A Manhattan E.R. Doctor Recalls the Lessons of 9/11 While Treating Coronavirus Patients |
(March 2020) I recently spoke by phone with Antonio Dajer, a longtime Manhattan emergency physician, who is currently treating coronavirus patients. On September 11, 2001, Dajer was the assistant director of what was then called N.Y.U. Downtown Hospital, the closest hospital to the World Trade Center; the planes struck during one of his shifts. During our conversation, which has been edited for length and clarity, we discussed the similarities and differences between 9/11 and the current crisis, what preparation time allows medical staff to accomplish, and the frustration of medical professionals over the way the federal government has managed the coronavirus pandemic.
Source: The New Yorker
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FEATURED ADVERTISER: The Doctors Company |
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FDOH-Leon / Primary Healthcare Partners Calls - Next Call September 10 |
Leon EM is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting
FDOH-Leon/Primary Healthcare Partners Call
Friday, September 10, 2021 - 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Occurs every 2 week(s) on Friday effective 9/10/2021 until 12/17/2021 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
This Zoom invitation is recurring and will work for future meetings.
Join Zoom Meeting
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United Agrees To Give Physicians ERISA Rights in Connection with Repayment Demands |
Recent class action settlement gives all out-of-network (“ONET”) physicians important – and often overlooked – rights under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) in connection with repayment demands.
Source: American Medical Association (AMA)
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Legislators OK $750M to Help in COVID Battle |
Florida is pushing ahead with a plan to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in the months ahead to pay for lab testing, an increase in medical staff support and a media campaign to encourage more vaccinations.
Source: Health News Florida
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Poison Centers Fielding Surge of Ivermectin Calls |
Across the nation from July to August, there was a 245% jump in cases involving the livestock anti-parasite drug. That includes Florida, where a Polk commissioner is among the political leaders, internet bloggers and talk show hosts promoting ivermectin as a COVID treatment despite warnings from experts and virtually no clinical support.
Source: Health News Florida
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Judge Rules 'Neigh' on Using Ivermectin for COVID-19, Reversing Earlier Court Decision |
An Ohio county judge has reversed a temporary ruling that ordered UC Health West Chester Hospital to treat a COVID-19 patient with ivermectin based on an outside doctor’s prescription.
Judge Michael A. Oster Jr. wrote in the decision that “there can be no doubt” the medical and scientific communities do not support ivermectin, a drug best known as a horse de-worming medication, as a treatment for COVID-19. Although he said he was sympathetic to the plaintiff’s situation, Oster wrote that “public policy should not and does not support allowing a physician to try ‘any’ type of treatment on human beings" and that the broader rights of the hospital and whether providers should be mandated to deliver care they believe unnecessary needed to be considered alongside patient autonomy.
Source: Fierce Healthcare
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In lifting an automatic stay, Judge John Cooper said actions like the governor's executive order on masks typically should be upheld while working through challenges: “But we're not in normal times. We're in a pandemic.”
Source: Health News Florida
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Florida Department Of Health Faces More School Mask Challenges |
The Florida Department of Health faces two more challenges over a rule aimed at preventing school mask mandates, with the Miami-Dade County School Board, the NAACP and other parties saying the department did not have a legal basis for the rule.
Source: Health News Florida
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South Miami Physician Won't See Patients Unless They're Vaccinated For COVID |
Dr. Linda Marraccini, a family doctor in South Miami, posted a note outside the office door and gave patients until Sept. 15 to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or else she will end the doctor-patient relationship.
Source: Health News Florida
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Seven Cognitive Distortions Poisoning COVID Debates |
COVID-19 cases are climbing and sanity is declining. Here are seven cognitive distortions routinely seen when it comes to talking about SARS-CoV-2. And if you have time, check out the comments - always a lively read!
Source: Opinion - Vinay Prasad, MD MPH, MedPage Today
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More than 6% of American adults and 20% of high schoolers say they vape in what is a $6 billion industry. But the FDA could impact almost all of that today. About 6.5 million products are under evaluation, and if the agency finds they are not "appropriate for the protection of public health," companies may be forced to pull them from shelves.
