Covid-19 Resources
American Psychiatric Association American Psychoanalytic Society Board of Registration in Medicine - Licensing Center for Disease Control CMS – Medicare DEA Division of Insurance Food and Drug Administration (FDA) From the Attorney General From the Governor Insurance Provider information Licensure/ Interstate Practice during the COVID-19 State of Emergency MA Department of Mental Health MA Department of Public Health Massachusetts Medical Society MassHealth MPS Disaster Committee Resources Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Restarting In Person Visits Risk Management Resources SAMHSA Telehealth Vaccinations
American Psychiatric Association
APA Website APA Coronavirus Resources Telepsychiatry and COVID-19 APA Advises on Mental Health Care Delivery Resources During This Crisis Practice Guidance for COVID-19 APA - New CMS changes to Billing for Audio Only - Retroactive to March 1, 2020 - Updated 5.11.20
COVID-19 resources developed by the APA over the past several months Guidance Document: Electroconvulsive Therapy as an Essential Procedure Guidance Document: Use of Long-acting Injectables as a Clinically Necessary Treatment Guidance Document: Considerations for Healthcare Workers and Staff Exposed to COVID-19 Death and Dying Guidance Document: Considerations for Family and Other Personal Losses Due to COVID-19-Related Death Guidance Document: Psychiatrists Returning to Clinical Service Guidance Document: COVID-19 and Impact on Incarcerated Persons Living with Mental Illness Guidance Document: Moral Injury During the COVID-19 Pandemic Support for Permanent Expansion of Telehealth Regulations After COVID-19
American Psychoanalytic Society
APsaA’s COVID resources Email your questions for the Covid-19 Task Force: [email protected] COVID-19 Broadcast-only list, open to any interested psychotherapist. [email protected] (send a blank email to sign up)
Board of Registration in Medicine - Licensing
Important Information Regarding Physician Licensure during the State of Emergency
Continuing Medical Education (CME). This interim policy waives the continuing medical education (CME) requirement for licenses which are due for renewal on April 2, 2020 through and including Dec. 31, 2020. The full text of the policy may be found here
Order Extending the Registrations of Certain Licensed Health Care Professionals
Center for Disease Control
COVID-19 Page/Resources CDC Advises on Stress Management CDC Speaks on Evidence Based Communication Strategies in Times of a Disaster CDC Guidance for Group Living Environments New CDC guidance for vaccinated individuals COVID-19 for organizations working with patients who use drugs or have substance use disorders
CMS – Medicare
As information about billing is frequently changing, we encourage MPS members to contact the APA link above directly with questions.
Medicare Telemedicine Health Care Fact Sheet 3.17.2020 COVID-19 CMS Expands Telehealth Press Release Final 3.17.20 COVID19 Telehealth Waiver FAQ Final 3.17.20 COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers for Health Care Providers including telehealth 4.30.20 APA - New CMS changes to Billing for Audio Only - Retroactive to March 1, 2020 - Updated 5.11.20 Telehealth Frequently Asked Questions 4.2.20
DEA
COVID-19 Information Page
Division of Insurance
March 16, 2020 – Emergency measures to address and stop the spread of COVID-19 (telehealth) March 16, 2020 – Addressing COVID-19 Treatment and Testing April, 30, 2020 - Relaxing Certain Health Plan Administrative Procedures including Prior Authorizations During the COVID-19 Health Emergency June 25, 2020 - Bulletin 2020-21 – Continued Relaxation of Prior Authorization Procedures in Response to the COVID-19 Health Emergency
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Hand sanitizers and COVID-19 Diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2 Medical gloves Surgical mask and gown shortage Ventilators Food safety and COVID-19 Face masks and surgical masks Pulse oximeters
From the Attorney General
FrontlineMA.org – centralized information for front line workers, including personal protective equipment (PPE), prioritized testing, safe housing, meals, self-care and emergency child care.
