Enews

April 2021

The monthly electronic newsletter of the Hillsborough County Medical Association.
Scroll down to view these topics:

  • COVID-19 News
  • Pertinent Information
  • From the Board of Medicine
  • Physician Wellness
  • Personal News
  • Welcome New Members
  • Spotlight on Savings
  • Classified Ads
  • The Bulletin
  • Upcoming Events
COVID-19 News
Pertinent Information
Have you paid your 2021 HCMA dues yet?
DROP DAY is APRIL 30th
Dues can be paid in the following ways:
 
1. Call the HCMA office to provide credit card information: 813.253.0471
2. Mail your check to the HCMA office: 606 S. Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33606
3. Pay securely online: https://hcma.net/join-renew/
 
Sign up for automatic renewal - your credit card will be charged in September of each year for the upcoming HCMA membership dues. To sign up, complete this form and return it to Elke Lubin, HCMA Executive Assistant
Incoming HCMA President, officers, and representatives
On May 11th, Dr. Joel Silverfield will be installed as the 118th HCMA President in a small private ceremony. A video of the ceremony will be posted on the HCMA's website and YouTube channel.

Also on May 11th, the following members will begin serving the HCMA in the following capacities:
PRESIDENT ELECT
Eva Crooke, M.D.

VICE PRESIDENT
Michael Cromer, MD

TREASURER
Alejandra Kalik, MD

SECRETARY
Mintallah Haider, MD
DISTRICT 2
Cheryl Reed, MD

DISTRICT 4
Rosemarie Garcia-Getting, MD

DISTRICT 5
Saira Khan, MD

AT LARGE
Subhasis Misra, MD
Michael Murphy, MD
USF DISTRICT
Michael Albrink, MD

MOFFITT DISTRICT
Nam Tran, MD

YOUNG PHYSICIAN
Nitesh Paryani, MD
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Steven Lyons, MD

BOARD OF CENSORS
Scott Anderson, MD
Henria Fain, MD
Legislation extending moratorium on payment cuts passes in Congress
In December of last year, Congress passed legislation that temporarily suspended the 2-percent Medicare sequestration payment cut that had been in effect since 2013. These cuts were temporarily suspended from Jan. 1 through March 31 of this year as a means of giving healthcare providers financial relief during the course of the pandemic. Following advocacy efforts by the FMA and its allies, the U.S. Senate passed legislation last week that would extend the moratorium on these cuts through Dec. 31, 2021. Read an update here. 
Liability insurance premiums spike across the US: AMA report
Liability insurance premiums are rising at a rate not seen in nearly 20 years, according to a new report from the American Medical Association (AMA). While the report is based on premium increases that predated the COVID-19 pandemic, it cites experts who predict that the upward trend in insurance costs will continue. Read more from Medscape..
Regulatory update: practice standards for smokable medical marijuana
Florida’s Joint Committee on Medical Marijuana, composed of members from both state medical boards, recently voted to approve draft language on practice standards for smokable medical marijuana and to update the standardized informed consent for medical marijuana. Both require approval from the full state Board of Medicine and Board of Osteopathic Medicine before going into effect. Read an update on these developments by FMA Assistant General Counsel Mary Thomas, Esq.
The Research Year That Was
Medical research has seen a year of incredible obstacles and surprising discoveries—not all of which relate to COVID-19. The year saw a number of breakthrough discoveries in non-COVID areas. “There was a lot going on,” says Harry Orf, Senior Vice President for Research at Massachusetts General Hospital. “The work with CRISPR and gene editing to treat disease…a ton of new discoveries in imaging to help us ‘see’ disease in real-time, and a lot of progress in the microbiome and its role in disease.” At MGH, teams pushed forward landmark work in CAR-T cell therapy, ALS and HIV. Listen to the podcast.
Wealth Creation & Retirement Planning
We've got you covered! HCMA Benefit Provider, Jensen Anderson Wealth Management, LLC/Physicians Wealth Planning, LLC has held two two-part seminars since February to assist young and established physicians in determining their long-term financial goals. Visit the HCMA's YouTube channel to watch recordings of "Wealth Creation," Parts 1 & 2 (February 23 & March 2) and "Retirement Planning," Parts 1 & 2 (March 16 & 23).
It's more than a meal...
It's a CONNECTION with the only constant in some kids' lives - their Guardian ad Litem Volunteer. HCMA Foundation grant recipient, Voices for Children, is holding a gift card drive in order to help give kids the gift to BOND with those around them so they can continue to grow and thrive. Please consider donating a gift card - make a difference in the life of a child: CHOOSE A GIFT CARD HERE.
From the Board of Medicine
Notification of Renewal Deadline Extension - AGAIN!

