Enews                                                                                                       AUGUST 2019
In This Issue
Pertinent Information
HCMA Membership Dinner
Tuesday, September 10, 2019  
Westshore Grand Hotel

6:30pm: Social Hour
7:30pm: Dinner & Program
HCMA Members: complimentary
Spouse/Guest(s): $50 per person
Roslyn Franken



In Meant To Be, author Roslyn Franken reveals the unforgettable true story of her parents, John and Sonja Franken - two unlikely survivors of World War II.  While John, a young Dutch naval recruit in the Dutch East Indies, is captured at sea by the Japanese and must fight for his life as a POW, Sonja is taken by the Nazis from her home in The Netherlands to endure the horrors of Auschwitz and other Holocaust concentration camps. Remarkably, John survives the Nagasaki atomic bomb and miraculously, Sonja escapes death in the gas chambers on three separate occasions. 

When diagnosed with cancer at 29, Roslyn turns to her parents' courageous examples of resilience as inspiration in her own fight to become a long-term survivor. 
 
Call the HCMA to RSVP: 813.253.0471 or CLICK HERE.
 
SPONSORS: 
Shriners Hospitals for Children - Tampa
Tampa General Hospital

AMA's August Call to Action to Fix Surprise Billing 
Congress has taken significant steps in moving legislation aimed at tackling the issue of surprise billing. This culminated recently when the House Energy & Commerce Committee reported out H.R. 3630, the "No Surprises Act," legislation designed to protect patients from unanticipated medical bills for services provided by out-of-network physicians and facilities in emergencies and other situations where they had no opportunity to choose an in-network provider. 

While the majority of health care stakeholder groups support the patient protections included in H.R. 3630, the AMA has expressed concerns about the bill because of provisions that would resolve payment disputes between physicians and insurers by setting out-of-network payments at the median amount each insurer pays for in-network care.

The willingness of the committee to vote in favor of adding an appeals process, albeit imperfect, represents progress. The physician advocacy community may have opportunities with two other House committees to make further improvements on this and other elements in the legislation, but we can't leave anything to chance. Physicians need to be communicating with their legislators NOW that surprise billing needs to be fixed in a way that holds insurance companies accountable while protecting patients.

Please take advantage of the Congress members being in their districts for six weeks. 
The AMA has prepared an August Recess "Action Kit" on surprise billing to assist you.

When Congress returns after the August recess they will continue the work on moving this issue forward and we need to be sure that physicians' voices have been heard on this issue. Please plan your August recess activities today!
US Census Bureau - 2019 Business Survey 
Some physicians are receiving letters from the US Dept. of Commerce/US Census Bureau notifying them are required to complete an online Annual Business Survey. Your response is required by law and will be kept confidential.

The census law (Title 13, United States Code, Section 224), coupled with the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 (Title 18, Sections 3551, 3559, and 3571), provides for penalties of up to $5,000 for failure to report, and $10,000 for intentionally providing false information.
To read more about the survey, who the survey is being sent to, and to see a sample of the letter being sent, click here.

For more information about the survey,   call the Census Bureau customer help line at 1-888-824-9954, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Proposed Rule on the 2020 Medicare Physician Payment Schedule 
On July 29, 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that includes proposals to update payment policies, payment rates, and quality provisions for services furnished under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) on or after January 1, 2020.

The calendar year (CY) 2020 PFS proposed rule is one of several proposed rules that reflect a broader Administration-wide strategy to create a healthcare system that results in better accessibility, quality, affordability, empowerment, and innovation.

CMS Fact Sheet
Proposed Rule (published version available after 8/14/19)
DOJ Increases Scrutiny on Telemedicine Entities
Telemedicine permits two-way, real time interactive communication between health professionals and patients. Its recent expansion has dramatically improved patient health by providing new access to health care for rural Americans and by providing a cost-efficient alternative to traditional face-to-face medical care for common ailments. The DOJ's recent focus on targeting telemedicine companies involved in fraud should concern lawful executives and physicians involved in the practice that may be caught up in costly investigations, civil asset forfeiture and potentially devastating criminal indictment.  Read the full article.

