Join & Benefits

To become a member of the Thurston-Mason County Medical Society and the Washington State Medical Association, please contact:

Thurston-Mason County Medical Society

1800 Cooper Point Road SW, Bldg. 7-A
Olympia, WA 98502-1122
360.352.1417
Fax: 360.352.4303
skp@wsma.org
www.tmcms.org

To be eligible for membership, the applicant must:

• Posses the degree of Doctor or Medicine of Doctor of Osteopathy or Physician Assistant from a teaching institution approved by the American Medical Association;
• Be currently licensed to practice in the State of Washington;
• Maintain a practice, or be retired and reside or practice in Thurston, Mason, or neighboring county; and,
• Physicians must maintain membership in the Washington State Association or the Washington Osteopathic Medical Association.

benefits to membership

Every physician member is represented and has the opportunity to participate at the local, state and congressional level.  The TMCMS/WSMA works closely with these groups and individuals to ensure medicine’s “place at the table,” and that you and your medical practice remain strong and viable elements within this community.  There are over 9,000 members statewide; 400 in Thurston and Mason Counties.

Every physician specialty is represented.  Through the Interspecialty Council, each specialty has the opportunity to bring issues and concerns before private and government groups, and provide direction on hundreds of legislative and policy issues. 

Every physician member may take advantage of free and discounted CME opportunities.  In 2009, some of the programs offered were: Practice informatics, public health forums on H1N1, leadership development, advances in women’s health, taking advantage of federal stimulus incentives for EMRs, and community recognition of Health Care Champions – just to list a few. 

Professional, full-time Governmental Affairs and Legal staff are available to you year around.  During the 2010 legislation session, some of the priority items included:

• Opposition to cuts to Medicaid and the Basic Health Plan, including Interpreter Services, elimination of the GAU program, and lowering pediatric rate increases.
• Adequate funding for Public Health.
• Support for the agenda of the Liability Reform Coalition to work for meaningful reform of the tort system.
• Support for Health Care Reform measures that protect the viability of medical practices and support for the uninsured.
• Opposition to the tax on Plastic Surgery.

Professional Liability Insurance – A $300 annual discount on professional liability insurance when insured by Physicians Insurance A Mutual Company.

Thurston County Project Access - Oversees a volunteer program that provides urgent medical care to low-income patients in our community, and tracks the value of those services.

Washington Medical Political Action Committee (WAMPAC) – Voluntary participation in one of the State’s most powerful political action groups that works to support candidates for public office who support the goals of physicians and their patients.

Monthly Message from the President – Keeping you apprised of local physician news, membership events, and thoughts and special announcements from the Medical Society President.

Membership Memo – A twice monthly WSMA publication for members that includes updates of state and congressional activities, important “calls to action,” quick fax surveys to get your opinion on specific issues, CME announcements, new member benefits, etc.

WSMA Reports – Monthly publication with more in-depth news articles concerning Washington physicians, medical practice, policy issues, and medical liability.

Grievance Mediation – The Medical Society offers free patient-physician and physician-physician grievance mediation for member physicians.  Grievances are most often settled in this informal setting, rather than before the State Medical Quality Assurance Commission.

Referrals to Your Practice     - Within your specialty and sub-specialties.

 

Free Services – Such as 12-16 CME at the Annual Meetings, free listing in the local and state physician directories, payer contract review, and legal information.

Large Discounts – CME courses, disability insurance, Medical Legal Handbook, car rental, low-interest Gold MasterCard, student loan consolidations, and more.

ANNUAL DUES: (You will be billed following review and approval of your application.)

TMCMS:                                 $175 – All Members

                              plus

WSMA:   (Choose one)      $535 – Full Active Member (Semi-Annual Installments available)

                                                $267 – Second Year in Practice or Part time

                                                -0-         First Year in Practice

                                                -0-         Fully Retired

                    =                   $                 TOTAL ANNUAL DUES