The Medical Society of Delaware offices will be closed on Friday, April 15th, and Monday, April 18th in observance of the Passover and Easter religious holiday weekend. MSD staff wishes all its members a blessed holiday filled with happiness, love, and faith.

In response to AMA and specialty society advocacy, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has decided to reopen the reporting time for recipients of Period 1 Provider Relief Funds (PRF). Physicians who received more than $10,000 in provider relief funds and failed to submit their Period 1 report should act immediately. Between Monday, April 11 and Friday, April 22, 2022, at 11:59 pm ET, providers who have not submitted their Period 1 report may submit a late Reporting Period 1 report request. Physician practices should receive information about how to submit a request directly from HRSA via email. If a provider did not submit a Period 1 report and does not hear from HRSA, the provider may initiate communication by calling (866) 569-3522. During this reopening period, a provider must choose an extenuating circumstance(s) that prevented compliance with the original reporting deadline. HRSA has just released the following as allowable extenuating circumstances:

While attesting to an extenuating circumstance is required, no supporting document or proof is required. If HRSA approves the extenuated circumstances form, the provider will receive a notification to proceed with completing the Reporting Period 1 report shortly thereafter. Providers will have 10 days from the notification receipt date to submit the late Period 1 report in the PRF Reporting Portal. More information is available here. The AMA will continue to advocate for greater flexibility and more information to ensure physician practices have an adequate opportunity to come into compliance.

Current CDC guidance indicates that COVID-19 vaccination can be offered as long as a person’s COVID-19 isolation and quarantine are over, and they no longer have symptoms. Additionally, the agency says: “You should get a COVID-19 vaccine even if you already had COVID-19. No currently available test can reliably determine if you are protected after being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after you recover from infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 provides added protection to your immune system. People who already had COVID-19 and do not get vaccinated after their recovery are more likely to get COVID-19 again than those who get vaccinated after their recovery.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently advises “COVID-19 vaccination does not need to be delayed following receipt of monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma.” 

Today, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced the launch of the COVID-19 Test-to-Treat program in Delaware as part of a federal initiative aimed at providing convenient testing and treatment options combined in one location. Test-to-treat locations are designed to be a “one-stop shop” for individuals seeking diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 within five (5) days of showing symptoms. 

Newark Urgent Care, located at 324 E. Main St. in Newark, is the first site to offer the test-to-treat option in Delaware. As more locations become available, they will be listed on the treatment page of Delaware’s Coronavirus website. The goal is to have at least one location in each county by the end of April. For more information on the federal test-to-treat program, visit: https://aspr.hhs.gov/TestToTreat/Documents/Fact-Sheet.pdf.

The MSD 2022 Virtual Interim Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2022, beginning at 6:00 p.m. All Council members are highly encouraged to register early to ensure receipt of meeting materials to review prior to the meeting. As a Council member, please be sure you have renewed your membership! For more information and registration, visit the MSD website. Meeting materials have already been released to those who have registered.

MSD member Kirill Alekseyev, MD, Medical Director at Post Acute Medical (PAM) Hospital in Dover, along with Mr. Dave Tiberi of Donate Delaware and MSD Executive Director Mark Thompson, are working together to deliver much-needed supplies to Ukraine. This is an opportunity for Delawareans to support the people of Ukraine. For a list of items needed, please visit the PAM Health Delaware Supplies for Ukraine Facebook page. Download flyer.

The Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the first flu-related death of the 2021-2022 flu season. The individual was a 54-year-old Kent County female infected with influenza A who died in early April. She had underlying health conditions and was not vaccinated.

Set to expire on April 16th, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on Wednesday that the federal COVID-19 public health emergency has been extended, which will allow Americans to continue receiving free tests, vaccines, and treatments for at least three more months. The public health emergency has been in place since January 27, 2020. This latest extension of the public health emergency is effective April 16 through July 15, 2022. In a letter to state Governors, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) indicated it will provide states with at least a 60-day notice prior to termination or expiration of the public health emergency. In addition, the Consolidated Appropriates Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-103) provides a 151-day extension to some flexibilities once the federal public health emergency ends.

Spring break for most Delaware schools will occur the week of April 18. The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Delaware Department of Education (DOE) are strongly encouraging families to test students for COVID-19 before their return to school following spring break using either over-the-counter (OTC) test kits or visiting a convenient testing location. With the lifting of certain COVID-19 restrictions and mandates, many individuals are once again holding family gatherings or have scheduled travel plans this year. The best way to know your status and to keep classmates and teachers safe is to test the day before returning to school. This is especially true as Delaware starts to see a slight increase in COVID-19 cases. Spring break also is a great time to schedule COVID-19 vaccinations for those who have not yet received their first or second dose or a booster when eligible. 

Last week the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized an extension for the shelf life of the refrigerated Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine, allowing the product to be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius for 11 months. The vaccine was previously authorized to be stored for up to nine months. This extension was granted following a thorough review of data submitted by Janssen. This extension applies to all refrigerated vials of Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine that have been held in accordance with the manufacturer’s storage conditions. A copy of the concurrence letter is posted on FDA’s website.

The transportation mask mandate, which had been set to expire on April 18, has been extended since it was first put into place in February 2021. Travelers will be required to keep masks on during commercial flights and on public transit, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced. The mask mandate for planes, trains, buses, and other public transportation settings will continue until at least May 3. Several states have seen a rise in COVID-19 cases as the BA.2 subvariant has spread. The city of Philadelphia reinstated its indoor mask mandate on Monday, and Washington, D.C. has also recently experienced a rash of cases among high-profile individuals after the annual Gridiron Club dinner two weeks ago.

The antibodies generated by Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine rise more slowly and decline more quickly than those generated by the Moderna vaccine, according to a new study from UVA Health. The study also finds that older recipients of the Pfizer vaccine generated fewer antibodies than did younger recipients – but this wasn’t the case for Moderna, where age did not appear to be a factor.

MSD wants to recognize physicians who demonstrated extraordinary commitment to their patients, communities, and profession during the COVID-19 pandemic. We seek to recognize both physician leaders whose work may be widely known, as well as physicians who labored in relative anonymity. To this, we are seeking nominations from our members of physicians whose personal sacrifice and performance beyond expectation during the pandemic would merit recognition. All physicians in Delaware, excluding trainees, are eligible. Nominations can be submitted online. Persons nominating will be asked to describe the reason the physician is being nominated. The deadline for submitting nominations is­­­ Thursday, May 19th. Awards will be presented this fall.

Governor Carney on Monday announced that state agencies and local governments can learn how climate change is impacting Delaware, how we can best prepare for these challenges, and how we can take advantage of opportunities for improving resilience and reducing emissions through training offered by the State of Delaware. Delaware is partnering with the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) to begin offering the Delaware Climate Leadership Academy this spring. The virtual training will provide instruction on understanding climate science and assessing vulnerability; basics of greenhouse gas accounting, reporting, disclosure; engaging organizational and community stakeholders to lead change; the economics of climate change; and managing climate risk. Delaware’s Climate Action Plan released last November calls for training staff in state agencies and local governments to better prepare them to meet the challenges ahead. The Academy, which will be administered by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, will provide training that integrates concepts of climate change mitigation and adaptation into the decision-making process. It will also be an opportunity for participants to network and collaborate on challenges and opportunities.

The former site of Bayhealth's Milford Memorial Hospital has been transformed into an innovative, multi-use development initiative that provides integrated health, education, and other services to the surrounding area. Milford Wellness Village is home to a variety of like-minded organizations. The former Milford Memorial Hospital was sold in 2019 to Nationwide Healthcare Services. With just over 80% occupancy, construction and renovations continue at the Milford Wellness Village. According to Lon Kieffer, Executive Director, the goal of the campus "is to fill gaps in health care. Not compete with others that are already out there." The campus has a rehabilitation center designed for nursing home care as well as short-term care. More recent tenants include Champions for Children's Mental Health, the Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative, and Amedisys' Compassionate Care Hospice. Pending the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approval, Pace Your Life, a program that allows seniors to live in their homes while receiving care, will also start operations. Construction continues for a drug and alcohol treatment program, expected to open this summer. Six primary care providers will also be relocating to the campus this year. Discussion continues on development of an academic center on campus. Other services on campus include specialized physical therapy, a child care center, full-service laboratory, hearing evaluation services, care for infants and children with acute and chronic medical needs, and the La Red Health Center.

Health inequities historically affect underserved and marginalized communities. During National Minority Health Month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) invites you to learn about preventive services, and find out how to advance health equity. Medicare covers preventive services, and your patients pay nothing if you accept assignment. Learn how to check eligibility (PDF) for preventive services. If you need help, contact your eligibility service provider.

MSD member Matthew Hoffman, M.D., the Marie E. Pinizzotto, M.D., Endowed Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at ChristianaCare, is the co-author on a pivotal study published this month in The New England Journal of Medicine, the world’s foremost medical journal. The study, which has the potential to change the standard of care for some pregnant women, found that treating mild chronic hypertension with medications is beneficial and safe for mother and baby. This represents the first time that comprehensive, evidence-based data show the benefits in treating mild forms of chronic hypertension during pregnancy. Read press release.

MSD is pleased to highlight a 2022 Premier Educational Program Partner. Curi is the premier provider of products, services, and experiences for physicians and those who support them. From professional liability and other lines of insurance, to wealth management and advisory services, the company—built by doctors for doctors—has been passionately curious about identifying new ways to meet the ever-evolving needs of physicians since it was founded as Medical Mutual Insurance Company of North Carolina in 1975. Contact—Gabe Roco, Curi’s VP of Business Development at (484) 220- 1644, gabe.roco@curi.com or https://curi.com/. 

If you would like to become a PEP Partner, please contact Lynn Robinson, Director of Professional Education.

Because of the growing number of events listed in this section, MSD is providing a separate document listing events that are highlighted for physician engagement. Each week this list will be updated so be sure to check out what's new. An expanded list remains at the end of each weekly newsletter for your convenience.

Beebe Healthcare announced it has again been designated an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). This designation means Team Beebe received an evaluation of 100 for the “Leader” designation due to its patient-centered focus when it comes to providing inclusive and equitable care for LGBTQ+ patients, their families, and Beebe team members.  

It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of long-time MSD member, Emanuel M. Renzi, MD. Dr. Renzi passed away on April 2, 2022, at his home in the Maris Grove community at the age of 92. He received his Medical Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania in 1953. A certified radiologist, Dr. Renzi has been a member of MSD since 1963. He was a member of the American College of Radiology and the Radiologic Society of North America. He was a veteran of the US Air Force and the Pennsylvania Air National Guard where he served as a flight surgeon. Dr. Renzi also served as the President of the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline and DELPR-PSRO. A memorial service was held on April 9th. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dr. Renzi's honor, may be made to either the Little Sisters of the Poor, Jeanne Jugan Residence (www.littlesistersofthepoordelaware.org) or the Delaware Humane Association (www.delawarehumane.org).

MSD's Membership Department is pleased to announce the newest members of the Medical Society of Delaware. Welcome to the third oldest medical society in the country! If you know someone interested in joining MSD, please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any questions. You could be eligible for a referral discount!