Catch My Stride Walk Launches Despite Rain |
Even rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of those who showed up for the first CMS "Catch My Stride" Walk held on Saturday, March 6 at the Miccosukee Greenway. "It was really wonderful to see everyone," said walk host Dr. Sarah Ko. "It was a proper British walk with most decked out in bright rain gear and galoshes." It was fun having Dr. Ko's husband, Joseph Farenden and their son Leo riding along in his stroller with us. New rheumatologist Dr. Kiana Taba enjoyed getting to meet other physicians in the community. Three German Short-haired Pointers rounded out the walking group.
We appreciate Florida Blue for sponsoring water bottles for the walks.
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Honor a Doctor - Recognize a Physician Who Inspires You |
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FEATURED ADVERTISER: Secure Records Solutions |
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Save the Date for Upcoming CMS Meetings/Events |
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March 20, 2021
CMS Family Walk
J.R. Alford Park
(Meet at Parking Lot at 2500 Pedrick Road with Russell Cole, M.D., Andrea Stephens, and Pam Irwin)
9:00 am
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March 27, 2021
CMS Family Walk
Cascades Park
(Meet at Amphitheater with Rohan Joseph, M.D., Andrea Stephens, and Pam Irwin)
4:30 pm
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April 20, 2021
Virtual CME
(1-Hour)
Exploring the Long-Term Consequences of a COVID-19 Diagnosis
6:30 pm
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May 18, 2021
Virtual CME
(1-Hour)
Bringing it All Together: Expanding the Scope of Type 2 Diabetes Management
6:30 pm
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Sept. 14, 2021
Celebration Awards Dinner
University Center Club at FSU
6:30 pm
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Wolfson Pediatric CME Webinars - 5.5 CME Credit Opportunity
Wolfson Children’s Hospital is proud to provide Continuing Medical Education opportunities to our partners and referring providers by offering monthly virtual CME sessions at no cost. If you have missed any of our previously offered live webinars and still wish to obtain CME credit for them, we have provided 4 recorded webinars for a total of 5.5 CME credits possible. Please follow the instructions below in order to take advantage of this opportunity!
1. Open the flyer and choose which education session you would like to watch.
2. Click the link in the attachment for the desired education session.
3. Watch the webinar.
4. Follow the instructions included in the video description to complete the required survey and input the associated activity code.
*Please note, if you are licensed outside of the state of Florida, you must contact the CME office at Kimberly.Branham-Nelson@bmcjax.com to request an official transcript of your participation.
Easy to use web portal makes it easy to find courses and track credits. Accredited activities for over 30 medical specialties; Over 100 active courses at any given time; Activity accreditations include ACCME, ANCC, AANP, ACPE, and more; Content is always current, and always free.
Free 1-hour online CME opportunity!
University of Florida's Department of Epidemiology
Raising awareness for Alzheimer's disease and increasing screening for cognitive impairment. This CME has a focus on primary care physicians but is applicable to all physicians who may encounter patients with cognitive impairments.
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State Surgeon General Extends License Expiration Notice |
As part of the response efforts to the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), State Surgeon General Dr. Scott A. Rivkees issued Emergency Order DOH No. 20-015 extending the licensure renewal expiration date until March 31, 2021 for any health care practitioner with licensure renewal deadlines between December 31, 2020 and March 01, 2021.
The license expiration date for Diagnostic Radiological Physicians, Therapeutic Radiological Physicians, Medical Nuclear Radio Physicists, and Medical Health Physicists expiring January 31, 2021 is extended to March 31, 2021.
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ABIM Extends Maintenance of Certification Requirement Deadlines Through 2022 |
Board-certified physicians are getting another extension on the deadline to maintain their internal medicine credentials.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) once again extended the Maintenace of Certification (MOC) requirements through December 2022.
Source: Fierce Healthcare
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Medicare 2% Payment Cut Suspended Through March |
Medicare sequestration - the federal government's 2% across-the-board payment cut - has been suspended until March 31, 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The suspension was part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act but was originally set to expire on Dec. 31, 2020. It was extended to March 31st as part of an omnibus spending package that was signed on December 27, 2020.
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Scholarship Applications for Medical and Healthcare Students are Due March 31 |
Foundation of CCMS is officially accepting applications through March 31, 2021 for two scholarship award programs: the Dr. William Lascheid Memorial Scholarship for medical students and Healthcare Student Scholarships for students enrolled in or accepted to healthcare degree programs.
Source: Collier County Medical Society (CCMS)
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Virtual Presentation - "The D-Lightful Vitamin D for Health: From Birth until Death" - March 25 |
Join us for this virtual presentation:
The D-Lightful Vitamin D for Health: From Birth until Death
With special guest speaker: Michael F. Holick, Ph.D., M.D.