Source: Health News Florida
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Targeting Bacteria in COPD Shows Promise |
One study of an immunotherapy for reducing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations missed its primary endpoint and failed to show a statistically significant benefit even in the subgroup that showed the greatest response. Another study, involving a similar product, showed results so dramatic that an independent expert suspected they were "too good to be true."
Source: MedPage Today
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Florida Spine Surgeon And Device Company Owner Charged in Kickback Scheme |
Prosecutors say two executives with SpineFrontier are accused of paying millions of dollars in bribes disguised as consulting fees to surgeons in exchange for the surgeons using the manufacturer's products.
Source: Health News Florida
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2022 Retirement Plan Contribution Limits |
Contribution limits for 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 457(b)s, IRAs, Roth IRAs, HSAs, FSAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and SEP IRAs are all indexed to inflation. While the contribution limits do not go up every year and while every account does not use the same formula for when there will be an increase, you will generally see an increased contribution every year or two.
Inflation was relatively high in the first half of 2021, so the 2022 contribution limits for many of these accounts will be increased. In fact, if you know the latest inflation numbers, it is possible to calculate the increase even before the IRS announces it in October or November. The closer you get to October, the more accurate your projection can be.
Quick look, easily explained and in an easy format, at what you can expect.
Source: The White Coat Investor
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Leadership Opportunities at the Capital Medical Society |
The Capital Medical Society will be able to continue to navigate in the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 eras. We have faced challenges before and there will be more in the future, but we can count on strong physician leadership to guide us. I know that the CMS will continue to make a major difference in shaping the future of healthcare in this community and in the State of Florida.
Capital Medical Society
1204 Miccosukee Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Best,
Pam Irwin
Executive Director
Capital Medical Society
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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.
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CMS Member Fall Picnic
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park Pavilion/Playground
Saturday, October 16, 2021 - 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
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Discounted Event Tickets at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center |
Capital Medical Society members can receive a discount on certain events at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center by using our promo code "CMS". The newest event is:
September 28-29, 2021
Members can receive the discount a few different ways:
- Click the show link above and enter the promo code "CMS"
2. Call 850-645-0747 to purchase over the phone and mention the promo code "CMS"
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Save the Date for Upcoming CMS Meetings/Events |
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September 14, 2021
Celebration Awards Dinner
University Center Club at FSU
6:30 pm
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September 21, 2021
Virtual CME
(2-Hours)
Panel Discussion-
Updates and Debates in Cancer Screening
6:30 pm
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October 19, 2021
Virtual CME
(2-Hours)
Prevention of Medical Errors
6:30 pm
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We all need co-pilots. That's why the Capital Medical Society Foundation Physician Wellness Program is here for its members. The CMSF has teamed up with four wonderful resources who will help you fly - confidentially and autonomously. Your first six wellness coaching visits are at no cost to you. None. Nada. No identifying information. Nothing except peace of mind. Seriously. Pick up the phone and call any of the resources noted below. Telehealth options available.
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.
The Elephant in the Doctors' Lounge - With roughly 156 million Americans fully vaccinated for COVID-19, physicians are seeing signs of relief on the horizon. That relief can't come soon enough. The initial energy and adrenaline that drove physicians to treat their acutely ill patients in the early months of the pandemic have been replaced by fatigue, burnout, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It's time to talk -- and to act -- so these feelings of struggle don't drive more of our colleagues into a mental health emergency.
Source: MedPage Today
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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.
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.
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Looking for Some Non-CME Credit Learning Opportunities? |
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Opportunity to Support the 2022 CMS Membership Directory |
The Capital Medical Society will publish its 2022 Membership Directory early next year. It will be distributed to all members. We have once again contracted with a company called E&M Consulting to produce the directory. E&M will be contacting our members over the next few months about advertising opportunities in the directory. E&M will manage all the ad sales, creative design, and formatting of the publication for us. This is a very professional group with experience in publishing association directories. If you have any questions or would like to advertise, please contact Rob Schmidt with E&M at 850-347-8182, 800-572-0011, or [email protected]. Information on the available advertising opportunities can be viewed here or can also be viewed online at https://www.emconsultinginc.com/adreservation/cms/. Please be responsive and help support this directory. Remember, it will include our entire medical community.
CMS will provide the content - including photos of our members. If you have an updated photo - please send it to us!
Please feel free to call us if you have any questions - and thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
The CMS Staff
(850) 877-9018
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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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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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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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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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