Enews                                                                                                   SEPTEMBER 2020
In This Issue
Pertinent Information
Happy Birthday HCMA!!
On September 3, 1895, in a second floor office at 217 Franklin Street, over the Bay Pharmacy, the Hillsborough County Medical Society (HCMS) was founded. Dr. B. G. Abernathy served as the HCMS's first President, alongside Dr. L. W. Weeden, Vice President, Dr. L. S. Oppenheimer, Secretary & Treasurer, and Dr. U. S. Bird serving as Corresponding Secretary.
 
Physicians have been working hard since 1895 to practice medicine in our community at the highest standards. This was accomplished by elevating the criteria for what determined the quality of patient care. Our medical forefathers persisted for those ideals: continue to fight as the patients' advocate, accept nothing less than the highest standard of care, and continue to promote the practice of medicine and professionalism.
 

Advocating for physicians and the health of the communities we serve was a vital objective in 1895 and remains our vision today.


2021 HCMA Dues
Watch your mail for your 2021 HCMA membership renewal statement.  Statements are being mailed the first week of September, due by January 1, 2021.  If you have any questions concerning your membership status, contact Kay Mills, HCMA Membership Coordinator.
HCMA Membership Expansion
A recent HCMA By-laws change has allowed physicians from surrounding counties to join the HCMA as Affiliate members. This opportunity was implemented to provide benefits to physicians whose own medical societies are struggling to provide substantial assistance. In addition, it serves as an avenue for HCMA to enhance the profession of medicine in our state by unifying and ensuring a stronger voice. Please inform your colleagues in surrounding counties of this opportunity. For more information, contact Debbie Zorian, HCMA Executive Director.
HCMA Foundation grants awarded
In these uncertain times, the delivery of care has been a challenge. When providing services for the beneficiaries of local charitable organizations, we can only imagine the difficulties they have been faced with. Although the Foundation's 2020 fundraiser, the Charity Golf Classic, was cancelled due to COVID-19, the Foundation's Board realized the need for support is ongoing. In appreciation for what they do for the members of our community, the Board awarded grants to the following:
  • Children's Home Network
  • DACCO
  • Frameworks
  • Judeo Christian Health Clinic
  • MoreHealth
  • The Outreach Clinic/Brandon
  • Voices for Children
We hope the grants will ease some of the burden these organizations are facing and serve as a thank you for the services they provide and for their commitment to our community.
AMA releases 2021 CPT code set
The first major overhaul in more than 25 years to the codes and guidelines for office and other outpatient evaluation and management (E/M) services was included in today's release of the 2021 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code set published by the American Medical Association (AMA).

These foundational modifications were designed to make E/M office visit coding and documentation simpler and more flexible, freeing physicians and care teams from clinically irrelevant administrative burdens that led to time-wasting note bloat and box checking. The changes to CPT codes ranging from 99201-99215 are proposed for adoption by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Jan. 1, 2021.  Read the AMA press release.
Reminder: 2020 Census - Make Sure You're Counted! Deadline: September 30th
The results of the 2020 Census will inform how to allocate billions of dollars in federal funding to more than 100 programs including Medicaid, Head Start, block grants for community mental health services, and SNAP. The data will also determine the number of seats each state has in Congress and political representation at all levels of government. Participate in the 2020 Census.
Pharmacists can give childhood shots, U.S. officials say
"Pharmacists in all 50 states are now allowed to give childhood vaccinations under a new directive aimed at preventing future outbreaks of measles and other preventable diseases." Read more.
Modern Healthcare, August 19, 2020
Two Minutes - What's the Risk?
HCMA Benefit Provider, ProAssurance, has produced a series of two minute educational videos which include topics such as telemedicine & informed consent, COVID-19 topics, patient tracking/follow-up, documentation, using scribes, non-compliant patients, and recording patient conversations. Additional videos are uploaded to the ProAssurance Risk Resource YouTube page regularly, so keep checking back for other valuable information and advice. Click here to view the ProAssurance Risk Resource videos.

Visit ProAssurance's COVID-19 Information Center for medical liability concerns at ProAssurance.com/COVID-19.

HCMA members receive a discount on medical liability insurance with ProAssurance. For additional information and to request a no-obligation quote, contact Chad May, Florida Account Executive, at 800.282.6242 or CLICK HERE.
COVID-19 Updates
Florida's daily COVID numbers jump after Quest test dump
Another 7,569 new coronavirus cases were reported in Florida on Tuesday, but more than half were among nearly 75,000 results from April turned in late by Quest Diagnostics, the state Department of Health said. The state then announced it was severing ties with Quest Diagnostics due to its failure to follow Florida law in reporting results in a timely manner. Read more.
Health News Florida, September 2, 2020
Tampa Bay schools are reporting COVID-19 cases. Here's a list.
Public health experts have warned that coronavirus cases are likely to show up in schools as they reopen. And while some Florida school districts are reporting COVID-19 cases, others are not. Read more.
Health News Florida, September 2, 2020
HHS accepting applications for additional Provider Relief Fund payments
On July 31, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that certain Medicare providers would be given another opportunity to receive additional Provider Relief Fund payments. These are providers who missed the June 3, 2020 application deadline for additional funding equal to 2 percent of their total patient care revenue from the $20 billion portion of the $50 billion Phase 1 General Distribution. Certain providers whose practices underwent a change in ownership, making them previously ineligible for Phase 1 funding, also will have an opportunity to apply for possible funds. The deadline is Sunday, Sept. 13.  

