ASAP e-newsletter: April 7, 2020
Upcoming events for physicians
Physicians' Town Hall with Kim Bimestefer, Rep. Kyle Mullica and Amanda Massey - tonight, April 7, 6 - 7 p.m.
Join the Colorado Medical Society and our many partners in the House of Medicine for a virtual physicians' town hall tonight, [NEW DATE] Tuesday, April 7, 6 - 7 p.m. MT.  The day of this meeting was changed out of respect for the observance of Passover. Register here.

The town hall will be moderated by CMS President David Markenson, MD, MBA.

Panelists are:

  • Kim Bimestefer - Executive Director, Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, speaking about COVID-19 and Medicaid
  • Rep. Kyle Mullica (D-Thornton) - legislator and emergency room nurse, speaking about his experience from the front lines and possible outcomes for the 2020 General Assembly
  • Amanda Massey - Executive Director, Colorado Association of Health Plans (CAHP), speaking about what physicians need to know about getting paid by health plans for the important work you're doing
Thank you to our partners in the House of Medicine co-sponsoring these town halls.

Arapahoe-Douglas-Elbert Medical Society | American Academy of Pediatrics, Colorado Chapter | Aurora-Adams County Medical Society | Boulder County Medical Society | Colorado Academy of Family Physicians | Colorado Chapter - American College of Emergency Physicians | Colorado Chapter - American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists | Colorado Orthopaedic Society | Colorado Psychiatric Society | Colorado Radiological Society | Colorado Society of Anesthesiologists | Colorado Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons | Colorado Society of Osteopathic Medicine | Denver Medical Society | El Paso County Medical Society | Foothills Medical Society | Mesa County Medical Society | Northern Colorado Medical Society | Pueblo County Medical Society
AMA’s National Physician Townhall on COVID-19 - Thursday, April 9, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
The American Medical Association invites you to a live conversation with AMA President Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA, and a panel of AMA health care experts on challenges and concerns facing physicians during this unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. This event will be held Thursday, April 9, 12 - 1:30 p.m. MT. As we work together on the front lines and beyond to defeat COVID-19, the AMA wants to hear from you and channel your collective voices into action. Attendance is limited. Please register immediately and reserve your seat. Register for the webinar here (full functionality, including question submission). If you do not have access to a web-enabled device to attend the webinar, you can register here for phone-in only access (listen only, no question submission). Tweet your questions in advance to @AmerMedicalAssn and use the hashtag #AMAChat
Webinar: Physicians - Staying Well Amidst the Crisis - Friday, April 10, 12 - 1 p.m.; 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
Co-hosted by the Colorado Psychiatric Society and the CMS Committee on Physician Wellbeing
Mark your calendar to join us for a webinar, "Physicians - Staying Well Amidst the Crisis," this Friday, April 10, 12 - 1 p.m. MT. Speakers are Martina Schulte, MD, Doris Gundersen, MD, and Scott Humphreys, MD, who will lead a discussion on stress in these incredibly trying times, best practices in wellness and mental health, and resources from the Colorado Physician Health Program. Click here to view the accreditation statement. Click here to register.
Sponsors
In case you missed it
FDA issues emergency authorization for medications for treatment of COVID-19
On March 28, 2020, the FDA issued an emergency authorization for the use of chloroquine phosphate or hydrochloroquine sulfate supplied from the strategic national stockpile for treatment of COVID-19. This authorization applies to patients who are severely ill with COVID-19 and for whom clinical trials are not an option. It is important to note that the effectiveness of these drugs is purely anecdotal in the treatment of COVID-19; however, the FDA has weighed the potential risks against the possibility of slowing the disease in severely ill patients. Before considering prescribing these drugs, physicians should consider the side effects and potential risks to their patients. Source: https://www.fda.gov/media/136534/download

The Colorado Medical Society and partners in the House of Medicine released a statement on March 27 on ordering, prescribing, and dispensing COVID-19 medications. This statement was updated April 2 to recognize the FDA's action. Read the statement here.
CMS urges governor to expand liability protections for Colorado physicians
The Colorado Medical Society and other partners in the House of Medicine urged the governor to expand liability protections for Colorado health care professionals in an April 3 letter. In brief summary, for the duration of this public health emergency, CMS asks the governor to extend governmental immunity for the provision of care for COVID-19 cases, expand liability protections for providers for any service they provide as a direct result of the pandemic, allow physicians to supervise a greater number of other health professionals, including remotely; and to rescind any provision in any medical malpractice policy that may prevent insurance coverage of a provider’s work responding to the COVID-19 emergency in another work. Read the full letter here.
Did you miss Friday's webinar, "Limiting the Financial Impact on You and Your Practice"? Watch the archived version
The Colorado Medical Society hosted a webinar on Friday, April 3, "Limiting the Financial Impact on You and Your Practice," during which panelists answered questions about the $2 trillion federal COVID-19 relief package and actions Colorado physicians can take to stay afloat during these turbulent times. Watch the archived version of the webinar here.
COVID-19 Care Line for Physicians (Care Line): 720-810-9131
The Colorado Physician Health Program (CPHP) has established a support line for any Colorado physician or physician assistant to call for support in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. By contacting the Care Line at 720-810-9131, you will be linked with a physician peer who will listen and discuss stresses associated with the COVID-19 crisis, and caring for those suffering from the disease. Calls are free of charge and confidential to the extent allowed by the law. Call today or find more information on the CPHP website.
CMS staff is regularly updating our website with COVID-19 resources; visit cms.org/covid-19
CMS is now on Facebook!
The Colorado Medical Society has joined Facebook, just one more option for connecting with your medical society and your peers for the latest information you need. Like our Facebook page here. We're also on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Sponsors
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Contact Dave Dyer | VP, Business Banking | 303-620-7174 | Dave.Dyer@SunflowerBank.com

Guardian Mortgage provides up to 100% financing* option available on primary residency, and "Follow the Client" option with documented evidence of a "full banking relationship" with Sunflower Bank or First National 1870*. Contact Fred Smith, Mortgage Loan Originator | 303-489-5782 | fredsmith@gmc-inc.com
Compliments of CMS: Reduce patient callbacks, HIPAA compliant, RX Savings up to 75%, click for free customization  COLORADO DRUG CARD.
Join us for the 2020 Coalition for Physician Well-Being annual national conference! July 13-15, 2020 at the Four Seasons Hotel Denver! www.forphysicianwellbeing.org
Let's get social!