HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The HCMA Board recognizes and extends appreciation to all members for the incredible care you provide to the patients of our communities and your dedication to medicine.
Your HCMA welcomes your involvement as we begin another year advocating on your behalf.
Wishing you and your families a healthy & joyful new year!
Pertinent Information
Membership renewal was due January 1, 2023!
HCMA membership renewal statements for 2023 have been emailed and sent via USPS. If you have not received your notice, would like to check the status of your membership, or request a duplicate statement, please contact Asta Orthman, HCMA Membership Coordinator, or call the HCMA office: 813.253.0471. Your dues can also be easily and securely paid online. Visit the HCMA website and log into your account.
Dengue Fever Update
The Florida Department of Health-Hillsborough is still seeing an increased level of mosquito-borne diseases in the region, primarily due to increased travel to endemic areas such as the Caribbean. The steadily increasing number of tourists visiting endemic areas, coupled with the present resurgence of dengue, has raised the risk of exposure. Travelers have the potential to both acquire and spread dengue virus infection. It is strongly recommended to obtain detailed/accurate travel history in patients with febrile illness. Dengue infection should be considered in all febrile patients (including children) returning from endemic areas with or without typical symptoms. It is also encouraged that dengue fever is ruled out for patients with no travel history who have symptoms that resemble dengue, so the Department of Health can quickly identify any possible local transmission.
Physicians are typically the first contact that is made with patients. The history obtained, the prompt action to rule out dengue, and ensuring that the Florida Department of Health is notified upon suspicion of dengue are truly significant and impactful. Click here for information regarding dengue fever.
HCMA Membership Dinner
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
6:30pm - The Westshore Grand
Guest speaker: Rhea Law, President/CEO University of South Florida. Sponsors: First Horizon, TGH Imaging Powered by Tower, Trenam Law, and USF Health. For more information, contact the HCMA office (813.253.0471), or email Anni Blackwell. Click here to register.
Giving you a heads-up on FRAME
Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education
Physicians were very excited at the end of the last legislative session when we learned that over $6.3 million had been appropriated to fund a previously standing educational loan forgiveness program for primary care medical professionals who work in underserved areas of Florida.
The Florida Board of Medicine has been working with various primary care associations in the state to hammer out the details. Even though every detail has not been made available click here for what we do know.
An invitation to serve...
Members are invited to consider being placed, as a candidate, on the 2023 HCMA ballot. You must be a member in the ACTIVE, AFFILIATE, or LIFE membership categories and your 2023 HCMA membership dues must be paid in full. Results will be announced at the May 9, 2023 Inauguration Dinner, in which Dr. Michael Cromer will be installed as the HCMA's 120th President.
Open seats include:
- Vice President - 1 year term
- Treasurer - 1 year term
- Secretary - 1 year term
- District, At Large, USF, Moffitt, and Young Physician seats on the Executive Council - 2 year terms
- Board of Censors member - 3 year term
- Delegate to the FMA - 3 year term (FMA dues must be paid)
Nominations to specific seats will be determined by the Nominating Committee members in February. However, if you have a preference to serve in a certain capacity, please indicate such when submitting your request. Click here to submit your name for nomination no later than January 30th.
Fixing prior authorization: a step in the right direction
On Dec. 6, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule to regulate prior authorization across Medicare Advantage plans, state Medicaid and CHIP plans, and plans sold on the federally facilitated exchange. Though the proposed rule is far from being a complete solution to the problem of burdensome, time-consuming prior authorizations, it could create momentum for more changes at the state and national levels. A new article by FMA Director of Health Care Policy and Innovation Jarrod Fowler, MHA, explains why CMS’ proposal is a step in the right direction.
USF Health, Tampa General pulmonary program joins prestigious global organizations
A pulmonary program launched by Tampa General Hospital and USF Health has joined two prestigious global organizations. The program's director talks about the collaboration.
For patients with long COVID, look out for psychiatric sequelae
Most patients with long COVID “don’t fit into one neat box,” says psychiatrist and former AMA President Patrice A. Harris, M.D., M.A. Read more.
Share your knowledge...
HCMA medical students and in-training physician members have expressed an interest in shadowing community physicians. If you are interested in allowing a med student and/or young physician to come to your office to shadow you, please send your name, specialty, and direct contact information to Elke at the HCMA who will forward it appropriately. Your time and expertise is appreciated.
HCMA Annual Membership Directory - now accepting ads
Promote your practice to your colleagues and to the public. The HCMA Annual Membership Directory, published each summer, lists all members alphabetically and practicing physicians are listed by primary specialty. The Directory is printed and mailed to all Active HCMA members and it is also posted on the HCMA website. Physicians can enhance their listing and/or secure additional advertising space. Members receive a discounted rate to advertise. Details can be found HERE.
