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!

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...

• 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

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.

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.

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.