Hillsborough County Medical Association Latest News

Kids' Corner Pediatrics, PLLC

2 Tampa General Circle

5th Floor/Cardiology

Tampa, 33606

813.821.8001

Ever Rivera, MD

Pediatrics

1114 Bell Shoals Rd.

Brandon, 33511

813.940.8140

Jeetpaul Saran, MD

Internal Medicine

The Health Associates of Tampa

508 S. Habana Ave., #300

Tampa, 33609

813.877.6770

Jacqueline Wesolow, DO

Internal Medicine

Moffitt Cancer Center

12902 Magnolia Dr.

Tampa, 33612

813.745.4673

Florida Urology Partners

(now 100% HCMA membership!)

Click for practice locations and phone numbers

Rudolph Acosta, MD

Salim Afridi, MD

David Buethe, MD

Alexander Engelman, MD

Sam Fisher, MD

Anisleidy Fombona, MD

Reid Graves, MD

Nicholas Laryngakis, MD

Adam Oppenheim, DO

Drew Palmer, MD

Nirav Patel, MD

Barry Sandler, MD

Luke Sebel, MD

Ankur Shah, MD

Kevin Spires, MD

Stephanie Stillings, MD

Arnie Tannenbaum, MD

Mark Weitzenfeld, MD

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Spotlight on Savings

The Bank of Tampa and HCMA begin their 13th partnership year!

The Bank of Tampa has supported the HCMA for several decades before becoming a Benefit Provider in 2012.

Specializing in services for medical practices and physicians for over 35 years. The Bank of Tampa has designed exclusive benefits for HCMA members including a personal relationship package, commercial banking services, and wealth management services; as well as discounts on Remote Deposit Capture, payroll, and merchant card services.

Gavin Nelson

VP, Private Relationship Manager

Ashley Watters

VP, Commercial Relationship Manager

(813) 998-2600

Classified Ads

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Click here to review the most recent issue of The Bulletin along with previous issues.

If you or anyone you know is interested in advertising in The Bulletin, or marketing their services to HCMA members, more information can be found in the HCMA Marketing packet.

UPCOMING EVENTS

26th HCMA Foundation's Charity Golf Classic

Thursday, April 4, 2024, Call to carts: 1:15pm

Tournament Players Club - Tampa

TITLE SPONSORS

Jensen Anderson/Brighthouse Financial

CHAMPION SPONSORS

TGH Imaging

WINNER SPONSORS

BT Wealth Advisors

EAGLE SPONSORS

SGP Advisors

WellMed - Tampa

PAR SPONSORS

The Bank of Tampa

Florida Pain Medicine

SouthState Bank

USF Federal Credit Union

The Woman's Group

HOLE SPONSORS

Farrior Facial Plastic Surgery

Ferman Motor Car Company

HCMA Physician Family Alliance

Michael Foley, MD, FACR

HCMA Foundation

Carol Hodges, MD & Ed Homan, MD

Saira Khan, MD

Luis T. Menendez, MD/Dermatology

Total Spine & Brain Institute

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS

Carol Hodges, MD & Ed Homan, MD

Dr. David & Elke Lubin

Dr. Bruce & Coleen Shephard

Michael A. Zimmer, MD, MACP

Debbie Zorian

HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSORS

The Bulletin of the HCMA

Morgan Import Motorcars

Judeo Christian Health Clinic

Annual Fundraiser & Silent Auction

Thursday, April 11, 2024, 6PM

Sponsorship opportunities are available and individual tickets can be purchased by calling the JCHC, 813.870.3231. Ronald and Renee Vaughn will be honored and will be presented with the 2024 Humanitarian Award.

HCMA Presidential Installation

Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Dr. Damian Caraballo will be installed as HCMA's 121st President. FMA President, Dr. Jason Goldman will be our special guest. Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities are available - contact the HCMA office for more information (813.253.0471) or CLICK HERE.

March 2024 E News Part 1

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 19:57:10 GMT

Pertinent Information

HAVE YOU PAID YOUR

2024 HCMA MEMBERSHIP DUES?

Your HCMA membership renews on the first of each year. The drop date is March 31st. Check your membership status by logging into your account at HCMA.net. You can pay your dues securely online, or by calling the HCMA at 813.253.0471, or by mailing your payment to HCMA, 3001 W. Azeele Street, Tampa, FL 33609.

Ladapo criticized over measles vaccine memo that contradicts CDC guidance

In the wake of measles cases at a Broward school, Florida's surgeon general writes that the Department of Health “is deferring to parents or guardians to make decisions about school attendance” without urging the need for MMR vaccinations. Read more.

HCMA position statement

The HCMA strongly supports immunizations to protect our communities from highly communicable and deadly diseases. Click here to read the HCMA's position statement regarding the measles outbreak and the effectiveness of vaccinations.

Sunshine State looks to require some insurers to cover costs of skin cancer screenings

Lawmakers are poised to make it easier and cheaper for Florida residents to undergo potentially lifesaving skin cancer screenings by ensuring that all costs are covered by health insurance. Read more.

Older U.S. adults should get another COVID-19 shot, health officials recommend

The CDC said Americans 65 and older should get another dose of the updated vaccine that became available in September — if at least four months have passed since their last shot. Read more.

Make a difference

The Florida Legislature is in its final weeks of session, and bills that will affect your practice are passing now. By supporting HCMA's political action committee, HILLPAC, you'll be supporting political candidates committed to you, your practice, and your patients. Click here to donate.

Medical education loan reimbursement update

In October, FMA leaders joined Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez at a press conference touting the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) Program. The FRAME Program assists eligible healthcare practitioners, including physicians, with the repayment of medical education loans. The FMA secured an annual appropriation of nearly $6.6 million for this program during the 2022 Legislative Session, and physicians and residents received the majority of funds allocated this year. The 2024 awards cycle will open on Feb. 1st. The deadline is March 31st. Read more.

FMA Annual Meeting

The 2024 FMA Annual Meeting is being held August 2-4 in Orlando at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort. The HCMA is allotted 30+ delegates to represent our members and communities. If you are interested in submitting a resolution for our delegation to consider, or want to serve as an HCMA delegate to the FMA, contact Elke Lubin for details.

Plant a pinwheel garden!

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County is partnering with organizations throughout Hillsborough County to create pinwheel gardens. The blue pinwheels symbolize Child Abuse Prevention Month. In previous years, over 200 pinwheel gardens were placed throughout the county. Let's increase that number to bring even more awareness to child abuse prevention. If you have a 10x5 space at your facility to place a pinwheel garden, The Children’s Board will provide the pinwheels and a yard sign. To confirm your participation contact Timothy Bennett, CMP, DES, Children's Board Community Relations Manager, (813) 274-6899, or BennettTA@childrensboard.org. The HCMA has displayed a pinwheel garden in front of our office locations for several years.

Attention 4th year medical students planning a career in OBG

Robert Yelverton, Sr., MD Memorial Scholarship - Deadline April 1st

The HCMA Foundation USF Health/Morsani College of Medicine Robert Yelverton, Sr., MD Memorial Scholarship, established in 2023, will be presented at the May HCMA Membership Dinners to a senior USF medical student who will continue their graduate medical education in obstetrics/gynecology and is based on financial need and academic achievement. Among his many notable accomplishments, Dr. Yelverton served as HCMA President in 1997 and as a Clinical Associate Professor of Ob/Gyn at the USF Morsani College of Medicine. Click here to apply.

2024 Foundation Grant Season is open

After each Charity Golf Classic, the HCMA Foundation Board members review grant applications and choose the recipients of the year's awards. The Board is now accepting grant applications, the deadline to submit is May 15th. If you are familiar with a local nonprofit organization that supports the health and well-being of the members of our communities, please encourage them to apply. Grant applications can be found on the HCMA website, by emailing Elke Lubin, or by calling the HCMA office at 813.253.0471.

Membership Directory rates have been reduced

HCMA Physician Family Alliance

The HCMA Physician Family Alliance is a group of physicians, spouses, partners, and family members whose aim is to promote good health and health education, to engage in charitable community endeavors, and to foster friendly relations among physicians' families and the communities in which they live. The HCMA PFA is excited to announce its new officers: Livia Restrepo & Lauren Swoboda (Co-Presidents) and Beth Schumacher (Secretary/Treasurer). For more information about the HCMA PFA click here or email the officers.

Rental property search for incoming fellow and residents

Connect with us!

Follow and connect with the HCMA on social media. Tap the icons on the left and also connect with HCMA administration staff on LinkedIn:

Debbie Zorian, Executive Director and

Elke Lubin, Executive Assistant

March 2024 E News Part 2

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 19:41:57 GMT

From the Board of Medicine

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.

Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.

Medscape Physician Burnout & Depression Report 2024: 'We Have Much Work to Do'

Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on March 31, 2024.

The Florida Board of Medicine and the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine are responsible for setting the CME required for licensure and re-licensure in Florida. Each Board specifies a certain number of hours, including some mandatory topics, that must be completed within each two-year licensure term.

CE Broker

Physician Wellness

The HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program (PWP) provides a safe harbor for members to address life difficulties, challenges, and increased stress through counseling and coaching services, up to six sessions in twelve months. This complimentary and completely confidential benefit is available for all members, regardless of membership category.

Help us build our resource page

Personal News

THERE WAS A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE...AND SENATE!

HCMA leaders met with members of the Hillsborough Legislative Delegation and their staff during a visit to Tallahassee on February 20th. Many thanks to Drs. Neil Manimala, Nam Tran, Damian Caraballo, Eva Crooke, and Christine Whitehead for representing the HCMA and our members so well! Dr. Cromer also served as "Doctor of the Day." The 2024 Florida Legislative Session ends March 8th. For more information about the HCMA and how to get involved with our Government Affairs Committee, visit HCMA.net or call 813.253.0471.

Time Marches On

March 17th marks three years since the HCMA building was sold. The iconic building was the HCMA's home for over 45 years! The "new" 606 S. Boulevard is still under construction.

Hundreds of HCMA meetings were held at 606 S. Boulevard over the years.

Above - taken recently, under construction.

New Members

Active Member

Elizabeth Hopkins, MD

Plastic Surgery

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialists

2727 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., #200

Tampa, 33607

813.771.2077

Affiliate Members

Trina Espinola, MD

Otolaryngology

Bayfront Health ENT & Allergy

625 6th Ave, South

#385

St. Petersburg, 33706

727.553.7100

Traci Ryan, DO

Emergency Medicine

Emergency Physicians of St. Pete

701 6th St., South

St. Petersburg, 33701

727.553.7391

Fadi Saba, MD

Internal Medicine

Professional Health Care of Pinellas

1839 Central Ave.

St. Petersburg, 33713

727.322.1054

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Spotlight on Savings

Winstar Payments - as a valued member of the Hillsborough County Medical Association, Winstar Payments will provide you a free analysis of your current merchant processing system to compare with proposed discounted fees up to 50% percent lower or 100% FREE credit card processing with our Cash Discount program. Winstar will pay $1,000 to any practice where they cannot meet or beat their current processing rates. Be sure to ask about our fully-compliant Cash Discount Program which includes a free Point-Of-Sale.

Classified Ads

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Click here to review the most recent issue of The Bulletin along with previous issues.

If you or anyone you know is interested in advertising in The Bulletin, or marketing their services to HCMA members, more information can be found in the HCMA Marketing packet.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Financial Planning - A 2-part Interactive Webinar

Tuesday, March 19 & 26, 6:30-8pm

A great class to prepare you for the rest of the year. Brought to you by the HCMA Benefit Provider Program and Physicians Wealth Planning. RSVPs are required. Include your home address when registering, course materials will be mailed to you.

26th HCMA Foundation's Charity Golf Classic

Thursday, April 4, 2024, Call to carts: 1:15pm

Tournament Players Club - Tampa

Sponsorship opportunities are available and golfer registration is now open. Click here for all of the info!

Sponsors as of today... we'd love to add you to the list of supporters!

TITLE SPONSORS

Jensen Anderson/Brighthouse Financial

CHAMPION SPONSORS

TGH Imaging Powered by Tower

WINNER SPONSORS

BT Wealth Advisors

EAGLE SPONSORS

SGP Advisors

WellMed - Tampa

PAR SPONSORS

The Bank of Tampa

Florida Pain Medicine

USF Federal Credit Union

The Woman's Group

HOLE SPONSORS

HCMA Physician Family Alliance

Ferman Motor Car Company

Michael Foley, MD, FACR

Carol Hodges, MD & Ed Homan, MD

Saira Khan, MD

Michael A. Zimmer, MD, MACP

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS

Dr. David & Elke Lubin

Dr. Bruce & Coleen Shephard

Debbie Zorian

HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSORS

The Bulletin of the HCMA

Morgan Import Motorcars

Judeo Christian Health Clinic

Annual Fundraiser & Silent Auction

Thursday, April 11, 2024, 6PM

HCMA Presidential Installation

Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Save the date! Dr. Damian Caraballo will be installed as HCMA's 121st President. FMA President, Dr. Jason Goldman will be our special guest. Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities are available - contact the HCMA office for information, 813.253.0471 or AOrthman@hcma.net.

February 2024 E News Part 1

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 21:54:47 GMT

Pertinent Information

HAVE YOU PAID YOUR 2024 HCMA MEMBERSHIP DUES?

Your HCMA membership renews on the first of each year. Check your membership status by logging into your account at HCMA.net. You can pay your dues securely online, or by calling the HCMA at 813.253.0471, or by mailing your payment to HCMA, 3001 W. Azeele Street, Tampa, FL 33609.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE...

TO RSVP FOR THE

HCMA Membership Dinner

Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Dr. Joseph Dituri, our guest speaker, broke the world record for the longest time spent living in a fixed underwater habitat. Also known as “Dr. Deep Sea,” the USF professor lived underwater to study how the human body responds to long-term exposure to pressure from the underwater habitat. RSVP by clicking here! Sponsor and exhibit opportunities are available, 813.253.0471.

FOR SELF NOMINATIONS

If you would like to be placed, as a candidate, on the 2024 HCMA ballot, it is not too late to self-nominate. You must be a member in the ACTIVE, AFFILIATE, or LIFE membership categories and your 2024 HCMA membership dues must be paid in full. Nominations to specific seats will be determined by the Nominating Committee members on February 6th. However, if you have a preference to serve in a certain capacity, please indicate such when submitting your request. Click here if you have any questions or to submit your name for nomination.

TO GO TO TALLAHASSEE WITH YOUR PEERS

The HCMA's Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is coordinating a contingency of members to visit Tallahassee on February 20th, during the 2024 Legislative Session. This one-day event includes a meeting with FMA legislative experts followed by scheduled appointments with legislators and/or their administrative staff. Members often arrive in Tallahassee the evening before the scheduled day at the Capitol. If you are interested in joining the GAC contingency in their visit to Tallahassee, contact Elke Lubin or call the HCMA office: 813.253.0471.

JN.1 takes over as the most prevalent COVID-19 variant

The virus continues to evolve so rapidly that "our immune systems have not been able to keep up," an expert says. Here's what you need to know.

The US hasn't seen syphilis numbers this high since 1950

It's not clear why infectious cases of syphilis rose 9% while gonorrhea dropped 9%, the CDC reports. Syphilis is less common than gonorrhea or chlamydia but is considered more dangerous. Read more.

AI excels in patient interaction and diagnosis in pilot study

The Articulate Medical Intelligence Explorer (AMIE), an artificial intelligence algorithm, has been trained to conduct and evaluate medical conversations. In dialogues with "patients" who were trained actors, it matched or even surpassed the performance of human doctors. Read more.

Attention 4th year medical students planning a career in OBG

Robert Yelverton, Sr., MD Memorial Scholarship - Deadline April 1st

The HCMA Foundation USF Health/Morsani College of Medicine Robert Yelverton, Sr., MD Memorial Scholarship, established in 2023, will be presented at the May HCMA Membership Dinners to a senior USF medical student who will continue their graduate medical education in obstetrics/gynecology and is based on financial need and academic achievement. One $2,000 scholarship will be awarded annually. Among his many notable accomplishments, Dr. Yelverton served as HCMA President in 1997 and as a Clinical Associate Professor of Ob/Gyn at the USF Morsani College of Medicine. Click here to apply.

Membership Directory rates have been reduced

Tampa Bay Street Medicine - Wish List

Tampa Bay Street Medicine, a USF Health student-led organization dedicated to bringing healthcare to Tampa’s unsheltered population, is holding a donation drive via an Amazon Wishlist. Please view their list via THIS LINK and consider making a donation. If you have any questions, please contact Emily Heideman, MD Candidate ‘24, Morsani College of Medicine, eheideman@usf.edu.

Panera Heart Cookies support St. Joe's Hearts

The Panera Valentine cookie promotion benefiting the Patel Heart Institute at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital will be underway from February 1-14. With your purchase of a heart-shaped cookie at one of the 30 bakery-cafes throughout Tampa Bay owned by Covelli Enterprises, Panera will donate 100% of the profits to the kids at St. Joe’s. Find a participating location.

Bill would create police training on dealing with people who have Alzheimer's

A bill creating an Alzheimer's training program for law enforcement officers is making its way through the Florida Senate. The optional online course would teach how to interact with people who have dementia, recognize behaviors, use alternatives to physical restraints, and spot signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The training in SB 208 would be optional and count toward continuing education. Read more.

Expected to be a big deal, Alzheimer's drug is pulled after disappointing sales.

A drugmaker is pulling the plug on an Alzheimer's treatment that was once expected to be a blockbuster. NPR's Sydney Lupkin reports on what happened and what it could mean for patients. Read more.

When should your patients stop driving? Preparing to hang up the car keys.

As cognitive skills erode, driving skills weaken, but an older driver may not recognize that. Advance directives on driving are one way to handle this challenge. Resources to help family members address the issue with their elderly loved one are available. Many people with cognitive impairment continue to drive and don’t want to stop. There are no standards for when they should give up their car keys, but planning ahead is recommended.

Here are some resources that offer guidance:

For basic information:

Alzheimer’s Association: “Dementia and Driving”
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: “Driving and Alzheimer’s Disease”

Hitting the milestone:

Healthwise: “Is It Time to Stop Driving?”

A conversation guide:

The Hartford Center for Mature Market Excellence: “At the Crossroads: Family Conversations About Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia and Driving.”

CMS Prior Authorization regulations

On January 17, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule that makes important reforms in prior authorization (PA) programs for medical services. The rule addresses PA in government-regulated health plans: Medicare Advantage, state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Fee-for-Service programs, Medicaid managed care plans, CHIP managed care entities, and Qualified Health Plan (QHP) issuers on the Federally Facilitated Exchanges (FFEs).

The AMA continues to analyze the details of the final rule; their initial read suggests that CMS has taken important steps toward right-sizing the PA process by addressing both technological and operational requirements. Among the technology provisions is a requirement that impacted payers support an electronic PA process that is embedded within physicians’ electronic health records (EHR)—bringing much-needed automation and efficiency to the current time-consuming, manual workflow. In addition, CMS is curtailing payers’ PA processes by mandating shortened PA processing timeframes and significantly enhancing transparency around PA, including requirements for specific denial reasons and public reporting of program metrics. CMS is also requiring that payers provide physicians and patients more PA-related information.

CMS notes enforcement of its policies, particularly around Medicare Advantage payers, can include CMS sanctions and civil monetary penalties. CMS received considerable feedback on the effective date of its policies, including some concerns regarding technology challenges. Unless otherwise noted in the section summaries attached, CMS’ policies will go into effect January 1, 2027.

The AMA issued a press release commending the Biden Administration for its PA reforms that prioritize patients’ access to care and reduce administrative burdens for physicians and their staff. The AMA has been urging the Biden Administration to move forward on many of these reforms and this final rule is an important step. The AMA looks forward to continuing to work with CMS on this critical issue, including expanding these improvements to drug PA. A more detailed, preliminary summary of the new regulations can be found here.

PHYSICIANS NEEDED to conduct guardianship evaluations for the Court in Hillsborough County

Applications are currently being sought from licensed Florida physicians to serve as members of the 13th Judicial Circuit’s Guardianship Examining Committee. The work product of the Examining Committee is an essential consideration of the Guardianship Court, before declaring a person to be legally incapacitated, in whole or in part, and before removing any of that person’s rights and, potentially, delegating some of those rights to a legal guardian. Physicians are required to complete the evaluation and file a written report to the Court, for which they are paid a $350 or $500 flat fee, depending on the circumstances of the case.

A completed application must be submitted for consideration, along with a résumé reflecting relevant experience. Applicants must also be cleared through a court-conducted criminal records check. A one-time initial training is required to be completed within four months of appointment and is available in this Circuit via online video training. After that, members of the Committee must simply demonstrate 2 hours of relevant continuing education training that will enhance their ability to conduct the evaluations. For more information about this Examining Committee work and/or to request an application, please contact the Court’s Elder Justice Center by email at elder@fljud13.org or by calling (813) 276-2726. Thank you for your consideration regarding this important community service.

Florida Rx Card

A FREE statewide Prescription Assistance Program (PAP). This prescription discount drug card offers savings as high as 75% on both generic and brand medications. Anyone living in or visiting Florida can use this discount card; regardless of age, income, health conditions, or residential status. No restrictions or applications. No personal information is required to obtain a card. Accepted at over 70,000 pharmacies nationwide. Very easy to use and some prescription costs are less than health insurance co-pays! For more information, or to order cards to distribute to your patients, contact Timra Campbell, Florida Rx Card, info@floridarxcard.com.

In the immortal words of David Bowie, “Let's Dance”

Do your patients hate exercise? Have patients who want to lose weight? Tell them to put on their dancing shoes. Dancing can be an effective fat-loss tool for people who are overweight or have obesity, according to a recent meta-analysis in PLOS One. People who danced regularly lost about four more pounds — including three and a half pounds of fat — than those who didn't dance. They also shaved an extra inch off their waists. Read more.

Happy Heart Month!

Heart Month is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and cardiovascular diseases. It serves as a reminder to prioritize heart-healthy lifestyles, learn about heart disease prevention, and support those affected by cardiovascular conditions. Heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, and this observance seeks to reduce its impact through awareness and action. Learn more

Connect with us!

Follow and connect with the HCMA on social media. Tap the links and also connect with HCMA administration staff:

Hillsborough County Medical Association, Inc. | Tampa FL | Facebook

Hillsborough County Medical Association (@medicalassn) • Instagram photos and videos

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, INC | LinkedIn

Hillsborough County Medical Association - YouTube

Debbie Zorian, Executive Director and

Elke Lubin, Executive Assistant

February 2024 E News Part 2

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 21:43:48 GMT

From the Board of Medicine

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.

Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.

St. Joseph's Children's Hospital

Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on March 31, 2024.

CE Broker

Physician Wellness

Help us build our resource page

Personal News

USF Medical Student Social

The HCMA and AMA co-sponsored a student get-together at Greenwise Pours, on January 3rd. USF Medical Student representative and hostess, Alexandra Mazur, organized the event attended by several students, Drs. Michael Cromer (HCMA President), Bryan Bognar (Vice Dean, USF MCOM Educational Affairs), Arun Kalava (HCMA Secretary), Charles Lockwood (Dean, USF MCOM), and HCMA administrative staff. Students mingled, asked questions about the HCMA while discussing organized medicine, and learned about HCMA’s long-running partnership with USF MCOM. The medical student contingency continues to impress, and we look forward to seeing them at future HCMA events! Go Bulls!

New Members

Active Member

Trisha Larkin, MD

Pediatric Hematology-Oncology

3001 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Tampa, 33607

813.321.6820

Affiliate Members

Angus Jameson, MD

Emergency Medicine

Prehospital Medicine Consultants, LLC

50 8th Ave., SW, #22

Largo, 33779

727.582.5699

Ernst Klaus, MD

Rheumatology

The Arthritis & Diabetes Center/Palm Harbor

32615 US 19, North

Suites 2&3

Palm Harbor, 34683

727.789.2784

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Spotlight on Savings

SGP Advisors – SGP is a boutique, Tampa-based insurance brokerage specializing in insuring physicians. SGP's team of professionals has 50+ years of experience insuring healthcare providers in the Tampa Bay area. SGP has developed numerous, exclusive insurance programs specifically for HCMA members. These not only address the professional liability insurance needs of the HCMA members, but the additional insurance needs that each practice requires. Our unique experience and capabilities will give you peace of mind, knowing that your risks are our biggest concern. SGP will provide eligible HCMA members with a 10% discount on professional liability insurance premiums.