As part of the response efforts to the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID- 19), State Surgeon General Dr. Scott A. Rivkees issued Emergency Order 21-001 extending the licensure renewal expiration date until June 30, 2021 for any professional license issued by the Department with upcoming licensure renewal deadlines.

  • The license expiration date for Medical Doctors expiring January 31, 2021 is extended to June 30, 2021


The full version of the State Surgeon General’s Emergency Order may be found at https://www.flhealthsource.gov/pdf/DOH-EO-21-001.pdf
Physician Wellness
AMA Research - Preliminary Report: Physician Stress During Early Days of the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unique stresses to health care. Find out how it has impacted the stress and mental health of physicians. Read more from Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
The HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program provides a safe harbor for members to address life difficulties, especially during this time of uncertainty and challenges due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19.
 
Personal News
HCMA Building - SOLD!
Realtor, Kevin Platt (L) supervises while HCMA President, Dr. Michael Cromer, signs the closing documents for the sale of the HCMA building located at 606 S. Boulevard. The HCMA has owned the building since 1977 and will remain as a "tenant" at that location until June 30th.

Watch your emails for updates on the location of the new HCMA administrative office!
March Retirees Lunch Bunch
The special guest for the March 29th "lunch" was Byron Moran, MD, who serves as the Medical Director of the USF Concussion Center and evaluates head injuries and other concussion-related concerns.
 
This past year he started working with the Tampa Bay Buccanneers - what a perfect time for that!!!
For information about the HCMA Retirees Lunch Bunch, please contact Elke Lubin.
Three and a half decades of service...
Congratulations to Debbie Zorian, HCMA Executive Director, who celebrated 35 years with the HCMA on March 31st. Her dedication and passion for the HCMA are unsurpassed.

We thank you for your distinguished leadership!
Welcome New Members
ACTIVE MEMBERS
Thomas DiGeronimo, MD
Neurology
3302 W. Baker St.
Plant City, 33563
813.752.1336
‌
Nam Tran, MD
Neurosurgery
Moffitt Cancer Center
12902 Magnolia Dr.
Tampa, 33612
813.745.3871
RETIRED MEMBER
Delores Lowe, MD
Spotlight on Savings
New Contact Person for Favorite Healthcare Staffing - Serving Tampa and the entire Florida healthcare community since 1981, Favorite continues to set the standard for quality, service, and integrity in healthcare staffing and placement services. With discounted pricing and preferred rates for HCMA members, Favorite’s comprehensive range of staffing and personnel services can help HCMA members improve cost control, increase efficiency, and protect their revenue cycle. Please contact Alex Hills, Favorite Healthcare Staffing representative, directly at 913.800.5270 or 866.877.5505, and [email protected]. 

Click here to visit the Favorite Staffing/HCMA webpage: Favorite Staffing/HCMA Webpage. Click here to complete a job order request: Job Order Request Form
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.
The Bulletin
The most current issue of HCMA's quarterly publication can be viewed online by clicking here. Previous issues are also available.
 
For advertising information, contact Elke Lubin, Managing Editor, or view the advertising opportunities on the HCMA website.
Upcoming Events
Primary Care First (PCF) Model Webinar
Tuesday, April 13th
6:00-7:00pm
Physicians considering applying for the PCF model to start in 2022 are invited to register now for a webinar by the American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the CMS Innovation Center.

PCF is open to medical practices that provide primary care services in 26 regions across the country, with an application deadline of April 31, 2021. The live webinar will allow participants to hear from CMS and medical society experts about the model and how participation could affect their practice revenues. Additional details, including the request for applications, a map of the 26 regions, and lists of the practices and other payors that are participating as part of the 2021 cohort are available on the CMS Primary Care First website.
Women in Medicine ZOOM Social
Monday, April 26th
7:00pm
Get to know HMCA's incoming President-Elect, Dr. Eva Crooke, connect with other female physician colleagues, and raise a glass and toast women in medicine!

For more information about the HCMA's Women in Medicine section, please contact Elke Lubin.
Eva Crooke, MD
HCMA President-Elect
2021-2022
Webinar
Full Circle PR: featuring Quick Patient
Tuesday, April 27th
6:30-7:00pm
How to Differentiate Your Practice! 
 
Why should patients come to your practice? Why should physicians refer their patients to you instead of your competition? 
 
It's time to improve efficiency, generate brand awareness, and increase your patient base.
Michele Krohn
President, Full Circle PR
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
HCMA Membership Dinners
Westshore Grand Hotel
September 14 & November 9
The social hour will begin at 6:30pm.

Watch your email for details!