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COVID-19 Resources:

WSPMA is trying to compile and keep up to date information relevant to COVID-19 and your practice. Please use the following links to keep apprised, as information continues to change.


General Practice & Surgery Matters:
Washington State Level
Please continue to monitor the Governor's websites for the most up to date information on this rapidly changing situation. 
  • March 20, 2020 - The Podiatric Medical Board sent all licensees the proclamation regarding restrictions on non-urgent medical procedures. It appears these restrictions apply only to non-urgent surgery (surgery that can be delayed without affecting the patient's outcome), dental, orthodontic, and endodontic practices. 
  • March 23, 2020 - Governor Inslee issued a Stay Home, Stay Healthy Order that goes into effect at midnight on March 25, 2020. Healthcare providers are considered essential workers under this mandate. 
WA Unemployment Security Department: https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment
Washington SharedWork Program: https://esd.wa.gov/SharedWork/apply
Association of Washington Business COVID-19 Site: https://www.awb.org/covid-19-resources

National Level
CDC Health Professionals Coronavirus Page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/index.html
CDC Communications (contains printable flyers for posting): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/index.html
US Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus
Current Coronavirus information from the federal government: https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus


Malpractice Matters:
**Note: Our listing of insurers is not an endorsement of any one particular company. WSPMA has listed companies that we know members likely have as their malpractice carrier.
PICA Change of Practice Information Form (submit any changes to your practice here): https://share.hsforms.com/18bc0sfhtT_uQApj1ekRsLA3igk6


Telehealth:
General Information
Current WA Collaborative Health Care Professional Telehealth Training (This training video will be modified to meet the requirement of SB 6061, prior to January 1, 2021. Please only use as an educational tool at this time) Link
AHIP - contains a consolidated page of multiple insurers and summary of coverages. Be sure to verify with the actual insurer for changes and dates: https://www.ahip.org/health-insurance-providers-respond-to-coronavirus-covid-19/
APMA page with information on providing telehealth services to Medicare beneficiaries: https://www.apma.org/News/NewsDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=39818
Availity Information Page for Staff with links: https://apps.availity.com/availity/Demos/m_covid_19.pdf
Northwest Regional Telehealth Network: https://www.nrtrc.org/
One Health Port (Telehealth starts on Page 6, some changes have already occurred since this document was published - e.g. UHC is listed as ending 4/30 but this has been extended to 6/18): https://www.onehealthport.com/sites/default/files/content-uploads/documents/Administrative%20Direction_031620.pdf

Washington State laws on telehealth
  • RCW 48.43.735 (private insurers regulated by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner) You’ll note that the web page has a notation concerning the passage of ESSB 5385 in the 2020 session.
  • RCW 41.05.700 (Public Employees Benefit Board—coverage for state and school employees) You’ll note that the web page has a notation concerning the passage of ESSB 5385 in the 2020 session.
  • RCW 74.09.325 (Health Care Authority/Medicaid) You’ll note that the web page has a notation concerning the passage of ESSB 5385 in the 2020 session.
  • RCW 43.70.495 (Department of Health) (This legislation requires training as of January 1, 2021 when the Governor signs SSB 6061)

Individual Insurer Information
First Choice Health: Dependent on each individual plan.
HealthNet: Information not found. 
Intercommunity: See Samaritan.
Lifewise (You have to scroll through for policy information. It is covered in your contract): https://www.lifewise.com/provider/coronavirus  & https://www.lifewise.com/provider/resources/payment-policies
Northwest Physicians Network: Information not found. 
Providence: Information not found. 

Platforms
**Please NOTE that although CMS is allowing use of non-HIPAA compliant platforms such as Facetime and non-business Skype, many insurers are still requiring you to use a HIPAA compliant platform. Be sure to use a HIPAA compliant platform, and ensure that you are getting the BAA from the platform. 
More information on this temporary policy change here.
doxy.me FREE version available
Zoom.com Possibility to get a FREE license from the WA HCA. You must apply. See link above.


Continuing Medical Education (CME):
The DOH has issued some guidance about CME. They recognize the impact that the mass cancellation of CME events across the country will have on licensees. They are formulating a more concrete plan, and we can anticipate further details after the April 16, 2020, PMB meeting.
The WSPMA is looking at the possibility of offering FREE Category 1 Hours hosted by Webinar for the WSPMA membership. Please stay tuned for additional information.


Other Recommendations:
Contact your banks and ask about hardship deferments on mortgage, auto, student, and other loans (be sure to find out what credit impact this could have on your future credit score).
Contact your local banks to inquire about possible lines of credit if necessary. 
This may also be a good time to contact your attorneys and accountants relative to any information you gain from the above-referenced links and information.