For a no-obligation consultation, please contact Patricia Thompson, AAI, CIC, Advisor/Practice Leader, pthompson@sgpadv.com, office: 813.418.4492, mobile: 813.404.7905.

Classified Ads

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Click here to review the most recent issue of The Bulletin along with previous issues.

If you or anyone you know is interested in advertising in The Bulletin, or marketing their services to HCMA members, more information can be found in the HCMA Marketing packet.

UPCOMING EVENTS

26th HCMA Foundation's Charity Golf Classic

Thursday, April 4, 2024, Call to carts: 1:15pm

Tournament Players Club - Tampa

Sponsorship opportunities are available and golfer registration is now open. Click here for all of the info!

Sponsors as of today... we'd love to add you to the list of supporters!

TITLE SPONSORS

Jensen Anderson/Brighthouse Financial

CHAMPION SPONSORS

TGH Imaging Powered by Tower

WINNER SPONSORS

BT Wealth Advisors

EAGLE SPONSORS

SGP Advisors

WellMed - Tampa

PAR SPONSORS

The Bank of Tampa

Florida Pain Medicine

The Woman's Group

HOLE SPONSORS

HCMA Physician Family Alliance

Michael Foley, MD, FACR

Carol Hodges, MD & Ed Homan, MD

Michael A. Zimmer, MD, MACP

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS

Dr. David & Elke Lubin

Debbie Zorian

HCMA Presidential Installation

Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Save the date! Dr. Damian Caraballo will be installed as HCMA's 2024-2025 President. FMA President, Dr. Jason Goldman will be our special guest. Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities are available - contact the HCMA office for information, 813.253.0471 or AOrthman@hcma.net.

January 2024 E News Part 1

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 18:49:43 GMT

Pertinent Information

2024 HCMA Membership renewals were due January 1st.

HCMA Membership Dinner

Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Is it time to retain your fingerprints?

As part of the background screening process, every physician who applies for licensure in Florida must submit a set of fingerprints to the Department of Health. The information is then stored in Florida’s Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, and licensees must retain the stored fingerprints every five years from the date they were first submitted. Failure to meet the retention deadline will result in the information being deleted automatically, and a new set of fingerprints will have to be submitted. Read more about this requirement and how to find out whether it’s time to retain your fingerprints.

Some healthcare-related legal issues to watch in Florida next year

Health-related cases that will go before the state Supreme Court involve ballot referendums, with issues including abortion, guns, and marijuana. Read more.

New resource available: Confusion Assessment Method (CAM©) Video Tutorial

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a video tutorial to assist providers with guidance application and assessment strategies for C1310. Signs and Symptoms of Delirium taken from the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM©). This video tutorial is approximately 14 minutes in length and is designed to provide targeted guidance for accurate coding using a live-action patient/resident scenario. To access the video, click on the following link: CAM Video Tutorial.

An invitation to serve...

HCMA President, Dr. Michael Cromer, invites members to consider being placed, as a candidate, on the 2024 HCMA ballot. You must be a member in the ACTIVE, AFFILIATE, or LIFE membership categories and your 2024 HCMA membership dues must be paid in full.

Open seats include:

Vice President - 1 year term
Treasurer - 1 year term
Secretary - 1 year term
District and At Large seats on the Executive Council - 3 year terms
HILLPAC Board member - 2 year term beginning January 1, 2025 (HILLPAC dues must be paid)
Delegate to the FMA - 3 year term (FMA dues must be paid)

Nominations to specific seats will be determined by the Nominating Committee members on February 6th. However, if you have a preference to serve in a certain capacity, please indicate such when submitting your request. Click here to submit your name for nomination no later than January 30th.

Another Benefit of HCMA Membership

According to the Board of Medicine list downloaded on December 12th, there are 5,363 physicians in Hillsborough County. Of those physicians, 1,867 had not renewed their medical license which is due to expire on January 31st. 281 of those physicians are HCMA members. Each one of those members was sent a reminder via email if an email address was available. VERY IMPORTANT: Please check your information on the Board of Medicine. If you do not have updated contact information, you will not receive important information regarding your license from the Board. Many times physicians list a practice manager's email, but when that person is no longer there, the physician risks not receiving crucial messages.

Tampa Bay Street Medicine - Wish List

Tampa General Hospital completes purchase of Bravera properties to form ‘TGH North’

The new division extends TGH’s footprint into Citrus and Hernando counties. It includes three hospitals, an ER, two surgery centers, and 10 clinics. Read more.

PHYSICIANS NEEDED to conduct guardianship evaluations for the Court in Hillsborough County

For more information about this Examining Committee work and/or to request an application, please contact the Court’s Elder Justice Center by email at elder@fljud13.org or by calling (813) 276-2726. Thank you for your consideration regarding this important community service.

Recognizing group practices with 100% HCMA membership

HCMA recognizes the following practices for their dedication to strengthening the voice of medicine in the Tampa Bay area. Thank you for your continued support!

10-25 Physicians

26-50 Physicians

Over 50 Physicians

HCMA Government Affairs Committee

The HCMA's Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is gearing up for another busy legislative season.

The GAC, in conjunction with the FMA, has compiled a list of 2024 Legislative Priorities, that will be presented to our legislators locally, through our Key Contact program, and in Tallahassee.
The GAC is coordinating a contingency of members to visit Tallahassee on February 20th, during the 2024 Legislative Session. This one-day event includes a meeting with FMA legislative experts followed by scheduled appointments with legislators and/or their administrative staff. Members often arrive in Tallahassee the evening prior to the scheduled day at the Capitol. If you are interested in joining the GAC contingency in their visit to Tallahassee, contact Elke Lubin or call the HCMA office: 813.253.0471.
If you are interested in serving as "Doctor of the Day" any time during the 2024 Legislative Session (January 9 - March 8), download this information packet which includes the DOD application. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Legislative Services directly: Kelly Welborn, (850) 717-0301, welborn.kelly@leg.state.fl.us.

Physician Salaries: How Does Yours Compare?

Are you satisfied with your income? How does your salary compare to your peers'? The new 2023 Medscape Physician Compensation Report delivers the latest data. Click here.

Is there a doctor in the house?

An ED nurse crosses a busy freeway to save a life. Read her story. Are you a medical professional with a dramatic story outside the clinic? Medscape would love to consider your story for Is There a Doctor in the House? Please email your contact information and a short summary to access@webmd.net.

January 2024 E News Part 2

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 18:25:07 GMT

From the Board of Medicine

Check your medical license - if you are in GROUP 1, your medical license will expire in LESS THAN ONE MONTH. Renew by clicking HERE.

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.

Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.

Infectious Disease Consultants of West Florida

Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on March 31, 2024.

2024 Allopathic Medical License Renewal Guide

Updated for 2024 and exclusively for members, the FMA’s new Allopathic Medical License Renewal Guide is now available. If your Florida medical license is due for renewal by Jan. 31, 2024, download this printable resource designed to help you meet your deadline, identify possible exemptions and CME benefits, and choose the best option for reporting your CME credits to CE Broker.

CE Broker

Physician Wellness

A New PWP Provider for Coaching

Beginning January 2nd, Dr. Irma Campos will offer coaching services as a provider of the PWP. She is a Leadership Consultant and Coach and President of Latinas Leading, LLC. She provides coaching to high-performing and culturally diverse leaders and organizations. With over 13 years of professional experience, Dr. Campos utilizes evidence-based leadership, psychological, and personal development approaches to work with clients seeking to enhance their leadership skills and well-being. Dr. Campos has acquired specialized experience collaborating with women and culturally/racially diverse professionals, striving to honor their self-determined lived experiences, strengths, and barriers.

Dr. Campos offers in-person and telehealth services. She will reply to email or phone messages within 24 hours: https://icpstampa.com/contact/ or (813) 421-2375. Her office is located at 3825 Henderson Blvd, #505B, Tampa, 33629.

Personal News

Smile - you are on national TV!

HCMA Past President, Dr. Eva Crooke, and her husband, Jace, who met in Tallahassee, attended the FSU/Louisville game on December 2nd where Florida State dominated and won 16-6, capping a 13-0 season and winning the Atlantic Coast Conference. On the following Sunday, the College Football Playoff Selection Committee left them in the locker room without a playoff slot. An undefeated Power 5 champion, now, a first-ever such champion left out of the playoffs, as ESPN noted, ostensibly because FSU starting quarterback Travis Jordan suffered a season-ending injury, according to Boo Corrigan, chair of the selection committee.

New Members

Active Members

Parul Aneja, MD

Infectious Disease

4710 N. Habana Ave., #200

Tampa, 33614

813.450.3457

Amanda Dailey, MD

Family Medicine

WellMed - Apollo Beach

415 Apollo Beach Blvd.

Apollo Beach, 33572

813.645.8494

Lazau Fougere, MD

Family Medicine

WellMed at New Tampa

15320 Amberly Dr., Ste. A

Tampa, 33647

813.977.2090

Affiliate Members

Kalyani Meduri, MD

Gastroenterology

AdventHealth Medical Group

30115 State Road 52, #101

San Antonio, 33576

813.467.4244

R. Brian Williams, DO

Orthopaedic Surgery

Hands-On Orthopedics and Injury Center

1661 Davenport Dr.

Trinity, 34655

813.945.2663

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Spotlight on Savings

Trenam Law – complimentary phone consultation for up to one hour. Trenam’s healthcare practice is multi-disciplinary, focusing on the many needs of physicians and medical practices including compliance and licensure advice, assistance in transactions such as employment and contractor agreements, business formations, practice sales, and litigation. Trenam also helps physicians outside of its healthcare practice in areas such as tax, estate planning, real estate, and trademarks. Please contact Erin Smith Aebel for more information.

Classified Ads

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Click here to review the most recent issue of The Bulletin along with previous issues.

If you or anyone you know is interested in advertising in The Bulletin, or marketing their services to HCMA members, more information can be found in the HCMA Marketing packet.

UPCOMING EVENTS

USF Medical Student Mixer

Wednesday, January 3, 2024 (PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE)

GreenWise Pours, Channelside Drive

USF medical students are invited to attend an annual mixer co-sponsored by the HCMA and the AMA. For more information, contact Alexandra Mazur, USF Morsani College of Medicine MD Class of 2025.

HCMA Membership Dinner

Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

26th HCMA Foundation's Charity Golf Classic

Thursday, April 4, 2024, Call to carts: 1:15pm

Tournament Players Club - Tampa

Sponsorship opportunities are available and golfer registration is now open. Click here for all of the info!

Sponsors as of today... we'd love to add you to the list of supporters!

TITLE SPONSORS

WINNER SPONSORS

TGH Imaging Powered by Tower

CHAMPION SPONSORS

PAR SPONSORS

HOLE SPONSORS

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS

Dr. David & Elke Lubin

Debbie Zorian

HCMA Presidential Installation

Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Save the date! Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities are available - contact the HCMA office for information, 813.253.0471 or AOrthman@hcma.net.

December 2023 E News Part 1

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 22:09:37 GMT

Pertinent Information

PLEASE NOTE - THE HCMA OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED DECEMBER 25, 2023 - JANUARY 1, 2024.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO RSVP!

Holiday Social for HCMA members

December 5, 2023, 6:30pm

At the home of Dr. & Mrs. Michael Cromer

Dr. Michael and Carol Cromer will open their home to HCMA members and their guests for an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, socializing, live music, and celebrating the holiday season! Whiskey enthusiasts are welcome to participate in a tasting hosted by Steward Cromer! Thank you to our sponsors Physicians Wealth Planning and SGP Advisors. Mark your calendar and RSVP today!

Number of COVID-19 cases caused by BA.2.86 variant has tripled in past two weeks

On November 28th, HealthDay reported “The prevalence of a highly mutated COVID variant has tripled in the past two weeks, new government data” show. Now, nearly 10% of “new COVID cases are fueled by the BA.2.86 variant, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Monday.” Officials “first warned of the highly mutated variant back in August, but it has since spread in several regions of the United States.” However, thus far, “preliminary data on the variant suggests it does not trigger more severe illness than previous variants, the WHO said in a recent risk evaluation, but the international agency still noted a recent and ‘substantial rise’ in BA.2.86 cases.” Read more.

U.S. life expectancy starts to recover after sharp pandemic decline

A CDC analysis of 2022 data finds that U.S. life expectancy is improving after being knocked backward during the COVID emergency. But it's still lower than it was pre-pandemic. Read more.

HC3 warns health care industry about threat of Emotet malware

HealthIT Security reported “The HHS Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center (HC3) issued a brief about Emotet, a notorious malware strain that has impacted the health care sector” since “at least 2014.” The malware “has been described as the ‘world’s most dangerous malware’ by Europol.” For now, “HC3 stressed that the information in the brief is accurate as of the date of publication, but Emotet will likely evolve and update its capabilities in the future.” HC3 added, “The cybercriminal ecosystem is resilient, fluid, and dynamic – gangs form and disband, but the talent and intellectual capital continues to grow over time. This is not expected to change.” Read the report.

Tampa Bay Street Medicine - Wish List

Congress must prevent imminent Medicare pay cut

In a letter on behalf of the FMA, President Jason Goldman, MD, FACP, urged members of Florida’s congressional delegation to prevent an imminent 3.4% Medicare physician payment cut from taking effect next year. Action is especially critical given that Medicare physician pay rates have declined continuously since 2001, and medical practice inflation is projected to be 4.6% in 2024. Find your FL representatives.

Doctors and Clinicians: Don’t Forget to Preview Your Performance Information

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) opened the Doctors and Clinicians Preview Period on November 13, 2023, and it will close on December 12, 2023, at 8pm (EST). The Preview Period provides an opportunity for doctors and clinicians to review their 2022 Quality Payment Program (QPP) performance information before it’s publicly reported on clinician and group profile pages on the Medicare.gov compare tool and in the Provider Data Catalog (PDC). You can access the secured Preview through the QPP website.

Please refer to the resources below on how to preview your information:

Presentation: Preview Period: Performance Information for Doctors and Clinicians (Recording) (Slides, PDF, 5.8 MB) (Transcript, PDF, 140 KB)
Doctors and Clinicians Preview Period User Guide (PDF, 3.9 MB)

Please note the 2022 QPP performance information planned for public reporting in 2024 will be added to Medicare.gov compare tool profile pages and/or the PDC after all targeted reviews are completed. If you have an open targeted review request, you’ll still be able to preview your 2022 QPP performance information during the Doctors and Clinicians Preview Period.

Alert: DOH Scammers target Florida-licensed practitioners

Scammers posing as the state Department of Health (DOH) have been sending fraudulent emails to Florida-licensed physicians and other healthcare practitioners as part of a phishing scheme. This email, which did not originate from the DOH, offers to provide licensees with “important information” about a temporary change to their license status. You will never receive unsolicited calls or emails from the DOH that request personal information, demand payments, or make threats against your license. If you receive an email that looks suspicious, do not click any links or attachments, and do not provide any personal information. You can report the scam email by visiting the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

PHYSICIANS NEEDED to conduct guardianship evaluations for the Court in Hillsborough County

Recognizing group practices with 100% HCMA membership

HCMA recognizes the following practices for their dedication to strengthening the voice of medicine in the Tampa Bay area. Thank you for your continued support!

10-25 Physicians

26-50 Physicians

Over 50 Physicians

HCMA Government Affairs Committee

The HCMA's Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is gearing up for another busy legislative season.

The GAC, in conjunction with the FMA, has compiled a list of 2024 Legislative Priorities, that will be presented to our legislators locally, through our Key Contact program, and in Tallahassee.
The GAC is coordinating a contingency of members to visit Tallahassee on February 20th, during the 2024 Legislative Session. This one-day event includes a meeting with FMA legislative experts followed by scheduled appointments with legislators and/or their administrative staff. Members often arrive in Tallahassee the evening prior to the scheduled day at the Capitol. If you are interested in joining the GAC contingency in their visit to Tallahassee, contact Elke Lubin or call the HCMA office: 813.253.0471.
If you are interested in serving as "Doctor of the Day" any time during the 2024 Legislative Session (January 9 - March 8), download this information packet which includes the DOD application. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Legislative Services directly: Kelly Welborn, (850) 717-0301, welborn.kelly@leg.state.fl.us.

Work/Life Balance

‘Physician’ as identity vs. a position in the workforce: What generational differences may teach us all. A sense of well-being, connected relationships and time to pursue physical fitness, connection to nature and social justice projects are all primary values for this upcoming generation of future physicians. Read the article.

The do’s and don'ts of calling out a patient's bad behavior

It’s a clinical curveball, though in this case, a physician in training can’t turn to science for help. What does a doctor do when a patient’s biased, disrespectful, or hateful language threatens to get in the way of necessary treatment? Read the article from the AMA.

The future of medicine can begin with you.

Both pre-med and medical students have asked to shadow members in their offices to gain early clinical exposure. If you would like to serve as a mentor and allow a student to shadow you please register here. The HCMA is compiling a list of volunteers. When a student contacts us, we will share the volunteer's information so the student and physician volunteer can make final mentoring arrangements. Thank you for your participation!

From the Board of Medicine

Check your medical license - if you are in GROUP 1, your medical license will expire in TWO MONTHS. Renew by clicking HERE.

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.

Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.

The article can be found by clicking here.

Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on March 31, 2024.

2024 Allopathic Medical License Renewal Guide

CE Broker

December 2023 E News Part 2

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:48:11 GMT

Physician Wellness

The HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program provides a safe harbor for members to address life difficulties, challenges, and increased stress through counseling and coaching services. This complimentary and completely confidential benefit is available for all members, regardless of membership category.

Physician Wellness Program (PWP) usage report:

· The PWP has six providers for counseling and one provider for coaching.

· Since January 2023, twenty-nine therapy sessions and seven coaching sessions have been utilized among four providers.

· Benefits of the PWP are complimentary and available to ALL HCMA members, regardless of membership level.

· The PWP is completely confidential: no identifying reports are submitted, no insurance is filed, and no electronic medical records are kept.

· You are safe here.

Top 3 Shortcuts to More Work-Life Balance

Free online video training - Each one has proven effective by hundreds of our physician-coaching clients. They work for anyone on the patient care team.

1. Build a solid boundary between work and home after each shift - even if you are on call or have charts left to do.

2. Build true life balance into each week in just 15 minutes on Sunday.

3. Build a better day off - a true Freedom Day - not just another day of chores around the house.

Short Video Lessons - only one is longer than 5 minutes that are simple to learn and implement. Each tool works every time you use it. 5 CEU/CME Credits Available for doctors, nurses, NP's, PA's, Dentists and Pharmacists

Personal News

Joel Silverfield, MD

After receiving the HCMA’s Outstanding Physician Award, the BayCare newsroom wrote a feature article about Dr. Silverfield, his career in Tampa, and the HCMA award.

When asked about why he became a physician, he stated “It was more of a calling than a job, as it was expected of a physician to sacrifice much of their own needs and desires for those of their patients. I’m still amazed that people would ask me for advice and value what I would tell them. Your patients trust you with their deepest personal secrets, rely on you and look to you to do what is right for them, no matter what.”

Best Wishes, Anni!

December 5th marks the last day at the HCMA for Anni Balckwell. Anni served as Event Coordinator since January 2021. She is on to bigger and better things including being a full-time student at the University of Tampa. Anni may pop up at HCMA events as a volunteer, so be sure to wish her luck with her new adventures! We will miss you, Anni!

New Members

Active Members

Asma Al-Zougbi, MD

Endocrinology

The Tampa Endocrinology Institute, LLC

3211 W. Azeele St.

Tampa, 33606

813.360.1214

Debra Barnett, MD

Psychiatry

Associates for Behavioral Medicine

14437 University Cove Place

Tampa, 33613

813.972.7946

Harrison Bartels, MD

Facial Plastic Surgery

Farrior Facial Plastic Surgery

2908 W. Azeele St.

Tampa, 33609

813.875.3223

Danielle Hardman, MD

Jessica Padilla, MD

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Womens Care Florida

2818 W. Virginia Ave.

Tampa, 33607

813.872.8551

Courtney Allen, DO

Alan Chu, MD

Hunter Clonts, MD

Dainius Drukteinis, MD

Edward Landry, MD

Chelsea Lenz, MD

Genevieve Mckinley, MD

Shaina Parks, DO

Matthew St. Marie, MD

Richard Steenland, DO

Megan Tyler, MD

Emergency Medicine

2502 W. St. Isabel St., Ste. B

Tampa, 33607

813.874.5707

Wanda Fussell, MD

Trevor Wallace Getz, MD

Otolaryngology

Florida ENT & Allergy

Multiple locations

813.879.8045

Devin Collins, DO

Alex Mierke, MD

Cassandra Ricketts, MD

Orthopaedic Surgery

Ruffolo Hooper & Associates

Multiple locations

813.978.9700

Daniel Dresser, MD

Lamees Saeed, MD

Pathology

5751 Hoover Blvd.

Tampa, 33634

813.886.8334

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Spotlight on Savings

Tampa Bay's #1 Healthcare Management Consultants since 1995!

AER Consulting, Inc. – complimentary phone consultation for up to one hour and a 17% discounted service rate. AER assists new providers entering the industry, adding providers to existing practices, assisting start-ups, as well as helping troubled, ineffective, high-overhead, low-profit practices and turning them into a practical, efficient, low-overhead, profitable, service-oriented approach. With AER you can be assured you are working with a team dedicated to providing the best solutions for your practice. Give AER a call today for a free initial consultation: David Ramirez at 813.375.2486 or Phaedra Lund Shudra at 813.785.4861, www.aerconsultinginc.com.

Classified Ads

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Click here to review the most recent issue of The Bulletin along with previous issues.

If you or anyone you know is interested in advertising in The Bulletin, or marketing their services to HCMA members, more information can be found in the HCMA Marketing packet.

UPCOMING EVENTS

HCMA Physician Family Alliance Winter Holiday Party

Sunday, December 17, 2023, 10am-noon

Culture Club, 4210 W. El Prado Blvd.

Highlights will include:

Mimosa and Hot Cocoa Bar
Light Brunch Snacks
Live Holiday Tunes by Maria Chan
Photos with Santa
Holiday Crafts & Activities

If you are an active Alliance member, feel free to pass this invitation along to anyone interested in joining the Alliance and celebrating with us! RSVPs are required, click this link to register by December 3rd. Not an Alliance member? JOIN HERE.

USF Medical Student Mixer

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

GreenWise Pours, Channelside Drive

USF medical students are invited to attend an annual mixer co-sponsored by the HCMA and the AMA. for more information, contact Alexandra Mazur, USF Morsani College of Medicine MD Class of 2025.

HCMA Membership Dinner

Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Dr. Joseph Dituri, our guest speaker, broke the world record for the longest time spent living in a fixed underwater habitat. Also known as “Dr. Deep Sea,” the USF professor lived underwater to study how the human body responds to long-term exposure to pressure from the underwater habitat. Watch your email for registration information. Sponsor and exhibit opportunities are available, 813.253.0471.

26th HCMA Foundation's Charity Golf Classic

Thursday, April 4, 2024, Call to carts: 1:15pm

Tournament Players Club - Tampa

Sponsorship opportunities are available and golfer registration is now open. Click here for all of the info!

TITLE SPONSORS

WINNER SPONSORS

PAR SPONSORS

HOLE SPONSORS

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS

Dr. David & Elke Lubin

Debbie Zorian

HCMA Presidential Installation

Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Dr. Damian Caraballo will be installed as the HCMA's 121st President and the inaugural Dr. Robert Yelverton, Sr. Memorial scholarship will be awarded to a USF medical student. Mark your calendar! Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities are available - contact the HCMA office for information, 813.253.0471 or AOrthman@hcma.net.

November 2023 E News Part 1

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:55:11 GMT

Pertinent Information

REMINDER - to "FALL BACK" before you go to bed on Saturday, November 4th as daylight savings comes to an end.

PLEASE NOTE - THE HCMA OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED THURSDAY & FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23 & 24, TO CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING.

Holiday Social for HCMA members

December 5, 2023, 6:30pm

At the home of Dr. & Mrs. Michael Cromer

Dr. Michael and Carol Cromer will open their home to HCMA members and their guests for an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, socializing, live music, and celebrating the holiday season! Whiskey enthusiasts are welcome to participate in a tasting hosted by Steward Cromer! Feel free to bring your favorite bottle of whiskey to share with your colleagues. HCMA Past Presidents will also be honored during the event. Thank you to our sponsors Physicians Wealth Planning and SGP Advisors. Mark your calendar and RSVP today!

