January 6, 2023
FEATURED ADVERTISER: Eye Associates of Tallahassee
ACHA's Chief of Staff Jason Weida Takes Over as Agency's Interim Secretary
With the departure of Simone Marstiller from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, Jason Weida has become interim secretary of the agency, according to the AHCA website.

Weida, an attorney, most recently worked as the agency’s chief of staff after serving as an assistant deputy secretary for Medicaid Policy and Quality.


Source: Health News Florida
Tallahassee Health Experts Weigh-In On New COVID Variant
A new COVID strain, known as XBB. 1.5, is emerging in the United States.

According to the World Health Organization, it is the most transmissible variant yet. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projected the strain accounts for more than 40% of COVID cases nationwide.

Local health officials WCTV spoke to about the new variant said that although it spreads faster, it does not appear to be making people any sicker.

“I’m not losing any sleep over this new variant,” said Nick Kacheris, a resident physician at TMH. “It’s not breaking through in the level of illness severity. People aren’t getting sicker than they would with a different COVID variant.”


Source: WCTV.tv
COVID Spreading Faster in Florida But Isn't As Strong, UCF Epidemiologist Notes
Florida hospitals are seeing rising numbers of admissions, but death rates remain low by comparison.


Source: Health News Florida
Cardiac Arrest is Often Fatal, But Doctors Say Certain Steps Can Boost Survival Odds
For the more than 350,000 Americans each year who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, the prognosis is not always an optimistic one. But quick action with CPR and a defibrillator can be key.


Source: Health News Florida
More Orthopedists Sell Out to Private Equity Firms, Raising Alarms About Costs and Quality
While some doctors seem eager for a huge payoff, others are warily watching what happens when private equity firms take charge of orthopedic practices.


Source: Health News Florida
How Clinicians Can Respond to the “Big Ask”
In the post-pandemic practice environment, the autonomy-squishing “big ask” within many organizations is for providers to see more patients and improve practice efficiency with dwindling resources so as to buffer the bottom line and allow for system recovery. This mandate may make us feel hopeless and without a choice in the matter.


Source: KevinMD.com
Is Legislation to Safeguard Americans Against Superbugs a Boondoggle or Breakthrough?
A range of supporters in the health care and drug sectors say the measure would fix the “broken market” for antibiotics by providing stable funding for an industry that tends to focus its research on areas considered good business opportunities.


Source: Orlando Medical News
Hip and Knee Replacements: An Examination of Malpractice Claims Against Orthopedic Surgeons from the Ambulatory and Inpatient Settings
The literature related to malpractice claims comparing inpatient and ambulatory knee and hip replacements has so far been limited. Therefore, the purpose of this novel study was to explore potential differences between the two settings in malpractice claims for surgery.


Source: Orlando Medical News
The Duality of Being a Female Physician
I am a female cardiologist that graduated from medical school almost 20 years ago. Although my core personality has remained constant, I have been viewed through multiple different optics. What I find most interesting is that while most of my patients would unanimously agree that I am a smart, talented, and dedicated professional, I have never achieved this level of validation from other professionals in medicine.


Source: KevinMD.com
Workplace Retirement Accounts
We are tackling all of your retirement account questions. We dig into questions about 403(b)s, 457(b)s, Mega Backdoor Roths, defined benefit plans, and retirement account contributions. Plus, we discuss if now, during this down market, is a good time to fix some mistakes in your investment accounts.


Source: The White Coat Investor
All the Money Mistakes I’ve Made (and How It Cost Me an Even Earlier Retirement)
Tallying up one’s financial mistakes and putting them in front of a savvy investing crowd like White Coat Investor readers with my real name attached...just begs for some serious criticism. But I said I would write it, and here it is. Some mistakes are clearly mistakes.


