March 26, 2021
Catch My Stride Walk Marches On
We had a great turnout for our second CMS "Catch My Stride" Walk on Saturday, March 20 at the J.R. Alford Greenway. There was lots of fun and fellowship.

Join us for our next walk on March 27th at 4:30 PM at Cascades Park.
We appreciate Florida Blue sponsoring water bottles for the walks.
Honor a Doctor - Recognize a Physician Who Inspires You
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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.
ABIM Extends Maintenance of Certification Requirement Deadlines Through 2022
Board-certified physicians are getting another extension on the deadline to maintain their internal medicine credentials.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) once again extended the Maintenace of Certification (MOC) requirements through December 2022.


Source: Fierce Healthcare
DOH Leon Community Partners COVID-19 Vaccine Update Week 14
The Department of Health in Leon County (DOH Leon) in partnership with the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and multiple public and private sector partners, continues its mission to get all Leon County residents vaccinated efficiently and equitably. This, as we continue all our collective efforts related to limiting the spread of the virus and protecting public health.
 
Please see information attached and below for Week 14 updates on vaccination efforts in Leon County as of March 25.
 
New development: Governor DeSantis announced new eligibility guidelines for COVID-19 vaccinations in Florida. Beginning Monday, March 29, all individuals age 40 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Beginning the following Monday, April 5, all individuals age 18 and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine. Watch the announcement by using this link.
 
DOH Leon Vaccination Clinic Highlights:
We have so far sponsored 25 vaccination clinics.
We have successfully administered more than 20,074 vaccines through our health department to date.
Staff continues expanding operations at some of our vaccine clinics to include qualified individuals who do not have scheduled appointments.
A DOH-Leon vaccine team led by Health Officer Claudia Blackburn visited the Leon County Detention Center to administer doses to eligible inmates.
The department is responding to an amended executive order 21-67 signed by Governor DeSantis. The following groups are now qualified for vaccines (Details in English; Details in Spanish):
  • Persons 50 years of age and older
  • Persons determined to be extremely vulnerable by a physician
  • Health care workers with direct patient contact
  • Long-term care facility residents and staff
 
DOH Leon vaccination clinics currently administer Moderna and Pfizer vaccines to those who are eligible. A valid government-issued photo ID is required. The schedule is subject to change based on vaccine supply and inclement weather. Vaccination clinics are held at:
 
DOH Leon Administration Building
2965 Municipal Way
Tallahassee, FL 32304

Since the COVID-19 vaccine rollout began in late December, Leon County has administered a total of 110,846 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 69,000 people have been vaccinated. 41,397 individuals in the county have completed their vaccine series, and are now considered fully protected against COVID-19.

DOH Leon continues its partnership with the state’s Sharecare system that allows residents to preregister for appointments at https://myvaccine.fl.gov/#/. The website allows individuals who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to be proactively contacted when vaccine appointments are available. Those without access to a computer can call the toll-free line for Leon County at 866-200-3856 or for TTY (Text Telephone Relay) at 833-476-1455. For additional questions about the appointment system, residents can call 833-540-2054. Phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The faith-based vaccine initiative is gaining momentum in Leon County. Among churches hosting clinics this week, multiple partners are merging for an event in Tallahassee’s Griffin Heights neighborhood at New Mt. Zion AME Church. (1401 Old Bainbridge Road). The partnership includes Bond Community Health Center, Neighborhood Medical Center, New Mt. Zion AME Church, Leon County Government, and DOH Leon. The church will host a walk-up and drive-through vaccine clinic on Saturday, March 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. See attached flyer. Vaccine teams will administer Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer vaccines. No appointments are needed. See details in this flyer.

The Florida A&M University Al Lawson Center COVID-19 vaccination site extends its hours of operations. Beginning Tuesday, March 30, the 1800 Wahnish Way location will open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Staff at the walk-up site is now allowed to vaccinate all residents 50 years of age and over now that the Governor has expanded access to the vaccine. The state-run site dispenses the Moderna vaccine.
 