From the Governor
COVID-19 ESSENTIAL SERVICES Health and Human Services Reopening Approach May 18, 2020 Reopening Massachusetts - May 18, 2020 Executive Order-essential services order extension (May 4-May 18, 2020) EXHIBIT A OF THE ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR ASSURING CONTINUED OPERATION OF ESSENTIAL SERVICES IN THE COMMONWEALTH, CLOSING CERTAIN WORKPLACES AND PROHIBITING GATHERINGS OF MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE - March 23, 2020-April 7, 2020 Executive Order 3-31-2020 – essential services order extension April 7-May 4, 2020 Executive Order 3-17-2020 – extending the registration of certain licensed health care providers allowing telehealth practice Executive Order 3-17-2020 – expanding access to physician services expanding physician licensing Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund
Vaccine Preregistration begins Friday March 12 The Baker Administration will launch a preregistration system for mass vaccination sites only. Preregistration will allow eligible residents to request to book an appointment at one of the state’s 7 mass vaccination sites by completing the online form at mass.gov/COVIDvaccine. After completing the form, residents will get a confirmation via their preferred method of contact (text, e-mail, phone) and receive a weekly update about their status. Residents may opt out of their preregistration at any time if they secure an appointment elsewhere. When an appointment becomes available at a mass vaccination site, the resident will be notified and will have 24 hours to accept the appointment once it is offered to them. If an appointment is not accepted after 24 hours, the resident will go back into the queue to wait for another appointment. To accommodate older residents and others who are unable to use the form, the preregistration form allows family members, caregivers or other companions to fill out the form on behalf of someone else. Residents who do not have internet access or someone to fill the form out for them can call 2-1-1 to preregister. Available appointments will be offered to residents based on their vaccine eligibility and the availability of appointments at mass vaccination sites nearby. Initially, this program is only for the state’s 7 mass vaccination sites. More sites will be added to the pre-registration system in April. Massachusetts receives a very limited supply of vaccine from the federal government each week. Due to high demand and limited supply, there are only a small number of appointments for eligible residents. Given the limited number of available appointments due to constraints on vaccine supply, it could take several weeks for eligible, preregistered residents to receive a notification about an available appointment. In addition to preregistering for a mass vaccination appointment, eligible residents are encouraged to book vaccine appointments at any of the 170 public vaccine sites across the Commonwealth at https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/ The state has also allocated a supply of doses to certain health care providers, hospitals and community health centers that will provide instructions to their patients on their vaccine process. Once the preregistration system is launched on Friday, March 12, it will replace the weekly appointment release on Thursdays for mass vaccination sites only. Eligible residents will need to preregister online or contact the call center to request an appointment for a mass vaccination site.
Vaccine eligibility Phase 2 individuals eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, including those over 65, those with certain medical conditions, and residents of senior and low-income housing. As of March 11th, all K-12 and early education staff will be able to get vaccinated at any site where vaccines are available, not just retail pharmacies. MPS advocated with EOHHS for SMI to be a Phase 2 eligible diagnosis. Details will be in the next newsletter.
Targeted vaccine outreach for hard hit communities The COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately affecting Medicare-Medicaid dually eligible individuals, racial and ethnic minority groups, and individuals with disabilities. You can help make sure hard-to-reach Medicare patients get COVID-19 vaccination information during this public health emergency. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Office of Minority Health COVID-19 Resources on Vulnerable Populations produced fact sheets in multiple languages to assist organizations who work with those most vulnerable, such as older adults, those with underlying medical conditions, racial and ethnic minorities, rural communities, and people with disabilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a Communication Toolkit for migrants, refugees, and other limited-English-proficient populations. Massachusetts has identified hard hit communities as Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Framingham, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Methuen, New Bedford, Randolph, Revere, Springfield, and Worcester and has launched a targeted outreach initiative. Details are at this link: https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-launches-targeted-outreach-initiative-in-20-hardest-hit and other resources are at this link: Trust the Facts, Get the Vax https://www.mass.gov/info-details/trust-the-facts-get-the-vax. Black Boston Covid-19 Coalition is a group of stakeholders who have convened to stem the tide of transmission of Covid -19 in the Black community. Information is at this link: https://blackbostoncoalition.org/
The Commonwealth has re-entered Phase 3, Step 2 of the Reopening Massachusetts plan.
