Physicians Target of Scam |
Scammers Portray to be From Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline |
MSD has recently received communication from a physician regarding a scam being perpetrated, initiated with a phone call. The callers are able to project a valid Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) phone number on the caller ID of the perspective victim and may fax information on counterfeit Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline (BMLD) letterhead. In this scenario, the caller states they are a representative of the BMLD and advise that they have the FBI on the line as well. The scammer advises the victim that they are a suspect in an investigation for drug trafficking and money laundering. They tell the victim to wire money to avoid further penalty against their license or having an arrest warrant issued.
These scammers appear to be very organized and very convincing. They use strong language, make very serious threats, and get increasingly hostile as the call progresses. The scammers do research and are able to obtain information about their targets, such as license, NPI and DEA numbers, prior to initiating the call.
The Division of Professional Regulation does not:
- suspend or revoke a license without some sort of opportunity for the licensee to have a hearing;
- send notices of hearing, suspension, or revocation solely through email or via telephone call. All notices are sent through certified mail;
- take payment for anything over the telephone and never requests a wire transfer; or
- send text messages asking for you to call the number provided to discuss your imminent “suspension or revocation of your license.”
If you have been the victim of this type of scam, please file a police report and contact the Division of Professional Regulation at 302-744-4500.
|
|
Deadline Looming to Submit Late COVID-19 Relief Fund Reports |
June 14th is the Deadline |
As a reminder to all practices, June 14 is the deadline to submit late COVID-19 relief fund reports. Those who received approval to submit a late report on how they used Provider Relief Fund payments received from July 1 to Dec. 31, 2020, must submit the report at the PRF Reporting Portal by June 14 or return the funds to comply with Health Resources and Services Administration requirements. For more information on reporting on these Period 2 funds, see HRSA’s reporting resources.
|
|
Governor, Members of General Assembly Announce Gun Safety Package |
Joint Senate-House Agreement Ensures Swift Passage of Gun Safety Measures |
Governor John Carney, along with Senate and House Democratic Leadership, on Thursday announced a commitment to advance multiple gun safety bills before the General Assembly adjourns on June 30. The package of gun safety legislation includes:
- Banning the sale of assault weapons (HB 450)
- Limiting high-capacity magazines (SB 6)
- Raising the age from 18 to 21 to purchase most firearms (HB 451)
- Strengthening background checks by reinstituting the Firearm Transaction Approval Program (FTAP) (HB 423)
- Holding gun manufacturers and dealers liable for reckless or negligent actions that lead to gun violence (not yet introduced)
- Banning the use of devices that convert handguns into fully automatic weapons (not yet introduced)
HB 450 and 451 will be heard in the House Administration Committee on Wednesday, June 8. If HB 450 is released from committee, it will be heard on the House floor on Thursday, June 9. The Senate will consider HB 450 and 451 promptly following House passage. The remainder of the package will be considered by both chambers before the end of June.
|
|
FDA Actions To Yield Supply of Specialized Infant Formula |
To Increase Supply for Infants With Certain Allergies or Health Conditions |
Last week the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided an update on steps it has taken that will lead to millions of bottles of specialized medical infant formula to help address immediate needs for infants with certain allergies or critical health conditions. This type of specialized medical infant formula is currently in short supply in the U.S. About 500,000 additional cans of specialized medical formula manufactured by Danone’s Nutricia business will be headed to the U.S. These Neocate amino acid-based formula products -- some of which are already manufactured for the U.S. market and are made at facilities in Europe -- amounts to more than 5 million full-size, 8-ounce bottles. The specialized medical formula is expected to be distributed through direct ordering, hospitals, health care professionals, pharmacies, healthcare product distributors and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) local access points to ensure they get to the infants who rely on these products. The FDA has posted a webpage that will be updated with information about additional products headed to the U.S.
|
|
DPH Launches New Delaware WIC Educational Website |
Includes a Link to Information Related to the Baby Formula Shortage |
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the launch of Delaware WIC’s (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant and Children) new educational website. The website includes information on nutrition, breastfeeding, and WIC’s programming for families, covering all stages of pregnancy, postpartum, infancy and children up to five years of age. It currently includes a link to information and contact numbers related to the baby formula shortage. The site can be accessed at Delaware.WICresources.org.
|
|
COVID-19 Pediatric Vaccine for Children Under Age 6
|
Moderna and Pfizer Pediatric Vaccines to be Reviewed for EUA |
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is sharing the latest update on the COVID-19 pediatric vaccine for children under age 6 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The FDA’s advisory committee VRBPAC, indicated that it will meet on June 15 to discuss both the Moderna pediatric vaccine, and the Pfizer pediatric vaccine.
