Interested in a Leadership Role with the Capital Medical Society? |
The CMS Board of Governors and the CMS Delegates to the FMA Annual Meeting serve essential roles in guiding the Capital Medical Society and the Florida Medical Association in the practice of medicine for the benefit of the patient. In October, the CMS Nominating Committee will be reviewing vacancies to fill for 2024. Would you like to be considered for a seat on the CMS Board of Governors or as a Delegate or Alternate to the FMA Annual Meeting? Terms are two-years. If so, please contact Pam Irwin at [email protected] or 850.559.8611 or submit your application by September 30.
|
|
For more information on The Doctors Company, click here. |
|
CMS aims to negotiate the lowest maximum fair price for these drugs. That could help some patients who have coverage but still face big bills like high deductible payments when they get a prescription. The cuts won't take effect until 2026. In the meantime, drug-makers are fighting the negotiations with lawsuits.
Source: Health News Florida
|
|
Another Twist in Florida's Quest for Canada Drug Imports: FDA's Port Demand |
With a decision expected this fall on whether Florida can import cost-saving drugs, the state lashed out after federal officials recently raised issues such as a requirement for a secured warehouse in Detroit. the only authorized port of entry. Florida had planned to store shipments at a facility in Indiana.
Source: Health News Florida
|
|
No definitive explanations came from the study, but increases in early onset cancers were likely associated with the increasing rate of obesity as well as changes in environmental exposures.
Source: Health News Florida
|
|
Cigna Removes Prior Authorizations for 25% of Services |
The insurer also plans to nix another 500 codes for its Medicare Advantage plans before the end of this year.
Source: Healthcare Dive
|
|
Pulse Oximetry Inaccuracies Delayed COVID-19 Treatment |
Overestimation of oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry led to delayed delivery of COVID-19 therapy, and an unrecognized need for therapy among Black patients, according to a retrospective cohort study.
Source: MedPage Today
|
|
New MD Anderson Research Uncovers Drug Combo That Could Eliminate Pancreatic Cancer Tumors |
Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center published two studies this week on a new approach that could improve treatment for patients with pancreatic cancer. The preclinical studies showed that combining immunotherapy with a KRAS inhibitor can lead to long-lasting tumor elimination.
Source: MedCity News
|
|
Navigating the Journey from CMO and Physician to Patient |
Even with my “VIP” access to the healthcare system as a physician who practiced in my community, I’m still struggling to coordinate my care as a cancer patient. I believe patients need more from their payers, providers, and digital health collaborators when it comes to care coordination and navigation.
Source: MedCity News
|
|
Save the Date - Adolescent Mental Health in the Post-Covid Era - September 25, 2023 |
|
New DEA Requirement CME Available |
The Florida Medical Association (FMA) has announced they will be providing the 8-hour, required DEA continuing education requirement through their CME portal: www.flmedical.org.
Here is the clickable link to the FMA site for further information and courses. Signing in is required, membership is not required.
Course fees apply: Member $200 / Non-Member $300 for the one-time requirement.
|
|
Are You Prepared This Hurricane Season? |
Hurricane Preparedness Guide 2023
Know Your Flood Zone - FEMA
|
|
DEA Extends Telehealth Flexibilities Until November 11, 2023 |
The ability to prescribe controlled substances based on telehealth patient visits was set to expire when the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ends on Thursday, May 11th. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initially issued two proposed rules establishing new policies for controlled substance prescriptions based on telehealth visits, one for buprenorphine and one for other controlled substances. After receiving more than 38,000 comment letters, however, the DEA has decided to extend [federalregister.gov] the same policies that have been in place during COVID for an additional 6 months, until November 11, 2023.
|
|
DEA-Registered Practitioners' Training Requirement |
On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 enacted a new one-time, eight-hour training requirement for all Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-registered practitioners on the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders. Below is information on this new requirement.
Who is responsible for satisfying this new training requirement?
• All DEA-registered practitioners, with the exception of practitioners that are solely veterinarians.
How will practitioners be asked to report satisfying this new training requirement?
• Beginning on June 27, 2023, practitioners will be required to check a box on their online DEA registration form—regardless of whether a registrant is completing their initial registration application or renewing their registration—affirming that they have completed the new training requirement.
What is the deadline for satisfying this new training requirement?
· The deadline for satisfying this new training requirement is the date of a practitioner’s next scheduled DEA registration submission—regardless of whether it is an initial registration or a renewal registration—on or after June 27, 2023.
· This one-time training requirement affirmation will not be a part of future registration renewals.
· How can practitioners satisfy this new training requirement?
· There are multiple ways that practitioners can satisfy this new training requirement.
