WASHTENAW COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY
Legislative action & community outreach since 1827
Our COVID-19 Note
In the face of this pandemic, please lean on WCMS and know that you are not alone. We are committed to serving you and continue to advocate for your professional needs with decision makers around-the-clock. Thank you for all that you do.
COVID-19 Statistics (County, State, Nation, World) and Highlights from Washtenaw County Health Dept.

Summary as of Wednesday, May 20:
COVID-19 Advocacy Principles

WCMS supports four principles related to COVID-19 physician advocacy with lawmakers:
  • physician judgement,
  • practice assistance,
  • protection and immunity, and
  • hazard pay and loan forgiveness.
Access the advocacy one-pager by clicking here .

These COVID-19 issues, along with prior authorization, surprise billing, and auto no-fault reform, were discussed at WCMS' Legislative Committee meeting on Monday, May 18. The Committee was joined by the offices of Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, State Senator Jeff Irwin, and State Reps. Donna Lasinski, Ronnie Peterson, Yousef Rabhi, and Rebekah Warren. To access a recording of the meeting, please click here .
Washtenaw Health Initiative's COVID-19 Directory of Directories

Washtenaw residents are encouraged to review the Washtenaw Health Initiative's "Directory of Directories" for assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The directory highlights items including:
  • COVID-19 Screening and Testing
  • Financial Assistance
  • Mental Health
  • Senior Services
  • Substance Abuse, and more.
Click here to access this directory.
Take Action: Ask Your Legislators to Support S. B. 899, COVID-19 Immunity Protections

Click here to ask your legislators to support S.B. 899. The legislation ensures that physicians and other health care providers responding to the coronavirus pandemic are provided immunity protections while working through these extremely challenging and nearly unprecedented times.

It's long been public policy to provide immunity to health care providers working to deliver health care during disasters and states of emergency. S.B. 899 establishes and codifies that policy specific to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Register for Upcoming Tele-Town Hall Series

New Employment Policies for Practices
Thursday, May 21, 12:00 PM
Speaker: Jodi Schafer, SPHR, SHRM-SC
 
Race Inequalities and COVID-19: Contagion, Severity, and Social Systems
Thursday, May 28, 2020, 12:00 PM
Speaker: Jason Adam Wasserman, PhD, Associate Professor, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
 
Tuesday, June 2, 2020, 12:00 PM
Speakers: Sarah Jennings, CPA, CFE, CAE and Dennis Theis, CPA, CVGA

Questions can be submitted during the Town Hall or in advance at  rblake@msms.org . MSMS will continue to host these weekly Town Halls for the next few months. Send ideas for future topics to  belliott@msms.org .
 
For a full calendar of events, please click here .
PPE Website for Michigan's Physician Practices

MSMS, in partnership with Foresight Group, announced the launch of a new website to get personal protective equipment and other supplies for Michigan's physician practices. The website allows physicians and their practices to purchase essential medical supplies, including respirators, face shields, goggles, and gowns.

Once the practice identifies their need and quantity, information is shared with Foresight Group, who will then identify the best rate and delivery times available, confirm need with the practice, collect payment information, and place the order, which will then ship directly to the practice.
COVID-19 Helplines for Physicians

Psychoanalysts and psychotherapists affiliated with the Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute and Society have begun an initiative to provide emotional support and assistance to frontline health care workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic. During the months of April, May and June, experienced clinicians will offer up to 5 free virtual sessions to any staff member involved in, or affected by, the coronavirus pandemic. To make a private, confidential appointment or to get more information , please call 734-677-1590. We will return calls within 24 hours to set up a first virtual appointment.

The Physician Support Line is a nation-wide service available for US physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The line offers free and confidential peer support telehealth by volunteer psychiatrists. The line is available without appointment from 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM, 7 days a week. To start, call (888) 409-0141. For more information, follow this link .
*Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of members, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the Washtenaw County Medical Society.
The WCMS Office is closed for unscheduled business through Thursday, May 28. Virtual meetings will be scheduled when appropriate. To set up an appointment, or for questions, please contact the Society Office via email or call (734) 668-6241.