What patients want from the doctor's visit

As reported in a recent edition of Fierce Practice Management, in their 2023 Patient Confidence Index, PatientPoint a patient engagement platform, surveyed 2,000 Americans to determine how they feel going to the doctor and what factors contribute to these feelings. They outlined their findings in their report to help you better understand your patients and how to put them at ease in your office.  Based on their responses, Patient Point identified some key insights and opportunities to improve the experience at your practice, you’ll learn how patients feel about the doctor’s office, how to empower patients during their appointments, and why patients delay doctor’s visits. Download the white paper here.

Impact on patients unclear as retail pharmacists begin 3-day 'Pharmageddon'

The nationwide walkout is slated to continue through Wednesday. It's the last attempt to pressure chains to address concerns about staffing shortages that are leading to mistakes that could endanger patients. Read more.

Study: Hurricane Ian unleashed flesh-eating bacteria into Florida waters

According to Rita Colwell, the study's senior author, who has studied Vibrio for 50 years, within the last 50 years the number of Vibrio species has skyrocketed from a half-dozen to 110. Both Colwell and Huq (a research professor of cell biology and molecular genetics at the University of Maryland and one of Colwell’s co-authors), said the bacteria can cause illness or death for people who eat raw or undercooked seafood or go into the ocean with an open wound. “Anyone with liver disease, cirrhosis, alcoholism, hepatitis C or hepatitis B infection should not consume raw oysters,” Colwell said. Read more.

A 'tropical disease' carried by sand flies is confirmed in a new country: the U.S.

Most of the infections reported are in Texas — the only state where health workers are required to report leishmaniasis to health authorities — but Mary Kamb (medical epidemiologist at the CDC) says, "The sand flies which have the capacity to transmit leishmaniasis exist in several U.S. states, primarily southern states." Dermatologist, Dr. Bridget McIlwee adds, "We have data supporting that the disease vectors and reservoirs have been located as far north as Ohio." Read more.

'Body Electric' examines the connection between social media and depression rates

Researchers study the psychological effects of time spent online, and what impact that can have on our physical health. Follow the series at npr.org/bodyelectric or on the TED Radio Hour podcast feed. Listen to this 4-minute report by clicking here.

HCMA Government Affairs Committee

The HCMA's Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is gearing up for another busy legislative season.

The GAC, in conjunction with the FMA, has compiled a list of 2024 Legislative Priorities, that will be presented to our legislators locally, through our Key Contact program, and in Tallahassee.
The GAC is coordinating a contingency of members to visit Tallahassee on February 20th, during the 2024 Legislative Session. This one-day event includes a meeting with FMA legislative experts to brief attendees on the important issues of the day and appointments will be secured for our contingency to meet with legislators and/or their administrative staff. Members often arrive in Tallahassee the evening prior to the scheduled day at the Capitol. If you are interested in joining the GAC contingency in their visit to Tallahassee, contact Elke Lubin or call the HCMA office: 813.253.0471.
If you are interested in serving as "Doctor of the Day" any time during the 2024 Legislative Session (January 9 - March 8), download this information packet which includes the DOD application. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Legislative Services directly: Kelly Welborn, (850) 717-0301, welborn.kelly@leg.state.fl.us.
The 2024 Know Your Legislators pocket guide is now available. For over 60 years, this resource has been the most respected and trusted legislative guide in Florida. Included in the guide you will find Senate and House members’ photos, biographical data, staff information, capitol and district office information, including e-mail addresses; committee assignments and committee staff; Florida’s Congressional Delegation photos, staff, district and D.C. office information; Senate and House term limits; and more! Order online!

Medical education loan reimbursement update

HCMA Membership Committee is being revitalized...

One of the goals of HCMA President, Dr. Michael Cromer, is to revitalize the Membership Committee. The Committee will be charged with developing campaigns to recruit and retain members and will be asked to commit to following through on assignments. If you enjoy meeting new colleagues and passing on your enthusiasm for the Association, please CLICK HERE for more information or to volunteer.

The future of medicine can begin with you.

Both pre-med and medical students have asked to shadow members in their offices to gain early clinical exposure. If you would like to serve as a mentor and allow a student to shadow you please register here. The HCMA is compiling a list of volunteers. When a student contacts us, we will share the volunteer's information so the student and physician volunteer can make final mentoring arrangements. Thank you for your participation!

The Academy of Senior Professionals Is recruiting

For the intellectually curious — and what physician isn’t? — the ideal retirement hangout is the Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College, in South Pinellas. Now in its 40th year on the waterfront campus, ASPEC has openings and is recruiting physicians, professors, business executives, and other accomplished retiring professionals. The academy emphasizes lifelong intergenerational learning, service to the college, service to the community, and social engagement. ASPEC physician members who are interested in doing presentations take turns on medical topics, but can also attend and participate in a wide variety of other interest groups. Some physician members help faculty and interact with students in the classroom. And ASPEC has a lot of social events. Sample it for a month for $50; visit www.eckerd.edu/aspec/ or call Mary Robison at 727.864.8834. You can also contact Dr. Roland LaJoie, an ASPEC member who practiced endocrinology in Pinellas for many years by emailing him at rlajoie713@gmail.com.

Now you can own your own annually required complete package of OSHA training programs and compliance materials

Materials from OSHA Medical Courses (established 1991) were created by a team consisting of a physician, a lawyer, and a licensed Healthcare Risk Manager. They have been reviewed (unofficially) and complemented by an OSHA compliance officer. Secured on a Flash Drive, they contain required customizable (word document) plans and training materials (PowerPoint) to assure compliance with:

OSHA regulation Title 29, Part 1910.1030 (Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control) and,
OSHA regulation Title 29, Part 1910.1200 (Hazard Communications.

Both of the above require documented employee training BEFORE beginning work and ANNUALLY (1910.1030) thereafter. These training materials, for both Part 1910.1030 and Part 1910.1200 are available for $75 plus tax, S&H. Download the order form and send it with payment to the HCMA.

ICD Code lists

The ICD-9 and ICD-10 valid and excluded diagnosis codes for the latest fiscal year are made available to non-group health plan (NGHP) responsible reporting entities (RREs) and agents for Section 111 liability insurance (including self-insurance), no-fault, and workers’ compensation mandatory reporting. Updated ICD-10 and ICD-9 valid and excluded liability and no-fault code lists for 2024 are now available on the ICD Code Lists page on CMS.gov.

FL HIV EHE: provider technical assistance opportunity

The Florida Department of Health’s Division of Disease Control and Health Protection and the University of Central Florida College of Medicine’s HealthARCH have partnered to engage health system organizations with one-on-one technical assistance to improve HIV screening and re-screening rates. This Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) program focuses on seven Florida counties, with an aim to increase the performance of health systems in managing Opt-out testing using electronic health record systems. We are currently working with Tampa Family Health Centers and previously worked with Bayside Clinic. HealthARCH is looking for one more partner, preferably in the Hillsborough/Pinellas area, to round out their cohort. They are especially interested in working with traditionally underserved populations. This is at no cost to the practice, with the only initial requirement being that the health system is using an EMR. For more information click here or contact Kelly Lowenberg, 407.266.4006, or Kelly.Lowenberg@ucf.edu.

HCMA's new website feature - YOUR website!

Visitors to the HCMA website can not only find the office address and phone number for members - we have included the opportunity to list your website too! To add your website to your online HCMA profile, simply log into your HCMA profile (www.HCMA.net) or call the HCMA office, 813.253.0471.

Member Spotlight … we want to hear from you!

If you have received an award, have written an article pertinent to medicine, or if you are serving our communities by volunteering for your favorite charity, we would love to showcase your endeavors! Submit a photo along with a brief description of your activities and watch for it in a future edition of Enews, The Bulletin, or on the HCMA website’s upcoming Member Spotlight feature.

Attention Practice Administrators

The HCMA is in the planning stages of another reception to honor HCMA members' practice administrators. Please call Asta at the HCMA (813.253.0471) or email her your name and contact information by CLICKING HERE. We look forward to another fun event!

Jamais vu, the opposite of déjà vu

Why does the familiar feel strangely new sometimes? Many people have heard of and probably experienced déjà vu — the strange feeling you have already seen or experienced something as you are seeing or experiencing it. But very few people know about the opposite of déjà vu, known as jamais vu, when a familiar experience feels new. Why does it happen, and what takes place in the brain? Read more.

November 2023 E News Part 2

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:38:30 GMT

From the Board of Medicine

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.

Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE SESSIONS

Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on March 31, 2024.

2024 Allopathic Medical License Renewal Guide

CE Broker

Physician Wellness

The HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program provides a safe harbor for members to address life difficulties, challenges, and increased stress through counseling and coaching services. This complimentary and completely confidential benefit is available for all members, regardless of membership category.

Physician Well-being Six-part Webinar Series

TWO SESSIONS REMAINING!

By participating in this 6-part webinar series, you'll gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and compassionate support to thrive in all areas of your life. Connect with a community of like-minded physicians, share experiences, and create a supportive network that promotes personal growth and professional success. This complimentary webinar series is open to all HCMA members regardless of specialty, career stage, level of well-being, financial situation, and/or spiritual beliefs.

All sessions are 90 minutes in length: 6:00PM-7:30PM

Click the session title for additional details.

Course technology requirements:

High-speed internet connection for Zoom video conferencing.
Computer or tablet with a working camera.
In order to get the most out of each session - we ask that participants leave their cameras on throughout.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

(space is limited)

Session 5:

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Flourishing Finances: Financial Well-being for Physicians

Speaker: Tonia Gaudiuso, Author of Permission to be Rich: 5 Steps to Become More Powerful Than Money.

Session 6:

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Program Wrap-Up Celebration

Facilitator: Dian Ginsberg, EdD, CPCC, CHWC

Personal News

Star-studded party!

HCMA staff's annual Halloween party was well attended by a Dia de Muertos lady, Frida Kahlo, Good Witch, a mime (not much of a conversationalist), Wicked Witch, Miss Demeanor, 20's Flapper Girl with her pup, the Outlaw Josey Wales (hiding out), Bee Keeper, Payne Stewart, Bacon, Mary Poppins & Bert, and Weather Tite Mike! Cheers!

Happy Anniversary

This month HCMA's Executive Assistant, Elke Lubin, celebrates her 36th anniversary with the HCMA. Elke (Mrs. Día de Muertos) posed with an old friend during the HCMA staff Halloween party! Congratulations!

Family first!

The HCMA Physician Family Alliance has been busy! In August, Physician Family Day was celebrated at the Florida Aquarium and in October a fall festival complete with face painting and pumpkin decorating was held!

A holiday event is in the works – details will be posted on the HCMA PFA page as they become available.

New Members

Keith Dombrowski, MD

Neurology

2 Tampa General Circle

Tampa, 33606

813.821.8034

Laura Hummel, MD

Emergency Medicine

US Acute Care Solutions

Tampa, 33609

419.410.0411

Allison Jackson, MD

Psychiatry

MindfulMD Psychiatry

13911 Carrollwood Village Run

Tampa, 33618

813.618.3055

Aruna Kode, MD

Anesthesiology

Bay Area Envision

Lutz, 33559

856.577.1207

Anna-Lisa Stonehill, MD

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Tampa, 33609

949.751.9494

Greta Watts, MD

Hospice/Palliative Medicine

LifePath Hospice

12470 Telecom Dr.

Temple Terrace, 33637

813.877.2200

Associate Member

Kavita Kalidas, MD

Neurology Headache Medicine

4001 E. Fletcher Ave,

Tampa, 33613

813.396.9478

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Spotlight on Savings

MCMS, Inc., Insurance Trust Fund - Providing Group Major Medical Insurance for HCMA employer-members, their families, and staff. The program is fully insured by Florida Blue and has operated since 1981. Many coverage options are available, including Qualified/Compatible Health Savings Account Plans. Although the program is fully insured with no assessments, offices benefit from a Profit-Sharing agreement where excess underwriting profits are accumulated in reserves for future rate increases. All plans meet the 2014 ACA standards and mandatory provisions. Gallagher also offers a complete employee benefits program that utilizes a statewide pool providing clients with the best available rates: www.trustmcmstrust.com.

Classified Ads

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Click here to review the most recent issue of The Bulletin along with previous issues.

If you or anyone you know is interested in advertising in The Bulletin, or marketing their services to HCMA members, more information can be found in the HCMA Marketing packet.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Disability Income Insurance - A Discussion

Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 6:00-7:00pm

Via Zoom

When was the last time you independently audited your plan? Eric Roukey, along with HCMA Benefit Providers Mike Jensen and Jeff Anderson, will lead an informal conversation about what you should look for in your disability insurance and how to determine if your plan is the best fit for you. 2023 has seen some big changes in the disability income insurance marketplace. Increasing and decreasing rates, decreasing and increasing benefits, along with misleading sales language. Pre-registration is required - register here.

Holiday Social for HCMA members

December 5, 2023, 6:30pm

At the home of Dr. & Mrs. Michael Cromer

Dr. Michael and Carol Cromer will open their home to HCMA members and their guests for an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, socializing, live music, and celebrating the holiday season! Whiskey enthusiasts are welcome to participate in a tasting hosted by Steward Cromer! Feel free to bring your favorite bottle of whiskey to share with your colleagues. HCMA Past Presidents will also be honored during the event. Thank you to our sponsors Physicians Wealth Planning and SGP Advisors. Mark your calendar and RSVP today!

HCMA Membership Dinner

Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Dr. Joseph Dituri, our guest speaker, broke the world record for the longest time spent living in a fixed underwater habitat. Also known as “Dr. Deep Sea,” the USF professor decided to live underwater to study how the human body responds to long-term exposure to pressure from the underwater habitat. Watch your email for registration information. Sponsor and exhibit opportunities are available, 813.253.0471.

26th HCMA Foundation's Charity Golf Classic

April 4, 2024

Call to carts: 1:15pm

Sponsorship opportunities are available and golfer registration is now open. Click here for all of the info!

Sponsors as of today... we'd love to add you to the list of supporters!

TITLE SPONSORS

WINNER SPONSORS

PAR SPONSORS

HOLE SPONSORS

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS

Dr. David & Elke Lubin

Debbie Zorian

October 2023 E News Part 1

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 19:54:33 GMT

Pertinent Information

FDH West Nile Virus Warning

Hillsborough County is under a Mosquito-borne Illness Advisory after an asymptomatic West Nile Virus (WNV) positive blood donor was detected. WNV is endemic in Florida and typically, human cases are seen between June and September. Please contact the Florida Department of Health-Hillsborough Epidemiology Program by the next business day if you suspect West Nile virus infection to ensure prompt mosquito control efforts. If you have any questions or would like to obtain a list of warning signs, please contact the Florida Department of Health-Hillsborough Epidemiology Program at 813.307.8010, Kristine Aviles, DVM, MPH, Epidemiology Program Manager, Kristine.Aviles@flhealth.gov. Prevention strategies for mosquito-borne illnesses that patients can be educated on:

Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
Cover your skin with clothing and use mosquito repellent that is EPA-recommended which includes those containing 10-30% of the active ingredient DEET or the active ingredient picaridin.
Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out.

Nobel Prize goes to scientists who made mRNA COVID vaccines possible

Hungarian-born biochemist Katalin Karikó and American immunologist Drew Weissman found that a chemical change to genetic code called mRNA eliminated a problematic side effect when used in vaccines. Read more.

Does the risk of getting long Covid increase each time you get reinfected?

There is a lot of research underway exploring the many still-unanswered questions about long Covid. Ziyad Al-Aly, chief of research at the VA St. Louis Healthcare System and clinical epidemiologist at Washington University in St. Louis, talked with STAT about what we understand about long Covid so far, and what scientists are still trying to figure out. (One of his studies, for example, showed that vaccination appears to lower, but not eliminate, the risk of long Covid.) Read the interview.

3 respiratory viruses in FL and a vaccine for each. Should you get all 3?

The short answer is yes, but a Central Florida expert weighs in on how you should receive the vaccines this season ahead of another possible "tripledemic." Read more.

Online harassment of physicians is out of control

Survey data shows 2 out of 3 physicians now face harassment and threats online—especially when correcting misinformation. Social media platforms won't help, so what can be done? You may also be interested in: 5 tips to battle anti-science aggression.

Medscape Young Physician Compensation Report 2023: Do rising salaries boost job satisfaction?

In 2022, physicians younger than 40 years, on average, enjoyed a compensation bump that exceeded what older counterparts received. The gender pay gap between younger male and female doctors narrowed as well, meaning raises for women were on a healthy trajectory. Despite these positive developments, younger physicians less often felt fairly compensated than they did one year earlier. Read more.

HCMA Membership Committee to be revitalized...

Encourage a colleague to join the HCMA and they will receive membership through 2024!

Throughout all the changes in healthcare, your HCMA has remained a strong leader and physician advocate. Please encourage your colleagues in Hillsborough AND surrounding counties to join the HCMA. Share this edition of Enews or direct them to our website to learn more about the HCMA and all the benefits we offer! They can also call the HCMA office at 813.253.0471 or email Debbie Zorian, Executive Director for more information. Your assistance is appreciated as we continue to provide great benefits and services to members and our communities.

Retired physicians needed

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, OLLI-USF, serves the local community as a continuing ed hub that brings learning opportunities via workshops, trainings, lectures, non-credited courses, and networking events to adults 50+ in Tampa Bay. As they begin faculty recruitment for upcoming semesters, they are seeking out retired professionals and experts in their field who may desire to teach/volunteer a topic of their choice via a medium they are most comfortable with. Click here to view OLLI's homepage. For more information, contact Precious Goodson, Florida Gulf Coast University, M.A. Ed Leadership Graduate Student/Class of 2024, at pgoodson5582@eagle.fgcu.edu

HCMA Membership Directories have arrived

The 2023 Summer edition has been mailed to active members. The printed edition is also available on the HCMA website. Please check your listing. If there is an update to be made, you can make it by logging into your profile on the HCMA website or by calling the HCMA office at 813.253.0471. Please click here for updates we have received from your colleagues, as of today.

HCMA's new website feature - YOUR website!

See us on your social media feed!

Click these links and "follow" us so we will show up in your feeds. Keep updated on events, legislative alerts, and see what we have been up to.

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Member Spotlight … we want to hear from you!

Attention Practice Administrators

AMA is seeking ambassadors

Are you an AMA member? Consider joining the AMA Ambassador Program. It’s an easy, fun, and effective way to increase your involvement with the AMA. Click here to learn more.

HAVE YOU CREATED YOUR HCMA PROFILE YET?

In order to make use of our innovative new database and all of its features, all HCMA members need to create a password for their profile.

By setting up your profile, it will ensure that you have full access to our website in which you can register for all events, update your office information, your home mailing address, pay your dues, and receive all future correspondence from the HCMA.

Please follow these few simple steps to set up your profile:

Log in to your HCMA account at www.hcma.net
Click the orange sign-in icon located in the upper right-hand corner
Enter your email address - IF YOU HAVE NOT CREATED A PASSWORD YET, click the "forgot password" link and follow the instructions.

If you have any questions please contact Anni Blackwell.

From the Board of Medicine

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.

Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ANY OR ALL OF THE SESSIONS

Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on March 31, 2024.

2024 Allopathic Medical License Renewal Guide

CE Broker

October 2023 E News Part 2

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 19:26:24 GMT

Physician Wellness

Physician Well-being Six-part Webinar Series

FOUR SESSIONS REMAINING!

All sessions are 90 minutes in length: 6:00PM-7:30PM

Click the session title for additional details.

Course technology requirements:

High-speed internet connection for Zoom video conferencing.
Computer or tablet with a working camera.
In order to get the most out of each session - we ask that participants leave their cameras on throughout.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

(space is limited)

Program materials will be emailed to registrants before each session.

Session 3:

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Nurturing Connections: Cultivating Relationship Well-being for Physicians

Facilitator: Dian Ginsberg, EdD, CPCC, CHWC

Session 4:

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Thriving in Medicine: Cultivating Career and Intellectual Well-being for Physicians

Speaker: Dian Ginsberg, EdD, CPCC, CHWC

Session 5:

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Flourishing Finances: Financial Well-being for Physicians

Speaker: Tonia Gaudiuso, Author of Permission to be Rich: 5 Steps to Become More Powerful Than

Money

Session 6:

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Program Wrap-Up Celebration

Facilitator: Dian Ginsberg, EdD, CPCC, CHWC

Personal News

HCMA’s 2023 Outstanding Physician

During the September 19th HCMA Membership Dinner, Dr. Joel Silverfield received the 2023 HCMA Outstanding Physician Award. A member for over 40 years, Dr. Silverfield represents that rare physician leader who established two separate but parallel paths to serve medicine. As a young physician and later as a seasoned physician, he has put forth significant time and effort in serving and representing the HCMA and its members. He became HCMA’s 118th President in 2021 and continues to help lead the Association with enthusiasm while putting the best interests of physicians and their patients first. Dr. Silverfield's cool southern demeanor and charm are among the many leadership qualities he possesses.

Dr. Brown receives the Dr. Frederick Reddy Award

Also during the September Membership Dinner, Dr. Haywood Brown was awarded the Dr. Frederick A. Reddy Memorial Award. This award is given to an individual in our community who demonstrates the qualities that were so prevalent in Dr. Reddy’s work within the community. A significant portion of Dr. Haywood's career’s work has been to address health inequities by focusing on infant mortality and perinatal maternal safety and mortality, particularly among traditionally underserved populations.

Grant recipients are honored!

Due to the success of the 2023 Charity Golf Classic, the HCMA Foundation awarded grants that will fund programs through Champions for Children, Children’s Home Network, Clothes to Kids, Frameworks of Tampa Bay, Judeo Christian Health Clinic, Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision, MORE HEALTH, New Life Village, Outreach Free Clinic & Resource Center, and Voices for Children of Tampa Bay. A USF Medical Student scholarship was also awarded.

Active Member

Victoria Hammond, MD

Emergency Medicine

Landmark

5130 Sunforest Drive, #200

Tampa, 33634

833.766.1079

Affiliate Member

Danielle Madril, MD

Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiology

United Healthcare

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Spotlight on Savings

Mike Jensen

Jeff Anderson

813.287.8379

Physicians Wealth Planning/Jensen Anderson Wealth Management, LLC is a financial planning firm dedicated to serving physicians for over thirty years. HCMA members receive a Comprehensive Financial Plan at a discounted rate of $500.00 (a $1,500 value). This opportunity will give any HCMA member who may already be working with a planner to have someone take a second look at their plan or if you have not created a plan, this is a great opportunity to do so. For additional information, please visit www.physicianswealthplanning.com or contact Jennifer Joyce, Executive Assistant, at 813-287-8379 or JenniferJoyce@financialguide.com to schedule a meeting.

Classified Ads

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Click here to review the most recent issue of The Bulletin along with previous issues.

If you or anyone you know is interested in advertising in The Bulletin, or marketing their services to HCMA members, more information can be found in the HCMA Marketing packet.

Thank you, Dr. Foley!

Longtime HCMA member and member of The Bulletin Editorial Board, Dr. Michael Foley, has made a contribution for the fourth year.

Thanks to Dr. Foley's generosity, by helping offset publishing expenses, The Bulletin will continue to maintain the high quality our readers enjoy.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show

October 7, 2023, 6-10pm

Brandon Elks Lodge

Tickets are now available for this year's Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show! The event will benefit 2023 HCMA Foundation grant recipient, Outreach Free Clinic and Resource Center. We hope you will consider supporting this event as a guest or a community sponsor for “Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show” and share an evening of laughter…because laughter is the best medicine! More information can be found HERE.

Women in Medicine Reception

October 25, 2023, 6:00pm

Palma Ceia Country Club

HCMA's female members are invited to celebrate women in medicine and socialize among colleagues. Sponsored by The Bank of Tampa Women Connected, Farrior Facial Plastic Surgery, SGP Advisors, and TGH Imaging Powered by Tower. Additional sponsors are welcome, contact Debbie Zorian, Executive Director, for details. Click here to register.

Pumpkins, Pizza, & Painting

October 22, 2023, 2:30-4:30pm

Foster Park, 4700 S. Clark Ave, Tampa, 33611

An invitation from the HCMA Physician Family Alliance. Enjoy pizza, snacks, drinks, mini-pumpkin decorating, and face painting. RSVPs required.