• First, the following groups of practitioners are deemed to have satisfied this training:
1.Group 1: All practitioners that are board certified in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry from the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Board of Addiction Medicine, or the American Osteopathic Association.
2.Group 2: All practitioners that graduated in good standing from a medical (allopathic or osteopathic), dental, physician assistant, or advanced practice nursing school in the United States within five years of June 27, 2023, and successfully completed a comprehensive curriculum that included at least eight hours of training on:
· Treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders, including the appropriate clinical use of all drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of a substance use disorder; or
· Safe pharmacological management of dental pain and screening, brief intervention, and referral for appropriate treatment of patients with or at risk of developing opioid and other substance use disorders.
• Second, practitioners can satisfy this training by engaging in a total of eight hours of training on treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders from the groups listed below. A few key points related to this training:
1.The training does not have to occur in one session. It can be cumulative across multiple sessions that equal eight hours of training.
2.Past trainings on the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders can count towards a practitioner meeting this requirement. In other words, if you received a relevant training from one of the groups listed below— prior to the enactment of this new training obligation on December 29, 2022—that training counts towards the eight-hour requirement.
3.Past DATA-Waived trainings count towards a DEA registrant’s 8-hour training requirement.
4.Trainings can occur in a variety of formats, including classroom settings, seminars at professional society meetings, or virtual offerings.
5. What accredited groups may provide trainings that meet this new requirement?
· The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
· The American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP)
· American Medical Association (AMA)
· The American Osteopathic Association (AOA), or any organizations accredited by the AOA to provide continuing medical education
· The American Dental Association (ADA)
· The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)
· The American Psychiatric Association (APA)
· The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
· The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
· The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
· Any other organization accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical
Education (AACCME) or the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition (CCEPR), whether directly or through an organization accredited by a State medical society that is recognized by the ACCME or CCEPR
· Any other organization approved or accredited by the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, the ACCME, or the CCEPR
We hope this information is helpful. For information regarding the DEA Diversion Control Division, please visit www.DEAdiversion.usdoj.gov. If you have any additional questions on this issue, please contact the Diversion Control Division Policy Section at (571) 362-3260.
Sincerely,
Thomas W. Prevoznik
Acting Assistant Administrator Diversion Control Division
Source: U.S Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
|
|
About Exception Applications PY 2023 |
There are 2 exception applications available to clinicians:
Source: U.S Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
|
|
Caring for Those Who Care For Us: Physician Suicide Awareness and Prevention |
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis or emotional distress, reach out 24/7 to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at suicidepreventionlifeline.org to connect to a trained crisis counselor. You can also get crisis text support via the Crisis Text Line by texting NAMI to 741741.
Sept. 17 marks the fifth annual National Physician Suicide Awareness Day, a day dedicated to preventing suicide and reminding physicians that they are not alone. NAMI supports physician mental health and wants to ensure that access to support — and caring for those who care for us — remains a priority.
Physician suicide is a topic historically shrouded in stigma and secrecy. While an exact statistic is difficult to pinpoint, we know some estimates show that suicide affects doctors at a rate that is 1.4 – 2.3 times higher than the general population. Clearly, there is a need for awareness and action.
If you’re a physician, it’s time to talk about it.
A Complex Topic
Suicide is a complex problem, with multiple risk factors that can change with time, and rarely due to a singular cause or event. This is true for everyone, including physicians. However, there are additional factors particular to the profession of medicine.
For example, physicians are problem-solvers, healers who undergo rigorous training — and this mindset may make it difficult to accept that you need support. You may subject yourself to unrealistic standards of perfection and may judge your self-worth by whether or not you reach them. Constantly striving for perfection can take a toll on you over time.
Additionally, you may experience trauma and moral injury in the course of your work, and these factors can lead to depression and substance use, as well as suicidal thoughts. Physicians of all specialties also face burnout, a stress reaction that builds up over time and results in mental exhaustion, cynicism and a sense of hopelessness. Prolonged stress can have a serious effect on both physical and mental health, and burnout is a common reason for leaving the field of medicine.
“Burnout has many dimensions — psychological, physical, spiritual and more — but in the simplest of terms, it is an erosion of the soul. And that is an awful feeling, one that alarms and saddens doctors, who seriously question why they went into medicine in the first place.” – Dr. Michael Myers.
Differentially Speaking
While diagnostically different, burnout, moral injury and depression share many overlapping features, including a significant impact on mood, sleep and energy levels. These factors interact in complex ways and can sometimes be difficult to differentiate.
