more common, understanding both their potential and their limitations is critical.

Read more:

Experts worry that some young people are turning to AI bots during mental health crises, which the tech isn’t made to handle. An author of the survey said regulations are needed.

06/01/2026

States are raising concerns about the cost of implementing new Medicaid work requirements, with some projecting millions in administrative expenses for technology upgrades, staffing, and compliance systems. As policymakers debate changes to Medicaid, it's important to consider the impact on state budgets, access to care, and health system stability. 🏥

Read more:

States dealing with budget shortfalls are facing tens of millions of dollars in new costs ahead of the federal Jan. 1 deadline.

06/01/2026

☀️ Mark Your Calendars! The SMCMA Physician Family Picnic is Back! 🎉

📅 June 13, 2026
⏰ 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
📍 Coyote Point Recreation Area

Gather your family and join us for an afternoon filled with:

🌮 Great food
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family fun
🤝 Meaningful connections
🌳 Outdoor relaxation
🩺 Community celebration

Whether you're reconnecting with colleagues, meeting new members, or simply enjoying a day outdoors with your loved ones, this is an event you won't want to miss.

✅ Free for physician families
📝 RSVP: https://forms.gle/PrRQFu7P6szzmKCJ7

05/19/2026

Recent attention on hantavirus has raised questions about how the virus spreads and what risks it may pose.

While hantavirus can cause severe illness, experts say the risk to the general public remains low, and understanding transmission, prevention, and public health guidance is important as scientists continue monitoring emerging infectious disease threats.

Read more:

The rare virus has a high fatality rate and can spread through the air, research shows, though it is easier to contain than Covid-19.

05/18/2026

The CDC says the risk of Ebola to the U.S. public remains low despite an ongoing outbreak in Congo and Uganda, while public health officials continue monitoring and strengthening response efforts.

The situation highlights the importance of global surveillance, preparedness, and rapid public health response to emerging infectious diseases.

Read more:

The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak in central Africa “a public health emergency of international concern.”

05/14/2026

Two studies put ChatGPT, Gemini and others to the test on questions of health. In one, they got almost half the answers wrong.

05/14/2026

The California Medical Association is sponsoring legislation to prohibit insurance companies from automatically downcoding physician claims without documented clinical review.

Supporters say automated downcoding policies increase administrative burden, reduce reimbursement accuracy, and can threaten the sustainability of physician practices that patients rely on for care.

Read More: https://www.cmadocs.org/newsroom/news/view/ArticleId/51132/CMA-sponsors-legislation-to-prohibit-automatic-downcoding-by-insurance-companies?

Assemblymember Darshana Patel has introduced AB 2431, sponsored by CMA, to protect physician practices and patient access to care by prohibiting automatic downcoding by health insurance companies.

05/14/2026

As concern around hantavirus grows, so does the spread of misinformation online. Public health experts are urging communities to rely on trusted, science-based information and avoid panic fueled by rumors and conspiracy theories. Accurate communication is critical to protecting public health and maintaining trust during emerging health events.

Read More:

"A whole ecosystem of disinformation and misinformation arose during the pandemic and is now being transferred to Hantavirus."

05/12/2026

California health officials are monitoring potential hantavirus exposures after four Californians may have been exposed to the virus linked to an outbreak aboard a cruise ship.

The CDC has emphasized that the risk of widespread transmission in the U.S. remains low, but clinicians are being urged to stay alert for symptoms that may resemble influenza or other viral illnesses. Early recognition and appropriate infection control measures remain critical.

Read more from the Los Angeles Times:

California passengers from the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship have returned to the U.S. Infectious disease experts break down the potential risk.