MDHHS Issues new guidelines for COVID-19
Due to the alarming rise in COVID-19 infection rates, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued emergency orders. The President of the Michigan Osteopathic Association, Jeffrey Postlewaite, DO, FACOOG, MBA, has made a statement regarding the temporary orders.
“This is a very important moment in our history and requires Michiganders to work together to slow the spread of COVID-19. Gov. Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are taking measures to keep our state safe, and the Michigan Osteopathic Association supports the actions outlined in tonight’s announcement.
We urge Michigan residents to do their part to protect healthcare workers and each other by washing hands, masking up, maintaining social distance and following these updated guidelines."
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American Osteopathic Association House of Delegates convene in virtual format
The AOA House of Delegates (HOD) convened for a special session on Oct. 13 and 14 as a follow-up to the virtual HOD meeting that took place in July and reconvened to conclude its business on Nov. 7, 2020. With over 40 members of the Michigan Osteopathic Association attending, Michigan represented the largest number of delegates from any state.
"Our representation was amazing. I would like to thank all of those who contributed their time and effort under these challenging times," said Jeffrey Postlewaite, DO, FACOOG, MBA.
Summary of policies submitted by the Michigan Osteopathic Association:
- Recognize Health Care as a Human Right – Disapproved
- EHR INTEROPERABILITY and its Impact on Prior Authorizations – Assigned to AOA Bureau of Socioeconomic Affairs (BSA) The original resolution submitted by the MOA was included as part of their discussions to form their recommendation to the 2020 HOD as it related to current AOA policy. The House resolution numbers for this particular subject matter is H605 (reaffirmed) and H642 (sunset)
- Addressing Fears and Barriers to Telemedicine Implementation and Alignment - Approved with Amendments AOA Amendment to MOA Resolution 2019 L (H637): Line 14-15 RESOLVED, that the AOA engage in evaluating processes that help our physicians implement telemedicine in practices BELIEVES THAT EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE TO ALLOW TELEMEDICINE SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE PATIENT’S REGULAR ATTENDING PHYSICIAN RATHER THAN BY PROVIDERS NOT AFFILIATED WITH OR TO WHOM THE PATIENT HAS NOT BEEN REFERRED BY THE PATIENT’S PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN.
- Elimination of Prior Authorization and Step therapy – Disapproved Explanatory Statement from AOA Reference Committee: Complete elimination of prior authorization and step therapy could result in improper utilization. The committee feels that H642, reviewed by this committee, can be used to help place guardrails on these practices.
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2020 Autumn Scientific Convention goes virtual
The 16th Annual MOA Autumn Scientific Convention, like the Spring Convention, was held in a virtual setting. While the in-person event at the Amway Grand Plaza was certainly missed, the online version was successful attracting over 400 attendees. With 17 Category 1-A credits, the presentations offered a wide variety of topics including a COVID-19 Update panel discussion.
A tradition of the Autumn Scientific Convention is the Scientific Research Exhibit (SRE) competition. This year, the presentations and judging were held via Zoom. A record 55 entries were narrowed down to 24 finalists. The judges then interviewed each team leader and had the unenviable task of selecting the winners from a stellar group of presenters.
The 2020 Autumn SRE winners:
First Place Award $400 (Basic Science Research)
Zachary Morehouse, MS, OMS III of Ypsilanti, MI
“A Novel Direct-to-PCR Viral Detection Method Developed to Improve COVID-19 Testing Efforts”
Affiliation: 1. Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, MI.
2. Omni International Inc., Kennesaw, GA
MSUCOM DO-PHD Award $400 (Basic Science Research)
Luca Kaiser, MSUCOM DO-PhD of Lansing, MI
“Arsenic trioxide impairs the response of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells to influenza”
Affiliation: Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, MI
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2021 MOCF Student Impact Initiative
The Michigan Osteopathic College Foundation brings immense value to the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. This year has been remarkably different, to say the least. Not only has it changed the way we’ve been educating our students, but how we’ve been interacting with all our great partners. In 2021, instead of focusing all of our fundraising efforts on the in-person MOCF Ball—we are focusing the next four months on a virtual fundraising campaign which will continue to support student scholarships, student-related activities, post-graduate medical education and outreach efforts.
