October 30, 2025

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, Events, Member Spotlights, New Medicare Claims Guidance from CMS

News Briefs

Florida Providers: New Patient Refund Compliance Law: “A new Florida law (...) concerning the refund of overpayments by patients to healthcare providers, will take effect on (1/1/26).” - Markham Norton

How the FMA is monitoring Cigna’s downcoding initiative: “Cigna has introduced a new reimbursement policy titled “Evaluation & Management Coding and Accuracy (R49)”, which becomes effective for dates of service on or after Oct. 1, 2025.” - FMA

Florida medical marijuana business chills out: What the numbers tell us: “A surge in the number of Florida marijuana patients after the 2019 legalization of smokable medical marijuana has subsided, according to a new report from the state's Office of Medical Marijuana Use.” - yahoo!

Member Notices

DEADLINE APPROACHING: Win 2 Passes to the 2026 Masters Tournament – Support Foundation of CCMS

Event: April 11-12, 2026

Enter By: November 1, 2025

Winner Announced: November 2, 2025

Support the Foundation of CCMS for the opportunity to win 2 weekend passes to the 2026 Masters Tournament. (Be sure to select "Foundation of Collier County Medical Society" from the list of charities on the Tix for Good page).

Enter the Masters Sweepstakes

Women's Health Forum Call for Speakers & Exhibitors

CCMS members are invited to apply as speakers or participate as sponsors/exhibitors at the 17th Annual Women’s Health Forum, open to the public, April 11, 2026, 8:30am–12:45pm at Naples United Church of Christ.

Speaking opportunities are limited to CCMS physician members; applications are due by Wed. Nov. 12, 9am. Sponsor and exhibitor opportunities are also available. Email us the sponsor/exhibitor form soon, as spaces often sell out. CCMS members who are solo practitioners receive special rates. Questions? Email CCMS or call 239-435-7727.

Apply for Speaker Opportunity >

Complete Sponsor/Exhibitor Form >

Stay Informed with CCMS Member Text Alerts

Members, receive timely text messages with CCMS and Foundation of CCMS event updates and important notices regarding your CCMS membership. Text “Join” along with your email to (239) 610-4796. Messages are sent occasionally.

Invitation to join CCMS Committees

Committee membership is open to all CCMS members. Most committee meetings are virtual and take place in the evenings a few times each year. Highlighted opportunities include CCMS Health Disparities Ad-Hoc Committee, Legislative, Membership, Programs, Women's Health Forum, and Wellness committees. Committee business may also be discussed via email. If you are interested in serving, contact April Donahue, CCMS Executive Director.

Review CCMS Committees >

Join or Renew Your CCMS Alliance Membership Today!

The Collier County Medical Society Alliance (CCMSA) invites physician spouses and CCMS members to join/renew their membership in the Alliance. Be part of a vibrant community that fosters friendships, professional camaraderie, promotes health and wellness, and supports CCMS healthcare initiatives. The October CCMSA Connection newsletter is now available—featuring upcoming events, member highlights, and community initiatives.

Submit dues online >

Join/Renew Form>

Read the President’s Welcome Letter >

Physician Wellness Program

Article of the week: "3 proven workflows to cut physician burnout, save 2,000 hours a year"

Join a CCMS Fitness/Wellness Group to stay active and connect with colleagues! Whether you're into tennis, cycling, kayaking, or weekend dining, there’s already interest—or you can explore options like running, fishing, and discussion groups. Email CCMS to sign up!

Confidential, cost-free counseling/coaching sessions with the CCMS Physician Wellness Program (operating via telehealth or in-person) are open to all CCMS physician members. The PWP member-only appointment line is (239) 208-3984.

Learn more / Schedule a session >

Upcoming Events*

CCMSA Moonlight & Martinis “Where Glam Meets Giving”

Sat. Nov. 1, 7:00PM, 720 17th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102

An elegant night out under the moonlight including cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and live music. Proceeds benefit the charitable causes of CCMSAF. Cost: $75.

More Info. >

CCMS After 5 Social

Wed. Nov. 5, 6:00PM, The Mini Bar

Enjoy refreshments and hors d'oeuvres while networking with colleagues and friends. Free for CCMS physician members, prospective members, and one guest each. Sponsored by Ginsberg Eye.

Physicians’ Community Talent Show

Sun., Nov. 16, 3:30PM, Sugden Community Theater

Enjoy an unforgettable evening of local physicians showcasing their talents in music, dance, and comedy.. Event includes a pre-show reception and art exhibit. Tickets: call the Sugden Box Office at (239) 263-7990.

More Info. >

Sponsor Opportunities >

CCMS New Members Welcome Reception

Fri., Nov. 21, 6:30PM, Naples Grande Beach Resort

Join us to welcome our new CCMS members! Enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres, refreshments, and mingling with colleagues. Complimentary for CCMS members and one guest each as well as CCMS Circle of Friends vendors (two attendees per company).