Thursday, March 25, 6:30PM
Dr. Holick's current research deals with vitamin D nutrition and its impact on health. He recently published a study of more than 190,000 COVID positive patients throughout the entire United States and reported that vitamin D deficiency increases risk for acquiring the corona viral infection by more than 50%. He also reported in 235 patients with COVID-19 infection, 74% with serious infection, that they had less complications from the infection and were less likely to die if they were vitamin D sufficient.
Please join us to learn more about the delightful Vitamin D for health!
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Doctor of the Day Program for the 2021 Regular Legislative Session |
To: All Physicians and Interested Parties,
We appreciate your past participation in the Doctor of the Day Program. In anticipation of the 2021 Regular Legislative Session, preparations for this program are underway.
Please contact a member of the Florida Senate or the Florida House of Representatives for sponsorship prior to submitting your Doctor of the Day Application Form.
Thank you and we look forward to your participate in the 2021 Doctor of the Day Program. Please contact me regarding any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Mavis Knight
Office of Legislative Services
111 West Madison Street, Room 874
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1400
(850) 717-0301
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Fully Vaccinated People Don't Need Masks Around Low-Risk Unvaccinated People, CDC Says: 4 Notes |
Individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can safely gather with small groups from other households without masks or physical distancing, even if those people haven't been vaccinated, according to CDC guidance updated March 8.
Source: Becker's Hospital Review
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Gov. DeSantis: All Floridians Age 60 and Above Will Be Eligible for Coronavirus Vaccines Beginning March 15 |
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that the eligibility for coronavirus vaccines in Florida will be lowered to age 60 from age 65 beginning Monday, March 15. "That will apply across the board at all of the state pods, all of the pharmacies, all of the different drive-thru sites that are being operated," DeSantis said at a press conference in Tallahassee on Monday. "If you’re 60+, you will be able to get sign up and be able to get the vaccine."
Source: Orlando Sentinel
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Publix to Administer Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine Beginning Saturday |
Publix Pharmacy has received its first shipment of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. With this distribution, Publix will begin administering both the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines in its Florida pharmacies. To allow eligible individuals to choose which vaccine they will receive, starting March 10, every Wednesday scheduling opportunity will be dedicated exclusively for appointments to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Source: WTXL
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Leon County Mask Mandate Still In Effect |
The Leon County mask mandate added to the Leon County Amended Emergency Ordinance No. 20-15 is still in effect. The ordinance states that an individual in a business establishment in Leon County must wear a face covering while in that business establishment.
A business establishment means a location with a roof overhead under which any business is conducted, goods are made, stored or processed, or where services are rendered. The term “business establishment” also includes locations where non-profit, governmental, churches, and quasi-governmental entities facilitate public interactions and conduct business. Also, as part of the requirement, all businesses must post a notice visible to all customers that face coverings are required while indoors. An example sign can be found here.
Facial coverings are not required to be worn by the following persons:
- Persons under the age of six years;
- Persons who have trouble breathing due to a chronic pre-existing condition or individuals with a documented or demonstrable medical problem. It is the intent of this provision that those individuals who cannot tolerate a facial covering for a medical, sensory, or any other condition which makes it difficult for them to utilize a facial covering and function in public are not required to wear one;
- Persons in their private rooms of a lodging establishment, such as a hotel, motel, or vacation rental—however, face coverings must be worn in all indoor commons areas of said establishment;
- Persons exercising while observing at least six feet of distancing from another person;
- Restaurant and bar patrons eating or drinking
- Business owners, managers, and employees who are in an area of a business establishment that is not open to customers, patrons, or the public, provided that six feet of distance exist between persons.
The ordinance will remain in place until repealed. A copy of the ordinance and frequently asked questions are posted to the Leon County Emergency Information Portal at www.LeonCountyFL.gov/ei. For additional questions regarding the mask mandate ordinance, please call Leon County Administration at 850-606-5300.
For additional information on COVID-19, the Florida Department of Health has activated a 24/7 COVID-19 call center at (866) 779-6121. Leon County residents can also call the County Health Department at (850) 404-6300, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also, the best resource for Florida-specific COVID-19 information remains the following FDOH website: www.FLHealth.gov/COVID-19.
Source: Office of Economic Vitality
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Free Face Coverings Available at OEV |
Face coverings are available at the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (315 S. Calhoun Street, Suite 110, Tallahassee, FL, 32301) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A business with one location is eligible for up to 100 face coverings. Local businesses with multiple locations are eligible for up to 200 face coverings. For FAQs regarding the distribution of masks to businesses, click here.
Source: Office of Economic Vitality
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How Do COVID-19 Vaccines Compare? |
This side-by-side look shows each of the US-approved COVID vaccines. While direct comparisons can't be made because head-to-head trials don't exist, people are questioning how the three COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the U.S. stack up.
