COVID- 19 NEWS

• Florida adds the lowest weekly number of new COVID cases since December.
• Biden's nursing home staffing plan comes as Florida nears cuts in CNA requirements.
• President Biden urged capping the cost of insulin at $35 a month “so everyone can afford it.” It was among the health issues touched on during the speech.
• Pfizer vaccine's protection against COVID wanes quickly in kids ages 5-11, study says.
• Nearly half of Biden's 500 million free COVID tests remain unclaimed.
• Omicron subvariants BA.1 vs. BA.2: What the latest data says.
• Endemic COVID-19 could be one to ten years away.
• Can brain stimulation treat long COVID 'brain fog'?
• COVID still threatens millions of Americans. Why are we so eager to move on?

PERTINENT INFORMATION

IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO RSVP

Membership Dinner

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

6:30pm at the Westshore Grand

HCMA's first in-person Membership Dinner since February 2020! Social hour will begin at 6:30pm, the program and dinner will follow at 7:30pm. Special Guest: Rodney Kite-Powell, Director, Touchton Map Library, at the Tampa Bay History Center, will share snapshots and stories of the history of Tampa from the 1800s to modern times.

Two USF medical students will be presented with scholarships from the HCMA and the HCMA Foundation.

Sponsors: Physicians Wealth Planning and Shea Barclay Group.

Dinner is complimentary for HCMA members; $50 per guest. You can register

here. HCMA requests that all attendees be fully vaccinated.

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Judge strikes down part of administration’s surprise billing rules

The Hill reports federal Judge Jeremy Kernodle in Texas “on Wednesday struck down part of the Biden administration’s regulations protecting patients from getting stuck with ‘surprise’ medical bills when they see the doctor, in a win for doctors who sued to block part of the rules.” The decision struck “down part of the regulations that govern how much insurers will pay doctors once the patient is taken out of the middle.” 

AMA Editor’s Note: Protect patients from surprise medical bills without eliminating incentives for insurers to negotiate contracts in good faith. Click here to learn more.

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ADA Legal Issues in Healthcare

Do you have any patients who are deaf/hard of hearing? Visually impaired? If so, you must provide equal access to communications, including “auxiliary aids and services” to ensure effective communication between the health care provider and the patient or patient’s representative.

What about English as a Second Language (ESL)? Do you have patients whose preferred language is a language other than English? Do you receive federal funding, including Medicare, Medicaid or SCHIP? If so, your practice must provide language access services for your patients.  HCMA Benefit Provider, the Florida Healthcare Law Firm, has compose a short article regarding ADA requirements.

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Ukrainian physicians 'Ready to Die for Their Freedom'

Nasogastric tubes. Foley catheter kits. Hydrogel anti-burn bandages and transfusion bags. Heparin, atropine, tramadol. These items are just a few of some two dozen critical medical supplies that physicians in Ukraine desperately need, according to Leo Wolansky, MD, a Ukrainian-American radiologist and president of the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America (UMANA). Read the interview.

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Another way to support the HCMA Foundation's Golf Tournament

Visit our 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. Two easy steps:

1. Sign into Amazon

2. Review our Wish List!

__________

HCMA Database & Website - New and Improved!

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

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Master the art of physician leadership

Clinical excellence is central to your daily practice of medicine. But to excel as healthcare leaders, physicians need specific non-clinical skills that often aren’t formally taught in medical school or residency.

The FMA is now accepting online applications for the 2022-23 Karl M. Altenburger, MD Physician Leadership Academy, an intensive professional development program exclusively for members and generously funded by the Physicians Foundation, Professionals Resource Network, and the FMA Foundation for Healthy Floridians. Selected applicants will be invited to participate in five in-person, facilitated workshops focusing on key leadership skills, such as emotional intelligence, conflict management, effective communication, and building a healthy workplace culture. Online activities will include a virtual journal club, The Science of Leadership. The Foundation for Healthy Floridians will cover expenses for materials, lodging, sponsored meals, and speaker fees.

Submit your application for the Physician Leadership Academy no later than March 15, 2022. Visit flmedical.org/leadershipacademy for more information.

