MSUCOM student developing a new COVID-19 testing protocol
As cases of the Delta variant increase, the time and cost of mass-scale COVID-19 testing remains a persistent issue that a Michigan State University medical student is working to solve.
Zach Morehouse, a fourth-year student at MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, is part of a team that has developed testing protocols that require half the time and resources of even the current testing gold standard — without sacrificing accuracy.
Now, their process has a field-validated study published on August 18, 2021 in PLoS ONE. Funding for the research comes from Omni International Inc., a BioTech firm in Georgia.
Morehouse, working alongside a team of researchers and collaborators from around the globe, helped create a new testing protocol utilizing homogenizers. Homogenizers uniformly break apart and mix substances together for faster and cheaper virus testing.
In a typical extraction-based polymerase chain reaction, or PCR test, the patient swab goes through a step called the extraction procedure, where the RNA is removed from the virus on the swab. Then, the RNA goes into a PCR, which amplifies the RNA and shows whether the virus is present. Morehouse and the team developed a testing protocol that bypasses the RNA extraction and goes through homogenization, breaking up the virus so it can go straight into the PCR-based reaction.
In terms of patient experience, this new protocol is virtually identical to current testing methods. Patients will still get a nasal or oral swab, but there are two differences patients might notice: faster results and a potentially lower cost of testing, since fewer materials are required.
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MOA 17th Annual Autumn Scientific Convention
October 29 - 31, 2021
Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids, MI
22 AOA Category 1-A Credits
22 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS:
Sleep Apnea • Gastroenterology • Update Business of Medicine • Hypertension in Geriatrics • Driver’s Rehabilitation • Cardiology Update • Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist Addressing Pandemic • Basic Management of Parkinson’s Disease
Lifestyle & Functional Medicine Sessions • Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine • Women’s Health • Safe Opioid Seminar
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VIRTUAL ON DEMAND OPTION: The MOA is continually monitoring the conditions regarding the COVID-19 virus and the Delta variant. An online version of the complete Autumn CME sessions will be offered On Demand after the October event.
Use the button below to preregister for the On Demand program.
NOTE: Registration is limited to either the in-person or On Demand program.
Autumn On Demand sessions will be available November 15.
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MOA Autumn 2021 Virtual SRE Competition - October 30, 2021
Participate virtually via Zoom!
The Michigan Osteopathic Association hosts a Scientific Research Exhibit (SRE) twice annually. These competitions provide osteopathic medical students, residents, fellows and attending level physicians an opportunity to present their medical and scientific research to our profession. The SRE competition demonstrates the very best of what osteopathic medicine is and reaffirms the profession’s commitment to the advancement of science in osteopathic medicine.
MOA Autumn Virtual SRE Competition Deadlines
- October 1 - Abstract submission deadline
- October 8 - Notification of acceptance deadline
- October 20 - Poster PDF submission deadline
- October 25 - Final PowerPoint submission deadline
- October 30 - Participant judging times 8 am - 12 pm via Zoom
- November 1 - Awards via Zoom 6-6:30 pm
You may participate via Zoom only.
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20+ AOA Category 1-A credits
Speaker: Richard Koss, DO, C-SPOMM, C-ACOFP
November 19-21, 2021
Friday: 8 am - 6 pm
Saturday: 8 am - 6 pm
Sunday: 7:45 am - 3 pm
Sheraton Detroit Novi
21111 Haggerty Road, Novi, Michigan 48375
(Ballrooms A-B)
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From Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, The Record:September 2021
No‑cost COVID‑19 treatment ending Sept. 30
As we reported in The Record previously, we’re ending our $0 member cost share for COVID‑19 treatment Sept. 30.
We’ll still pay for medically necessary treatment, but it will now be subject to member cost sharing. This change applies to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network, Medicare Plus Blue℠, BCN Advantage℠ and Medigap plans.
Effective Oct. 1, member cost sharing will apply for COVID‑19 treatment.**
Throughout the pandemic, we’ve implemented many short-term changes to help our providers and members during this difficult time. This included waiving authorization requirements and member cost sharing for COVID‑19 testing and treatments.
Many of our policies had end dates that were revised throughout the health emergency. We’re continuing to revise the end dates for temporary changes to our policies. For additional information, refer to this document.
We’ll continue to cover physician‑approved testing for the duration of the public health emergency, as required by federal guidelines.