Insurance Provider information
As information about billing is frequently changing, we encourage MPS members to contact plans directly with questions.
Contact list for all major health plans http://www.massmed.org/Patient-Care/COVID-19/MAHP-Chart-COVID-19-Provider-Communications/ MA Association of Health Plans, Q/A about Covid-related billing. http://www.massmed.org/Patient-Care/COVID-19/MMS-MHA-Questions-for-MAHP/
Beacon Beacon Broadcast – March 16, 2020 - Billing for Covered Services Delivered via Telehealth Beacon Provider Update – March 20, 2020 – Update to Providers Increasing Members’ Access to Telehealth Beacon Provider Resources
Blue Cross Blue Shield – Covid-19 Information for Providers BlueCross BlueShield BCBS Telemedicine Payment Policy Medical
Harvard Pilgrim Optum Tufts UnitedHealthcare
Updated Massachusetts health plans coverage policies The Massachusetts Medical Society is working closely with health plan leadership, state officials, and partners within the health care system to address local needs resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. For an updated summary of MA health plan coverage policies, please click here.
Licensure/Interstate Practice during the COVID-19 State of Emergency
The Federation of State Medical Boards has issued updates on individual states’ requirements for telehealth. Click here to see the most recent version. Unfortunately each state has adopted different requirements for out-of-state licensed physicians to treat patients in their state. In the upcoming MPS Sept. newsletter, our MPS Counsel, Jim Hilliard will be discussing not only the issues involved with practicing tele-psychiatry in other states within the new rules of each state but also several collateral issues that must be considered, such as malpractice coverage, being aware of other states’ standards of care (duty to warn, child abuse reporting to name a few), and also the necessity at times, to have a “back-up” psychiatrist or therapist in the event of an emergency. Questions such as these can be referred to Jim Hilliard as part of your member benefit of two hours of consultation with Mr. Hilliard which can be initiated at this number (617) 610-5557.
Modified Licensing requirements for Covid-19 in the US States and Territories Order Extending the Registrations of Certain Licensed Health Care Professionals Feds OK Interstate Licensing, Paving Way for Telehealth Expansion Summary of Gov order from APA regional
MA Department of Mental Health
DMH #20-03 Admission and Treatment of Patients with COVID-19 5/1/20 DMH #20-04 COVID-19 PANDEMIC GUIDANCE Admission and EPIA to support movement of pts needing inpt admission out of EDs 5/20/20 DMH #20-05 directives regarding infection control mgmt. of covid 19 in licensed facilities 5/21/20 DMH bulletin #20-05 - COVID-19 Infection Control and Other Requirements in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic DMH bulletin #20-05 - COVID-19 Tier 1 DMH bulletin #20-05- COVID-19 Tier 2 DMH bulletin #20-05 - COVID-19 Infection Control and Other Requirements in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Attestation
MA Department of Public Health
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information Crisis Standards of Care Planning Guidance for the COVID-19 Pandemic April 7, 2020 Guidance for Group Living Environments was issued by MA DPH - 4.12.20
Massachusetts Medical Society
Tips for Expanding Practice During COVID-19 - May 2020 COVID-19 website and resources including telehealth COVID-19 Insurance Billing Guidelines for Telehealth Service MAResponds.org Health Care Professional Volunteers at https://www.mass.gov/health-services-covid-19-volunteer-form The MMS has just launched a new resource page dedicated to Mindfulness & Compassion in the Time of COVID-19: Tools to Stay Steady and Calm. http://www.massmed.org/mindfulness/. Physicians can self-claim AMA PRA Category 2 Credit(tm) if they wish. Payer update: Massachusetts health plans coverage policies (updated). The Massachusetts Medical Society is working closely with health plan leadership, state officials, and partners within the health care system to address local needs resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. Telemedicine Vendor Options
Updated Massachusetts health plans coverage policies The Massachusetts Medical Society is working closely with health plan leadership, state officials, and partners within the health care system to address local needs resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. For an updated summary of MA health plan coverage policies, please click here.
