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

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April 7, 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

Special health insurance enrollment period could help Floridians at risk of losing Medicaid: “The enrollment period started in March and is open to anyone making 150% of the federal poverty level or less. Floridians who may not be able to afford health insurance can now get access to free coverage under a special enrollment period for Affordable Care Act plans." - Health News Florida

COVID-19: Here's what experts say to expect as BA.2 omicron subvariant spreads across Florida: “As the so-called “stealth omicron” coronavirus subvariant fuels another wave of infections across Florida and the nation, medical experts expect it to be milder than the surges that preceded it.” - Naples Daily News

The future of national health spending: “The CMS Office of the Actuary has released its projections for National Health Expenditures (NHE), which aim to capture all spending on healthcare in the United States and are considered by government officials to be the official estimates of such expenditures.”

- FMA

Democratic, GOP Senate bargainers reach $10B COVID agreement: “Senate bargainers reached agreement Monday (4/4) on a slimmed-down $10 billion package for countering COVID-19 with treatments, vaccines and other steps, the top Democratic and Republican negotiators said, but ended up dropping all funding to help nations abroad combat the pandemic." - AP

FMA CEO Announced: “The FMA Board of Governors has selected Christopher Clark, formerly Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, to serve as the association’s Chief Executive Officer effective today, April 1.” - FMA

Member Notices

COVID-19 Resources

For a full list visit ccmsonline.org

- COVID.gov: A resource to find vaccines, tests, treatments, latest COVID-19 info. etc.

- Order Free At-Home COVID Tests

- Health Insurance Coverage for At-Home Tests

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

- 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

More updates and resources available online

Let Your Voice Be Heard: Collier County’s 2022 Health Survey Is Now Available

If you live or work in Collier County, this community-wide study of the health care resources and needs in Collier County needs YOUR valuable input, and will be used, along with other research, to plan services and make needed improvements in the community. This brief questionnaire takes no more than 5 min. to complete and is being conducted on behalf of the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida.

Take Survey:

English | Spanish | Creole

"Thank you for your input and assistance in making Collier County a healthier place to live!"

Invitation to join CCMS Committees

Membership in CCMS committees is open to all CCMS physician members. If you are interested in serving on any CCMS committees, including the new CCMS ad hoc Committee on Diversity, Health Equity, and Inclusion, please contact April Donahue, CCMS Executive Director / (239) 435-7727.

If you are interested in joining the CCMS Committee for Clinical Research, whose purpose is to provide a mutual support organization for clinicians conducting research and to enhance the care of your patients, please contact CCMS member Dr. Raymond Phillips.

Review CCMS Committees >

Read summary of first CCMS Committee for Clinical Research meeting >

Massage Discounts for CCMS Members

In honor of National Doctor’s Day, which was March 30th, CCMS has partnered with MassageLuXe to launch a special discount for physician members, recognizing their efforts during the pandemic, and every day. CCMS members receive $20 off any one massage or facial service through Sep. 30th. Base rates before the discount start at $65 for new customers. To book an appointment, call (239) 254-5893 and mention discount code "Doctors Deserve Luxe".

More Info >

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 >

Physician Wellness Wellness Program

Article of the week: "Complicated grief: the hidden pandemic in health care workers"

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.

CCMS Lecture - "Eugenics, Experiments, Ethics - Nazi Germany, Japan, and the United States"

TODAY: Thurs., April 7, 5:30-7:45, Holocaust Museum and Cohen Educational Center

Online registration closed; please call (239) 435-7727 to inquire about availability. More info

CCMS & CCMSA Everblades Hockey Family Night

Sat., April 16, 5:30 PM, Hertz Arena

Admission is $35/person and includes club level group seating, a pregame "tailgate" dinner overlooking the arena, and an Everblades beach bag. Open to CCMS/CCMSA members and their guests; children welcomed. Already have tickets to the game? Email us for pricing/details on attending the pregame dinner.

CCMS & Foundation's 13th Annual Women's Health Forum

Saturday, April 23, 8:30AM, Naples United Church of Christ

The Women's Health Forum - “Good Health in our Changing Times,” is free and open to the public and features presentations from CCMS member physicians, vendor exhibits, and refreshment breaks.

Sponsor/Exhibitor Opportunities >

CCMS "After 5 Social"

Fri., April 29, 6:00PM, Blue Martini Lounge Naples

Free for CCMS physician members, prospective members, and one guest each.

