MISSISSIPPI ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS
Newsletter - March 17, 2020
TUESDAY CALL -- Mississippi State Department of Health will host a conference call Tuesday (today) aimed at physicians and hospitals. The call will be at 4 pm Central on Tuesday, March 17, and Drs. Thomas Dobbs, State Health Officer, and Paul Byers, State Epidemiologist, will provide an update. To join the call, dial 1-888-822-7517 and enter passcode 6782079, followed by #.
Groups Issue Important Guidance on
Medical Treatment via Telemedicine
Note: We are working with private insurance companies and Medicaid to determine billable codes and other information you will need to bill for these services.

The MAFP and Mississippi State Medical Association issued a joint statement March 17 regarding telemedicine. MAFP and MSMA are working closely with the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure, payers and other interested parties to advocate for relaxation of any possible hindrances to patient care during this federal and state disaster declaration.

Mississippi's Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney issued a bulletin March 17 directing Mississippi insurers to adopt procedures to encourage policyholders to use telemedicine. Citing Mississippi Code, the commissioner suspended certain limitations until April 30, 2020, including audio-only phone consultations, in-network limitations, and any requirement that limits coverage to in-person visits.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced by a March 17 press release the immediate expansion of Medicare telehealth coverage. CMS will temporarily pay clinicians to provide telehealth services for beneficiaries. Prior to this announcement, Medicare was only allowed to pay clinicians for telehealth services such as routine visits and only in certain circumstances. Importantly, physicians may submit claims for these services dating back to March 6, 2020. This new directive allows "a range of healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurse practitioners, clinical psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers" to offer telehealth services. It also allows Medicare beneficiaries to receive "various services through telehealth including common office visits, mental health counseling, and preventive health screenings."

The AAFP issued a statement March 17 regarding telemedicine expansion. Aimed at the U.S. Congress, the statement calls on those in Washington to require that all health insurance plans modify their policies to facilitate greater user of virtual care. AAFP asks that member physicians share the letter with their local Congressional delegation and urge its passage.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves issued Executive Orders March 16 mobilizing the National Guard to assist in security at drive-through virus testing sites and more.
Division of Medicaid Adds New Procedure Codes
The Mississippi Division of Medicaid issued guidance on billing for COVID-19 diagnostic tests on March 16, and advises that the codes can be used for dates of service on or after February 4, 2020. See the link for the procedures covered by the codes. DOM emphasized that the fees listed do not include cutbacks, assessment fees, etc., and payment is not guaranteed.
Spring Conference Postponed
The officers of the MAFP have responsibly voted to postpone the MAFP Spring Conference at this time with the CDC urging a halt to gatherings of more than 50 people for the next 8 weeks. We will notify you as soon as the meeting is rescheduled.  This may take some time as we don’t know when our lives will be back to normalcy.

If you have made room reservations, please call The Hilton at 601-957-2800 and cancel your room.

If you paid your registration fee, the MAFP will transfer your fee to the rescheduled conference unless you prefer to cancel and receive a refund. The MAFP is happy to accommodate you.  Please let Beth Embry know if you want a refund. If we do not hear from you, we will transfer money to rescheduled conference. Date to be determined.

This is a challenging time for our members as you are on the front lines and we will continue to keep you up to date as we learn of resources, information, etc. We will use electronic methods of communication, so please check your email, Facebook or our web page for alerts.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Beth Embry