Holiday Social for HCMA members

December 5, 2023, 6:30pm

At the home of Dr. & Mrs. Michael Cromer

Dr. Michael and Carol Cromer will open their home to HCMA members and their guests for an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, socializing, and celebrating the holiday season! Mark your calendar and watch your email for the invitation.

HCMA Membership Dinner

Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

26th HCMA Foundation's Charity Golf Classic

April 4, 2024

Call to carts: 1:15pm

Sponsorship opportunities are available and golfer registration is now open. Click here for all of the info!

Sponsors as of today... we'd love to add you to the list of supporters!

TITLE SPONSORS

WINNER SPONSORS

PAR SPONSORS

HOLE SPONSORS

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS

Dr. David & Elke Lubin

Debbie Zorian

September 2023 E News

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:43:30 GMT

Pertinent Information

Membership Dinner

September 19, 2023, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Kent Myers, Managing Principal of Vision Companies, will present "Seeing Impact through the Eyes of the Patient." Foundation grant recipients will be recognized. Sponsor and exhibit opportunities are available. Call 813.253.0471 or click here for more information and to RSVP. Sponsors include Tampa General Hospital.

Happy Birthday, HCMA!

September 3rd marks the HCMA's 128th birthday. Click here to view the September 4, 1895 edition of The Tampa Morning Tribune in which the birth of our organization was announced (click "zoomable" and see the center of the first page, under M.D's). For more about the HCMA, visit the HCMA website's history page or reread HCMA Executive Director, Debbie Zorian's, two-part history of the HCMA and our community, A Step Back in Time, published in the Fall and Winter 2021 editions of The Bulletin. Lookin' good, HCMA!

Encourage a colleague to join the HCMA and receive membership through 2024!

HCMA's new website feature - YOUR website!

See us on your social media feed!

Click these links and "follow" us so we will show up in your feeds. Keep updated on events, legislative alerts, and see what we have been up to.

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Member Spotlight … we want to hear from you!

Attention Practice Administrators

The HCMA is in the planning stages of another reception to honor HCMA members' practice administrators. Please call Asta at the HCMA (813.253.0471) with your name, title, direct phone, and email address, or email her the information by CLICKING HERE. We look forward to another fun event!

Report: Hidden fees are costing physicians millions annually

According to a recent ProPublica investigation, physicians are being forced to pay millions of dollars in fees each year — likely adding up to billions collectively — to receive electronic payments. Meanwhile, the middlemen processing these fees share millions in revenue each year with insurance companies. Read the FMA’s policy update for an overview of this developing story.

Medical Briefs

Five people in the Tampa region have died from 'flesh-eating' Vibrio in 2023.
Pfizer's RSV vaccine to protect newborns is approved by the FDA.
Florida continues to add COVID cases in latest health department report.
US CDC tracks new lineage of virus that causes COVID.
Higher mortality risk after COVID lasts about 6 months, VA study finds.
Local governments are spending billions of pandemic relief funds, some with few specifics.
Poll states a majority of US adults say addiction has affected their family in some way.
Early onset breast cancer is trending up among women, study says.

The first 10 drugs that Medicare will target for price cuts

The government will negotiate new prices for the commonly prescribed drugs, but the cuts won't take effect until 2026. In the meantime, drug-makers are fighting the negotiations with lawsuits. Read more.

Need to know about lifesaving CPR? A new study says it’s probably wise not to ask Alexa or Siri!

Ask Alexa or Siri about the weather. But if you want to save someone’s life? Call 911 for that. Voice assistants often fall flat when asked how to perform CPR, according to a study published on August 28th. Researchers asked voice assistants eight questions that a bystander might pose in a cardiac arrest emergency. In response, the voice assistants said: “Hmm, I don’t know that one.” “Sorry, I don’t understand.” “Words fail me.” and “Here’s an answer … that I translated: The Indian Penal Code.” Only nine of 32 responses suggested calling emergency services for help, an important step recommended by the American Heart Association. Some voice assistants sent users to web pages that explained CPR, but only 12% of the 32 responses included verbal instructions. Read more.

FMA House of Delegates update

The FMA Annual Meeting was held the last weekend of July. To see a list of resolutions presented in the 2023 FMA House of Delegates (HOD) and summaries of the actions taken, read the FMA HOD update.
The HCMA delegation submitted four resolutions this year, three of which were supported by the House of Delegates. Making a difference at the state begins at the local level. Watch this brief Annual Meeting recap video to be inspired!
Click here if you are interested in serving as an HCMA delegate at the 2024 FMA Annual Meeting (August 2-4, in Orlando).

New physician fellowship program: Apply by Sept. 18

The Physicians Foundation is accepting applications for a new fellowship program aimed at new or early-career doctors with a passion for addressing drivers of health (DOH) and improving health equity. Selected fellows will develop and implement projects focused on helping physicians better understand DOH and integrate that knowledge into medical practice. Applications are due by Monday, Sept. 18.

HAVE YOU CREATED YOUR HCMA PROFILE YET?

In order to make use of our innovative new database and all of its features, all HCMA members need to create a password for their profile.

Please follow these few simple steps to set up your profile:

Log in to your HCMA account at www.hcma.net
Click the orange sign-in icon located in the upper right-hand corner
Enter your email address - IF YOU HAVE NOT CREATED A PASSWORD YET, click the "forgot password" link and follow the instructions.

If you have any questions please contact Anni Blackwell.

September 2023 E News

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:28:10 GMT

From the Board of Medicine

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.

Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ANY OR ALL OF THE SESSIONS

Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on March 31, 2024.

CE Broker

Physician Wellness

September 17th is National Physician Suicide Awareness (NPSA) Day.

The HCMA is joining #NPSADay Supporting Organizations in an effort to assist physicians who are in distress before their mental health struggles become emergencies. As part of this campaign, we encourage all physicians to explore and share this list of resources for immediate and ongoing support.

Physician Well-being Six-part Webinar Series

All sessions are 90 minutes in length: 6:00PM-7:30PM

Click the session title for additional details.

Course technology requirements:

High-speed internet connection for Zoom video conferencing.
Computer or tablet with a working camera.
In order to get the most out of each session - we ask that participants leave their cameras on throughout.

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

(space is limited)

Program materials will be emailed to registrants before each session.

Session 1:

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Program Kick-Off: Let’s Get Excited About Physician Well-being

Facilitator: Dian Ginsberg, EdD, CPCC, CHWC

Session 2:

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Nurturing the Healer Within: Cultivating Spiritual and Emotional Well-being for Physicians

Speaker: Jay Rao, MD

Session 3:

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Nurturing Connections: Cultivating Relationship Well-being for Physicians

Facilitator: Dian Ginsberg, EdD, CPCC, CHWC

Session 4:

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Thriving in Medicine: Cultivating Career and Intellectual Well-being for Physicians

Speaker: Dian Ginsberg, EdD, CPCC, CHWC

Session 5:

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Flourishing Finances: Financial Well-being for Physicians

Speaker: Tonia Gaudiuso, Author of Permission to be Rich: 5 Steps to Become More Powerful Than Money

Session 6:

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Program Wrap-Up Celebration

Facilitator: Dian Ginsberg, EdD, CPCC, CHWC

Personal News

Robert

Yelverton, Sr., MD

Memorial Scholarship Created

The HCMA Foundation, in conjunction with the USF Morsani College of Medicine, has established a scholarship to honor the memory of HCMA past president, Dr. Robert Yelverton, Sr. The scholarship will be presented to a senior USF medical student who will continue their graduate medical education in obstetrics/gynecology.

Among his many notable accomplishments, Dr. Yelverton served as HCMA President in 1997 and as a Clinical Associate Professor of Ob/Gyn at the USF Morsani College of Medicine.

Michael Cromer, MD

HCMA President's Comment on AI

A letter to the editors at the Tampa Bay Times, submitted by Dr. Michael Cromer, HCMA President (pictured), was printed on August 9, 2023. Dr. Cromer addresses his concerns over "message-only" medical care. Read the letter here.

New Members

Active Members

Jennifer Landy, MD

Ophthalmology

Brandon Eye Associates

540 Medical Oaks Dr., #103

Brandon, 33511

813-654-2211

Nupur Patel, MD

Dermatology

Luma Dermatology

718 S. Lakeview Rd., #B

Clearwater, 33756

727-447-1229

Associate Member

William Hudson, MD

Psychiatry

USF Health Rothman Center for Neuropsychiatry

601 7th Street, S, #425

St. Petersburg, 33701

727-767-8230

Retired Members

Alejandro Carvallo, MD

Oscar Perez, MD

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Spotlight on Savings

Michele Krohn, President 813.887.FCPR (3277) or CLICK HERE.

Classified Ads

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Click here to review the most recent issue of The Bulletin along with previous issues.

If you or anyone you know is interested in advertising in The Bulletin, or marketing their services to HCMA members, more information can be found in the HCMA Marketing packet.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Membership Dinner

September 19, 2023, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

"Seeing Impact through the Eyes of the Patient." Sponsor and exhibit opportunities are available. Call 813.253.0471 or click here for more information and to RSVP. Sponsors include Tampa General Hospital.

Laugh Out Loud Comedy Show

October 7, 2023, 6-10pm

Brandon Elks Lodge

Women in Medicine Reception

October 25, 2023, 6:00pm

Palma Ceia Country Club

HCMA's female members are invited to celebrate women in medicine and socialize among colleagues. Sponsored by The Bank of Tampa Women Connected, SGP Advisors, and TGH Imaging Powered by Tower. Additional sponsors are welcome, contact Debbie Zorian, Executive Director, for details. Watch your email for the official invitation. Click here for more information.

Holiday Social for HCMA members

December 5, 2023, 6:30pm

At the home of Dr. & Mrs. Michael Cromer

Dr. Michael and Carol Cromer will open their home to HCMA members and their guests for an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, socializing, and celebrating the holiday season! Watch your email for the invitation.

26th HCMA Foundation's Charity Golf Classic

April 4, 2024

Call to carts: 1:15pm

Sponsorship opportunities are available and golfer registration is now open. Click here for all of the info!

August 2023 E News Part 1

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 14:29:15 GMT

COVID-19 News

The CDC sees signs of a late summer COVID wave.

The amount of virus being detected in wastewater, the percentage of people testing positive for the virus, and the number of people seeking care for COVID at emergency rooms all started increasing in early July. Read more.

Florida's spike in alcohol-fueled liver-disease deaths during COVID paralleled national data.

From 2020 to 2022, the state observed a 1.4% increase in liver-related deaths compared with the years before the pandemic. During that period, alcohol sales also increased. Read more.

You know those folks who had COVID but no symptoms?

A new study offers an explanation. Scientists estimate that over 20% of people who get infected with COVID never have any symptoms – and a portion of them never even know they were infected. Now a new study published in Nature on July 19 says their genetics might be why the virus didn't make them sick. Read more.

Treatment studies bring hope to those with brain fog and other long COVID symptoms

The National Institutes of Health is beginning a handful of studies to test possible treatments for long COVID, an anxiously awaited step in U.S. efforts against the mysterious condition that afflicts millions. Read more.

Pertinent Information

Membership Dinner

September 19, 2023, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

CDC warns about red meat allergy caused by some tick bites.

Red meat fans beware. The CDC warns that alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) — a tick-borne illness that causes a red meat allergy — is an emerging public health concern. Read more.

A recent increase in leprosy cases in Central Florida concerns the CDC

Cases of leprosy lacking traditional risk factors have escalated in Florida in recent years and health officials have expressed concern that the infectious disease may be endemic to the state. Read more.

What ‘right of medical conscience’ means under state law

With the passage of SB 1580, the 2023 Florida Legislature gave health care providers and payors the right to “opt out of participation in or payment for any health care service on the basis of a conscience-based objection.” The bill, which was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, coupled this “right of medical conscience” with a provision protecting health care practitioners’ “use of free speech.” Read FMA General Counsel Jeff Scott, Esq.’s analysis of SB 1580 to learn how these provisions affect your practice of medicine.

BIM video tutorial now available

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is releasing a video tutorial to assist providers with guidance application and interview strategies for the cognitive assessment known as the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS). This video tutorial is approximately 20 minutes in length and is designed to provide targeted guidance for accurate coding using live-action patient/resident scenarios. To access the video, click on the following link: BIMS Video Tutorial.

Tampa General Hospital is having a banner month.

Hospital leaders celebrated the ribbon-cutting for the completion of Phase 2 of the TGH Cancer Institute in south Hillsborough County, on July 19th. TGH President and CEO John Couris said the ribbon-cutting marks Tampa General Hospital's efforts to expand access to its world-class cancer center in the rapidly growing communities of south Hillsborough County. The completion of the TGH Cancer Institute Brandon location is planned for the fall with the opening of its Radiation Oncology Center. The ribbon-cutting comes on the heels of TGH opening the doors of its new TGH Kennedy Emergency Center at 1301 W Kennedy Blvd., last month. Read more.

HCMA Benefit Provider celebrates 40 years!

Rivero Gordimer & Co., CPAs and Advisors won the Tampa Bay Chamber's Small Business of the Year award in 2018 in the category of 21-50 employees. Now, at 70 employees strong, RG&C is celebrating 40 years! Congratulations and we look forward to a long partnership. Read more.

HCMA's new website feature - YOUR website!

Member Spotlight … we want to hear from you!

If you are serving as a keynote speaker, conducting research, have written an article pertinent to medicine, or if you are serving our communities by volunteering for your favorite charity, we would love to showcase your endeavors! Submit a photo along with a brief description of your activities and watch for it in a future edition of Enews, The Bulletin, or on the HCMA website’s upcoming Member Spotlight feature.

HAVE YOU CREATED YOUR HCMA PROFILE YET?

In order to make use of our innovative new database and all of its features, all HCMA members need to create a password for their profile.

Please follow these few simple steps to set up your profile:

Log in to your HCMA account at www.hcma.net
Click the orange sign-in icon located in the upper right-hand corner
Enter your email address - IF YOU HAVE NOT CREATED A PASSWORD YET, click the "forgot password" link and follow the instructions.

If you have any questions please contact Anni Blackwell.

August 2023 E News Part 2

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 14:20:51 GMT

From the Board of Medicine

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.

Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.

Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital

Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on March 31, 2024.

CE Broker

Physician Wellness

Could AI Cause Burnout in Medicine?

Some concern that new technology could be more of a problem than a solution. Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly ingratiated itself in the healthcare landscape, emerging as a powerful tool with the potential to revolutionize various aspects of clinical practice. From enhancing diagnostic precision to streamlining administrative workflows, AI is touted as a solution to many of healthcare's long-standing inefficiencies. Yet, the transformative power of AI is a double-edged sword, and its integration may have unintended repercussions for not only patients but also physicians. Read more.

Subscribe to the AMA's Burnout Management Tip of the Week

Personal News

John Sinnott, MD

John Sinnott, MD, stepped down July 1st from his role as chair of the Department of Internal Medicine in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. Dr. Sinnott will continue service as the James Cullison Professor of Medicine.

Dr. Sinnott leaves behind a legacy as a renowned physician and dynamic teacher and mentor. During his 10-year run as chair of USF Health’s largest department, he has ushered in a culture that has helped the department achieve unprecedented growth and achievement. Read more.

Drs. Bruce Shephard, Michael Cromer, and Stacie Wenk.

HCMA was well-represented!

The FMA Annual Meeting was held last weekend in Orlando. Not only was the HCMA represented by twenty-four members (including delegates and FMA board members) but three HCMA members sat on Reference Committee III. Dr. Michael Cromer served as chairman alongside Drs. Bruce Shephard and Stacie Wenk.

Many thanks to our delegates who spent the weekend in Orlando, supporting organized medicine, debating important issues, and creating policy.

2023 HCMA representatives: Drs. Stacie Wenk, Michael Cromer, Nam Tran, Scott Anderson Rosemarie Garcia-Getting, Eva Crooke (Delegation Chair), Victor Feldbaum (future member), Lili Buzsaki, Michael Murphy, Michael Zimmer, Joel Silverfield, Ajoy Kumar, Brandon Faza, Diane Gowski, Neil Manimala, Rebecca Johnson, Radhakrishna Rao, Bruce Shephard, and Madelyn Butler. Not pictured: Drs. Kimberly Biss, Damian Caraballo, Carlos Lamoutte, Chris Pittman, and Ms. Debbie Zorian (HCMA Executive Director).

New Members

AFFILIATE MEMBER:

Jordan Halsey, MD

Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery

601 5th St., S, #306

St. Petersburg, 33704

727-767-4920

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Spotlight on Savings

Contact Alex Hills, Favorite Healthcare Staffing representative, directly at 913.800.5270, 866.877.5505, or CLICK HERE.

Serving Tampa and the entire Florida healthcare community since 1981, Favorite continues to set the standard for quality, service, and integrity in healthcare staffing and placement services. With discounted pricing and preferred rates for HCMA members, Favorite’s comprehensive range of staffing and personnel services can help HCMA members improve cost control, increase efficiency, and protect their revenue cycle. Click here to visit the Favorite Staffing/HCMA webpage: Favorite Staffing/HCMA Webpage. Click here to complete a job order request: Job Order Request Form.

Classified Ads

FOR RENT

Rent office space at Bruce B. Downs location for a single physician, M-F. Space is also available at the Platt St. location, Tuesday PM and Wednesday all day. Call Dona (813/971-9743 x 109) or email her at dlshearer1@aol.com, allergytampa.com.

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Click here to review the most recent issue of The Bulletin along with previous issues.

If you or anyone you know is interested in advertising in The Bulletin, or marketing their services to HCMA members, more information can be found in the HCMA Marketing packet.

UPCOMING EVENTS

National Physician Family Day

August 26, 2023

The Florida Aquarium

Hosted by the HCMA Physician Family Alliance. Free admission to the aquarium (tickets are limited - RSVP today). Arrive between 9:30am-noon - stay until closing (5pm). To secure your tickets for this event, please contact HCMA PFA Membership & Outreach Chair, Lauren Swoboda, or 863.398.1783. Event sponsors: hendrickson interiors, Nightcap Social, Lauren Swoboda/Compass Florida Real State, Jennifer Facini, CFP/Brighton Jones, and Kourtney Doyle/Amerant Mortgage.

Membership Dinner

September 19, 2023, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Women in Medicine Reception

October 25, 2023, 6:00pm

Palma Ceia Country Club

HCMA's female members are invited to celebrate women in medicine and socialize among colleagues. Sponsored by The Bank of Tampa Women Connected. Additional sponsors are welcome, contact Debbie Zorian, Executive Director, for details. Watch your email for the official invitation. Click here for more information.

Holiday Social for HCMA members

December 5, 2023, 6:30pm

At the home of Dr. & Mrs. Michael Cromer

26th HCMA Foundation's Charity Golf Classic

April 4, 2024

Call to carts: 1:15pm

Sponsorship opportunities are available and golfer registration is now open. Click here for all of the info!

July 2023 E News Part 1

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:06:33 GMT

Pertinent Information

The HCMA office will be closed on Tuesday, July 4th. Happy Independence Day!

The Florida Department of Health issues mosquito-borne illnesses advisory

On June 26th, the Florida Department of Health (Department) is issuing a statewide mosquito-borne illness advisory following four confirmed and recovered local cases of malaria in Sarasota County. All individuals have been treated and have recovered. Malaria is transmitted through infected mosquitoes. Residents throughout the state should take precautions by applying bug spray, avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, and wearing long pants and shirts when possible - especially during sunrise and sunset when mosquitos are most active. Read more.

Public health advisory issued for Bahia and Davis Island beaches due to high bacteria levels

Due to high bacteria levels, the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has issued a public health advisory for Bahia and Davis Island Beaches. This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public, and swimming is not recommended. Read more.

Health officials issue blue-green algae bloom alerts for two private access lakes

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has issued a Health Alert for harmful blue-green algal toxins at Lake George—North and Little Half Moon Lake—South. This is in response to water samples taken on 6/15/2023. The public should exercise caution in and around these lakes. Read more.

Important announcement re: HRIG

A notification from The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (FDOH-Hillsborough) states they will no longer administer Human Rabies Immunoglobulin (HRIG) for patients bitten by animals where rabies postexposure was probable. They will continue to administer rabies postexposure (PEP) vaccines. If it is determined by FDOH-Hillsborough that a patient needs HRIG, a referral form will be given to the patient to present to the local emergency department for rabies postexposure treatment initiation. Click here to read the letter regarding this change that will be in effect as of July 1, 2023. Recommendations related to rabies postexposure remain the same. If you have any questions related to this change or need additional technical assistance, please contact Mr. Douglas King, Environmental Supervisor, at 813-559-4331.

Learn more about three "M" infectious diseases: measles, mpox and malaria.

These illnesses are among the recent healthcare headlines. A panel of physicians takes a closer look at them and other topics in the news. Listen here.

Take action now! Contact your members of Congress.

Tell Congress to support legislation that would reform the flawed Medicare physician payment system and provide annual inflationary updates. More Information. Click here to contact your legislator.

Warning: Scammers are still impersonating DEA agents

Victims are losing money and personally identifiable information. Anyone receiving a call from a person claiming to be with DEA should report the incident to the FBI at www.ic3.gov. The Federal Trade Commission provides recovery steps, shares information with more than 3,000 law enforcement agencies and takes reports at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For any victims who have given personally identifiable information like a social security number to the caller, can learn how to protect against identity theft at www.identitytheft.gov. Read more.

Will the doctor see you now? The health system’s changing landscape.

The “front door” to the health system is changing, under pressure from increased demand, consolidation, and changing patient expectations. An estimated one-third of all physicians in the U.S. are primary care doctors according to the Robert Graham Center, a research and analysis organization that studies primary care. Other researchers say the numbers are lower, with the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker reporting only 12% of U.S. doctors are generalists, compared with 23% in Germany and as many as 45% in the Netherlands. That means it’s often hard to find a doctor and make an appointment that’s not weeks or months away. Read more.

Is gun violence an epidemic in the US?

Deaths and injuries from guns in the U.S. have increased for years, mirroring the 1990s - the last time gun violence was considered an epidemic. Six months into the year, more than 21,000 people have died because of gun-related injuries in the United States. Doctors and public health officials have a word to describe the rising number of people killed or hurt by guns in recent years: epidemic. Read more.

Delegates are needed!

The HCMA has 35 seats in the FMA House of Delegates

HCMA Delegates to the Florida Medical Association (FMA) have prepared four resolutions submitted to the House of Delegates for consideration at the FMA Annual Meeting. During the FMA Annual Meeting, the new president is installed, CME opportunities are available, and the FMA House of Delegates meets to discuss and debate proposed policy and legislative topics that are presented by delegations from all over the state.

The FMA Annual Meeting is being held July 28-30 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. Delegates are responsible for their travel and lodging. If you are interested in serving as an HCMA delegate to the FMA, please contact Elke Lubin for more information.

HCMA Annual Membership Directory - LAST CHANCE TO ADVERTISE

Promote your practice to your colleagues and to the public. The HCMA Annual Membership Directory, published each summer, lists all members alphabetically and practicing physicians are listed by primary specialty. The Directory is printed and mailed to all Active HCMA members and is also posted on the HCMA website. Physicians can enhance their listing and/or secure additional advertising space. Members receive a discounted rate to advertise. Details can be found HERE.

Member Spotlight … we want to hear from you!

Cancer care news for primary care providers

HCMA partner, Moffitt Cancer Center, has created a Cancer Care Update electronic newsletter targeted at primary care physicians. Read the latest edition here. You can register for emails, with topics that apply to your practice, by clicking here.

Health Department Community Newsletter

Enjoy the July/August newsletter of the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County.

Health Department Community Newsletter

Enjoy the July/August newsletter of the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County.

HAVE YOU CREATED YOUR HCMA PROFILE YET?

In order to make use of our innovative new database and all of its features, all HCMA members need to create a password for their profile.

Please follow these few simple steps to set up your profile:

Log in to your HCMA account at www.hcma.net
Click the orange sign-in icon located in the upper right-hand corner
Enter your email address - IF YOU HAVE NOT CREATED A PASSWORD YET, click the "forgot password" link and follow the instructions.

If you have any questions please contact Anni Blackwell.

July 2023 E News Part 2

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 14:42:39 GMT

From the Board of Medicine

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.

Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.

Elke, Jean, Asta, Anni, and Debbie.

Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on March 31, 2024.

CE Broker

Physician Wellness

What Keeps You Up at Night?

It is not uncommon for high-performing individuals, such as physicians, to have trouble sleeping on occasion. It's not always clear what triggers insomnia, but it's often associated with stress and anxiety. “Financial obligations” has been reported as one of the top five reasons people worry. Read more.

Subscribe to the AMA's Burnout Management Tip of the Week

Personal News

Another day at the HCMA

HCMA staff planned a "Crazy Outfit Day," to display their superior style skills.

With over 80 years of experience, the HCMA Administrative staff is one of the top benefits of membership.

R&R for Residents

On June 29th, the HCMA and Physicians Wealth Planning hosted the Annual Resident Reception at Brio Italian Grille. Physicians from the HCA Brandon, USF, and the new AdventHealth GME programs mingled with HCMA leaders.

See all of the photos on HCMA's Facebook page: /HCMADocs.

HCMA Physician Family Alliance's new Membership & Outreach Chair

Lauren Swoboda has joined the HCMAPF Alliance leadership team. She is passionate about introducing physician families, creating lasting friendships, and providing guidance and support within our community.

A Family Day event is being coordinated - watch your email for details. Learn more about the Alliance by clicking here.

New Member

AFFILIATE MEMBER:

Stacie Wenk, DO

Internal Medicine

Continuum Care/Affinity Care Hospice

5589 Marquesas Circle

Suite 202

Sarasota, 34233

941-477-9991

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Spotlight on Savings

Rivero, Gordimer & Company, P.A.(RGCO) – Certified Public Accountants who provide exclusive offers for HCMA members.

RGCO understands the healthcare industry from their many years of advising providers such as physician groups (primary and specialty care), ambulatory surgery centers, multi-specialty clinics, home care companies, and assisted living facilities, to name a few. RGCO keeps up with industry insights which enables them to advise on the challenges presented by fragmented reimbursement systems and a long-discussed transition to quality outcome-based compensation systems. More information.

Classified Ads

FOR RENT

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Click here to review the most recent issue of The Bulletin along with previous issues.

If you or anyone you know is interested in advertising in The Bulletin, or marketing their services to HCMA members, more information can be found in the HCMA Marketing packet.

UPCOMING EVENTS

National Physician Family Day

August 26, 2023

Hosted by the HCMA Physician Family Alliance. Details are forthcoming. If you would like more information or would like to serve on the planning committee for this event, please contact HCMA PFA Membership & Outreach Chair, Lauren Swoboda.

September 19, 2023, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Guest speaker to be announced - watch your email for the official invitation. Sponsor and exhibit opportunities are available. Call 813.253.0471 or click here for more information.

Women in Medicine Reception

October 25, 2023, 6:00pm

Palma Ceia Country Club

Holiday Social for HCMA members

December 5, 2023, 6:30pm

At the home of Dr. & Mrs. Michael Cromer

June 2023 E News Part 1

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 17:23:07 GMT

Pertinent Information

Hurricane Season is here!

As easy as it seems to track the path of a hurricane, we saw the unpredictability and devastation Hurricane Ian brought to nearby communities. It could have been us. Be prepared for Hurricane Season, June 1 - November 30. If you have not done so already, develop a plan for your home and your office, prepare a hurricane kit, and heed the directions of officials.

The COVID-19 public health emergency is over. Now what?

The COVID-19 public health emergency declared by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expired in May. But that doesn't mean the deadly respiratory illness has disappeared, warned Deb Houry, MD, MPH, chief medical officer and deputy director for program and science at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Read more.

Paxlovid gets full FDA approval after more than a year of emergency use.

The drug has been fully vetted by the U.S. government and can remain on the market indefinitely. Millions of Americans have received Paxlovid since it was granted emergency authorization in 2021. Read more.

Neuralink says it has US approval to begin trials in people.

Neuralink is one of many groups working on linking the nervous system to computers, efforts aimed at helping treat brain disorders, overcoming brain injuries and other applications. Read more.

Medical Briefs

Delegates are needed!

The HCMA has 35 seats in the FMA House of Delegates

HCMA Delegates to the Florida Medical Association (FMA) have prepared four resolutions that have been submitted to the House of Delegates for their consideration at the FMA Annual Meeting. During the FMA Annual Meeting, the new president is installed, CME opportunities are available, and the FMA House of Delegates meets to discuss and debate proposed policy and legislative topics that are presented by delegations from all over the state.

Apply for the FMA Leadership Academy by June 9

Friday, June 9, is the deadline to apply for the 2023-2024 Karl M. Altenburger, MD Physician Leadership Academy. This immersive professional development program helps emerging physician leaders sharpen non-clinical skills for success in modern healthcare: emotional intelligence, conflict management, persuasive communication, building a healthy workplace culture, and more. Only FMA members who practice in the state of Florida will be considered. Selected participants will be invited to attend five facilitated, in-person sessions beginning Oct. 7, plus virtual learning activities throughout the year. The FMA Foundation for Healthy Floridians will cover expenses for materials, lodging, sponsored meals, and speaker fees.

HCMA 2023 Legislative Session Summary

Dr. Damian Caraballo, Chair of the HCMA Government Affairs Committee summarized the top issues that were addressed during the Florida Legislative Session that pertained to the practice of medicine. Read the summary here. If you would like more information or would like to be added to the Government Affairs Committee, please email Elke Lubin, HCMA Executive Assistant.

State’s ACA marketplace issuers deny 13% of claims on average

According to data published by the Kaiser Family Foundation earlier this year, HealthCare.gov issuers in Florida denied an average of 13.1% of in-network claims in 2021 — below the national average of 17%, but still substantial. Denial rates and the reasons for claim denials also varied significantly by issuer. As FMA Director of Healthcare Policy and Innovation Jarrod Fowler concludes in a new article, “The findings of this report appear to indicate that greater oversight of claim denials is warranted.”

Nominees Needed - Dr. Frederick A. Reddy Memorial Award

The HCMA Executive Council is seeking nominees for the Dr. Frederick A. Reddy Memorial Award. The award is meant to recognize a member of the Tampa Bay Community (physician or layperson) who exemplifies the qualities that were so prevalent in Dr. Reddy’s work within the community. Examples include community service, social justice, mentoring kids, teens, young adults, etc. Our community is so large and many people are doing great things that may go unnoticed. Send nominations to Elke Lubin by July 1st. Include the nominee's contact information and a brief narrative of why you believe they qualify along with one specific example of their altruism.

Medical students want to shadow you!

The HCMA has a very dynamic partnership with the USF medical students. Students have asked to shadow members in their offices to gain early clinical exposure. If you would like to be a mentor and allow a student to shadow you during 5 office days, CLICK HERE to provide the information requested. You will be contacted by medical student representatives to coordinate your mentor/mentee schedule.

We want to hear from you...

Volunteering at your favorite charity, with your family, or in other countries is a very personal pursuit. We would like to showcase how our members give back. Send us a photo of you along with a description of how and where you volunteer and watch for it in a future edition of Enews or The Bulletin.

HCMA Annual Membership Directory - LAST CHANCE TO ADVERTISE

Have you created your HCMA profile yet?

In order to make use of our innovative new database and all of its features, all HCMA members need to create a password for their profile.

By setting up your profile, it will ensure that you have full access to our website in which you can update your office information, your home mailing address, RSVP to our events, pay dues, and receive all future correspondence from the HCMA.

Please follow these few simple steps to set up your profile:

Log in to your HCMA account at www.hcma.net
Click the orange sign-in icon located in the upper right-hand corner
Enter your email address - IF YOU HAVE NOT CREATED A PASSWORD YET, click the "forgot password" link and follow the instructions.

If you have any questions please contact Anni Blackwell

June 2023 E News Part 2

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 17:08:16 GMT

From the Board of Medicine

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.

Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.

Hawthorne Oncology Pain Experts (HOPE)

Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on March 31, 2024.

CE Broker

Physician Wellness

The HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program provides a safe harbor for members to address life difficulties, challenges, and increased stress. This complimentary and completely confidential benefit is available for all members, regardless of membership category. Additional coaching services are now being offered.

Rejuvenating Physician Wellness: The Power of Coaching in Preventing Burnout and Cultivating Success by Dian A. Ginsberg, EdD, MA, CPCC, CHWC, HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program provider for Personal & Executive Coaching.

Subscribe to the AMA's Burnout Management Tip of the Week

Personal News

Keeping the lines of communication open...

On May 24th, HCMA leaders met with Florida state representatives and district aides for a post-legislative session briefing at the Woman's Group.

Many healthcare issues were discussed including budget wins, legislation that was supported and passed, and legislation that was opposed and defeated.

New Members

ACTIVE MEMBERS:

Kevin Hsu, MD

Otolaryngology

Florida ENT & Allergy

7425 Monika Manor Dr.

Tampa, 33625

813.879.8045

Edward Podgorski, III, MD

Pain Management

2727 W. M.L.King Jr. Blvd, #520

Tampa, 33607

813.538.7600

David Swoboda, MD

Hematology/Oncology

Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute

3 Tampa General Circle

Tampa, 33606

813.844.7585

RETIRED MEMBER:

Shawkat Kero, MD

AFFILIATE MEMBERS:

Kimberly Biss, MD

OBG

Women's Care, New Beginnings

625 6th Ave., S, #350

St. Petersburg, 33701

727.456.0080

Charles Davis, MD

Orthopaedic Surgery

Davis Spine & Orthopaedics

2800 Windguard Circle, #401

Wesley Chapel, 33544

813.994.2225

Elizabeth Kolawole, MD

Family Medicine

Premiere Community Healthcare

2114 Seven Springs Blvd.

New Port Richey, 34655

727.645.4185

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Spotlight on Savings

Florida Healthcare Law Firm (FHLF) – Serving HCMA members with the right pricing, responsiveness, and ethics. It is a full-service health law firm capable of providing services from business corporate and HR issues to highly specialized regulatory guidance to providers and businesses in the healthcare industry and offers a phone consultation for providers and healthcare businesses of all kinds at no cost. HCMA members can obtain up to fifteen minutes of free legal counsel by contacting via phone at 561.455.7700. The FHLF website has a downloads section offering free legal documents, available for instant download. Audio/visual presentations are also available for purchase and the Firm maintains a busy YouTube channel with tons of valuable webinars. Visit the innovative resource center at www.FloridaHealthcareLawFirm.com or email COO Autumn Piccolo to be connected with a member of the team at apiccolo@floridahealthcarelawfirm.com.

Classified Ads

FOR RENT

Rent space at Bruce B Downs for a single physician, perfect for a psychiatrist, psychologist, M-F. Space is also available at Platt St, Tuesday PM and Wednesday all day. Call Dona (813/971-9743 x 109) or email her at dlshearer1@aol.com, allergytampa.com.

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Click here to review the most recent issue of The Bulletin along with previous issues.

If you or anyone you know is interested in advertising in The Bulletin, or marketing their services to HCMA members, more information can be found in the HCMA Marketing packet.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Resident Reception

June 29, 2023, 6:30pm

Brio Italian Grille

HCMA's in-training physician members from the USF, HCA-Brandon, and AdventHealth GME programs are invited to network and socialize. HCMA leaders will mingle among our young physician members. Watch your email for the invitation. Click here for more information and to register.

HCMA Executive Council Meetings

6:30pm

August 15, 2023 & November 28, 2023

The Executive Council is the governing body of the HCMA. RSVPs are required to receive the Zoom log-in credentials. To place a topic on the agenda, a request must be sent to Debbie Zorian, HCMA Executive Director, at least two weeks prior to the meeting. Email Ms. Zorian by clicking here.

National Physician Family Day

August 27, 2023

Hosted by the HCMA Physician Family Alliance. Details are forthcoming. If you would like to serve on the planning committee for this event, please contact HCMA PFA Secretary/Treasurer, Michael Kelly.

Membership Dinner

September 19, 2023, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Guest speaker to be confirmed - watch your email for the official invitation. Sponsor and exhibit opportunities are available. Call 813.253.0471 or click here for more information.

Women in Medicine Reception

October 25, 2023, 6:00pm

Palma Ceia Country Club

Holiday Social for HCMA members

December 5, 2023, 6:30pm

At the home of Dr. & Mrs. Michael Cromer

May 2023 News Part 1

Wed, 03 May 2023 19:01:31 GMT

HCMA Installation Dinner

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

6:15pm - The Westshore Grand

Dr. Michael Cromer will be installed as HCMA's 120th President. Don't miss an enjoyable evening of complimentary drinks, hors d'oeuvres, music, dining & dancing. Entertainment provided by Don Juceam, Florida's Frank Sinatra! Sponsors include The Bank of Tampa, Florida Blue, & MCMS Inc. Insurance Trust. For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to register, contact the HCMA office (813.253.0471), or click here. Please note the new start time.

As the federal emergency declaration expires, the pandemic picture grows fuzzier

The pandemic gave federal officials expanded power to access crucial data about the spread of COVID-19, but that authority will change when the public health emergency sunsets in May. Read more.

Nonpartisan investigation: What lessons were learned from the COVID pandemic?

The nonpartisan COVID Crisis Group released its investigative report, titled "Lessons from the COVID War: An Investigative Report." NPR's Mary Louise Kelly spoke to the head of the group, Philip Zelikow, about the report's findings. He is also the former executive director of the 9/11 Commission. Read the interview here.

Florida lawmakers back Medicaid-managed care pilot for people with developmental disabilities

The bill comes after long-running concerns about people with developmental disabilities being stuck on a waiting list for services. Under the bill, sponsored by Rep. Wyman Duggan, the pilot program would be created in Miami-Dade, Monroe, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Polk counties. Read more.

Marburg Virus Disease Outbreak, Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania – Information for Clinicians

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to inform clinicians and public health departments in the United States about two confirmed outbreaks of Marburg virus disease (MVD)—one in Equatorial Guinea and one in Tanzania. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that these two outbreaks are related; most experts agree that these represent two independent animal-to-human spillover events. To date, no confirmed cases of MVD related to these outbreaks have been reported in the United States or other countries outside Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania. This Health Advisory provides information about these outbreaks to increase awareness of the risk of imported cases in the United States. It also summarizes CDC’s recommendations for case identification, testing, and clinical laboratory biosafety considerations in the United States. (CDC, April 18, 2023)

USF Health, Tampa General bring health care to communities that need it most

The future doctors, most of them wearing green T-shirts with a red cross on them, are volunteers with a nine-year-old student-run program called Tampa Bay Street Medicine. They offer to check blood pressure and hear about any health problems that may need attention in a free clinic staffed by students and a licensed clinician from USF Health. They give over-the-counter medicines for aches and pains and other maladies and bandages for wounds. They hand out mosquito repellent, sunblock, and socks, which are valued greatly by the homeless. Read more

Delegates are needed!

The HCMA has 35 seats in the FMA House of Delegates

HCMA Delegates to the Florida Medical Association (FMA) prepare resolutions to be submitted to the House of Delegates at the FMA Annual Meeting each year. Resolutions often result in proposed legislation or FMA policy.

During the FMA Annual Meeting, the new president is installed, CME opportunities are available, and the FMA House of Delegates meets to discuss and debate proposed policy and legislative topics that are presented by delegations from all over the state.

The HCMA reimburses delegates for their Installation Dinner tickets and will provide breakfast during the Sunday morning caucus. Delegates are responsible for their travel and lodging. The FMA has secured a discounted room rate of $195/night.

The FMA Annual Meeting is being held July 28-30 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. If you are interested in serving as an HCMA delegate to the FMA, please contact Elke Lubin for more information.

Medical students want to shadow you!

We want to hear from you...

Please take a moment to complete a 2 question survey about HCMA events. We value your input and suggestions. Click here to take the survey.
Volunteering at your favorite charity, with your family, or in other countries is a very personal pursuit. We would like to showcase how our members give back. Send us a photo of you along with a description of how and where you volunteer and watch for it in a future edition of Enews or The Bulletin.
The HCMA Foundation is gearing up for its 2023 grant season. If you are familiar with a local medically-related charitable organization, forward the contact information to Elke Lubin. A grant application and criteria will be sent to them. The deadline to receive grant applications is May 15th.

HCMA Annual Membership Directory - now accepting ads

Survey: How are payment trends affecting you?

As reported recently in FMA News, the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule has not kept pace with inflation and is unsustainable in its current form. This is a major concern for Florida, where residents, ages 60 and older, are expected to drive 53.5% of the state’s population growth through 2030. The FMA wants to know how this trend is affecting your practice of medicine. Please take FMA's brief survey so they can share your valuable feedback with members of Congress who are working to reform the Medicare program.

FMA opposes UHC’s proposed prior authorization program

The FMA is joining its medical society partners in opposing United Healthcare’s (UHC) proposed gastrointestinal endoscopy prior authorization program, which is flawed and misguided. As this joint letter to UHC explains, the program would limit access to care for vulnerable patients, delay diagnoses of colorectal cancer in younger populations, and needlessly increase burdens on physicians and medical practices. Nearly 1,500 patients and their physicians have also sent letters to UHC addressing the harm the program would cause. Read the letter.

Have you created your HCMA profile yet?

In order to make use of our innovative new database and all of its features, all HCMA members need to create a password for their profile.

Please follow these few simple steps to set up your profile:

Log in to your HCMA account at www.hcma.net
Click the orange sign-in icon located in the upper right-hand corner
Enter your email address - IF YOU HAVE NOT CREATED A PASSWORD YET, click the "forgot password" link and follow the instructions.
If you have any questions please contact Anni Blackwell.

May 2023 News Part 2

Wed, 03 May 2023 18:41:35 GMT

From the Board of Medicine

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.

Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.

NeuRepair Brain and Spine Wellness Centers

Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on March 31, 2024.

CE Broker

Physician Wellness

Physician Support Line is a free and confidential support line service made up of 800+ volunteer psychiatrists, joined together in the determined hope to provide peer support for physician colleagues. Physicians are encouraged to call for any issue, not just a crisis.

1.888.409.0141

Monday – Friday

8:00AM – 12:00AM ET

The antidotes to toxic burnout: Grit and resilience

By Charles J. Lockwood, MD, MHCM

"We’ve all heard reports of the alarming numbers of physicians, especially our younger colleagues, suffering symptoms of burnout. Some 45 to 60 percent of medical students and residents report symptoms such as depression, debilitating stress, and emotional exhaustion, according to the National Academy of Medicine’s Action Collaborative on Clinician Wellbeing and Resilience.

"I’m sure many of us have talked with and tried to help, young physicians experiencing these issues, especially given the stresses of caring for patients during COVID.

"But what if we’ve been offering them the wrong kind of help?" <Read more.>

Subscribe to the AMA's Burnout Management Tip of the Week

Personal News

HCMA members traveled to Tallahassee to visit our representatives and senators. Dr. Michael Cromer, who also served as Doctor of the Day in the senate, along with Dr. Neil Manimala and HCMA medical student representative, Alexandra Mazur-Pincus spent April 18th at the capital making connections and educating our legislators on medicine's priority issues.

Dr. Barry Bradley, a family medicine resident at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital joined Dr. Cromer in his Doctor of the Day duties. The FAFP matches up a resident who shows interest in the legislative process with a Family Doctor for the Doctor of the Day experience.

The HCMA staff celebrated Administrative Professionals Day with an artistic twist. This year, we enjoyed food, drink, music, and the expertise of a virtual painter who tried her best to help us create a “Splash of Paradise” painting.

It was a fun-filled evening amidst moans and laughter about our painting abilities. Let’s just say, it was unanimous that we keep our day jobs!

New Members

AFFILIATE MEMBERS:

Derrick Dupre, MD

Neurological Surgery

8140 Picton Way, Suite 102

Trinity, 34655

727.494.7573

Gaspere Geraci, MD

Family Medicine

CHEC, Inc.

Tarpon Springs

717.903.1100

Donald Lanza, MD

Otolaryngology

Sinus and Nasal Institute of Florida

550 94th Ave., N

St. Petersburg, 33702

727.573.0074

Brian Piazza, MD

Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Children's Orthopaedic & Scoliosis Surgery Associates, LLP

625 6th Ave., S, Suite 450

St. Petersburg, 33701

727-898-2663

RETIRED MEMBER:

Robert Scherzer, MD

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Spotlight on Savings

AER Consulting, Inc. – Healthcare Management Consulting Experts. AER offers HCMA members a complimentary phone consultation for up to one hour and a 17% discounted service rate.

They assist new providers entering the industry, adding providers to existing practices, assisting start-ups, as well as helping troubled, ineffective, high-overhead, low-profit practices and turning them into a practical, efficient, low-overhead, profitable, service-oriented approach.

With AER you can be assured you are working with a team dedicated to providing the best solutions for your practice. Give AER a call today for a free initial consultation.

HCMA Benefit Provider Program

Classified Ads

FOR RENT

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Click here to review the most recent issue of The Bulletin along with previous issues.

If you or anyone you know may be interested in advertising in The Bulletin, or marketing their services to HCMA members, more information can be found in the HCMA Marketing packet.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Inauguration Dinner

May 9, 2023, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Dr. Michael Cromer will be installed as HCMA's 120th President. Don't miss an enjoyable evening of complimentary drinks, hors d'oeuvres, music, dining & dancing. Entertainment provided by Don Juceam, Florida's Frank Sinatra! Sponsors include The Bank of Tampa, Florida Blue, and MCMS Insurance Trust. Sponsor and exhibit opportunities are available. Click here for details and to register. Please note new start time.

HCMA Executive Council Meetings

6:30pm - via zoom

May 23, 2023, August 15, 2023

November 28, 2023 & February 20, 2024

The Executive Council is the governing body of the HCMA. RSVPs are required to receive the zoom log-in credentials. To place a topic on the agenda, a request must be sent to Debbie Zorian, HCMA Executive Director, at least two weeks prior to the meeting. Email Ms. Zorian by clicking here.

Resident Reception

June 29, 2023, 6:30pm

Brio Italian Grille

National Physician Family Day

August 27, 2023

Hosted by the HCMA Physician Family Alliance. Details are forthcoming. If you would like to serve on the planning committee for this event, please contact HCMA PFA Secretary/Treasurer, Michael Kelly.

Membership Dinner

September 19, 2023, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Guest speaker to be confirmed - watch your email for the official invitation. Sponsor and exhibit opportunities are available. Call 813.253.0471 or click here for more information.

Women in Medicine Reception

October 25, 2023, 6:00pm

Palma Cia Country Club

HCMA's female members are invited to celebrate women in medicine and socialize among colleagues. Sponsors include The Bank of Tampa Women Connected. Watch your email for the official invitation. Click here for more information.

Holiday Social for HCMA members

December 5, 2023, 6:30pm

At the home of Dr. & Mrs. Michael Cromer

April 2023 E News Part 1

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 15:06:18 GMT

Pertinent Information

HCMA Installation Dinner

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

6:15pm - The Westshore Grand

Dr. Michael Cromer will be installed as HCMA's 120th President. Don't miss an enjoyable evening of complimentary drinks, hors d'oeuvres, music, dining & dancing. Entertainment provided by Don Juceum, Tampa Bay's Frank Sinatra! Sponsors include The Bank of Tampa, Florida Blue, MCMS Inc. Insurance Trust. For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to register, contact the HCMA office (813.253.0471), or click here. Please note the new start time.

DROP DATE was March 31st.

Letters are being sent this week that will notify members who have let their HCMA membership lapse. If you are not sure if you paid your 2023 membership dues, please contact Asta Orthman, HCMA Membership Coordinator, or call the HCMA office at 813.253.0471. Your dues can also be easily and securely paid online by visiting the HCMA website and logging into your account.

The FDA may soon authorize a spring round of COVID-19 boosters for some people.

The FDA is reconsidering the situation and may authorize a second booster with the bivalent vaccines for at least some people, such as those who are at high risk because they have compromised immune systems or are 65 and older, a federal official who was not authorized to speak publicly told NPR. A decision could be announced within weeks. Read more.

Moderna's Steep COVID Vaccine Price: Corporate Greed or Capitalism?

On May 11, the U.S. public health emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 will end. And with it, many Americans will no longer have access to free, government-sponsored COVID vaccines. Moderna raised eyebrows recently -- including from Congress - when it announced plans to increase the price of its COVID-19 mRNA vaccine by more than 400% from $26 to $130. Although Moderna has promised a patient assistance program to provide its vaccine for free for approximately 30 million uninsured Americans, the details on this program are scant and paperwork for such initiatives can be prohibitive. Read more.

