2023 Meeting Will Be Held In-Person at the Smyrna Opera House

The MSD 2023 Interim Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the Smyrna Opera House, located at 7 W. South St., Smyrna, DE. This is the first in-person Council Meeting since the start of the pandemic. The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with sign-in and a half-hour cocktail social, followed by the Interim Council Meeting beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. All MSD members are invited to attend. Council members are highly encouraged to register early to ensure receipt of meeting materials to review prior to the meeting. Resolution submission deadline is Monday, April 3rd. Click to register your attendance.

Physician Organizations Join to Urge Congress to Pass Legislation

For the first time, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) called for a physician payment update tied to the Medicare Economic Index (MEI). The American Medical Association (AMA) has long championed this move and appreciates MedPAC’s acknowledgement that the current Medicare physician payment system is inadequate – a critical first step toward the larger, necessary work of reforming Medicare to make it more rational and serve patients better. Also, the AMA and 134 other health organizations, including the Medical Society of Delaware – representing 900,000 physicians and tens of millions of Medicare patients – wrote congressional leaders, telling them that a full inflation-based update is “the principal legislative solution to the ongoing problems plaguing the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.” The letter notes that Congress has passed stopgap measures in the past few years to mitigate threats to Medicare physician payments. Yet, practice costs have outpaced those efforts. The gap between frozen physician payment rates and rising medical practice costs due to inflation will continue to widen. A permanent solution is needed to avoid this annual panic and legislative chaos. The letter points out the real-life impact of the eroding value of Medicare payments. According to MedPAC, among those looking for a new primary care physician, half of Medicare patients had difficulty in finding one. And among Medicare patients looking for a new specialist, one-third struggled to find one. Finding specialists in rural and historically underserved areas is particularly difficult, and the payment system is creating even bigger barriers for patients in those communities. The full letter can be found here.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 12 Passes

The Senate Concurrent Resolution 12 declares that gun violence is a public health crisis, that ending the gun violence devastating Delaware is a policy priority, and supporting policy and legislative solutions that will make schools safe, confront armed hate and extremism, prevent suicide, and center and support survivors of gun violence. The measure passed both the House and Senate on March 14.

Protect Yourself from the Ever-Growing List of Online Threats

MSD wants you to be aware that outside vendors are continuously finding ways to bypass firewalls to get their messaging and advertising in front of you on your digital devices. Vendors may even allude to working directly with MSD. Please know that MSD, our subsidiaries, and our foundations (MSDIS, MedNet, Health Hub, Delaware Foundation for Medical Services, and Delaware Medical Education Foundation) will never share member email information with outside vendors without your permission. Please do not open emails you are not familiar with or click on links within an unfamiliar email as they can contain a virus. You can report annoying vendors to your IT representatives. You can also block unwanted emails in Outlook under the "Junk" tab. MSD's website has a listing of valid MSD Affinity Partners and Premier Educational Program Partners to ensure the email you receive is valid. And, you can always contact MSD to check whether a company is associated with any MSD activities or initiatives.

Attracting More Medical Professionals to Live and Work in Delaware

The Division of Public Health (DPH) is continuing its recruitment push to attract more medical professionals to live and work in Delaware. DPH, in conjunction with the Middletown-based Epic Marketing Consultants Corporation, developed a recruitment video touting the benefits of being a health care professional in Delaware. The video features a number of health care professionals from across the state, including MSD members and other familiar faces.  

Delaware has a number of federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) seeking highly qualified professionals in the areas of family practice, pediatrics, internal medicine, gynecology/obstetrics, dentistry, and psychiatry. Medical professionals living in Delaware may also be eligible to receive financial benefits — such as National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and state loan repayment opportunities — that position them to get the best return on their investment and can help remunerate medical education expenses. Another opportunity for health care professionals considering Delaware is the Conrad State 30/J-1 Visa Waiver program, which allows foreign medical graduates who have been admitted to the U.S. for medical training to remain in Delaware. Up to 30 J-1 physicians per year are accepted into the waiver program in Delaware, where they serve in HPSAs and MUAs.  

DHSS is available to link medical professionals with the programs best suited to their needs and interests. Call the Division of Public Health's Primary Care Office at 302-741-8599 or visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/hsm/bhprmhome.html to learn more about the Delaware advantage and opportunities available.  

