September 9, 2020
Membership Renewal

The membership Renewal notices have been sent out for the 2021 calendar year. While this has been a challenging year for all, the MOA has focused on transitioning in-person events to online events to better serve our members. We have also focused on how we can offer information and services during the time of COVID-19. This includes providing information and training on telehealth, developing the Physician Practice COVID-19 Playbook (which was adopted by the American Osteopathic Association) along with a video on the 10 Steps of COVID-19 and Preparing to Return to Work.

The MOA also hosted a webinar with Governor Gretchen Whitmer in an effort to get answers on questions our physicians are facing in terms of treating their patients and the economic impact the pandemic has caused.

While COVID-19 has caused havoc in terms of in-person meetings and our regularly scheduled CME events, the MOA has embraced the challenges and has developed new ways to serve our members. In this Pulse we have included a survey (see below) for members to offer their input on CME options the MOA could offer.

We thank you for your continued support and hope that all of our members are staying safe. Please know we are working hard to adapt and that we are thankful for the support our members and partners.
Online CME options survey
 
COVID-19 has taken an enormous toll on our communities, as well as our healthcare providers. The MOA Education Committee is looking for input from our members in terms of topics for CME Sessions on patient treatment of COVID19.

Please take a moment to provide your insight on what topics would be compelling for physicians. Thank you!
Autumn Online CME event Nov. 7 and 8

After surveying our membership and analyzing the current situation regarding COVID-19, the Michigan Osteopathic Association has made the decision to cancel the in-person convention that is annually held in Grand Rapids. In its place, the MOA will provide CME sessions online in the same manner Spring CME sessions were presented. The speakers for this event are being selected and registration is open. If you participated in the Spring CME program, your Online Learning Center profile has been created. Simply register using the link below and the program will show in your profile one week before the event. If you are new to the Online Learning Center, you should also register using the link below. Your profile will be created and the program will be added a week before the event. All registrants will receive instructional emails before the event.
Virtual Autumn SRE Competition

The Michigan Osteopathic Association hosts a Scientific Research Exhibit (SRE) twice yearly. These competitions provide osteopathic medical students, residents, fellows and attending level physicians an opportunity to present their medical and scientific research to our profession.

Exhibit Information 
Poster exhibits must be submitted in a PDF file format by deadline. Judging will take place between designated times via Zoom, participant or appointed representative will make themselves available for questions regarding their exhibit to be considered for an award.
Certificates will be provided to each presenting first author, awards announced after judges deliberations, all participants are welcome.
 
Deadlines
Submission deadline September 25, 2020.
Notification of acceptance by October 1, 2020.
Participants must submit their poster in a PDF file format by October 23, 2020
Prize checks will be mailed to the winners after November 8, 2020.
Council of Interns and Residents Survey

The Council of Interns and Residents (CIR) is an entity within the Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) whose purpose is to represent interns and residents, and bring forth concerns of residents and topics of interest to the MOA and AOA. The CIR has capabilities to further your career and your training through events, advocacy and mentorship opportunities.

If you are an intern or resident we would love to hear about your interests, passions, and career goals to better serve your needs and aspirations.
CIR Virtual Meeting and Panel Discussion
Attention interns and residents:
Join us for the MOA CIR Meeting - Sept. 30, 2020 from 7-8 PM

This meeting will feature the first topic in our MOA CIR Discussion Series:
“Becoming a leader in the osteopathic profession” - a panel discussion about how you can get involved in advocacy and leadership during residency and beyond, featuring: 
Dr. Rachel Young and Dr. Adam Hunt
Kevin McKinney, governmental affairs, will present a legislative update with issues facing physicians and patients in the coming year.

MOA CIR Leadership
Chair: Ursula Barghouth, DO
Vice Chair: Dylan Rogers, DO
Event Coordinator: Rebecca Gorz, MSUCOM

If you have any questions or want to get involved with the council please our MOA staff member, Janna Ruedisale, at jruedisale@domoa.org
Payroll Tax Deferral

On August 8, 2020, President Trump issued a memorandum (the “Memorandum”) to defer the 6.2% employees’ portion of Social Security taxes from September 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. The payroll tax deferral generally applies to employees earning less than $4,000 before taxes, per bi-weekly pay period. The tax payments are deferred without any penalties, interest, additional amount, or addition to the tax.

The Treasury Department recently issued guidance (the “Notice”) on the Memorandum, clarifying that the Memorandum calls for a deferral, not forgiveness, of the employees’ portion of the Social Security tax. The Notice allows – but does not require – employers to defer payroll taxes from September 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Following this period, employers who opt to withhold payroll taxes are responsible for remitting the deferred taxes between January 1, 2021 and April 30, 2021. 

According to the Notice, employers are liable for taxes not repaid in full by April 30, 2021. However, employers may make “alternative arrangements” to collect the taxes from employees if necessary.

Employer Considerations

• The Notice leaves open the question of whether individual employees may opt out of their employer’s decision to defer payroll taxes.

