Why fix Medicare now? There are 66 million reasons
In a wide-ranging talk with reporter Kelly Hooper of Politico, AMA President Bruce A. Scott, MD, said he is holding out hope that the 2.8% Medicare pay cut physicians were dealt on Jan. 1 can be rolled back before the end of the year. That cut comes in a year where the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expects it to cost 3.5% more for physicians to provide care to the nation’s 66 million Medicare patients. Read more.
Reminder: Tell Congress to pass H.R. 879
This legislation, if passed, would prospectively cancel the 2.83% payment cut that went into effect on January 1, while also providing a 2.0% payment update, helping to stabilize physician practices and protect patients' access to care. America's patients are counting on Congress to provide this much-needed relief and work toward achieving long-term Medicare physician payment reform. Read more.
U.S. nears tipping point for return of endemic measles
A study published in JAMA says that the U.S. “faces millions of measles cases over the next 25 years if vaccination rates for the disease drop 10%.” Nathan Lo, a Stanford physician and author of the study, said, “Our country is on a tipping point for measles to once again become a common household disease.” He warns that at current state-level vaccination rates, mathematical models used by the researchers predict that measles could become entrenched, resulting in “hundreds of thousands of cases, where deaths are commonplace and hospitalizations are happening all the time.” The study found that “a small uptick in vaccination – a 5% increase in state-level rates – would prevent huge increases in measles cases.” Read the study.
A free resource for your patients who want to QUIT!
The University of South Florida Area Health Education Center (USF AHEC), in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida, provides free Group Quit sessions in-person and virtual to help your patients quit tobacco. Whether in person or virtual, Group Quit sessions are led by a tobacco treatment specialists who guide participants as they develop a personalized quit plan, identify their reasons for quitting and triggers, and learn skills to cope with withdrawal symptoms. Upon session completion, participants are eligible to receive FREE nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, and/or lozenges). All forms of tobacco are addressed. Click here for the May schedule or call 813-974-7889 for details.
A CALL FOR DELEGATES! - An invitation to represent
The 2025 Florida Medical Association (FMA) Annual Meeting is being held July 24-27, in Orlando. The HCMA delegation is allowed 36 seats to represent our members and patients by authoring resolutions and discussing topics that can become legislative priorities in Tallahassee. If you are interested in learning more about the HCMA Delegation to the FMA, contact Elke Lubin. Delegate terms are 3 years (FMA dues must also be paid), and all prospective HCMA Delegates must review, sign, and return the Delegates Policy & Procedures manual for consideration. While serving as an HCMA Delegate, the FMA offers up to 13 CME credits to all delegates during the Annual Meeting weekend.
Rental properties needed for incoming residents/fellows...
With Match Day now completed, the HCMA Physician Family Alliance is gearing up to assist new trainees relocating to the Tampa area. As part of this effort, they are compiling a list of rental options to share with residency and fellowship program directors in Tampa. If you have a rental property available for lease starting in May, June, or July, you are invited to complete THIS FORM. Your property details will be included in the list, and potential tenants will reach out to you directly based on the contact information you provide. This is a courtesy service, and there are no fees involved. Please note that potential tenants are not prescreened; this is simply a connection opportunity. The HCMA Physician Family Alliance is committed to supporting physician families in the Tampa Bay Area and looks forward to continuing to do so. If you have any questions or are interested in joining the HCMA PFA, please visit their website or call Lauren Swoboda, Co-President, at 863-398-1783.
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.
2025 Foundation Grant Season is open
After each Charity Golf Classic, the HCMA Foundation Board members review grant applications and choose the recipients of the year's awards. The Board is now accepting grant applications; the deadline to submit is May 15th. If you are familiar with a local nonprofit organization that supports the health and well-being of the members of our communities, please encourage them to apply. Grant applications can be found on the HCMA website, by emailing Elke Lubin, or by calling the HCMA office at 813-253-0471.
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.
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!
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 1. Contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA for more information.
Hurricane Season will be here in a flash
June 1st marks the beginning of the 2025 Hurricane Season. Be diligent, be prepared, and heed directives from authorities.
A conversation with FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, MD, MPH
In a wide-ranging Q&A, Dr. Makary outlines his vision, addresses morale, and says no to reorganization, like those proposed for other HHS agencies. Read the interview.
Doctor aids in-air emergency birth — with a wild plot twist
Emergencies happen anywhere, anytime, and sometimes medical professionals find themselves in situations where they are the only ones who can help. Read Dr. Glenn's account of his unusual flight home to Hawaii.
