DHSS Second Annual Health Care Benchmark Trend Report |
Trends in Delaware's Health Care Spending and Quality |
Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Molly Magarik presented the State’s second annual Benchmark Trend Report at today’s Delaware Health Care Commission (DHCC) meeting. This report displays trends in Delaware’s health care spending and quality, comparing new 2020 data against a set benchmark, as well as baseline data from 2019. This report continues the State’s efforts to improve health care quality for all residents, while simultaneously working to monitor and reduce the economic burden of health care spending. The 2020 Trend Report also provides insight into Delaware’s health care quality by presenting data on six quality measures.
The first spending benchmark went into effect on Jan. 1, 2019, and was set at 3.8%. That spending benchmark was not met, as the finalized health care spending for 2019 grew at a rate of 5.8%. For calendar year 2020, the spending benchmark was set at a more ambitious target of 3.5%. This benchmark was met as the 2020 Total Health Care Expenditures (THCE) per-capita change from the prior year was estimated at -1.2%. Total expenditures encompasses health care spending associated with Delaware residents from private and public sources. Total Health Care Expenditures increased by $39 million in calendar year 2020, totaling $8.1 billion. However, with Delaware’s population increasing by 1.7% from 2019 to 2020, the per-capita total decreased from $8,268 in 2019 to $8,173 in 2020.
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DHSS Launches Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Program |
State-Sponsored Program to Incentivize Practicing in Delaware |
The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has launched a state-sponsored Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Program (HCPLRP). Under the new loan repayment program, eligible clinicians may receive up to $50,000 per year in loan repayment for a maximum of four years of employment in Delaware. Governor John Carney signed House Bill 48 with House Amendment 1 on Aug. 10, 2021, establishing the loan repayment program administered by the Delaware Health Care Commission (DHCC). The program is a valuable tool to incentivize providers to practice in Delaware, in addition to attracting more providers to the state’s primary care workforce.
Qualifying clinicians must be a new primary care provider in an ambulatory or outpatient setting and completed graduate education within six months of the application for HCPLRP being submitted. Eligible health care providers include physicians practicing family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, geriatrics, and psychiatry as well as Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Physicians Assistants practicing adult medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry/mental health, geriatrics, and women’s health.
Employers may apply on behalf of their affiliated, qualifying clinicians for education loan repayment grants. These sites may include:
- Hospital primary care practices
- Private practices
- Federally Qualified Health Centers
- Community outpatient facilities
- Community mental health facilities
- Free medical clinics
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MSD Represented at COVID-19 Remembrance Ceremony |
Keeping Memories Alive and Supporting Those Impacted by COVID-19 |
Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), Yellow Hearts Memorial, COVID survivors for Change, and advocates hosted the COVID-19 Remembrance Memorial Ceremony: A Day of Hope on Tuesday, May 3rd in Dover. The event was held to honor those lost and those who have battled the virus, whether on the front lines at hospitals, long-term care facilities, or Public Health, or due to their own long-haul symptoms. A tree and plaque were dedicated during the ceremony. The site will serve as a memorial for those Delawareans who have battled, or are still battling, COVID-19. Thank you to Bhavin R. Dave, MD, MSD's Vice President, and Mark B. Thompson, MHSA, Executive Director for representing the Medical Society of Delaware at the event. Visit the memorial website to submit the name of a loved one lost to COVID, the name of someone living with long-haul symptoms, or someone who worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic. You can view the livestream of the event at https://ltgov.delaware.gov/covid-19-memorial/.
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Governor Proclaims May 2022 as Trauma Awareness Month |
Series of Events and Trainings Offered Statewide |
Governor John Carney on Wednesday signed a proclamation declaring May 2022 as Trauma Awareness Month to recognize efforts of trauma-informed practices across the State of Delaware. This year, Trauma Awareness Month includes a series of educational webinars and recognition of the Compassionate Champion Awards recipients. Trauma Awareness Month is co-sponsored by the Family Services Cabinet Council (FSCC) and Trauma Matters Delaware (TMD). FSCC and TMD are highlighting a variety of virtual events throughout May, including facilitated webinars each week for Delawareans to learn about the current state of trauma in Delaware and trauma-related topics. The FSCC and TMD encourage Delaware community organizations to add their own Trauma Awareness Month events to the TMD event calendar. To have events published on TMD’s Trauma Awareness Month calendar, please complete this form.