• The Notice provides limited procedural guidance for employers seeking to collect deferred payroll tax amounts from former employees, stating that “if necessary, the Affected Taxpayer may make arrangements to otherwise collect the total Applicable Taxes from the employee.”
 
• To avoid potential liability, employers should make arrangements with employees to ensure repayment before choosing deferral. 

Please contact a Kerr Russell attorney today for more information on the Payroll Tax Deferral. Be sure to mention you are an MOA member.

MOA Board Member Jasper Yung, DO, and the Detroit Medical Orchestra take part in project involving famous violinist Joshua Bell
Questions on COVID-19? Just ask Robin

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) offers a webpage of resources specifically designed for healthcare professionals.

From PPE to patient protocols to licensing questions, the FAQ page offers links to resources to clarify the issues physicians are facing. The webpage also utilizes the IBM Watson Assistant in the form of "Robin," a virtual assistant that can quickly help find specific topics.
MHA Launches MI Vote Matters Campaign to Encourage Voter Participation Nov. 3

The MI Vote Matters campaign seeks to encourage voters to engage in the election and elect candidates who value healthcare and the needs of patients, urging hospital staff members, volunteers, patients, visitors and others to vote Nov. 3. As part of the MI Vote Matters campaign, the MHA has prepared the following informational resources for members.

MI Vote Matters informational posters geared toward patients, families, visitors and staff. Available in three sizes, each poster is laminated and can be affixed behind any plastic or plexiglass barrier.

The 2020 MHA Candidate Guide, a list of all candidates by office and district.
Due to COVID-19, some materials that were offered during previous elections, such as table tents and brochures, will not be available to comply with infection control procedures.

A packet containing samples of these resources will be mailed the week of Aug. 31 to members of the MHA’s Hospital Affiliated Legislative Officers committee, as well as public relations executives at MHA-member organizations. During the course of the election season, complimentary copies of the materials will be available to MHA members by request through an online order form. Questions about materials may be directed to the MHA by emailing election@mha.org or calling (517) 703-8601.

In addition, the MHA MI Vote Matters 2020 election webpage has been activated and will be updated with the latest information about the election, including a list of the proposals on this year’s statewide ballot. Members are also encouraged to use #MIVoteMatters to join the election 2020 conversation on social media.

What residents are getting paid in 2020
Annual Medscape report reveals which specialties get paid the most and least, and how residents feel about their earnings. Continue to the full story from The DO>

Clinical practice pathway for AOA addiction medicine certification now available
Eligible DOs can obtain the certification after spending 1,000 practice hours on addiction medicine over a two-year period. Continue to the full story from The DO>

The COVID-19 window: ‘High ground’ health policy during times of crisis
Clinicians have a distinct perspective to contribute to policy development, especially now, when the world is tuned in to their heroic work on the front lines of the pandemic.

DO from Netflix’s Lenox Hill discusses practicing medicine on camera
The show, currently available for streaming, follows the professional (and often personal) lives of four New York City physicians in a major hospital. Continue to the full story from The DO>

How two emergency medicine DOs maintain wellness during COVID-19
Peer support is essential, attest the two DOs, who also share the additional routines and habits they have in place to prioritize their wellness.
What to know about Telehealth billing and coding during COVID-19
Learn more about the changes to telemedicine billing and coding procedures brought on by CMS’ Waiver 1135. Continue to the full story from The DO>
Thank you to our Strategic Partners

The MOA would like to thank our network of Strategic Partners. Without their help, programs like the Spring and Autumn CME events could not take place. Their support has been vital as the MOA pivoted from in-person meetings to establishing an online learning platform. As our state, our country and the world struggle to find a balance in a time of COVID-19, please take a moment to reflect on how essential these healthcare groups are in protecting our communities.
COVID-19 Materials and Business Impact Survey
How has COVID-19 Impacted your practice?

As the MOA is attempting to fill the needs of our members, we are trying to get a better grasp of what those needs are and what changes the COVID-19 crisis has caused for our membership. Please take a moment to complete the short survey to share your insight on how the COVID-19 outbreak has impacted your practice.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the federal government is encouraging health care providers to adopt and use telehealth to see patients in appropriate situations.

Integrating telehealth practices
There are several guides to help you start providing telehealth services — or to help you fine-tune if you’ve already started.
For example:
The Record

Here’s an update on temporary changes due to COVID‑19 pandemic:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network have made many temporary changes to support providers and protect members during the COVID‑19 pandemic. 

Links:






June 26, 2020, saw the passing of Milton A. Raskin, DO

June 12, 2020, saw the passing of Waldo "Doc" Erhardt Robert Frankenstein, DO

May 26, 2020, saw the passing of Harold Rexford Ruettinger, DO

February 18, 2020, saw the passing of Rowland W. Hinds, DO

December 5, 2019, saw the passing of Jack Quarters, DO

Michigan Osteopathic Association | 517/347-1555 | www.domoa.org