By Sean Orr, M.D.
Florida Measles Outbreak Reaches 143 Cases
As of March 21, Florida reported 143 measles cases, with 73 percent concentrated in Collier County. The Department of Health is urging physicians to verify patient vaccination status and report suspected cases to your local health department immediately.
FRAME Program Applications Open Through April 30
The 2026 Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education (FRAME) program accepts applications through April 30. Eligible residents and fellows can apply for loan repayment assistance of up to $40,000 annually. Visit the Florida DOH website for eligibility requirements and the application portal.
CMS 2026 Physician Fee Schedule: Conversion Factor Rises to $33.40
Medicare’s conversion factor increased from $32.34 to $33.40 for physicians outside advanced APMs. CMS finalized a 2.5 percent efficiency adjustment to work RVUs and increased indirect cost recognition for office-based practitioners, reflecting changes in practice expense data.
HCA Florida Brandon Hospital Breaks Ground on Seventh Freestanding ED
HCA Florida is expanding its emergency footprint with a new freestanding ED serving Riverview, Lithia, and FishHawk communities south of Tampa. The facility will add 24/7 emergency capacity in one of Florida’s fastest-growing corridors, with an expected opening in late 2027.
DeSantis Signs Stopgap for HIV Medication Funding
Governor DeSantis signed a temporary measure to protect HIV medication access for low-income patients, but the underlying funding fight continues when lawmakers return in April. Florida’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program serves approximately 18,000 patients statewide.
FAQ
What should I do if I suspect a measles case in my practice?
Report suspected measles to your county health department immediately by phone, then follow up with written documentation. Include vaccination history, exposure history, and symptom onset date. Your health department can provide testing guidance and coordinate follow-up.
Am I eligible for the FRAME program if I’m an attending physician?
No. The FRAME program is limited to residents and fellows in approved graduate medical education programs in Florida. Practicing physicians are not eligible, but should check the Florida Medical Association and specialty societies for other loan repayment opportunities.
How does the CMS conversion factor change affect my reimbursement?
The 3.3 percent increase to $33.40 applies to Medicare claims for physicians not in advanced APMs. However, the 2.5 percent efficiency adjustment to work RVUs may offset some gains depending on your specialty. Review your fee schedules with your billing team to estimate your 2026 revenue impact.
What does “freestanding ED” mean, and how is it different from a hospital ED?
A freestanding ED operates independently without an attached hospital, treating emergency patients 24/7 and stabilizing those requiring hospital admission. They offer shorter wait times and lower costs than traditional hospital EDs while maintaining full emergency capabilities.
How does the Florida ADAP funding issue affect my patients?
If federal appropriations for Florida’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program become insufficient, the state program may reduce the formulary or implement copayments for low-income uninsured patients. Stay informed through DOH announcements, and discuss alternative coverage options with your HIV patients now.