Registration is Open for the MSD 2022 Interim Council Meeting |
Resolutions Can Bring Your Idea Before the Council |
The MSD 2022 Virtual Interim Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2022, beginning at 6:00 p.m. All Council members are highly encouraged to register early to ensure receipt of meeting materials to review prior to the meeting. For more information and registration, visit the MSD website. Resolution submission deadline is April 1st.
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Reporting Deadline Approaches on Use of Provider Relief Funds |
COVID-19 Related Expenses/Losses in Second Half of 2020 |
Physicians who received more than $10,000 in single or aggregated payments from the federal Provider Relief Fund (PRF) to cover COVID-19 related expenses or losses in the second half of 2020 have until March 31 to report on how the money was used. Reporting is done through the PRF Reporting Portal found on the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) website, where resources such as webinars and fact sheets can be found to help physicians comply with requirements. HRSA, an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services, says that PRF recipients must only have used payments for eligible expenses including services rendered and lost revenues for money that was received July 1 through Dec. 31, 2020, which physicians had until Dec. 31, 2021 to spend. Read more.
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CPT Update for Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate |
In Preparation for Potential FDA Authorization of COVID-19 Vaccine for Children 6 months to Under 5 Years of Age |
The American Medical Association (AMA) announced an editorial update to Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) that includes new product and administration codes assigned to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months to under 5 years of age. The provisional CPT codes will be effective for use on the condition the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants an Emergency Use Authorization to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months to under 5 years of age. The AMA is publishing the CPT code update now to ensure electronic systems across the U.S. health care system are prepared in advance for the potential FDA authorization.
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Mask Mandate for Airline and Public Transportation Extended |
Extended An Additional Month |
The federal mask mandate for transportation was set to expire March 18th. At the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced masks will continue to be required when flying commercially and in other transportation settings, including on buses, ferries, and subways, until April 18th. During this time, the CDC will work with government agencies to help inform a revised policy framework for when and under what circumstances masks should be required for public transportation. Policy will be based on the COVID-19 community levels, risk of new variants, national data, and the latest science. As of February 25, 2022, the CDC does not require the wearing of masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs.
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What To Do For Pediatric Patients With High Blood Lead Levels |
Pediatric and Family Medicine Practices Take Note |
In November 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed their “level of reference” down to 3.5 ug/dL from 5 ug/dL for a child to be considered to have high blood lead levels. The Delaware Lead Poisoning Prevention Program is sharing updated CDC Guidelines for pediatric and family medicine practices to order follow up blood lead level testing when the first test reveals a high lead level in a patient, as well as information on the procedures the Lead Poisoning Prevention Program follows when a child with a high lead level is identified.
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ONC Issues New Information Blocking FAQ |
Response to AMA Advocacy Around Patient Harm |
After sustained advocacy by the AMA calling for regulatory guidance for clinicians, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) has issued a new Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) on the Preventing Harm Exception included in ONC’s information blocking regulations. The Preventing Harm Exception permits clinicians to deny a request for electronic health information (EHI) under certain circumstances that could lead to harm. The precise way it applies depends on (1) who is requesting access to a patient’s EHI; (2) who is referenced in the EHI; and (3) what type of harm may occur. ONC’s new FAQ provides a chart explaining that when a patient’s personal representative requests access to a patient’s EHI (for example, a parent asking for access to their minor child’s record), an Actor (as defined by the information blocking regulations) may consider whether the patient or another person may suffer “substantial harm,” which is defined to include “physical, emotional or psychological harm.” In response to AMA advocacy (PDF), ONC’s new guidance allows physicians to consider emotional and psychological harm, in addition to physical harm, when evaluating the release of medical records to a patient’s personal representative. This contrasts with when a patient requests their own records, in which case an Actor may only consider physical harm.