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare concludes its series “State of COVID-19 in Leon County Community Update” at noon on Friday March 26. This virtual chat collectively brings together key community leaders for an open conversation about COVID-19 that includes questions submitted by viewers. Health Officer Claudia Blackburn is among the featured panelists. Friday’s show will feature a segment on “life after the pandemic,” and include a special guest, Dr. Carina Blackmore, State Epidemiologist at the Florida Department of Health.
Click here to register. The panel will convene for future webinars as updates are warranted. If you’ve missed any of the past episodes you can find recordings of them by using this link.
 
A communitywide COVID-19 public education initiative is providing timely updates from trusted voices for the Big Bend area. Safe and Healthy Big Bend combines the resources of local governments, local hospitals and health care providers, the Leon public school system, the faith community, business, and media partners to keep the public informed and provide up-to-date information on COVID-19. Click here to visit the Safe and Healthy Big Bend website. The multimedia platform includes PSAs, the latest information about vaccines, and direct messaging to the community from trusted voices including DOH Leon Health Officer Claudia Blackburn.

Community partners offer free rides to seniors with appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.  2-1-1 in partnership with The United Way, 2-1-1 Big Bend and Lyft is offering transportation to COVID-19 vaccine sites through the Lyft Ride United Program. The project provides safe and reliable door to door rides to COVID-19 vaccine appointments at walk-up COVID-19 vaccination sites. Rides can be set up by calling (850) 617-6325 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Additionally, Tallahassee’s Elder Care Services is helping residents who need a ride to the vaccine clinics at FAMU. The organization has teamed up with Florida A & M University to offer transportation to seniors who are 60 years of age and older who have confirmed appointments at the Al Lawson, Jr. Multipurpose Center. They can call (850) 921-5554 to schedule transportation. Individuals do not have to be officially enrolled with elder care to take advantage of this opportunity.

The state continues to put focus and energy on vaccinating homebound seniors by taking the shots to them. They or a caregiver can send an email to homeboundvaccine@em.myflorida.com to get added to the homebound missions list, managed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management. A survey will be sent to them via email for them to complete. The answers will determine if they are considered eligible for homebound vaccines. Seniors can also call 866-779-6121 for assistance.
 
Leon County trendlines continue downward in key COVID-19 metrics. Cases have decreased over the past two weeks. Our 7-day rolling average for new cases has averaged to 33 per day for the past two weeks (3/10-3/23). The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients has also fallen in the Leon County area. The test positivity rate in Leon County remains low, suggesting that testing capacity is meeting current demand.  Our positivity rate has been at 2.47% for the past two weeks (3/10-3/23).  Since last week's report, four new deaths have been confirmed, bringing the total accumulated death count to 301 Leon County residents. Find more data on COVID-19 cases, testing, and fatalities specific to Leon County here. Additionally, there has been one new case of the UK COVID-19 variant identified in Leon County since the last update. We stand at six cases of the B117 variant. Data suggest this variant may be more contagious than the original virus, but does not suggest that it causes more severe disease. Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against this and other mutations.
 
The Florida Department of Health issues a COVID-19 vaccine report that is updated daily. This report includes information on the COVID-19 vaccine by county, race, sex, and age. The site also includes all available resources that we have on the state vaccination plan. Find the COVID-19 vaccine report here: https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/
 
For any additional questions about the vaccine at this time, the State COVID-19 Call Center can be reached by calling 1-866-779-6121 or emailing COVID-19@flhealth.gov and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Source: Florida Department of Health-Leon
Florida Vaccine Eligibility Drops To Age 40 On Monday, Then 18 A Week Later
Gov. Ron DeSantis says "we're ready to take this next step" in announcing an expansion to eligibility on a YouTube video released Thursday.

Due to the growing number of people aged fifty and over who have received the COVID-19 vaccine, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday announced that beginning this Monday, March 29, all Floridians age 40 and older will be eligible.

He also said that all Floridians age 18 and older will be eligible to receive the shots starting on Monday, April 5.


Source: Health News Florida
Florida Rescinds Nursing Home Emergency Visitation Orders
The state has told the nursing home industry to abide by recently issued federal guidelines that allow visitors to touch fully vaccinated residents.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration has swept away four emergency orders dealing with visitors to nursing homes, just days before the Legislature is poised to pass a bill that would help shield the facilities from lawsuits associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The administration has told the nursing-home industry to abide by recently issued federal guidelines that allow visitors to touch fully vaccinated residents.


