May Capital Medical Society Catch My Stride Schedule |
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Medical Licensure Extended Until June 30, 2021 |
On March 31, 2021, as part of the response efforts to the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), FL State Surgeon General Dr. Scott A. Rivkees issued Emergency Order 21-001 extending the licensure renewal expiration date for any professional license issued by the Department or a Department board or council until June 30, 2021. https://www.flhealthsource.gov/pdf/DOH-EO-21-001.pdf
The license expiration date for Medical Doctors expiring January 31, 2021 is further extended to June 30, 2021.
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Save the Date for Upcoming CMS Meetings/Events |
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May 2, 2021
CMS Catch My Stride Event
Tallahassee Museum
(3945 Museum Drive - meet in back of the main museum building with
Dr. Russell Cole,
Dr. Rohan Joseph, and Pam Irwin)
2:00 pm
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May 15, 2021
CMS Catch My Stride Event
Bradfordville Dog Park
(6808 Beech Ridge Trail - meet inside the small dog or large dog gates with
Dr. Nicole Balmer, Andrea Stephens, and Pam Irwin)
8:30 am
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May 18, 2021
Virtual CME
(1-Hour)
Panel Discussion-
Bringing it All Together: Expanding the Scope of Type 2 Diabetes Management
6:30 pm
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Sept. 14, 2021
Celebration Awards Dinner
University Center Club at FSU
6:30 pm
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PRIME Virtual Meeting - Impact of Earlier Treatment on Visual Outcomes in Retinal Diseases - 0.5 CME Credit Opportunity
Rapid progression to severe vision loss following the onset and diagnosis of retinal diseases underscores the need for timely initiation of treatment. Despite advances in anti-VEGF therapy, optimal patient visual outcomes are impacted by delays in treatment. Join this live discussion to examine critical considerations for prompt therapy initiation to support optimal visual outcomes.
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 [email protected] 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.
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Looking for Some Non-CME Credit Learning Opportunities? |
WEBINAR – Provider Panel Discussion – The CMS Rule to Reduce Prior Auth Burden
May 13, 2021
1pm - 2pm ET
Provided by MCG Health
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Wolfson Pre-Surgical COVID Testing Now Available at TMH |
In a continual effort to keep patients, families, and hospital staff safe, and in keeping with the latest CDC guidelines, Wolfson Children’s Hospital has required patients to complete a PCR COVID-19 test 4 days prior to their procedure or surgery. To help make this more convenient for local patients traveling to Jacksonville, Wolfson has partnered with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to provide the required COVID testing at their lab in Tallahassee. See the links to the flyers below for more information.
Source: Wolfson Children’s Hospital
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COVID-19 Vaccine ‘Passport’ Ban Clears Florida House |
While COVID-19 passports could be used to show people have been vaccinated, ban supporters say the plan strikes a “delicate balance” between protecting people and civil liberties.
Source: Health News Florida
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Florida Surgeon General: Masks Out, Gatherings In For Vaccinated People |
Florida’s surgeon general on Thursday recommended the end of mask wearing for fully vaccinated people in an COVID-19 advisory that also expands vaccine access to certain nonresidents.
Source: Health News Florida
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Here's Who Might Want to Avoid the J&J COVID Shot |
Patients with a prior history of an episode of an immune-mediated syndrome characterized by thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, such as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, should avoid the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in the immediate aftermath of their illness, CDC staff said in a call with clinicians Tuesday.
Because the etiology of thrombosis and thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) appears similar to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, patients with a similar immune-mediated syndrome should be offered another FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine for at least 90-180 days after their illness resolves.
Source: MedPage Today
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CDC Recommends Pregnant Women Get Covid Vaccine After Study Shows It’s Safe For Mother and Baby |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending Covid-19 shots for pregnant women after preliminary data from the largest study of coronavirus vaccine use among expectant mothers showed that Pfizer’s and Moderna’s jabs were safe for the women as well as their babies.
The researchers found no “obvious safety signals” among any of the 35,691 women who were followed in the peer-reviewed study published Wednesday by The New England Journal of Medicine. Data used in the research was self-reported, and the participants’ ages ranged from 16 to 54 years old.
Source: CNBC
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Why Clotting Happens When Platelets Are Low |
Reports of unusual blood clots in the setting of low platelets associated with COVID-19 vaccines have brought attention to these tiny blood cells tasked with preventing humans from fatally bleeding.
The European Medicines Agency has said that, as of April 20, there have been 287 reports of rare blood clots with low platelets after administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine, eight with Johnson & Johnson, 25 with Pfizer, and five with Moderna. The clots are notable because many have occurred in unusual and deadly locations in the veins that drain the brain (known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis) and the abdomen (known as splanchnic vein thrombosis).
Source: MedPage Today
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Medtech Companies Look to Post-Pandemic Home Testing Beyond COVID-19 |
Encouraged by the development of rapid at-home coronavirus tests, medtech companies are now betting on the potential to sell over-the-counter and direct-to-consumer diagnostics for diseases beyond COVID-19.