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Apply for DSAMH's MOUD teleECHO Clinic |
Technical Assistance for MOUD Providers in Delaware |
The Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) announced a new technical assistance opportunity for Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) providers in Delaware -- DSAMH's MOUD teleECHO Clinic. This is a free interactive five-month technical assistance initiative to help multidisciplinary teams from primary care settings broaden knowledge and understanding of MOUD and its place in primary care settings, increase the use of MOUD using evidence-based and emerging promising practices, and promote a culture that supports access to MOUD. You can find more information on the Project ECHO model here. For more details, including how to apply, please review the promotional flyer and participation agreement. Participation agreements are due no later than 5 p.m. on March 18, 2022, and limited spots are available. Please contact DSAMH.ORT@delaware.gov with any questions.
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Vacancy on Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline Board |
New Castle County Practicing Physician Sought |
The Board of the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline (BMLD) has the sole authority in the state to issue certificates to practice medicine and is the State's supervisory, regulatory, and disciplinary body for the practice of medicine. It also has the sole authority to issue authorizing documents to practice other specified professions or occupations. It is comprised of 16 voting members appointed by the Governor, eight of which are those certified and registered to practice medicine in Delaware. Currently, there is a vacant seat on the Board for a physician whose primary place of practicing medicine is in New Castle County. Appointments to the Board are for three-year terms, with a maximum of three terms. Qualified applicants must be a certified and registered physician in good standing and must have practiced medicine in Delaware for a period of not less than five years prior to the physician's appointment. A member of the Board may not be an officer of any state or local allopathic or osteopathic medical society or a member of the Board of Directors of a professional review organization. If you are interested in nomination for this seat, please contact Mary LaJudice (Mary.LaJudice@medsocdel.org or 302/224-5183). Learn more.
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Volunteers Needed for Community Sessions on Facebook Live |
Supports Kent & Sussex County COVID-19 Education Outreach & Vaccination |
In partnership with the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and Delaware State University (DSU), the STEP for U Project (Strategies to Effectively Promote Vaccination for Universal Coverage Project) has launched to support education and outreach efforts in Kent and Sussex Counties in order to improve COVID-19 vaccination rates. STEP for U is looking to identify four physician and four nurse volunteers to join a 30-minute virtual Q & A session via Facebook Live on Tuesdays and Thursdays (either at lunchtime or in the evening) during the month of March. Physician/nurse volunteers will be asked to answer questions from the public regarding COVID-19. Each Q & A session will be moderated by the STEP for U Project Health Equity Team. Community members who will be tuning in to these Q & A sessions will submit questions in advance via email and/or the chat function during the session. Instructions to log in to the Facebook Live session will be provided to each physician/nurse volunteer prior to their scheduled session. This project seeks a different physician/nurse for each session.
The dates of these sessions will be:
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- Tuesday, March 15th
- Thursday, March 17th
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- Tuesday, March 22nd
- Thursday, March 24th
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- Tuesday, March 29th
- Thursday, March 31st
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If you are interested in volunteering for one of these sessions, please email Cindy Siu, MD at cwps001@gmail.com with your preferred date and time (12:15pm-12:45pm OR 7pm-7:30pm).
Thank you for your help!
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Certain Hand Sanitizer Being Recalled |
Due to Presence of Methanol |
The Tennessee Technical Coatings Corp. is recalling all lots of HAND SANITIZER Isopropyl Alcohol Antiseptic 75% because the FDA analysis has found the product to contain methanol. To date, the company has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.
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Go Green for a Better Tomorrow |
Create an Environmental Sustainability Program in Your Office |
My Green Doctor is a new, free money-saving membership benefit from the Medical Society of Delaware. My Green Doctor is about creating a sustainable environmental sustainability program for your office. One practice is saving more than $1,200 per doctor per year with no financial investment. Your office manager will add just five minutes of “My Green Doctor” to each regular office meeting agenda. Everything is scripted in My Green Doctor’s “Meeting-by-Meeting Guide” so there’s nothing to study in advance. With each meeting, you’ll make small changes that over time mean big improvements in your uses of energy, water, chemicals, paper, foods, and other supplies.
Your staff and patients will benefit from My Green Doctor’s library of educational brochures. This is how we can help prepare our patients for the health effects of climate change. Your entire practice and you can use the MSD discount code MGDMSD when registering as Partner Society members, saving $60 instantly and making My Green Doctor free. Ask your colleagues and manager to register: https://www.MyGreenDoctor.org/ or https://www.MyGreenDoctor.es/ (en espanol). Easy!
