CCMS Elert: Coronavirus Updates, News Briefs, New Circle of Friends Vendor

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January 13, 2022

CCMS Mission:

Serve the needs of our physician members so they can better serve the needs of the community

In this Issue:

News Briefs, Member Notices & COVID-19 Updates, Events, Member Spotlights, New Circle of Friends Vendor

News Briefs:

The federal "No Surprise Act" took effect on January 1: "Read the FMA's brief summary of information regarding the law and the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System." - FMA

Hospitalizations skyrocket in kids too young for COVID shots: "Hospitalizations of U.S. children under 5 with COVID-19 soared in recent weeks to their highest level since the pandemic began, according to government data released Friday (1/7...)." - AP

DeSantis announces 1 million at-home COVID-19 tests will go to seniors, ignores vaccines: “The state plans to send up to 1 million at-home COVID-19 test kits to nursing homes and “senior heavy” communities across Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday (1/6...).” - Naples Daily News

Omicron may be headed for a rapid drop in Britain, US: “Scientists are seeing signals that COVID-19′s alarming omicron wave may have peaked in Britain and is about to do the same in the U.S., at which point cases may start dropping off dramatically.” - AP

Home COVID tests to be covered by insurers starting Saturday (1/15): “Starting Saturday, private health insurers will be required to cover up to eight home COVID-19 tests per month for people on their plans.” - AP

US urges COVID boosters starting at age 12 to fight omicron: “The U.S. is urging that everyone 12 and older get a COVID-19 booster as soon as they’re eligible, to help fight back the hugely contagious omicron mutant that’s ripping through the country.” - AP

Elected officials claim Florida COVID hospitalization numbers are inaccurate: “As COVID hospitalization numbers grow, many elected officials claim the numbers are inflated and not accurate.” - NBC-2

Member Notices:

CCMS COVID Vaccine PSA: English

CCMS COVID Vaccine PSA: Spanish

COVID-19 Resources

For a full list visit ccmsonline.org

Vaccine Resources:

- PSA for VAXTruths: Truthful information about Covid-19 vaccines

- OSHA vaccine mandate penalties to start Jan. 10

- Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccination Operational Planning Guide

- Pfizer one-page guide on formulation

- How to have crucial conversations with vaccine-hesitant patients | AMA STEPS Forward™ toolkit on adult immunization

- Vaccine Flyers: English | Spanish | Creole

- Employer Mandated Vaccinations, Sample Policy and Procedures Form

Outpatient Treatment & Monoclonal Antibodies:

- Important Updates Regarding Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutics Distribution (9/17/21)

- NCH outpatient for monoclonal antibodies: Updated Order Set | Pediatric Packet (Providers who do not have NCH ordering privileges contact (239) 624-0940 for a telemedicine patient evaluation and receive patient orders.)

- What's new | COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines (nih.gov)

- Lee Health Monoclonal Orders

More updates and resources available online

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month

The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) is committed to raising awareness and promoting action against this crime. DOH-Collier has print materials, brochures, and posters, available for pick-up. Please coordinate with Kristine Hollingsworth to obtain these informational materials.

Request informational print materials >

2022 RCC Cards

CCMS Members receive special $10 pricing on the 2022 RCC Card, which provides discounts at restaurants and merchants. Order a card at ccmsonline.org/membership or call CCMS, 239-435-7727. Cards will be mailed to the office address on file unless otherwise specified.

Order a 2022 RCC Card >

FMA's Medical License Renewal Guide

Is your Florida medical license set to expire on Jan. 31, 2022 (MDs), or March 31, 2022 (DOs)? Read the FMA 2022 Florida medical license renewal guides for allopathic physicians and osteopathic physicians. Keep these guide handy to avoid renewal delays and get up to speed on exemptions and CME benefits.

Read Allopathic Guide >

Read Osteopathic Guide >

Renew Your CCMS/CCMSA Membership Today!

CCMS: The 2022 CCMS dues deadline was Dec. 31, 2021. Invoices were recently mailed to members who pay individually, or to practice administrators for group payment. Members and groups can also pay online at ccmsonline.org/membership. Thank you for renewing!

CCMS Alliance: CCMSA invites physician spouses and CCMS members to join/renew their membership in the Alliance - CCMSA President's Letter/Membership Form

Renew CCMS Membership >

Renew CCMSA Alliance Membership >

Physician Wellness Wellness Program:

Wellness tip of the week: "CCMS Physician Wellness Program: New Year Mental Health "Check-up"

Confidential, cost-free counseling/coaching sessions with the CCMS Physician Wellness Program (operating via telehealth or in-person during the COVID-19 outbreak) are open to all CCMS physician members. *Update: CCMS is extending the offer of sessions to non-member physicians during the pandemic.

