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

Drug Use in Teens: A Guide for Pediatricians***

In a recent article from PCC EHR Solutions, Allie Squires, Editor of The Independent Physician, provides information on how pediatricians can interact with parents to address drug use in teens.

Click here to learn more. 

KHF Question of the Day- Practice Attorney and Employed Physician PTO***

Thank you for your feedback!

Questions:

1. Would you share the name of your practice attorney who would handle practice issues including HR?
2. Is maternity leave treated differently than other medical leave?
3. Do your employed physicians and/or APP have separate maternity leave benefits beyond contracted PTO/vacation/sick time?
4. Could you share how you handle this benefit?

Click here to view the survey results

National Random Acts of Kindness Week Starts February 11-17, 2024***

During the week of February 17th, National Random Acts of Kindness Week encourages us to put kindness first and share it everywhere we go. Everyone needs a little kindness sometimes, and we never know when to expect it. Be the unexpected gift to someone this week.

For more ideas and resources, check out the Random Acts of Kindness site here.

See graphic below for some ideas on how you can get involved and why it's good for you!

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

As of January 25, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has tracked 9 measles cases reported in 4 jurisdictions, including Georgia.

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 additional recommendations for healthcare providers.

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.

DPH Confirms Case of Measles in Atlanta Metro Area

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