This article first appeared on North Florida Medical News and is reprinted with permission.
Florida prescribing update: New provisions in effect
As part of an ongoing effort to address Florida's opioid epidemic, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 451 into law on July 25, 2019. The provisions of this new law went into effect on July 1. Click here to read the FMA's guide to HB 451, which covers the steps any Florida healthcare provider (except a pharmacist) must take before providing anesthesia or prescribing, ordering, dispensing or administering a Schedule II opioid drug for the treatment of pain.
HCMA Alliance
Physician families are a unique dynamic.  The HCMA Alliance is your local support system, working in concert with the FMA and AMA Alliances.  HCMA Alliance President, Bill Butler, encourages you to support the Alliance by attending functions and by joining the Alliance as an individual  - or as a family!  Do not hesitate to reach out to Bill if you have any questions concerning the Alliance.

The AMA Alliance publication, Physician Family, is dedicated to addressing your unique family structure. Check out the HCMA/HCMA Alliance ad on page 23!
Dr. Frederick A. Reddy Memorial Award Nominees
The HCMA Executive Council is seeking nominees for the Dr. Frederick A. Reddy Memorial Award. The award is meant to recognize a member of the Tampa Bay Community (physician or layperson) who exemplifies the qualities that were so prevalent in Dr. Reddy's work within the community. Examples include: community service, social justice, mentoring kids, teens, young adults, etc.  

If you are able to nominate someone that fits the description above, please send their contact information and a brief narrative of why you believe they qualify, along with one specific example of their altruism, to Debbie Zorian , HCMA Executive Director.

Nominations must be received no later than August 16th.  The award will be presented at the November membership dinner. Click here to receive  a list of previous award recipients. 
Two Minutes - What's the Risk?
HCMA Benefit Provider, ProAssurance, has produced a series of two minute educational videos which include topics such as patient tracking/follow-up, documentation, using scribes, non-compliant patients, and recording patient conversations. Additional videos are uploaded to the ProAssurance Risk Resource YouTube page regularly, so keep checking back for other valuable information and advice.
 
Click here to view the ProAssurance Risk Resource videos.
2020 Dues Increases
HCMA Active Dues: $385
HILLPAC: $100
HCMA Foundation: $125

Per the HCMA Board of Trustees, the 2020 HCMA dues statements will reflect these increases. Statements will be mailed in September. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Zorian, HCMA Executive Director.
From the Board of Medicine
Human Trafficking - New Law & Requirements
Human Trafficking Bill,  Chapter 2019-152 , Laws of Florida, which addresses healthcare professionals licensed by the following Boards: Acupuncture, Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Chiropractic Medicine, Podiatric Medicine, Optometry, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing Home Administration, Occupational Therapy, Dietetics and Nutrition, Respiratory Care, Massage Therapy, and Physical Therapy. 

Healthcare professionals licensed by these Boards must complete one hour of continuing education (CE) on human trafficking and post a sign about human trafficking in their office by January 1, 2021. 

For more information, click here.
Physician Wellness
The Dire Consequences of Mistaking Depression for Burnout
July 28, 2019 - From a post on MedPage Today, Christopher Cheney, HealthLeaders Media, wrote: "The response to physician burnout often overlooks a potentially life-threatening condition: major depressive disorder (MDD), researchers found.

Research indicates that nearly half of physicians nationwide are experiencing burnout symptoms, and a study published last year found that burnout increases the odds of physician involvement in patient safety incidents, unprofessionalism, and lower patient satisfaction. In fact, researchers estimate that a physician commits suicide every day.

In an article published this month in JAMA Psychiatry, a trio of physicians led by Maria Oquendo, MD, PhD, of the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia, wrote that the widespread focus on burnout could lead to missed diagnoses of serious mental illnesses among clinicians.

Symptoms of burnout such as exhaustion overlap with symptoms of MDD, and signs of MDD in clinicians should prompt a thorough psychiatric evaluation."

Here's how to distinguish depression and burnout - Read the full article.

