DCH Update on RSV Administration Code

The Department of Community Health (DCH) advised that the new administration codes for Beyfortus (CPT codes 96380 and 96381) are expected to be loaded in GAMMIS in March 2024 with a January 1, 2024 effective date.

Until all systems updates are completed, health check providers should code the Beyfortus product (CPT codes 90380 or 90381 w/EP modifier) and report the administration of Beyfortus with code 96372.

Missed it? Check out recent updates here:

• RSV Toolkit and KHF Addendum
• KHF COVID Reimbursement Grid
• AAP Nirsevimab Updated FAQ
• Data Shows Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) effective against RSV in infants
• Moderna Pediatric COVID Vaccines Purchased on or After January 9, 2024 Now 100% Returnable

Georgia Composite Medical Board to Reinstate Pre-Pandemic Ban on Using Only Virtual Patient Visits to Prescribe Controlled Drugs*

On February 1, 2024, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that beginning May 1, “the Georgia Composite Medical Board will reinstate a pre-pandemic ban on using only virtual patient visits to prescribe controlled drugs.”

• For all controlled substances, the doctor writing the prescription must start with an in-person visit with the patient.
• The doctor must be licensed in Georgia.
• The visit can take place in or outside the state
• If the drug is something like Ritalin or Adderall to treat ADHD, after the first visit, virtual visits are fine.
• As the prescriber renews the prescription, he or she “must make diligent efforts to ensure” that patients are examined once a year in-person, by a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner who is licensed in Georgia.
• Doctors prescribing opioids for pain will have to keep meeting the patient in person.



We will continue to provide you with updates as we learn more in the coming months.

CDC Health Alert: Stay Alert for Measles Cases*

January 25, 2024- Between December 1, 2023 and January 23, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was notified of 23 confirmed U.S. cases of measles, including seven direct importations of measles by international travelers and two outbreaks with more than five cases each. Most of these cases were among children and adolescents who had not received a measles-containing vaccine (MMR or MMRV), even if age eligible.

Due to the recent cases, healthcare providers should be on alert for patients who have: (1) febrile rash illness and symptoms consistent with measles (e.g., cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis), and (2) have recently traveled abroad, especially to countries with ongoing measles outbreaks. Infected people are contagious from 4 days before the rash starts through 4 days afterwards.

Click here to read additonal recommendations for healthcare providers.

DPH Confirms Case of Measles in Atlanta Metro Area

Children's released a special edition of their MedBytes newsletter last week addressing updates on a confirmed Measles case in the Atlanta Metro Area. Click here to read the full length communication.

Additional Resources Include:

• GA DPH Health Alert and Press Release
• Childrens Measles Information Page
• Children's Infographic: What You Need to Know about Measles

Please contact Georgia DPH if you have questions or concerns, or if you need to make a report.

Georgia Composite Medical Board Decisions Regarding Prescribing Via Telemedicine

The Georgia Composite Medical Board (GCMB) recently issued updated guidelines regarding prescribing scheduled drugs via a telemedicine visit. The instructions were unclear and the Board will be issuing new guidance from their May meeting.

FOR NOW, there are no changes to the pandemic rules which allowed a provider to prescribe via telemedicine even if they had not seen the patient for an in person visit.

Please see attached pdf for additional details from the Executive Director of GCMB.

2024 TCCN Primary Care Quality Program***

The 2024 TCCN Primary Care Quality Program has launched this week. Please click here to view practice requirements for 2024.

CME Opportunity for Kids Health First Providers

Click here to learn more and register for a free, online, Pediatric-specific course that satisfies the DEA requirement mandated by the MATE Act. 

Check out the January issue for the latest updates!

*If you did not receive the latest newsletter, please be sure to also check your spam folder.

KHF January Practice Administrator Meeting

• Meeting Recording
• Meeting Presentation
• Chat Session with Vendor Information

Update on Mental Health Parity Act

Click here to access the DCH's mental health parity portal for updates and resources

OSHA to publish details of workplace injuries under new reporting rules

Click here for the press release and here for required recordkeeping and recording requirements

ACIP updates Immunizations Schedule for Children and Adolescents Aged 18 Years or Younger

2024 Immunization Schedule Approved by the AAP

DEA Regulation on Pharmacy to Pharmacy Rx Transfer

Click here for the DEA site as well as an article by Holland & Knight on this new rule.

Risk Management Q & A: Patient Dismissal

Click here to view a sample patient termination letter and guidance on patient termination

TCCN Webinar: New AAP Clinical Practice Guidelines for Obesity

Click here for the recording

TCCN OSHA Webinar Replay

Click here for the video presentation, slides and bloodborne pathogens test

TCCN Pediatric Coding Seminar Recording

Click for the recording and slides

TCCN Antibiotic Stewardship Webinar Series

Click to view recordings:

• Webinar #1: How to Access and Use the Website
• Webinar #2: Prescribing Guide
• Webinar #3: Antibiotic Dosing: Maximize antibiotic adherence, limit wastage, and promote antibiotic stewardship

Updated Resources on Screen Time and Social Media for Children

The "AAP's Bold Stance on the Value of Pediatrics" 

From Chip Hart: 2023 Telemedicine Requirement Grid

Developed by Jan Blanchard. Click on the link to download the pdf.

Practice Administrator Contact List

Kids Health First Who to Call List

Kids Health First Intranet Page