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May is Viral Hepatitis Awareness Month |
Hepatitis Testing Day Designated as May 19th |
The Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing May as Viral Hepatitis Awareness Month and May 19 as Hepatitis Testing Day. Both hepatitis A and hepatitis B are preventable with vaccines and while there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, it is curable with proper treatment. Hepatitis B and C are the leading causes of liver cancer in the United States. The only way to know if someone has viral hepatitis is to be tested. It is estimated that 2.4 million people in the United States are living with hepatitis C and between 880,000 and 1.89 million people are living with hepatitis B. Many are unaware that they are infected since symptoms usually are slow to present themselves. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests everyone should get tested for viral hepatitis at least once in their lives. Some of the risk factors for contracting viral hepatitis include but are not limited to:
- Individuals born between 1945 and 1965
- IV drug users
- Unstable housing
- Travel to an area with endemic hepatitis A virus without being immunized
- Unprotected sex with multiple partners
- Job that exposes you to human blood
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Delaware Enacts Legislation Protecting Living Donors |
Bill Prohibits Insurance Discrimination Based on Organ/Tissue Donor Status |
Delaware has become the 25th state to protect living organ donors and promote living organ donation across the state. Last week at a ceremony held at the Beebe Specialty Surgical Hospital on the Rehoboth Health Campus, Governor John Carney signed The Living Donor Protection Act (SB 218), which will prohibit disability, life, and long-term care insurers from discriminating against living donors through policy conditions, acceptance, or pricing based solely on the person’s living donor status. Every day, 17 U.S. patients die on the transplant waitlist; 12 of them were waiting for a kidney. The Living Donor Protection Act is critical for the more than 150 Delawareans currently waiting for a kidney transplant. While 44 of our citizens received a lifesaving transplant in 2021, five died waiting for a kidney. Living donor protections help remove barriers to organ donation and provide an opportunity to expand the number of living donor transplants in Delaware. In addition to saving lives, removing barriers to living donation and increasing access to transplants also saves money. Currently, the annual Medicare costs associated with dialysis are $94,608 per patient on hemodialysis and $81,091 per patient on peritoneal dialysis, while the annual cost associated with kidney transplant is $25,182 per transplant patient after the first year of transplant. To learn more about organ donation, kidney disease and how to become an advocate, visit the National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland and Delaware (NKFMDDE) website, kidneymd.org, or call 410.494.4546.
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ASGE Colorectal Cancer Screening Campaign |
Join the Effort to Promote Colorectal Cancer Screening to Save Lives |
Nearly one in three adults in the US aren’t getting screened for colon cancer as recommended. Yet, colon cancer has a 90% survival rate when detected early. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has embarked on an educational campaign to raise awareness among primary care physicians and patients on the importance of appropriate screening, particularly using the appropriate screening test for the patient's risk group. The Medical Society of Delaware is encouraging every physician in Delaware to visit the ASGE "Colorectal Cancer Screening Appropriate Use" web page to download some great patient education resources, including a printable office/practice poster, patient letter templates (for positive and negative test results), and an article for local newspapers.
Today, colorectal cancer screening is recommended to begin at 45 years of age and screening options include colonoscopy, fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and MT-sDNA (Cologuard). ASGE recommends that patients of any age who are exhibiting symptoms (e.g., rectal bleeding, anemia, a change in bowel habits, persistent abdominal pain, or unintentional weight loss), are high-risk (e.g., they’ve had a pre-cancerous colorectal polyp or colorectal cancer), or whose family has a strong history of colorectal cancer should talk to their gastroenterologist or primary care physician about the need for colonoscopy. Physicians can refer their patients to ASGE.org/Screening for an easy-to-understand infographic on the appropriate screening test.
Join in this effort to prevent colon cancer. You're encouraged to visit ASGE.org/Screening-Physicians and download and use the patient education resources that are featured on that site.
