February 16, 2024

$717 Million Health Care Access Bill Clears its Final House Committee

The measure aims to grow the health care workforce by creating residency slots, offering increased access to student loan programs and making it easier for doctors from out of the state to work in Florida. A priority of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, the bill heads to the House floor. A Senate version has already passed.


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Source: Health News Florida

2024 Celebration Awards Dinner - Save the Date!

If you, or someone you know, are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact

Tom Block at tblock@capmed.org or (850) 321-1648.

To view the sponsorship opportunities, click here.

Honor a Doctor - If You Could Say One Thing To Your Doctor, What Would It Be?

National Doctors’ Day was first observed in Winder, Georgia, by the wife of a doctor to give others the opportunity to recognize and honor doctors who have impacted their lives. In 1958, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate approved a resolution to commemorate National Doctors’ Day, which President George Bush then signed into law in 1990. The annual date of March 30th was selected as it is the anniversary of the first use of general anesthesia in surgery.

 

This is your opportunity to honor your doctor. Let’s acknowledge how much we appreciate them, their excellent healthcare, tireless work ethic, passion, enthusiasm, medical expertise, and their fantastic teamwork.

 

Join us in making a gift today to the Capital Medical Society Foundation to honor your doctor, medical physician or dentist, and include a note of appreciation to them at https://capmed.org/donate/ or mail your gift check, payable to: Capital Medical Society Foundation, 1204 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL, 32308. Include the name of your honoree and a sentence about why you are honoring them. Each honoree will receive a letter notifying them of your thoughtful gift in their honor and the tribute you share.

 

Gifts received by March 20, 2024 will ensure honorees receive their recognition letter before National Doctors’ Day.

'Walk With a Doc' in Tallahassee Promotes Exercise to Help Fight Illness

Capital Health Plan doctors invite area residents to take a stroll with them around Tallahassee's Cascades Park as part of a healthy lifestyle.


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Source: Health News Florida

Flu Hangs on in US, Fading in Some Areas and Intensifying in Others

CDC stats show a continued national drop in flu hospitalizations, but other indicators were up — including the number of states with high or very high levels for respiratory illnesses.


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Source: Health News Florida

DeSantis, First Lady Call on the Legislature for More Cancer Research Funding

Gov. Ron DeSantis called on the Legislature to allocate $230 million to cancer-centered initiatives championed by his wife, Casey, a breast cancer survivor.


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Source: Health News Florida

Hospital Cyberattacks are Likely to Increase and Put Lives at Risk, Experts Warn

Federal officials say they are working to develop rules to help health care facilities protect themselves against threats. But they say more money is needed from Congress to help hospitals protect themselves.


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Source: Health News Florida

Should the CDC Cut the 5-Day COVID-19 Isolation Guidelines? Experts Weigh In.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is weighing its first major revision to COVID-19 guidance since the end of the federal public health emergency last year.


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Source: CBS News

Shots Can Be Scary and Painful for Kids. One Doctor Has a Plan to End Needle Phobia.

Research suggests the biggest source of pain for children in the health care system is needles. One doctor says the fear of needles is a serious problem, but proposes some simple solutions.


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Source: Health News Florida

TCC Requests Support of a Patient Care Technician Program

Tallahassee Community College is working to establish a Patient Care Technician program in order to address the shortage of workers available in the region. The 600-clock hour program will provide students certifications in Phlebotomy Technician, EKG Technician, and Patient Care Technician/Assistant through the National Healthcareer Association. Students will participate in a combination of lecture, laboratory/simulation, and clinical experiences.


TCC is seeking letters of support for the addition of the program to TCC’s current offerings, as well as employers who are willing to provide clinical opportunities or serve on the Advisory Council for the program.


SAMPLE LETTERS:



Questions? Contact Cerissa Fondo, 850-201-8708 or Cerissa.Fondo@tcc.fl.edu.