DPH’s Immunization program has been working with pediatric providers since February to pre-plan vaccine orders when it was believed that the Pfizer pediatric vaccine would soon be available. Vaccine For Children (VFC) providers who were not already enrolled to administer COVID-19 vaccines were contacted at that time about enrolling. Those practices that did not request doses in February and wish to do so now, can do so by going to https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/shoc-resource-form-for-vaccine-events/ and request doses in the pre-book area of the form. DPH is working to update the form to reflect the anticipated availability of both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
Now that two vaccines are expected to be made available, Immunization program staff will be re-contacting practices that pre-ordered in February to determine if they have a preference or wish for both. DPH will be able to pre-book doses, and orders will ship immediately once the EUA has been approved. For this phase of the vaccine roll out, the role of pediatric physicians is paramount. DPH is actively encouraging pediatric offices to vaccinate their own patients. Additionally, a handful of physicians have indicated a willingness to vaccinate non-patients. DPH is not planning to hold mass vaccination clinics for this age group. Read more.
|
|
Upcoming Mid- and Downstate Presidential Receptions |
A Series of Social Events for Everyone |
MSD has planned several upcoming social events for you to attend. It's been a while since we got together in person, let's discover what everyone has been doing over the past two years! |
Come mingle with the President! In light of COVID-19 safety concerns at the time, MSD did not plan a social event in conjunction with our November 2021 Annual Meeting. Our goal was to plan three social events for some time in 2022 when we all felt more comfortable in those in-person social gatherings. That time has come. You and your guest have the opportunity to attend one of the upcoming in-person Presidential Receptions that have been arranged at locations across the state. Find a date and location convenient for you! All events begin at 6:00 p.m. Dress is business casual.
-
Thursday, June 30 @ Maple Dale Country Club in Dover
-
Wednesday, September 21 @ JD Shuckers in Georgetown
|
|
Improving Care of Patients Concerned About Chronic Lyme Disease |
Learn How to Manage Patients Presenting with Concerns |
Chronic Lyme disease is a term sometimes used to describe illness in patients with Lyme disease, but it has also been used to describe persistent symptoms in people who have no clinical or diagnostic evidence of Lyme disease. Because it is a confusing term, conversations with patients can be challenging. The American Medical Association (AMA) and Mathematica, with funding assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), invite Delaware physicians who typically see 5-30 patients per year with concerns for chronic Lyme disease or who report persistent, prolonged symptoms that they attribute to Lyme disease, to participate in a virtual focus group discussion to learn how physicians manage patients presenting with concerns for chronic Lyme disease. The focus group discussions serve as a key step to support physicians to more effectively communicate with and assist such patients. The focus groups will be held with physicians specializing in primary care, rheumatology, infectious disease, psychiatry, and neurology. Join a virtual focus group and spend an hour with your colleagues or other experienced physicians discussing your experience seeing patients with concerns for chronic Lyme disease. The planned virtual focus group times are (all times Eastern):
- Primary care (family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics): June 13, 7-8 p.m.
- Rheumatology: June 15, 7-8 p.m.
- Infectious Disease: June 16, 7-8 p.m.
- Psychiatry: June 21, 7-8 p.m.
- Neurology: June 23, 7-8 p.m.
Why should you participate? This project is a key step to improve support for physicians to effectively care for patients with concerns for chronic Lyme disease. You may learn useful information from the discussion with your colleagues as well as allowing them to learn from you. After your participation, you will receive a $100 Amazon gift card as a thank you for your time and expertise.