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Market your practice

Preparations are being made for the Summer 2022 edition of the HCMA’s Annual Membership Directory. HCMA members can enhance their listing and/or place an ad at a discounted rate. Visit HCMA.net, click on “members” and then “membership directory” to see the current edition. For advertising information in the 2022 issue, visit HCMA Membership Directory - Members' rates

FROM THE BOARD OF MEDICINE

Scam Alert!

The Department of Health (Department), Division of Medical Quality Assurance is warning Florida health care practitioners about fraudulent calls that are continuing to be received by licensees.

Scammers are posing as the Department and threatening action against your health care license by demanding money and asking for personal identifying information.

The Department has posted extensive information and guidance on http://flhealthsource.gov/ and its board websites regarding licensure and fees. Licensees will never receive unsolicited calls from the Department where personal information is requested, payments are demanded, or threats against your license are made.

The Department of Health wants to help protect licensees from fraud schemes. If you receive a phone call from a someone claiming to represent the Department, do not provide any personal information and hang up immediately.

 If you have any questions, please call the customer contact center at (850) 488-0595.

PHYSICIAN WELLNESS

Congress passes bill to promote physician mental health  
President Biden is expected to sign the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act to support physician mental health. Learn how the legislation prioritizes physician well-being. 

The HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program provides a safe harbor for members to address life difficulties, especially during this time of uncertainty, challenges, and increased stress due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19. This complimentary and completely confidential benefit is available for all members, regardless of membership category. 

SPOTLIGHT ON SAVINGS

Winstar Forms Strategic Alliance with ClearGage HCMA Benefit Provider for credit card processing, payroll & human resources, and funding & equipment leasing, Winstar Payments, has partnered with ClearGage. Under this agreement, Winstar Payments will offer their clients ClearGage's flexible payment solutions including recurring payments,subscription plans, and payment notifications via text and email. Additionally, clients of Winstar Payments will be offered patient-friendly financing options that help practices to reduce bad debt and get paid faster. For more information, contact Vinny Breault, Winstar Payments, vbreault@winstarpayments.com, 813.362.9051, or click here for details.

CLASSIFIED ADS

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form. 

FOR LEASE OR SALE

Medical office next to Brandon Regional Hospital; 2,035 sq ft; 3-4 exam rooms; Lab; 1-2 physician offices; storage & break area; large waiting room; large business office; 2 exam tables (electric), 1 large & 1 small refrigerator; All ready to start your practice; $2,500/month; Call Dr. Karp 813-787-6978.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Membership Dinner

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

6:30pm at the Westshore Grand

HCMA's first in-person Membership Dinner since February 2020! HCMA’s in-person membership dinners at the Westshore Grand Hotel will resume. Social hour will begin at 6:30pm, the program and dinner will follow at 7:30pm. Special Guest: Rodney Kite-Powell, Director, Touchton Map Library, at the Tampa Bay History Center, will share snapshots and stories of the history of Tampa from the 1800s to modern times. 

Two USF medical students will be presented with scholarships from the HCMA and the HCMA Foundation.

Sponsors: Physicians Wealth Planning and Shea Barclay Group.

Please mark your calendars. Dinner is complimentary for HCMA members; $50 per guest. You can register here. Call the HCMA office with any questions. 813.253.0471. HCMA requests that all attendees be fully vaccinated.

Outlook 2022

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

6:30-7:30pm

This 60-minute Physicians Wealth Planning Webinar, featuring Mike Quinn, Sr. VP/American Funds will cover:

• Taxes
• Elections and the markets
• Investing in volatile markets
• Diversification strategies
• Impact on the market with rising interest rates
• Global political issuers and the market

REGISTER HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with log-in credentials. This event is a benefit of membership in the Hillsborough County Medical Association. For more information, visit HCMA.net or call 813.253.0471

HCMA Foundation's 24th Charity Golf Classic

Thursday, March 31, 2022

11:30am registration, TPC-Tampa Bay

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

2022 marks the 24th HCMA Foundation golf tournament! We are so excited to announce that we are returning to the Tournament Players Club - Tampa Bay which is the Proud host of the PGA Champions event for over 20 years. Registration and sponsor information can be found online or by downloading this Charity Golf Classic packet.  For more information call Anni or Elke at the HCMA: 813.253.0471.