Source: Health News Florida
Did A Loved One Die From COVID? FEMA Can Reimburse Funeral Costs
Families who lost loved ones to COVID-19 last year will soon be able to apply for reimbursement of their funeral costs through a new federal assistance program.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Wednesday said it will provide up to $9,000 per funeral, with people who lost multiple family members to COVID-19 eligible to apply for up to $35,000.


Source: Health News Florida
Florida House Eyes Cuts For Nursing Homes, Hospitals
A top priority of Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls to extend the length of time that women with newborns can receive Medicaid benefits might be coming at the expense of nursing homes and hospitals.

The House on Thursday rolled out a health care spending proposal that includes deep cuts, including slicing Medicaid reimbursements to nursing homes by 2 percent, or $80.4 million in state and federal funding.


Source: Health News Florida
Learn EM Newsletter by Dr. Sam Ashoo - March 26, 2021
This week brings positive news regarding schools, vaccines, and cases in the U.S.. Case counts have plateaued at a level similar to August of last year. Meanwhile, vaccinations rates continue to increase and states continue to loosen criteria to receive those vaccines. In Europe, case counts continue to climb in France, Italy, Germany, and Spain but those countries have also had slower progress with vaccinations.

 
Source: Dr. Sam Ashoo
Doctor of the Day Program for the 2021 Regular Legislative Session
To: All Physicians and Interested Parties,
 
We appreciate your past participation in the Doctor of the Day Program. In anticipation of the 2021 Regular Legislative Session, preparations for this program are underway.
The Florida Legislature has implemented COVID-19 protocols, please review the DOCTOR OF THE DAY PROGRAM_COVID memo for details. Please also see the Doctor of the Day Information Packet and the Application Form.
 
Please contact a member of the Florida Senate or the Florida House of Representatives for sponsorship prior to submitting your Doctor of the Day Application Form.
 
Thank you and we look forward to your participate in the 2021 Doctor of the Day Program. Please contact me regarding any questions or concerns.
 
Sincerely,
 
Mavis Knight
Office of Legislative Services
111 West Madison Street, Room 874
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1400
(850) 717-0301
Leon County Mask Mandate Still In Effect
The Leon County mask mandate added to the Leon County Amended Emergency Ordinance No. 20-15 is still in effect. The ordinance states that an individual in a business establishment in Leon County must wear a face covering while in that business establishment.
 
A business establishment means a location with a roof overhead under which any business is conducted, goods are made, stored or processed, or where services are rendered. The term “business establishment” also includes locations where non-profit, governmental, churches, and quasi-governmental entities facilitate public interactions and conduct business. Also, as part of the requirement, all businesses must post a notice visible to all customers that face coverings are required while indoors. An example sign can be found here.
 
Facial coverings are not required to be worn by the following persons:
 
  • Persons under the age of six years;
  • Persons who have trouble breathing due to a chronic pre-existing condition or individuals with a documented or demonstrable medical problem. It is the intent of this provision that those individuals who cannot tolerate a facial covering for a medical, sensory, or any other condition which makes it difficult for them to utilize a facial covering and function in public are not required to wear one;
  • Persons in their private rooms of a lodging establishment, such as a hotel, motel, or vacation rental—however, face coverings must be worn in all indoor commons areas of said establishment;
  • Persons exercising while observing at least six feet of distancing from another person;
  • Restaurant and bar patrons eating or drinking
  • Business owners, managers, and employees who are in an area of a business establishment that is not open to customers, patrons, or the public, provided that six feet of distance exist between persons.

The ordinance will remain in place until repealed. A copy of the ordinance and frequently asked questions are posted to the Leon County Emergency Information Portal at www.LeonCountyFL.gov/ei. For additional questions regarding the mask mandate ordinance, please call Leon County Administration at 850-606-5300.

For additional information on COVID-19, the Florida Department of Health has activated a 24/7 COVID-19 call center at (866) 779-6121. Leon County residents can also call the County Health Department at (850) 404-6300, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also, the best resource for Florida-specific COVID-19 information remains the following FDOH website: www.FLHealth.gov/COVID-19.


