mobile banner
Like us on Facebook
October 2, 2020
SAVE THE DATE! MSD Annual Meeting 
November 17 - November 19
Save the date for the Medical Society of Delaware's 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting & Educational Program, Tuesday November 17th - Thursday November 19th. Please watch your emails for more details and registration links in the coming weeks. If you have questions, please contact Mary LaJudice at [email protected].

Schedule of Events:
  • Tuesday, November 17 @ 6:00 p.m. - Annual Meeting of the Council - (All Members Welcome)
  • Wednesday, November 18 @ 6:00 p.m. - Holding Company Meeting (Holding Company Board Members Only)
  • Thursday, November 19 @ 7:00 p.m. - Educational Program (Open to All)
New CARES Act Fund Applications to be Accepted
Behavior Health Providers Now Eligible
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has announced $20 billion in new funding for providers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. Under this Phase 3 General Distribution allocation, providers who have already received Provider Relief Fund payments will be invited to apply for additional funding that considers financial losses and changes in operating expenses caused by the coronavirus.

Previously ineligible providers, such as those who began practicing in 2020 can also apply, and an expanded group of behavioral health providers confronting the emergence of increased mental health and substance use issues exacerbated by the pandemic will also be eligible for relief payments. Providers can begin applying for funds on Monday, October 5th. Read more. 
Governor Carney Receives Final PRAC Report
First State Prepares for Possible COVID-19 Resurgence  
The Pandemic Resurgence Advisory Committee (PRAC) has released their final report to Governor Carney this week. The committee consisted of three subcommittees, health, equity, and business, and was charged with the task to plan for a potentially dangerous resurgence of COVID-19 this fall. The Health Subcommittee was chaired by MSD member and Past President Nancy Fan, MD with current MSD President Joseph J. Straight, MD serving on the committee. Read final report. Watch PRAC press conference. 
DPH Announces Latest COVID-19 Statistics
Seven-day Positivity Average Increases to 7.9%  
According to the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), Delaware has a total of 642 fatalities due to COVID-19, an increase of 11 from last Friday. 

The latest Delaware COVID-19 statistics include:
  • 20,937  total laboratory-confirmed cases
  • New Castle County cases: 10,813
  • Kent County cases: 3,121
  • Sussex County cases: 6,919
  • Unknown: 90
  • Age range: 0 to 104
  • Hospitalized: 83; Critically ill: 16
Update on COVID-19 Outbreaks in Long-term Care Facilities: DPH continues to investigate COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities throughout the state. Facilities where significant ongoing outbreaks are occurring, as of Oct. 1, 2020: 
  • Kentmere Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Wilmington; 46 residents and 27 staff members 
  • Cadia Healthcare Silverside in Wilmington; 41 residents and less than 20 staff members 
  • Country Rest Home in Greenwood; 26 residents and 15 staff members 
Aggregate K-12 School-Related COVID-19 Statistics:
Delaware cumulative number of COVID-19 positive students and staff, statewide, who were in-person at a school or child care facility while potentially infectious, reported to DPH between Sept. 1, 2020, and Oct. 1, 2020: 
  • Child care - 20 students and staff 
  • Private K-12 - 25 students and staff
  • Public K-12 - 28 students and staff
Important COVID-19 Reporting Reminder
Reporting COVID-19 Test Results
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has issued a strong reminder for physicians to remain compliant with regulations regarding the reporting of SARS-CoV-2 testing. All labs are required to immediately report all tests and all results to the DPH. All COVID results, positive AND negative are reportable to DPH via the Delaware Electronic Reporting Surveillance System (DERSS). Providers must confirm with their designated laboratories that they have the ability to transmit results to DERSS through approved methods.

All providers who order testing for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 are required to include demographic information to include: date of birth, sex, race, ethnicity (Hispanic or non-Hispanic), phone number and address for every patient for whom a test is ordered.

Failure to comply with departmental orders or regulations surrounding the reporting of testing may result in fines ($100.00 - $1,000.00 per violation  Read more.
My Health Community COVID-19 Portal Gets Update
New Venue Dashboard Added 
The Delaware Division of Public Health COVID-19 data portal now includes a new dataset that shows the types of venues visited by individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 in the two weeks prior to their symptom onset, or if no symptoms, date of their test. These data are meant to offer insight into the types of activities individuals reported participating in prior to their diagnosis. While these data suggest potential exposure during these visits, it does not indicate whether virus transmission actually occurred at those locations. The venue dashboard can be found in the "Cases" section at de.gov/healthycommunity.
COVID Alert App Expands to NY, NJ, and PA
COVID-19 Contact Tracing App Latest Tool to FIght Pandemic








