COVID-19 News
9th COVID Virtual Town Hall Recording
In case you missed it, the 9th COVID Town Hall meeting was recorded. You can access the video by clicking here. Dr. Bruce Shephard summarized the discussion in a recent edition of 83 Degrees. Click here to read his article.
COVID-19 Resources
HCMA's updated COVID resource page can be found here.
COVID Headlines & News Briefs
· USF Health, Tampa General contribute to clinical trials research on new COVID vaccine Novavax.
· Millions of Americans have long COVID. Many of them are no longer working.
· Summer boosters for people under 50 shelved in favor of updated boosters in the fall.
Pertinent Information
AMA Summary on proposed Medicare PFS
On July 7, 2022, CMS released the CY 2023 Revisions to Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment Policies proposed rule. In addition, CMS published a fact sheet on the PFS proposed rule highlighting the key provisions. If finalized, the proposed policies in the rule will take effect on January 1, 2023. CMS is requesting that comments be submitted no later than September 6, 2022. The AMA will share a draft comment letter in response to the proposed rule with the Federation in advance of this submission deadline. The AMA is continuing to review the provisions proposed in the rule and will provide further analysis of these policies in the coming weeks. Read the AMA summary.
FMA POV on proposed Medicare payment cuts
FMA Director of Healthcare Policy and Innovation Jarrod Fowler, MHA, explains in this article, that physicians face an 8.5% Medicare payment cut in 2023 without congressional intervention. This would have devastating consequences for medical practices and Medicare beneficiaries in Florida.
Department of Health Alerts
· Dengue fever: The Florida Department of Health wanted to remind healthcare providers that we continue to investigate cases of dengue and other arboviral diseases. Click here to view a document regarding Dengue Fever. Florida has seen a recent increase in travel-related dengue fever cases, particularly among travelers from Cuba. Please consider dengue fever as well as other arboviral diseases in your differential diagnoses for patients who may present with recent travel and symptoms that can include rash, arthralgia, myalgia, and fever. If you suspect a case of dengue fever and will be submitting samples for testing, please contact the Florida Department of Health – Hillsborough County at 813-307-8010 during business hours.
· Monkey Pox: The Florida DOH has shared a CDC update for clinicians on testing and treatment for Monkeypox and an update addressing people with HIV, children & adolescents, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding with Monkeypox. AMA announces CPT update for monkeypox testing and vaccination.
· Fentanyl overdoses: In response to an “exponential increase” in fentanyl-related overdoses in Florida, the DOH is distributing print and digital educational resources statewide to raise awareness about the signs of overdose and how to respond. DOH issued a public health and safety alert about fentanyl overdoses on July 8 and is working with the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to address this urgent issue.
The next blood pressure breakthrough: temporary tattoos
As scientists work on wearable technology that promises to revolutionize health care, researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University are reporting a big win in the pursuit of one highly popular target: a noninvasive solution for continuous blood pressure monitoring at home. Not only that, but this development comes in the surprising form of a temporary tattoo. That's right: Just like the kind that children like to wear. The thin, sticker-like wearable electronic tattoos can provide continuous, accurate blood pressure monitoring, the researchers report in their new study. Read more.
Members, invite a colleague to join!
The HCMA is your professional organization, serving the needs of physicians and the community since 1895! Throughout all the changes in healthcare, the HCMA has remained a strong leader at the local, state, and national levels. With your support, HCMA can continue to provide great benefits and services to its members including:
· Advocacy on health policy issues
· An active Government Affairs Committee
· Educational programs & webinars
· Practice management resources
· Patient referrals
· Monthly Enews providing relevant information pertaining to your practice, patients, and membership
· Monthly CME News providing educational and relevant learning opportunities
· HCMA’s Quarterly journal, The Bulletin
· An Annual Membership Directory
· HCMA Health Insurance Co-op for physician members, their families, and staff
· A fully funded and completely confidential Physician Wellness Program
· A robust Benefit Provider Program offering personal and professional discounts and services
· Quarterly membership dinners and networking opportunities
· A long-term, knowledgeable and dedicated staff
The HCMA includes membership opportunities for physicians in surrounding counties, who may not be represented or do not have the benefit options the HCMA provides. Forward to a non-member colleague! Joining is fast and easy - CLICK HERE
If there is anything the HCMA can do for you, please reach out to a staff member today by emailing info@hcma.net or by calling 813.253.0471.
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.
LAST CHANCE to market your practice
Final preparations are being made 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.
