Important Message from Karl M. Altenburger, MD, FMA President
As the Florida Medial Association continues to represent your interests before the Florida Legislature, we are launching an effort that will allow us to gain a better understanding of our public and governmental affairs strengths based on relationships that may exist with community leaders and elected officials.

Next week, you will receive an important email from us with an invitation to take an online survey. The survey, which will only take a few minutes to complete, will ask a series of questions related to groups you may be involved with, relationships with certain elected officials and your views on public affairs. Your participation would be greatly appreciated as your frank responses will help us make sound strategic decisions as we face a variety of challenges going forward.

Thank you, in advance, for your participation in this important effort. If you should have any questions, please contact Sarah Rothell with the FMA staff at srothell@medone.org.

An Urgent Message from Representative Homan, MD
Your Immediate Response Required
Dear Colleague,
I am sponsoring HB 839 " Sovereign Immunity for Emergency Healthcare Providers" in the Florida House this session. (HB 839 attached). As expected the Trial Bar is opposing the bill. The legislators appreciate the problems in Florida's Emergency Care but they want to know before voting for the bill if more Doctors will take call if they vote for the bill. My guess is "yes" but I don't have any numbers to back up my "guess". Please help me get some "numbers" to give some weight to our bill.

Please use this link www.edhoman.com and click on FMA Survey. Please answer the questions before Monday, 3/24/08. I need the information before the next committee meeting on Tuesday.

Prognosis Not Healthy for Florida Health Care
The prognosis doesn't look particularly healthy for Florida's medical care in the immediate future, according to doctors and other medical care professionals. Medicaid reimbursement pays doctors only 60 percent of what Medicare pays. And Medicare patients could also find it harder to find doctors to care for them. Read more about this issue, as well as Dr. Altenburger's response, in a article that appeared in the Sun Herald here.

Counterfeit-Proof Prescription Blank Program
Most physicians in Florida are already aware of the Medicaid requirement for tamper-proof Rx pads since it has become a law in Florida. However, it will become a Federal law effective April 1, 2008 and many may receive notices to that effect from medical, pharmacist and other national organizations.

The Florida Medicaid program, in accordance with section 409.912 (39)(a)5, Florida Statutes, requires medical practitioners to use a counterfeit-proof prescription blank produced by an approved vendor when writing hard copy prescription orders for Medicaid recipients for any covered service under the Florida Medicaid Prescribed Drug Services Program. Learn more about the upcoming deadline here. Additional information and the list of vendors are available by calling the FMA Medical Economics Department at the FMA 800.762.0233.

Physicians' Foundation for Health Systems Excellence Survey Coming Soon
Physicians' Foundation for Health Systems Excellence (PFHSE) is undertaking one of the most ambitious surveys of physicians ever attempted. The survey will be sent to virtually every primary care physician in the country as well as tens of thousands of specialists. THE PFHSE's goal is TO GIVE PHYSICIANS A VOICE! This survey is critical to the movement to empower physicians in the face of an increasingly untenable medical practice environment. The survey will be coming to physicians' mailboxes this month and needs a MAJOR RESPONSE in order to achieve maximum impact. Read more about the survey here.

Managed Care Update
Click here to read a report of recent events involving managed care. These include an update about the AMA's Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement in Washington D.C., a recap of the State Consumer Health Information and Public Advisory Council meeting, and the status of the Managed Care Bill as it works its way through the Florida Legislature.

Expert Medical Advisors Needed
The Division of Workers' Compensation, in conjunction with the Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency), is actively seeking qualified Expert Medical Advisors (EMAs) to provide expert medical consultation, opinions and testimony in disputes regarding care or compensation for Florida's injured workers. EMAs are needed in a variety of specialties throughout the state to work with the Agency as well as Judges of Workers' Compensation Claims (JCCs). To find out more about the role and responsibilities of being an Expert Medical Advisor, please click here.

DOH Names FMA Member State Trauma Medical Director
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) announces the appointment of Patricia Marie Byers, MD and Fellow in the American College of Surgeons (FACS) as the State Trauma Medical Director. Read more here.

Longtime Florida Physician Hangs Up His Stethoscope
After serving the families of Fernandina Beach for 30 years, pediatrician, and FMA member, Dr. Tae Rho hung up his stethoscope last week. When honored as a Legendary Caregiver by Baptist Medical Center Nassau in 2005, Rho said, "Commitment is essential to a career as a medical doctor." Read more about Dr. Rho here.

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