Nasal COVID treatment shows early promise against multiple variants

Known as TriSb92 (brand name Covidin, from drugmaker Pandemblock Oy in Finland), the viral inhibitor also appears effective against all coronavirus variants of concern, neutralizing even the Omicron variants BA.5, XBB, and BQ.1.1 in laboratory and mice studies. Unlike a COVID vaccine that boosts a person's immune system as protection, the antiviral nasal spray works more directly by blocking the virus, acting as a "biological mask in the nasal cavity," according to the biotechnology company set up to develop the treatment. Read more.

Delegates Needed!

The FMA Annual Meeting is being held July 28-30 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. The HCMA is allotted 35 delegates to represent our Association at the meeting. The HCMA Delegates will meet, via ZOOM, on April 25th to prepare for the FMA Annual Meeting, discuss resolution topics, and review the announced candidates for FMA office. If you are interested in serving as an HCMA delegate to the FMA and attending the meeting on April 25th, please contact Elke Lubin for more information.

HCMA Government Affairs Committee

The HCMA's Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is gearing up for another busy legislative season.

The GAC, in conjunction with the FMA, has compiled a list of 2023 Legislative Priorities, that will be presented to our legislators locally, through our Key Contact program, and in Tallahassee.
The GAC is coordinating a contingency of members to visit Tallahassee on April 18th which is during the 2023 Legislative Session. This one-day event includes a meeting with FMA legislative experts to brief attendees on the important issues of the day and appointments will be secured for our contingency to meet with legislators and/or their administrative staff. Members often arrive in Tallahassee the evening prior to the scheduled day at the Capitol.
If you are interested in joining the GAC contingency in their visit to Tallahassee, contact Elke Lubin or call the HCMA office: 813.253.0471.

HCMA Annual Membership Directory - now accepting ads

Have you created your HCMA profile yet?

In order to make use of our innovative new database and all of its features, all HCMA members need to create a password for their profile.

Please follow these few simple steps to set up your profile:

Log in to your HCMA account at www.hcma.net
Click the orange sign-in icon located in the upper right-hand corner
Enter your email address - IF YOU HAVE NOT CREATED A PASSWORD YET, click the "forgot password" link and follow the instructions.

If you have any questions please contact Anni Blackwell.

April 2023 E News Part 2

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:50:29 GMT

From the Board of Medicine

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.

Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.

Subscribe to the AMA's Burnout Management Tip of the Week

Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on March 31, 2024.

CE Broker

Physician Wellness

1.888.409.0141

Monday – Friday

8:00AM – 12:00AM ET

Podcast » Reducing burnout and mental health stigma for physicians
Nigel Girgrah, MD, PhD, chief wellness officer at Ochsner Health in New Orleans, shares how small changes add up in his health system work to reduce burnout and prioritizes physician well-being. Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Simplecast.

Personal News

The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County is partnering with local organizations throughout Hillsborough County to create pinwheel gardens. The blue pinwheels symbolize Child Abuse Prevention Awareness. In previous years the Children's Board had over 200 pinwheel gardens placed throughout our County and they would love for that number to increase. If you and/or your practice would like to "plant" a pinwheel garden for April, please contact Tim Bennett and he will make arrangements to provide a yard sign and pinwheels.

25th Charity Golf Classic in the books!

March 30th was a GREAT day for golf - our Foundation raised money for charity and our golfers had a great time! Many thanks to all involved. Watch your mail for more photos in the Summer edition of The Bulletin and visit HCMA's Facebook page for all of the photos!

New Members

ACTIVE MEMBER:

Joseph Migliozzi, MD

Pathology

Sunstate Pathology

9812 Compass Point Way

Tampa, 33615

813.854.4779

AFFILIATE MEMBER:

John Gross, MD

Family Medicine

JAC Medical, LLC

995 16th Street, N

St. Petersburg, 33705

727.655.9096

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Spotlight on Savings

Gavin Nelson

Vice President

Private Relationship Manager

gnelson@bankoftampa.com

Ashley Watters

Vice President

Commercial Relationship Mgr

awatters@bankoftampa.com

Banking and Wealth Management Services. Specializing in services for medical practices and physicians for over 30 years. The Bank of Tampa has designed exclusive benefits for HCMA members including a personal relationship package, commercial banking services, and wealth management services; as well as discounts on Remote Deposit Capture, payroll, and merchant card services.

The Bank of Tampa has been an HCMA partner for decades and a long-time supporter of the HCMA Foundation's Charity Golf Classic.

HCMA Benefit Provider Program

Classified Ads

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Click here to review the most recent issue of The Bulletin along with previous issues.

If you or anyone you know may be interested in advertising in The Bulletin, or marketing their services to HCMA members, more information can be found in the HCMA Marketing packet.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Florida Legislative Session

March 7 - May 5, 2023

Tallahassee

HCMA's Government Affairs Committee (GAC) will coordinate a contingency of members to visit legislators on April 18th. Appointments will be secured. If you are interested in more information, please contact Elke Lubin.

Tampa Bay Surgical Oncology Society Bi-Annual Meeting: The multidisciplinary management of metastatic bone disease. April 13, 2023, 6 – 9 PM, Tampa Club. Special Guest: Tom Delaney, MD- Radiation Oncologist. Course Description: As survival for patients with metastatic cancer and myeloma continues to improve and treatments continue to advance, bone metastases represent an increasingly significant source of morbidity. Manifestations of metastatic bone disease may result in pain, metabolic and electrochemical derangements, pathologic fracture, and compression of the spinal cord. A coordinated, team-based multidisciplinary approach to the care of these patients is necessary to optimize outcomes. The purpose of this meeting is to highlight novel procedural and therapeutic approaches in the treatment of metastatic bone disease and to address the importance of a team based, multidisciplinary approach to these patients.

Learning Objectives

Explore innovations in the treatment of metastatic bone disease, particularly surgical and procedural innovations
Identify the roles in and discuss the importance of multidisciplinary management of metastatic bone disease patients.
Identify and discuss modern principles of medical, radiotherapy and surgical treatment of metastatic bone disease patients
Identify and discuss the appropriate management of and referral of patients with bone lesions
Register here.

In-Depth Introduction to Racial Equity

Tuesday, April 18, 2023, 2:00 – 5:00 pm EST

3 hour live training - register here

This free option for Federation staff and AMA members in leadership positions is a condensed version of the 2-day training available to all AMA staff. Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit will be offered at no cost to attendees upon completion.

This live virtual webinar offers the opportunity to learn from and interact with experts from the Racial Equity Institute (REI). REI organizers use stories and data to explain how racism is structural. Exploring historical and modern-day racial inequity, the session introduces an analysis that most find immediately helpful and relevant. The groundwater metaphor helps explain that we live in a racially structured society, which causes racial inequity. In other words, we have a “groundwater” problem, and we need “groundwater” solutions. Starting from there, we begin to unlock transformative change. Please email any questions or concerns to Yuliana.Lopez@ama-assn.org

Inauguration Dinner

May 9, 2023, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Dr. Michael Cromer will be installed as HCMA's 120th President. Don't miss an enjoyable evening of complimentary drinks, hors d'oeuvres, music, dining & dancing. Entertainment provided by Don Juceum, Tampa Bay's Frank Sinatra! Sponsors include The Bank of Tampa, Florida Blue, and MCMS Insurance Trust. Sponsor and exhibit opportunities are available. Click here for details and to register. Please note new start time.

HCMA Executive Council Meetings

6:30pm - via zoom

May 23, 2023, August 15, 2023

November 28, 2023 & February 20, 2024

Resident Reception

June 29, 2023, 6:30pm

Brio Italian Grille

National Physician Family Day

August 27, 2023

Hosted by the HCMA Physician Family Alliance. Details are forthcoming. If you would like to serve on the planning committee for this event, please contact HCMA PFA Secretary/Treasurer, Michael Kelly.

Membership Dinner

September 19, 2023, 6:15pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Guest speaker to be confirmed - watch your email for the official invitation. Sponsor and exhibit opportunities are available. Call 813.253.0471 or click here for more information.

Women in Medicine Reception

October 25, 2023, 6:00pm

Palma Cia Country Club

Holiday Social for HCMA members

December 5, 2023, 6:30pm

At the home of Dr. & Mrs. Michael Cromer

March 2023 Enews Part 1

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 19:44:39 GMT

Pertinent Information

Is your 2023 HCMA membership renewal past due?

If you are not sure if you paid your 2023 membership dues, please contact Asta Orthman, HCMA Membership Coordinator, or call the HCMA office at 813.253.0471. Your dues can also be easily and securely paid online by visiting the HCMA website and logging into your account. If you haven’t paid your dues yet, please don’t delay! Drop date is March 31st.

HCMA Installation Dinner

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

6:30pm - The Westshore Grand

Dr. Michael Cromer will be installed as HCMA's 120th President, officers and representatives will be announced, and FMA President, Dr. Joshua Lenchus, will be our special guest. Sponsors: The Bank of Tampa, Florida Blue, MCMS Inc. Insurance Trust. For more information, contact the HCMA office (813.253.0471), or email Anni Blackwell. Registration details are forthcoming.

Physician loan assistance program launched February 1, 2023

The Department of Health launched the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) Program to assist eligible healthcare practitioners with the repayment of medical education student loans. An annual appropriation of nearly $6.6 million for the FRAME Program was secured during the 2022 Legislative Session.

The Department will accept applications through Friday, March 31, 2023. Applications will be evaluated, and selections will be made on or before June 1, 2023. The eligibility guidelines and the required submission forms are listed on the FRAME website.

Medical COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) new overview fact sheet

As part of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) ongoing efforts to provide up-to-date information to prepare for the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, which is expected on May, 11, 2023, they are providing a new overview fact sheet on CMS Waivers, Flexibilities, and the Transition Forward from the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. COVID-19 efforts have been a significant priority for the Biden-Harris Administration, and with the use of whole-of-government approach, the country is in a better place. Over the next several months, CMS will work to ensure a smooth transition back to normal operations.

The CMS Waivers, Flexibilities, and the Transition Forward from the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency provides clarity on several topics including:

COVID-19 vaccines, testing, and treatments;
Telehealth services;
Health Care Access

In the coming weeks, CMS will be hosting stakeholder calls and office hours to provide additional information. Please visit the CMS Emergencies Page for continuous updates regarding PHE sunsetting guidance as information becomes available to the public.

Hospitals bear the brunt of financial fallout from COVID - but there is an opportunity here to try new strategies to cope

This year, March brings with it a joyless anniversary. It's been a long, arduous 3 years since the onset of the pandemic that overwhelmed our nation's hospitals and health systems. And, as of February 1, 2023, it resulted in a staggering 1,106,824 deaths in the U.S. When the federal government's Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 expires in mid-May, the country will enter a post-pandemic transition phase. What will this look like? Are we really out of the woods? Read more.

Not enough data to support multiple annual COVID boosters, CDC advisers say

There is not sufficient evidence to recommend more than one COVID-19 booster shot a year for older people and those with weakened immune systems, an expert advisory group to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Friday. The COVID-19 working group of the CDC's Advisory Committee For Immunization Practices (ACIP) supported an annual booster campaign, likely in the fall, especially for populations considered at high risk. Read more.

FDA authorizes the first at-home test for COVID-19 and the flu

With a shallow nasal swab, the single-use kit can provide results within 30 minutes indicating whether a person is positive or negative for COVID, as well as influenza A and influenza B, which are two common strains of the flu. Read more.

Learn the art of effective physician leadership

The FMA is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Karl M. Altenburger, MD Physician Leadership Academy, the FMA's premier professional development program. This intensive, 10-month program helps emerging physician leaders develop the non-clinical skills they need to be effective advocates for their profession and their patients. “It’s been an extraordinary experience,” said Mamta Patel, MD, one of the current class members featured in this highlight video.

Selected participants will be invited to attend five in-person, facilitated sessions beginning Saturday, Oct. 7, along with virtual learning activities throughout the year. The FMA Foundation for Healthy Floridians will cover expenses for materials, lodging, sponsored meals, and speaker fees.* Only FMA member physicians who practice in the state of Florida will be considered. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 9. *The Foundation for Healthy Floridians/FMA will reimburse for one night’s lodging per session at the contracted single-room rate reserved through the hotel website.

A Project in Cultural Representation in Healthcare

Reena Angela Martinez, BSN, RN, OCN, a current nurse practitioner student at the University of Florida who will graduate with her DNP in May, is implementing a project for her program: cultural representation in healthcare. Her project is to create diabetes educational resources for the Filipino American community in the Tampa/St. Pete metro area. One of the aspects she is researching is providing this helpful tool for both Filipino and non-Filipino providers to understand Filipino patients and culture better. Participation would include watching 3 short videos, all under 10 minutes, and filling out a questionnaire after each video. If you are interested in participating or learning more about her project, please contact Ms. Martinez via email: reenamartinez.dnp@gmail.com

HCMA Government Affairs Committee

The HCMA's Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is gearing up for another busy legislative season.

The GAC, in conjunction with the FMA, has compiled a list of 2023 Legislative Priorities, that will be presented to our legislators locally, through our Key Contact program, and in Tallahassee.
The GAC is coordinating a contingency of members to visit Tallahassee on April 18th which is during the 2023 Legislative Session. This one-day event includes a meeting with FMA legislative experts to brief attendees on the important issues of the day and appointments will be secured for our contingency to meet with legislators and/or their administrative staff. Members often arrive in Tallahassee the evening prior to the scheduled day at the Capitol.
If you are interested in joining the GAC contingency in their visit to Tallahassee, contact Elke Lubin or call the HCMA office: 813.253.0471.

Become an Editorial Board member

The Editorial Board for HCMA's publication, The Bulletin, will be meeting on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Dr. David Lubin, Editor, is inviting any member interested in participating and learning more about The Bulletin and the Editorial Board to attend. Attendees can participate in person at the HCMA office or via ZOOM. The meeting discussion will include writing assignments for the 2023-2024 volume of The Bulletin. When submitting articles, please stay clear of overly-scientific/specialty-specific articles as our audience spans all specialties. Previous issues can be found HERE. RSVP for the meeting by clicking here.

HCMA Annual Membership Directory - now accepting ads

HCMA Physician Family Alliance

The HCMA Physician Family Alliance is a group of physicians, spouses, partners, family members, resident physicians, medical students, and their parents whose aim is to promote good health and health education, engage in charitable community endeavors, and foster friendly relations among physicians’ families and the communities in which we live. They enjoy gathering throughout the year to socialize in a supportive atmosphere and support the HCMA Foundation and initiatives consistent with their mission. Please consider joining the HCMA PFA. For more information, you can contact Bill Butler (PFA President), Michael Kelly (PFA Treasurer/Secretary), or John Hotchkiss (PFA Membership/Outreach).

Florida Department of Health - Hillsborough County

The newest edition of the Community Newsletter is now available. If you have any questions concerning information in this newsletter, please contact Mandy Chan, MPH, CHES, Senior Health Educator, 813.559.4153.

Have you created your HCMA profile yet?

In order to make use of our innovative new database and all of its features, all HCMA members need to create a password for their profile.

Please follow these few simple steps to set up your profile:

Log in to your HCMA account at www.hcma.net
Click the orange sign-in icon located in the upper right-hand corner
Enter your email address - IF YOU HAVE NOT CREATED A PASSWORD YET, click the "forgot password" link and follow the instructions.

If you have any questions please contact Anni Blackwell.

March 2023 Enews Part 2

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 19:29:43 GMT

From the Board of Medicine

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.

Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.

Subscribe to the AMA's Burnout Management Tip of the Week

Current licenses expire at midnight, Eastern Time, on March 31, 2024.

CE Broker

Physician Wellness

1.888.409.0141

Monday – Friday

8:00AM – 12:00AM ET

AMA Addressing Physician Burnout

AMA President, Jack Resneck, Jr., MD will host a conversation with physician wellness experts: Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, MD, MBA, US Surgeon General, Dept. of HHS, Anjalee W. Galion, MD, Physician Wellness Officer, Children's Health of Orange County, Nigel Girgrah, MD, Ph.D., Chief Wellness Officer & Medical Director, Liver Transplantation, Ochsner Health, and Christine Sinksy, MD, VP, Professional Satisfaction, AMA. Virtual event details: Thursday, March 9, 12pm. Register to receive the livestream link prior to the event.

Personal News

HCMA staff dressed to impress for their “alternate careers” - Chef Asta and her Sous Chef, Jean, Private Investigator, Debbie, Nurse Anni, and Marine Biologist, Elke. They may be novices in their dream jobs, but as the HCMA administrative team, they have amassed over 80 years of combined experience serving physicians and our communities.

HCMA September 2022 membership dinner speaker, Carlton Ward, captivated those in attendance. His recent project, Path of the Panther, is a documentary featuring Ward, a wildlife photographer, veterinarians, ranchers, conservationists, and indigenous people finding themselves on the front lines of an accelerating battle between forces of renewal and destruction that have pushed the Everglades to the brink of ecological collapse. Path of the Panther is now in theatres.

Seen on the streets of Tampa... HCMA Executive Assistant, Elke Lubin, supported the Gasparilla Distance Classic for the ninth time, participating in Saturday's 5K. Since the first running of the GDC in February 1978, $6 million has been donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, The Friends of Tampa Recreation, and youth non-profit and running-related programs throughout the Tampa Bay area.

New Members

ACTIVE MEMBER:

Nicole Howe, MD

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Novem Dermatology

17653 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.

Lutz, 33548

813.927.1915

AFFILIATE MEMBER:

Edward Mackay, MD

Vascular Surgery

Edward G. Mackay & Assoc., LLC

2863 Alt. 19

Palm Harbor, 34683

727.781.5652

RETIRED MEMBER:

Andrew Malbin, MD

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Spotlight on Savings

To learn more, contact HCMA's Winstar representative, Vinny Breault, or 813.362.9051.

Classified Ads

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Click here to review the most recent issue of The Bulletin along with previous issues. If you or anyone you know may be interested in advertising in The Bulletin, or marketing their services to HCMA members, more information can be found in the HCMA Marketing packet.

Upcoming Events

Editorial Board for HCMA's publication, The Bulletin

March 8, 2023

6:30-7:30pm

Dr. David Lubin, Editor, invites any member interested in participating and learning more about The Bulletin and the Editorial Board to attend. Attendees can participate in person at the HCMA office or via ZOOM. The meeting discussion will include writing assignments for the 2023-2024 volume of The Bulletin. Articles can be submitted on most topics, staying clear of overly-scientific/specialty-specific articles as our audience spans all specialties. Previous issues can be found HERE. RSVP for the meeting by clicking here.

Lunch Bunch - Virtual Event

March 9, 2023

Noon-1:00pm

Have lunch with retired NFL Hall of Famer - Big Nasty! Learn his real name, how he became the Bucs' #1 fan, how he got into the NFL Hall of Fame, and more about his philanthropic accomplishments. Pre-registration is required - you will be emailed login details after registering.

Wealth Creation for HCMA Members Under 50

March 22 & 29, a 2-part webinar

6:30-8:30pm

Brought to you by the HCMA Benefit Provider Program and Physicians Wealth Planning. Pre-Registration required. You will receive log-in credentials by email after registering and course materials will be mailed prior to the webinar.

HCMA Foundation's 25th Charity Golf Classic

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Tournament Player Club - Tampa Bay

Noon- lunch and registration, 1:15pm - call to carts, after play: social, dinner, awards, prizes, and raffle. Cost: $175.00 per golfer (Includes cart, greens fee, goodie bag, lunch, and dinner). Contest holes – Super Ticket – Raffle Prizes – Silent Auction! Sponsors as of March 1st are Physicians Wealth Planning/Brighthouse Financial and USF Health (Title sponsors), TGH Imaging Powered by Tower (Champion Sponsors), BT Wealth Advisors and Excelis Medical Associates (Winner sponsors), Florida Pain Medicine and SGP Advisors (Eagle Sponsors) Healthcare Realty Group, LLC, MCMS Inc/OneDigital, and Woman's Group (Par sponsors), Advent Health Medical Group, Associated Pathologists, HCMA Physician Family Alliance, Drs. Hodges & Homan, Dr. Saira Khan, Dr. Luis Menendez, Moffitt Cancer Center, Rivero Gordimer & Company CPAs, Dr. Bruce & Coleen Shephard, Dr. Nam Tran (Hole sponsors), Dr. David & Elke Lubin, Dr. Michael Zimmer, and Debbie Zorian (In-Kind sponsors), and Walker Ford (Hole-In-One sponsor). Sponsor opportunities at all levels are available. Click here for a sponsor and golfer registration packet.

Florida Legislative Session

March 7 - May 5, 2023

Tallahassee

Tampa Bay Surgical Oncology Society Bi-Annual Meeting: The multidisciplinary management of metastatic bone disease. April 13, 2023, 6 – 9 PM, Tampa Club.

Special Guest: Tom Delaney, MD- Radiation Oncologist. Course Description: As survival for patients with metastatic cancer and myeloma continues to improve and treatments continue to advance, bone metastases represent an increasingly significant source of morbidity. Manifestations of metastatic bone disease may result in pain, metabolic and electrochemical derangements, pathologic fracture, and compression of the spinal cord. A coordinated, team-based multidisciplinary approach to the care of these patients is necessary to optimize outcomes. The purpose of this meeting is to highlight novel procedural and therapeutic approaches in the treatment of metastatic bone disease and to address the importance of a team based, multidisciplinary approach to these patients.

Learning Objectives

Explore innovations in the treatment of metastatic bone disease, particularly surgical and procedural innovations
Identify the roles in and discuss the importance of multidisciplinary management of metastatic bone disease patients.
Identify and discuss modern principles of medical, radiotherapy and surgical treatment of metastatic bone disease patients
Identify and discuss the appropriate management of and referral of patients with bone lesions
Register here.

HCMA Installation Dinner

May 9, 2023

Social Hour: 6:30pm

Dinner & Installation: 7:30pm

Westshore Grand Hotel

Join your colleagues as Dr. Michael Cromer will be installed as HCMA's 120th President. Watch your email for more details and to register. The event is complimentary for HCMA members, $50 per guest.

February 2023 News Part 1

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 19:03:33 GMT

Pertinent Information

2023 HCMA membership renewal is past due!

HCMA membership renewal statements for 2023 have been emailed and sent via USPS. If you have not received your notice, would like to check the status of your membership, or request a duplicate statement, please contact Asta Orthman, HCMA Membership Coordinator, or call the HCMA office: 813.253.0471. Your dues can also be easily and securely paid online. Visit the HCMA website and log into your account. Unpaid accounts will be removed from HCMA membership.

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER

HCMA Membership Dinner

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

6:30pm - The Westshore Grand

Guest speaker: Rhea Law, President/CEO University of South Florida. Sponsors: First Horizon, TGH Imaging Powered by Tower, Trenam Law, and USF Health. For more information, contact the HCMA office (813.253.0471), or email Anni Blackwell. Click here to register.

Physician loan assistance program launched February 1, 2023

FTC noncompete clauses and the AMA

On January 19th, the Federal Trade Commission published a proposed rule that would ban most noncompete clauses. The AMA has existing policy specifically addressing noncompetes, including a Code of Medical Ethics opinion. This ethics opinion recognizes that physicians often have diverse opinions about noncompetes. AMA policy opposes unreasonable noncompetes. The AMA will be submitting comments by the March 20 deadline, and their comments will be guided by this policy.

The AMA has been responding to media inquiries with the following statement: “The AMA appreciates the Federal Trade Commission's examination of noncompete agreements in the workplace. While the AMA's membership has diverse perspectives on noncompetes—with some members in an employer/practice ownership role and some in an employee role—AMA ethics policy opposes unreasonable noncompetes. Many states have enacted negotiated health care-specific noncompete statutes that take into account their unique health care markets and that balance the competing stakeholder interests. The balanced approach of these states must be considered against a proposed universal federal ban on all noncompete agreements.”

Please send any comments to wes.cleveland@ama-assn.org.

An invitation to serve...

Members are invited to consider being placed, as a candidate, on the 2023 HCMA ballot. You must be a member in the ACTIVE, AFFILIATE, or LIFE membership categories and your 2023 HCMA membership dues must be paid in full. Results will be announced at the May 9, 2023 Inauguration Dinner, in which Dr. Michael Cromer will be installed as the HCMA's 120th President.

