April 14, 2020 — COVID-19 News, Updates and Resources
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Amid confusion in managing a practice, MOA provides answers with weekly COVID-19 Webinar Series
WHAT:
The
MOA has partnered with HCPM and Practice Transformation Institute to present weekly webinars on topics surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on your practice.
WHEN:
The four part series begins on
Thursday, April 16, 2020, at 7:00 pm
Subsequent webinars in the series will be held every Thursday, from 7:00pm – 8:00pm
HOW:
You may register for the entire series now and attend as many as you can. A recording of each webinar along with handouts will be made available after the scheduled event.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Physicians, Advance Practice Providers, RNs, medical assistants, coders/billers, office managers and any members of your practice's care team.
WHY:
As COVID-19 continues to spread, the MOA, HCPM and PTI are focusing on the health and safety of our physician and care team community by developing and offering guidance on various topics. These organizations are committed to providing you and your practice team with current information and resources during these uncertain times.
WHAT ELSE
: The first webinar will cover issues around personal protective equipment (PPE); behavioral health support; the CMS Accelerated and Advance Payment Program; and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Subsequent webinars will cover issues such as:
- Telehealth reminders and tips
- ICD-10 and CPT information
- Coding and billing for telehealth services
- Engaging your care team
- Preparing for the next wave of COVID-19
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MHA Job Board - Connecting Hospitals
The Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA) has launched a free, online job website in response to Michigan hospitals’ need to share staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. As COVID-19 has spread it has stretched the staffing needs for hospitals in some areas while some employees have been displaced or sidelined due to the halting of elective surgeries or other factors.
The goal of the site is to support the communication of available workforce between hospitals. The website offers a very simple platform for hospitals to post what kinds of providers they need and the required skill sets. Hospitals with staff that have been displaced are encouraged to check the website for potential temporary assignments and directly contact the person identified in the post to discuss any relevant details.
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Telemedicine and COVID-19: Managing the Risk
By Judy L. Klein, PA, CPHRM, FASHRM
The COVID-19 pandemic has imperiled our country and the world. As more U.S. patients are diagnosed with coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), public health agencies, and a number of industry associations have recognized telemedicine – the practice of using technology to deliver healthcare remotely – as a means to prevent a surge, allow patients access to care, and minimize exposure.
Congress responded by passing the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020, (CPRSAA). The CPRSAA is an emergency aid package that, among other things, expands access to telemedicine for Medicare beneficiaries during the current coronavirus public health emergency. The law permits the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary to take action broadening the circumstances under which Medicare will reimburse health care services provided via telemedicine. However, practitioners should bear in mind that changes in Medicare reimbursement are just one of multiple considerations when implementing telehealth.
Coverys offering online educational resources on COVID-19
Coverys and Med-IQ are offering online resources on issues surrounding COVID-19 and how physicians can navigate the changes in healthcare brought on by this pandemic.
NEW - Free Live Webinar - Thursday, April 16, 2-3 p.m. ET
Risk Management & Ethics: COVID-19 Rationing
Provided by Med-IQ®, a Coverys company.
NEW - Free Online Course
COVID-19: What You Need to Know as a Health Professional
Provided by Osmosis, a member of the Coverys Healthcare Alliance.
An Evolving Library of Resources
Coverys is updating the their COVID-19
Resource Center on a regular basis. The following materials are currently available to Coverys clients:
- Telemedicine—a comprehensive telemedicine manual chapter, a self-assessment questionnaire, sample forms, and a video that examines telemedicine from a clinical and legal perspective.
- Articles—topics currently include: managing COVID-19 telemedicine risks, ethical considerations related to COVID-19, an overview of what COVID-19 is, and more.
- Answers to frequently asked questions—FAQs that address risk management questions and insurance/coverage questions.
Coverys also has experts ready to assist clients with specific questions regarding COVID-19 risks and best practices.
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Wellness - a reminder to take care of yourself
In these challenging times, the MOA is urging everyone to stay safe, but don't forget to address your own wellness. Self-Care and managing stress is vital in maintaining health and keeping a positive attitude.
General Self-Care Ideas:
- Establish a morning and/or evening routine
- Exercise – Go for a walk, try a Yoga, Zumba or Pilates class online, or work in the yard
- Yoga/ Meditation
- Take time off from social media
- Shut your phone off for a designated amount of time while you enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, read or during another relaxing activity
- Keep a journal of thoughts, creative writing or poetry
- Self-care Massage (PDF)
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CME for hours worked responding to COVID-19
A State of Michigan Executive Order was issued on March 17, 2020 allowing clinicians to submit for Continuing Medical Education for hours worked responding directly to the COVID-19 emergency between March 17, 2020 - April 14, 2020.
