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October 2024 E News

Pertinent Information

HCMA Holiday Social

The Centre Club

Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 6:30pm

Join us for a festive member celebration with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and live music. Live entertainment by Lemay O James, a talented contemporary violinist, playing a mix of Jazz, R&B, Pop Rock, and holiday tunes. HCMA Past Presidents will be recognized and toasted! Complimentary for HCMA members & their guests. Thank you sponsors: SGP Advisors!

RSVPs required.

2025 HCMA Dues Statement

HCMA dues statements have been emailed and sent via US Postal Service. 2025 dues are due January 1st. Call 813.253.0471 or email Asta at the HCMA to confirm your contact information and membership status.

Credit Card Processing Fee Update

Contrary to previous information you may have read, credit card processing fees WILL NOT apply for members who renew their membership or make other payment on HCMA.net. Please call the HCMA with any questions: 813.253.0471.

More than two-thirds of healthcare providers reported ransomware attacks in past year

Modern Healthcare (9/27, Turner, Subscription Publication) reported, “The number of healthcare providers affected by ransomware attacks is steadily growing.” A new survey from cybersecurity company Sophos found that “more than two-thirds of health care providers reported a ransomware attack in the past year compared with 60% in 2023,” while “in 2021, only 34% of providers said they were affected by an attack.” HCMA Benefit Provider, SGP Advisors, can assist when researching cyber liability insurance. Watch this video.

AMA study: The 4 largest PBMs control 70% of the market nationally

The four largest pharmacy benefit managers in the U.S. control 70% of the national market, and most regional PBM markets are highly concentrated, according to new data from the American Medical Association (AMA). AMA President Bruce Scott, M.D., said in a press release that the findings "warrant attention as Congress and the administration continue their work to protect patients and ensure prescription drugs remain affordable and accessible." Read more.

Five things to know from a new report on cannabis, policies and health risks

Researchers at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine find that a gap between states and the federal government has led to fragmented policies and risks to public health. Read more.

Free COVID tests offered ahead of another predicted winter spike in Florida

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services began offering the kits Thursday through the mail. This is the first time since 2023 the kits have been made available through the mail, and health experts say it is a sign that federal health officials predict a strong respiratory infection season this winter. Read more.

More misinformation on COVID vaccines? Clinicians and scientists take aim at Ladapo

In what many health experts say has become a pattern of spreading vaccine misinformation, the Florida health department is telling older Floridians and others at highest risk from COVID-19 to avoid most booster shots, saying they are potentially dangerous. Clinicians and scientists denounced the message as politically fueled scaremongering that also weakens efforts to protect against diseases like measles and whooping cough. Read more.

Recognizing group practices with 100% HCMA membership

HCMA recognizes the following practices for their dedication to strengthening the voice of medicine in the Tampa Bay area. Thank you for your continued support

10-25 Physicians

26-50 Physicians

Over 50 Physicians

Another benefit of membership

HCMA Executive Director, Debbie Zorian, is a Florida notary and offers HCMA members and their families complimentary notary services. To schedule an appointment, please contact Ms. Zorian at 813.253.0471 or CLICK THIS LINK.

My physician’s office received a Civil Investigative Demand from the Federal Government? What do I do next?

Read this informative article submitted by HCMA Benefit Provider, Trenam Law.

Three cheers for three years!

HCMA Benefit Provider, Full Circle PR, was named Best Advertising Agency for the 3rd time by Tampa Magazine in the 2024 Best of the City Awards. FCPR also earned the Runner-Up spot for Best PR Firm. This recognition is a tribute to the extraordinary talent and hard work of the FCPR team. Visit Michele Krohn, FCPR founder, at her exhibit table at the next HCMA Membership Dinner.

Derm, Donate, & Advocate

The AMA Medical Student Section Community Service Committee is seeking monetary donations and item donations for the sun care drive. Items needed include aloe, topical hydrocortisone, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats. The donations, needed by November 1st, will benefit patients at the MEDPACt Apopka Farmworkers Clinic in Orlando. For details on how to donate, contact ekaterinalc3@gmail.com.

Connect with us!

