Physician-in-Chief's Message
April 3, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
I’m including some communication strategies adapted from Vital Talk. I hope that you will take a few minutes to look at it. I think it will help empower you as you engage the changing landscape of grief around the pandemic. 
UNC COVID Updates
General Updates
 
  • Social Distancing - It's important but doesn't have to be a drag!
Click the pic for a better view!
Kenneth Roberts shared a funny segment from M*A*S*H that is relevant to today’s issues.
Inpatient Care
  • Dr. Tracie Walker (pediatric intensivist) testing the faceshield produced by Dr. Richard Superfine’s team while simulating the intubation of a COVID–19 positive infant today (4/3/2020)
Click the pic for a better view!
Virtual Care
  • Providers should continue reviewing schedules well ahead of your clinic. The ONLY question to answer now is “In person or Not”? Those that do not need to be seen in person will be offered video visit and support to sign up for MyChart, if for some reason that can’t work for the family then offered phone.
  • Providers please use .pedvirtual note template to document your care. Ryan Haushalter and others are able to keep the billing requirements and disclosure language updated centrally on this as they are changing frequently. Reach out to Ryan if you can’t access it for some reason.
  • All providers who care for outpatients need to watch the LMS module UNCHISDVCARE before Monday.
Ambulatory Care
  • All clinics are increasing virtual visits; intermittent connectivity issues are being addressed and revised “tip sheets” will be available soon.
  • Kevin Brady has developed a generic telephone/video visit template that can be deployed for providers wanting to schedule virtual visits when they are not in clinic.
  • We will be working with Divisions to open templates next week.
  • The Franklin Street clinic will be open Saturday mornings but will temporarily discontinue Monday evening hours.
  • Chapel Hill Children's Specialty clinic location is closed as of Monday, 4/6/2020. 
  • Space in the ACC is open beginning Monday, 4/6/2020. Information on how to schedule patients at the ACC will be available by Monday.
  • Thank you to all the ambulatory providers and staff for their hard work during this time of transition!
Your COVID-19 Questions & Answers
Response from Tom Belhorn

Q : I know the new 45-minute rapid test [for COVID-19] was approved a week ago and the company was to start sending them out this week. When will UNC be able to use this?
 
A : Unfortunately UNC will not have this rapid test available soon. We are excited, of course, to have a rapid test available. The company is trying to quickly produce the test kits and make them available. The initial targets and priorities, though, are areas of highest need. I have heard this may include areas such as New York and larger cities already struggling, but also may include very rural areas where there is basically no testing available. When we have these tests available, I anticipate the initial use would be for hospitalized patients and healthcare workers, but hopefully greatly expanded if/when we have ample test kits.
Stuart Gold, Kenya McNeal-Trice and Martha Perry will be sending several opportunities to participate in activities to promote well-being. Please stay tuned.

I hope each of you enjoy time this weekend with your family and friends!

Thank you for all that you do,
919-417-3130 (cell)