COVID-19 News
PERTINENT INFORAMTION
Healthcare leaders urge Congress to make Texas school shooting the country's last: 'We need real change'
Firearm-related violence was declared a public health crisis by the AMA in 2016 shortly after the Pulse Nightclub shooting, a viewpoint shared by many across the healthcare system. In a new statement, AMA President Gerald Harmon, M.D., said firearm incidents before and after that declaration could have been prevented with action from lawmakers and other leaders on “common-sense safety measures like background checks.” He also pointed to 16 separate policy recommendations his organization has developed over the years to address firearm trauma, injury, and death. “While the ideal time to act and find common-sense solutions and common ground might have been years ago, the best we can do now is act today,” he said. “The AMA will continue to support policies and advocate for initiatives aimed at encouraging firearm safety and preventing firearm-related injuries and deaths.” READ THE HCMA POSITION STATEMENT ON GUN VIOLENCE.
CDC Health Advisories
- Monkeypox - On May 20th the CDC distributed a Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory. Any clinician who suspects Monkeypox should immediately report to their local health department. Read the health advisory.
- Hepatitis of unknown etiology - On May 12th, the CDC issued a Health Alert Network Health Update to provide clinicians and public health authorities with updated information about an epidemiologic investigation of pediatric cases of hepatitis of unknown etiology in the United States. Read the advisory.
- Meningitis like symptoms - Physicians who are treating a person who presents with meningitis like symptoms and has a recent history of fresh water exposure are urged to contact the CDC immediately for consultation and treatment. Physicians should also report the suspected case to the county health department immediately. Read the May 11th advisory.
- Michael Wiese, MPH, CPH, Epidemiology Program Manager, Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County, Epidemiology office: 813.307.8010, fax: 813.276.2981.
An urgent plea to vaccinate students for all forms of meningitis
Following a recent outbreak of meningitis in Florida, the Department of Health reported that, as of April 7, the number of cases identified in 2022 had surpassed the state’s five-year average of meningococcal disease cases. In a guest essay for the Palm Beach Post, Alicia Stillman, Director of the Emily Stillman Foundation, says the outbreak highlights the urgency of having students vaccinated against all forms of meningococcal disease. The foundation is named for her daughter, Emily, who passed away in 2013 at age 19 after contracting bacterial meningitis.
Assume every child has PTSD these days until proven otherwise.
For your consideration, an opinion piece written by Kathy Wu, PhD, May 28, 2022: From school shootings to abuse, kids are carrying too much weight on their small shoulders. It is said that each generation has its unique set of challenges to overcome, but this constellation of complex societal problems is unprecedented and much too heavy for any generation to bear. Compounding these macro-level stresses are adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that a majority of children (61%) experience at least one of in their lifetimes. Read the editorial.
Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
As of February 2022, 87,384,715 of people are enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. This is an increase of 430,006 since the last report (80,386,081 are enrolled in Medicaid and 6,998,634 are enrolled in CHIP). For more information on Medicaid/CHIP enrollment, including enrollment trends, click here.
It's not too late - Delegates needed!
The Florida Medical Association (FMA) Annual Meeting is being held August 5 - 7, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando. The HCMA sends a delegation of members to represent our Association and has submitted a resolution for consideration by the FMA House of Delegates. The HCMA delegation is a component of the Lower West Coast Caucus which will meet virtually, prior to the Orlando meeting, to review all of the resolutions submitted by all county and specialty societies in Florida.
If you would like to get involved at the grassroots level, please consider serving as an HCMA delegate at the FMA Annual Meeting in Orlando. For more information, please contact Elke Lubin, HCMA Executive Assistant.
PAC FUNDS ARE NEEDED!
HILLPAC traditionally interviews candidates after the primary election for the purpose of determining which candidates are thought to be "friends of medicine." 2022 is a crucial year as there are many open seats in our legislative delegation. At this time, the HILLPAC funds are depleted. In order to make an impact with our local legislators, our ability to contribute to their campaigns is imperative. Your help is needed! Please consider making a donation to HILLPAC so our HILLPAC Board can comfortably choose to support all candidates that will help us in our legislative efforts to assist physicians and their patients in our communities. Thank you for your consideration. Donate to HILLPAC.
Hurricane season is here!
June 1st marks the beginning of the 2022 Hurricane Season, lasting through November 30th. Resources you may find helpful:
Medical roundtable discusses the science of health care delivery.