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Upcoming MSD Events Not to Miss! |
A Series of Social Events for Everyone |
MSD has planned several upcoming social events for you to attend. It's been a while since we got together in person, let's discover what everyone has been doing over the past two years! |
Come mingle with the President! In light of COVID-19 safety concerns at the time, MSD did not plan a social event in conjunction with our November 2021 Annual Meeting. Our goal was to plan three social events for some time in 2022 when we all felt more comfortable in those in-person social gatherings. That time has come. You and your guest have the opportunity to attend one of the three in-person Presidential Receptions that have been arranged at locations across the state. Find a date and location convenient for you! All events begin at 6:00 p.m. Dress is business casual.
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Wednesday, May 25th @ the MSD Conference Center in Newark (Registration deadline May 18th)
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Thursday, June 30 @ Maple Dale Country Club in Dover
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Wednesday, September 21 @ JD Shuckers in Georgetown
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Back by popular demand! Plant to attend MSD's Pubs & Politics at the Painted Stave Distilling on May 26th, 5:30-8:30 p.m. This event features one-on-one discussions with state legislators, complimentary food and drink, and a chance to meet and connect with colleagues at a Delaware landmark! Food provided by Taco Jardin. Registration deadline is May 18th.
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OperaDelaware Tickets for Hometown Heroes |
Complimentary & Reduced-Priced Tickets to "The Marriage of Figaro" |
OperaDelaware is offering complimentary & reduced-priced tickets to THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO for health care givers on either Friday, May 20th or Sunday, May 22nd at the Grand. Details and instructions on how to reserve your tickets can be found here: https://www.operade.org/hometown-heroes.
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FDA Limits Use of Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine to Certain People |
Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine Still Has a Role in the Current Pandemic Response |
Today, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has limited the authorized use of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine to individuals 18 years of age and older for whom other authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccines are not accessible or clinically appropriate, and to individuals 18 years of age and older who elect to receive the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine because they would otherwise not receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) warrants limiting the authorized use of the vaccine. The Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine now reflects the revision of the authorized use of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine and includes a warning statement at the beginning of the fact sheet for prominence which summarizes information on the risk for TTS. Additionally, information on the revision to the authorized use of the vaccine and updated information on this risk of blood clots with low levels of blood platelets has been added to the Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers.
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New FDA Prescriber Information on Paxlovid |
For Treatment of COVID-19 |
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently released new provider information to assist in prescribing Paxlovid for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19. The information is being shared at the request of the FDA Commissioner to assist in increasing use of Paxlovid for treatment of COVID-19 positive patients. The information provides clarity around patient eligibility for Paxlovid and includes a patient eligibility screening checklist for use by prescribers. It also includes guidance on managing drug-drug interactions with Paxlovid.
Additionally, the FDA is hosting a stakeholder call on Friday, May 6th at 1:00pm EDT, featuring John Farley, MD, Director of the Office of Infectious Diseases, Office of New Drugs, in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. The webinar will be available at the link provided and will include open Q&A time for any questions on use of Paxlovid.
Meeting URL:
Join by Telephone:
Dial: 1 669 254 5252
Meeting ID: 161 178 6251
One tap mobile:
+16692545252,1611786251#
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CDC Says Travelers Should Continue Mask Wearing |
Updates to Before & After Travel Recommendations for Testing |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week continued its travel-related masking recommendations and recommendations for testing before and after domestic and international travel. Properly wearing a well-fitting mask or respirator is recommended for everyone aged 2 years or older when indoors on public transportation and at transportation hubs. It is especially important to wear a mask in certain situations, such as crowded spaces and poorly ventilated areas. This recommendation is based on the currently available data, including an understanding of domestic and global epidemiology, circulating variants and their impact on disease severity and vaccine effectiveness, current trends in COVID-19 Community Levels within the United States, and projections of COVID-19 trends in the coming months. To help keep travel safer for everyone, CDC is updating its before and after travel recommendations indicating before travel, regardless of the destination (domestic or international) and vaccination status, consider getting tested for current infection with a viral test as close to the time of departure as possible (no more than 3 days). After domestic travel, regardless of vaccination status, get tested if your travel involved situations with a greater risk of exposure such as being in crowded places while not wearing a well-fitting mask or respirator and follow additional guidance if you know you were exposed to a person with COVID-19. Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
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FSMB Adopts Misinformation Policy |
Guidance for State Boards, Licensees to Reduce Misinformation Harms |
The guidance, written by FSMB's Ethics and Professionalism Committee, provides recommendations both for state medical boards when drafting their own policies, and for licensees regarding best practices.