Source: MedPage Today
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Learn EM Newsletter by Dr. Sam Ashoo - March 12, 2021
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This week is the one year anniversary of the WHO declaration of COVID-19 as a worldwide pandemic. It is also a significant point for us as many fronts in the battle against COVID-19 have shown significant improvement. Cases in most countries continue to decline (Italy is a notable exception) and vaccination numbers continue to increase. This week’s newsletter is devoted to a wider review of “Where we are today”. I look forward to the day when I can safely announce this COVID newsletter has seen its final issue. We are certainly closer today than ever.
Source: Dr. Sam Ashoo
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Exclusive Look at NIH Investigation Into Covid ‘Long-Haulers’ |
NBC News’ Stephanie Gosk got an exclusive look inside the National Institutes of Health’s billion dollar initiative to study people who experience Covid symptoms long after initial infection. More than 10,000 patients have been seen nationwide at specialized ‘post-Covid’ clinics, but there is no definitive treatment.
Source: NBC News
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Wait at Least This Long After COVID for Surgery |
Keeping surgery on hold for at least 7 weeks after a positive coronavirus test was associated with lower mortality risk compared with no delay, a large international study found.
Among 3,127 patients with a preoperative SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, mortality was highest in those who had surgery the soonest after testing positive, Dmitri Nepogodiev, MBChB, of the University of Birmingham, England, and colleagues reported in Anaesthesia.
Source: MedPage Today
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Planning a Trip to Japan for the Olympics? |
Consult your travel agent first, as Japan has decided to stage this summer’s Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics without overseas spectators due to public concern about COVID-19.
Source: Reuters
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UK Viewers Horrified by US Drug Ads During Harry and Meghan Interview |
For British viewers, Oprah Winfrey’s bombshell special on the royal family was also an exposé of the American pharmaceutical industry.
Those in England who streamed Sunday’s interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were shocked to see advertisements for prescription drugs including Skyrizi, Kisqali and Jardiance. Advertising prescription drugs is banned in the United Kingdom — and most of the world, excluding the US and New Zealand.
Source: New York Post
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JAK Inhibitors for Alzheimer’s? Head Injury 25 Years Later; Havana Syndrome Probe |
A machine learning framework to evaluate relationships between disease pathology and biological processes that can be described by genes produced a list of 15 FDA-approved drugs that could be repurposed to treat Alzheimer's; five were Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. (Nature Communications)
A phase II study of gamma frequency neuromodulation, a novel intervention using EEG-calibrated auditory and visual stimuli to evoke neural activity, showed improved memory, cognition, and functional abilities and reduced brain atrophy in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease, Cognito Therapeutics announced.
Source: MedPage Today
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Testicular Dysfunction May Persist Long After Anabolic Steroid Use |
Users of illicit anabolic steroids may have impaired testicular function even years after they stop using the performance-enhancing drugs, a cross-sectional study suggested.
Median levels of serum insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3), a biomarker of Leydig cell capacity, were significantly lower in men who reported current anabolic steroid use compared with those who never used anabolic steroids (0.04 µg/L vs 0.59 µg/L, P<0.001), reported Jon Rasmussen, MD, PhD, of Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Source: MedPage Today
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Some Days Just Aren't As Bright As Others |
No denying that the last 12+ months could have been a bit better and brighter. If your days don't seem as bright, we hope you take advantage of this program. The CMSF's Physician Wellness Program will pay for up to six completely confidential wellness coaching sessions with any of the counselors enrolled in our program (contact information below). Pick up the phone and call any of the resources noted below. Telehealth options available during COVID-19.
Special thanks to MagMutual Foundation and others who are helping the CMSF fund this program.
Local Wellness Coaching Resources:
- Paul Deitchman, Ph.D. - 850-878-3571
- Tracey Morse, Ph.D. - 850-556-7944
- Debra Weaver, Ph.D. - 850-942-5585
- Stephen Wright, Ph.D. - 850-222-3045
C. Vincent Dix, Ph.D. has announced his retirement effective March 31, 2021. We appreciate the services he has provided to local physicians since the inception of the Capital Medical Society Foundation's Physician Wellness Program in 2017.
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Coronavirus - Information, Updates, Resources |
Updates and Resources
and the White House Coronavirus Task Force analyzes and distributes the report.
