An encouraging week, with stabilization of case rates in Connecticut and the arrival of the Covid vaccine. Vaccinations have begun and we expect the pace to pick up over the next several weeks as supply increases. For CMG members who are members of a hospital medical staff they will be able to access the vaccine through that hospital's vaccine distribution process. A number of CMG members have received the vaccine this week. The exact process and prioritization order will vary by hospital, so please make sure you are included in your medical staff communication. The process for clinicians who are not part of a hospital medical staff and the rest of our patient facing employees has not been finalized. CMG is actively working to insure access for this group and I hope to have more details next week.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
On December 11, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID‑19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 for individuals 16 years of age and older. It is widely expected that Moderna's vaccine will be approved at the end of this week.
Here is what we know:
The FDA released a fact sheet for healthcare providers administering the vaccine, click here to view it.
Click here for guidance on counseling pregnant and lactating healthcare workers about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Medicare will cover and pay for the administration of the vaccine (when furnished consistent with the EUA).
Click here to view the announcement sent out by National Government Services (NGS) and review the updated payment and HCPCS Level 1 CPT Code Structure for specific COVID vaccine information.
Check out these resources from MedPro for credible information related to vaccine roll-out, procedures, and safety along with risk tips to prepare for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Encore Presentation
Our educational webinar, ' 2021 E/M Coding Changes' webinar was a success. We have decided to host an encore presentation on Tuesday, December 22, 2020, at 12:00 PM. The presentation will revisit the changes to evaluation and management coding guidelines set to take effect in January. We looked forward to seeing everyone again next week.
Please see the links below for updated Adult Treatment Protocol and Treatment guidelines. Pediatric versions are still under development and will be published once they are available.
*These documents have been updated and can be viewed on our COVID-19 webpage
COVID-Testing Update
Attached is a summary of various locations for COVID testing across the state. Some require a provider order and others do not. Turnaround time will vary based upon test type and location.
CMG is offering its member practices a set of Return to Work or School forms. These documents address recently updated guidance for discontinuing quarantine after COVID-19 related illness. The forms can be customized with your practice logo. There are two formats:the pdf form may be completed electronically, or the print version may be completed manually. The forms are posted onCMG‘s COVID-19 webpage.
Weekly CDC and DPH Update
Please see today's summary from the CDC and DPHhere.
Information you may have missed:
Paycheck Protection Program
Check out this article from Marcum, LLP regarding round 2 of the Paycheck Protection Program. The article discusses the details of the Senate Gang of 8 Proposal and what it could mean for your business.Read more here >
COVID-19 resources and links
Easy access to the websites you need the most during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