This article first appeared at MedPage Today and is reprinted with permission.
Personal News
A New Partnership
In early June it was announced that Tampa General Hospital and Fast Track Urgent Care have launched a new partnership to provide medical care at ten locations throughout the Tampa Bay area, including two in Pinellas County. HCMA members, Drs. Daron Diecidue and Paul Nanda are principals with Fast Track Urgent Care. The joint announcement of the 50-50 partnership between TGH and Fast Track marks the first time Tampa General has offered freestanding clinical care in Pinellas County. It also is an expansion for Fast Track, which currently operates eight clinics. The ten locations will be known as "TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track." Plans for more locations are underway.  Read the full announcement.



Daron Diecidue, MD
Founder/CEO
Fast Track Urgent Care


Paul Nanda, MD
Medical Director
Fast Track Urgent Care

Advocates  For Your Profession
At the HCMA's 2nd Annual Post Session Legislative Reception, HCMA leaders met with seven legislators and eight legislative aides to discuss issues important to your patients!  The HCMA's Government Affairs Committee, led by Dr. Michael Cromer, is planning a visit to Tallahassee during the 2020 Legislative Session to further enhance our relationships with legislators by educating them on the reasons we promote or discourage bills and how they will effect the practice of medicine and your patients - their constituents.  For more information on the Government Affairs Committee or the upcoming trip to Tallahassee, contact Elke Lubin, HCMA Executive Assistant. Not all attendees are pictured above.
Welcome New Members
USF Resident Physicians
Caroline Bresnan, MD (IM)
Heather Burke, MD (Psych)
Nicole Dinescu, DO (Peds)
Ryan Hidalgo, MD (OBG)
Nicholas Kolinsky, DO (Allergy/Imm)
Jameson Kuang, MD (IM) 
Stefan Litzenberger, DO (Physical Med)
Nicholas Mencer, DO (IM)
Jacob Miller, DO (Peds)
Samer Naffouje, MD (GS)
Allison Salib, DO (IM)
Franco Castillo Tokumori, MD (IM)
Johanan Vargas, MD (Neonatal/Perinatal)
Spotlight on Savings
ProAssurance - Healthcare Professional Liability Insurance. ProAssurance offers a 5% discount to HCMA members through their exclusive endorsement with the Association. Choose professional liability insurance from a Company Florida healthcare professionals have relied on for more than 40 years. ProAssurance treats you fairly, making it easier to navigate today's changing healthcare environment-with single-source coverage that meets your unique needs. ProAssurance Group is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best. For additional information or to request a no-obligation quote, contact Chad May, Florida Account Executive, at 800.282.6242 or ChadMay@proassurance.com . ProAssurance.com/Florida
The Bulletin
Have you got something on your mind?
We welcome "letters to the editor" - comment on an article, current events, or an experience in your practice.  The Bulletin is your publication - email your letter to "The In-Box."
 
The most current issue of HCMA's bi-monthly publication can be viewed online by clicking here. Previous issues are also available.

For advertising information, contact Elke Lubin, Managing Editor.
Upcoming Events
Medicare Speaks 2019
August 20-21
Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore
 
First Coast Service Options, the Medicare administrative contractor for Florida, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, invites you to their signature education event. Highlights include:  Part A and B classes designed to focus on specialties such as ambulance services, cardiology procedures, and skilled nursing facilities; reduce documentation and claims processing errors; educate on telehealth services; and minimize payment delays.

USF Alumni Reception
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Westshore Grand Hotel
6:00pm-7:00pm
 
Attention USF Alumni, interns, residents, fellows, and medical students - mark your calendar! For details and to RSVP, click here.  
 
For more information, contact:
 
Jenny Burger
Annual Giving & Alumni Engagement Officer
USF Health Development and Alumni Relations
University of South Florida
813.974.3075
HCMA Membership Dinners
Tuesdays
November 5, 2019 (tentative)
February 4, 2020
May 12, 2020
 
Westshore Grand Hotel
Social Hour: 6:30pm
Dinner & Program: 7:30pm
HCMA Members - complimentary
Guests - $50 per person

Watch your email for details.

Sponsor and exhibit opportunities available.  Contact Kay Mills at the HCMA: 813.253.0471


Classified Ads
Post a classified ad in the HCMA's monthly electronic newsletter, Enews. Up to 4 00 characters (including spaces) for a minimal $40 per issue.  Enews is emailed to HCMA members and is posted on the HCMA website.

To place your ad, contact Elke Lubin, Managing Editor.