Attention: Sussex County Primary Care Community

The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health is reaching out to the Sussex Country primary care community to share information about the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) Behavioral Health Care Support grant and to partner with several practices. 

The Grant seeks to:

1. Strengthen care coordination and linkages to services, including mental health and related services for people engaged in behavioral health care. 
2. Facilitate access to services for populations who are underserved and/or less likely to engage in services, and therefore more likely to suffer from poorer health outcomes, health disparities, and other inequities. 
3. Strengthen the capacity and quality of the existing and emerging workforce of physicians and health care professionals to care for patients utilizing evidence-based mental health and substance use treatment approaches. 
4. Address community-level risk factors and increase support for people facing addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions by increasing community empathy, decreasing stigma, and increasing family and caregiver skills to provide support. 

The primary care community in Sussex County is invited to attend a virtual information session on Wednesday, March 29th at 1 p.m. Click the link below to register to attend. 

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkc-yuqDgrGNF1wPMs7TygukASSnWdscs6

Risk-Based Testing Recommendations Also Expanded

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published Screening and Testing for Hepatitis B Virus Infection: CDC Recommendations — United States, 2023. The updated recommendations advise hepatitis B screening for all adults at least once in their lifetime. Full implementation of the recommendations will substantially improve timely diagnosis and facilitate linkage to care for persons with hepatitis B. Previous CDC recommendations for hepatitis B testing were based on identified risk for infection. Unfortunately, far too many people with hepatitis B in the United States are not aware of their infection.

The 2023 recommendations provide guidance for three populations:

• All adults should be screened at least once in their lifetime with a triple panel test for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), and total antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (total anti-HBc).
• Pregnant persons should receive triple panel screening for hepatitis B— preferably in the first trimester— regardless of vaccination status. Those with prior triple panel screening only need HBsAg screening during each pregnancy. Screening allows for timely prophylaxis for exposed infants.
• Persons with Identified Risk - The 2023 recommendations expand risk-based testing to include persons currently or formerly incarcerated in a jail, prison, or other detention setting; persons with a history of sexually transmitted infections or multiple sex partners; and persons with a history of hepatitis C virus infection. Persons with ongoing risk factors for hepatitis B should be tested periodically if they remain unvaccinated.

Physicians should continue to recommend the hepatitis B vaccine to all adult patients through age 59 years who have not been vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

Single Booster Dose for Children 6 Months Through 4 Years of Age

On Tuesday this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent to provide for a single booster dose of the vaccine in children 6 months through 4 years of age at least two months after completion of primary vaccination with three doses of the monovalent (single strain) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

• Children 6 months through 4 years of age who completed their three-dose primary series with the monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine more than two months ago are now eligible to receive a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent. 
• Since December 2022, children 6 months through 4 years of age who received the first two doses with monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine should have completed their three-dose primary series with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent. These children in this age group are not eligible for a booster dose of a bivalent vaccine at this time and are expected to have protection against the most serious COVID-19 outcomes. This authorization is for those children 6 months through 4 years of age who completed their 3-dose primary vaccination series with the monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, before the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent was authorized to provide the third dose in the 3-dose primary series.
• The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent includes an mRNA component corresponding to the original virus strain to provide an immune response that is broadly protective against COVID-19 and an mRNA component corresponding to the omicron variant BA.4 and BA.5 lineages to provide better protection against COVID-19 caused by the omicron variant. 

The fact sheets for recipients and caregivers and for healthcare professionals include information about the vaccine’s potential side effects, as well as the risks of myocarditis and pericarditis.

The amendment to the EUA was issued to Pfizer Inc.

Related Information

• COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine Boosters
• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
• COVID-19 Vaccines
• Emergency Use Authorization for Vaccines Explained

Suppressing Prescription Drug Price Increases Above Inflation

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), announced 27 prescription drugs for which Part B beneficiary coinsurances may be lower from April 1 – June 30, 2023. Through the Inflation Reduction Act, some people with Medicare who take these drugs may save between $2 and $390 per average dose starting April 1, depending on their individual coverage. By reducing coinsurance for some people with Part B coverage and discouraging drug companies from increasing prices faster than inflation, the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program may lower out-of-pocket costs for some people with Medicare and reduce Medicare program spending for costly drugs. ​CMS has released information about these 27 Part B drugs and biological products in the quarterly ASP public file, available here. A fact sheet is available here. Lower Part B coinsurance will go into effect on April 1, 2023. This coinsurance adjustment applies to certain drugs and biologicals covered under Medicare Part B. The Part B drugs impacted by this coinsurance adjustment may change quarterly. See the initial guidance detailing the requirements and procedures for the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program here. In addition, HHS released a report on how much Medicare Part D enrollees would have saved on vaccine cost-sharing if the Inflation Reduction Act has been in effect in 2021.

