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The monthly electronic newsletter of the Hillsborough County Medical Association. |
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Hillsborough County Medical Association
3001 W. Azeele St. Tampa, FL 33609 813.253.0471 HCMA.net
Debbie Zorian Executive Director |
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HCMA Holiday Social
Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 6:30pm
The Centre Club
Celebrate the end of the year with your HCMA colleagues. RSVP today - click here for details.
Sponsors: Clarity Wealth
Background screening requirements in effect
As of July 1, 2025, all Florida healthcare practitioners must comply with new background screening requirements when applying for initial licensure or renewing their licenses. If your license expires in January 2026, START THE PROCESS NOW - The background screening process involves multiple required steps and processing; waiting too long could result in licensing delays or expiration. Visit the Department of Health’s background screening page to get started on completing your requirements.
2026 HCMA Membership Dues
Dues statements for 2026 HCMA dues were emailed and sent via USPS. HCMA dues are due January 1st. If you have not received your statement or if your membership status should change, contact the HCMA office at 813.253.0471. To view your member profile, visit the HCMA website.
AI Technology and Consent Information
HCMA Benefit Provider, Integris Assurance Company, offers insight into Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. AI may provide efficiency, accuracy, and a cost-effective approach to healthcare providers' documentation; however, there are several factors to consider and be aware of prior to implementing AI technology in your practice. AI in healthcare for the purpose of enhancing and improving documentation is growing swiftly... Read more.
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The algorithm will recruit you now...
When hiring physicians becomes a machine's performance of empathy - Physicians must now navigate not just bureaucracies but interfaces. When an email glows with perfect balance -- neither too formal nor too casual -- it may not come from a person at all. That doesn't make the opportunity less real, but it does redefine what engagement means. Read more. Concerns with AI aren't just in medicine
A journal promised to retract a flawed autism study... It's still online.
Junk science leaves an indelible mark - For years, researchers have been discussing what to do about "junk science." Junk science is a major problem resulting from medicine's "publish or perish" culture. It comes in different forms such as undeclared conflicts of interest (COIs), sneaking through peer review, or being published in a predatory journal. Once published, it is incredibly difficult to remove from the scientific record. Researchers have been aware of this issue for a long time. Most complain about it, but no one really knows what to do about it. Read more.
Why we fight for our communities...
"Counter misinformation with empathy and science. Engage with legislators to support strong vaccination policies that safeguard public health. The butterfly effect today could shape the health and safety of generations to come," Nam Tran, HCMA President. HCMA members have met, and will continue to meet, with our legislators to counteract misinformation.
You can read the HCMA Position Statement on Vaccine Requirements by CLICKING HERE. To help spread accurate information, CLICK HERE for printable talking points you can share with legislators, patients, friends, and family.
More than 1 million Floridians could be priced out of health insurance
Nearly 30% of Floridians with health care from the Affordable Care Act marketplace will likely be priced out of coverage, according to Florida Voices for Health. Read more.
HCMA Contingency will visit legislators in Tallahassee
The HCMA Government Affairs Committee, led by Chairman and HCMA President Elect, Dr. Neil Manimala, is planning a visit to Tallahassee on November 20th, before the Legislative Session begins. The group will visit Hillsborough Legislators as they prepare for the Session during a "Committee Week." If you are interested in joining our leaders, contact Elke Lubin for details. If you decide to travel to Tallahassee the day before, a list of hotels will be provided. Travel and lodging expenses are the participants' responsibility.
To all Fee-For-Service providers, from CMS
Claims Hold Update – October 21, 2025: CMS instructed all Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to lift the claims hold and process claims with dates of service of October 1, 2025, and later for certain services impacted by select expired Medicare legislative payment provisions passed under the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Pub. L. 119-4, Mar. 15, 2025). This includes claims paid under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, ground ambulance transport claims, and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) claims. This includes telehealth claims that CMS can confirm are definitively for behavioral and mental health services. CMS has directed all MACs to continue to temporarily hold claims for other telehealth services (i.e. those that CMS cannot confirm are definitively for behavioral and mental health services) and for acute Hospital Care at Home claims. Read more.
Medical student scholarship applications are now open
There are three opportunities available for medical students:
Click the links for the applications and to review the criteria for each scholarship. The winners will be presented with their scholarships at the February 10, 2026, HCMA Membership Dinner.
Consider Leaving a Legacy Gift
You can make a lasting impact by including the HCMA or the HCMA Foundation in your estate plans. Gifts directed to the HCMA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, may qualify for estate tax benefits and help support our mission for years to come. Gifts can also be made directly to the HCMA, a 501(c)(6) membership organization, to support the ongoing work of the Association (these gifts are not tax-deductible). Talk with your attorney or financial advisor to determine the option that works best for you and your family.
Member Announcement Service
Moving, new partner, new website, retirement announcement? The HCMA will create a professional, dedicated announcement to members of the Association. Send us your text, logo, and photos, and we will do the rest. This service is for members only and is $125 per emailed announcement. Contact Elke Lubin for details.