HCMA Inauguration Dinner

Tuesday, May 10, 2022

6:30pm - The Westshore Grand

Eva Crooke, MD will be installed as the HCMA's 2021-2022 President as we "Celebrate Tampa Bay!" Social hour will begin at 6:30pm, the program and dinner will follow at 7:30pm. Please mark your calendars – registration information is forthcoming. Sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities are also available. Call the HCMA office for specifics: 813.253.0471.

NEWS

DeSantis says he's against a plan to shift money from school districts over mask mandates

Gov. Ron DeSantis indicated Friday he does not support a House proposal that would shift $200 million away from 12 school districts that required students to wear masks last year during the COVID-19 pandemic. DeSantis said Friday that he would rather allow lawsuits against the districts instead of shifting away the money. Read more. Health News Florida, February 14, 2022

Republicans call on Biden to end COVID's public health emergency designation

Their request for the president to undo the designation comes as calls grow — including from former Biden advisers — for the federal government to chart a course for the next stage of the pandemic. Coronavirus cases and hospitalizations have plunged after the dramatic omicron-driven surge, and deaths have begun falling as well, though the seven-day average was still 2,300 deaths per day, as of Thursday. Read more. Health News Florida, February 14, 2022

FDA OKs new monoclonal antibody to treat Omicron

Bebtelovimab is authorized for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in individuals ages 12 and up who are at risk of progressing to severe disease. Importantly, "laboratory testing showed that bebtelovimab retains activity against both the Omicron variant and the BA.2 Omicron subvariant," the agency added, without providing any more specifics. Read more. MedPage Today, February 11, 2022

Florida House passes COVID legal protections for health care providers

The bill, which would extend protection for hospitals, nursing homes and other providers through June 1, 2023, now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing. Read more. Health News Florida, February 11, 2022

CDC cuts booster interval for the immunocompromised

It is now recommended that people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised receive a booster 3 months, down from 5 months previously, after the third dose of an mRNA vaccine, for a total of four doses. Guidance also updated for people vaccinated outside the U.S., and following COVID treatment. Read more. MedPage Today, February 11, 2022

CDC announces voluntary COVID rules for cruises

The CDC released new guidelines on Wednesday for a voluntary COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships, which includes different levels based on the vaccination status of passengers and crew. The levels change how long passengers are recommended to quarantine after coronavirus exposure and masking requirements. Read more. MedScape, February 11, 2022

To encourage physicians’ healing, make it OK to ask for help

Corey Feist lost his beloved sister-in-law Lorna Breen, M.D., to death by suicide. Now he fights, alongside the AMA, to protect health care heroes. Learn about this important work.

The HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program provides a safe harbor for members to address life difficulties, especially during this time of uncertainty, challenges, and increased stress due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19. This complimentary and completely confidential benefit is available for all members, regardless of membership category

REPORTS 

Florida's COVID positivity rate and death toll are trending downward

The number of people testing positive for COVID-19 continues to drop, while deaths related to the disease declined for the first time since mid-December. Read more. Health News Florida, February 14, 2022 

Many faith leaders are wary of religious exemptions for COVID vaccine

By the thousands, Americans have been seeking religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccine mandates, but generally they are doing so without the encouragement of major denominations and prominent religious leaders. Read more. Health News Florida, February 14, 2022 

Why millions on Medicaid are at risk of losing coverage in the months ahead

The Biden administration and state officials are bracing for a great unwinding: millions of people losing their Medicaid benefits when the pandemic health emergency ends. Some might sign up for different insurance. Many others are bound to get lost in the transition. Read more. Health News Florida, February 14, 2022  

U.S. COVID vaccine for children under 5 delayed by at least 2 months

On February 11, the agency said it had reviewed new trial information that arrived after Pfizer and BioNTech's request for emergency authorization and decided it needed more data before weighing in on the authorization. Read more. Reuters, February 11, 2022

REFLECTIONS 

COVID-19 live updates: How are COVID-19 deaths counted, and what does this mean?

In slightly more than 2 years, authorities have recorded 5.75 million COVID-19 deaths worldwide. Some people believe that this is an overestimate of the actual mortality from the disease. Others think COVID-19 has caused many more deaths than the official figures show. Medical News Today has looked at the evidence and spoken with experts to uncover the truth behind the numbers. Read more. Medical News Today, February 14, 2022 

Should we incentivize community providers to encourage COVID vaccination?