Vice President - 1 year term
Treasurer - 1 year term
Secretary - 1 year term
District, At Large, USF, Moffitt, and Young Physician seats on the Executive Council - 2 year terms
Board of Censors - 3 year term
Delegate to the FMA - 3 year term (FMA dues must be paid)

Become an Editorial Board member

Interesting cases
Interactions with patients
Vacation experience
Movie/book/restaurant review
Personal opinion relating to the practice of medicine
Hobby/leisure time
Photos
Ideas are welcome!

Articles can be submitted on most topics, staying clear of overly-scientific/specialty-specific articles as our audience spans all specialties. Previous issues can be found HERE. RSVP for the meeting by clicking here.

Attention students, residents, fellows interested in helping political campaigns...

Dr. Alexander Lake (PGY-5 Gastroenterology) helped Karen Gonzalez Pittman’s race for the Florida House, leading him to realize the importance of young physicians as a valuable resource for politicians in their races, not just once they are in office. Therefore, he is hoping to establish a group consisting of medical students, residents, fellows, and any attendings that would be interested in doing the hard work that will help win future elections in Tampa Bay. Examples of duties would include canvassing, making phone calls from your home, and holding/waving signs at the voting precincts. This is an easy way to start developing long-lasting relationships with our lawmakers which in turn is vital to the future of medicine. If interested, please email Dr. Lake at alexanderdlake@gmail.com or text/call 813-527-4110.

HCMA Annual Membership Directory - now accepting ads

HCMA Government Affairs Committee

The HCMA's Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is gearing up for another busy legislative season.

The GAC, in conjunction with the FMA, has compiled a list of 2023 Legislative Priorities, that will be presented to our legislators locally, through our Key Contact program, and in Tallahassee.
The GAC will coordinate a contingency of members to visit Tallahassee during the 2023 Legislative Session (March 7-May 5). This one-day event includes a meeting with FMA legislative experts to brief attendees on the important issues of the day and appointments will be secured for our contingency to meet with legislators and/or their administrative staff. Members often arrive in Tallahassee the evening prior to the scheduled day at the Capitol.
If you are interested in learning more about serving on the GAC, joining the GAC contingency in their visit to Tallahassee, or how you can serve as a Key Contact to our legislators, contact Elke Lubin or call the HCMA office: 813.253.0471.

HCMA Foundation's Charity Golf Classic - another way to participate

Can't play? Visit the Foundation's Amazon Smile wish list for raffle prize donations. Raffle items are a big part of the day's fun - and another way we raise money on golf day! Please take a look at our wish list for an easy way to donate some raffle items:

1. Sign into Amazon

For more information about the tournament, click here.

HCMA Physician Family Alliance

Another benefit of HCMA membership

On January 4th HCMA staff downloaded a list from the Board of Medicine of the Hillsborough County MDs who had not renewed their medical licenses, which were due to expire on the 31st. There were 1,267 on the list and of those, 204 were HCMA members. Each member received an email from the HCMA reminding them of the renewal deadline. Many emails that were in the BOM database were no longer valid. Please update your BOM profile – you may miss important information and reminders from the BOM if your contact email with them is a former staff member or an old personal email.

PRACTICE MANAGERS (current and aspiring) You may qualify for grant-funded training & certification! Now through March 31st!!

Free Health Information Training and Certification through a US Department of Labor Grant. NOW AVAILABLE: A limited-time, no-cost educational opportunity to receive timely health IT education and industry-recognized credentialing. Why now?

Protecting your patients’ health information and your practice’s reputation from cyber threats is essential in today’s high-risk environment.
Helping practice managers update, increase, and validate their health IT knowledge has never been easier and less costly.
This free education and credentialing offer is only available until March 31, 2023 through a U.S. Department of Labor grant for eligible participants.
More information.

Have you created your HCMA profile yet?

In order to make use of our innovative new database and all of its features, all HCMA members need to create a password for their profile.

Please follow these few simple steps to set up your profile:

Log in to your HCMA account at www.hcma.net
Click the orange sign-in icon located in the upper right-hand corner
Enter your email address - IF YOU HAVE NOT CREATED A PASSWORD YET, click the "forgot password" link and follow the instructions.

If you have any questions please contact Anni Blackwell.

February 2023 News Part 2

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 18:34:08 GMT

From the Board of Medicine

Medical Doctors

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.
Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.
Requirements, Process, Fees, CMEs, Statutes & Rules

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine

Licenses expire at midnight on March 31st.
Requirements, Process, Fees, CMEs, Statutes & Rules

MD:

Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine Licensing - Main Page

DO:

Subscribe to the AMA's Burnout Management Tip of the Week

Physician Wellness

1.888.409.0141

Monday – Friday

8:00AM – 12:00AM ET

Personal News

Baby Madelyn has arrived!

Congratulations to Dr. Madelyn (HCMA Past President) & Bill Butler on the arrival of their first grandbaby! Daughter and son-in-law, Olivia & Tyler Jacoby, welcomed Madelyn Kate on January 26th, weighing in at 7bs. 12oz!

Dr. Madelyn proudly welcomes her namesake into the world... Happy birth-day to all!

The HCMA's 29th Legislative Luncheon, honoring the Hillsborough Legislative Delegation and their district staff members, was held on January 31st. Regarded as one of the best HCMA events, it serves as a forum for HCMA leaders to connect with newly elected legislators and seasoned representatives to discuss issues important to physicians and their patients. Topics included prior authorization/retroactive denials, physician payment reform, the loan repayment program, and scope of practice. In attendance were eight legislators, sixteen district staff members, fourteen HCMA representatives and Dr. Joshua Lenchus, FMA President, and Chris Clark, FMA CEO.

New Members

ACTIVE MEMBERS:

Timothy Nobles, DO

Deborah St. Clair, MD

Family Medicine

Griffin Concierge Medical

2420 Mississippi Ave.

Tampa, 33629

813.350.9090

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Matthew Berrios, DO

Gregory Black, MD

Lotifa Colibao, MD

Thomas Cristoforo, DO

Andrew Gasca, DO

Jake Gold, MD

Adam Koby, MD

Rodolfo Loureiro, MD

Yakisha Partee, MD

Nicholena Richardson, MD

Meagan Walsh, DO

Emergency Medicine

2502 W. St. Isabel St.

Tampa, 33607

813.874.5707

Spotlight on Savings

We are excited to announce Shea Barclay Group is now SGP Advisors - Tampa's Premier Specialty Insurance Firm

This year, Shea Barclay Group found an opportunity to reinvigorate its brand. Shea Guercio Partners, formally known as SGP Advisors, is the culmination of their established culture and service offerings. Through existing ownership, they will continue to maintain the same dedicated service to which our clients are accustomed. While SGP Advisors may be a new name, the commitment to their clients remains steadfast. We are excited for this new chapter and look forward to their continued growth.

Originally founded in 1995 by Vern Barclay, SBG solely provided lawyers professional liability insurance in Florida. Throughout the next decade, the firm expanded to offer additional lines of coverage and clients across the United States. In 2012, Mike Shea and Talyn Guercio acquired a majority interest and assumed management control. In 2021, Jack Compton and Harrison Tropp became shareholders which prompted this latest and final iteration.

Classified Ads

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Upcoming Events

Retirement Planning for Established Physicians

February 1 & 8, a 2-part webinar

6:30-8:30pm

HCMA Membership Dinner

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

6:30pm - The Westshore Grand

USF MCOM Alumni Reception

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

6:30pm - 7:30pm (Immediately prior to the HCMA Membership Dinner)

The Westshore Grand, Shula's lobby

USF MCOM Alumni are invited to stop by a reception hosted by the USF Alumni Association to mingle with fellow Bulls - horns up! For more information about his event, and to RSVP, please contact Kathleen Curp, M.Ed., USF Health Events Planner, or Valerie Riddle, MD, FACP.

After the USF MCOM Alumni reception, please join the HCMA Membership Dinner in the Bayshore Ballroom. Please register separately here to attend the HCMA Membership Dinner. Please contact Anni Blackwell, HCMA Event Coordinator, with any questions.

Practice Administrators' and Managers' RECEPTION

Thursday, February 9, 2023

5:30pm - Palma Ceia Country Club

Practice Managers and Administrators are invited to attend a social/networking reception. We appreciate what you do and how hard you work to keep a medical practice running! Beverages and hors d'oeuvres compliments of Shea Guercio Partners and The Bank of Tampa. Click here to register or call the HCMA office to RSVP (813.253.0471). You must be a medical practice administrator or manager.

HCMA Physician Family Alliance

Go Red Event - to benefit the HCMA Foundation

February 11, 2023 - 6:00pm-8:00pm

A fun event to socialize, make new friends and enter to win raffle prizes all while supporting the HCMA Foundation will be held at the home of Dr. Rebecca Johnson and Michael Kelly on Davis Islands. For more information about the event, to RSVP, or to learn more about the Physician Family Alliance, contact PFA Secretary/Treasurer, Michael Kelly.

Wealth Creation for HCMA Members Under 50

March 22 & 29, a 2-part webinar

6:30-8:30pm

HCMA Foundation's 25th Charity Golf Classic

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Tournament Player Club - Tampa Bay

Noon- lunch and registration, 1:15pm - call to carts, after play: social, dinner, awards, prizes, and raffle. Cost: $175.00 per golfer (Includes cart, greens fee, goodie bag, lunch, and dinner). Contest holes – Super Ticket – Raffle Prizes – Silent Auction! Sponsors as of January 31st are Physicians Wealth Planning/Brighthouse Financial and USF Health (Title sponsors), TGH Imaging Powered by Tower (Champion Sponsors), BT Wealth Advisors and Excelis Medical Associates (Winner sponsor), Healthcare Realty Group, LLC and Woman's Group (Par sponsor), Advent Health Medical Group, Associated Pathologists, Drs. Hodges & Homan, Dr. Saia Khan, Dr. Luis Menendez, Rivero Gordimer & Company CPAs, and Dr. Bruce & Coleen Shephard (Hole sponsors), Dr. David & Elke Lubin, Dr. Michael Zimmer, and Debbie Zorian (In-Kind sponsors), and Walker Ford (Hole-In-One sponsor). Sponsor opportunities at all levels are available. Click here for a sponsor and golfer registration packet.

Florida Legislative Session

March 7 - May 5, 2023

Tallahassee

HCMA's Government Affairs Committee (GAC) will coordinate a contingency of members to visit legislators one day during the session. Appointments will be secured. If you are interested in more information, please contact Elke Lubin.

January 2023 E News Part 1

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 19:16:50 GMT

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The HCMA Board recognizes and extends appreciation to all members for the incredible care you provide to the patients of our communities and your dedication to medicine.

Your HCMA welcomes your involvement as we begin another year advocating on your behalf.

Wishing you and your families a healthy & joyful new year!

Pertinent Information

Membership renewal was due January 1, 2023!

Dengue Fever Update

The Florida Department of Health-Hillsborough is still seeing an increased level of mosquito-borne diseases in the region, primarily due to increased travel to endemic areas such as the Caribbean. The steadily increasing number of tourists visiting endemic areas, coupled with the present resurgence of dengue, has raised the risk of exposure. Travelers have the potential to both acquire and spread dengue virus infection. It is strongly recommended to obtain detailed/accurate travel history in patients with febrile illness. Dengue infection should be considered in all febrile patients (including children) returning from endemic areas with or without typical symptoms. It is also encouraged that dengue fever is ruled out for patients with no travel history who have symptoms that resemble dengue, so the Department of Health can quickly identify any possible local transmission.

Physicians are typically the first contact that is made with patients. The history obtained, the prompt action to rule out dengue, and ensuring that the Florida Department of Health is notified upon suspicion of dengue are truly significant and impactful. Click here for information regarding dengue fever.

HCMA Membership Dinner

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

6:30pm - The Westshore Grand

Giving you a heads-up on FRAME

Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education

Physicians were very excited at the end of the last legislative session when we learned that over $6.3 million had been appropriated to fund a previously standing educational loan forgiveness program for primary care medical professionals who work in underserved areas of Florida.

The Florida Board of Medicine has been working with various primary care associations in the state to hammer out the details. Even though every detail has not been made available click here for what we do know.

An invitation to serve...

Open seats include:

Vice President - 1 year term
Treasurer - 1 year term
Secretary - 1 year term
District, At Large, USF, Moffitt, and Young Physician seats on the Executive Council - 2 year terms
Board of Censors member - 3 year term
Delegate to the FMA - 3 year term (FMA dues must be paid)

Nominations to specific seats will be determined by the Nominating Committee members in February. However, if you have a preference to serve in a certain capacity, please indicate such when submitting your request. Click here to submit your name for nomination no later than January 30th.

Fixing prior authorization: a step in the right direction

On Dec. 6, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule to regulate prior authorization across Medicare Advantage plans, state Medicaid and CHIP plans, and plans sold on the federally facilitated exchange. Though the proposed rule is far from being a complete solution to the problem of burdensome, time-consuming prior authorizations, it could create momentum for more changes at the state and national levels. A new article by FMA Director of Health Care Policy and Innovation Jarrod Fowler, MHA, explains why CMS’ proposal is a step in the right direction.

USF Health, Tampa General pulmonary program joins prestigious global organizations

A pulmonary program launched by Tampa General Hospital and USF Health has joined two prestigious global organizations. The program's director talks about the collaboration.

For patients with long COVID, look out for psychiatric sequelae

Most patients with long COVID “don’t fit into one neat box,” says psychiatrist and former AMA President Patrice A. Harris, M.D., M.A. Read more.

Share your knowledge...

HCMA medical students and in-training physician members have expressed an interest in shadowing community physicians. If you are interested in allowing a med student and/or young physician to come to your office to shadow you, please send your name, specialty, and direct contact information to Elke at the HCMA who will forward it appropriately. Your time and expertise is appreciated.

HCMA Annual Membership Directory - now accepting ads

Promote your practice to your colleagues and to the public. The HCMA Annual Membership Directory, published each summer, lists all members alphabetically and practicing physicians are listed by primary specialty. The Directory is printed and mailed to all Active HCMA members and it is also posted on the HCMA website. Physicians can enhance their listing and/or secure additional advertising space. Members receive a discounted rate to advertise. Details can be found HERE.

HCMA Annual Membership Directory - now accepting ads

Promote your practice to your colleagues and to the public. The HCMA Annual Membership Directory, published each summer, lists all members alphabetically and practicing physicians are listed by primary specialty. The Directory is printed and mailed to all Active HCMA members and it is also posted on the HCMA website. Physicians can enhance their listing and/or secure additional advertising space. Members receive a discounted rate to advertise. Details can be found HERE.

HCMA Government Affairs Committee

The HCMA's Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is gearing up for another busy legislative season.

The GAC, in conjunction with the FMA, is compiling a list of 2023 Legislative Priorities, that will be presented to our legislators locally, through our Key Contact program, and in Tallahassee.
The GAC will host a Legislative Luncheon for the Hillsborough Legislative Delegation and their district staff. It is a great opportunity to educate legislators on the important issues facing medicine and your patients.
The GAC will coordinate a contingency of members to visit Tallahassee during the 2023 Legislative Session (March 7-May 5). This one-day event includes a meeting with FMA legislative experts to brief attendees on the important issues of the day and appointments will be secured for our contingency to meet with legislators and/or their administrative staff. Members often arrive in Tallahassee the evening prior to the scheduled day at the Capitol.
If you are interested in learning more about serving on the GAC, joining the GAC contingency in their visit to Tallahassee, or how you can serve as a Key Contact to our legislators, contact Elke Lubin or call the HCMA office: 813.253.0471.

2023 Know Your Legislators Pocket Guide - now accepting orders

For over 60 years, this has been the most respected and trusted legislative guide in Florida. Order online or download a printable order form.

HCMA Foundation's Charity Golf Classic - another way to participate

1. Sign into Amazon

For more information about the tournament, click here.

HCMA Physician Family Alliance

Have you created your HCMA profile yet?

In order to make use of our innovative new database and all of its features, all HCMA members need to create a password for their profile.

Please follow these few simple steps to set up your profile:

Log in to your HCMA account at www.hcma.net
Click the orange sign-in icon located in the upper right-hand corner
Enter your email address - IF YOU HAVE NOT CREATED A PASSWORD YET, click the "forgot password" link and follow the instructions.

If you have any questions please contact Anni Blackwell.

From the Board of Medicine

Medical Doctors

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.
Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.
Requirements, Process, Fees, CMEs, Statutes & Rules

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine

Licenses expire at midnight on March 31st.
Requirements, Process, Fees, CMEs, Statutes & Rules

MD:

Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine Licensing - Main Page

DO:

Click this link to download and print the Best Year Yet Worksheet.

Physician Wellness

Make it your best year yet - FREE DOWNLOAD from TheHappyMD.com

Now is a perfect time to step out of your whirlwind and set yourself, your family, and your practice up for success in 2023. Use the Best Year Yet Worksheet to work on your practice rather than in it. The faster things change and the more chaotic the healthcare industry becomes, the more often you must step out, reflect and tweak your practice from this new viewpoint.

The worksheet's ten simple, powerful questions, guarantee you will complete two important tasks: 1) Gather your learning and gratitude for the year past and 2) Set clear, powerful, positive intentions for the year ahead.

The process takes you out of your whirlwind automatically
Takes less than an hour
This is the 7th year TheHappyMD.com is giving out this resource, with over 4,000 downloads to date with universally positive reviews.

Subscribe to the AMA's Burnout Management Tip of the Week

January 2023 E News Part 2

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 18:54:23 GMT

Personal News

Georgetta Bundley, MD

"Lady with Confidence"

Art & Medicine

HCMA member, Georgetta Bundley, MD, who recently completed her fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and is now working at Moffitt Cancer Center within the Supportive Care Department, is also an accomplished artist.

Dr. Bundley has always expressed a passion for creating. As early as elementary school, she has shown a keen love for drawing and painting. Her primary medium is acrylics, however, she is expanding to other mediums such as digital and acrylic gouache. Her artistic inspirations include LiFran Fort, Alicia Henry, and Aaron Douglas.

To view her other pieces, visit her website or follow her on Instagram

New Members

ACTIVE MEMBERS:

Bassem Hanella, DO

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation & Electrodiagnostics

625 E. Twiggs St., #103

Tampa, 33602

813.228.7696

Kasey Palm, MD

Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery

Women's Care Florida

5002 W. Lemon St.

Tampa, 33609

727.376.7734

AFFILIATE MEMBERS:

Jasmine Reese, MD

Adolescent Medicine

Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital - Adolescent & Young Adult Specialty Clinic

601 5th Street S., #711

St. Petersburg

727.767.8336

Kerry Reller, MD

Family Medicine

Clearwater Family Medicine & Allergy

708 Druid Rd., E

Clearwater, 33756

727.446.1097

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Don't forget to follow us:

Spotlight on Savings

Contact Erin Aebel and Amanda Newlon, your Trenam representatives:

Erin Smith Aebel, 813.227.7455
Amanda Newlon, 813.202.7811

As HCMA Benefit Providers, Ms. Aebel and Ms. Newlon do not charge for an initial consult for members.

Intravenous Therapy Services in Florida: Top 10 Things Providers Need to Know to Protect Their License, Livelihood, and Liberty in Florida.

Intravenous therapy (“IV”) businesses in Florida have been growing in popularity over the last few years. Particularly popular are on-demand services where providers go into a patient’s home to provide IV therapy to help with Covid 19 recovery, a flu recovery or a hangover. Some IVs are hydration or vitamins. But other types of IV therapy can involve prescription medicine for nausea or a migraine or even controlled substances. Before licensed providers or business people gets themselves involved in this business they need to understand the regulatory framework for providing such services in Florida. Read more for our top ten list of issues for such businesses.

By Erin Smith Aebel and Amanda J. Newlon, Trenam Law

Classified Ads

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Upcoming Events

Retirement Planning for Established Physicians

February 1 & 8, a 2-part webinar

6:30-8:30pm

USF MCOM Alumni Reception

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Immediately prior to the HCMA Membership Dinner - The Westshore Grand

HCMA Membership Dinner

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

6:30pm - The Westshore Grand

Practice Administrators' and Managers' RECEPTION

Thursday, February 9, 2023

5:30pm - Palma Ceia Country Club

Practice Managers and Administrators are invited to attend a social/networking reception. We appreciate what you do and how hard you work to keep a medical practice running! Beverages and hors d'oeuvres compliments of Shea Barclay Group and The Bank of Tampa. Click here to register or call the HCMA office to RSVP (813.253.0471).

HCMA Physician Family Alliance

Go Red Event - to benefit the HCMA Foundation

February 11, 2023 - 6:00pm-8:00pm

Wealth Creation for HCMA Members Under 50

March 22 & 29, a 2-part webinar

6:30-8:30pm

HCMA Foundation's 25th Charity Golf Classic

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Tournament Player Club - Tampa Bay

Noon- lunch and registration, 1:15pm - call to carts, after play: social, dinner, awards, prizes, and raffle. Cost: $175.00 per golfer (Includes cart, greens fee, goodie bag, lunch, and dinner). Contest holes – Super Ticket – Raffle Prizes – Silent Auction! Sponsors as of January 2 are Physicians Wealth Planning/Brighthouse Financial and USF Health (Title sponsors), TGH Imaging Powered by Tower (Champion Sponsors), Excelis Medical Associates (Winner sponsor), Healthcare Realty Group, LLC (Par sponsor), Advent Health Medical Group, Associated Pathologists, Drs. Hodges & Homan, Rivero Gordimer & Company CPAs, and Dr. Bruce & Coleen Shephard (Hole sponsors), Dr. David & Elke Lubin, Dr. Michael Zimmer, and Debbie Zorian (In-Kind sponsors), and Walker Ford (Hole-In-One sponsor). Sponsor opportunities at all levels are available. Click here for a sponsor and golfer registration packet.

Florida Legislative Session

March 7 - May 5, 2023

Tallahassee

December 2022 E News Part 1

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 20:19:13 GMT

COVID-19 News

FDA ends authorization for the COVID antibody treatment bebtelovimab.
An analysis shows the number of vaccinated people dying with COVID is 'steadily rising.'
New Covid boosters work better against infection than previous shots, CDC finds.
COVID vax prevents death in children regardless of variant.
Why the now-dominant BQ COVID strains are cause for concern.
Are repeat Coronavirus infections really more dangerous than the first?
How the pandemic aged teen brains.
Did the COVID-19 pandemic lead to changes in our personality traits?

Pertinent Information

Membership renewal due January 1, 2023!

Encourage a colleague to join!

Throughout all the changes in healthcare, your HCMA has remained a strong leader at the local, state, and national levels. Please encourage your colleagues in Hillsborough and surrounding counties to join the HCMA. Share this edition of Enews or direct them to our website to learn more about the HCMA and all the benefits we offer! Your assistance is appreciated as we continue to provide great benefits and services to members and the community.

HCMA Government Affairs Committee

The HCMA's Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is gearing up for another busy legislative season.

The GAC, in conjunction with the FMA, is compiling a list of 2023 Legislative Priorities, that will be presented to our legislators locally, through our Key Contact program, and in Tallahassee.
The GAC will host a Legislative Luncheon for the Hillsborough Legislative Delegation and their district staff. It is a great opportunity to educate legislators on the important issues facing medicine and your patients.
The GAC will coordinate a contingency of members to visit Tallahassee during the 2023 Legislative Session (March 7-May 5). This one-day event includes a meeting with FMA legislative experts to brief attendees on the important issues of the day and appointments will be secured for our contingency to meet with legislators and/or their administrative staff. Members often arrive in Tallahassee the evening prior to the scheduled day at the Capitol.
If you are interested in learning more about serving on the GAC, joining the GAC contingency in their visit to Tallahassee, or how you can serve as a Key Contact to our legislators, contact Elke Lubin or call the HCMA office: 813.253.0471.

2023 Know Your Legislators Pocket Guide - now accepting orders

For over 60 years, this has been the most respected and trusted legislative guide in Florida. The guide features:

Senate and House members’ photos, biographical data, staff information, capitol and district office information, including e-mail addresses
Committee assignments and committee staff, room, and phone numbers
Florida’s Congressional Delegation photos, staff, district and D.C. office information
Senate, House, and Congressional cross-reference list of county representation
State Agencies and Organizations photos and office information
Senate and House term limits
Committee structure

Order online or download a printable order form.

