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!

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.

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

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.

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...

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.

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

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

2. Review our Wish List!

For more information about the tournament, click here. 

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).

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.

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

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. 

MD:

Florida Board of Medicine Licensing - Main Page

FL Medical License - MD Unrestricted   

DO:

Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine Licensing - Main Page

FL Osteopathic Medicine - Full Licensure

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.

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

• 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

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.

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

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

Retirement Planning for Established Physicians

February 1 & 8, 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.

USF MCOM Alumni Reception

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Immediately prior to the HCMA Membership Dinner - The Westshore Grand

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.

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.

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

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

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 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

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. 

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!

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.

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:

1. Go to: www.smile.amazon.com. It’s just like shopping on amazon.com.
2. 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. *
3. 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

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

2. Review our Wish List!

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.

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.

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

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.

MD:

Florida Board of Medicine Licensing - Main Page

FL Medical License - MD Unrestricted   

DO:

Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine Licensing - Main Page

FL Osteopathic Medicine - Full Licensure

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.

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

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. 

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

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

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

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.

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 December 6 are USF Health (Title sponsor), Healthcare Realty Group, LLC (Par sponsor), Advent Health Medical Group, Drs. Hodges & Homan, 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. 

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.

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:

1. Go to: www.smile.amazon.com. It’s just like shopping on amazon.com.
2. 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. *
3. 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

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

2. Review our Wish List!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

MD:Florida Board of Medicine Licensing - Main Page

FL Medical License - MD Unrestricted   

DO:

Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine Licensing - Main Page

FL Osteopathic Medicine - Full Licensure

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.

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

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

Florida Orthopaedic Institute

James Creighton, MD

Christopher Flanagan, MD

Shaan Mehta, MD

Craig Radnay, MD

Ruffolo, Hooper & Associates

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

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

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.  

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

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! Click here for a sponsor and golfer registration packet.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

2. Review our Wish List!

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.

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

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

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.

MD:

Florida Board of Medicine Licensing - Main Page

FL Medical License - MD Unrestricted   

DO:

Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine Licensing - Main Page

FL Osteopathic Medicine - Full Licensure

Physician Wellness

Pandemic pushes U.S. doctor burnout to all-time high of 63%. Three in five physicians reported at least one manifestation of burnout during the height of the Omicron wave that struck the U.S. during the winter of 2021–2022, pushing physician burnout rates to an all-time high and demonstrating more than ever the need for a renewed national commitment to bolster the physicians and other health professionals who have worked so tirelessly to save countless lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.

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

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

WINNER-WINNER!

New HCMA member, Dr. Zayida Baker, won the big prize of the night at the September 13th Membership Dinner.  Guest speaker, Carlton Ward, Jr. donated an autographed book and one of his prints for the raffle and Dr. Baker was the lucky winner!

Carlton Ward, Jr. and Zayida Baker, MD are pictured.

New Members

ACTIVE MEMBERS: Rosebel Monteiro, MD General Surgery South Tampa Surgical Specialists 602 S. Audubon Ave., Ste. A Tampa, 33609 813.877.1415

Randall Warren, MD Anesthesiology Apollo Pain Management 720 Cortaro Dr. Sun City Center, 33573 833.320.7246

AFFILIATE MEMBER: Robert Ebert, III, MD Internal Medicine Comp Health Locum Tenens 352.457.2705

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

The Bank of Tampa, an HCMA longtime partner and Benefit Provider, announces two new contacts for HCMA members:

Gavin Nelson

Vice President Private Relationship Manager

gnelson@bankoftampa.com

813-998-2617

Nick Thurston

Market Director Westshore Office

nthurston@bankoftampa.com

813-373-9267

The Bank of Tampa - 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. 

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

Judeo Christian Health Clinic Cocktails for a Cause Thursday, October 13, 2022 6-9pm - JC Newman Cigar Factory Cocktails for a Cause was a success last year and...this event is back and better than ever! Attending this fun and tasty event will raise funds for the Judeo Christian Health Clinic.  There will be delicious cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres, great music, and friends! This year's event at the J.C. Newman Cigar Factory showcases this beautiful historic setting with tours of the factory & museum as well the museum shop. CLICK HERE for more information and to purchase tickets. Talk-Read-Sing Trusted Messenger training October 14 and 28 (both sessions required) 12-1pm - ZOOM The “Talk Read Sing” Trusted Messenger, a community initiative of Champions for Children, is a great no-cost opportunity for medical professionals and office staff to gain new tools for helping parents become actively involved their child’s healthy development. The two-part training focuses on creating opportunities for talking, reading, singing, and other positive parent-child interactions, and includes a reflective practice where participants can ask questions and share their own expertise and experience. Both portions include exercises that have been tailored to be appropriate for medical professionals. Click here for a more thorough description of the program. Click here to register. Q&A with the FMA President Wednesday, October 26, 2022 Noon, live webinar Save the date for a members-only webinar/Q&A with FMA President Joshua Lenchus, DO. Dr. Lenchus will be answering your questions about the issues you face in daily practice and what the FMA is doing to improve the landscape for Florida-licensed physicians. Registration information will be available soon! 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.  Watch your email for more details. 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, 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 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! Click here for a sponsors and golfer registration packet.

