• The Maryland Department of Health all-physician call will be held today, Wednesday, June 24 at 5:00 pm. (Note: These calls are accredited for CME by MedChi, with over 2,000 certificates issued so far at no charge to physicians.)

• MedChi is hosting a webinar on opioid prescribing changes and Prescription Drug Monitoring Program updates during the COVID-19 pandemic tomorrow, Thursday, June 25 at noon.

• HHS is hosting a webcast to explain the CARES Provider Relief Fund application process tomorrow, Thursday, June 25 at 2:00 pm.

• Baltimore City Medical Society is hosting "COVID-19: Your Practice Check-up," a webinar on current practice laws and regulations, on Tuesday, June 30, 6:30-8:00 pm. To register, email info@bcmsdocs.org or call 410.625.0022.

• I shared information on the Maryland Health Connection special COVID-19 enrollment period.

• Please take a moment to read through this week's MedChi News email newsletter, in which we focused on the economic health of practices in Maryland.

• Governor Hogan is encouraging all primary care physicians and practitioners to test their patients for COVID-19 in support of the long-term statewide testing program. The State will provide PPE and testing supplies as needed to support the in office testing. To support this important initiative, the Maryland Primary Care Program is asking all participating practices to indicate their willingness and ability to test patients for COVID-19. If you are in the MDPCP, please complete this brief, two-question survey by COB Thursday 6/25.

• 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.

• 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.