Source: The White Coat Investor
CME Opportunity: 2023 CME Beach Retreat in Destin, FL
Hot Topics Include:
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology
  • Nephrology Update
  • Orthopedic (Foot & Ankle)

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Requirements:
  • Prevention of Medical Errors (2 hours)
  • Prescribing Controlled Substances if you are registered with the DEA, whether you are in or out of state (2 hours)

For more information and to register, click here.

Source: Emerald Coast Medical Association
Preview Reception for the Collect Select Exhibition and Silent Auction
Several Featured Artists including: Chuck Manning, M.D.
Wednesday January 25, 5:30-7:30pm
Everyone is welcome!
Admission: Free!
The Collect select exhibition & silent auction is an invitational exhibition of exquisite contemporary art by acclaimed Florida and Southern artists who were selected by art collectors. One of the several events offered as part of the 2023 Week with the Arts, the Collect Reception gives you the opportunity to meet and talk with the artists and view their work. The auction also features great jewelry and experiences. Collect Silent Auction registration and bidding is free and open to the public starting online Wednesday, January 25, 12pm through Saturday, January 28, 10pm, with art bids starting at 60% of market value, and proceeds split 50-50 to support these artists and Gadsden Arts. https://gadsdenarts.org/Events/Receptions

Collect Featured Artists
Natalia Andreeva
Steve Andrews
Clyde Butcher
Niki Butcher
Joe Claborn
Mark Georgiades
Chuck Manning
Mark Messersmith
William H. McKeown
Danny O’Driscoll
Eluster Richardson
Joe Roache
Robin Rodgers
Dan Taylor
Free Monthly Webinars: "The Business Side of Medicine"
For more information and to register, click here.

Source: MIRZA, Healthcare Law Partners
Medicare Revalidations
Medicare Revalidations are back in full force after a brief pause during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic. All healthcare providers and suppliers are required to revalidate their Medicare enrollment every 3-5 years per CMS’ request. Medicare has implemented new revalidation screening criteria that you will need to be aware of. Missing this important deadline will have significant financial consequences on your medical practice! This link is to a tool to a searchable database that allows you to look up the revalidation due date for Medicare providers who must revalidate their enrollment record information every three or five years.

New Medical License Renewal Guide
If your Florida medical license is set to expire on Jan. 31, 2023, make sure to read the updated Florida Medical Association Allopathic Medical License Renewal Guide.

 
Source: Florida Medical Association (FMA)
Your Dose of Medical Humor
Save the Date for Upcoming CMS Meetings/Events
Discounted Event Tickets at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center
Capital Medical Society members can receive a discount on upcoming events at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center by using our promo code "CMST". The upcoming event is:
 
April 22-23, 2023
 
Members can receive the discount a few different ways:
1. Click the show link above and enter the promo code "CMST"
2. Call 850-645-0746 to purchase over the phone and mention the promo code "CMST"
Here's Another Connection for CMS Members: Healthcare Lawyer On Call
The CMS has had a long-standing relationship with Jeff Cohen and The Florida Healthcare Law Firm. Did you know that you can tap into a program called Healthcare Lawyer On Call through Jeff and his firm? That's right! On-Call is different than what you may be used to and doesn't mean that you'll find an attorney at 3 AM to answer a question, but what it does mean is that you can call and speak with someone at The Florida Healthcare Law Firm for 15 minutes at no charge! Please remember that any purely verbal discussion on legal matters is simply the lawyer’s best (and unconfirmed) understanding. Another benefit of being a CMS member!
AMA Resources
COVID-19 Shadow Pandemic: Mental Health Impacts on Patients & Care Teams
“Shadow Pandemic: Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19 on Patients and the Care Team,” the latest on-demand webinar in the AMA’s Overcoming Obstacles series, explores how experts have engaged pediatric and adult patients before and during the pandemic, and how patient health needs have changed over time. Hear the challenges encountered and solutions used to creatively address patient needs, and what is next for patient care.