Physician Office re-opening resources The Betsy Lehman Center, Board of Registration in Medicine and Massachusetts Medical Society have updated their previous guidance on considerations for in-person medical visits at this link.
MassHealth
Provider Resource: Telephone and Internet Connectivity for Telehealth - April 2, 2020 MassHealth Telehealth Network Provider Bulletin 1 - April 2020 Provider Participation Requirements, Covered Encounters and Other Information MassHealth FAQs for Behavioral Health MassHealth Bulletin 289 – March 2020 Massachusetts Network of Care MassHealth Bulletin 291 - MassHealth Coverage and Reimbursement Policy for Services Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - March 2020 MassHealth Bulletin 293 - Flexibilities for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services During COVID-19 State of Emergency MassHealth Bulletin 294 - MassHealth Coverage Flexibilities for Services Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 - May 2020 Food assistance handout (in English and Spanish) which provides information about available resources. English version / Spanish version You can find accessible versions for this handout here (English) and here (Spanish). Provider-facing guide (in English and Spanish) to help you better understand how to identify patients who need food assistance and the resources available to help them. English version / Spanish version You can find accessible versions for this guide here (English) and here (Spanish) MassHealth Bulletin 314 - Updated MassHealth Telehealth Policy
MPS Disaster Committee Resources
Stoddard - Holzman - MPS Covid_19 Town Meeting Stoddard - Covid-19 Handout - Managing Stress Associated with the COVID-19 Virus Outbreak Handout - Managing Healthcare Workers’ Stress Associated with the COVID-19 Virus Outbreak Handout - For Providers and Community Leaders - Helping People Manage Stress Associated with the COVID-19 Virus Outbreak Handout - First Responders-Mental Health Consequences of Natural and Human-Made Disasters for Public Health and Public Safety Workers Mental Health of Communities during the COVID-19 Pandemic These resources intended to assist psychiatrists and the public in responding to COVID-19. MPS will continue to update this page with resources developed by both MPS and other organizations. Links to resources shared by other organizations are not intended to imply an endorsement of the organization.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Outpatient PPE Guidance for Health Care Personnel and Patient Interactions Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 Tips for Expanding Practice During COVID-19 - May 2020
Restarting In Person Visits Phase three reopening power point Phase two re opening power point Phase Two reopening one pager DPH Attestation form PPE resources MMS Tips for Expanding Practices Protecting the Safety and Wellbeing of Patients, Clinicians and Staff during COVID-19
Risk Management Resources American Professional Agency, Inc. (APA, Inc) Telehealth & COVID-19 Resources
Professional Risk Management Services (PRMS) COVID 19 bulletins
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
https://www.samhsa.gov
Telehealth
Patient Telehealth Consent Form Medicare Telehealth Code List for CY 2019 and 2020 HIPAA and telehealth Telepsychiatry and COVID-19 Medicare Telemedicine Health Care Fact Sheet 03.17.2020 COVID-19 CMS Expands Telehealth Press Release Final 3.17.20 COVID19 Telehealth Waiver FAQ Final 3.17.20 COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers for Health Care Providers including telehealth 4.30.20 March 16, 2020 – Emergency measures to address and stop the spread of COVID-19 (telehealth) Executive Order 3-17-2020 – extending the registration of certain licensed health care providers allowing telehealth practice Provider Resource: Telephone and Internet Connectivity for Telehealth - April 2, 2020 MassHealth Telehealth Network Provider Bulletin 1 - April 2020 COVID-19 website and resources including telehealth COVID-19 Insurance Billing Guidelines for Telehealth Service American Professional Agency, Inc. (APA, Inc) Telehealth & COVID-19 Resources Telehealth Frequently Asked Questions 4.2.20 APA - New CMS changes to Billing for Audio Only - Retroactive to March 1, 2020 - Updated 5.11.20 Telehealth Use among Psychiatrist Members of the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society Telemedicine Vendor Options PPRC Telemedicine Vendor Options MassHealth Bulletin 314 - Updated MassHealth Telehealth Policy
Vaccinations
Online Currently
|