Since 1792, the Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS) has worked on behalf of physicians and patients in Connecticut — standing together regardless of specialty to ensure patients have access to quality care and to make the state the best place to practice medicine and receive care [citation:1].
The mission of the Connecticut State Medical Society is to be the voice of Connecticut physicians; to lead physicians in advocacy; to promote the profession of medicine; to improve the quality of care; and to safeguard the health of our patients [citation:1].
CSMS is part of a federation of county and state medical societies and the American Medical Association. Its vision is simple: physicians dedicated to a healthier Connecticut [citation:1].
CSMS membership is open to all licensed physicians, retired physicians, medical students, residents, and fellows [citation:7]. Dues are structured with reduced rates for new physicians and residents.
| Category | CSMS Dues |
|---|---|
| Full Member | $620 |
| 1st Year Practice (New Applicant) | $310 |
| 2nd Year Practice (New Applicant) | $620 |
| Yale Intern / Resident / Fellow | $125 |
AMA dues additional: Full $420, 1st Year $210, 2nd Year $315 [citation:2]. Resident dues per Yale application [citation:13].
Legislative and regulatory advocacy is one of the strongest ways CSMS represents the profession of medicine, both at the state and federal levels [citation:10]. The Society fights for prior authorization reform, telehealth payment parity, and against scope-of-practice expansions that threaten physician-led care.
Recent victories include:
Prior Authorization Reform — CSMS strongly supported Senate Bill 3 (2026), which shortens prior authorization timelines and deems requests approved when insurers fail to respond in a timely manner. CSMS testified that prior authorization "too often functions as a delay and denial mechanism" [citation:4].
Telehealth Payment Parity — CSMS secured permanent extension of telehealth payment parity (PA 24-110), ensuring physicians are reimbursed equally for virtual care [citation:15].
Scope of Practice Defense — CSMS successfully defeated attempts by naturopathic physicians to prescribe medicines, protecting physician-led care [citation:15].
Medicaid Reimbursement — CSMS continues to push for increased Medicaid payment rates, noting that Connecticut physicians are paid among the lowest Medicaid rates in the country [citation:4].
CSMS supports continuing medical education through partnerships and events. The 43rd Annual CIDS Conference (Connecticut Infectious Disease Society) will be held May 28, 2026 at La Bella Vista, Waterbury, CT, offering up to 5.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ [citation:3].
Topics include vaccine policy and international travel, infection prevention, HIV prevention and treatment, antibiotic stewardship, and updates in infectious disease guidelines [citation:3].
The 2026 CSMS Annual Meeting will be held October 1, 2026 at Cascades in Hamden, Connecticut [citation:5][citation:11]. This event brings physicians from across the state together for networking, policy discussions, and connection.
CSMS was instrumental in founding HAVEN (Health Assistance InterVention Education Network), a confidential assistance program for healthcare professionals facing alcoholism, substance abuse, behavioral or mental health issues, or physical illness [citation:6].
HAVEN was established following Public Act 07-103 (2007) and is an independent nonprofit created by CSMS, the Connecticut Nurses Association, the Connecticut State Dental Association, the Connecticut Veterinary Medicine Association, and the Connecticut Academy of Physician Assistants [citation:6].
Format: CSMS programming is primarily in-person. The Annual Meeting (October 1, 2026, Hamden) and the CIDS Conference (May 28, 2026, Waterbury) are both held at physical venues [citation:3][citation:5].
Audience: CSMS serves licensed physicians, retired physicians, medical students, residents, and fellows. Residents and fellows have dedicated membership pathways with reduced dues [citation:7][citation:13].
Website: For membership, advocacy, CME, or general inquiries, visit csms.org.