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Fourth Dose Boosters and Pediatric Vaccine Update |
AMA COVID-19 Webinar Series |
Susan R. Bailey, MD, immediate past president, American Medical Association (AMA), welcomes Peter Marks, MD, PhD, Director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who will address a host of hot topics related to the fourth dose booster vaccine and provide updates on pediatric vaccine safety data. Hear the latest on who should receive the fourth dose—and when—and whether we’ll be seeing a vaccine for younger children soon. This webinar will take place on Monday, May 9th at 3:00 p.m. ET. Register now.
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H5N1 Virus: Recommendations for Human Health Investigation/Response |
The Delaware Division of Public Health has shared information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A person has tested positive for avian influenza A(H5) virus (H5 bird flu) in the U.S., as confirmed by the CDC and reported by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on April 28, 2022. This case occurred in a person who had direct exposure to poultry and who was involved in the culling (depopulating) of poultry with presumptive H5N1 bird flu. Clinicians should consider the possibility of HPAI A(H5N1) virus infection in persons showing signs or symptoms of respiratory illness who have relevant exposure history. This includes persons who have had contact with potentially infected birds, direct contact with water or surfaces contaminated with feces or parts of potentially infected birds, and persons who have had prolonged exposure to potentially infected birds in a confined space. Clinicians should contact the state public health department to arrange testing for influenza A(H5N1) virus, collect respiratory specimens using personal protective equipment (PPE), consider starting empiric antiviral treatment (see below), and encourage the patient to isolate at home away from their household members and not go to work or school until it is determined they do not have avian influenza A virus infection. Testing for other potential causes of acute respiratory illness should also be considered depending upon the local epidemiology of circulating respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
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Naloxone Information Available |
Translated into Spanish and Haitian Creole, Along with English Version |
The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Opioid Response Team has made available important information regarding Naloxone and has translated three brochures/flyers into Spanish and Haitian Creole. Documents available are:
- Brochure-styled, overview of prevention, addiction, treatment, and recovery resources at the HelpIsHereDE.com website.
- English prints are delayed, but Spanish and Haitian Creole versions are available now.
- Steps on how to respond to an overdose.
- Describes naloxone, how to obtain it, and local resources, such as crisis lines and the Bridge Clinic.
If you would like any of these documents, please reach out to DSAMH.ORT@delaware.gov and include the following information:
- Which documents are needed
- Which language
- Quantity you are requesting
- Delivery Location and Address
- Point of Contact for Delivery
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Quality Insights White Paper on Controlling High Blood Pressure |
Resource for Practices and Patients to Improve Blood Pressure Control |
In November 2021, Quality Insights published a white paper on "A Low-Pressure Approach to Controlling High Blood Pressure: Delaware Healthy Heart Ambassador Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring." Despite advances in evidence-based treatment guidelines and pharmacologic therapy, hypertension remains a significant burden, and control rates have remained stagnant or declined in recent years, with only about half of individuals with hypertension having the condition under control. Blood pressure classification and treatment protocols vary, but the use of nonpharmacological lifestyle modification, including self-measured blood pressure monitoring, is known to be an effective promoter of blood pressure control and is a recommended intervention for all people with hypertension. In Delaware, the Healthy Heart Ambassador Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program was implemented to renew focus on hypertension control and provide, at no cost, the tools and resources to support medical practices and patients in the effort to improve blood pressure control.
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FDA Permits Marketing of Test to Improve Alzheimer's Diagnosis |
Six Million Americans May Have Dementia Caused by Alzheimer's Disease |
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration permitted marketing for the first in vitro diagnostic test for early detection of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The Lumipulse G β-Amyloid Ratio (1-42/1-40) test is intended to be used in adult patients, aged 55 years and older, presenting with cognitive impairment who are being evaluated for Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of cognitive decline.