The pandemic has enabled consumers to get tested for the virus in the privacy of their homes, a convenience that companies like Abbott Laboratories and Quest Diagnostics are hoping will appeal to people when it comes to other diagnostics.
Source: Healthcare Dive
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Lessons Learned — and Forgotten — From the Horrific Epidemics of the U.S. Civil War |
As the U.S. approaches 600,000 deaths from Covid-19, it is hard to fathom that this calamity pales in comparison to America’s worst outbreak of epidemic diseases during and just after the Civil War.
From smallpox and measles to dysentery and typhoid, the Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865, triggered an explosion of deadly epidemics on a scale never seen in the U.S., before or since. A million sick soldiers, newly emancipated ex-slaves, families caught in the crossfire, and hungry refugees died during the war, about 3% of the U.S. population. Two-thirds of these deaths were from disease. For comparison, it would take nearly 10 million Americans deaths from Covid-19 to reach the Civil War’s death toll.
Source: STAT
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Learn EM Newsletter by Dr. Sam Ashoo - April 25, 2021 |
The past 7 days have brought good news for the US along with some unwelcome news about variants and vaccines. Below is a summary of items I have found helpful, and answers to questions posed at Learn EM.
Source: Dr. Sam Ashoo - Learn EM
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FSU College of Medicine's Electronic Medical Review |
To view the April 2021 edition of the FSU College of Medicine's Electronic Medical Review, click here.
Source: FSU College of Medicine
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Hospitals Fight New State Rules On Transplants, Pediatric Cardiac Services |
Some of Florida’s largest health care systems and children’s hospitals are challenging two proposed state rules, alleging that facilities could get shut out of the market and quality of care could be harmed.
Six challenges have been filed in the state Division of Administrative Hearings during the past two weeks. They challenge a proposed rule meant to regulate organ transplant programs and a proposed rule about pediatric cardiac services.
Source: Health News Florida
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BCBSA to Take Aim at Racial Inequities in Health, Starting with Maternal Care |
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association recently announced its new national health equity strategy that will focus on maternal health, diabetes, cardiovascular care and mental health. The association's first goal is to cut racial disparities in maternal health by 50% in the next five years.
Source: MedCity News
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Memory Loss Drug Appears To Help People With The Genetic Disease Fragile X |
An experimental drug appears to help people with a genetic disorder called Fragile X syndrome. Fragile X is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disabilities and autism. NPR's Jon Hamilton reports that a drug intended for Alzheimer's patients appears to ease some of the symptoms.
Source: Health News Florida
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Op-Ed: Who's Really at Risk of Fragility Fractures? |
In 1994, a World Health Organization (WHO) study group published an attempt at predicting the risk of fragility fractures based on bone mineral density (BMD). Before this report, the diagnosis of "osteoporosis" was clinical -- that is, following the occurrence of a low-impact (fragility) fracture, and, depending on clinical sagacity, other related factors that can be discovered in the personal history.
Source: MedPage Today
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How to Use Tax Diversification To Reduce Taxes Now AND in Retirement |
Paying attention to your taxes now AND your taxes later will give you the tax diversification and freedom you’ll want during retirement. A tax diversified portfolio should be made up of tax-deferred, Roth, and taxable accounts.
Most doctors are aware of the importance of diversifying their portfolios among various “asset classes” such as stocks, bonds, and real estate (and within those asset classes as well) to spread their money across a large number of individual securities or properties. This move prevents the investor from making the classic mistake of putting too many eggs into one basket, which could lead to financial ruin in the event of a market downturn in a single security or asset class. However, too few doctors have applied these same principles to the taxation of assets when it comes time to spend them.
Source: The White Coat Investor
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Born Secret — The Heavy Burden of Bomb Physics |
In March 1950, an official from the Atomic Energy Commission — then the guardian of US nuclear secrets — oversaw the burning of thousands of copies of the magazine Scientific American. The contention? They contained information so secret that its publication could jeopardize the free world. The magazine burning is one of several arresting episodes recounted in historian Alex Wellerstein’s book Restricted Data. Wellerstein chronicles the twisted path of nuclear secrecy from the early days of atom-splitting research, through the Manhattan Project, into the cold war and beyond.
Source: Nature
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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 Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requirements through December 2022.
Source: Fierce Healthcare
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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
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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
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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.
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Coronavirus - Information, Updates, Resources |
Updates and Resources
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:
Vaccine Updates
(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
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
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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!"
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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 [email protected]. All submissions are reviewed by the Cap Scan editor prior to publication.
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Not All Superheroes Wear Capes! We Salute Our PPE Donors and Volunteers! |
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COVID-19 Donations Needed |
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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.
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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.
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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
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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 [email protected].
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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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Check Out the Latest CMS Member Benefits |
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To view the DocbookMD Training Manual, click here.
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