What has held true throughout this last year of the pandemic is the COVID-19 vaccine's ability to protect us from hospitalization and death. Paired with signs that a portion of the unvaccinated can be convinced to change their minds, with some polls showing a slight drop in individuals who say they will not get vaccinated, we must incentivize and invest in the most trusted COVID-19 vaccine messengers to reach those individuals. All public health is local. Read more. MedPage Today, February 11, 2022 

Threats, intimidation against doctors and health workers must end

The AMA has advocated against the culture of violence in America, including domestic violence, gun violence, racism, police brutality, and xenophobia; and violence against physicians and health professionals is no exception. While not a new occurrence, the reported uptick in intimidation, threats and attacks toward people in the medical field has been on the rise for at least the last decade and has become even more of an alarming phenomenon since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more. Gerald E. Harmon, MD, AMA President, February 3, 2022 

What doctors wish patients knew about COVID-19 oral antivirals

Vaccination is the best protection against COVID-19. An infectious disease specialist explains what to know about Paxlovid and molnupiravir. Learn more with the AMA.

It is with much sadness that we report a member of our medical community has passed away...

Byrne Richard Marston, MD, USAF passed away peacefully on January 29, 2022.

Dr. Marston completed his medical degree at University of Virginia in 1955 and moved to Cleveland to start internship at Case Western Reserve University Hospitals. That year, he met and later married the love of his life, Audrey, of Beaver, Pennsylvania, to whom he was married for over 65 years. After completing his internship, Dr. Marston entered the Air Force and the newlyweds were stationed in Japan while he served as a Flight Surgeon. After his discharge from the Air Force he resumed his medical training in Cleveland, completing a residency in Obstetrics/Gynecology.

He eventually settled in Tampa in 1964 joining the OB/GYN practice of Drs. Ingram, Withers and Qualey, later expanded with Drs. McCammon, Yelverton and Lerner. Over his 36-year career, he provided care to women and delivered thousands of Tampa's babies.

Read full obituary

COVID-19 NEWS

In Case You Missed it!

HCMA's 8th Virtual COVID Town Hall

• Watch the recording HERE (approx. 80 minutes).
• Read  the SARS-CoV-2: Diagnosis and Outpatient Management/Proposed Protocol written by Ava Milani, MSc and John Sinnott, MD, HERE.
• Read Dr. Bruce Shephard's summary, published in 83Degrees, HERE.

COVID-19: Tools to Determine if Vaccine Requirements Apply

In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling on January 13, 2022, employee vaccination requirements from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) now apply to certain Medicare or Medicaid providers and suppliers. Please see below for new and updated tools and resources developed by CMS to help you navigate and determine if these vaccine requirements apply to you. These materials are all available from the CMS Current Emergencies page:

• Guidance memo (cms.gov) – This memo provides guidance for assessing and maintaining compliance with this new regulatory requirement for certain Medicare and Medicaid providers and suppliers.
• CMS Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Requirements FAQ (PDF cms.gov) (PDF) – These FAQs have been updated to explain the recent ruling and how it impacts employee vaccination requirements.
• Vaccine Requirement Implementation Timeline (cms.gov) (PDF) – This infographic illustrates the phases of the vaccination rule implementation, state-by-state, and their associated deadlines. Note that the phased deadlines vary by state.
• Vaccine Requirement Decision Tree (cms.gov) (PDF) – This handy decision tree visually explains the steps in determining to which providers and suppliers the vaccine requirement applies.

From the headlines:

• Florida adds 1,192 new COVID-related deaths
• as new cases and positivity rate drop.
• Omicron subtype has apparent transmission advantage - UKHSA.
• COVID-19 vaccine combined with infection provides ‘super immunity.’
• Evusheld offers another layer of protection for patients who may not respond well to COVID vaccine.
• Immunocompromised patients should receive fourth COVID shot: CDC.
• Appeals court rules there's no ‘legal right’ to force a hospital to treat COVID patient with ivermectin.
• Anticipating what happens next with COVID-19 as the omicron wave recedes.

3rd dose of Pfizer kids’ COVID-19 vaccine gets CPT code.

PERTINENT INFORMATION

An invitation to serve

This is a call for candidates! The HCMA Nominating Committee is responsible to nominate members to serve on the HCMA Executive Council, Board of Censors, and as Delegates to the FMA. We invite members to consider being placed, as a candidate, on the 2022 HCMA ballot. You must be a member in the ACTIVE, AFFILIATE, or LIFE membership categories and your 2022 HCMA membership dues must be paid in full. 

