• CMS will hold its weekly Office Hours call on Tuesday, July 14 at 5:00 pm. Call 833-614-0820 and enter access passcode: 2550919 or register for the audio webcast link.

• The Physicians Foundation sent a survey to over 700,000 physicians to learn how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the practice plans and perspectives of our fellow doctors. Results of the survey will be shared with policy makers, legislators, the public, the media, and you, to ensure the physicians’ voice is heard. Click here to complete this survey, it can be completed in less than five minutes. Include your email to enter a drawing for one of four $500 Amazon gift cards.

• MedChi CEO, Gene Ransom, wrote a letter to the Maryland Delegation urging them to work with Senate colleagues to include narrowly tailored liability protections for healthcare facilities into the final version of COVID-19 Phase IV legislation. Maryland’s hospitals, urgent care centers, and primary care practices are nervous to operate, even while state necessary to do so, because they cannot afford to fend off lawsuits claiming they exposed someone to COVID-19. Click here to view this letter.  

• MedChi CEO, Gene Ransom, wrote a letter to Senator Ben Cardin and Senator Chris Van Hollen, Jr. uring them to work with their House colleagues to include narrowly tailored liability protections for healthcare facilities into the final version of COVID-19 Phase IV legislation. Click here to view this letter.

• For COVID-19 testing in Maryland, including updates on this week's testing availability, visit the Maryland Department of Health's testing website.

• We are aware of several services for physicians and other health care providers who would be interested in stress relief services during the time of the pandemic. The Physician Support Line was launched on March 30 to provide free counseling to doctors facing challenges during the pandemic. Its website describes it as a “national, free, and confidential support line service made up of 600+ volunteer psychiatrists, joined together in the determined hope to provide peer support for our physician colleagues as we all navigate the COVID-19 epidemic.” More information is available at the website. The support line can be reached at 1-888-409-0141. Physicians in Maryland are reminded that stress or other issues can also be addressed by appointment through the Maryland Physicians Health Program, 410-962-5580 or 800-992-7010.