MSD Staff Sends Greetings for the Holidays |
Sharing the spirit of the season with all our members, friends, and family. Happy holidays from all of us at the Medical Society of Delaware! Our office will be closing early at 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 23. In addition, our office will be closed on the following days in observance of the Christmas and New Year's holidays: Friday, December 24; Monday, December 27; Friday, December 31; and Monday, January 3. Please click the image below to watch our special message to you!
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Consider the gift of life this holiday season. According to the Blood Bank of Delmarva, the need for blood has never been higher, with the current supply concerning and the holiday season and winter months being a time when blood donation rates drop. MSD is supporting this need for blood donations, and we encourage you to schedule an appointment now through December 31st at any of the five donation centers on the flyer. After donating, please scan the QR code on the flyer, complete the "Digital Hero Card," and choose Medical Society of Delaware as your organization. What better way to embrace the spirit of the season than by giving blood.
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1,000 New Residency Slots Funded by CMS |
Phases in 200 Slots Per Year Over Five Years |
On Friday the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) took a critical step to advance health equity and access, issuing a final rule that will enhance the health care workforce and fund additional medical residency positions in hospitals serving rural and underserved communities. The Fiscal Year 2022 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) final rule with comment period establishes policies to distribute 1,000 new Medicare-funded physician residency slots to qualifying hospitals, phasing in 200 slots per year over five years. In allocating these new slots, CMS will prioritize hospitals with training programs in areas demonstrating the greatest need for providers, as determined by Health Professional Shortage Areas. The first round of 200 residency slots will be announced by January 31, 2023, and will become effective July 1, 2023.
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MSD Launches Its Academic Channel |
Serves as Hub for Publishing Articles Through Cureus Journal |
Are you looking to publish your original article, case report, or technical report? MSD has worked with the team of the Cureus Journal of Medical Science and established a designated online "Academic Channel" for MSD on the Cureus site. As an author interested in publishing your work, this new process will make it simpler and keep you informed along the way of the submission process. The streamlined online submission system and efficient editorial review allow you to publish in weeks, not months. And since this is an open access model and published articles are indexed in PubMed Central, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and more, your work has global exposure. The peer review process leverages the collective intelligence of the Cureus community. We invite you to review the new Medical Society of Delaware Academic Channel and consider populating our "Articles" page with work from Delaware physicians. A separate Digital Digest will also be published and distributed via email to members every several months, delivering information about published articles on the site from your peers, as well as other educational information.
If you would like to join the team of peer reviewers on the Academic Channel, we'd love to have you! Please contact Mary LaJudice for more information.
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President Biden's Remarks on the Fight Against COVID-19 |
No Mention of Restrictions or Lockdowns |
The President yesterday outlined new steps the country will take to combat another wave of the coronavirus. The focal point is mailing out 500 million rapid COVID tests. Starting in January, Americans will be able to log on to a new website established by the government, order tests, and get them shipped for free to their homes. However, 500 million at-home tests is a fraction of what's needed for Americans to test themselves at the recommended twice-weekly rate. The President is also assembling 1,000 military personnel with medical skills to be deployed to overburdened hospitals and will also establish new federal testing sites across the country in addition to efforts to vaccinate.
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FDA Authorizes First Oral Anti-Viral COVID-19 Treatment |
Pfizer's Paxlovid Issued EUA |
T oday the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for Pfizer's Paxlovid pill for the at-home treatment of mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms or about 88 pounds) with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 testing, and who are a high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. Paxlovid is available by prescription only and should be initiated as soon as possible after diagnosis of COVID-19 and within five days of symptom onset. It is expected that Merck & Co.'s competing pill, molnupiravir, to treat higher-risk COVID-19 patients will also be approved, although it has shown a 50 percent reduction in the risk of hospitalization as compared to Paxlovid's 89 percent decrease in the chance of hospitalization for those who took the pill within three days of symptoms. Both company's pills are expected to be effective against omicron as they don't target the spike protein where most of the variant's mutations reside. In anticipation of US authorization, Merck expects to produce 10 million courses of its molnupiravir drug by the end of 2021. Paxlovid has already been shipped into the US and should be available this month. President Biden has indicated that Pfizer's treatments will be "easily accessible and free" since the Administration has already purchased 10 million treatment courses. The government is also purchasing 1.7 million courses of molnupiravir for use when it is approved by the FDA.