2026 Price Applicability Year

For the first time in history, Medicare will have the ability to negotiate lower prescription drug prices because of the Inflation Reduction Act. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), issued initial guidance detailing the requirements and parameters—including requests for public comment— on key elements of the new Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program for 2026, the first year the negotiated prices will apply. CMS is releasing its initial guidance for how Medicare intends to use its new authority to effectively negotiate with drug companies for lower prices on selected high-cost drugs. The negotiation process will focus on key questions, including but not limited to the selected drug’s clinical benefit, the extent to which it fulfills an unmet medical need, and its impact on people who rely on Medicare.

This initial guidance is one of a number of steps CMS laid out in the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program timeline for the first year of negotiation. The initial program guidance details the requirements and procedures for implementing the new Negotiation Program for the first set of negotiations, which will occur during 2023 and 2024 and result in prices effective in 2026. Key dates for implementation include:

• By September 1, 2023, CMS will publish the first 10 Medicare Part D drugs selected for initial price applicability year 2026 under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program.
• The negotiated maximum fair prices for these drugs will be published by September 1, 2024 and prices will be in effect starting January 1, 2026.
• In future years, CMS will select for negotiation up to 15 more Part D drugs for 2027, up to 15 more Part B or Part D drugs for 2028, and up to 20 more Part B or Part D drugs for each year after that, as outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act.

CMS is seeking comment on several key elements in today’s guidance. Comments received by April 14, 2023, will be considered for revised guidance. CMS anticipates issuing revised guidance for the first year of negotiation in Summer 2023.

View a fact sheet on the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program Initial Guidance.

Read the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program Initial Guidance.

Combatting PFAS Pollution to Protect Public Health

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a category of manufactured chemicals that can cause serious health problems, including cancer, if people are exposed to them over a long period of time. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking a major step to protect public health from PFAS pollution, leveraging the latest science and complementing state efforts to limit PFAS by proposing to establish legally enforceable levels for six PFAS known to occur in drinking water. Establishing a national standard for PFAS in drinking water would help provide states with guidance needed to make decisions that best protect their communities. The proposal, if finalized, would regulate PFOA and PFOS as individual contaminants, and will regulate four other PFAS – PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and GenX Chemicals – as a mixture. If finalized, the proposed regulation will require public water systems to monitor for these chemicals. It will also require systems to notify the public and reduce PFAS contamination if levels exceed the proposed regulatory standards. EPA anticipates that if fully implemented, the rule will, over time, prevent thousands of deaths and reduce tens of thousands of serious PFAS-attributable illnesses. This action establishes nationwide protection from PFAS pollution for all people, including environmental justice communities.

Changes to Go Into Effect January 1, 2024

Novo Nordisk Inc. announced this week it is lowering the U.S. list prices of several insulin products by up to 75% for people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Products include both pre-filled pens and vials of basal (long-acting), bolus (short-acting) and pre-mix insulins, specifically Levemir®, Novolin®, NovoLog® and NovoLog® Mix 70/30. Novo Nordisk is also reducing the list price of unbranded biologics to match the lowered price of each respective branded insulin. These changes will go into effect on January 1, 2024. Additionally, Novo Nordisk has a variety of long-standing U.S. affordability offerings available to eligible people living with diabetes. This announcement comes on the heels of Eli Lilly's recent announcement that it was dropping its price of insulin products.

Application Period Now Open

The 2023 Million Hearts® Hypertension Control Challenge is now accepting applications. The challenge identifies and spotlights health care professionals, practices, and systems that have achieved nationally laudable hypertension control rates. Applicants must have a hypertension control rate of at least 80 percent during the 12-month reporting period preceding the Challenge, among the practice’s hypertensive patient population. Control is defined as having a blood pressure that is <140 mmHg systolic and <90 mmHg diastolic.