HHS also announced that providers receiving Provider Relief Fund payments will be required to comply with the reporting requirements described in the Terms and Conditions and specified in future directions issued by the Secretary. The reporting system will become available to recipients for reporting on October 1, 2020.
CMS offers new details on how providers must report COVID-19 relief funds to Medicare
CMS released updated guidance intended to help providers report COVID-19 relief funds to Medicare. Read more.
Fierce Healthcare, August 28, 2020
As telemedicine replaces the physical exam, what are doctors missing?
Despite a foothold in medicine that predates Hippocrates himself, the traditional physical exam might be on the verge of extinction. The coronavirus crisis has driven more routine medical appointments online, accelerating a trend toward telemedicine that has already been underway. Read more.
Health News Florida, August 31, 2020
Helping patients navigate their concerns about COVID-19 risk
With uncertainty comes concern. To help address patients' worries and fears about the pandemic, physicians must listen with empathy. Read more from the AMA. 
National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of HHS, is the nation's medical research agency - making important discoveries that improve health and save lives.  
From the Board of Medicine
The impact of the new pelvic exam law on Florida medical practices. Florida Healthcare Law Firm complimentary webinar recording can be found here: 
Pelvic Exam Law webinar. A sample consent form which is available for purchase Here. For more information, visit the Florida Healthcare Law firm website or contact Autumn Piccolo. For the webinar slides, click here.
Physician Wellness
Moment of Wellness: The Gift of Gratitude
It is no secret that physicians have been emotionally overwhelmed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a Moment of Wellness, physician coach Amaryllis Sánchez Wohlever, MD, shares how meaningful it is for physicians to find the gift of gratitude in the midst of the crisis. Read more.
Personal News
Bruce Shephard, MD
COVID-19: Making sense of the statistics
Dr. Bruce Shephard, HCMA Past President, interviewed Dr. Jason Salemi, a local epidemiology and data expert from USF. Dr. Salemi is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology at USF's College of Public Health, with over 150 scientific publications and expertise in visualizing and analyzing data. His comprehensive dashboard tracking COVID-19 in Florida has received national attention as a guide to better understand this disease. 

Read the five takeaways Dr. Shephard compiled from his conversation with Dr. Salemi.
Welcome New Members

Active Members
Nicole Fanarjian, MD
Gynecology
South Tampa Gynecology
S. Tampa General Circle, #440
Tampa, 33606
813.569.0740

Affiliate Members
Alfred Bonati, MD
Orthopaedic Spine
Gulf Coast Orthopedic Center
7315 Hudson Ave.
Hudson, 34667
727.868.9563
Santiao Martinez, MD
Allergy/Immunology
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Assoc.
539 Medical Oaks Ave.
Brandon, 33511
813.655.9736

Michael Goldbach, MD
Vascular Surgery
The Vein & Vascular Inst of Spring Hill
13113 Spring Hill Dr.
Spring Hill, 34609
352.505.1737
Retired Member
Stephen Rifkin, MD

Spotlight on Savings
Winstar Payments - Credit card processing, payroll & human resources, and funding & equipment leasing. Winstar will provide a 30% discount off their standard retail rate to any HCMA member. They will also promise $250 to any practice where they cannot meet or beat their current processing rate. Contact Vito Sernas, Director of National Sales, office 888-418-8026 x114, cell 727-365-1086, or email vsernas@winstarpayments.com.
The Bulletin
The most current issue of HCMA's quarterly publication can be viewed online by clicking here. Previous issues are also available.

For advertising information, contact Elke Lubin, Managing Editor.
Upcoming Events
Hurricane Preparedness Webinar for Physicians
Wednesday, September 9, 2020
6:00-7:00pm

Topics that will be addressed:
  • General Preparations for Patients
  • Services Available: Lean on Me Project & Special Needs Sheltering Program
  • Educating Patients
For HCMA members only. Pre-registration is required - click here.
After registering you will receive the webinar log-in information.
Retirement Planning for Physicians
A complimentary 2 part webinar for HCMA members
Two nights: Tuesday, October 6 & Tuesday, October 13
6:30pm-9:00pm

LEARN HOW TO:
  • Determine the amount of money you need to retire.
  • Create your own goals for a "successful retirement."
  • Eliminate debt and improve cash flow.
  • Properly convert your IRA to a Roth IRA.
  • Select the retirement plan distribution choice that is right for you.
  • Plan your retirement income to preserve a standard of living.
  • Transfer the risk of potential financial losses before or during retirement.
  • Reduce or eliminate taxes, expenses, delays, and legal challenges with estate planning.
Click here to pre-register, then you will be emailed webinar log-in credentials.
 
We encourage you to invite your significant other to join in on this informative and educational webinar!
Retired HCMA Members
Virtual Luncheons & Socials
On a computer near you...

If you are interested in checking in with your retired colleagues for a virtual lunch (BYOL), contact Bulletin Editor, David Lubin, MD, to be added to invitation list. 

ZOOM lunches will be held once or twice a month.
HCMA Foundation Charity Golf Classic
Thursday, April 1, 2021

Carrollwood Country Club

Due to the pandemic, the HCMA Foundation's 2020 Charity Golf Classic was postponed.  The new date is listed above.  Please mark your calendar and watch your emails for details.

Sponsorship opportunities are available!  Click here for more information.

Classified Ads
Post a classified ad in the HCMA's monthly electronic newsletter, Enews. $40 for each group of 400 characters (spaces included) per issue.

To place your ad, contact Elke Lubin, Managing Editor.