Telehealth flexibilities in 2023 and beyond

Throughout the pandemic, physicians have widely embraced telehealth flexibilities granted under the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) to deliver telehealth services. While the PHE is likely to be extended past its current Jan. 11, 2023, expiration date, its eventual end will bring PHE-associated telehealth flexibilities to an end as well. Read the FMA’s policy update to learn how these changes will affect telehealth use for physicians and patients, and where things stand with federal legislation to extend telehealth flexibilities beyond 2023.

2022 MIPS EUC exception applications due Jan. 3

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is accepting MIPS Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances (EUC) Exception applications and MIPS Promoting Interoperability Performance Category Hardship Exception applications for the 2022 performance year. The deadline is 8 p.m. (EST) Jan. 3, 2023. Physicians who are interested in applying for an MIPS EUC exception due to Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole can contact CMS for more information at QPP@cms.hhs.gov or call (866) 288-8292.

Do your holiday shopping on AmazonSmile and Amazon will donate to the HCMA Foundation, Inc.

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the HCMA Foundation, Inc. every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at www.smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to the HCMA Foundation, Inc. Get started with these three easy steps:

Go to: www.smile.amazon.com. It’s just like shopping on amazon.com.
Sign in. Simply use your existing Amazon credentials. If you don’t have an account, you can create a new one. Confirm your charity is the Hillsborough County Medical Association Foundation, Inc. *
Start shopping! After you’ve chosen your charity, your shopping experience will be the same as it is on the Amazon website. And there’s no extra cost for you at checkout! Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of your purchase to HCMA Foundation, Inc.

*Be sure to activate the Amazon Smile feature on the Amazon app on your phone or mobile device!

USF Morsani College of Medicine thrives with Water Street location, Tampa General partnership.

The 2021 incoming class at the University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine were the highest achievers in the college’s history. They carried the highest median score of any class on the Medical College Admission Test and the highest average grade point average, 3.89. The 2022 students, who began classes in July, are another impressive batch of future physicians. Dr. Charles Lockwood, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the medical college, believes these bright minds are choosing USF for multiple reasons. Read more.

HCMA Foundation's Charity Golf Classic - another way to participate

1. Sign into Amazon

For more information about the tournament, click here.

HCMA Database & Website - New and Improved!

In order to make use of our innovative new database and all of its features, all HCMA members need to create a password for their profile.

Please follow these few simple steps to set up your profile:

Log in to your HCMA account at www.hcma.net
Click the orange sign-in icon located in the upper right-hand corner
Enter your email address - IF YOU HAVE NOT CREATED A PASSWORD YET, click the "forgot password" link and follow the instructions.
If you have any questions please contact Anni Blackwell.

HCMA Referral Service

Please note, beginning January 1, 2023, the annual fee for the HCMA referral service will increase to $40. The increase will take effect upon annual renewal. If you have any questions about the HCMA referral service, please contact Asta Orthman, HCMA Membership Coordinator.

From the Board of Medicine

The renewal deadline will be here before you know it!

Medical Doctors

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.
Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.
Requirements, Process, Fees, CMEs, Statutes & Rules

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine

Licenses expire at midnight on March 31st.
Requirements, Process, Fees, CMEs, Statutes & Rules

MD:

Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine Licensing - Main Page

DO:

Subscribe to the AMA's Burnout Management Tip of the Week

December 2022 E News Part 2

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 20:07:33 GMT

Physician Wellness

About 1 out of 4 clinicians in the U.S. are considering leaving healthcare and one-third are considering switching employers as burnout continues to take a toll. Two new reports outline the latest labor trends and what organizations can do to address burnout. Read more.

New Providers and Services are available through the Physician Wellness Program! Click here for more details and contact information.

Counseling: Dr. Jennifer Fulcher is a licensed Psychologist providing evaluation and therapy. Prior to starting her private practice, she spent 14 years working at Tampa General Hospital. Specialty areas include perinatal mood disorders, infertility, anxiety, adjustment concerns, trauma, career transition and burnout, and coping with chronic illness.

Personal coaching: Dian Ginsberg, EdD, currently serves as the president/CEO of The Career Consultant, LLC where she works with high-performing individuals to facilitate career transitions and/or find well-being and meaning in their work and personal lives. Each coaching session will be designed to focus on professional and wellness growth by incorporating best practices and evidence-based protocols for facilitating long-term wellness.

Financial coaching: J. Michael Jensen, MSFS, CFP, CFSB, AEP, and Jeff Anderson, CFP, are Managing Partners of Physicians Wealth Planning, LLC/Jensen Anderson Wealth Planning, LLC. They understand that finance is the catalyst for much of the stress in physicians’ lives and are committed to serving as Financial Coaching providers, offering support and guidance to HCMA members.

Common concerns that can be addressed: I am getting divorced, how do I split assets? I am getting sued, what is protected?, Am I saving enough to retire? What happens if I become disabled or die? How do I get out of extensive debt? I am having cash flow problems, what should I do? I am concerned about my portfolio, am I doing the right thing?

Personal News

Much to be grateful for on Thanksgiving Day

Celebrating five generations…from 6 weeks to 92 years!

Pictured: Amber (Mom), Charisse (Grandma), Rose (Great, Great Grandma) holding baby Addilyn Rose, and Debbie (HCMA Executive Director & Great Grandma).

Visit the HCMA's Facebook page for more photos!

Cheers to Women in Medicine!

We celebrated Women in Medicine on November 29th! September is Women in Medicine month, but thanks to Hurricane Ian our September celebration had to be rescheduled. We had over 100 female physicians celebrating at the Palma Ceia Country Club, kicking off the Holiday Season.

New Members

ACTIVE MEMBERS:

Theresa Dam Lohmiller, MD

Family Medicine

Bay Care Medical Group/S. Tampa

4541 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, #100

Tampa, 33611

813.533.7030

Yamil Miranda-Usua, MD

Family Medicine

Tampa General Medical Group

2106 S. Lois Ave.,

Tampa, 33609

813.844.4200

Florida ENT & Allergy

Otolaryngology

813.879.8045

Nicholas Pritchard, MD

511 W. Alexander St., #1

Plant City, 33563

Ryan Thorwarth, MD

8105 State Road 54, #2

New Port Richey, 34655

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Don't forget to follow us:

Spotlight on Savings

Contact Alex Hills, Favorite Healthcare Staffing Rep:

913.800.5270
866.877.5505
AHills@FavoriteStaffing.com.

Favorite Healthcare Staffing - Serving Tampa and the entire Florida healthcare community since 1981, Favorite continues to set the standard for quality, service, and integrity in healthcare staffing and placement services. With discounted pricing and preferred rates for HCMA members, Favorite’s comprehensive range of staffing and personnel services can help HCMA members improve cost control, increase efficiency, and protect their revenue cycle.

Click to visit the Favorite Staffing/HCMA Webpage. Click to complete a Job Order Request Form

Classified Ads

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Upcoming Events

HCMA Membership Dinner

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

6:30pm - The Westshore Grand

Watch your email for further details. Guest speaker: Rhea Law, President/CEO University of South Florida. For more information, contact the HCMA office (813.253.0471), or email Anni Blackwell.

Practice Administrators' and Managers' RECEPTION

Thursday, February 9, 2023

5:30pm - Palma Ceia Country Club

Practice Managers and Administrators are invited to attend a social/networking reception. We appreciate what you do and how hard you work to keep a medical practice running! Beverages and hors d'oeuvres compliments of Shea Barclay Group and The Bank of Tampa. Contact Anni Blackwell, HCMA Event Coordinator, or call the HCMA office to RSVP (813.253.0471).

HCMA Physician Family Alliance

Go Red Event - to benefit the HCMA Foundation

February 18, 2023 - time TBD

HCMA Foundation's 25th Charity Golf Classic

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Tournament Player Club - Tampa Bay

Florida Legislative Session

March 7 - May 5, 2023

Tallahassee

November 2022 E News Part 1

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 19:48:28 GMT

The HCMA will be closed on November 24 & 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

COVID-19 News

District-by-district analysis shows COVID's sweeping toll on learning.
Walgreens will offer free delivery of Paxlovid to COVID patients in underserved communities.
Could a flu-COVID ‘twindemic’ come to Florida this winter?
COVID-19 tied to increased risk for CV events and death.
The updated COVID boosters could have been better.
The latest on COVID vaccine safety, boosters and more - a podcast. Get updates on the newest COVID booster from Novavax, more reassuring data on the safety and value of COVID vaccines for pregnant people, their infants and children, and the inclusion of COVID vaccines in the Vaccines for Children Program from Sandra Fryhofer, M.D. Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Simplecast.

Pertinent Information

It's not too late to RSVP!

HCMA Membership Dinner

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

6:30pm - The Westshore Grand

HCMA Past Presidents will be honored, the Frederick A. Reddy Memorial and HCMA Outstanding Physician Awards will be presented, and we will celebrate our heroic veterans! Guest speaker: Captain Jeffrey W. Timby, Central Command Surgeon, MacDill AFB. Click here to RSVP, contact the HCMA office (813.253.0471), or email Anni Blackwell. Sponsors: OneDigital, Physicians Wealth Planning, and Shea Barclay Group.

VOTE - Election Day is November 8th, 7am-7pm

Vote-by-Mail Ballot Return Deadline: Received by the Supervisor of

Elections in the county of registration no later than 7pm, November 8.

Early Voting Period, 7am-7pm:

Hillsborough County: October 24 - November 6
Pinellas County: October 24 - November 6
Pasco County: October 26 - November 5

Check the Supervisor of Election websites below to find an early voting location near you.

https://www.votehillsborough.gov/

https://www.votepinellas.gov/

https://www.pascovotes.gov/

HILLPAC Endorsed Candidates

The Hillsborough Medical Political Action Committee (HILPAC) is a separate political arm of the HCMA. The HILLPAC Board has met and the following Hillsborough candidates have been endorsed for 2022:

Janet Cruz (D) for Senate District 14
Darryl Rouson (D) for Senate District 16
Danny Burgess (R) for Senate District 23
Susan Valdes (D) for House District 64
Karen Gonzalez-Pittman (R) for House District 65
Traci Koster (R) for House District 66
Fentrice Driskell (D) for House District 67
Lawrence McClure (R) for House District 68
Mike Beltran (R) for House District 70

No endorsements were made for Senate District 20 or House Districts 62, 63, or 69

2023 Know Your Legislators Pocket Guide - now accepting orders

For over 60 years, this has been the most respected and trusted legislative guide in Florida. The guide features:

Senate and House members’ photos, biographical data, staff information, capitol and district office information, including e-mail addresses
Committee assignments and committee staff, room, and phone numbers
Florida’s Congressional Delegation photos, staff, district and D.C. office information
Senate, House, and Congressional cross-reference list of county representation
State Agencies and Organizations photos and office information
Senate and House term limits
Committee structure

Order online or download a printable order form.

Please check your email for an important message from the HCMA President

On October 3rd, all members received an email from HCMA President, Dr. Eva Crooke, announcing the HCMA's intent to form a regional medical association (RMA). When it was brought to the attention of the HCMA that physicians in Pinellas County no longer had local representation, physician leaders from both counties began discussing the opportunity to create an RMA beginning with Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. This endeavor will be spearheaded by the HCMA and is supported by the FMA. For a copy of Dr. Crooke's email, please click here.

Encourage a colleague to join!

Throughout all the changes in healthcare, your HCMA has remained a strong leader at the local, state, and national levels. Please encourage your colleagues in surrounding counties to join the HCMA as AFFILIATE members. Share this edition of Enews or direct them to our website to learn more about the HCMA and all the benefits we offer! Your assistance is appreciated as we continue to provide great benefits and services to members and the community.

Newsweek honors Tampa General Hospital as Top 10 rehabilitation center

Tampa General Hospital has been named to America's Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers 2022 by Newsweek. Tampa General’s inpatient rehabilitation program is ranked 10th in Florida for its quality of care, quality of service, quality of follow-up care, and accommodations and amenities. Read more.

Do your holiday shopping on AmazonSmile and Amazon will donate to the HCMA Foundation, Inc.

Go to: www.smile.amazon.com. It’s just like shopping on amazon.com.
Sign in. Simply use your existing Amazon credentials. If you don’t have an account, you can create a new one. Confirm your charity is the Hillsborough County Medical Association Foundation, Inc. *
Start shopping! After you’ve chosen your charity, your shopping experience will be the same as it is on the Amazon website. And there’s no extra cost for you at checkout! Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of your purchase to HCMA Foundation, Inc.

*Be sure to activate the Amazon Smile feature on the Amazon app on your phone or mobile device!

Facebook advertising no-no’s for healthcare businesses

HCMA Benefit Provider, the Florida Healthcare Law Firm, shares a list to review before your practice posts an ad on Facebook, to make you aware of what is not allowed and to lessen your chances of being denied a post.

HCMA Foundation's Charity Golf Classic - another way to participate

1. Sign into Amazon

For more information about the tournament, click here.

HCMA Database & Website - New and Improved!

In order to make use of our innovative new database and all of its features, all HCMA members need to create a password for their profile.

Please follow these few simple steps to set up your profile:

Log in to your HCMA account at www.hcma.net
Click the orange sign-in icon located in the upper right-hand corner
Enter your email address - IF YOU HAVE NOT CREATED A PASSWORD YET, click the "forgot password" link and follow the instructions.
If you have any questions please contact Anni Blackwell.

HCMA Referral Service

Daylight Saving Time 2022 - FALL BACK

Don't forget to turn your clocks back this weekend. We'll get an extra hour of sleep this weekend, but that means less daylight as we head into the winter months. Daylight saving time begins November 6 at 2 am.

November 2022 E News Part 2

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 19:32:34 GMT

From the Board of Medicine

The renewal deadline will be here before you know it!

Medical Doctors

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.
Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.
Requirements, Process, Fees, CMEs, Statutes & Rules

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine

Licenses expire at midnight on March 31st.
Requirements, Process, Fees, CMEs, Statutes & Rules

MD:Florida Board of Medicine Licensing - Main Page

Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine Licensing - Main Page

DO:

Subscribe to the AMA's Burnout Management Tip of the Week

Physician Wellness

Work-Life balance for busy doctors does not happen on its own.

Carving out some quality time for your larger life, your family, hobbies ... even enough sleep, is a challenge. And you did not learn how to set and defend boundaries in training by any means. In the spirit of the upcoming Holiday season, Dr. Dike Drummond takes another look at the weekly habit of creating your own life balance.

Let him introduce you to a real power tool in this pursuit:

He calls it Scheduled Spontaneity...sounds funny, doesn't it?
It is not an oxymoron.
It is a breakthrough in your sense of control, freedom, creativity, and even connection...when you practice it regularly.

The HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program provides a safe harbor for members to address life difficulties, especially during this time of uncertainty, challenges, and increased stress due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19. This complimentary and completely confidential benefit is available for all members, regardless of membership category.

Personal News

Add another title...

On October 12th, at 4:02pm, HCMA's Executive Director was given an additional title: Great Grandmother! Debbie's granddaughter, Amber, gave birth to beautiful Addilynn Rose, 8lbs, 5oz. “Addi” and her Great-Great Grandmother, Debbie's mom, are a mere 92 years apart allowing the five generations to celebrate this remarkable family milestone together. Congratulations to Debbie and her family!

The Lunch Bunch was at it again...

This time they met with one of the original Tampa Bay Lightning players, Brian Bradley, who now serves as the Community Relations Representative for the Vinik Sports Group.

New Members

ACTIVE MEMBERS:

Faizi Ahmed, MD

Neuropsychiatry

The Neuropsychiatry & TMS Group

603 S. Boulevard, 2nd Floor

Tampa, 33606

813.995.1775

Shalini Thareja (Batra), MD

Dermatology

Indigo Dermatology

14499 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., #129-S

Tampa, 33617

813.390.8831

Ruffolo, Hooper & Associates

James Creighton, MD

Christopher Flanagan, MD

Shaan Mehta, MD

Craig Radnay, MD

Anatomic & Clinical Pathologists

Austin Ellis, MD

Melinda Fang, MD

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Classified Ads

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

The Bulletin

Upcoming Events

HCMA Membership Dinner

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

6:30pm - The Westshore Grand

CME Event presented by FAPI

Saturday, November 12, 2022

7:00am-4:00pm, Embassy Suites - USF/Busch Gardens

Florida Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (FAPI) has opened their day-long CME event to all physicians. The event includes up to 7.0 CME hours. Click here for the schedule and registration information.

Women in Medicine Reception - RESCHEDULED!

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

6:00pm - Palma Ceia Country Club

For female physicians and medical students: In celebrating the success, talent, and vision of HCMA women physicians, please join us for cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, networking, shopping & raffle prizes! Thank you to our sponsors: Bank of Tampa, Shea Barclay Group, Farrior Facial Plastic Surgery, Madelyn Butler, MD, HCMA Past President, Eva Crooke, MD, HCMA President, and Debbie Zorian, HCMA Executive Director. RSVP by clicking here.

HCMA Physician Family Alliance

Go Red Event - to benefit the HCMA Foundation

February 18, 2023 - time TBD

A fun event to socialize, make new friends and enter to win raffle prizes all while supporting the HCMA Foundation will be held at the home of Dr. Rebecca Johnson and Michael Kelly at their home on Davis Islands. For more information about the event, to RSVP, or to learn more about the Physician Family Alliance, contact PFA Secretary/Treasurer, Michael Kelly.

HCMA Foundation's 25th Charity Golf Classic

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Tournament Player Club - Tampa Bay

Benefit Providers

The HCMA’s Benefit Provider Program provides value to physicians with members-only products, programs, and services that far exceed the cost of annual dues. Click the logos below for more information about each of our valued partners.

If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Zorian, HCMA Executive Director, at 813.253.0471 or DZorian@hcma.net.

October 2022 E News Part 1

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 19:46:38 GMT

The HCMA will be closed on Monday, October 10th in observance of Columbus Day.

COVID-19 News

CDC tweaks its COVID rules on wearing masks in nursing homes and hospitals.
Healthcare workers unhappy with new CDC mask guidance.
As cases continue to decline, Florida tops 81,000 COVID-19 deaths.
In Conversation: What is behind vaccine hesitancy?
Can nasal vaccines change the course of the pandemic?
Biden clarifies COVID proclamation, but health experts worry prevention efforts already affected.
Alzheimer's: Older people who've had COVID-19 may be at significantly higher risk.

Pertinent Information

Urgent call for physician volunteers

Florida needs qualified health care practitioners to support recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Ian. Currently, there are over 200 shelters operating to serve displaced Floridians, and rescue efforts continue for those who did not evacuate. Immediate assistance for affected areas is provided by first responders, health care practitioners, government groups, disaster relief organizations, and affiliated volunteers who are already trained and ready to serve. It is important for health care practitioners to not self-deploy, but to instead register with trusted organizations so response efforts can be coordinated properly. You are encouraged to register, if you are able to volunteer, with Volunteer Florida to ensure you are placed where the greatest needs exist.

VOTE - Election Day is November 8th, 7am-7pm

Deadline to Register: October 11

Eligible individuals can register to vote at any time. The deadline to register in order to participate in an upcoming election is 29 days before the election.

Vote-by-Mail Ballot Request Deadline: October 29

Vote-by-Mail Ballot Return Deadline: Received by the Supervisor of

Elections in the county of registration no later than 7pm, November 8

Early Voting Period, 7am-7pm:

Hillsborough County: October 24 - November 6
Pinellas County: October 24 - November 6
Pasco County: October 26 - November 5

Check the Supervisor of Election websites below to find an early voting location near you.

https://www.votehillsborough.gov/

https://www.votepinellas.gov/

https://www.pascovotes.gov/

HILLPAC Endorsed Candidates

The Hillsborough Medical Political Action Committee (HILPAC) is a separate political arm of the HCMA. The HILLPAC Board has met and the following Hillsborough candidates have been endorsed for 2022:

Janet Cruz (D) for Senate District 14
Darryl Rouson (D) for Senate District 16
Danny Burgess (R) for Senate District 23
Susan Valdes (D) for House District 64
Karen Gonzalez-Pittman (R) for House District 65
Traci Koster (R) for House District 66
Fentrice Driskell (D) for House District 67
Lawrence McClure (R) for House District 68
Mike Beltran (R) for House District 70

No endorsements were made for Senate District 20 or House Districts 62, 63, or 69.

Encourage a colleague to join!

ONC rules on information blocking

In April 2021, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology’s (ONC) rules on information blocking went into effect. Information blocking is defined as practices that are likely to interfere with, prevent, or materially discourage the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information (EHI). Physicians, hospitals, electronic health record vendors, health information exchanges, and health information networks (also known as “Actors”), are all subject to ONC's regulations. Since April 2021, information blocking requirements have been focused on a narrow subset of EHI.

However, starting October 6, 2022, ONC’s information blocking requirements shift to the entire set of EHI. After October 6, physicians and other Actors will be responsible for the access, exchange, or use of the full EHI requirement. The attached document provides an overview of the information blocking regulations, EHI definition, and recommendations for physicians to prepare for the upcoming deadline.

AMA: New 2023 CPT code set includes burden-reducing revisions

Building on its efforts to reduce administrative tasks in medicine—a driver of burnout and a central pillar of its Recovery Plan for America’s Physicians—the American Medical Association (AMA) has released the 2023 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set. The nation’s leading data-sharing terminology for medical procedures and services, the 2023 CPT code set contains burden-reducing revisions to the codes and guidelines for most evaluation and management (E/M) services.

Modifications to the E/M codes for inpatient and observation care services, consultations, emergency department services, nursing facility services, home and residence services, and prolonged services are among 393 editorial changes in the 2023 CPT code set, which includes 225 new codes, 75 deletions, and 93 revisions. Click here for more information.

AMA Resources

TOOLKIT: Simplified Outpatient E/M Documentation and Coding

Reduce workload and unnecessary burdens in your practice by applying new time-saving E/M documentation and coding changes in just 4 steps with this new AMA STEPS Forward® toolkit. Learn More.

PODCAST: AMA STEPS Forward® Podcast Episode 33: Improve Patient Care with Collaborative Care Team Models. Dr. Jeff Panzer, family physician and Vice President of Care Transformation, and Erica Deming, Care Team Coordinator at Heartland Health Centers Chicago, discuss collaborative care team models and the positive impact this approach can have on patient care. LISTEN HERE: (Apple Podcasts | Spotify)

PLAYBOOK: PRIVATE PRACTICE PLAYBOOK – VIDEO OVERVIEW

Considering private practice but not sure how to get started? The AMA STEPS Forward® Private Practice Playbook is a free resource that highlights the benefits and challenges of opening and operating a private practice. Watch a Brief Overview and then Download the Playbook.

Sharpen your telehealth skills: 9 Tips for Doctors

Steven Shook, MD, virtual health lead at the Cleveland Clinic, and Kent Northcote, MD, medical director in charge of "webside manner" at telehealth provider MDLIVE, who both train doctors to communicate better via telehealth, shared some of their advice. See if some of it might work for you.

Are you prepared for a Cyber Attack?

Do you have the appropriate coverage in place to respond? The new vulnerabilities in the cyber environment have made securing a cyber liability policy critical. Let the professionals at Shea Barclay Group, an HCMA Benefit Provider, do a review of your current policy and give you the peace of mind your business is protected! Reach out to them today 813-251-2580. View Shea Barclay's short cyber security video by clicking here.

HCMA Foundation's Charity Golf Classic - another way to participate

1. Sign into Amazon

For more information about the tournament, click here.

HCMA Database & Website - New and Improved!

In order to make use of our innovative new database and all of its features, all HCMA members need to create a password for their profile.

Please follow these few simple steps to set up your profile:

Log in to your HCMA account at www.hcma.net
Click the orange sign-in icon located in the upper right-hand corner
Enter your email address - IF YOU HAVE NOT CREATED A PASSWORD YET, click the "forgot password" link and follow the instructions.

If you have any questions please contact Anni Blackwell

October 2022 E News Part 2

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 19:36:14 GMT

From the Board of Medicine

The renewal deadline will be here before you know it!

Medical Doctors

Group 1 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each even year.
Group 2 – current license will expire at midnight, ET, January 31 of each odd year.
Requirements, Process, Fees, CMEs, Statutes & Rules

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine

Licenses expire at midnight on March 31st.
Requirements, Process, Fees, CMEs, Statutes & Rules

MD:

Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine Licensing - Main Page

DO: