A bi-weekly newsletter from your physician organization
Friday, June 18, 2021
Michigan's 'End the Stigma' campaign seeks to support patients with substance abuse disorder
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) created a public awareness campaign to end the stigma against those with substance abuse disorder. The 'End the Stigma' campaign seeks to change the conversation to one of support and education.

The idea behind the campaign is that "people with substance use disorders and people in recovery are more likely to seek substance abuse treatment and maintain sobriety when they develop social connections. Isolation, discrimination and prejudice are obstacles to social inclusion," according to MDHHS.

The 'End the Stigma' website offers many resources to help educate and encourage people to seek support and help. Click here to access templates, social media graphics and more.
Verizon Wireless discount offered to nurses
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Verizon Wireless offers discounts to registered nurses. There are a variety of discounts on standard and unlimited plans, special features, select accessories and more.

To be eligible, a customer must be a currently-employed nurse (LPN, LVN, NP or RN) or respiratory therapist with a valid National Provider Identifier (NPI) number. Employment validation is required as part of the discount registration.

Click here to learn more and register for the discount available to nurses. First responders and military discounts are also available.
Mark your calendar for important education programs
The Physician Alliance is hosting a full line up of virtual education programs in late summer/early fall so mark your calendar now!

Population Health and Quality webinars offer practices an opportunity to meet with TPA staff to gain an understanding of quality metrics related to chronic conditions. Updates for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan quality programs and/or initiatives and performance reporting and performance improvement are also shared on these webinars. Q&A time available.
 
Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Lunch with the Coder webinars provide important tips and updates on coding and billing practices. TPA's coding staff will go over key codes and more to help improve diagnostic coding.

ICD-10 Coding Updates for 2022
(Updates start Oct. 1, 2021)
Wednesday, September 22, 2021; 12–1pm
 
CPT Coding Updates for 2022
(Updates start Jan. 1, 2022)
Wednesday, December 15, 2021; 12–1pm

Hot Topics in Healthcare webinar
Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021
Details to come.


Please note that programs are open to TPA members only. Check The Physician Alliance's Learning Institute to view when registration opens for upcoming webinars.
Target adolescent immunizations before in-person school begins
As of late May 2021, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has extended COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to include adolescents as young as 12 years old.

The agency’s newest clinical guidance also approves co-administration stating, “COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines may now be administered without regard to timing.” The updated guidance forgoes the previous two-week wait period before and after COVID-19 vaccine administration. This wait period posed challenges for providers trying to keep their patients on schedule with recommended immunizations, especially adolescents with various multi-dose immunizations. 

With new-found freedom of timing, providers have a tremendous opportunity to help ensure that teen patients are up-to-date with their vaccinations, including the COVID-19 vaccine, before schools return to in-person learning this fall. 

The pandemic’s impact on adolescent immunization
According to data from Merck charting national wellness visits in 2020-2021, vaccination coverage declined during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents more than any other age group. Significant uptake is needed for recovery to pre-pandemic immunization rates, especially with return to in-person learning anticipated in the fall for K-12 schools.

Here are some tips to increase vaccinations:

  • The CDC recommends that providers identify patients who have missed doses and contact them to schedule appointments. 
  • When reaching out to patients to encourage vaccination appointments, providers should consider leading with their COVID-19 vaccine availability. For many patients and families, the COVID-19 vaccine may urge them to see their provider in person, and it creates a window of opportunity for providers to educate patients on other recommended immunizations too.
  • With the new co-administration allowance, patients can bundle their necessary vaccinations in one visit.

To read the full blog post on increasing adolescent immunization rates, click here.

Source: Atlantic Health Partners offers a vaccine purchasing program through TPA’s Affiliate Partners program. TPA members receive best pricing on vaccines and an annual rebate. Contact Rand Deuchler at (800) 741-2044 or rdeuchler@atlantichealthpartners.com for more information (COVID-19 vaccines are not included in the program at this time.)
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Ways you can save
Featured Affiliate Partner: CYBER LIABILITY INSURANCE: Huntington Insurance helps protect your practice from cyber breaches. Traditional liability insurance coverage typically excludes or limits coverage for this type of exposure. Ask about TPA member discounts.

Learn more about this partner.