Halfway through the week, and here is Wednesday’s NCMS Morning Rounds.
Sept. 16, 2020
Don’t Miss Out on FREE PPE
If you are part of an independent practice in North Carolina, don’t pass up the opportunity to receive FREE personal protective equipment (PPE) through the NCMS. Even if you currently have an ample supply, please place an order. The allocation the NCMS received from the state is meant to ensure independent practices have a stockpile for any future needs.
The money must be spent/PPE ordered by the end of December, so don’t delay. Place your order today – it’s a quick, simple process. And it’s FREE! Click here to learn more and to order.
Coastal Children’s Clinic in New Bern had this to say about the PPE: “We received a shipment of 50 boxes of masks from you today. They were much needed and hugely appreciated. Thank you!”
Survey Reveals Majority of NC Physicians Hurting Financially
North Carolina specific results of The Physicians Foundation’s Survey of America’s Physicians: COVID-19 Impact shows that statewide most physician respondents have experienced a reduction in income over the past four months. Nearly 45 percent (44.64) estimate that reduction is at least 25 percent and nearly 17 percent (16.96) of respondents reported a reduction in income of more than 50 percent.
[FYI: If you are an independent practice struggling financially due to the pandemic, be sure to watch your NCMS Morning Rounds and your email box for information coming shortly about the Financial Recovery Program (FRP). This program will be the mechanism used to distribute to independent practices in need the $25 million the General Assembly appropriated to the NCMS. Like the PPE mentioned above, these funds must be spent by the end of December, so if you are a PLLC practice, watch for details on how to apply.]
The latest Physician Foundation’s survey focused on how the coronavirus has affected physicians’ practices and patients. It was conducted from July 15-26, 2020 and results are based on 3,513 responses nationwide. The North Carolina specific results are based on 149 responses.
Mirroring physicians nationwide, 47 percent of North Carolina respondents believe the pandemic will not be under control until after June 2021. About 34 percent of respondents also believe one long-lasting impact of COVID-19 will be more widespread use of telehealth, while 26 percent believe the pandemic will result in an increase in more serious health conditions because patients delayed care during the pandemic.
Review all the North Carolina results here. The whole report and analysis is available here.
Help with Telehealth Visits
With the increase in telehealth visits, NC AHEC has developed a useful toolkit to help you convert from traditional care delivery methods to virtual visits via telehealth platforms.
The toolkit offers tip sheets on conducting the Annual Wellness Visit, Chronic Care Management Services and Transitional Care Management Services.
Access the tool kit here.
In the News
Most Adults Wary of Taking Any Vaccine Approved Before the Election, Kaiser Health News, 9-10-20
Learning Opportunity
The National Academy of Medicine’s Annual Meeting will be held Oct. 17-19 on the theme, Confronting Urgent Threats to Human Health and Society: COVID-19 and Climate Change. The keynote speaker will be Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, on Monday, Oct. 19. Learn more and register.
If you have policies you’d like your NCMS Board of Directors to consider, please complete the Board input form here. Thanks for reading!