AMA to Host Interactive Session on Telehealth for Dermatology

The AMA is hosting an interactive session that will highlight the innovative ways that telehealth is currently being used in dermatology. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with speakers, as well as gain insights on ways to leverage a variety of telehealth modalities, including provider-to-provider e-consults, live audio/visual, and store-and-forward.


AMA STEPS Forward® Podcast: Creating A Culture That Supports Well-Being

In the latest AMA STEPS Forward® podcast episode, Dr. Nigel Girgrah, Chief Wellness Officer at Ochsner Health System, discusses strategies for creating a culture of well-being at your health care organization – including addressing mental health stigma, building a strong EAP program, employing an opt out vs opt in approach, and encouraging leadership to be vulnerable about their own burnout struggles.


Source: American Medical Association (AMA)
WEBINAR - Navigating the Current Healthcare Landscape: COVID-19, Staffing Crisis, and Administrative Burden
Physician practices across the country continue to operate in an atmosphere of uncertainty, now compounded by a staffing crisis due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. In the latest AMA STEPS ForwardTM webinar, “Navigating the Current Healthcare Landscape: COVID-19, Staffing Crisis, and Administrative Burden,” attendees will hear about the current health care workforce landscape, how to plan for workplace shortages, and best practices in workplace safety and efficiencies for staff. The webinar will also feature practical, actionable resources to transform and improve your practice. Accompanying the webinar, the AMA has released an updated version of “A Physician Guide to Keeping Your Practice Open During COVID-19” to address concerns about workforce protection and retention during the pandemic. 

Source: American Medical Association (AMA)
CME Resources
Wolfson Pediatric CME Webinars - 5.5 CME Credit Opportunity
Wolfson Children’s Hospital is proud to provide Continuing Medical Education opportunities to our partners and referring providers by offering monthly virtual CME sessions at no cost. If you have missed any of our previously offered live webinars and still wish to obtain CME credit for them, we have provided 4 recorded webinars for a total of 5.5 CME credits possible. Please follow the instructions below in order to take advantage of this opportunity!
 
1.      Open the flyer and choose which education session you would like to watch.
2.      Click the link in the attachment for the desired education session.
3.      Watch the webinar.
4.      Follow the instructions included in the video description to complete the required survey and input the associated activity code.
*Please note, if you are licensed outside of the state of Florida, you must contact the CME office at Kimberly.Branham-Nelson@bmcjax.com to request an official transcript of your participation.

Easy to use web portal makes it easy to find courses and track credits. Accredited activities for over 30 medical specialties; Over 100 active courses at any given time; Activity accreditations include ACCME, ANCC, AANP, ACPE, and more; Content is always current, and always free.

Free 1-hour online CME opportunity!
University of Florida's Department of Epidemiology
Raising awareness for Alzheimer's disease and increasing screening for cognitive impairment. This CME has a focus on primary care physicians but is applicable to all physicians who may encounter patients with cognitive impairments.

On-Demand CME by The Doctors Company
Diagnostic error continues to be a top patient safety concern, a global burden, and cause patient harm from treatment delay, testing, or misdiagnosis. “Prevention of Diagnostic Error in Primary Care” is an on-demand CME activity that features patient safety expert Jeffrey A. Gold, MD, professor of medicine, vice chair for quality and safety, for the department of medicine at the Oregon Health and Science University. This program highlights major contributing factors of diagnostic error along with the diagnostic process of care framework with additional focus on strategies to mitigate risk of patient harm in the primary care setting.

On-Demand CME by The Doctors Company
1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
Explore the challenges and risks associated with telehealth. Concerns regarding privacy, security, licensure, and technology that might instigate a malpractice claim are discussed.

On-Demand CME by The Doctors Company
2.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits or 2.5 ADA CE Credits
Opioids play an important role in pain management—both in acute and chronic care settings—but overuse, misuse, and diversion have contributed to an opioid-related epidemic leading to addiction and death. Our on-demand program provides a useful and informative examination of the epidemic’s prevalence and effects.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
If you suspect human trafficking, please call:
  
National Human Trafficking Hotline
1 (888) 373-7888
Suicide Prevention Hotline
Reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line by Phone and Text

By Phone:
Call 1-800-273-8255 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline today. 988 is not a nationwide calling code right now.
Veterans should Press 1 to be connected with the Veterans Crisis Line.