If you are a partner society member and interested in coaching from My Green Doctor volunteers, please contact Todd Sack, MD, FACP, Executive Director of the My Green Doctor Foundation (tsack8@gmail.com or 904/403-6446).
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COVID-19 Information Finder |
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Highlight On Events And Educational Offerings |
Bayhealth Medical Grand Rounds - For Health Care Professionals |
Bayhealth Hospital invites health care professionals to attend their Medical Grand Rounds. This regularly scheduled series takes place every fourth Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover. You can also join via zoom. Registration is required. Upcoming dates for meetings are April 5, and May 3, 2022. To join the Zoom by meeting number use Access Code 2435 528 4699 and Password Bayhealth.
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AMA OMSS Webinar - Employed Physicians: Impact on the Medical Staff |
Join your medical staff colleagues to discuss physician employment and the impact that it is having on the medical staff. Attendees will learn about the opportunities and challenges associated with medical staffs as physician employment increases, and ways to strengthen the medical staff. The webinar will be held on Wednesday, March 23 from 8:00-9:30 p.m. ET. Click here to join the meeting. Audio Only Access: (888) 644-7509 PIN: 116831794#
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Mastering Your Financial Plan for Retirement |
Don't miss this information-packed evening of retirement planning on Thursday, March 24th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the MSD Conference Center in Newark. Presentations by Diamond State Financial Group, Medical Society of Delaware Insurance Services (MSDIS), and Cover & Rossiter CPAs will provide an overview on Social Security, Medicare benefits, medical malpractice tail coverage, tax strategies, and more. Free for members of MSD. Registration is required.
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The Physicians Foundation Fellowship Program |
The Physicians Foundation opened a Call for Applicants for its Fellowship Program, which advances physicians’ leadership skills to strengthen the physician-patient relationship, support medical practices’ sustainability, and navigate the changing health care system. The Fellowship Program is open to physicians, who are new or mid-career in their practice, and have experience with or interest in addressing social drivers of health (SDOH), improving physician wellbeing, and lifting physician perspectives in health policy discussions. Applications are due Friday, March 25, 2022. The Fellowship Program will last for 12-months beginning July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, and participating fellows will receive a stipend of $24,000 as well as reimbursement for program-related travel and lodging expenses. This fellowship requires approximately 10 to 15 hours monthly for project development and implementation, along with external thought leadership activities. Interested physicians must submit an application with a current resume/CV, two letters of recommendation, one of which is recommended to be from their state or county medical society, and a statement of intent that briefly describes how participation in the Fellowship Program will prepare you to make positive, constructive contributions to the medical profession.
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Healthcare Crisis Management: Preparing for Potential Litigation in a Pandemic and Post-Pandemic World |
Do you wonder how the various existing (e.g., EMTALA) and COVID-19-related (e.g., PREP Act, state-specific immunity) legislation might be applied to care provided during the current pandemic? Are you concerned about current staff and supply shortages and how this might impact medical malpractice litigation? Join Attorney Sandra Cianflone from Hall Booth Smith, P.C. as she discusses ligation trends, the application of crisis standards of care, and the interplay between the myriad rules, and suggests risk mitigation strategies to protect you and your institution from medical malpractice lawsuits during these challenging times. This live complimentary webinar takes place on Wednesday, March 30th from 2-3 p.m. ET. Reserve your spot.
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MSD Membership Engagement Event |
Network with fellow MSD members and learn about what some of the MSD committees are doing for you and the community! Committees highlighted at this event will include: Editorial Board, Environmental Health Subcommittee, and Prison Health Care Subcommittee. Join us Monday, April 25th at 6:00 p.m. Zoom meeting details will be shared 24 hours in advance of the meeting with all registrants. To register, click here.