|
|
Compassionate Champion Awardees Announced |
Award Ceremony to be Held June 14 |
Governor John Carney and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney on Tuesday announced the 2022 Compassionate Champion Awardees. The Compassionate Champion Awards recognize individuals, organizations, and educational institutions across the State of Delaware that provide trauma-informed services in a manner consistent with the Delaware Developmental Framework for Trauma-Informed Care. The 2022 awardees include:
-
Government – Dr. Teri Lawler of the Delaware Department of Education for Project Thrive
-
Community Organizations – Arreon Harley-Emerson for the Choir School of Delaware
-
First Responders – Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit
-
Education (P-20) – Capital School District
-
Health Care – Beebe Healthcare’s Trauma-Informed Committee led by Dr. David Tam
-
Health Care (Individual) – Natasha Mullen of Milestones Consultants
|
|
AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment |
AMA Guides Sixth 2023 - Public Comment Period Begins June 1st |
Proposals to update the AMA Guides® are being considered by the AMA Guides Editorial Panel for adoption, with an effective date of January 1, 2023. Specific topics addressed include spine impairment, upper extremity range of motion, and editorial changes to ear nose and throat. Proposals build upon the update to the sixth edition issued in 2022. Interested parties and organizations who utilize the AMA Guides are invited to participate in the process to comment on the proposed changes to the medicine and impairment ratings. The AMA Guides Editorial Panel will consider all available information and comments prior to adopting these changes as part of AMA Guides Sixth 2023. The public comment period is scheduled for June 1- July 15, 2022. For more information on how to participate and to begin the request process, please visit https://ama-guides.ama-assn.org/books/pages/public_comment. The AMA Guides Editorial Panel is comprised of knowledgeable physicians, allied health professionals and regulatory and legal advisors to deliver timely enhancements to the AMA Guides reflecting current evidence-based medical practice. Contact: guidesproposals@z.ama-assn.org with any questions.
|
|
FDA Launches New Dietary Supplement Education Initiative |
Initiative Helps Physicians Expand Knowledge of Supplements Through CME |
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is launching a new education initiative titled Supplement Your Knowledge to broaden public understanding of dietary supplements.
Using fact sheets, videos, and curriculum, the initiative is designed to:
- Help consumers learn more about dietary supplements, including how they are regulated and their potential benefits and risks.
- Help educators equip high school students with the knowledge to evaluate the accuracy and credibility of information they see and hear about dietary supplements. Teens are particularly vulnerable targets for misunderstanding what dietary supplements are and the potential benefits and adverse effects they can have on their bodies.
- Help physicians and other healthcare professionals expand their knowledge about dietary supplements through a continuing medical education (CME) program developed in collaboration with the American Medical Association. The CME program was developed to help physicians understand how dietary supplements are regulated, provide information to patients on their use, and recognize and report adverse events to the FDA.
The use of dietary supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs, has become a routine part of many U.S. consumers’ lives. The FDA wants consumers to have access to safe, well-manufactured, and appropriately labeled products, as well as the knowledge to make informed decisions about taking dietary supplements.
|
|
Abbott Medical Recalls Dragonfly OpStar Imaging Catheter |
Potential Loose Catheter Marker Band that May Cause Patient Harm |
The Dragonfly OpStar imaging catheter with optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system is designed to provide imaging of blood vessels that carry blood and oxygen to the heart (coronary arteries) in people who are candidates for catheter-based, minimally invasive, interventional procedures to address coronary artery disease. Abbott is recalling certain lots of the Dragonfly OpStar imaging catheter because the marker band farthest from the catheter tip (proximal marker) may become loose and, in two instances, has been observed to separate from the catheter while being used on a person. There have been 5 incidents and 1 injury reported. Health care professionals should immediately stop using devices in the affected lots and report any product performance issues to Abbott. The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices may cause serious injuries or death.
|
|
Bill Enables 401(k) Match for Physicians Paying Off Student Loans |
Securing a Strong Retirement Act - H.R. 2954 |
Paying down medical student-loan debt and saving for retirement are often competing priorities for residents, fellows and young physicians. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, 73% of medical students graduated with an average student-loan debt of approximately $200,000. American Medical Association (AMA)-supported bipartisan legislation aims to help those squeezed between paying off student loans and saving for their golden years. Under provisions in the “Securing a Strong Retirement Act” (H.R. 2954), graduates who cannot afford to contribute to their employer-sponsored retirement plan would no longer be forced to forego the important employer match for retirement contributions. The “Securing a Strong Retirement Act” permits retirement plans such as employer-sponsored 401(k) plans to make matching contributions to workers as if their student-loan payments were retirement-plan contributions. Qualified student-loan payments are broadly defined under the legislation as any indebtedness incurred by the employee solely to pay qualified higher education expenses of the employee. The bill, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, has moved to the Senate, which has until December to send the measure to President Biden’s desk.