By Text:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available today through online chats. 988 is not a nationwide texting code right now.
Service members, Veterans, and their families can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by texting 838255, and through online chats at veteranscrisisline.net.


Source: Federal Communications Commission
Florida E-Prescribing
Electronic Prescribing Requirements (Florida Board of Medicine)
House Bill 831 (2019), Electronic Prescribing, was signed into law by Governor DeSantis. The effective date is January 1, 2020. The bill provides important new requirements for prescribers to generate and transmit all prescriptions electronically upon licensure renewal or by July 1, 2021, whichever is earlier.

Florida ePrescribing Clearinghouse (Agency for Healthcare Administration)
The purpose of the Florida ePrescribing Clearinghouse is to provide information that contributes to the promotion and implementation of electronic prescribing by health care practitioners, health care facilities, and pharmacies in order to prevent prescription drug abuse, improve patient safety, and reduce unnecessary prescriptions. This Clearinghouse contains information on the advantages, processes, products, rules, and laws of ePrescribing as well as Florida ePrescribing reports.
Coronavirus - Information, Updates, Resources
Updates and Resources

Maguire Medical Library - Florida State University College of Medicine: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Basic & Current Information

The State-Level COVID-19 profile for Florida. This data is collected from medical facilities in one of two system HHS protect or National Healthcare Safety Network  
 and the White House Coronavirus Task Force analyzes and distributes the report.
   
The New England Journal of Medicine - A collection of articles and other resources on the Coronavirus outbreak, including clinical reports, management guidelines, and commentary
 
Epidemiological and Clinical Resources For The COVID-19 Pandemic
 
CDC Healthcare Supply of Personal Protective Equipment
 
CDC Guidance for People at Higher Risk for COVID-19 Complications
 
CDC PPE Poster
 
CDC Guidance for Travelers from Countries with Widespread Sustained (ongoing) Transmission Arriving in the United States
 
CDC Communication Resources
 
NETEC coronavirus page includes PPE validation checklists and video resource, in addition to many others:
 
 
From the Florida Medical Association: Coronavirus Educational Resource Center

Vaccine Updates


 
See the latest state Department of Health data summarizing the number of people in Florida who have either received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or completed the vaccine series (FMA) 
 
 (Florida Department of Health in Leon County)
 
(Florida Department of Health in Leon County) 
 
 
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
 
 
COVID-19 Pandemic Planning FAQ (dated 11/19/2020) includes important information regarding procurement and handling of costs for vaccine administration. (FEMA) 
 
What Happens Once There is a COVID-19 Vaccine? Key Challenges to Vaccinating America (12/3/2020) - VIDEO or SLIDES (Kaiser Family Foundation) 

Reporting for Health Care Providers and Laboratories

 
 
 
 
Notable recent additions to CDC guidance include more detailed infection prevention and control recommendations for health care settings: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/infection-control.html.

Please continue to closely monitor the CDC novel coronavirus website for situation and guidance updates. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.

If you have any patients who meet the person under investigation criteria, please contact the Florida Department of Health in Leon County Epidemiology Program at 850-404-6299.
 
Epidemiology and Disease Control Program
Florida Department of Health in Leon County
2965 Municipal Way
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Office Number: (850) 404-6299 
Confidential Fax: (850) 921-9855
PAP Machine Donations Needed!
A PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) machine is an electronic respiratory ventilation device used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Capital Medical Society Foundation, Inc.'s We Care Network program assists low-income, uninsured adults, whose income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, with obtaining these potentially life-saving medical devices, when prescribed by a pulmonologist. Thanks to our partners at Desloge Home Oxygen and Medical Equipment, Inc., we are able to provide refurbished CPAP, AutoPAP, and BPAP machines for eligible We Care Network patients in Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla Counties. We Care Network also accepts unused, unopened supplies for PAP machines, such as masks, nasal cannulas, and tubing. We Care Network coordinates over $8,000,000 in donated specialty medical and dental care annually.
 