Follow and connect with the HCMA on social media. Tap the icons on the left and also connect with HCMA administrative staff on LinkedIn:

Debbie Zorian, Executive Director and

Elke Lubin, Executive Assistant

Interested in sponsoring an HCMA event?

Sponsorship opportunities to consider:

Women in Medicine Reception
Membership Dinners
Holiday Social
Resident Mixer
Foundation Charity Golf Classic

To learn more about these upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities, contact Debbie Zorian, Executive Director, at dzorian@hcma.net or call (813) 253-0471.

From the Board of Medicine

E-Licensing now available!

The Division of Medical Quality Assurance is now issuing electronic licenses, which enable you to download a PDF copy of your license within two business days. The license can be retrieved in the License Documents menu of your MQA Online Services Portal account. To learn more, visit the electronic licensing webpage.

License renewal time will be here before you know it!

Medical doctors: Licenses from Group 2 will expire January 31, 2025 - less than five months away! Visit CEBroker.com for CME opportunities and to log the CME courses you have taken. HCMA members receive a discount, email Elke to receive the discount code.

Physician Wellness

The HCMA Foundation Physician Wellness Program

(PWP) provides a safe harbor for members to address difficulties, challenges, and work/family/life balance through counseling and coaching services, up to six sessions in twelve months. This complimentary and completely confidential benefit is available for all members, regardless of membership category.

The PWP relies on donations and the generosity of members in order to provide counseling and coaching services, at no cost. We want to be able to continue providing this valuable benefit to all HCMA members! Please consider donating to the HCMA Foundation PWP.

PODCAST - Stop Physician Burnout: Physician Leadership Skills To Help Us Lead The Charge To Physician Wellness. Learn simple, powerful physician leadership skills for C-suite influence and peer respect. Help lead the charge to physician wellness. Listen here.

Personal News

While watching the USF/Alabama game on TV, we caught HCMA member, Dr. Brandon Faza (#8), cheering on the Bulls! USF did not pull off the win, but Dr. Faza looked like he had fun at Saban Field.

Retired Women Physicians - at it again! A recent dinner party was the latest social for the Retired Women Physicians of Hillsborough County. This small group, headed by Dr. Kathryn Kepes, will get together again in November. If you are interested in joining the group, or learning more, please contact Dr. Kathryn Kepes.

New Members

Advocacy, Networking, & Wellness...

With a dedicated, knowledgeable staff, with over 80 years of combined experience and who are available to assist members daily, the HCMA addresses this trio of concerns and more!

Physicians who join now will receive 15 months of membership!

Joining the HCMA is easy!

Do you have a nonmember colleague? Share this edition of Enews, direct them to our website, or scan the QR code to learn more about the HCMA and all of the benefits we offer!

Spotlight on Savings

Patricia Thompson, AAI, CIC

Advisor/Practice Leader

office: 813.418.4492

mobile: 813.404.7905

SGP Advisors – commercial insurance products as well as professional liability. SGP is a boutique, Tampa-based insurance brokerage specializing in insuring physicians. The SGP team of professionals has over 50 years of experience insuring healthcare providers in the Tampa Bay area. SGP has developed numerous, exclusive insurance programs specifically for HCMA members, not only addressing the professional liability insurance needs but the additional insurance products that each practice requires. Knowing that your risks are their biggest concern, SGP's unique experience and capabilities will give you peace of mind. SGP will provide eligible HCMA members with a 10% discount on professional liability insurance premiums.

Classified Ads

For information on how to place a classified ad in Enews, contact Elke Lubin at the HCMA or complete and return this form.

FOR RENT

Up to 1,800 square feet of office space on Platt Street with parking available to rent on Tuesdays PM and all day Wednesdays and Fridays. Contact Robin at 813/977-1361.

The Bulletin

Contact David Lubin, MD, Editor

Click here to review the most recent issue of The Bulletin along with previous issues.

If you or anyone you know is interested in advertising in The Bulletin, or marketing their services to HCMA members, more information can be found in the HCMA Marketing packet.

New Bulletin feature - featuring YOU!

"Is there a doctor in the house?" is a new feature in which HCMA members will relive an incident when they were in the right place at the right time, and assisted in the emergent care of a stranger. If you are willing to share your story, please contact Elke Lubin to receive the article guidelines to submit your experience.

UPCOMING EVENTS