August 4, 2020 — Autumn Online CME, COVID-19 Updates and Resources |
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Emily Hurst, DO, Elected to AOA Board
Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) Board of Trustee Emily Hurst, DO, was elected as Third Vice President to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Board of Trustees at the AOA Annual Meeting on July 18, 2020. Dr. Hurst was elected for a one year term.
The MOA is honored to have the leadership skills of Dr. Hurst representing our association's concerns on a national level.
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Autumn Online CME event Nov. 7 and 8
After surveying our membership and analyzing the current situation regarding COVID-19, the Michigan Osteopathic Association has made the decision to cancel the in-person convention that is annually held in Grand Rapids. In its place, the MOA will provide CME sessions online in the same manner Spring CME sessions were presented. The speakers for this event are being selected and registration is open. If you participated in the Spring CME event, your profile is already established. If you are new to the MOA Learning Center, register for the Autumn CME event and your profile will be established a week before the event.
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Thank you to our Strategic Partners
The MOA would like to thank our network of Strategic Partners. Without their help, programs like the Spring and Autumn CME events could not take place. Their support has been vital as the MOA pivoted from in-person meetings to establishing an online learning platform. As our state, our country and the world struggle to find a balance in a time of COVID-19, please take a moment to reflect on how essential these healthcare groups are in protecting our communities.
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Dr. John Everett Appointed to Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery
John K. Everett, DO, of Cheboygan, is a family practitioner with McLaren Northern Michigan. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Michigan State University. Dr. Everett is appointed to represent osteopathic physicians for a term commencing July 31, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022.
The Michigan Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery works with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to regulate the practice of osteopathic medicine and surgery in this state, ascertain minimal entry level competency of health practitioners, and verify continuing medical education during licensure. The Public Health Code mandates certain responsibilities and duties for a health professional licensing board. Underlying all duties is the responsibility of the board to promote and protect the public's health, safety, and welfare.
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OCOMA and MCOMA host Virtual CME Program
The OCOMA and MCOMA Component Societies are presenting an online CME event for primary care. The "Back to the Basics – The Nuts and Bolts of Primary Care," will feature hot topics in primary care. The virtual CME sessions will be delivered via the MOA Learning Center platform.
Back to the Basics – The Nuts and Bolts of Primary Care
Saturday, August 29, 2020 8:00 AM – 3:15 PM
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Talented Healthcare Providers join in virtual presentation of Bach |
Enjoy a heartwarming rendition of Bach's Double Violin Concerto - a tribute to Healthcare Heroes with Joshua Bell and a host of healthcare providers, including MOA Board member, Jasper Yung, DO.
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$8.55 Million in COVID-19 Workplace Safety Grants will help employers protect workers
With employers across the state working to keep their employees, customers and communities safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Michigan has launched the Michigan COVID-19 Safety Grant Program. These grants will provide small businesses matching funds of – up to $10,000 – to decrease the risk of COVID-19 spread through safety and health-related equipment purchased and training in response to COVID-19.
The initial grant application window will be open from Monday, July 27 through Friday, August 7, 2020, with awards given shortly thereafter. Grants received after August 7, 2020 will be held pending a potential second phase, if funds remain available.
Examples of how grant funding may be utilized:
- Purchasing engineering controls and other supplies/materials such as sneeze guards, physical barriers, face coverings and hand washing/hygiene stations.
- Purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including gowns, gloves and eye protection.
Links:
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DHHS RESCHEDULES OPIOID TOWN HALLS: A slate of opioid abuse Town Halls have been rescheduled, the Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday. Each of the Town Halls will also be presented virtually.
DHHS released the following town hall schedule with new dates:
- Northern Lower Michigan (previously the Gaylord Town Hall), Wed., Sept. 23.
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Flint and Thumb Region (previously the Flint Town Hall) Fri., Sept. 25.
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Upper Peninsula (previously the Escanaba Town Hall) Thurs., Oct. 8.
- West Michigan (previously the Grand Rapids Town Hall) Fri., Nov. 6.
- Macomb and Oakland (previously Sterling Heights Town Hall) Thurs., Dec. 3.
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A NEW ERA
At the close of the transition, 98.6% of AOA-accredited programs that have applied for ACGME accreditation have received it, resulting in solidarity and standardization in graduate medical education.
The transition to a single accreditation system for graduate medical education ended on June 30, marking the culmination of a successful five-year transition. With the osteopathic profession fully included and integrated into the ACGME processes, procedures and governance, this begins a new era for expansion of osteopathic principles and practice through Osteopathic Recognition.
