Upcoming Events
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February 11, 2025 6:30 PMCentre Club, 123 S. Westshore Blvd. 8th Floor, Tampa, FL 33609
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April 24, 2025 12:00 PMTournament Players Club, Tampa Bay 5300 W. Lutz Lake Fern Dr., Lutz, Florida 33558
december 2024 E News
Pertinent Information
Get the latest: How the AMA is fighting for Medicare payment reform
- AMA advocacy pushes House majority to back stabilizing 2025 Medicare payment
- Bipartisan bill would stabilize Medicare physician pay for 2025
- How the AMA is leading the charge to reform the Medicare payment system
Apply for medical disaster relief grant funds
The FMA Foundation for Healthy Floridians is accepting medical disaster relief grant applications from physicians whose practices were severely damaged by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. The Foundation will award grants up to $10,000 to cover expenses not covered by insurance and other available funding sources: medical office relocation or rehabilitation, replacing equipment and medical supplies, temporary operating expenses and rebuilding patient records.* Grants will not cover lost revenue, and applications are due by Jan. 26, 2025. Thanks to the AMA Foundation for its generous support of the Medical Disaster Relief Fund. *With approved application. Applications will be considered in the order they are received.
Telemedicine prescribing flexibilities extended through 2025
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have issued a rule that temporarily extends pandemic-era telemedicine prescribing flexibilities for controlled substances through Dec. 31, 2025. The rule marks the third temporary extension of these flexibilities, which authorize a practitioner to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine, even when the practitioner has not conducted an in-person patient evaluation. Read more.
Outgoing CDC chief urges focus on health threats as agency confronts political changes
The outgoing head of the nation’s top public health agency urged the next administration to maintain its focus and funding to keep Americans safe from emerging health threats. “We need to continue to do our global work at CDC to make sure we are stopping outbreaks at their source,” Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview Monday with The Associated Press. “We need to keep that funding up. We need to keep the expertise up. We need to keep the diplomacy up.” Read more.
Depression rates rising in preteens. Mental fitness tools can help.
A U.S. surgeon general’s advisory last year raised alarms about loneliness and social isolation in the U.S. A sobering example of this epidemic is the dramatic rise in suicide rates among kids 8–12 years old over the last two decades. Many children and teens face mental health, emotional wellness or substance use challenges. In fact, 40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Meanwhile, in 2023, more than 5.3 million children 12 to 17 years old—about 20% of adolescents—had a current diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorder or suicidal thoughts. While these issues are treatable, it can be difficult for parents and caregivers to know how to help or where to find support. Read more.
Digital doctors are coming. Regulators need to catch up.
Microsoft's new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered healthcare suite plans to "shape a healthier future" through advances in everything from medical imaging to nursing workflows, painting a rosy picture of better patient care. Meanwhile, major health systems and medical schools from Yale to Harvard to the University of Michigan are exploring or rolling out AI initiatives to enhance care delivery and improve access. Yet, as we stand at this technological crossroads, it's worth asking whether our enthusiasm for AI in healthcare might be outpacing our ability to navigate its potential pitfalls. Read more.
An epidemic that affects so many families. One Second at a Time: A Tampa father honors his daughter, helps others struggling with addiction
After three years of sobriety, Christine Ortoll relapsed late in 2019. She tragically passed on November 2, 2020, from a fentanyl overdose. She was only 26. In a world where people often hide trauma and mental health struggles behind closed doors, "One Second at a Time," a poignant film that follows the journey of Christine Ortoll, is not just a personal story but a reflection of the power of collective strength and the human spirit. The documentary touches hearts, sparks conversation, and inspires viewers to approach life's challenges with patience, understanding, and compassion. The project, which took one year to complete, premiered to a sold-out audience at the Tampa Theatre in March 2023 and has since won 67 film festival awards. Its next milestone is hopefully competing for Best Feature Documentary at the Oscars. "One Second at a Time" is available on Amazon Prime (keep your eye peeled for Bulletin Editor, Dr. David Lubin, an extra in a recreation of an AL-ANON meeting). Click here to read the 83Degrees interview of Michael Ortoll, Christine's dad, as he discusses the documentary and the mission of the Christine Ortoll Charity.