COVID-19 News

Get ready for post-PHE healthcare

Though the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) is likely to be extended past Oct. 15, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is urging physicians, providers, and healthcare entities to get ready for the eventual end of the PHE and most PHE-related flexibilities as soon as possible. Start preparing for the transition by reviewing these three CMS resources:

1. A Healthcare System Resiliency Fact Sheet
2. Creating a Roadmap for the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
3. Coronavirus Waivers and Flexibilities for Providers

News Briefs

• FDA authorizes first revamp of COVID vaccines to target omicron.
• Florida's COVID case counts and hospitalizations show a decline.
• The government will no longer be sending free COVID-19 tests to Americans.
• Moderna sues Pfizer over patents behind the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Unraveling the interplay of omicron, reinfections and long COVID.

With kids back in Florida schools, doctors stress the importance of vaccines.

Pertinent Information

September is Women in Medicine Month!

The month of September has been designated to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of women in the field of medicine. Through their commitment to excellence, women continue to make an enormous impact across the entire healthcare field. The HCMA would like to take this opportunity to recognize and honor its female physician and medical student members. Thank you for being role models for so many that come after you.

Women in Medicine Reception

Thursday, September 29, 2022

6:00pm - Palma Ceia Country Club

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, 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.

Lessons Learned: Stories from Women Physician Leaders

Editor and author Deborah M. Shlian, MD, MBA, profiles 33 exceptional women physicians who have defied the odds. They share their personal and compelling stories — including obstacles and challenges faced in balancing work, family, and personal life — as their career paths take them from clinical medicine to leadership within government, academia, hospitals, provider groups, managed care, pharma, consulting, and entrepreneurial venture. More about the book and how to order.

AMA Recovery Plan for America's Physicians

Why we need a recovery plan for America’s physicians: Physicians will always put the needs of our patients first, even when that means placing ourselves at great risk as was the case during the darkest days of COVID-19. When the nation needed us, we were there. What we ask in return is that our nation reaffirm its commitment to us by embracing the American Medical Association’s Recovery Plan for America’s Physicians, which seeks fundamental changes to create a health system that better supports patients and physicians today and over the long run. The AMA and multiple state and national medical societies have outlined a practical, commonsense approach to reforming Medicare physician reimbursement based on the principles of simplicity, relevance, alignment, and predictability. The AMA’s Recovery Plan outlines a five-point strategy to strengthen our physician workforce, recover from the trauma of this pandemic, and improve health care delivery by eliminating some of the most common pain points that threaten to drive physicians from practice.

The DEA is warning of brightly colored fentanyl used to target young Americans

Dubbed “rainbow" fentanyl, this trend appears to be a new method used by Mexican drug cartels to sell the deadly drug made to look like candy to children. Read more.

USF Health, Tampa General Hospital pioneer next generation of non-invasive surgeries

USF Health and Tampa General Hospital are at the forefront of cutting-edge surgical techniques that reduce or eliminate the need for cutting patients open. These minimally invasive procedures deliver life-changing treatments to patients who are too high risk for traditional surgery. They can turn major surgeries with extensive recovery times into outpatient procedures. Read more.

Florida Covering Kids & Families

Florida has led the nation in the number of people enrolled in the federal health care exchange through the arduous work of Florida Covering Kids & Families at the University of South Florida (USF) College of Public Health. Headed by Jodi Ray, Florida Covering Kids & Families has partnered with organizations from across the state to provide navigator services and collectively operates under the Covering Florida moniker. For years it has been the only navigator program in the state to receive money from the federal government. Recently, the Biden administration announced it would earmark $12,908,382 to USF and Florida Covering Kids & Families for navigator services across the state.

Naloxone kits will be available through county health departments

The plan is for health departments in all 67 counties to have kits with two Narcan nasal sprays that can be administered without a health care provider. Read more.

At-home test for oral/throat cancer launched in US

A few weeks ago, a home test for oral and throat cancer was launched in the United States, and it is being marketed directly to the general public, aimed at former or current tobacco users and anyone 50 years or older. Read more.

Marijuana use is outpacing cigarette use for the first time on record.

Cigarette use has been trending downward during the past decades, with only 11% of Americans saying they smoke them in a poll conducted July 5 to 26, compared to 45% in the mid-1950s. Sixteen percent of Americans say they smoke marijuana, with 48% saying they have tried it at some point in their lives. In 1969, only 4% of Americans said they smoked marijuana. Read more.