You may resent that your treatment decisions are often hampered or overruled by distant bureaucratic or insurance-driven dictates. You may also become frustrated by having to devote more time to electronic health records and other administrative burdens than patient care — the very reason you chose to become a physician. These are frequent causes of burnout.
Scenarios like these can also result in moral injury, as physicians are sometimes unable to alter the course of care decisions that are beyond their control, yet medically and ethically flawed. Or you may face the rising frequency of treating victims of senseless trauma, scenarios that expose you to suffering and lead to a loss of empathy or feelings of intense anger.
While those suffering from burnout may not necessarily experience moral injury or develop depression, it’s important for you to understand the symptoms you’re experiencing, so you can access the kind of support needed to regain a sense of well-being.
It’s also key to preventing an escalation of symptoms. Untreated symptoms of depression can be dangerous, as depression is a major factor in suicide. Similarly, if you’re experiencing burnout that hasn’t yet led to depression, managing stress and finding solutions to specific challenges can help you prevent negative mental and physical effects from worsening.
Don’t let stigma convince you that it’s “just burnout.” Identify what you’re feeling, be aware of warning signs, and explore options for support.
Overcoming Barriers
Even physicians who recognize warning signs may still struggle to access support. Personal stigma or concerns over how colleagues or family might react may make you hesitant to seek treatment. Or maybe you feel reluctant to focus on your own distress and mental health symptoms when the patients you treat are battling illnesses that are “visible” or “testable.” There may not be a blood test for depression, but it still presents in the form of mental and physical symptoms, and treating those symptoms can help you feel better. Your patients would never want you to suffer in silence — neither would your peers and loved ones.
Even aside from these concerns, physicians in many states face an additional risk: the fear of professional repercussions if they seek mental health support. You may worry about losing your license, hospital privileges and job if you disclose access to mental health treatment.
NAMI believes that this is unacceptable – seeking treatment should be encouraged without such fear. We’ve taken a stand on this issue with a public policy statement regarding licensure application questions on mental health for medical professionals:
NAMI supports limiting medical license application questions about mental health to only those necessary and relevant to assess an individual’s current ability to practice medicine safely and competently. NAMI further supports and encourages the use of language in the licensure application process that is supportive of seeking mental health treatment.”
Medical professionals who would like access to confidential support are not alone. NAMI Frontline Wellness offers resources for professional support options that protect your privacy. You can also find information on warning signs, when to reach out for support, how to build resilience and strategies for wellness.
You can also download the National Physician Suicide Awareness Day toolkit, which contains tips and resources for individuals and organizations. Share these resources with peers, your leadership and hospital or practice administrators.
Check On Each Other
Remember that you and your peers are also a resource for support. If you’re struggling, or notice that a colleague appears to be, don’t wait. Taking action can be as simple as having a conversation that begins with, “It’s been rough around here the past few days. Are you doing ok?”
Asking simple questions and acknowledging that your colleague seems to be struggling lets them know that someone cares and they don’t have to struggle alone. As a physician, you know what other physicians face, and that experience can make peer support invaluable. Talking through challenges and concerns and sharing strategies for wellness can help generate new ideas and motivation for self-care for both of you.
You face many challenges and stressors each day, but there are ways to effectively cope with the resulting experiences and emotions. As you work hard to take care of your patients, remember that you’re at your best when you also care for your own health.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, there are resources you can turn to.
If you don’t want to talk on the phone, you can also text the Crisis Text Line for free 24/7 mental health support.
Text “SCRUBS” to 741741.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
African-American Alzheimer's Caregivers Training and Support (ACTS 2) Project |
|
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.
|
|
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?
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.
|
|
Electronic Version of September 2023 Cap Scan |
|
Free Monthly Webinars: "The Business Side of Medicine" |
Each webinar is on the third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 PM.
Source: MIRZA, Healthcare Law Partners
|
|
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 |
|
September 19, 2023
CMS Membership Meeting
"Panel Discussion: Caring for Aging Family - Care Planning and Resources"
6:00 pm
Maguire Center for Lifelong Learning at Westminster Oaks
|
|
October 17, 2023
CMS Membership & CME Meeting
"Prevention of Medical Errors"
2-Hour CME
Presenters: E. Victoria "Tori" Penny, Esq. and Julia Weeks, M.D.
6:00 pm
Maguire Center for Lifelong Learning at Westminster Oaks
|
|
December 8, 2023
*NEW DATE*
CMS Foundation Holiday Auction
6:00 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!
|
|
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.
2023 Medical-Dental Integration Symposium - Virtual
September 13, 2023
2:00-6:00 pm
Free
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
|
|
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.
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.
|
|
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 [email protected].
|
|
Check Out the Latest CMS Member Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