Learn more / Schedule a session >

Upcoming Events:

NOTICE: All current event dates subject to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Member Welcome Reception 2022_FB graphic 11_21 V2.jpg

Postponed due to COVID-19: CCMS New Member Welcome Reception

Previously Fri., Jan. 14, 6:30PM, Wyndemere Country Club, stay tuned for new date

Postponed due to COVID-19: CCMS "After 5 Social"

Previously Thurs., Jan. 27, 6:00PM, Terracina Grand,

stay tuned for new date

Partner Events:

Note: Click here for information on various CME courses available

CCMS Member Dr. Hiranya Rajasinghe Invites You to CME Roundtable (live & virtual)

Wed. Jan. 19, 6:30PM, Fleming’s Steakhouse

The focus of this event will be The Essential Role of the Primary Community Care Team in the Management of Lower Extremity Arterial and Venous Disease 2.0. Healthcare providers only. 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM.. Register (*Virtual option available on the Registration Site.)

FREE Virtual CME on Management of Candida Vulvovaginitis in 2022:

Four Opportunities to Join: Wed. Jan. 19: 7:30 PM & 10:30 PM | Tues. Feb. 15: 7:30 PM | Thurs. Feb. 17: 10:30 PM

More Info | Register

What’s New in Eye Care?

Mon. Jan. 24, 11:30AM, The Club at Olde Cypress

Cost $65. AAUM Member-Discounted Admission: $55. Includes lunch. More info | Register

Naples Cardiovascular Summit: Advances in Cardiology for Primary Care

Fri., Feb. 25, 7:00AM | Sat., Feb. 26, 7:00AM, Arthrex One Conference Center

Cost: $75 Physicians | $50 Nurses | $50 APP’s and 1st Responders | Free Medical Residents & Students. More info | Register

2022 Imagine Solutions Conference

Mon. March 7, 8:30AM, Arthrex One Conference Center

$700 per person. More info | Register

CCMS Member Spotlights:

Email your news to CCMS to be included in the next issue

Drs. Kenneth Plunkitt and Edison Valle were featured in the Gulfshore Business article Health Care Goes High-Tech. (Online pg. #94)

Dr. Rebekah Bernard contributed the article 7 cures for the jaded physician in 2022 to Medical Economics.

Also, Dr. Bernard was featured in the NBC-2 article COVID-19 vaccine linked to small changes in menstrual cycle.

In addition, Dr. Bernard authored the Medscape commentary PA Name Change Bad for Patients and the Profession.

Dr. Steven Goldberg was featured in the Business Observer article Broad Shoulders. (Online pg. #18)

CCMS Welcomes New Circle of Friends Vendor

CCMS is pleased to announce new CCMS Circle of Friends vendor Cotten Medical Billing & Consulting, Inc.

Cotten Medical Billing & Consulting, Inc. offers 20+ years of Medical Billing Experience, serving Physicians in Southwest Florida. Their client base includes physicians of all specialities seeking excellence in medical billing, coding, staffing and consultation.

CCMS members receive a free soft audit of their current billing software ($500.00 value).

Cotten Medical Billing & Consulting, Inc. | Contact: Theresa Cotten, Owner | Phone: (239) 645-8195 | Web: www.cottenmedicalbilling.com

Classified Ads:

OB/GYN Resident Seeking Employment Opportunities: 3rd year resident at LSU-Shreveport. Received M.D. degree from Florida State University. 2016 Foundation of CCMS Scholarship recipient. Born/raised in Collier County, looking to return home to practice. Contact info: Karisa Brown, MD; cell (239) 601-1896

CCMS member home for sale: Grand Waterfront home, Royal Harbor on canal, 4900 sq ft, two stories with elevator, 2 boat lifts, exterior and interior with kitchen upgrades 2020-2021. Contact John, Morguard Management at (504) 579-4672.

Board-certified anesthesiologist/pain medicine specialist interested in office space share. Physician with pain medicine/addiction treatment practice in Washington, D.C. looking to open office in Naples area and share space with another physician. More information at dcpaindoc.com. If interested, contact John Dombrowski M.D. FASA at (202) 345-1784.

Busy physician office in North Naples is seeking a medical assistant and a scribe. Highly skilled, motivated and experience a plus. This is a fast paced, growing practice and candidates must be self-starters, multi-tasked and highly motivated. Please call Jennifer at (239) 591-2803.

Neighborhood Health Clinic is seeking a Part Time Database Assistant to join the Development team as an integral internal representative, working with the donor base, fundraising objectives, donor and volunteer relationships, and independent projects. Contact CDO Keith Maples at (239) 529-2264.

Naples pediatric practice seeking NP or PA as well as a medical assistant or front desk staff for 3 to 5 days a week. Please contact CCMS if interested.