Sponsor Opportunities >

NEW DATE! CCMS Holiday After 5 Social

Wed. Dec. 3, 6:00PM, Innovation Hotel

Enjoy refreshments & hors d'oeuvres while networking with colleagues. Open to CCMS physician members, prospective physician members, & one guest each. There will also be a holiday toy drive. Sponsored by Precision Healthcare Specialists

*Save the Date for more CCMS Events: Apr. 11, 2026 – Women’s Health Forum

Partner Events

Click here for information on CME courses online

NCH Grand Rounds (Topics Vary) | In-person or Livestream

Thursdays, 7:30-8:30AM, NCH Lutgert East (733 4th Ave N) 2nd Floor Auditorium

To livestream, contact CME office at (239) 624-2795. 1 CME Credit each. Complimentary to all physicians. No RSVP required. October Grand Rounds

HIPAA Compliance Presentation

Fri., Oct. 31, 2:00PM, The Neighborhood Health Clinic - Education Center

This seminar will be presented by Network Minds and their partners Breach Secure Now. Volunteers of the clinic are invited to attend. To register email Ksopher@clinicnaples.org.

More Info. >

FC Naples — Home Playoff Match (Quarterfinals) v. Union Omaha

Sat. Nov. 1, 7:30PM, Paradise Coast Sports Complex

Join them as FC Naples becomes the first expansion team in USL League One history to host a playoff match! Admission: Special CCMS rate $15/person.

Get Tickets >

Living Longer Double Header Event

Wed., Nov. 5, 5:30PM, 2320 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples

Features CCMS members Drs. Elizabeth Brothers, Edward Grendys and Michael Shriver speaking on women’s health, and facility tours. Free event for the public. RSVP by 10/31.

More Info. >

RSVP >

AMA Webinar: One Big Beautiful Bill Act: The impact on physicians and patients

Nov. 5, 8:30PM

What physicians need to know and how they can help their patients navigate significant changes to health care with this bill being signed into law.

Investiture Ceremony Hon. Amanda Levy-Reis, Circuit Judge

Nov. 7, 3:00PM, Collier County Courthouse

CCMS member Dr Igor Levy-Reis invites members to the Investiture Ceremony for the Hon. Amanda Levy-Reis. RSVP to Ksharp@ca.cjis20.org.

More info. >

Men's Health & Wellness Summit

Sat., Nov. 8, 8:30AM, Hilton Hotel Naples

Join top specialists for a morning of learning, connecting, and prioritizing your well-being! Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast. Free event.

More Info. >

Cancer Alliance Network (CAN) Annual Signature Event “Livin' the Dream"

Sun., Nov. 9, 5PM, Kalea Bay

CCMS member Dr. Marc Guttman, CAN board member, invites you to CAN’s Annual Signature Event. Dinner, cocktails, dancing, and making a positive impact for those battling cancer in our community. Tickets & sponsorships online or call (239) 366-4236.

More Info. >

CCMS Member Spotlights

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

Congratulations to Drs. Susan Cera, Steven Goldberg, Howard Kapp and Anthony Vernava who have been named among America’s Leading Doctors, a list compiled annually by Newsweek magazine.

Drs. Mazen Albaghdadi and Edward Grendys were featured in the Florida Weekly article NCH Announces Trio of Health News.

Drs. Santiago Chahwan and Alvaro Zamora were featured in the Gulfshore Business article NCH team performs first thoracoabdominal repair in SWFL.

Dr. Todd Lindquist contributed the Florida Weekly article Overcoming Allergies in Southwest Florida.

New Medicare Claims Guidance from CMS

Today (10/21/25), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated its Medicare claims hold guidance to Medicare Administrative Contractors, which is copied below. The AMA had been communicating with CMS behind the scenes and urging the agency to clarify its guidance in light of significant confusion about which claims are being paid during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

“CMS instructed all Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to lift the claims hold and process claims with dates of service of October 1, 2025, and later for certain services impacted by select expired Medicare legislative payment provisions passed under the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Pub. L. 119-4, Mar. 15, 2025). This includes claims paid under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, ground ambulance transport claims, and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) claims. This includes telehealth claims that CMS can confirm are definitively for behavioral and mental health services. CMS has directed all MACs to continue to temporarily hold claims for other telehealth services (i.e. those that CMS cannot confirm are definitively for behavioral and mental health services) and for acute Hospital Care at Home claims.

Click here for more information, including information on to which ACOs these flexibilities apply, click here.

Classified Ads

To place a classified ad: CCMS members and Circle of Friends vendors - FREE up to 75 words (limit 4 consecutive issues). General public - $1 per word, 50-word minimum/75-word maximum, per issue. Email us to reserve your space.

Thinking of opening your own practice, going concierge or downsizing? We have exam/office space available for rent at an affordable rate in a beautiful medical facility close to the YMCA. Electricity and water included. Call (239) 451-9747 and speak to Sasha or Kim at Essence of Health to get more information.

We’re seeking a compassionate Concierge Physician to join our independent, physician-run practice focused on patient-centered care. You'll provide personalized medical services to a small patient panel, build lasting relationships, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team. Enjoy career growth and a supportive, innovative environment. Requirements include board certification in Internal or Family Medicine and strong communication skills. Benefits include competitive pay, CME allowance, retirement match, and comprehensive coverage. Apply to jmarsh@naplesconciergehealth.com to learn more!

Medical/Dental office for sale – 9776 Bonita Beach Road – 1,363 SF featuring two exam rooms with sinks, reception area, two restrooms (private and patient), lab, nurses’ station, kitchenette, and private doctor’s office. New HVAC and tankless water heater in 2023. Some furnishings can be included. Exterior and common areas currently being remodeled. Please call Christine McManus, CCIM, SIOR, IPC of Naples, (239) 777-2020 for more details or to request a brochure. Licensed real estate broker.