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DPH Identifies DE's First Cases With COVID-19 Omicron Variant |
All Are Residents of New Castle County |
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) on Friday announced that it had confirmed the first four cases of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) among Delaware residents. The variant was detected Friday through routine sequencing of test specimens by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory. The four cases involve two adults in their 30s, a teenager, and a child under the age of 10. Two individuals were fully vaccinated and two were unvaccinated. None had a known history of travel.
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OSHA Citations to Start January 10 on Vaccine Mandate |
Employers with 100+ Workers to Require Vaccination or Weekly Testing |
As reported, the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit dissolved the Fifth Circuit's stay of the Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced it will exercise enforcement discretion with respect to the compliance dates of the ETS. To provide employers with sufficient time to come into compliance, OSHA will not issue citations for noncompliance with any requirements of the ETS before January 10 and will not issue citations for noncompliance with the standard's testing requirements before February 9, so long as an employer is exercising reasonable, good faith efforts to come into compliance with the standard.
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DPH Launches QR Tool for Access to COVID-19 Vaccine Record |
Those Vaccinated in Delaware Can Download Digital Card |
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced on Tuesday that individuals vaccinated in Delaware will now have access to a QR code when downloading their COVID-19 vaccination record. The digital COVID-19 vaccination card now includes the QR code and is available through the DelVAX Public Portal, a site where those who were vaccinated in Delaware can access their immunization records. When the person accesses their COVID-19 record they will be able to download a PDF version of it, which resembles a vaccine card and includes the QR Code. The image can then be saved to a phone gallery, or printed on paper. The technology allows anyone to show proof of vaccination with a digital or printed QR code instead of a paper card. QR codes contain the same information as paper records, but in a format that offers greater security and efficiency. Businesses that choose to verify an individual’s vaccination status can scan QR codes using a SMART Health Card verifier app. Individuals do not need to download an app to obtain their QR code. When a business or entity scans the QR code, the vaccination information will only appear for a short period of time for verification purposes and will not be saved on the device, keeping the individual’s personal information secure. QR codes are available to anyone whose vaccination record includes a working phone number and is in Delaware’s immunization database, DelVAX. Nearly all doses administered in Delaware are reported to DelVAX, including pharmacies, physician offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers, public health clinics and state-run community vaccination events. Some doses administered outside Delaware to Delaware residents may be in DelVAX. Doses administered directly by federal agencies such as the Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs are not reported to DelVAX. The DelVAX Public Portal is available at https://delvax.dhss.delaware.gov/delvax_public/Application/PublicPortal. To watch step-by-step instructions on how to access the public portal and download a secure QR code, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DLc9vAVO7s. Individuals who need assistance can call 1-800-282-8672, or email DelVAX@delaware.gov.
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Pfizer Modifying Clinical Trial for Children Under 5 |
Two-Shot Regimen Failed to Generate Enough Protection |
Pfizer and BioNTech announced last week that two doses of the pediatric vaccine failed in 2 to 4-year olds to meet a laboratory standard for immune response set in an older age group. They are modifying their clinical trial to include a third shot at least two months after the initial two-dose regimen for those children under the age of 5. If the three-dose regimen proves successful they will approach the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use authorization (EUA).
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New CPT Modifier 93 for Synchronous Telemedicine Services |
At the September 2021 CPT Editorial Panel Meeting, a new Modifier was accepted to describe real-time telemedicine services between a patient and a physician or other qualified health care professional rendered via audio-only. This new modifier is effective January 1, 2022. Synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located away at a distant site. The totality of the communication of information exchanged during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that is sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. The official release information can be found on the AMA website.
