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March 19, 2021
Register Now for MSD's Interim Council Meeting
Council Members Strongly Encouraged to Participate in Virtual Meeting
The Interim Meeting of the Medical Society of Delaware Council will be held virtually on April 8th at 6:00 p.m. Participants will hear a presentation on Climate and Health by Mona Sarfaty, MD, MPH, FAAFP, Director, Program for Climate and Health, Center for Climate Change Communication, George Mason University and Associate Professor of Family Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University. Council members will deliberate submitted resolutions, vote on various nominations for elected positions, and identify members of the Nominating Committee for 2021-2022. The deadline to register is April 6thFor more information. To register.
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expanded
Medicare Also Announces Payment Increase for Vaccine Administration
In moving to vaccinate more eligible persons, the State and the Division of Public Health (DPH) advised clinicians and hospital systems to expand vaccine delivery to their patients aged 16-64 with high or moderate-risk health conditions that increase the risk for severe illness from SARS-CoV-2. Non-paid caregivers of Delawareans with high and moderate-risk medical conditions may also qualify for vaccination through medical providers. Those who are age 50+ are now also eligible to receive vaccine through Delaware pharmacies. The State will open up its vaccine waiting list for those age 50+ on March 23rd. READ MORE

From what was originally distributed, DPH has provided updated contact information on health care systems POC for COVID-19 vaccination coordination for community physicians. Please refer to this updated list for referral.

CMS announced earlier in the week that the Medicare payment amount for administering the COVID-19 vaccine has increased, effective for vaccines administered on or after March 15, 2021. READ MORE

Drive Thru Vaccine Event Scheduled for This Weekend
First Doses for Those 65 and Older
Individuals 65 and older who live, work, or receive health care in Delaware are invited to sign up to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Dover International Speedway. Seniors meeting these criteria can sign up at https://vaccinerequest.delaware.gov/s/schedule. READ MORE

Resource for Patients Needing Access to COVID-19 Vaccinations
Links to Sign Up for Vaccine
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services has shared information pulled together by the Partners of Delaware Libraries volunteers that provides a resource list of links, as well as hints and tips, in both English and Spanish for COVID-19 vaccine access, which you can share with your patients if you are not an enrolled vaccine provider. ACCESS LIST

COVID-19 Vaccine Top Questions of the Week
Important Answers to Share
The Medical Society of Delaware is actively involved in several COVID-19 task forces with the Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Office of the Governor. In order to keep our members current with the latest information, we are sharing the frequently asked questions DPH and Governor Carney's office fielded this week along with important answers to those questions. Please share this information broadly with your patients and contacts. Read This Week's Vaccine FAQ.

Delaware's Latest COVID-19 Statistics
Average Daily Cases Flatten Out; Newly Reported Deaths Decrease
For the latest Delaware COVID-19 statistics, visit the Division of Public Health's My Healthy Community data portal. Information includes Delaware's key public health metrics on confirmed cases, total deaths, number of current hospitalizations and new admissions, as well as testing and vaccination statistics. Read today's DHSS press release for the latest details.

Deadline for Reprieve from 2% Medicare Payment Sequester Approaching
Tell Congress to Vote Yes on H.R. 1868
Should Congress not act by March 31, the Medicare payment sequester will take effect, triggering a devasting cut for physician practices across the country. Recently, legislation was introduced in the House that would protect physician practices by extending the current Medicare sequester moratorium beyond the March 31st deadline. H.R. 1868 would provide a much-needed reprieve so you can continue to focus on providing the best care. Please contact your Representative and urge them to vote YES on H.R. 1868. READ MORE.
International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine
Registration Open
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and The George Washington University are presenting an online educational program, the “International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine.” As an educational supporter of this conference, MSD invites you to register for the event taking place virtually on July 15-17, 2021. Hear from leading nutrition experts and earn continuing education credits, as well as MOC credit. To register.
Lt. Governor Hall-Long Announces 2021 Challenge Competition
Looking for Delaware's Next Health and Wellness Leaders
Lt. Governor Dr. Bethany Hall-Long kicked off the 2021 Lt. Governor's Challenge Monday on Facebook Live urging individuals, organizations, and institutions to create initiatives that help improve the wellbeing of Delaware citizens. The Challenge is to inspire new ideas and recognize ongoing programs that support and sustain overall good health in the State. Initiatives will have the opportunity to be nominated to receive the Lt. Governor's Challenge Award in their particular category: emotional wellbeing, healthy living, chronic disease management and prevention, and mother and child health. Nominations open April 1st and run through May 28th. Visit ltgovernorschallenge.org to participate. READ MORE.
Study on Determining and Regulating Scope of Practice
Multi-Stakeholder Groups to Participate in Survey and Focus Groups
A research team from Purdue University, The Ohio State University, and Indiana University is conducting multi-stakeholder focus groups to explore ways to determine and regulate health care professionals' scopes of practice and ask that you participate in an online survey and focus group, likely to be held in April or May 2021. Participants will be able to remain anonymous in the virtual focus group by not turning on video and using the anonymous, unique participant ID that will be provided. The first 60 participants to: a) participate in a focus group; AND b) complete the follow-up survey will receive a $49.99 Amazon e-gift card. If you would like for your voice to be heard, please click to learn more and sign up to participate: Click here. The deadline to register is Thursday, April 1st.

