House Passes Bill to Forestall $18 Billion in Medicare Cuts: “The measure addresses one of the two budget cuts the Medicare program is facing. One cut, part of the normal budget process, is a 2% -- or $18 billion -- cut in the projected Medicare budget under a process known as "sequestration." - MEDPAGETODAY

Most physicians had little relief from prior authorization as COVID cases soared: “As new cases of COVID-19 in the United States were peaking in late 2020, most physicians reported that health plans continued to impose bureaucratic prior authorization policies that delay access to necessary care and sometimes result in serious harm to patients (...)." - AMA

Medical Licensure Extended Until June 30, 2021: "(...) FL State Surgeon General Dr. Scott A. Rivkees issued Emergency Order 21-001 [further] extending the licensure renewal expiration date license expirations for any professional license issued by the Department or a Department board or council until June 30, 2021." - FL Dept. of Health

CDC Director Declares Racism A 'Serious Public Health Threat’: ‘’ ‘The pandemic illuminated inequities that have existed for generations and revealed for all of America a known, but often unaddressed, epidemic impacting public health: racism’, Dr. Rochelle Walensky (CDC Director) said. - Health News Florida

Health care budget includes ‘ifs’: “Florida lawmakers might be getting a $10 billion influx of money from Washington and an infusion of additional state tax dollars, but the Republican-controlled House and Senate passed dueling budgets this week that would slash funding for hospitals and other health care providers and do little to help people with disabilities get off a waiting list for services.” - Florida Politics

Tweaked COVID vaccines in testing aim to fend off variants: “Dozens of Americans are rolling up their sleeves for a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine—this time, shots tweaked to guard against a worrisome mutated version of the virus.” - Modern Healthcare

Suspension of J&J COVID-19 vaccine unlikely to significantly impact Lee and Collier vaccination efforts: “Gov. Ron DeSantis' decision Tuesday (4/13) to follow federal guidelines and suspend the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in Florida is likely to have little impact on vaccination efforts in Southwest Florida.” - News-Press

1 in 3 Covid-19 patients are diagnosed with a neuropsychiatric condition in the next six months, large study finds: “Six months after being diagnosed with Covid-19, 1 in 3 patients also had experienced a psychiatric or neurological illness, mostly mood disorders but also strokes or dementia, a large new study shows.” - STAT

CCMS Membership Certificates Available: CCMS members who have paid their 2021 dues can email us to request a current membership certificate.

New Promotion This Month: 20% off and free shipping. In addition, 10% goes back to CCMS and our Foundation. Visit the CCMS online store, register your account if you haven't already, and use discount code colliercms during checkout. Some complimentary samples are available at the CCMS office, email for details and to arrange pickup.

-Partial List of Vaccine Appointment Resources

-Vaccine Flyers for Physician Offices: English | Spanish | Creole

-FMA's "COVID-19’s Impact on Physicians: 3 Takeaways"

-Florida Daily Vaccine Report

-Collier Daily Comprehensive Report (pg 23-24)

-Florida Daily Comprehensive Report

-Florida DOH COVID-19 vaccine provider page

-FMA's vaccine provider guide

-CDC Vaccine FAQ

-COVID-19 Determination of Extreme Vulnerability

Homebound Patients: Email patient name & phone # to FL COVID-19 Vaccine appointment system for homebound; or email Susan Nimnuan or call 239-300-1884 at BrightStar Care for SWFL patients

More updates and resources available online

Physician Wellness article of the week: "Falling Dust: Considering the COVID-19 Effect on Physician Suicide"

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. Learn more online.

2021 RCC Cards: CCMS Members receive special $10 pricing on the 2021 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.

Note: Click here for information on various CME courses available

Designed to deliver actionable, solution-based resources, helpful guidance for alleviating stress on health care systems, and insights and expert perspectives on actions and interventions that drive proactive change. Register online

Wednesdays, 5:30PM, Naples restaurant locations

Drs. Aschanti Abarca Selva and Alejandro Perez-Trepichio were featured in the Gulfshore Business article A New Care Millennium. (online pg.#82)

The Foundation of Collier County Medical Society recently hosted a Virtual Wine & Whiskey Pull Fundraiser. "We extend our appreciation to all participants and sponsors for their generosity!" This charitable event was open to the public, and participants won bottles of wine and/or whiskey while helping support scholarships to future medical professionals and funding for local healthcare programs in need. The Foundation awarded $22,000 in scholarships last year and we look forward to recognizing more outstanding students this year.

This virtual fundraising event took place April 7th and raised a gross revenue of nearly $4,000 with participation from 33 sponsors & participants, 97 entries, and 97 bottles given away, with a total worth of over $4,200. Wines/whiskeys or gift cards were donated by 18 donors, plus the Foundation was offered significant courtesy discounts to purchase wines for the pull. With your support, the Virtual Pull raised funds to cover one of our healthcare scholarships!

Thank you again to sponsors Wintrust Wealth Management and Skin Wellness Physicians, and to all the participants and donors. Be sure to save the date for the CCMS Annual Meeting on July 24th and the 2021 Foundation of CCMS Docs & Duffers Golf Tournament, September 18th. Stay tuned for more information.

Boutique Concierge Internal/Sports Medical Practice seeks part-time phlebotomist/lab technician who is compassionate about patients and desires to transform patient care. Must be certified in clinical phlebotomy or pathology and with 100+ hours of experience in blood collections. Email resume with three references to Tamika or call (239) 293-2009.

Boutique Concierge Internal/Sports Medical Practice seeks full-time certified medical assistant with stellar communication skills, can-do attitude, and knowledge about EMR Systems, Microsoft Office and patient care. Must be certified in medical assisting, understand medical terminology, and patient focused. Email resume with three references to Tamika or call (239) 293-2009.

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.

Naples pediatric practice seeking NP or PA for 3 to 5 days a week. Please contact CCMS if interested.

Seeking physician offices who can welcome a high school student for career learning opportunities such as shadowing, scribing, lab work, etc. If interested, please contact CCMS.

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

Shared Medical office space available: 2335 Tamiami Trail N # 501, Naples, FL 34103; for more information please call Dr. Warner at (239) 572-0402.