Results will be announced at the May 10, 2022 Inauguration Dinner, in which Dr. Eva Crooke will be installed as the HCMA's 119th President. 

Open seats include: 

·    Vice President - 1 year term

·    Treasurer - 1 year term

·    Secretary - 1 year term

·    District & At Large seats on Executive Council - 2 year term

·    Board of Censors member - 3 year term

·    Delegate to the FMA - 3 year term (FMA dues must be paid)

·    HILLPAC Board Member - 2 year term (HILLPAC 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 February 15th.

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Another way to support the HCMA Foundation's Golf Tournament

Visit our 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. Two easy steps:

1. Sign into Amazon

2. Review our Wish List!

__________

HCMA Database & Website - New and Improved!

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

Keep up to date with the HCMA

HCMA.net has added a blog in which we include the latest news emailed to the membership.  Don't miss out on important updates and announcements!

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Master the art of physician leadership

Clinical excellence is central to your daily practice of medicine. But to excel as healthcare leaders, physicians need specific non-clinical skills that often aren’t formally taught in medical school or residency. 

The FMA is now accepting online applications for the 2022-23 Karl M. Altenburger, MD Physician Leadership Academy, an intensive professional development program exclusively for members and generously funded by the Physicians Foundation, Professionals Resource Network, and the FMA Foundation for Healthy Floridians. Selected applicants will be invited to participate in five in-person, facilitated workshops focusing on key leadership skills, such as emotional intelligence, conflict management, effective communication, and building a healthy workplace culture. Online activities will include a virtual journal club, The Science of Leadership. The Foundation for Healthy Floridians will cover expenses for materials, lodging, sponsored meals, and speaker fees. 

Submit your application for the Physician Leadership Academy no later than March 15, 2022. Visit flmedical.org/leadershipacademy for more information.

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Market your practice

Preparations are being made for the Summer 2022 edition of the HCMA’s Annual Membership Directory. HCMA members can enhance their listing and/or place an ad at a discounted rate. Visit HCMA.net, click on “members” and then “membership directory” to see the current edition. For advertising information in the 2022 issue, visit HCMA Membership Directory - Members' rates

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A request from a Carrollwood Day School IB student

Danyal is a high school student at Carrollwood Day School in Tampa, which is an IB world school. Danyal is enrolled in an honors level Business Management course and upon completion may be able to earn college credit. 

In order to complete this course, Danyal must complete a research study for a business. Danyal is researching what is important to full-time physicians when looking for new employment opportunities. 

Danyal hopes members of the HCMA will complete the short survey. No personal identifiable information will be collected or shared. All of the responses will be considered in aggregate and used only to make recommendations to improve recruiting practices. Danyal will share the findings with the HCMA.  Take the 3 minute survey.

FROM THE BOARD OF MEDICINE

A new initiative from the Board of Medicine

Healthier You is a one-stop shop for Floridians to access resources to promote a healthy lifestyle. From staying active to learning new recipes and boosting your nutritional intake, the Florida Department of Health works to educate Floridians on ways to improve habits and overall health. This is a resource for Floridians of all ages to get active, go outside, improve nutrition, including vitamin D intake, or learn about COVID-19. Please click here for more information.

PHYSICIANS WELLNESS

The Great Practice Reset of 2022 is Approaching - What Role Will You Play?

There is no going back to the good old days of 2019. The pandemic has hammered the whole of healthcare into a new configuration. No one knows the exact details of what happens next. In the gap between the end of the pandemic and whatever becomes the "new normal," there is a window of opportunity for you and your family to build a more Ideal Practice. The time to start planning for this transformation is now! This short video (2:34) from TheHappyMD.com shows how you can use this window to your advantage. 

The HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program

provides a safe harbor for members to address life difficulties, especially during this time of uncertainty, challenges, and increased stress due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19. This complimentary and completely confidential benefit is available for all members, regardless of membership category. 