While there won’t be an MOCF Ball in February, please mark your calendar to join us for a virtual event scheduled for Saturday, February 27 at 5:00pm. More details to come.
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AOA Coronavirus Resources
To stay informed, the AOA is providing and updating the following pages:
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Strategic Partner Spotlight: McLaren Health
McLaren Health offers “Employment Opportunities Across McLaren,” a webpage with career positions in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. The site offers a search function and allows healthcare providers to post their own profile for consideration for future openings.
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Membership Renewal
The membership Renewal notices have been sent out for the 2021 calendar year. While this has been a challenging year for all, the MOA has focused on transitioning in-person events to online events to better serve our members. We have also focused on how we can offer information and services during the time of COVID-19. Please let us know if we can help you and your practice as we navigate reopening our communities.
We thank you for your continued support and hope that all of our members are staying safe. Please know we are working hard to adapt and that we are thankful for the support our members and partners.
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“As the landscape of healthcare continues to change with politics and a pandemic, the value of membership in the MOA has never been greater. I am proud to be a member of an organization that is constantly supporting my profession and fights for better healthcare policies."
- Emily Hurst, DO, MOA Board of Trustees, AOA Board of Trustees
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Healthgrades recognizes McLaren Macomb for clinical quality in specialty care conditions
McLaren Macomb, the 288-bed hospital serving all of Macomb County, has been recognized by healthcare information leader Healthgrades for its care in two specialty conditions. The Healthgrades Specialty Excellence Awards 2021 recognizes hospitals for their exceptional care and clinical performance in specialty health conditions. Ranked among hospitals from across the United States, McLaren Macomb was included on the lists of Coronary Intervention Excellence Award and Pulmonary Care Excellence Award.
Healthgrades is the industry leader in providing consumer information on hospitals, physicians and the care they provide.
Inclusion on the Specialty Excellence Award list puts a hospital among the top 10 percent of the nation’s full-service hospitals - those that are consistent in their care of specific, specialty areas.
For the patient, this represents fewer complications and a greater likelihood of surviving these potentially life-threatening conditions.
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The Michigan Osteopathic Association's Council of Interns and Residents (CIR) held their 2nd virtual Discussion Series with Kerr Russell attorney, Dan Schulte presenting on the subject of "Contract Negotiation." With over 25 years of experience, Schulte clearly explained what to look for when reviewing a contract for the first time and tips for residents as they start reviewing offers from potential employers.
While the current situation regarding COVID-19 has sidelined in-person meetings, the virtual format is a great fit for the CIR. With the hectic schedules residents maintain, the virtual setting allowed attendees to login from wherever they were comfortable. The program was recorded and will be available to those who were unable to view it live.
The CIR would like to thank Kerr Russell and Dan Schulte for providing great insight in such a vital topic. The CIR will continue the series December 15 with a presentation on financial planning.
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The Michigan Osteopathic Association (MOA) is pleased to announce that Delta Dental premium rates for the upcoming year will not increase for our subscribers. Thanks to our partners at Delta Dental and the Salus Group, we were able to secure the same great rates and coverage for 2021.
If you already subscribe to an MOA sponsored Delta Dental plan, you will be notified via mail of your automatic renewal in December. If you have any questions or would like to learn more information about the MOA Delta Dental plans and other insurance options, please visit: Insurance Request Form
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Weathering the Pandemic
Our social habits have changed from spring to summer and now to winter… and the new cold weather will make pandemic life more difficult to escape. Hear how to get through the next few months by better managing your physical and mental health.
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SoFi Rate Discounts
Provides AOA members (including residents) a 0.25% rate discount when refinancing student loans or a $100 cash welcome bonus for personal loans. See how much you can save in two minutes.
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September 10, 2020, saw the passing of James “Jim” Brasseur, DO
September 7, 2020, saw the passing of Richard Worel, DO
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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