Membership Dinner & Event Policy Reminder
If an HCMA member RSVPs for themselves along with guest/s, that member must pay the dinner fee for their guest/s, if they are considered a no-show (if the reservation was not cancelled 3 business days prior to the event). The HCMA Board of Trustees was forced to enact this policy many years ago due to numerous no-shows at our events, which continue to cost the HCMA a significant amount of money. While we have never invoiced a member for not attending, we do send invoices for the member’s guest/s, currently $55 per person, if reservations were not canceled in advance. Thank you for your understanding.
A call for nominees - Dr. Frederick A. Reddy Memorial Award
We are seeking nominees for the Dr. Frederick A. Reddy Memorial Award. The award is meant to recognize a member of the Tampa Bay Community (physician or layperson) who exemplifies the qualities that were so prevalent in Dr. Reddy’s work within the community. Examples include community service, social justice, mentoring kids, teens, and young adults etc. Our community is large, and many people are doing great things that sometimes go unnoticed.
If you can nominate someone who fits the description above, please send their contact information and a brief narrative of why you believe they qualify, along with one specific example of their altruism, to Debbie Zorian, HCMA Executive Director no later than August 11th. Previous award recipients.
HCMA Foundation Grants Awarded
The HCMA Foundation Board reviewed grant applications at their meeting on June 24th. The organizations listed below have been awarded 2025 Foundation grants. Please take a moment to visit their websites to learn about the important work they do in our communities. We hope you will also consider supporting these great organizations. The 2025 grant recipients will be recognized at the September 16th Membership Dinner. You can RSVP here.
Gov. DeSantis signs budget that includes more than $1.16 billion for health care initiatives
The $117 billion spending plan includes support for mental health and addiction services, cancer research, maternal and child health, elder care, and veterans' services. Read more.
These new Florida laws took effect on July 1st
More than 100 new Florida laws took effect on July 1st, here are 10 that residents and visitors should know about. They include a ban on communities adding fluoride to drinking water and prohibiting elementary and middle school students from using cellphones in schools. Read more.
Here's how President Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill Act' could impact Medicaid for Floridians
Supporters say the measure will root out waste, fraud, and abuse. Opponents say the effects could be devastating for Floridians. The Your Florida team looks into what to expect if the bill becomes law. Read more.
RFK Jr.'s HHS ousts entire roster of CDC vaccine expert committee
In a "bold" and unprecedented move, RFK Jr.'s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has removed all 17 sitting members of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The HHS is planning to replace the outgoing ACIP roster with "new members currently under consideration." Read more.
WHO expert group fails to find a definitive answer for how COVID-19 began
The chair of the WHO's investigative group said that most scientific data supports the hypothesis that the new coronavirus jumped to humans from animals. Read more.
Medicare fraud scheme involving phishing fax requests
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published an alert on fraud schemes that are increasingly targeting Medicare providers that involve bad actors impersonating CMS and sending phishing fax requests for medical records and documentation, falsely claiming to be part of a Medicare audit.
Phishing is an example of social engineering that attempts to trick you or someone else in your workplace into giving out sensitive information. Email phishing attacks are still a common occurrence, but we are hearing about more fraudulent fax requests being sent out to medical practices by bad actors.
CMS emphasized that it does not initiate audits by requesting medical records via fax. We urge physicians and practices to take steps to protect their data. If physicians receive a suspicious request, do not respond. CMS encourages you to work with your Medical Review Contractor if you receive a questionable or suspected fraudulent request to confirm if it is real.
Highlights from the 2025 AMA Annual Meeting
The House of Medicine concluded its 2025 AMA Annual Meeting in June, where hundreds of physician and medical student delegates debated and set policy for the organization. For a full listing of the proceedings, visit the AMA website. One thing became clear: protecting patients, ensuring a robust public health infrastructure, and continuing to advocate on crucial issues in health care are, and always will be, a foundational part of the AMA. Read more.
HCMA Physician Referral Service
As a participating member, you will be given priority when members of the public contact the HCMA office seeking referrals to physicians in your specialty. To be included on the referral service roster, a $40 fee is required. The annual fee aligns with the calendar year and will be due for renewal each January 1. This fee will be included on your HCMA annual dues notice, which is sent out starting in September with a due date of January 1st. Sign up here or contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA for more information.
LAST CHANCE to advertise in the HCMA's 2025 Membership Directory
For the eleventh year, the HCMA is partnering with E&M Consulting, Inc. to produce our Annual Membership Directory. The publication will be available in the Summer of 2025 in both print and digital formats. E&M will be managing the advertising sales and layout/graphic design. The highly professional company produces a high-quality publication. E&M will be contacting all members about the advertising opportunities available and we ask that you review their offerings. The publication will be mailed to every member – a great opportunity to promote and give your practice additional exposure. To view the ad rates/options and sign-up online, please CLICK HERE. If you have any questions or want to advertise, please contact an E&M sales associate at 800-572-0011 ext. 0104 or email the ad team at: advertising@eandmsales.com. As always, your support is greatly appreciated!
Help us help you!
Your feedback is appreciated - please CLICK HERE to answer 6 questions that will help the HCMA better serve you.
Member testimonials
We are currently gathering testimonials from members to share the stories of why they have chosen to join the Association. Please take the time to share a few thoughts on your personal experience:
- What inspired you to join the HCMA?
- What has your experience been like so far?
- How do you feel about the community or mission of the organization?
- What do you like best about the HCMA?
Feel free to answer any or all of these questions. We’d be grateful for your perspective and appreciate your time! Thank you for your consideration.
Member Announcement Service
Moving, new partner, new website, retirement announcement? The HCMA will create a professional dedicated announcement to members of the Association. Send us your text, logo, and photos, and we will do the rest. This service is for members only and is $125 per emailed announcement. Contact Elke Lubin for details.
