• The Maryland Department Health all-physician call will be held today, Wednesday, July 29 at 5:00 pm. Please note that the call will not be held next week, August 5; the weekly call will resume on August 12.

• HHS is holding a 10-week "telemedicine hack" learning community.

• The Baltimore City Health Department and Johns Hopkins are presenting "Love in the Time of Covid" to highlight CDC recommendations for providing sexual health services during the pandemic. The seminar will be held twice; at 12:15 pm today, July 29 and again at 8:15 am on August 6.

• HHS has again extended its COVID-19 emergency declaration.

• As a result of the public health emergency extension,some telehealth payment policies have been altered. See our latest telehealth billing guidelines for details.

• The Maryland medical community is mourning the death of Joseph Costa, MD, a physician who led Mercy's critical care unit. MedChi extends our condolences to Dr. Costa's family.

• At MedChi's request, MDH developed a written summary of guidelines for managing health care workers exposed to COVID-19. This guide provides details on the procedures I highlighted in a recent video.

• This week's MedChi News highlighted some of MedChi's advocacy efforts and resources for addressing COVID-19.

• 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.