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.
CALL FOR CANDIDATES! - An invitation to serve...
Members are invited to consider being placed on the 2025 HCMA ballot. You must be a member in the ACTIVE, AFFILIATE, or LIFE membership categories and your 2025 dues must be paid. Results will be announced on May 6th.
Open seats include:
- Vice President - 1 year term
- Treasurer - 1 year term
- Secretary - 1 year term
- District, At Large, USF, Moffitt, & Young Physician seats on the Executive Council - 2 year terms
- HCMA Delegate to the FMA - 3 year term (FMA dues must also be paid). HCMA Delegates must review, sign, and return the Delegates Policy & Procedures manual for consideration.
Nominations to specific seats will be determined by the Nominating Committee members at their February meeting. However, if you have a preference to serve in a certain capacity, please indicate such when submitting your request. Submit your name for nomination no later than February 10th by emailing Elke Lubin.
HCMA Contingency will visit legislators in Tallahassee
The HCMA Government Affairs Committee, led by Chairman and HCMA President Elect, Dr. Nam Tran, is planning a visit to Tallahassee before the Legislative Session begins. The group will visit Hillsborough Legislators as they prepare for the Session on February 19th during a "Committee Week." If you are interested in joining our leaders, contact Elke Lubin for details. If you decide to travel to Tallahassee the day before, a list of hotels will be provided. Travel and lodging expenses are the participants' responsibility.
'Tis the season...
Due to the success of the HCMA Foundation Charity Golf Classic and member contributions, the Foundation Board was able to provide twelve grants to local charitable organizations. We encourage members to consider supporting these charities during the holiday giving season.
Barbara Higgins Legacy Corp.
Champions for Children
Children's Home Network
Clothes To Kids
Frameworks of Tampa Bay, Inc.
Judeo Christian Health Clinic
Lighthouse for the Blind & Low Vision
MORE HEALTH
New Life Village
Operation Walk Florida
Voices for Children
If you know of a worthy local charitable organization that seeks to enhance the health and wellbeing of our community, please direct them to the HCMA Foundation page to download a grant application for the 2025 cycle (deadline May 15, 2025).
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.
Work on 2025 Directory begins
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 project, including advertising sales and layout/graphic design. They are highly professional and produce a high-quality publication. E&M will be contacting all members about the advertising opportunities available and we ask that you review their advertising 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!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 AssistantInterested in sponsoring an HCMA event?
Sponsorship opportunities to consider:
- Women in Medicine Reception
- Membership Dinners
- Holiday Social
- Resident Mixer
- Foundation Charity Golf Classic
From the Board of Medicine
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
(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.
Personal News
| HCMA staff held their annual costume party, with a Winter Holiday theme this year. HCMA staff (past and present), volunteers, and their significant others, did not disappoint. Attendees included Buddy the Elf (Samantha), Cozy Jammies (Andrew), Santa's Helper (Kay), Santa (Patrick), 1800s Carolers (Debbie & David), Scrooge (Veronica), Menorah Head (David), Cousin Eddie (Elke), Elf (Justin), Miss Claus (Anni), Hurricane Relief Coordinator (Bill). |
New Members
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Spotlight on Savings
TekCollect – Partnering with medical practices nationwide to maximize cash flow and minimize delinquencies. TekCollect’s Binary Program is a refreshing approach that has revolutionized the way people think about A/R management and collections. TekCollect offers low fixed fees of typically less than 5%, highest recovery ratios in the industry, 24/7 convenience on secure website, non-alienating contacts to preserve patient relationships, optional contingent secondary phase, and guaranteed results. Additionally, TekCollect offers the HCMA exclusive members-only discount pricing.
For more information and to schedule your FREE, no obligation, Accounts Receivable Analysis, contact Jeff Nolin, VP, at 813.418.7910, or via email at JNolin@tekcollect.com. Click here to view more details.
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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
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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.
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Benefit Providers |
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The HCMA’s Benefit Provider Program provides value to physicians with members-only products, programs, and services that far exceed the cost of annual dues. Click the logos below for more information about each of our valued partners. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Zorian, HCMA Executive Director, at 813.253.0471 or DZorian@hcma.net. |