CMG held an educational webinar, ' 2021 E/M Coding Changes' to guide you through changes to evaluation and management coding guidelines set to take effect in January. Thank you to all that were able to participate. If you were not able to join the webinar today, click here to access the presentation. You can also find this presentation under 'Coding and Billing' on our COVID-19 web page.
COVID-19 Vaccine- Healthcare Personnel Distribution
The State of Connecticut Department of Public Health issued amemoregarding access to the COVID-19 vaccine for all healthcare personnel in Connecticut. Here is what we know:
One representative from each healthcare organization must complete the survey for the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS). The deadline for completing the survey is December 18, 2020, but faster completion is important to enable rapid access to potential vaccination.
Upon completion of the survey you will eventually receive follow-up from DPH to provide detailed information about the Healthcare workers (HCW) in your office who will need Coronavirus vaccine. This is the mechanism the state will use to ascertain the population of community based HCW who need the vaccine. Each practice should complete one survey. We do not believe DPH has yet to send out any follow-up to the initial survey.
We are collecting answers to the other questions that have been submitted and will report when available.
Outpatient COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
The FDA granted Emergency Use Authorization for the use of bamlanivimab and casirivimab/imdesivimab which are monoclonal antibodies to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 patients. Click here for guidance and current criteria for bamlanivimab and casirivimab/imdesivimab for COVID-19 outpatients. Information on how to place a referral and the referral order form are linked below.
All guidance information and order forms will be on our COVID-19 web page on our website.
CDC Reduces COVID-19 Quarantine Requirement
Effective Wednesday, December 3, 2020, the CDC announced two shorter quarantine options for people exposed to COVID-19. The options consist of:
Quarantine can end after Day 10 without testing and if no symptoms have been reported during daily monitoring
Given diagnostic testing resources are sufficient and available, quarantine can end after Day 7 if a diagnostic specimen tests negative and if no symptoms were reported during daily monitoring.
For more information on the quarantine options and its risks, click the CDC link above or read this brief article from Patient Care.
COVID-Testing Update
Attached is a summary of various locations for COVID testing across the state. Some require a provider order and others do not. Turnaround time will vary based upon test type and location.
Many of the telemedicine policy dates for the carriers on our grid are coming to an end. We are working closely with all carriers to receive the latest updates on any extension and policy changes. As of now, attached is an updated excel sheet with telemedicine billing codes and coverage guidelines. (Please note: This excel sheet is updated regularly and posted on our COVID-19 web page)
Weekly CDC and DPH Update
Please see today's summary from the CDC and DPHhere.
Information you may have missed:
Our preferred HR vendor, Human Resource Consulting Group is providing Human Resource hotline support to our members at no charge. The available services are limited and will be similar to those we offered in the spring. Please reach out directly to Robin Imbrogno with your HR questions or concerns.
For access to fee schedule information. You can email FeeSched@communitymedgroup.org and request fee schedule information. We will provide information in a convenient format tailored for your practices specialty.
COVID-19 resources and links
Easy access to the websites you need the most during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