HCMA Annual Membership Directory - now accepting ads
Promote your practice to your colleagues and to the public. The HCMA Annual Membership Directory, published each summer, lists all members alphabetically and practicing physicians are listed by primary specialty. The Directory is printed and mailed to all Active HCMA members and it is also posted on the HCMA website. Physicians can enhance their listing and/or secure additional advertising space. Members receive a discounted rate to advertise. Details can be found HERE.
HCMA Government Affairs Committee
The HCMA's Government Affairs Committee (GAC) is gearing up for another busy legislative season.
- The GAC, in conjunction with the FMA, is compiling a list of 2023 Legislative Priorities, that will be presented to our legislators locally, through our Key Contact program, and in Tallahassee.
- The GAC will host a Legislative Luncheon for the Hillsborough Legislative Delegation and their district staff. It is a great opportunity to educate legislators on the important issues facing medicine and your patients.
- The GAC will coordinate a contingency of members to visit Tallahassee during the 2023 Legislative Session (March 7-May 5). This one-day event includes a meeting with FMA legislative experts to brief attendees on the important issues of the day and appointments will be secured for our contingency to meet with legislators and/or their administrative staff. Members often arrive in Tallahassee the evening prior to the scheduled day at the Capitol.
- If you are interested in learning more about serving on the GAC, joining the GAC contingency in their visit to Tallahassee, or how you can serve as a Key Contact to our legislators, contact Elke Lubin or call the HCMA office: 813.253.0471.
2023 Know Your Legislators Pocket Guide - now accepting orders
For over 60 years, this has been the most respected and trusted legislative guide in Florida. Order online or download a printable order form.
HCMA Foundation's Charity Golf Classic - another way to participate
Can't play? Visit the Foundation's Amazon Smile wish list for raffle prize donations. Raffle items are a big part of the day's fun - and another way we raise money on golf day! Please take a look at our wish list for an easy way to donate some raffle items:
1. Sign into Amazon
2. Review our Wish List!
For more information about the tournament, click here.
HCMA Physician Family Alliance
The HCMA Physician Family Alliance is a group of physicians, spouses, partners, family members, resident physicians, medical students, and their parents whose aim is to promote good health and health education, engage in charitable community endeavors, and foster friendly relations among physicians’ families and the communities in which we live. They enjoy gathering throughout the year to socialize in a supportive atmosphere and support the HCMA Foundation and initiatives consistent with their mission. Please consider joining the HCMA PFA. For more information, you can contact Bill Butler (PFA President), Michael Kelly (PFA Treasurer/Secretary), or John Hotchkiss (PFA Membership/Outreach).
Have you created your HCMA profile yet?
In order to make use of our innovative new database and all of its features, all HCMA members need to create a password for their profile.
By setting up your profile, it will ensure that you have full access to our website in which you can update your office information, your home mailing address, RSVP to our events, pay dues, and receive all future correspondence from the HCMA.
Please follow these few simple steps to set up your profile:
- Log in to your HCMA account at www.hcma.net
- Click the orange sign-in icon located in the upper right-hand corner
- Enter your email address - IF YOU HAVE NOT CREATED A PASSWORD YET, click the "forgot password" link and follow the instructions.
If you have any questions please contact Anni Blackwell.
From the Board of Medicine
Medical Doctors
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine
The Florida Board of Medicine and the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine are responsible for setting the CME required for licensure and re-licensure in Florida. Each Board specifies a certain number of hours, including some mandatory topics, that must be completed within each two-year licensure term.
MD:
Florida Board of Medicine Licensing - Main Page
FL Medical License - MD Unrestricted
DO:
Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine Licensing - Main Page
FL Osteopathic Medicine - Full Licensure
Physician Wellness
Make it your best year yet - FREE DOWNLOAD from TheHappyMD.com
Now is a perfect time to step out of your whirlwind and set yourself, your family, and your practice up for success in 2023. Use the Best Year Yet Worksheet to work on your practice rather than in it. The faster things change and the more chaotic the healthcare industry becomes, the more often you must step out, reflect and tweak your practice from this new viewpoint.
The worksheet's ten simple, powerful questions, guarantee you will complete two important tasks: 1) Gather your learning and gratitude for the year past and 2) Set clear, powerful, positive intentions for the year ahead.
Click this link to download and print the Best Year Yet Worksheet.
- The process takes you out of your whirlwind automatically
- Takes less than an hour
- This is the 7th year TheHappyMD.com is giving out this resource, with over 4,000 downloads to date with universally positive reviews.
Subscribe to the AMA's Burnout Management Tip of the Week
The HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program provides a safe harbor for members to address life difficulties, challenges, and increased stress. This complimentary and completely confidential benefit is available for all members, regardless of membership category. Additional coaching services are now being offered.