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Teaching Patients About Climate Change |
Just 45 Seconds Is All It Takes |
How can you talk with your patients about the health risks of climate change without disrupting the office visit? This important topic can be time-consuming and even controversial. The Medical Society of Delaware's My Green Doctor explains an easy solution that may work well in your practice. Read more. My Green Doctor is a FREE money-saving membership benefit to learn how to adopt environmental sustainability, save resources, and help create healthier communities. Everyone in your practice can register as Partner Society members at www.MyGreenDoctor.org or at www.MyGreenDoctor.es (si, en Espanol) and use the discount code MGDMSD to save $60 instantly and give full access to My Green Doctor for free. Ask your practice manager to register and to put My Green Doctor on your next agenda.
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MSD Seeking Nominations to Recognize COVID-19 Efforts |
Nominate a Physician for Exceptional Service Performed During Pandemic |
MSD wants to recognize physicians who demonstrated extraordinary commitment to their patients, communities, and profession during the COVID-19 pandemic. We seek to recognize both physician leaders whose work may be widely known, as well as physicians who labored in relative anonymity. To this, we are seeking nominations from our members of physicians whose personal sacrifice and performance beyond expectation during the pandemic would merit recognition. All physicians in Delaware, excluding trainees, are eligible. Nominations can be submitted online. Persons nominating will be asked to describe the reason the physician is being nominated. The deadline for submitting nominations is Thursday, May 19th. Awards will be presented this fall.
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Premier Educational Program Partner Spotlight |
MSD is pleased to highlight a 2022 Premier Educational Program Partner. Premier Educational Partners have joined with the Medical Society of Delaware in 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 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, visit https://www.pnc.com/en/about-pnc.html?lnksrc=topnav.
If you would like to become a PEP Partner, please contact Lynn Robinson, Director of Professional Education.
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Beebe Healthcare is making visitation updates to the Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus as of Friday, April 29 due to the increase in COVID-19. Inpatients may have one well visitor per day between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This visitor may not change throughout the day. |
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COVID-19 Information Finder |
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The Real Story of Cinco de Mayo |
May 5 is Significant in Mexican History, But Not for the Reasons Many Think |
Many Americans do not understand what they are celebrating on May 5th, commonly referred to as Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of culture and freedom, commemorating the resulting victory of the out outnumbered Mexican Army defeating the French imperial invaders in the Town of Puebla, Mexico on May 5, 1862 (many confuse this date with Mexican Independence Day, which happened 50 years earlier and is observed on September 16th). Though Mexico declared a victory at the Battle of Puebla, the French went on to win the Franco-Mexican war and occupied the area for the next five years. The Battle of Puebla is relatively insignificant in the grander history of the war between Mexico and France and Puebla, Mexico is one of the few places you will find any Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Mexico. Ironically, the date is celebrated more so in the US than in Mexico, which was a result of US beer companies targeting Spanish-speaking communities in the 1970s and 80s. Cinco de Mayo as we know it today has taken on party-friendly connotations and, in turn has resulted in cultural appropriation. Our goal is to bring cultural awareness to celebrate respectfully. If you want to enjoy Mexican food, try making authentic recipes or check out restaurants or vendors owned by people from Mexico, donate or get involved as an ally for Latino-based organizations, consider celebrating Dieciseis de Septiembre (Mexican Independence Day) that is more widely celebrated in Mexico rather than Cinco de Mayo. Learn the history of Cinco de Mayo and obtain more information on the evolution of the holiday in the US. (Cited from 303 Magazine.com)
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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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1.3 million
Estimated number of smokers who may quit if the US bans menthol cigarettes.
Tobacco Control
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79%
Jump in measles cases in the first two months of 2022 compared to 2021.
UNICEF and World Health Organization
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$90 million
Amount available from the American Rescue Plan to fund data-driven efforts by HRSA-supported health centers to address health disparities.
Health and Human Services
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May 26 - MSD Pubs & Politics, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Painted Stave Distilling, 106 W. Commerce St, Smyrna.
May 26 - Delaware Academy of Medicine/Delaware Public Health Association 92nd Annual Meeting, 6:30-9:00 p.m., DuPont Country Club.
October 5&6 - Delaware Academy of Medicine/Delaware Public Health Association and Delaware Chapter of the American Planning Association Joint virtual 2022 Fall Conference.
October 25 - SAVE THE DATE! 26th Annual Delaware Healthcare Forum
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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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