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Connect with us! Follow and connect with the HCMA on social media. Tap the icons on the left and also connect with HCMA administrative staff on LinkedIn:
Debbie Zorian, Executive Director and Elke Lubin, Executive Assistant |
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Interested in sponsoring an HCMA event? Sponsorship opportunities to consider:
- Women in Medicine Social
- Membership Dinners
- Holiday Social
- Resident Reception
- Foundation Charity Golf Classic
To learn more about these upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities, contact Debbie Zorian, Executive Director, at dzorian@hcma.net or call 813- 253-0471. |
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From the Boards of Medicine
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Visit the Florida Board of Medicine Online Resources – a tool for accessing applications, forms, statutes, rules, CME education, and other important information. You can also register to receive emails from the Board when new posts are added to their website. The Board can also be reached by calling 850.488.0595. |
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The HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program (PWP) provides a safe harbor for members to address difficulties, challenges, and work/family/life balance through counseling and coaching services, up to six sessions in twelve months. This complimentary and completely confidential benefit is available for all members, regardless of membership category.
The PWP relies on donations and the generosity of members in order to provide counseling and coaching services, at no cost. We want to be able to continue providing this valuable benefit to all HCMA members! Please consider donating to the HCMA Foundation PWP.
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Dr. Neil Manimala addresses the Hillsborough Legislative Delegation as Dr. Michael Cromer and other physicians wait their turn to speak. |
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HCMA members, community physicians, and retired physicians attended the Hillsborough County Legislative Delegation meeting held on October 21st. This contingency's primary objective was to implore our legislators to support keeping the current vaccine requirements for school entry in place. Ten physicians testified before the legislators, while many physicians were in attendance to support the cause.
Requiring vaccines for school entry in Florida is a risk versus benefit question. Lower vaccination rates make it possible for diseases we once controlled, like measles, polio, and whooping cough, to make a terrifying return, spreading rapidly through our schools and communities, causing severe illness, permanent disability, and even death. In fact, we need only look to our past to see the consequences of uncontrolled outbreaks. |
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Don’t forget to stop by and meet Brooke at a future HCMA event.
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On October 20th, Brooke Lenahan became the HCMA’s new Membership & Event Coordinator.
With a Bachelor of Science in Marketing at the University of Nevada Reno, Brooke moved to the Sunshine State four years ago, after graduation.
As Account Executive at Sunbelt Staffing, a leading Healthcare Staffing Agency, Brooke gained experience in recruiting, coaching, and executing a variety of events. She always gravitated toward roles where she was able to show her creativity and foster genuine connection. She brings her experience and an abundance of enthusiasm to the HCMA!
In her spare time, Brooke loves to travel, hike, attend yoga classes and focus on wellness. |
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On November 13, 1987, Elke Treuberg, became HCMA's new Membership Secretary... Elke Lubin, HCMA's Executive Assistant and Managing Editor of The Bulletin, will be celebrating 38 years with the HCMA. In her spare time, Elke answers the phone at home, "Hillsborough County Medical Association..." Stop by and reminisce with Elke at a future HCMA event. |
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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!
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Jason Gregory, MD
Anatomic & Clinical Pathology
Zhongbo Jin, MD
Surgical and GI/Liver Pathology
Eric Wei, MD
Anatomic & Clinical Pathology
Ruffolo Hooper & Associates
5751 Hoover Blvd.
Tampa, 33634
813-886-8334
Juan Garza, MD
Hematology
Hasija Nalini, MD
Hematology/Oncology
FL Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
3402 W. MLKing Jr Blvd.
Tampa, 33607
813-875-3950
Affiliate Member
Priya Patel, MD
Allergy & Immunology
Allergy Asthma Associates
333 9th Street, N
St. Petersburg, 33701
727-825-0111 |
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CLICK HERE for more information and to schedule your complimentary diagnosis and recommendation. |
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If you or anyone you know is interested in advertising in The Bulletin, or marketing their services to HCMA members, more information can be found in the HCMA Marketing packet.
New Bulletin feature... Featuring YOU!
"Is there a doctor in the house?" is a new feature in which HCMA members will relive an incident when they were in the right place at the right time, and assisted in the emergent care of a stranger. If you are willing to share your story, please contact Elke Lubin to receive the article guidelines to submit your experience. |
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HCMA Members visiting Legislators in Tallahassee
November 20, 2025
Contact Elke Lubin for details
HCMA Holiday Social
Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 6:30pm
The Centre Club
Mark your calendar - click here for details.
HCMA Membership Dinner
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 6:30pm
The Centre Club
AMA President, Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, will be our special guest. The HCMA and HCMA Foundation will also award medical student scholarships. Mark your calendar now. Details can be found here. Watch your email for your invitation.
HCMA Foundation's 28th Charity Golf Classic
Thursday, April 23, 2026
TPC - Tampa Bay
Details, registration, current sponsors, and sponsor info can be found here. |
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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. |
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PHYSICIAN WELLNESS PROGRAM |
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Advocating for physicians and the health of the communities we serve.
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