Source: Office of Economic Vitality
Free Face Coverings Available at OEV
Face coverings are available at the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (315 S. Calhoun Street, Suite 110, Tallahassee, FL, 32301) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A business with one location is eligible for up to 100 face coverings. Local businesses with multiple locations are eligible for up to 200 face coverings. For FAQs regarding the distribution of masks to businesses, click here

Source: Office of Economic Vitality
Some Days Just Aren't As Bright As Others
No denying that the last 12+ months could have been a bit better and brighter. If your days don't seem as bright, we hope you take advantage of this program. The CMSF's Physician Wellness Program will pay for up to six completely confidential wellness coaching sessions with any of the counselors enrolled in our program (contact information below). Pick up the phone and call any of the resources noted below. Telehealth options available during COVID-19. 
 
Special thanks to MagMutual Foundation and others who are helping the CMSF fund this program.
 
Local Wellness Coaching Resources:
  • Paul Deitchman, Ph.D. - 850-878-3571
  • Tracey Morse, Ph.D. - 850-556-7944
  • Debra Weaver, Ph.D. - 850-942-5585
  • Stephen Wright, Ph.D. - 850-222-3045

C. Vincent Dix, Ph.D. has announced his retirement effective March 31, 2021. We appreciate the services Dr. Dix has provided to local physicians since the inception of the Capital Medical Society Foundation's Physician Wellness Program in 2017.

To view Physician Wellness resources, click here.
Coronavirus - Information, Updates, Resources
Updates and Resources

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
Public Service Announcement - "Don't Put It Off!"
Capital Medical Society Partners With Local Hospitals and Physicians to Encourage Patients to Seek Needed Healthcare Through Public Service Announcement, "Don't Put It Off!" 
 
Click here to view the PSA: "Don't Put It Off!" 
Cap Scan Series: "Portraits in COVID-19" - Please Share Your Experience
Capital Medical Society is accepting stories for its Cap Scan magazine from CMS and CMSA members as part of an occasional series called "Portraits in COVID-19," to capture the changes happening in healthcare and our personal lives due to COVID-19 as experienced by physicians and laypeople. These stories can be about your experiences treating COVID-positive patients, supporting patients and coping with families during "no visitation," entering the world of telehealth, concerns about PPE shortages, distancing from your own families, family celebrations by social distancing, newfound time with family, newbie ZOOM meeting experiences worthy of an SNL skit, staycations extraordinaire, or schooling from home. You get the idea. Please try to stay within 800 words, include a photo if it makes sense, and be mindful of HIPAA, if writing about a patient experience. Please send by email to Shannon Boyle at sboyle@capmed.org. All submissions are reviewed by the Cap Scan editor prior to publication.
Not All Superheroes Wear Capes! We Salute Our PPE Donors and Volunteers!
COVID-19 Donations Needed
Rx for Miracles
Florida RX Card has created a new program and resource card to help Children's Miracle Network children and families in need. This card will work just as Florida Rx Card, helping people save on their prescription medications. 

The flyer explains the program and can be used to share/download the app.
Informed Webinar Series: Understanding the CMS Proposed Rule: Reducing Provider and Patient Burden by Improving Prior Authorization Processes
On December 11, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that would improve the electronic exchange of healthcare data among payers, providers, and patients. If finalized, the CMS rule would streamline processes related to prior authorization with the goal of reducing the burden on providers and patients. Medicaid, CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program), and QHP (Qualified Health Plan) payers would be required to build and implement FHIR-enabled APIs that could:
 
  • Allow providers to know, in advance, what documentation would be needed for each different payer. 
  • Streamline the documentation process. 
  • Enable providers to send prior authorization requests (and receive responses electronically) directly from the provider's EHR or other practice management system.
 
Start to HEAL - 8-Week Lecture Series
Do you have patients who could benefit from learning how to live a healthier lifestyle? Are you interested in how diet can aid in disease reversal? Dr. Andria Klioze, founder of HEAL (Healthy Eating. Active Life) has 20+ years of data and experience that will help your patients (and you!) become healthier from top to bottom. This is an 8-week virtual series.
 
 
Source: HEAL 
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.
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!
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