February 2009


Dear SUMMIT Provider:

Summit wishes to remind you that pursuant to Florida Statute, all health care providers are required to report certain diseases to the State of Florida Department of Health. The current list of reportable diseases/conditions in Florida, last updated in November 2008, is attached to this communication and is posted on the web at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/epi/surv/reportable_diseases_08.pdf. You may obtain an electronic copy of the Florida Department of Health’s Reportable Diseases packet at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/epi/topics/surv.htm

Section 381.0031 (1,2), Chapter 64D-3 of the Florida Statutes provides that “Any practitioner, licensed in Florida to practice medicine, osteopathic medicine, chiropractic, naturopathy, or veterinary medicine, who diagnoses or suspects the existence of a disease of public health significance shall immediately report the fact to the Department of Health.” The County Health Departments serve as the Florida Department of Health’s representatives to receive these reports. To report a case of a notifiable disease, report an outbreak, or get consultation on a public health disease control problem, please call your County Health Department or call the Bureau of Epidemiology at 850-245-4401 (24/7/365 accessibility). You will find a list of the County Health Departments in all 67 Florida counties attached to this letter and also posted on the web at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/epi/topics/CHD_Epi_Contacts.pdf..

It is important to note that certain specific diseases (indicated by the telephone-shaped icon on the attached list of reportable diseases) require immediate notification to the Department of Health by telephone.

If you have any questions about this communication, please call Summit Customer Service at 1-800-847-3995.


Sincerely,

M. Catharine Moffitt, MD, FAAP

M. Catharine Moffitt, MD, FAAP, Medical Director