• Register here for the Maryland Department of Health all-physician call for today, Monday, June 15 at 5:00 pm. Don't forget to complete your evaluation for complimentary CME credit (cost is covered by MedChi).

• MedChi President Michele Manahan, MD, will serve as a panelist on an AARP COVID-19 call on Wednesday, June 17 at 6:45 pm. Register here or call 877-229-8493 and enter PIN 115393.

• Maryland MGMA will host "Preparing Your Practice for COVID-19's Second Wave" on Thursday, June 18 at 12:00 pm.

• Maryland's Attorney General has alerted dental associations that surcharges for infection control measures could be a violation of consumer protection regulations. It is reasonable to assume that this is applicable to medical practices as well. While we understand the financial stress that medical practices are facing as they reopen, we want to warn against imposing additional fees to patients for the enhanced infection control measures undertaken by the practice.

• A national Physician Support Line staffed by volunteer psychiatrists provides confidential, no-cost peer support and counseling to doctors facing challenges during the pandemic. Call 1-888-409-0141. Physicians in Maryland are reminded that stress or other issues can also be addressed by appointment through the Maryland Physician Health Program: 410-962-5580 or 800-992-7010.

• Do you have questions about applying for the CARES Act Medicaid funds? This video might be helpful.

• MedChi is advocating for forgiveness of advanced payment Medicare loans. Currently, these loans will require repayment in one year, with payments beginning this September. Loans are coming due just as hospitals and physician offices are trying to get back to full service, all while facing cold/flu season and the likelihood of a second round of COVID-19. A group we are working with has set up a website that allows messages to be sent advocating for forgiveness.

• MedChi has heard from several physician practices about business interruption insurance claim denials. We want to help these physicians and other health professionals. We hope to provide you with direct assistance, referrals, or other support. We can also develop a broad advocacy plan – but first, we need to learn more about who and how many physicians are impacted by these denials. If you have experienced a business interruption insurance claim denials, please email me to discuss.  

• Keep sending us your photos for our #MaskUpMonday social media campaign to encourage everyone to wear masks in public. Please send us a selfie or other photo of you, your family, and/or your colleagues wearing masks and tell us who you are "masking up" for (your patients, your family, an at-risk friend, etc). Let's share with the public why physicians encourage and participate in universal masking during this pandemic. Please send your photos to cjohannesen@medchi.org.