The deadline to apply is April 14, 2023. Quality Insights can assist you in applying for the Millions Hearts® Hypertension Control Challenge. If your practice is interested, please reach out to your Quality Insights Practice Transformation Specialist or contact Ashley Biscardi via email or phone at 1.800.642.8686, ext. 137.  Access the application online.

Delaware Medicaid Eligibility Renewals to Resume April 1, 2023

Google held its annual health care event, "The Check Up," on Tuesday this week. Among the numerous new health initiatives announced, such as an updated version of its medical artificial intelligence that can answer clinical questions and a digital health app development infrastructure, was an effort strengthen its search mechanism to help Medicaid enrollees during the redetermination period and plans to include state-specific information in these searches. Medicaid information will be easier to find on the Google Search for those looking to re-enroll in Medicaid once states resume eligibility checks. The eligibility checks were paused during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Delaware Medicaid eligibility annual renewals will resume April 1, 2023.

From the American Medical Association

These are the mental and behavioral health care CPT code changes to know in 2023

The trend toward breaking down health care silos to free physicians to practice in new and different ways is illustrated by the different classifications mental and behavioral health services fall under in the CPT 2023 code set. The CPT codes used to characterize mental and behavioral health services this year include brand new codes plus revisions that fall into categories such as digital health, and evaluation and management (E/M). Learn more.

How the CPT code set can be used to help advance health equity

The CPT code set provides a uniform nomenclature for coding medical procedures and services that are critical to the communication between stakeholders about the care patients receive. CPT codes can also be used to promote health equity. Learn more.

CPT errata & technical corrections are available for the CPT 2023 code set

The errata and technical corrections for the CPT 2023 code set and the CPT "E/M Companion 2023" are posted on the AMA website. An errata for the current edition of the CPT code set provides information that was approved by the CPT Editorial Panel and inadvertently excluded from the current code set. Technical corrections are clarifications of original CPT Editorial Panel intent for the current code set. Learn more.

Updated CPT Category I descriptors available for coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine codes

Updated long, medium and short descriptors for coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines were published on the AMA website on Feb. 2. CPT code descriptors are clinically focused and use common standards to enable mutual understanding for the diverse users across the clinical health care paradigm. In addition to the CPT codes, health plans and hospitals may use consumer-friendly CPT code descriptors to comply with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirement for a plain-language description of services, outlined in the Final Rule on Price Transparency (CMS-1717-F2). Learn more. 

National Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Healthcare Equity

The Joint Commission and Kaiser Permanente are now accepting applications for the 2023 Bernard J. Tyson National Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Healthcare Equity. Bernard J. Tyson, the late CEO and chair of Kaiser Permanente, worked tirelessly to address the health care disparities that plague the U.S. health care system. Now in its third year, the award recognizes a health care organization for an intervention that led to a measurable and sustained reduction in at least one healthcare disparity. All types of healthcare organizations that directly deliver healthcare and have addressed disparities for any vulnerable population, including but not limited to race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status, may apply. In their application, organizations must provide data demonstrating how they have improved a disparity.

This year's application period is open now through May 10 at 11:59 p.m. CT, and there is no cost to apply. The Tyson Award presents the opportunity for national recognition, as well as to share best practices with thousands of health care organizations across the country.

Please visit the Tyson Award webpage for more information and to apply.

Medical Licensure Renewal Deadline is March 31st

Medical licensure renewal takes place every two years on odd years, with 2023 being the biennial medical licensure renewal year. The deadline to renew medical licenses is March 31, 2023. Physicians must have a minimum of 40 continuing medical education credits to renew their license. Prior to your licensure renewal, you must take the Mandatory Reporting for Medical Professionals education. Failure to complete the training will delay the renewal of your medical license. There is a specific course approved for meeting this requirement. To complete the education, go to https://stateofdelaware.csod.com/default.aspx?c=courts-oca to create an account or if you have an account, to login. Once you have completed the course, you can reapply for licensure through the Division of Professional Regulation website at https://delpros.delaware.gov/OH_HomePage. Note that MSD does not have access to DELPROS. If you have questions or need technical assistance on the DELPROS website, please contact the State of Delaware.