The COVID Alert DE app, which notifies users if they have been within six feet for more than 15 minutes with someone who has tested positive and also uses the app, has expanded its reach to New York and New Jersey. COVID Alert NY and COVID Alert NJ were launched this week, COVID Alert PA went live last week. All three states' versions of the app are interoperable with Delaware. Users should download the application in the state where they are currently living. The exposure notification apps are built on bluetooth technology from Apple and Google. To date there are more than 34 thousand users in Delaware. Read more. 
DPH Releases Halloween Guidance
Trick-or-Treating Modifications Strongly Recommended
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has released guidance for Delawareans to safely participate in fall festivities, including Halloween activities, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new guidance categorizes activities by risk - low, moderate, and high risk.  According to DPH, Delawareans should avoid high-risk activities, where face coverings and other requirements are not enforced. Traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating in which treats are handed out to each child, should only take place with suggested modifications. All indoor activities with people outside of the household should be avoided, including:
  • Any indoor parties, like costume parties.
  • Indoor haunted houses unless they have proper precautions in place. Larger attractions (more than 250 people) must have a DPH-approved plan.
Read more. 
MSD Updates Telemedicine Guidelines
Payer Information You Can Use
MSD's Physician Relations Department has updated it's Telemedicine Support Guidance for COVID-19 information document. This updated information reference document contains helpful details from Delaware's major payers for physicians and practice managers as it pertains to telemedicine. Read more.
AMA Webinar - Review Process for COVID-19 Vaccine Candidates
Multi-part Series for Physicians 
The American Medical Association (AMA) is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, October 7th at 3:00 p.m. This webinar, FDA Review Process for COVID-19 Vaccine Candidates, is the first episode in a series that will address the science, evidence, and process of vaccine development, regulatory review and what physicians need to know. To register.
MSD Partners with DPH to Launch "Fight Flu DE"
Enhanced Flu Vaccination Campaign Designed to Make Impact
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has partnered with MSD and other health care, faith-based and community partners to launch an aggressive communications campaign to mobilize all Delawareans to get their flu vaccinations called Fight Flu DE. Working to reach diverse audiences through influencers and with messaging that will motivate them to get the flu vaccine, the campaign integrates grassroots outreach with mass-media marketing strategies to make sure people know where they can get a flu vaccine regardless of insurance coverage.

The campaign urges Delawareans to think about the "Big Four" locations where they can get their flu vaccines this year:

* Medical provider offices or community health clinics
* Pharmacies
* Community Flu Clinics
* DPH Clinics for uninsured and underinsured individuals

In the News - Delaware Business Times
Beshara N. Helou, MD , Gary Siegelman, MD, and Joseph J. Straight, MD











(pictured L to R; Beshara N. Jelou, MD, Gary Siegelman, MD, Joseph J. Straight, MD)

MSD President Joseph J. Straight, MD and MSD members Beshara N. Helou, MD and Gary Siegelman, MD were recently interviewed by
Delaware Business Times. The physicians explained the the financial challenges physicians and health care facilities across the state have experienced due to the pandemic and the worries of the financial strain a resurgence of the virus would create, especially for private practice doctors. Read article. 
In the Spotlight
PNC
For more than 160 years, PNC has been committed to providing their clients with great service and powerful financial expertise to help them meet their financial goals. PNC offers a wide range of services for all their customers, from individuals and small businesses, to corporations and government entities. No matter how simple or complicated the need, PNC has the products, knowledge, and resources necessary for financial success. PNC is a 2020 MSD Premier Educational Partner supporting high quality professional medical education for Delaware physicians and other health care professionals to advance the health and well-being of Delaware's citizens. For more information.
MSD Group Dues Membership Discount
Enrollment is Underway
Solo or group practices can take advantage of MSD's group membership discount program and save 10% on 2020 dues! Solo practitioners - get creative and form your own network of physicians to qualify (such as your call group). All physicians within the group must be members of MSD to qualify. Eligibility for the group discount is contingent upon membership application approval for those who are not currently members. Groups must be enrolled in the program by October 30, 2020. Groups who participated in the program for the 2020 membership cycle must reapply for the 2021 membership year. If your group is interested, contact [email protected] or
(302) 224-5183 to enroll. Read more. 
Check Out MSD's Facebook Page
Useful, Timely Information You Can Use
MSD's Facebook page is another way for you to receive important information and updates. Features include podcasts from MSD physicians, nutritional information and fun facts. Look for "The Weekender" post every Friday with events happening around Delaware for the whole family! Please visit and start following your MSD Facebook page.
Does MSD Have Your Updated Information?
Please Update Contact Information Today
The Medical Society of Delaware would like to update your records to ensure we have the most up-to-date information for our members, but we need your help! Please be sure to report any changes of address, email updates, change of practice, or any other changes that we should update in our system. To update your information with us, please contact Michelle Seymour, Membership Coordinator at [email protected] or 302-224-4905.
Welcome New Member
Constance A. Cox-Wong, MD, ChristianaCare Ophthalmology, Wilmington
Edward O. Tackey, MD, Rheumatology Center of Delaware LLC, Dover
MSD's Membership Department is pleased to announce the newest member of the Medical Society of Delaware. Welcome to the third oldest medical society in the country!
~
If you know someone interested in joining the Medical Society of Delaware, please contact Michelle Seymour at 302-224-4905 or [email protected].
Pending Member
Annu Sharma, DO
MSD members are afforded a seven day review period from the date of this publication to comment regarding an applicant applying for membership. Please contact Mary LaJudice at (302) 224-5183 or [email protected] with any questions or concerns
"Rerum Cognoscere"
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.
7,299,080
Total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States as of October 2, 2020.


Johns Hopkins University
208,191
Total number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the United States as of October 2, 2020.


Johns Hopkins University
55.1%
Percentage increase of COVID-19 cases in young adults aged 18 to 22 from Aug. 2nd to Sept. 5th. 


CDC
Copyright © 2020. All Rights Reserved.