Medical/Legal Notes

Presented by HCMA Benefit Provider, The Florida Healthcare Law Firm:

So what exactly does a death and disability clause do? It protects you, your family and/or your estate from liability under your lease in the event of your death or disability. It allows you or the entity through which you lease space (the “tenant”) to be relieved of all obligations under the lease. Without including such language, the tenant will remain obligated to perform all the terms under the lease, including, for example, paying monthly rent and common area maintenance expenses. Read more.

Disasters often occur with little to no warning

Fires and tornadoes can destroy a home or business in minutes, and hurricanes and other extreme weather events can leave a community without power for days. The American Red Cross is committed to helping communities prepare for emergencies both big and small, and as disaster season approaches, please take a look at some of the resources they have put together to help you be ready for what may come. Whether you’ll need to evacuate your home or shelter in place, preparing now can make a huge difference when the unexpected occurs. First and foremost, assess whether your emergency preparedness kit is ready. Every family should have an emergency preparedness kit to ensure they can meet their daily needs. This checklist will help you put together an emergency preparedness kit.

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.

From the Board of Medicine

What the practitioner should know about certifying cause of death on the Florida death certificate.

Who should sign the death certificate (§. 382.008, F.S.)? Was this your patient, were you the attending practitioner, were you prescribing medication, were you treating the patient within the 12 months preceding their death, or were you covering for a colleague? If so, you are the best person to complete the medical certification. Florida Statutes states the certificate must be signed by the practitioner in charge of the decedent’s care for the illness or condition, which resulted in death, or the practitioner in attendance at the time of death or immediately after death. Read more.

Physician Wellness

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. 

World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10. It’s a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most.

National Suicide Prevention Week is the Monday through Sunday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a time to share resources and stories, as well as promote suicide prevention awareness.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.

Personal News

HCMA members elected to serve

During the FMA Annual Meeting, held August 5-7, three HCMA members were elected to serve on the Florida AMA Delegation: Drs. Michael Cromer, Eva Crooke, and Rebecca Johnson. Other HCMA members who serve at the national level are Dr. Madelyn Butler who serves on the AMA Board of Trustees and Dr. Nicole Riddle who serves as an AMA delegate for her specialty, pathology. HCMA is well represented at the national level!  Visit the HCMA's Facebook Page for all the photos from the 2022 FMA Annual Meeting:/HCMADocs.

Additional congratulations...

The American Board of Pathology CEO Emeritus, Dr. Rebecca Johnson, and American Board of Pathology Test Development and Advisory Committee member, Dr. Nicole Riddle, were named to The Pathologist magazine’s Power List for 2022. 

The students love him!

Dr. Charles Lockwood, Dean, USF Morsani Collee of Medicine, was presented the Gerold L. Schiebler, MD, Advocate for Medical Students Award from 2021-2022 FMA President, Dr. Douglas Murphy, during the 2022 Florida Medical Association Annual Meeting in August. Well deserved!

New Members

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

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

Extreme Heat Live Webinar

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

6 -7pm (1 category 1 credit).

An estimated 34 heat-related deaths occurred annually in Miami-Dade County from 2015 to 2019 and 6,804 emergency room visits in the state of Florida were attributed to heat-related illness in 2019. The risk of heat-related illness persists due to a warming climate. Scientific evidence indicates that patient health is already impacted by increased days of extreme heat. Join presenters from the Miami-Dade Heat Task Force and Florida Clinicians for Climate Action as they address how to identify signs and symptoms of heat stress and heat illness and explore cost-effective strategies to treat and prevent heat illness in our patients. Click here for more information and to enroll in this webinar.

HCMA Membership Dinner

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

6:30pm - The Westshore Grand

Carlton Ward, Jr., Conservation photographer, author, and National Geographic Explorer, will report on the "Path of the Panther" project which has been his full-time focus since 2016. Sponsors include Tampa General Hospital and River Oaks Treatment Center. For more information and to RSVP, click here.

Multidisciplinary Tumor Board: Thyroid and Adrenal Disease

September 15, 2022

5:30-7:30pm - Season's 52

This course will provide a multidisciplinary panel presentation in a case-based format addressing thyroid and adrenal diseases. Panelists will discuss current treatment paradigms and emerging therapies that are available. Moffitt Cancer Center Continuing Education provides healthcare professionals CME and non-CME medical education. As a teaching affiliate of the University of South Florida, Moffitt delivers diverse, evidence-based educational activities for participation by its staff, referring physicians, nurses, and office staff. Accreditation: 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. For more information and to register, click here.

Women in Medicine Reception

Thursday, September 29, 2022

6:00pm - Palma Ceia Country Club

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, 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 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! Click here for a sponsors and golfer registration packet.