COVID-19 Update from POMA

March 18, 2020

Colleagues -

We continue to see rising numbers of COVID-19 cases throughout the state.

Yesterday, I participated in a conference call with Senator Toomey and other healthcare entities from Pennsylvania to share what we are seeing on the ground. I was able to share concerns about PPE availability and delayed testing turn-around times. In response, LabCorp and Quest will be ramping up testing from 2,000-3,000 tests per day to 10,000 tests per day. It is anticipated that additional national testing sites will open by this weekend (currently all testing is done in NC and CA).

On your behalf, I asked Senator Toomey about payment for telehealth visits with our own patients. CMS announced yesterday afternoon they will pay for telehealth visits for Medicare patients. It can be billed like a face-to-face E/M visit and the place of service (POS) should be documented as 02 - telehealth. Click here for specific guidance for Medicare beneficiaries. For Medicaid patients, you can have telehealth visits but they are included in your negotiated monthly rate. Specific guidance for Pennsylvania's Medicaid program can be found here and here. As for private insurance - your patients will need to go through the participating vendor designated for that specific payor.

POMA is in direct contact with Senator Toomey's office. Please share with us your concerns or healthcare delivery needs pertaining to COVID-19, or if you have a possible solution. Send your concerns/requests to [email protected]. The PA-DOH is a good resource as well.

In addition, PA-DOH issued an alert for interim guidance on Discontinuing Home Isolation/Quarantine and Returning to Work Criteria for Healthcare Providers with COVID-19.

POMA's Annual Clinical Assembly (April 29-May 2) is still 6 weeks away. We continue to evaluate all options and keep the lines of communication open concerning the conference. Contingency plans are underway to deliver the educational content in alternative ways. We will likely have a live-stream option available to allow for AOA 1-A credits required for state licensure. Should you decide to cancel your registration at this time, the current refund policy stands in place.

Be well.

Pamela S.N. Goldman, DO
President