November 16, 2023

CCMS Mission:

Serve the needs of our physician members so they can better serve the needs of the community

In this Issue

News Briefs, Member Notices, Events, Member Spotlights, Helping Patients Quit Smoking

News Briefs

Update on 2023 House of Delegates resolutions: “The FMA Board of Governors met in October and discussed several resolutions that were referred by the 2023 House of Delegates (HOD) at Annual Meeting. A report summarizing the status of resolutions from the 2023 HOD is now available." - Florida Medical Association

Highlights from the 2023 AMA Interim Meeting: “Catch up with the news and other key moments from the AMA House of Delegates’ meeting in National Harbor, Maryland.” - AMA

Medical experts raise concerns about diabetes as Florida outpaces the national average: “According to the (CDC), 37.3 million Americans are living with diabetes, 96 million American adults are living with prediabetes, and about 1 in 5 people with diabetes are unaware that they have it.” - bloom

Florida Senate President Passidomo Puts Focus On Health Care: “Amid population growth and a shortfall of doctors and nurses, the Florida Senate next week (11/13) will start crafting legislation aimed at expanding access to health care.” - Tampa Free Press

Member Notices

CCMS 2024 Physician of the Year Award: Request for Nominations

CCMS is pleased to announce its search for the 10th Annual CCMS Physician of the Year. The award honors a CCMS member who deserves special recognition for exemplary contributions to the practice of medicine and/or outstanding service to our community. The Board of Directors of CCMS invites CCMS physician members to submit nominees for this prestigious award.

Nominees must be a current member of CCMS and have demonstrated exceptional activities over the past year that reflect well on the medical profession. Deadline for entries is February 19, 2024.

More info. >

Nomination form >

AMA Specialty Impact Chart - 2024 Physician Payment Schedule Final Rule

On November 2, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the Calendar Year 2024 Revisions to Payment Policies under the Medicare Physician Payment Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies final rule.

Specialty Impact Analysis >

AMA MFS Final Rule Summary >

Physician Wellness Program

Article of the week: "We know how to overcome medicine’s crisis. Let’s find the will."

Confidential, cost-free counseling/coaching sessions with the CCMS Physician Wellness Program (operating via telehealth or in-person) are open to all CCMS physician members. The PWP member-only appointment line is (239) 208-3984.

Learn more / Schedule a session >

*Upcoming Events

New Members Welcome Reception

Sat., Dec. 2, 6:00PM, LaPlaya Beach Resort Gulf Lawn

New CCMS members will be recognized for participating in our local medical society. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and mingling with your new CCMS colleagues. Complimentary for CCMS physician members and one guest each, as well as CCMS Circle of Friends vendors (two attendees per company).

Sponsor info. >

CCMS After 5 Social

Thurs., Dec. 7, 6:00PM, Blue Martini

Come learn some new dance moves with dance instructors, enjoy refreshments and hors d'oeuvres, and network with colleagues and friends. Free for CCMS physician members, prospective members, and one guest each. Co-hosted by Family Foot & Leg Center.

CCMS After 5 Social

Wed., Jan. 24, 5:30PM, Studio Samaniego / Sticks & Stones Collection

Enjoy refreshments, hors d'oeuvres and networking, while experiencing the creativity of local artists and studio tours. Free for CCMS physician members, prospective members, and one guest each. Co-hosted by Patients First Home Care, Fifth Third Wealth Advisors, and the Naples Art District.

CCMS & CCMSA Topgolf Family Night

Sat., Feb. 17, 5:30PM, Topgolf Fort Myers

Admission is $40/person and includes a buffet dinner and two hours of high-tech golf games and contests. Open to CCMS/CCMSA members and their guests; children welcomed. Support provided by CARE Professional Liability Association/Care Risk Retention Group.

*Save the Date for more CCMS Events: March 23 - CCMS Women’s Health Forum | June 15 - CCMS Annual Meeting.

Partner Events

Note: Click here for information on various CME courses available

NCH Grand Rounds (Topics Vary) | In-person or Livestream

Thursdays, 7:30-8:30AM, NCH Baker Hospital (Downtown), Classroom #3 Telford Bldg

To livestream, contact CME office at (239) 624-2795. 1 CME Credit each. Complimentary to all physicians. No RSVP required. November Grand Rounds

Southwest Florida Orthopedic Symposium

TODAY, Thurs., Nov. 16, 5:00PM, Arthrex One Conference Center

Enjoy a reception followed by a series of short, didactic presentations from the Arthrex Medical Education team, which cover examinations of the shoulder and knee, nonsurgical treatment options, and cutting-edge surgical techniques.