NEW MEMBERS

Active Members: 

Edward Lubin, MD - Pain Medicine

Tampa Relief Center

2333 W. Hillsborough Ave., #100, Tampa, 33603

813-872-4492 

Chetan Khamare, MD - Cardiology

Premier Heart & Vascular Center

6646 Gunn Highway, Tampa, 33625

813-788-1400

SPOTLIGHT ON SAVINGS

Jensen Anderson Wealth Management, LLC is a financial planning firm dedicated to serving physicians for over thirty years.

HCMA members receive a Comprehensive Financial Plan at a discounted rate of $500.00 (a $1,500 value). This opportunity will give any HCMA member who may already be working with a planner to have someone take a second look at their plan or if you have not created a plan, this is a great opportunity to do so.  For additional information, please visit: www.physicianswealthplanning.com or contact Jennifer Joyce, Executive Assistant, at 813-287-8379 or JenniferJoyce@financialguide.com to schedule a meeting. 

It is with much sadness that we report a member of our medical family has passed away...

A hardworking, accomplished and influential Hispanic leader who had a remarkable impact on her community, Ana Maria Crespo passed away on January 22, 2022.

Born in Havana, Cuba, on November 5, 1933, Ana came to the U.S. with her husband and two small children as a Cuban exile. They made their way to Tampa, FL in 1961, where she spent the remainder of her life and had a significant influence on local affairs. She was married to Luis Crespo, MD, and had three beloved sons: HCMA member, Luis Enrique, MD, Jorge Luis and Enrique Luis.

Click here for the guest book and full obituary.

Our condolences to the Crespos' family and friends.

It is with much sadness that we report a member of our medical community has passed away...

Vijay W. Diwakar, MD, an HCMA member since 1984, passed away Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at the age of 72 in Tampa, Florida.

Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Vijay studied medicine graduating from Topiwala National Medical College, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences in 1974. Shortly after, he and wife, Aparna, moved to the United States settling in Tampa, Florida, where he practiced family medicine for over 40 years.

A Hindu funeral service will be held at 11 am, Friday, February 4, 2022 at Trinity Memorial Gardens, 12609 Memorial Dr., Trinity, FL 34655.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Dr. Diwadkar's family and friends.

Click here for the guestbook and the full obituary.

NEWS

A new year, a new variant. What is in store for 2022?

HCMA's 8th Virtual COVID Town Hall, Wednesday, January 26, 2022, 6:30-7:45PM. Featuring expert panelists: Dr. Margarita Cabrera-Cancio, Dr. Douglas Holt, Dr. Charles Lockwood, & Dr. John Sinnott. Moderated by Dr. Joel Silverfield, HCMA President.

IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER, IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO ALREADY...Pre-registration is required. To pre-register for this event, CLICK HERE. You will receive a confirmation email and log-in instructions.

Provider Relief Funds - Phase 4

Today, HHS announced that it will be disbursing an additional $2 billion in Provider Relief Fund Phase 4 payments this week. Like the payments allocated in December, these payments will be based on lost revenues and increased expenses due to COVID-19 and will be made to physicians who previously applied for relief funds. HHS will reimburse a larger share of losses and increased expenses for smaller providers and a portion of the payments will be based on the amount and type of services provided to Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP patients. To mitigate disparities due to varying Medicaid reimbursement rates, HHS is using Medicare reimbursement rates in calculating these payments. Physician practices that receive more than $10,000 in payments will be required to report on their use of the funds. More information is available here.

Florida reports 605 new COVID deaths as new weekly cases and positivity rate drop

Falling case counts and fluctuating hospitalization numbers may signal that the state has reached the peak of the omicron variant. Read more.

Health News Florida, January 25, 2022 

Florida has ended its appeal to Biden's COVID-19 vaccine requirement for health care workers

After a U.S. Supreme Court ruling this month that backed the Biden administration, Florida has dropped its appeal in a legal fight against federal COVID-19 vaccination requirements for health care workers. Read more.

Health News Florida, January 25, 2022 

Omicron BA.2 variant may be extra transmissible

The Omicron sublineage BA.2 is making headlines for its potentially increased transmissibility as its prevalence rises in some countries, but experts aren't too concerned about the variant just yet. Katelyn Jetelina, PhD, MPH, an epidemiologist at UT Health Science Center at Houston stated that while it has many of the same mutations as BA.1, it has a lot of differences too. While BA.1 had about 60 mutations, BA.2 has about 85 mutations. Read more.