Machine donations can be dropped off at Capital Medical Society Foundation's office at 1204 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. Donations to Capital Medical Society Foundation are tax-deductible within IRS guidelines Federal Tax I.D. #: 59-2104510. For additional information, please call 942-5215 or email dbixler@capmed.org.
CMS Foundation Physician Wellness Program is Here for Physicians and TMH Residents
Overloaded? Stressed? You're Not Alone.

Does your workday start before dawn and end well after dusk? Do you go to bed tired and wake up the same way? Maybe it’s time you talk to someone who can help you make positive changes for a healthier, happier life and lifestyle. The CMS has six professional counselors who are available to you - free of charge - free of worry. This program remains one of the few in the state that serves all local practicing physicians and TMH Residents, without cost, without question. Six sessions annually are completely confidential and autonomous. 
 
WELLNESS COACHES: 
Paul Deitchman, Ph.D.
313 Williams St., #5
Tallahassee, FL 32303
850-878-3571
UNIVERSITY: FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
Tracey Morse, Ph.D.
1114 E. Tennessee St.
Tallahassee, FL 32308
850-556-7944 
UNIVERSITY: SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY – CARBONDALE
Stephen Wright, Ph.D.
313 Williams St., #7
Tallahassee, FL 32303
850-222-3045
UNIVERSITY: FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
SPECIALTY AREA WELLNESS COACHES:
Family, Marriage, and Trauma
Kenneth Fowler, Ph.D., LMHC & Certified Traumatologist
1028 E. Park Ave.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850-212-6873
UNIVERSITY: FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY
CERTIFICATE: FSU TRAUMATOLOGY INSTITUTE
Dr. Fowler is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and an Approved Supervisor for mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists and social workers. As a result of his expertise in psychological trauma, Dr. Fowler was called to respond in New York City following the 9/11 attacks. As a leader in his field, he was able to help with this national tragedy. His work with natural disasters led to him being called to assist with the Hurricane Katrina disaster by debriefing first responders who were exposed to the aftermath of the trauma. Currently, he consults with the Southcom Command of the United States Armed Forces to help returning soldiers and their families deal with the effects of war as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. 
Family and Marriage
Jane Marks, LFMT, LMHC
3325-C Thomasville Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
850-385-8222
 UNIVERSITY: FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

For five decades, Jane Marks has helped countless families navigate the challenges in life. As a Licensed Family & Marriage Therapist, she will bring a thoughtful approach to wellness for those seeking individual, family or marriage coaching through the CMS Foundation’s Physician Wellness Program.
Grief, Loss, and Trauma
Brenda Rabalais, Ph.D.
216 Lake Ella Drive
Tallahassee, FL  32303
850-841-7733 
UNIVERSITY: FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

Brenda Rabalais, Ph.D., specializes in providing counseling services to those who are struggling with a loss or a trauma. Examples include; divorce, abandonment (foster care, adoption, service families), abuse, suicide, homicide, crime, loss of functionality, loss of home or job, long-term illnesses, other life transitions, as well as death. Brenda founded Lee's Place, a grief, loss and trauma counseling center, in 2000 and has been a practicing therapist as well as the Executive Director for those 21 years.
Special thanks to the MagMutual Foundation and the TMH Medical Staff for helping the CMS fund this program.
You Can Support the CMS Foundation! Sign Up and Shop Today on AmazonSmile!
For eligible purchases at AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the Capital Medical Society Foundation! 
 
Click here to access AmazonSmile and support the CMS Foundation today!
Check Out the Latest CMS Member Benefits