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December Tornado Disaster Relief |
Help Victims of the Recent Devastating Tornadoes |
Sixty-eight confirmed tornadoes tore across ten US states on Friday, December 10th, and Saturday, December 11th leaving a path of destruction and death in their wake. The total damage and economic loss will take time to sort through. The Southeastern Delegation of the American Medical Association is a coalition of sixteen states, in addition to Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, of which Delaware is a member. The recent tornadoes impacted several of our Southeastern Delegation family states, particularly Kentucky, Arkansas, and Tennessee. The Southeastern Delegation is asking for all the states in the coalition to spread the word to encourage donations to the stricken areas. Donations are encouraged through any fund you feel most helpful, however, please be sure your donation is going to a legitimate site. MSD is sharing the letter that was sent out to the Southeastern Delegation states asking for assistance to help those in need, which provides options for donation sites, including the AMA Foundation. If you can help, please do. Who knows if one day Delaware could face similar circumstances and be in need.
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Survey: Large Number of Physicians Considering Retirement |
Jump in Retirement Rate vs Pre-Pandemic Could be Early Warning Sign |
In a survey conducted by Doximity, nearly half of the respondents indicated they were thinking about leaving the field, on top of the 1% of the workforce who already retired early under the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic. This extra retirement could place additional stress on the remaining workforce as the pandemic continues and the nation faces a growing physician shortage. The results include responses from over 160,000 US doctors over five years, with the goal of tracking the data over a multi-year timeframe to help stakeholders understand employment trends. Although average pay for physicians increased 3.8% in 2021, it did not keep up with the rate of inflation, with physicians on average experiencing a decline in real income compared with inflation.
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Warning of Dangerous "Blackout Challenge" on Social Media |
Chester, PA Family Loses Daughter After Taking Part |
A 10-year-old Pennsylvania child is the latest to be linked with deaths associated with a social media dare called the "Blackout Challenge," holding your breath until you pass out. Lack of oxygen can lead to cardiac arrest and other medical dangers. Parents should have conversations with their children about what they are watching on social media.
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It is with much sadness that we share the news of the passing of long-time MSD member, Rafael A. Zaragoza, MD, on Friday, December 17th. Dr. Zaragoza was 92. The first urologist in downstate Delaware, he covered multiple hospitals throughout his career. He served as President of the Medical Society of Delaware from 1981-1982, chaired the MSD Health Care Access Subcommittee (formally referred to as the Charitable Services Committee) for many years, and was a member of MSD's American Medical Association (AMA) Delegation from 1996-2005. He founded the Volunteer Ambulatory Surgical Access Program (VASAP) in 1995 to provide surgery to the underinsured in Kent County. He was a key contributor, role model, and spokesperson, serving as a director and president for the Hope Medical-Dental Clinic in Dover, providing free non-emergent care to the community in need. In keeping with his charitable work, Dr. Zaragoza also organized and participated in "Operation We Care," annual medical missions to his homeland in the Philippines, providing surgical care to the underserved population there. He was the recipient of the Award for Excellence in Volunteerism at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the AMA. Dr. Zaragoza's mission was truly one of charitable work. He authored "Blended Heritage and Cultures," which he indicated provided him "a better perspective on how people of different backgrounds should learn to coexist and be willing to respect and accept other people's right to coexist making this world we are in a better place to live." A viewing will be held at the Torbert Funeral Chapel in Dover on Wednesday, December 29th from 2-4 p.m. and also from 6-8 p.m. A funeral mass will take place on Thursday, December 30th at Holy Cross Church in Dover at 10 a.m. Donations of remembrance may be made online to the Delaware Prostate Cancer Coalition at deprostatecancercoalition.org. Read obituary.
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Highlight On Events And Educational Offerings |
An Approach to Patients Who Have Not Gotten the COVID-19 Vaccine |
This course module was developed by the "Made to Save" Campaign and will explore a patient-centered approach to COVID-19 vaccine counseling to increase trust, confidence, and vaccine uptake, based on the experience of a national grassroots COVID-19 vaccine education and outreach campaign focused on underserved communities of color. The Yale School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
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Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) Education Series |
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MSD/VIP Lunch and Learn Session |
Join us Wednesday, January 12 at 12:00 noon for an informative virtual one-hour session about the MSD Voluntary Initiative Program (VIP) and how it supports patients enrolled in the state's Health Care Connection Program. You'll learn about participating in the VIP network, the benefits for physicians and patients, and resources available to your practice. The event is open to physicians (including those who are already enrolled in VIP), allied health professionals, office managers, etc. There is no charge to participate, however, registration is required by Monday, January 10th. Once registered, details for joining the meeting will be provided 24 hours in advance.