MedPage Today, January 24, 2022 

US COVID wave 'Going in the right direction,' Fauci Says

"We don't want to get overconfident," Anthony Fauci, MD, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said. "But they look like they're going in the right direction right now." The number of coronavirus cases in the U.S. could fall to manageable levels in the coming weeks. Within a month or so, the level of infection could drop to an "area of control," Fauci said. Infections will continue, but they could be much fewer and less severe. "They're there, but they don't disrupt society," he said. "That's the best-case scenario." Read more.

MedScape, January 24, 2022

REPORTS 

Florida closes its monoclonal antibody sites after the FDA revokes use of the treatments

U.S. health officials have said antibody therapies from Regeneron and Eli Lilly should no longer be used because they don't work against the omicron variant. The FDA said it could reauthorize their use if evidence changes. Read more.

Health News Florida, January 25, 2022 

Hope seen once the omicron wave increases global immunity

World health officials are offering hope that the ebbing of the omicron wave could give way to a new, more manageable phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, even as they warn of difficult weeks ahead and the possibility of another, more dangerous variant arising. Read more.

AP News, January 24, 2022 

Seniors are at high risk of COVID, but Medicare doesn't pay for rapid tests

The laws governing Medicare don't provide coverage for self-administered diagnostic tests, including rapid antigen tests. Here's how older adults can get free tests anyway. Read more.

Health News Florida, January 24, 2022 

Booster shots needed against omicron, CDC studies show

Three studies released last week offered more evidence that COVID-19 vaccines are standing up to the omicron variant, at least among people who received booster shots. Read more.

AP News, January 21, 2022 

Webinar » COVID-19: What to know about therapeutics and other treatment options
February 1 at 4 PM, Dr. Susan Bailey, AMA Past President, welcomes experts from the FDA to discuss what prescribers need to know about therapeutic drugs, Paxlovid and Molnupiravir. Alternative treatment options for high-risk outpatients with mild-moderate COVID-19 will also be discussed. Panelists will answer questions submitted by attendees. Register now. 

REFLECTIONS

What doctors wish parents knew about kids' COVID-19 vaccine safety
To help parents move from a “wait-and-see” mentality and calm their fears, two physicians shared what to know about COVID-19 vaccine safety for children. Read more from the AMA. 

What doctors wish patients knew about breakthrough COVID infections 
The rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has led to more fully vaccinated patients acquiring COVID-19. Learn why that happens and how boosters help. Read more from the AMA.

COVID-19 has hit physicians hard—some more than others 
Amid physicians’ pandemic burdens comes another: a rise in disrespect for doctors from historically marginalized racial or ethnic groups, survey shows. Read the results. 

The HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program provides a safe harbor for members to address life difficulties, especially during this time of uncertainty, challenges, and increased stress due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19. This complimentary and completely confidential benefit is available for all members, regardless of membership category. 

It is with much sadness that we report a member of our medical community has passed away...

George R. Greenwell, MD, FACSM a.k.a. "Dr. G, Doc, Dr. Bob, Medico" passed away on January 18, 2022. He was a gifted, kind physician who served the Brandon community beginning in 1956. Through his dedication to hard work, his extensive scientific research, and his forward thinking, he profoundly and positively influenced many lives, his profession, and his community.

Read full obituary.

In lieu of flowers, visit Mission BBQ to sing the National Anthem in his honor.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 12 pm, Friday, January 28, 2022, at Nativity Catholic Church. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the Mass but would encourage everyone to come to their residence, 509 Seffner-Valrico Rd., after the Mass, around 2 pm, for a Celebration of Life Gathering to remember Dr. Greenwell and to tell many stories.

Interment will be private.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Dr. Greenwell's family and friends.

Published in the January 25, 2022 Tampa Bay Times.

It is with much sadness that we report a member of our medical community has passed away...

Juan Rosario Hernandez, MD of Tampa, FL., passed January 21, 2022. Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 25, from 2-4 pm, Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, 9944 Hudson Ave. Hudson, FL 34667.

Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, January 26, from 10 am to 12 pm, The Chapel, 8833 Mitchell Blvd., New Port Richey, FL 34655. Burial Service at 2 pm, Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL 33513.

Guest Book

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Dr. Rosario Hernandez's family and friends.

Published in the January 25, 2022 Tampa Bay Times.