CCMSA Sip + Shop Fundraiser

Thurs., Dec. 14, 6:00PM, Maverick the Collection

Open to the public. Hosted by Michelle Fuchs and Karen Wilkinson.

More info. >

State-mandated CME Restream

Fri., Jan. 12, 9:00AM

This track includes state-mandated CME courses to help physicians maintain their Florida medical licenses and address key issues affecting physicians in the Sunshine State. 7 CME Credits. Cost: FMA Members Free | Non FMA Members $450. All registrants will have access to the recordings until midnight on Sunday, Jan. 21. (Register no later than 5 p.m. Jan. 12 to receive extended access).

CCMS Member Spotlights

Email your news to CCMS to be included in the next issue

Drs. Michael Collins and G. Brit Fisher III were featured in the Business Observer article Naples eye doctor retires, sells practice to fellow physician.

Drs. Kiran Gill and Ashley Pezzi were featured in the èBella eXtra article Women to Watch.

Dr. Rebekah Bernard authored the Medical Economics article Top 5 ways organizations can retain great physicians.

Dr. Lina Sakr authored the Florida Weekly article Detecting and treating mold exposure through functional medicine.

Dr. Brian Wallace was recently named medical director of Seaside Surgery Center.

Congratulations to the CCMS members who participated in the Physicians’ Community Talent Show which was held on November 11! The event raised money for three local healthcare charities. Click here to watch videos.

Helping Our Patients Quit Smoking

Today, November 16, 2023, our nation will again celebrate the American Cancer Society’s “Great American Smokeout”. On this day, thousands of smokers will be encouraged by their health providers, family, and friends to take their first steps towards living healthier, smoke-free lives.

The Collier County Medical Society strongly encourages all members to support the “Great American Smokeout” by helping their patients quit using tobacco and by referring them to Tobacco Free Florida’s Group Quit Program provided statewide by the Area Health Education Centers (AHECs). This program is available for free to all Florida residents aged 18 and up.

It is very easy to refer any adult tobacco dependent patient to your local AHEC. Referrals can be made by submitting (via fax or email) the Health Care Provider Referral Form or through the Tobacco Free Florida Automated Referral Form, both available online. For more information on the TFF AHEC Group Quit Program, please visit https://ahectobacco.com.

Classified Ads

Recently built-out, fully furnished medical space available on Fridays at Fountain Medical Court 1/4 mi E of Bonita Beach Rd & US 41. Three exam rooms, 1 lab, 1 physician office. $1K/ month internet, copier, phones & utilities included. Please direct inquiries to jtalano@swicft.org.

Concierge medicine practice seeking an experienced front desk receptionist or medical assistant in Naples, Florida. For more information, please contact Danielle at (267) 227-4079 or email zampognahealthcare@gmail.com.

Volunteer Family Medicine Physicians Needed. PANIRA Healthcare Clinic, a not-for-profit, Walk-in/Primary Care Clinic, is urgently looking for Family Practice Physician Volunteers to help the Clinic in the mission and assist them to enhance their medical care delivery to low-income and underserved population in Collier County. If interested, please contact Lawrence or Geneve Egger at office: (239) 529-5550; cell: (239) 465-6929 or email.

Prime Medical space available in Downtown Naples for lease or purchase. Located in the 661 Goodlette Rd N. building. Available Nov. 1, 2023. Rental rate $24 sq ft plus estimated CAM $7.72 sq ft, 4412 sq ft. Contact Linda Krajewski at (239) 250-2535. More information

Physician Led Access Network (PLAN), a small nonprofit organization, is seeking office space in Naples for two full-time employees. Space must be secure and private and preferably donated (or available for a nominal rate). PLAN coordinates free medical services with physician specialists for individuals referred by a primary care physician who are uninsured residents of Collier County ages 19- 64, meeting AMI guidelines. Please call (239) 464-9925.

Physician Led Access Network (PLAN) is seeking a Patient Care Coordinator. PLAN coordinates free medical services with physician specialists for individuals referred by a primary care physician who are uninsured residents of Collier County ages 19- 64, meeting AMI guidelines. This is a full-time position, 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday. If interested, please call (239) 464-9925.

Bonita Springs, FL Medical spa for sale. Successful medspa opened in 2008, owner has practiced in area since 2002. Owner willing to stay during transition. Contact CCMS for more info.

Seeking an experienced medical assistant for Concierge Internal Medicine practice located in Naples. Competitive salary and benefits offered. For more information, please contact Christina at (239) 566-3100 or email staff@gcmedicine.com.