**Some commercial self-funded groups may end the temporary waiver of member cost sharing on a different date. For example, MESSA is extending the waiver of member cost sharing through the end of 2021. Providers are encouraged to submit claims to Blue Cross and BCN, and wait for the voucher before charging member cost sharing, if applicable.
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Lunch and learn webinars for physicians and coders focus on risk adjustment, coding
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) is offering lunch and learn webinars for physicians and coders focusing on risk adjustment, coding. Starting in April, BCBSM began offering webinars that provide updated information on risk adjustment documentation and coding of common challenging diagnoses.
All sessions start at 12:15 p.m. Eastern time and run for 15 to 30 minutes. They also provide physicians and coders with an opportunity to ask questions.
Click on a link below to sign up for a webinar.
Physician led
Coder led
Wednesday, Nov. 17: Coding scenarios for primary care and specialty Register here
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COVID-19 Protocol Update
The Michigan Osteopathic Association is continually monitoring the situation regarding the coronavirus and its variants. At this time, we are planning to offer both in person and virtual education opportunities this fall. We are working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Amway Grand Plaza to ensure that safety protocols will be taken for in-person attendees.
The speaker sessions featured at the Autumn Scientific Convention will be available On Demand through the MOA Learning Center.
Visit domoa.org/autumn for in person CME registration or to pre-register for the virtual, On Demand sessions starting November 15.
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"After missing an in-person meeting for the 2020 Autumn Scientific Convention, the MOA is once again meeting in Grand Rapids for the annual convention. Safety protocols will be in place and we have a great line-up of speakers. We will also offer a 3 hour opioid safety seminar as concurrent sessions on Saturday, October 30. I look forward to the compelling sessions and seeing a lot of familiar faces at the Amway Grand Plaza. See you in Grand Rapids!"
— David Best, DO
President of the Michigan Osteopathic Association
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MOA and PIN urge parents to get caught up on child vaccinations and 'Take the Pledge'
As an advocate for immunization efforts, the Michigan Osteopathic Association is a member of the Parent Information Network (PIN), a coalition of groups advocating for vaccines and vaccine use in Michigan. And in the wake of COVID-19, their work could not be more important.
Since the onset of the pandemic, immunization rates for vaccine-preventable diseases like the measles, mumps and rubella have fallen off dramatically here in Michigan. According to a study published by the CDC earlier this year, vaccination rates overall for children 18 and younger dropped by more than 20 percent, leaving far too many children and communities unprotected and vulnerable to outbreaks of potentially deadly, completely preventable conditions.
Taking the pledge to get caught up has never been more important. With social distancing requirements easing and in-person learning returning this fall, the conditions will be just right for a serious outbreak of a highly contagious and potentially deadly communicable disease like the measles.
That’s something we can prevent, but only if we all do our part to see that our children are caught up on their routine immunizations. Please take the pledge today and ask others to do the same. Getting our children caught-up on routine, life-saving immunizations before the start of the coming school year could very well save lives—that alone should be reason enough to take the pledge.
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The MOA is consistently striving to improve and adapt in the value we provide to members. As technology advances and health care continues to change, we look to improve upon the benefits and services offered to members. If you have input you would like to share, take a moment to let us know what is important to you. |
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Membership Renewal
The 2022 membership renewal notices have been sent through email. A similar notice will be sent via U.S. Mail after Labor Day. A reminder—90% of your yearly dues can be deducted on your tax returns.
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DEFENDING DOS
I am a DO: Facing the skeptics
Matthew Tilton, DO, explains his experience with confusion about the osteopathic profession. He also points out reasons for optimism and how DOs can tell the story of a distinct approach to patient care.
It has happened to me on several occasions. I have seen and heard the DO skepticism more often than I care to admit. At the very beginning of residency, I was listening to a patient’s heart sounds on a weekend ER shift when the patient inquisitively asked, “What is a DO?” My eyes reflexively flashed down to my badge, and I replied, “Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.” The conversation continued with me inadequately explaining osteopathic medicine.
Maybe the question caught me off guard, maybe it was intern jitters, but either way, I completely fumbled through my first opportunity to represent the osteopathic community. I completed medical school in Kirksville, Missouri, where DOs are plenty and MDs are few. To this day I couldn’t tell you why I was hesitant; I am a proud osteopathic physician. CONTINUE TO FULL ARTICLE
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Revenue Recovery made easy - It's your money
MCAG is a revenue recovery consulting firm where teams of advisers, auditors, analysts and IT professionals provide expertise, analysis and breakthrough technology to ensure its clients capture every recoverable dollar.