The New England Journal of Medicine - A collection of articles and other resources on the Coronavirus outbreak, including clinical reports, management guidelines, and commentary
Epidemiological and Clinical Resources For The COVID-19 Pandemic
CDC Healthcare Supply of Personal Protective Equipment
CDC Guidance for People at Higher Risk for COVID-19 Complications
CDC PPE Poster
CDC Guidance for Travelers from Countries with Widespread Sustained (ongoing) Transmission Arriving in the United States
CDC Communication Resources
NETEC coronavirus page includes PPE validation checklists and video resource, in addition to many others:
Vaccine Updates
(Florida Department of Health in Leon County)
(Florida Department of Health in Leon County)
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
COVID-19 Pandemic Planning FAQ (dated 11/19/2020) includes important information regarding procurement and handling of costs for vaccine administration. (FEMA)
What Happens Once There is a COVID-19 Vaccine? Key Challenges to Vaccinating America (12/3/2020) - VIDEO or SLIDES (Kaiser Family Foundation)
Reporting for Health Care Providers and Laboratories
If you have any patients who meet the person under investigation criteria, please contact the Florida Department of Health in Leon County Epidemiology Program at 850-404-6299.
Epidemiology and Disease Control Program
Florida Department of Health in Leon County
2965 Municipal Way,
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Office Number: (850) 404-6299
Confidential Fax: (850) 921-9855
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Public Service Announcement - "Don't Put It Off!" |
Capital Medical Society Partners With Local Hospitals and Physicians to Encourage Patients to Seek Needed Healthcare Through Public Service Announcement, "Don't Put It Off!"
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Cap Scan Series: "Portraits in COVID-19" - Please Share Your Experience |
Capital Medical Society is accepting stories for its Cap Scan magazine from CMS and CMSA members as part of an occasional series called "Portraits in COVID-19," to capture the changes happening in healthcare and our personal lives due to COVID-19 as experienced by physicians and laypeople. These stories can be about your experiences treating COVID-positive patients, supporting patients and coping with families during "no visitation," entering the world of telehealth, concerns about PPE shortages, distancing from your own families, family celebrations by social distancing, newfound time with family, newbie ZOOM meeting experiences worthy of an SNL skit, staycations extraordinaire, or schooling from home. You get the idea. Please try to stay within 800 words, include a photo if it makes sense, and be mindful of HIPAA, if writing about a patient experience. Please send by email to Shannon Boyle at sboyle@capmed.org. All submissions are reviewed by the Cap Scan editor prior to publication.
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Not All Superheroes Wear Capes! We Salute Our PPE Donors and Volunteers! |
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COVID-19 Donations Needed |
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Florida RX Card has created a new program and resource card to help Children's Miracle Network children and families in need. This card will work just as Florida Rx Card, helping people save on their prescription medications.
The flyer explains the program and can be used to share/download the app.
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Informed Webinar Series: Understanding the CMS Proposed Rule: Reducing Provider and Patient Burden by Improving Prior Authorization Processes |
On December 11, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that would improve the electronic exchange of healthcare data among payers, providers, and patients. If finalized, the CMS rule would streamline processes related to prior authorization with the goal of reducing the burden on providers and patients. Medicaid, CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program), and QHP (Qualified Health Plan) payers would be required to build and implement FHIR-enabled APIs that could:
- Allow providers to know, in advance, what documentation would be needed for each different payer.
- Streamline the documentation process.
- Enable providers to send prior authorization requests (and receive responses electronically) directly from the provider's EHR or other practice management system.
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Start to HEAL - 8-Week Lecture Series |
Do you have patients who could benefit from learning how to live a healthier lifestyle? Are you interested in how diet can aid in disease reversal? Dr. Andria Klioze, founder of HEAL (Healthy Eating. Active Life) has 20+ years of data and experience that will help your patients (and you!) become healthier from top to bottom. This is an 8-week virtual series.
Source: HEAL
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PAP Machine Donations Needed! |
A PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) machine is an electronic respiratory ventilation device used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Capital Medical Society Foundation, Inc.'s We Care Network program assists low-income, uninsured adults, whose income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, with obtaining these potentially life-saving medical devices, when prescribed by a pulmonologist. Thanks to our partners at Desloge Home Oxygen and Medical Equipment, Inc., we are able to provide refurbished CPAP, AutoPAP, and BPAP machines for eligible We Care Network patients in Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla Counties. We Care Network also accepts unused, unopened supplies for PAP machines, such as masks, nasal cannulas, and tubing. We Care Network coordinates over $8,000,000 in donated specialty medical and dental care annually.
Machine donations can be dropped off at Capital Medical Society Foundation's office at 1204 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Donations to Capital Medical Society Foundation are tax-deductible within IRS guidelines Federal Tax I.D. #: 59-2104510. For additional information, please call 942-5215 or email dbixler@capmed.org.
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You Can Support the CMS Foundation! Sign Up and Shop Today on AmazonSmile! |
For eligible purchases at AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the Capital Medical Society Foundation!
Click here to access AmazonSmile and support the CMS Foundation today!
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Check Out the Latest CMS Member Benefits |
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To view the DocbookMD Training Manual, click here.
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