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Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol Conference on Primary Care

The Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program is preparing for its highly anticipated 11th Statewide Conference titled "Primary Care at a Crossroads: Care and Cost." Scheduled for May 6, 2025, this year’s event aims to address critical issues surrounding primary care accessibility and affordability. Set to take place at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel Trade Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts, the conference will run from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Conference Overview

This complimentary, one-day event is designed for a diverse audience, targeting professionals and community members who are interested in enhancing their understanding of the complexities in healthcare. Workshops will be offered throughout the morning, focusing on crucial topics like detecting Medicare fraud, protecting oneself from scams, and steps to take if one has fallen victim to fraudulent activities.

The afternoon will shift focus to an essential panel discussion aimed at examining the challenges that primary care faces in Massachusetts and the innovative solutions that can be implemented to ensure equitable access to quality care while managing costs effectively.

Keynote Speaker

The conference will feature Dr. Julita Mir, a respected internist and infectious disease specialist, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Mir, renowned for her extensive experience in Boston's federally qualified health centers and leadership in community-based healthcare, will highlight the importance of consumer-focused primary care alongside the adoption of value-based care models.

Workshop Highlights

The morning workshops promise to deliver valuable insights into:

• - How to detect, prevent, and report healthcare errors, fraud, and abuse.
• - Navigating Medicare benefits and discovering ways to save on healthcare costs.
• - Understanding the obstacles related to electronic medical records and patient portals.
• - Addressing the demographic disparities present in patient care.

Afternoon Panel Discussion

In the afternoon, participants will engage in a panel discussion with members of the Primary Care Access, Delivery, and Payment Task Force. This task force is dedicated to crafting policy solutions to improve access to primary care and enhance financial sustainability for such services across the Commonwealth. The discussion will delve into actionable steps that can be taken to address these urgent matters.

Lucilia Prates, the state director for the Massachusetts SMP Program, emphasized the significance of this topic, stating: "Primary care is at a critical juncture in Massachusetts. We need to think outside the box, listen to consumers to foster dialogue, and empower individuals with knowledge on how and why primary care needs to change. Together we can drive meaningful change and collectively transform primary care to improve healthcare access for all."

Registration Details

This is a free event, but prior registration is essential. Interested individuals can secure their spot by visiting www.masmp.org. Accommodations are available upon request to ensure that all attendees can participate comfortably.

The Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program is committed to educating Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers about the prevention, detection, and reporting of healthcare errors, fraud, and abuse. In collaboration with various partners, the MA SMP Program mobilizes communities and consumers to be more engaged in their healthcare journey.

Conclusion

With pressing discussions surrounding healthcare accessibility and costs, this conference represents a critical opportunity for individuals and healthcare professionals alike to engage in transformative dialogue. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this essential conversation about the future of primary care in Massachusetts.