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2nd Regional Human Trafficking Summit |
Register now for the Regional Interdisciplinary Collaborative 2nd Regional Human Trafficking Summit taking place February 9-10, 2022, held both virtually and in-person at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. Human trafficking is a widespread crime and growing public health concern. The goal of the Summit is to lead a multilateral cooperation and synergy among the regional states to work to ensure the safety and freedom of trafficked persons. Learn more.
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Bayhealth hosted a groundbreaking ceremony last Wednesday for Bayhealth Total Care, a new and innovative approach to providing health care in Sussex County. Strategically located at the intersection of Lewes-Georgetown Highway (Route 9) and Hudson Road in Milton, Bayhealth Total Care will be the first health care facility of its kind in Delaware. It will be home to a hybrid emergency and walk-in center, imaging and lab services, as well as primary and specialty care offices. The facility is slated to pen in a little more than year in early 2023.
Bayhealth has entered into an agreement to purchase a large portion of the Blue Hen Corporate Center in Dover. This acquisition will provide an additional 185,000 square feet for Bayhealth to efficiently grow its patient-centered care model while improving access to care for central Delaware residents. This real estate transaction is expected to close before the end of 2021. The acquisition will add to the space Bayhealth already operates at Blue Hen Corporate Center. It will bring an expansion of Bayhealth clinical services, including primary and specialty care practices and diagnostic services, to the property.
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ChristianaCare announced it will provide $500,000 in scholarships to 10 students in Delaware who plan to pursue degrees in health care. Administered through the HBCU Week Foundation, each scholarship will provide $12,500 per year in financial support over four years and will include a paid internship at ChristianaCare. The deadline for application is March 1, 2022. Prospective students can learn how to apply for the scholarship online at https://www.hbcuweek.org/christianacare-scholarship/.
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TidalHealth announced today that patient visitation is being suspended temporarily starting on December 27 at both TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury and TidalHealth Nanticoke in Seaford. At the same time, there will also be a temporary pause at both hospitals of elective, non-emergency surgeries that require an overnight stay.
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Congratulations to the following physicians
as we celebrate their MSD membership milestone
anniversaries during the month of January.
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60 YEARS
Charles Allen, MD
50 YEARS
Wellford W. Inge, Jr., MD
40 YEARS
Jerome E. Groll, MD
Joseph H. Richman, MD
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30 YEARS
Bruce L. Bolasne, MD
Janaki B. Kaza, MD
Christopher Giles, MD
John R. Stump, MD
Robert H. Radnich, MD
Roger N. Ruckman, MD
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10 YEARS
Darshdeep I. Singh, DO
Vanita D. Jain, MD
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Judith B. Gorra, MD - Pediatrics, Delaware Division of Public Health |
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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55%
Number of physicians reporting participation in 2020 in at least one type of ACO (up 11 percentage points from 2016).
AMA Physician Practice Benchmark Surveys
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67%
Number of physicians in practices in 2020 that received at least some payment through Alternative Payment Models (up 9 percentage points from 2012).
AMA Physician Practice Benchmark Surveys
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18
Percentage Point gap difference between number of doctors in hospital-owned practices (42.3%) who took part in a Medicare ACO in 2020 and the number of physicians in private practices who did so (21.3%).
AMA Physician Practice Benchmark Surveys
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January 21, 2022 - SAVE THE DATE! Delaware Section, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Annual Maternal Health Awareness Day "Maternal Care in the 21st Century," 1:00-5:00 p.m., virtual.
March 5-7, 2022 - SAVE THE DATE! Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health 2022 Annual Meeting, Accelerating Climate Solutions: From Urgency to Impact for Health Equity.
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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 © 2021. All Rights Reserved. |
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