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.
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.
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
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.
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