CCMS Spring General Membership Meeting

Thurs., May 12, 6:00PM, The Arlington Naples

The dinner program agenda includes CCMS updates, healthcare news, and an educational presentation. The event is complimentary for CCMS physician members and one guest each.

Partner Events

Note: Click here for information on various CME courses available

Medical Mission to Guatemala

April 6-10, Guatemala City

The Angels for Humanity medical mission supports the children of Guatemala. They are seeking dentists, doctors, nurses, dental hygienists, other medical professionals, and healthcare students to join the mission. More info.

Responding to the Post-Pandemic Mental Health and Substance Use Crisis

Thurs., April 14 4:30PM, Telford Auditorium, NCH Downtown Naples Hospital

This collaboration-focused discussion will feature speaker Joseph Lee, MD, President and CEO Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. More info.

Webinar: “The No Surprises Act & Price Transparency: How it Impacts Your Practice Today—and What you Must do About It.”

Wed., April 20, 2:00PM

Presented by HealthMe, this webinar will feature healthcare and legal experts who will discuss the No Surprises Act, Good Faith Estimates and Price Transparency. One of the panelists will be CCMS member Dr. Michael Havig.

FMA Annual Meeting & CME Mandatories (available live-stream or in-person),

August 5-7, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Orlando

CME sessions to help maintain FL license & address key issues that affect FL-licensed physicians. FMA members save up to $700 on CME. 13 CME Credits.

CCMS Member Spotlight

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

Dr. Mazen Albeldawi was featured in the FOX-4 news story Your Healthy Family: Importance of colonoscopies starting at age 45.

Dr. Albeldawi was also featured in the WINK News story Fatty liver disease skyrocketing and most who have it don't know.

Dr. Rebekah Bernard contributed the Medical Economics article Considering a direct care practice.

Dr. Corey Howard, AMA Delegation Chair for the FMA, recently traveled to DC to meet with legislators (along with FMA Past President Dr. Mike Patete and FMA President Doug Murphy) to discuss physician payment reform and ending budget neutrality.

Dr. Svetlana Kogan authored the Life in Naples article Fatigue Puzzle Solved Piece By Piece. (online pg.#32)

Dr. Alejandro Perez-Trepichio was featured in the Life in Naples article Clinic expands to serve our working poor. (online pg. #79)

Dr. Shona Velamakanni was featured in the FOX-4 news story Your Healthy Family: When to see a doctor about trouble sleeping.

CCMS Welcomes New Premier Circle of Friends Vendor

CCMS is pleased to announce new CCMS Premier Circle of Friends vendor Oasis Claim Management Solutions, Inc.

Oasis Claim Management Solutions, Inc. has provided Medical Billing services to Collier County physician groups for over 21 years. They serve over two dozen medical specialties focusing on maximizing practice revenue.

CCMS members will receive a free practice assessment ($1,500 value) or reimbursement of CHP membership/application fee.

Oasis Claim Management Solutions, Inc. | Contact: Michael Smith, CPA, President | Phone: (239) 325-2458 | Web: www.oascms.com

Classified Ads

Business Manager - This position is responsible for overseeing the administrative activities and operations of the organization. Responsibilities include managing records and information, planning and maintaining work facilities, and provide administrative assistance to management team. Candidates must have strong leadership qualities, the ability to prioritize and multi-task, and be deadline and detail-oriented with previous experience in administrative services. If interested, contact Nicole Bohayhcyk at (239) 641-0215 or Rafael Urbina at (239) 734-1151.

Medical Assistant - This position could be either full-time OR part-time, depending on the right candidate’s needs. At least 20 hours per week and flexible schedule. Assists with in-office procedures under the direct supervision of the doctors and office manager. Assists with checking-in patients and preparing exam rooms for office visits and in-office procedures. Provides instructions to patients as directed by the doctors. Please email orchidiamedspa@gmail.com.

Collier Schools is looking for medical facilities to host high school students to help them gain practical work experience through a work-based internship or job-shadow. Companies can also mentor students, appear as guest speakers, and more. If interested, contact Courtney Stahlman.

Neighborhood Health Clinic hiring RN with a BSN and 2 years’ outpatient clinic services experience. Email Gail Dolan or call (239) 316-7426.

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

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.

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.