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What to know about Telehealth billing and coding during COVID-19
Learn more about the changes to telemedicine billing and coding procedures brought on by CMS’ Waiver 1135
In March, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) signed Waiver 1135, which brought on significant changes to telemedicine service qualifications, and billing and coding procedures, while the nation battles the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Some insurance companies are following CMS’ lead, but each has its own unique policies. Jill Young, CPC, CEDC, discussed these changes and reviewed what codes are now available for Medicare telehealth/telemedicine services in an April 9 AOA/AOIA webinar.
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COVID-19 Materials and Business Impact Survey |
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How has COVID-19 Impacted your practice?
As the MOA is attempting to fill the needs of our members, we are trying to get a better grasp of what those needs are and what changes the COVID-19 crisis has caused for our membership. Please take a moment to complete the short survey to share your insight on how the COVID-19 outbreak has impacted your practice.
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Contact Tracing – Balancing COVID-19
Tracing And Privacy
Many Americans have recently been introduced to new phone applications and workplace procedures that monitor and trace the spread of COVID-19 throughout the United States.
These apps and procedures perform a function known as “contact tracing,” examine COVID-19 spread through the identification, monitoring, and support of individuals that may be infected or that may have come into contact with infected individuals.
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The SoFi royalty share program that the limited time double rate discount promotion will be expiring on August 15. Anyone applying for a student loan refinance through sofi.com/aoa is eligible to receive the 0.5% discount.
The CARES Act has paused payments and interest on federal student loans, and now is a great time to manage your private student loan debt. Check your rate at SoFi.com/AOA from now through 8/15/20 and receive double the rate discount—0.50%
Refinancing your private student loans could help. Here are two refinancing scenarios:
1) Lower your monthly payment - When you refinance your private student loans, you can choose to extend your loan term, which may lower how much you
pay each month.
2) Lower your overall cost - You can shorten your loan term, which will help you save more in the long-term by paying less interest over time.
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CMS announces changes to Accelerated Payment Program, launches telehealth toolkit
CMS no longer accepting applications for Medicare Accelerated Payment Program
On April 26, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it is reevaluating the amounts that will be paid under its Accelerated Payment Program to Part B providers and suppliers. Effective immediately, CMS will not accept any new applications for the Advance Payment Program in light of the recently appropriated $100 billion authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the $75 billion through the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act for healthcare providers. The Department of Health and Human Services is distributing this money through the Provider Relief Fund, and unlike the Accelerated Payment Program, the payments allocated under the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program do not need to be repaid.
New toolkit to accelerate state use of telehealth in Medicaid and CHIP
Since states have broad flexibility to expand telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS has created a toolkit to guide Medicaid and CHIP plans in making policy decisions. Coverage and payment policies vary by state within federal parameters, and this toolkit will help states identify policies that may impede the rapid deployment of telehealth when providing care.
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The Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA) conducted a media call June 15 to announce the launch of its statewide “Big Changes Ahead” public education campaign and website, DriveProtected.org.
The campaign is designed to make Michiganders aware of the medical coverage options available to them when the new auto no-fault insurance law takes effect July 1. The website will help drivers make fact-based decisions on how to best protect themselves while driving and encourages them to purchase the highest level of personal injury protection (PIP) they can afford.
Reporters from several media outlets, including the Lansing State Journal and MiBiz, participated in the call and asked questions about the scope and messaging of the Big Changes Ahead campaign, cost savings mandated by the new law and medical costs associated with auto accidents.
The DriveProtected.org homepage provides a video overview of the law, and the site outlines information on the levels of medical and rehabilitation coverage drivers can choose to protect against potentially large out-of-pocket costs, including long-term medical and rehabilitation expenses. It answers questions about how the law will work and provides links to news coverage providing background.
The website also offers downloadable resources that members and others may use to help explain the new law and available choices, including an infographic, templates for letters to the editor of local news outlets, a sample newsletter article and more.
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The Record
Here’s an update on temporary changes due to COVID‑19 pandemic
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network have made many temporary changes to support providers and protect members during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Links:
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June 26, 2020, saw the passing of Milton A. Raskin, DO
June 12, 2020, saw the passing of Waldo "Doc" Erhardt Robert Frankenstein, DO
May 26, 2020, saw the passing of Harold Rexford Ruettinger, DO
February 18, 2020, saw the passing of Rowland W. Hinds, DO
December 5, 2019, saw the passing of Jack Quarters, DO
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