“Effective immediately and continuing through April 14, 2020 at 11:59 pm, LARA may recognize hours worked responding to the COVID-19 emergency as hours toward continuing education courses or programs required for licensure.”
Executive Order:
All hours must be submitted by April 30, 2020.
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Medical Students organize to collect and deliver much needed supplies: PPEforMI
As healthcare workers continue to scramble for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) supplies, medical students have taken action. PPEforMI is a volunteer driven effort led by medical students throughout Michigan working to facilitate personal protective equipment (PPE) donations from community members to healthcare workers in need. The group was founded by medical students from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) and collaborates with students across the state.
“As medical students, it is in our nature to want to serve those in need. With our rotations temporarily on hold, this PPE drive allows us the ability to help our fellow medical professionals treat those infected by this pandemic,“ said co-founder Rebecca Gorz, MSUCOM Class of 2021.
The MOA applauds the amazing effort these future leaders are making and we urge those who can to please donate and add yourself to their list of followers on the various social media platforms.
For more information, please contact PPE for MI at:
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Share Your Story: How is COVID-19 is impacting you?
As osteopathic physicians, residents and students you are on the front line of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) is reaching out to hear about how this crisis is affecting your practice, your studies, or your personal lives.
The Administration, Congress and states are moving quickly to address this pandemic, and we need your help to provide them with a clear picture of what's happening on the ground and the gaps in coverage or resources that need to be filled. Our federal and state leaders need to know what front line physicians, residents, and medical students are experiencing and what you need.
You are invited to share how you are being impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, Your stories will help bring a clearer picture to government officials at all levels as they develop policies to help mitigate the impact of this pandemic.
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GRASSROOTS ACTION
Tell Congress to Protect Physicians and Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Protecting the interests of the osteopathic profession and the patients you serve is of the utmost importance to the AOA. We know you are on the front lines combatting this pandemic and saving lives. As Congress attempts to craft legislation addressing Coronavirus (COVID-19), lawmakers need to hear from you on how COVID-19 is impacting your ability to care for your patients.
As COVID-19 continues to spread, osteopathic medical students, postdoctoral trainees and physicians across the nation are experiencing a host of challenges that impact their practice and the patients they serve:
- Shortages in medical supplies such as surgical masks and personal protective equipment;
- Limited guidance on safety and treatment protocols, as well as information on the availability of COVID-19 testing and changing telehealth rules;
- Potential liability exposure for physicians who want to help by providing care to patients out-of-state; and
- Impending funding deadlines for critical programs such as the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program, that help strengthen our public health system and ensure that patients in rural and underserved areas are able to access timely medical care.
Send your lawmakers a letter and provide them with a clear picture of what's happening on the ground and the gaps in coverage or resources that need to be filled.
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Resources for COVID-19
As information on the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) from around the world is shared, the MOA is aggregating data, announcements and changes in requirements. The MOA participates in daily meetings to study updates to the situation in Michigan and stay informed on how other states are responding to the outbreak of COVID-19. The MOA will share updates and announcements from various health organizations and state agencies and post on:
www.domoa.org/covid-19
COVID-19 Hotlines
MDHHS COVID-19 Emergency Lab Network Hotline:
888-277-9894
Clinicians should call this number to have the patient’s symptoms and risk factors assessed against the prioritization criteria. If the patient meets criteria, MDHHS will provide instructions for obtaining laboratory testing.
MDHHS Coronavirus COVID-19 Information Hotline:
888-535-6136
(7 days a week, 8am- 5pm)
For general information on COVID-19 and how the state is working to lessen the risks and limit the spread of COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control:
800-232-4636
For general information on COVID-19 on a national and worldwide level.
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COVID-19 Volunteers
The MOA has received a number of calls from members looking for ways to volunteer their skills. Michigan.gov has created a webpage with links for volunteers and donations. The
www.michigan.gov/fightcovid19
site has options for Healthcare Providers, Public Health & Community volunteers. The site also links for donating PPE materials and a link to the Red Cross for blood donations.
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Testing Patients
If you have a patient that needs to be tested contact the local health department of the patient's county of residence before testing. Healthcare providers also have the ability to request testing from a commercial laboratory.
For a list of Michigan local Health Departments use the link below.
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Remote Meeting platform for Component Societies
The COVID-19 situation has cancelled many meetings across the country. Many groups are using teleconferencing tools to stay connected to their members. In order to help our components, the Michigan Osteopathic Association is offering all Michigan state component societies the use of the MOA Zoom account to facilitate teleconference meetings. The meetings can be audio only, or allow for video from the presenters and attendees.
For more information, contact:
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