Recognizing World Down Syndrome Day, Irish American Heritage Month

On Thursday afternoon, Governor Carney joined the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware and members of the Cabinet, General Assembly and community to sign a proclamation for World Down Syndrome Day, also known as “Rock Your Socks Day”. World Down Syndrome Day is March 21, 2023. Following that proclamation signing, the Governor joined the Irish Society of Delmarva, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Celtic Cross Division 1 Sussex County, and members of the Cabinet to recognize Irish American Heritage Month.

Providing Identification Kits to Protect Delaware Children

Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long announced that the UAW will provide 360,000 identification kits in partnership with the National Child Identification Program, to protect Delaware’s children. 85,000 kits will be distributed through Delaware school districts starting in May and will be provided to students in grades K-12. Delaware families will receive an inkless, at-home child ID kit allowing parents to store the necessary information needed by law enforcement, ensuring parents have over 90% of the information authorities need should a child ever go missing. All kits are stored at home by the parent or guardian and do not enter a database. Each kit includes an inkless fingerprint identification card, inkless fingerprint activation solution, DNA storage of a child’s saliva, place for a recent photo, location of medical/dental records, and a physical description section to note any distinguishing features. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 53 children were reported missing in Delaware in 2021. Lt. Governor Hall-Long will work with other states in the region and supply the remaining kits to help protect their children. 

Focus for Practices Should Be Directed Toward Benefits Valued by Workforce

To attract their necessary workers, the focus for owners of small companies should be directed toward benefits that are most valued by the workforce they are looking to attract. Here are a few of the benefits most employees are looking for in 2023:

• Health care…with heightened health concerns stemming from the pandemic and quests for enhanced personal well-being, a comprehensive portfolio of health care benefits has been and remains one of the most sought-after benefits.
• Remote Work…the ability to work from home, which became commonplace during the pandemic, appears to have staying power. It remains to be seen whether the trend continues to grow or subsides to a lesser extent, but for now this is something most employees are seeking.
• Flexible Work Schedule…the ability to balance work responsibilities with personal obligations and the care of children and elderly parents has made a flexible work schedule a valued benefit in the post-pandemic world.
• Paid Family Leave…Citing the positive benefits on physical health, mental well-being, and stability for the entire family, workers are increasingly looking for companies that provide women with maternity leave and men with paternity leave.
• Paid Time Off…employees continue to seek additional time off from work to reduce stress and recharge to maintain health and wellbeing. This actually has the potential to benefit employers in addition to the employee as the relaxation and clear mind attained through time off often leads to a higher level of employee morale and increased productivity.

The Medical Society of Delaware Insurance Services offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at www.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Sharon Ruth at (302) 397-0173.

Join Your Colleagues for Spring Baseball on Tuesday, April 25

Tickets are available to watch the Wilmington Blue Rocks take on the Aberdeen Iron Birds on Tuesday April 25, 2023. Game time is 6:35 p.m. at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington. By registering for this event, you are reserving (1) entrance ticket for yourself to watch the game from a suite and stadium food will be provided. Space is limited, and this is a MSD member only event. Tickets will be provided via email prior to the event date. The tickets for this event are being offered at no charge to MSD members. All MSD members must be current & membership dues for 2023 paid. Please contact MSD to renew if needed. Register

May 12th at White Clay Creek Country Club, Wilmington

The Delaware Academy of Family Physicians (DAFP) is also looking to strengthen our programs and offerings to our primary care community. To help us address the concerns of primary care access and physician shortages, the DAFP Research & Education Foundation (REF) is a 501(c)(3) corporation and the philanthropic arm of the Delaware Academy of Family Physicians. The DAFP REF offers important programs to encourage medical students and residents to come to Delaware to explore the world of primary care and consider becoming a family physician in our state to improve access to care and provide patient education for our Delaware communities. To support these programs the DAFP Research & Education Foundation invites you to join us as a golfer and/or sponsor to our 2023 DAFP Healthcare Heroes Golf Outing being held on Friday, May 12, 2023 at the White Clay Creek Country Club in Wilmington, DE. A Shotgun start will be at 10:00am. Learn more and register.

