They Said It...
"This is a complicated entity that we knew nothing about in January. A lot of progress has already been made in reducing the mortality, but it's going to take us maybe a couple of years to learn how to combat the morbidity." Dr. Ross Zafonte, chair of the Harvard Medical School department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Spaulding, discussing the effects of post-COVID-19. You can read his comments and more in our upcoming Winter-Spring 2021 issue of Philadelphia Medicine.
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Things You Should Know... |
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COVID-19 Vaccine Providers Needed |
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Provider enrollment forms as well as instructions are listed here and on the PCMS website. Please read the instructions prior to starting the form, because the survey does have several components. Essentially, all the red fields in Section A of the form will need to be completed first. Then click submit. Once the page loads, you will click: “get my link to survey queue.” This link can be sent to the CEO for a signature as well as whoever will be completing Section B. Also, if submitting multiple sites, PDPH will only need one Section A completed. If you have any questions, contact Kiara Benson, Philadelphia Department of Public Health Immunization Program, at 215-685-6490.
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Did Your Practice Participate in the Advanced Payment Program (APP)? |
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised the repayment terms of its Advanced Payment Program.
Repayments will now begin one year after the advance payment was issued, which could be as early as April 2021. Loans not repaid within 210 days of loan disbursement were subject to interest rates of up to 10.25%. Instead of repaying APP loans via claims recoupment, providers may choose to repay loans via lump-sum payments. If additional information is necessary or if there are questions, click here.
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PAMED Community Care Grant Deadline Has Been Moved to March 19, 2021 |
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PAMED is making funding available for independent physicians to support services and projects that improve care and make health care more accessible. This Community Care Grant is not competitive, and funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis to society members. Because of an overwhelming response so far, PAMED is planning to temporarily suspend the acceptance of applications by March 19. The online grant application can be found here.
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COVID-19 Financial Impact on Physician Practices |
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The report found that spending dropped as much as 57% below expected pre-pandemic levels in April 2020. Medicare spending on physician services has partially recovered from the April low, but was still 12% less than expected by the end of June 2020.
During the first half of 2020, the cumulative estimated reduction in Medicare physician spending associated with the pandemic was $9.4 billion (19%). The report also provides estimates by state and specialty.
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2021-2022 Pa. Legislative Session |
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The new legislative session in Harrisburg is gathering some momentum, as both the Senate and House begin considering legislative proposals.
Most lawmakers are focusing on COVID-19 vaccinations, budget-related matters and possible election reforms. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) has re-introduced COVID-19 liability protection legislation (SB 273). This bill will protect health care organizations by shielding them from predatory COVID-19 injury lawsuits. In November 2020, Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed a similar bill (HB 1737).
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16 - Alternative Medical Careers
Date: Tuesday, March 16
Time: 7:30 PM
Are you having any second thoughts about the future and your medical career? You have your medical license now what? Or perhaps you have been practicing for a few years and are not satisfied…Not sure what to do? Then why not join us Tuesday evening March 16 at 7:30 PM for an evening to talk about it. This program will be held as a Zoom video conference.
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20 - How to Manage Your Finances and Invest for the Future
Date: Tuesday, April 20
Time: 7:30 PM
An educational program for Residents, Fellows and young physicians. More information will be available closer to the program date.
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27 - Xylazine in Philly's Drug Supply: Provider Update and Panel Discussion Webinar
Date: Tuesday, April 27
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This free webinar by the Health Federation of Philadelphia will feature local experts reviewing animal tranquilizer Xylazine’s toxicity and local data followed by a panel discussion.
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1 - The 10th Annual Clinical Update in Gastroenterology
Date: Saturday, May 1
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Our 10th Annual Clinical Update in Gastroenterology will be held on May 1! This year's topics include Motility Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract, An Update on Celiac Disease, An Update on Liver Disease: Cholestatic Diseases of the Liver, and Treatments for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. This program will be held as a Zoom video conference.
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18 - The DO's and DON'Ts of Physician Use of Social Media
Date: Tuesday, May 18
Time: 7:30 PM
An educational program for Residents, Fellows and young physicians. More information will be available closer to the program date.
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25 - President's Installation and Awards Night
Date: Friday, June 25
Time: 6:00 PM
Place: The Philadelphia Country Club, 1601 Spring Mill Road, Gladwyne, PA 19035
Save the date! Our annual President's Installation and Awards Night will be taking place in person on Friday, June 25. Further details to come.
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