Weekly Roundup: In Case You Missed It |
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COVID-19 Updates
The CDC issued a health alert on Tuesday regarding the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. California health officials directed health care providers to suspend use of the J&J vaccine after the FDA and CDC recommended a pause in its administration over a rare side effect that can cause blood clots.
Oakland Coliseum, which provided the Johnson & Johnson vaccine from April 1–11, will shift to offer only the federally approved Pfizer vaccine. Public health officials operating the mass vaccination site at the Coliseum expect no appointment cancellations or loss of appointment capacity in the coming weeks as a result of the statewide pause in the use of J&J vaccine.
Contra Costa Health Services has also paused the use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. CCHS does not anticipate cancelling any of its vaccination appointments at this time.
Alameda County reports that it has administered more than 1,188,000 doses as of April 15. As of April 13, ICU capacity in the county is at 38% with 21 confirmed COVID patients hospitalized.
Contra Costa Health Services reports that it has administered more than 875,000 doses as of April 15. As of April 14, ICU capacity in the county is at 30% with 11 confirmed COVID patients hospitalized.
The #ThisIsOurShot campaign has launched a private Facebook group that has up-to-date information. The campaign also holds weekly Zoom calls to discuss digital engagement campaigns, hear from guest speakers, and have breakout sessions to plan for future campaigns. These calls are held on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM.
CDPH is holding weekly “office hours” to provide an update on COVID-19 vaccination planning and allow providers in the state to ask questions, on Fridays from 9-10 AM. The April 23 session can be accessed through this link or by calling (415) 655-0001. The event number is: 145 305 3168. The password is: Immunize2021!
CMA's COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Center can be accessed here.
The ACCMA and the California Medical Association (CMA) are continuing to provide PPE directly to medical practices in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, by going to this link. N95 masks, surgical masks, isolation gowns, face shields, goggles, coveralls, and hand sanitizers may be ordered. Vinyl gloves are available only to solo and small practices. If approved, orders are shipped directly to medical offices. Only shipping and handling fees are charged for each individual case shipped. For groups with multiple offices, a separate order must be completed for each location. Please contact the ACCMA at accma@accma.org or (510) 654-5383 for more information.
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Fact Sheet for Pediatricians on Federal Information Blocking Rule
CMA has published a fact sheet intended to help pediatricians understand the federal Information Blocking Rule, and how they can best interact with their patients and their families. The rule, which took effect on April 5, 2021, raises some specific considerations for pediatric practices. Those practices may hold confidential data related to, for example, teen reproductive health, sensitive family situations, or adolescent mental health treatment. The rule, however, allows for physicians to keep this information confidential, provided practices take the proper steps to implement their compliance efforts.
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Reporting Challenges to Providing Behavioral Health Services
The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) is looking for providers willing to participate in interviews as part of its investigations of all full-service commercial health plans regulated by DMHC to assess barriers and challenges practitioners experience in providing behavioral health services. The first five health plans to be investigated in 2021 are
- Cigna Health Care of California
- Ventura County Health Care Plan
- Sutter Health Plan
- Community Care Health Plan, Inc.
- Contra Costa County Medical Services
Providers who have elected not to contract with these health plans or contracted providers who have experienced barriers and challenges providing behavioral health services to their patients within the past two years can contact DMHC at ProviderBHI@dmhc.ca.gov or (279) 666‑5858.
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UHC Updates Telehealth POS Billing Requirement
UnitedHealthcare is now requiring physicians to bill eligible telehealth services with place of service (POS) 02 for commercial products. Any telehealth claims not billed with any other POS will not be eligible for reimbursement. The policy was announced in United’s October 2020 Reimbursement Policy Update Bulletin and technically became effective January 1, 2021; however, UHC advises that an unofficial transition period for payment of claims not billed with POS 02 was in place through mid‑March.
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Marketplace Health Plans Special Enrollment Periods Are Open
Covered California launched a special enrollment period on April 12 that will continue through the end of 2021 to help consumers benefit from new Affordable Care Act premium subsidies. The US Department of Health and Human Services has also created a special open enrollment window for those seeking coverage through Healthcare.gov, which will remain open through August 15, 2021.
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Available on demand
Member $29.00 | Non-member $79.00
Now available! Current and new staff can receive on-demand training on HIPAA, OSHA, and customer service. Intended for all staff encountering patients in person or by telephone, this course covers customer service techniques, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). For questions, contact Jenn Mullins, Education and Event Associate, at jmullins@accma.org.
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Thursday, May 6 | 6:15–7:30 PM
FREE | CME Available
In this webinar, we will discuss ways physicians can chart safe courses through unpredictable circumstances, learning the five practices of physicians who are good at weathering the storms. For questions, contact Jenn Mullins, Education and Event Associate at jmullins@accma.org.
Speaker: Linda Clever, MD, MACP
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Tuesday, May 11 | 12–1:30 PM
FREE | CME Available | Presented by CMA
Speakers: TBA and Kimberly N. Green, MD, UCSF (moderator)
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Wednesday, May 19 | 10 AM – 2:30 PM
FREE to attend | CME Available
This will be a four-hour online training for qualified prescribers (including physicians, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants) to receive half of the 8 hours of training required to obtain a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) waiver for treatment of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Open to members and non-members. Counts for 4 CME credits.
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ACCMA's On-Demand Library
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Please contact ACCMA at 510-654-5383 or accma@accma.org with any questions or concerns you have.
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