ChristianaCare

ChristianaCare has launched Virtual Primary Care, a new health solution that offers the benefits of a long-term relationship with your primary care team, with the convenience of virtual care that can be accessed at home, at work, or on the go, using a smartphone, tablet or other digital device. The practice is an offering of ChristianaCare’s Center for Virtual Health. The practice is accessible to residents of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey and available by monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription. Plans are available for people ages 5 and older and start as low as $35 per month. The subscription provides full access to virtual primary care services — with no additional fees or copays — including same-day appointments, extended hours on nights and weekends, secure text-messaging and the convenience of always-on care. Services that are not a part of primary care, such as emergency room visits, lab tests, diagnostic imaging and specialist referrals, are not included in the subscription and would be subject to the patient’s existing health insurance coverage.

WSFS

MSD is pleased to highlight a 2023 Premier Educational Program Partner. WSFS is part of the growing effort to keep our medical professionals educated through its partnership with MSD as a Premier Educational Program (PEP) Partner.

At WSFS Wealth Private Banking, they understand the unique challenges that come with managing wealth. Their Private Banking Advisors serve as trusted partners to individuals and families and provide solid financial strategies for their clients.  With a client-centric focus, their lending solutions can provide you with a reliable source of funding for your business investments, real estate purchases, and other unforeseen expenses. They work with their entire team of Private Wealth advisors to ensure that your overall investment strategy is aligned with your comprehensive financial plan. From loan to deposit solutions, to liquidity events and succession planning, they are with you every step of the way. For more information, visit https://www.wsfsbank.com/wealth/private-banking. 

If you would like to become a PEP Partner, please contact Lynn Robinson, Director of

Professional Education.

Kevin C. Kelley, MD

It is with sadness we share that MSD member Kevin C. Kelley, MD passed away on March 12th. He was 79 years old. Dr. Kelley was an obstetrician at ChristianaCare for almost two decades. A graduate of West Point, Ranger and airborne qualified, he served in Vietnam, earning a Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Combat Infantryman's Badge. He attended medical school at the University of Vermont then re-entered the Army, beginning a seventeen-year career as a physician at military hospitals in Washington state, Germany, Oklahoma, and Georgia. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 17th, with visitation Thursday, March 16th. Read obituary.

Julio E. Navarro, MD - Family Medicine, MDVIP, Horizon Family Practice

Tetsoma Tonwe, MD - Family Medicine, Divergent Direct Primary Care

Please join MSD in welcoming the newest members of the Medical Society of Delaware. As the third oldest medical society in the country, MSD has an amazing history. Thank you for taking part in our continued success!

Ronald M. Lieberman, DO - Tristate Physical Medicine Associates, LLC

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 on the current pending member(s) listed above or if you know someone interested in joining MSD. You could be eligible for a referral discount!

On January 30, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced its intent to end the national emergency and public health emergency (PHE) declarations related to the COVID-19 pandemic on May 11, 2023. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has resources available to help you prepare for the end of the PHE, some of which have been updated based on recent action by Congress. The following materials reflect recent changes and are currently available on the CMS Emergencies Page:

• Provider-specific fact sheets for information about COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) waivers and flexibilities: https://www.cms.gov/coronavirus-waivers
• CMS 1135 Waiver / Flexibility Request and Inquiry Form: https://cmsqualitysupport.servicenowservices.com/cms_1135
• Acute Hospital At Home: https://qualitynet.cms.gov/acute-hospital-care-at-home

Updates will continue to be provided as we approach the end of the PHE. You are encouraged to regularly visit the CMS Emergencies Page for the most up to date information.

• (Delaware) General Questions: call 211 or email DPHCall@delaware.gov or Vaccine@delaware.gov for vaccine-specific questions.
• Latest information on Delaware's response (testing, treatment, vaccination): de.gov/coronavirus (Updated 2/2023)
• CDC COVID-19 Testing Locator Website (no-cost COVID-19 Testing. launched 1/2023)
• Delaware "My Healthy Community" COVID-19 Dashboard (updated weekly on Wednesdays)
• COVID-19 by County Community Level Check (# hospital admissions and beds used and total number of new cases)
• COVID-19 Community Transmission (based on cases per 100,000 people and positivity rate, both measured over the last 7 days)
• DPH Public Health Alerts: de.gov/publichealthalerts
• Federal website for information on navigating COVID: COVID.gov
• CDC COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Calculator
• COVID-19 Therapeutics Locator
• CDC COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review.
• FDA At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests provides a list of all FDA-authorized at-home over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests
• Subscribe to the COVID-19 Update podcast - on Apple Podcasts or Simplecast.  

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.