Your Feedback is Requested
Non-Opioid Approaches for Chronic Pain Management Survey
Approximately 1,500 providers received "Non-Opioid Approaches for Managing Chronic Pain: A Toolkit for Providers" from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health (DPH) in March 2020. The toolkit, developed by DPH, shared comprehensive, evidence-based non-opioid pain management resources so that patients can receive non-opioid pain management options. Opioid prescribing should not be the first or only choice to treat chronic pain.

DPH is conducting a review of this outreach effort. If you or your office received a toolkit, please take a short survey to give feedback about your experience with it. The survey is anonymous and will take no longer than five minutes. Take survey.
In Memoriam
Joseph P. Olekszyk, DO
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of MSD member and Past President, Joseph P. Olekszyk, DO on March 9th. Dr. Olekszyk received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and continued his affiliation with PCOM for over 30 years as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery until his retirement in 2019. For thirty years he maintained his private practice, Nanticoke Ear, Nose and Throat Associates, as well as his affiliation with Nanticoke Memorial Hospital (TidalHealth Nanticoke) in Seaford. He had an interest in medical research, publishing many articles, with the most recent published in 2019. Dr. Olekszyk's activities include a commitment to community service, supporting many local charities and community organizations. As an accomplished keyboard musician, his love of music remained a lifetime avocation. His many achievements and dedicated service were recognized by the Delaware House of Representatives, PCOM, and the organizations to which he gave his time. He was named Delaware Top Doctor and in 2020 was inducted into the Nanticoke Hospital Physician Hall of Fame. READ OBITUARY.
Welcome MSD New Members!
Amanda K. Johnson, MD, Pediatrician, ChristianaCare Center for Women and Children's Health

Karin E. Thomas, MD, Ophthalmologist, Delaware Eye Surgeons, PA
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 the Medical Society of Delaware, please contact Michelle Seymour at 302-224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org.
Pending Members
Jamie E. Hedrick (Medical Student)
Joseph H. Kim, DO
MSD members are afforded a seven day review period from the date of this publication to comment regarding an applicant applying for membership. Please contact Mary LaJudice at (302) 224-5183 or Mary.LaJudice@medsocdel.org with any questions or concerns.
"Rerum Cognoscere"
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.
22%
The percent of the US population receiving at least one dose of vaccine.




Our World in Data as reported by the New York Times (3/19/21)
6,750
Number of subjects enrolled in Moderna's Clinical Vaccine Trial for children.

Moderna Press Release (3/16/21)
$1.9 Trillion
Cost of the "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" signed by the President
AMA Morning Rounds (3/18/21)
Upcoming Events
March 25 - MSD Practice Management Education Session – COVID-19 HR Update, noon - 1:00 p.m., virtual event.
April 8 - MSD Interim Council Meeting, beginning at 6:00 p.m., virtual event, open to all MSD Members
April 29 - Campaign for Kids "It's OBVIOUS" presents: The Dangers of Vaping, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., virtual event.
June 15-19 - 43rd Annual Eastern Shore Medical Symposium, virtual event.
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