As a trusted adviser, MCAG shares its expertise and know-how of class action litigation claim recovery through a range of services tailored to meet its clients' revenue recovery needs.
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RisKey®
August 2021
Medical Device Safety and FDA Reporting
By Linda Rowett, BSN, RN, CPHRM
With advanced innovations in healthcare technology and the ongoing evolution of bioengineering, the medical device industry continues to grow significantly. It generates billions of dollars in revenue, with over 6500 different medical device product categories subject to the oversight of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Yet despite the FDA’s rigorous premarket approval process and regulatory controls, many devices designed and manufactured to enhance patient care and improve health have been associated with adverse outcomes and patient harm.
Claims Analysis
Coverys claims data shows that 171 claims filed between 2016 and 2020 involved injuries from medical devices and equipment. Of these, 48% were related to alleged user error or improper equipment use while 30% were equipment-related or equipment failures. Nine percent of claims accounted for product liability and another 9% were associated with cautery injuries. A smaller number of claims were associated with failure to inspect or maintain equipment.
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Coverys live webinar
HIPAA Update: What You Need to Know about Amendments, Access, and Enforcement
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been the center of attention over the last 18 months, the privacy-focused HIPAA Omnibus Rule has continued to evolve in the background.
Join Coverys September 23, 2021 from 2 to 3 pm ET for this 60-minute webinar with Chris Bennington, JD, as he reviews recent HIPAA developments relative to today and beyond. These include amendments to the Privacy Rule, “Right of Access” enforcement, and findings from the latest round of HIPAA audits. This is one webinar you don’t want to miss - register below!
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Coverys Call for Action Claims Series
Coverys released an analysis of malpractice claims data from the previous 10 years in October 2020. A review of a decade's worth of malpractice claims makes us wonder why more progress has not been made in improving patient safety. Despite focused education, we continue to see high numbers of claims in largely the same areas. In some ways, this report is a call for action to make a greater—and more effective—investment in a safer healthcare delivery model.
Surgery: September 22, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. ET
General Medicine: October 20, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET
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MDHHS NOTICE: For Health Care Providers
BUD Case Scenarios: Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Expiration Extension
With the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine expiration date extension, there have been a number of questions about how this might impact beyond-use date. Below are a few case scenarios you might encounter.
To prevent vaccine from inadvertently being discarded, providers should ensure the new expiration date is indicated, i.e., label the tray or post on the unit.
- Case scenario #1: You move a vial of Pfizer vaccine from freezer storage to the refrigerator on August 15. It is marked with the expiration date of August 2021 (August 31, 2021). Can you store this vaccine for the full 31 days allowed for refrigeration storage, or do you need to administer it by August 31, 2021?
- Yes, you can store this vaccine vial for the full 31 days (i.e., through September 15, 2021). The recent expiration date extension changes the expiration date to November 2021. The BUD replaces the manufacturer’s expiration date (now November/2021) and should be noted on the label along with the initials of the person making the calculation.
- Case scenario #2: You move a vial of Pfizer vaccine from ultracold storage to the freezer on August 23. It is marked with the expiration date of August 2021 (August 31, 2021). Can you store this vaccine for the full 2 weeks allowed in the freezer? After that time, can you still move it to the refrigerator and store for an additional 31 days?
- Yes, you can store this vaccine vial for the full 2 weeks in the freezer (through September 6, 2021), move it to the refrigerator, and store for an additional 31 days (October 7, 2021). The recent expiration date extension changes the expiration date to November 2021. The BUD replaces the manufacturer’s expiration date (now November 2021) and should be noted on the label along with the initials of the person making the calculation.
- Case scenario #3: You move a vial of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine from the freezer to the refrigerator on August 1, 2021. Since the expiration date has been extended, can you store this vial in the refrigerator through November 31, 2021?
- No, you cannot store this vial through the extended expiration date. A vial can be stored in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F) for up to 1 month (31 days) regardless of the expiration date extension.
Tracking Expiration Dates – we strongly encourage utilization of this CDC resource:
For organizations accessing and using the CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Lot Number and Expiration Date Report to track vaccine expiration dates, it is strongly recommended that the report files are downloaded on a routine basis. Updates are received from each manufacturer (as indicated in the "Date Last Updated" column in the report file) and CDC lot files are updated and published daily by 12:00 pm ET. The Pfizer-BioNTech expiration extensions are available as of August 27, 2021. Visit CDC's Vaccine Lot Number and Expiration Date webpage and complete registration to request access to the report files. Contact IISInfo@cdc.gov if you have any questions.