Some of the most well-respected medical schools are incorporating this philosophy into their curriculums and offering degrees aimed at developing health administrators and medical leaders. Listen to this roundtable discussion (53 minutes).
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.
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.
Market your practice
Preparations are underway for the Summer 2022 edition of the HCMA’s Annual Membership Directory. HCMA members can enhance their listing and/or place an ad at a discounted rate. Visit HCMA.net, click on “members” and then “membership directory” to see the current edition. For advertising information in the 2022 issue, visit HCMA Membership Directory - Members' rates.
FROM THE BOARD OF MEDICINE
New Legislation Impacting Your Profession
- Reducing Fetal and Infant Mortality
- Telehealth
- Acute and Post-acute Hospital Care at Home
- Department of Health/Information Required for Licensure
PHYSICIAN WELLNESS
Surgeon general issues landmark report with new solutions to combat crippling worker burnout issue.
Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., released a general advisory on May 23rd surrounding worker burnout, an issue that was present before the pandemic but only worsened as COVID-19 has impacted systems. Murthy is pressing for collaboration among regulators, health systems, communities and other key stakeholders to take a “whole-of-society” approach to the problem. Read the article.
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
Welcome Asta Orthman!
Asta Orthman joined the HCMA staff on May 10th. She will serve as HCMA’s membership coordinator & administrative assistant. Asta moved to the United States from Lithuania 25 years ago and resided in Massachusetts where she worked for several nonprofit organizations as an accomplished administrator providing services to those with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities. Two years ago, Asta and her husband relocated to the Tampa Bay area.
Asta has become involved with the Tampa area Lithuanian community and is teaching language and traditions to immigrant children in her spare time. She is a graduate of Vilnius University in Lithuania, earning her BA degree in English Language and Literature, and is fluent in three languages. Asta likes to read, cook, walk Florida’s beautiful beaches, and travel.
NEW MEMBERS
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Active:
Poorvi Desai, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Comprehensive Hematology Oncology, 425 S. Parsons, Ste. 101, Brandon, 33511, 727.377.6569
Brandon Faza, MD, Emergency Medicine, Guidewell Emergency Doctors, 16318 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, 33617, 813.576.0077
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Affiliate:
Ajoy Kumar, MD, Family Medicine, AdventHealth, 12470 Telecom Dr., Temple Terrace, 33637
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SPOTLIGHT ON SAVINGS
A cyber breach can be devastating to your practice and your patients.
Cyber attacks have increased and the potential harm to your practice is enormous. Medical practices are among the biggest targets because of patients' personal identifiable information. The practice could be sued by patients if a beach occurs, fined by the state, and incur additional exorbitant expenses as a result. Cyber attacks and claims have grown exponentially since COVID-19 and will only get worse. Protect yourself and your patients. Let HCMA Benefit Provider, Shea Barclay Group, tell you how.
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
Intern/Resident/Fellow Reception
Thursday, June 9, 2022
6:30pm-8:30pm - Brio International Plaza
HCMA cordially invites all intern/resident/fellow physicians from USF and Brandon Regional Hospital to attend a reception in their honor. Physicians in training will mingle with colleagues, HCMA leaders, and administrative staff. For more information, please contact Anni Blackwell, Event Coordinator.
FMA Annual Meeting
August 5-7, 2022
Hyatt Grand Cypress, Orlando
The FMA Annual Meeting is the event in which the FMA House of Delegates, comprised of physician delegations from across Florida, meet to submit, discuss, debate, and vote on resolutions pertaining to legislative issues and FMA policy. The meeting also provides live, interactive CME, networking events, the presidential installation, poster symposium and more. If you are interested in serving as an HCMA delegate to the FMA, please contact Elke Lubin, Executive Assistant.
HCMA Executive Council
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
6:30pm - HCMA office or via ZOOM - RSVPs required
The Executive Council is the governing body of the HCMA. Council meetings are open to HCMA members in good standing. If you would like to submit a topic for consideration at the upcoming meeting, please contact Debbie Zorian, Executive Director, prior to August 8th.
HCMA Membership Dinner
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
6:30pm - The Westshore Grand Hotel - RSVPs required
Join your colleagues and our guest speaker Carlton Ward, Jr., a conservation photographer and National Geographic Explorer whose passion for nature was born from the Florida landscape. His mission is to inspire appreciation and protection of Florida's original nature. Reservation and sponsorship information is forthcoming - watch your email! Please contact Anni Blackwell, Event Coordinator, with any questions.