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Night at the Blue Rocks for MSD Young Physicians Section Members |
Night at the Blue Rocks at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington is an exclusive event for MSD early career physician members. The Wilmington Blue Rocks will take on the Bowling Green Hot Rods on Friday, May 6, with game time starting at 6:35 p.m. As a member of the MSD Young Physicians Section, enjoy a night of minor league baseball and fireworks show following the game. Tickets are free for you and one guest, with the option to purchase additional tickets. Physician members of the MSD Young Physicians Section are those who are age 45 or younger or have been in practice fewer than five years after completing training. The 2022 MSD membership renewal must be up-to-date to register. Ticket purchase deadline is Friday, April 22nd.
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Start Your Education Journey |
MSD has partnered with the University of Delaware to offer you flexible and affordable degree options through a fully online classroom designed for working adults. Learn more.
Education Benefits for Medical Society of Delaware Members
- A 10% Tuition Reduction
- Free Transfer Evaluations
- A Success Coach to help you navigate your education journey
- 100% online programs offer flexibility and convenience
- Six start dates a year
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Click here to receive these benefits!
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Telehealth Immersion Program Webinar: Current Telehealth Trends & Implications for the Future
To maintain a pulse on the current use of telehealth and physician experiences, the American Medical Association (AMA) fielded the Telehealth Use Survey at the end of 2021. This presentation at 10 a.m. ET on March 31 will walk through survey results and highlight key findings including virtual visit volume, clinical applications, recognized value, benefits, and challenges. We will also cover key areas of opportunity to impact the future of telehealth. https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7_B44MYDTTyZiY-3ABl3jQ
Trends in Payor Audits and Disputes
The AMA’s prerecorded webinar, “Trends in Payor Audits and Disputes,” reviews trends in both Medicare reimbursement audits and commercial payor audits and provides actionable overall strategies for audit response. Presenters also touch on the topics of cross-plan offsetting as it relates to the practice of payor audits, as well as the practice of recovering overpayments. Attendees will learn about strategies for responding to payor audits, understand the impact of audits on a practice, and identify ways to minimize the burden in responding to the audit request. To accompany this presentation, the AMA has developed a checklist that helps practices respond effectively to payor records requests while minimizing the administrative burden associated with responding to such requests. https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/private-practices/ama-private-practice-sustainability-getting-started
AMA STEPS Forward™ Podcast Episode 20 - Well-Being Programming for Resident Physicians and Clinical Fellows
Dr. Jill Jin talks with podcast guest Laura Ann Hanyok, MD, Assistant Dean for Graduate Medical Education and Associate Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, about how the institution successfully created a 6-pronged approach to address resident and fellow burnout. https://edhub.ama-assn.org/steps-forward/pages/podcast
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Christelle Chedrawy, MD-Vascular & Interventional Radiology, ChristianaCare
Justin R. Connor, MD - Growing Bones Pediatric & Neuromuscular Orth. Inst.
Stephen J. Falcheck, MD - Pediatric Neurology, Nemours Children's Hospital
Arthur H. McTighe, MD-Clinical & Anatomic Pathology & Dermatopathology
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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 MSD, please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any questions. You could be eligible for a referral discount!
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Olivia Castro, DO - ChristianaCare Primary Care, Middletown
Morgan B. Novakovish - PCOM Medical Student, Bayhealth Branch Campus
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MSD members are afforded a seven-day review period from the date of this publication to comment regarding applicants for membership. Please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any comments.
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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. |
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Number of new genetic variants found in those who developed severe COVID-19 that predisposed them to poorer outcomes.
Nature
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$979 Million
Amount spent on turnover among primary care physicians.
American Medical Association
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$260 Million
The amount of the $979 Million total spent (27%) that is tied to burnout-related turnover of primary care physicians.
American Medical Association
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May 18 - SAVE THE DATE! 2022 Annual Rural Health Conference, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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Was the information in this newsletter useful? If so, forward to a friend to let them know the value of your Medical Society of Delaware membership. |
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The information contained herein is solely informational, planned in accordance for a diverse membership audience. This communication reflects news and announcements that have been made available to MSD and is not intended to exclude other pertinent material. The content published is proposed to represent facts of interest and provide awareness to the members. MSD reserves the right to determine what information is relevant to its membership. |
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Copyright © 2022. All Rights Reserved. |
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