|
|
CVS Health Launching Virtual Care Platform |
Access to Primary and Mental Health Care, Chronic Disease Management |
Fierce Healthcare reports that retail drugstore giant CVS is rolling out a virtual care service that gives consumers access to primary care, on-demand care, chronic condition management and mental health services. Eligible Aetna and CVS Caremark members will be able to use the virtual primary care service to access health care services on demand, whether at home or in a retail or community-based setting. Members also will have the option of being seen in person at an in-network provider, including CVS MinuteClinic locations. The virtual primary care provider can also help members identify appropriate in-network specialists and other in-network health service providers. The virtual solution will roll out to Aetna members starting Jan. 1, 2023, and for eligible CVS Caremark members during the second quarter of 2023. Caremark also will introduce virtual specialty care solutions on the platform in 2023. CVS Health Virtual Primary Care is a payer-agnostic solution that connects the company’s services, clinical expertise, and data on a single digital platform for a more coordinated and consumer-centric experience. By leveraging an interoperable electronic health record, Aetna and CVS Caremark members can transition between virtual and in-person care, and clinical data can also be shared with their other providers.
|
|
Eight Great Books Hand-Picked by Physicians |
For Your Summer Reading List |
Physicians across the country provided the American Medical Association their choices for best nonfiction reads related to health care - those that are eye-opening, provocative, and moving. Which ones made the list? Find out now
|
|
Teaching Patients About Climate Change |
Just 45 Seconds Is All It Takes |
How can you talk with your patients about the health risks of climate change without disrupting the office visit? This important topic can be time-consuming and even controversial. The Medical Society of Delaware's My Green Doctor explains an easy solution that may work well in your practice. Read more. My Green Doctor is a FREE money-saving membership benefit to learn how to adopt environmental sustainability, save resources, and help create healthier communities. Everyone in your practice can register as Partner Society members at www.MyGreenDoctor.org or at www.MyGreenDoctor.es (si, en Espanol) and use the discount code MGDMSD to save $60 instantly and give full access to My Green Doctor for free. Ask your practice manager to register and to put My Green Doctor on your next agenda.
|
|
Beebe Medical Group is offering a COVID-19 booster clinic for children ages 5-11 on Saturday, June 4, at the Primary Care Cape Henlopen office. The event is by appointment only. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/fcsn2frn. Please bring the child’s COVID-19 vaccination card, guardian’s ID and insurance card. If there are any questions about whether the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is right for the child, please contact the child’s Pediatrician or Primary Care Provider.
|
|
Due to increasing transmission rates of COVID-19 in the community, last Friday ChristianaCare announced it is returning to limited visitation at its facilities, effective Saturday, May 28th.
|
|
COVID-19 Information Finder |
|
Enrique Cortez Bernal, MD - Internal Medicine Resident, Bayhealth
Sumary Hayan, MD - Family Medicine Resident, Bayhealth
Danielle J. Hovington, DO - Internal Medicine Resident, Bayhealth
Nairuti A. Sanghavi, MD - Internal Medicine Resident, Bayhealth
|
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!
|
|
Mohammed O. Choudary, DO - Internal Medicine Resident, Bayhealth
Shakeera K. Dunn, MD - Internal Medicine Resident, Bayhealth
Jonathan J. Ignacio, MD - Family Medicine Resident, Bayhealth
Eli C. Levin, DO - Internal Medicine Resident, Bayhealth
Scott P. Rankin, MD - Family Medicine Resident, Bayhealth
|
MSD members are afforded a seven day review period from the date of this publication to comment regarding applicants for membership. Please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any comments on the current pending member(s) listed above.
|
|
The Latin phrase Rerum Cognoscere translates to learn, examine, or become aware of facts or things. In this section, we highlight measurable items of interest in health care from MSD, Delaware, the US, and the world. |
|
15%
Percent reduction in long COVID symptoms in vaccinated people with breakthrough infections.
Nature Medicine
|
|
10%
Percent increase in U.S. road fatalities in 2021 compared with 2020, soaring to a 16 year high.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
|
|
10%
Percent of adults in the U.S. who have trouble affording food for their families.
US Department of Agriculture
|
|
|
October 5&6 - Delaware Academy of Medicine/Delaware Public Health Association and Delaware Chapter of the American Planning Association Joint virtual 2022 Fall Conference.
|
|
|
Was the information in this newsletter useful? If so, forward to a friend to let them know the value of your Medical Society of Delaware membership. |
|
The information contained herein is solely informational, planned in accordance for a diverse membership audience. This communication reflects news and announcements that have been made available to MSD and is not intended to exclude other pertinent material. The content published is proposed to represent facts of interest and provide awareness to the members. MSD reserves the right to determine what information is relevant to its membership. |
|
Copyright © 2022. All Rights Reserved. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