Source: Tallahassee Community College

"I'll Be Joining An Environmentally Friendly Practice" - My Green Doctor

Attracting the best young professionals to your practice is essential for your long term success. It is not enough anymore simply to offer a high salary and a reasonable work schedule. This month, the Capital Medical Society’s My Green Doctor explains this in a three-minute blog, “I’ll Be Joining an Environmentally Friendly Practice.”


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Source: My Green Doctor

Tribute to the Legacy of Dr. A.D. Brickler, II - February 18, 2024

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Doctor of the Day Program for the 2024 Regular Legislative Session

To: All Physicians and Interested Parties,


In anticipation for the 2024 Regular Legislative Session, preparations for this program are underway.

 

You can find information regarding the Doctor of the Day program, as well as the Doctor of the Day application HERE.


Please contact me regarding any questions or concerns.

 

Thank you,

 

Kelly Welborn

Office of Legislative Services

Claude Pepper Building, Room 874

111 West Madison Street

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1400

(850) 717-0301

welborn.kelly@leg.state.fl.us

2024 Capital Health Plan Walk with a Doc Tallahassee

Please join Capital Health Plan for Walk with a Doc Tallahassee - an event where the members of our community come together to speak with our physicians as we stroll through our local parks and greenways.

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 five 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:
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.
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.
Informational Correspondence with the Capital Medical Society

In this digital era, we strive to keep you updated with the latest in information. Please let us know when your emails and contact information change. We want you to be part of this Society and be active in your practice networking. Patients seeking provider referrals and providers seeking provider referrals keep your practice flourishing. If your membership information is old and you would like to contact us about relocating, new staff changes, or if you haven’t heard from us in a while, your information may not be current. Your personal contact information is kept confidential but is our way of reaching out to you about meetings, medical updates, license requirements, legalities in medicine and patient privacy and care, Journals, newsletters and more.

Tom Block, Executive Director, 850-321-1648, tblock@capmed.org

Are You One of our Members on the Move?
If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions, we want to know more!
·    Is your practice expanding? Are you adding staff members?
·    Do you have a new practice administrator/office manager?
·    Have you changed or added locations?
·    Have you changed your email/phone/fax?
·    Have you added a new specialty or passed your Board Certification(s)?
·    Have you retired within the last six months?
 
Send your updates to rcarlin@capmed.org.
Subject line: Member Updates
Updated Physician Headshots
The CMS website is your link to our physician member database. The CMS has been actively working on each provider search. Please take the time to search the listing. If you find there is any inaccurate information or an outdated headshot, please reach out to CMS to update your information. Let us know as soon as possible to make sure your information is current.
CMS | (850) 877-9018 | rcarlin@capmed.org
Advertise in CapMed Today

Electronic Version of February 2024 Cap Scan

Click here to view the February 2024 Cap Scan.

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.

Your Dose of Medical Humor

Save the Date for Upcoming CMS Meetings/Events

February 20, 2024


CMS Membership & CME Meeting


"Lifestyle Medicine and Heart Health"


Presenter: David Smith, M.D.


6:00 pm


Maguire Center for Lifelong Learning at Westminster Oaks

March 28, 2024


CMS Celebration Awards Dinner


6:30 pm


Dunlap Champions Club at FSU


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!
CME Resources

Accredited Education Courses to Meet DEA Training Requirement

The Doctors Company offers 6.75 hrs. that meet the DEA requirement for free. These hours can be combined with previous opioid education the physician may have completed to achieve the 8 hr. requirement. This, and all The Doctors Company CME, is available for free to any physician. They do not have to be a The Doctors Company insured.

https://www.thedoctors.com/patient-safety/education-and-cme/accredited-education-courses-to-meet-dea-training-requirement/


FreeCME.com 

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.


CME - From Brain Disorders to Brain Health

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

Prevention of Diagnostic Error in Primary Care

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

Telemedicine to Telehealth: Trends and Emerging Risks

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

Safe Opioid Prescribing for Physicians and Dentists

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
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 $5,000,000 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 850-942-5215 or email dbixler@capmed.org.
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