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MDHHS COVID-19 Vaccine information
This webpage will have valuable information to support COVID-19 Vaccine Providers in the successful implementation of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program. It will also be home to a live MDHHS COVID-19 Provider Toolkit. This toolkit is currently being worked on and as soon as it becomes available, we will get a message out. This webpage will be partnered with CDC to provide important and timely education as it is arriving.
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Strategic Partner Career Opportunity Spotlight:
McLaren Health
Team McLaren
Headquartered in Grand Blanc, Michigan, McLaren Health Care is a fully integrated health network committed to quality, evidence-based patient care with locations in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.
MD/DO Physician positions in:
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JOB POSTING AT MSUCOM
Assistant Professor-Fixed Term
Job no: 715240
Work type: Faculty/Academic Staff
Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Osteopathic Medicine
Department: Osteopathic Medical Specialties Com 10034467
Sub Area: FAS- Fac./Acad Staff
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Education/Training, Fixed Term Faculty, Part Time (1-49.9%), Union
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The MOA has developed an online Learning Center to deliver CME in a virtual format. Our Spring and Autumn sessions were a tremendous success with over 900 attendees. These sessions can still be accessed, along with other CME sessions, all qualifying for AOA Category 1-A CME credits.
These sessions can be accessed at any time by clicking the link below. Evaluations are within the system and can be taken after you have viewed the program.
Coming CME Opportunities
October 29-31, 2021
November 19-21
On Demand CME programs
Single session CME Credits
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Coalition Newsletter
Michigan Readies for Third Dose Distribution
Last week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, in preparation for the Biden Administration to begin offering booster shots to all vaccinated residents on September 20, issued an executive directive to state departments and agencies to begin preparing the state’s vaccine response to administer booster doses to Michiganders. The governor specifically directs the state of Michigan to prioritize booster doses beginning with residents in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and adult foster care.
On August 18, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Surgeon General, and Food and Drug Administration announced their conclusion that booster shots of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines will be needed to maximize the protection that the vaccines provide against the virus. The Biden Administration plans to begin offering booster shots beginning September 20, 2021 to all Americans whose second dose was at least 8 months prior.
Beginning September 20, the state will offer booster shots to residents who received their second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at least eight months prior. Michigan has an ample supply of the COVID-19 vaccine to meet the projected demand.
Under an executive order signed by Governor Whitmer on August 13, the state of Michigan has been working to expedite delivery of third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to residents who have compromised immune systems. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who have received organ or stem cell transplants, have advanced or untreated HIV infection, or are in active treatment for cancer or taking high-dose corticosteroids. The state began administering third doses to eligible Michiganders on Saturday, August 14.
COVID-19 Vaccine Communication Resources
Vaccine distribution and education is vital to getting Michiganders vaccinated. New resources for helping to educate Michigan residents can be found here:
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Michigan Osteopathic Physicians CME Information
As a courtesy to MOA Members, this is a reminder that all Michigan licensed Osteopathic Physicians must complete 150 hours CME during the 3 years immediately preceding the application for renewal. Of the 150 hours, at least 60 hours must be earned in Category 1 programs.
To better serve our members, the MOA has developed an online CME platform to help you meet MI LARA CME requirements. For a current listing of MOA Learning Center On-Demand CME programs offered to members at a discounted rate, visit www.domoa.org/meded
Continuing Medical Education Requirements for Michigan Osteopathic Physicians
Requirements for Renewal
150 hours of CME per 3‐year cycle
60 hours must be Category 1
- 40 hours must be AOA Category 1-A
- 20 hours either AOA Category 1-A or AMA PRA Category 1
90 hours either Category 1 or Category 2
Osteopathic physicians must also meet the following requirements,
- 3 hours pain and symptom management education (per 3-year cycle) R 338.141
- Training on human trafficking (one-time requirement) R 338.120
- Training in opioids and controlled substances for all prescribers or dispensers of controlled substances (one-time requirement) R 338.3135
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July 3, 2021, saw the passing of Joseph Richert, DO
May 19, 2021, saw the passing of John Bodell, DO
April 15, 2021, saw the passing of Bruno Borin, DO
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