COVID-19 Updates
Dear NYSPMA Members,
We have compiled some useful links and resources regarding the novel coronavirus and updates on the currently declared state of emergency. This page will be updated as more information becomes available. Thank you for staying informed and helping to keep NY healthy.
The NYSPMA phone lines will remain open during this state of emergency. The staff is available to assist you and answer questions at (212) 996-4400 or via email at info@nyspma.org.
A Message from NYSPMA:
- For Providers, from NSYPMA
- For Patients, from NYSPMA's public education team
- NYSPMA's patient-facing Public education page, NYFootHeath, can be reached HERE
Stay Informed with...
- DOH
- NYS DOH's Provider-COVID-19 Information page
- (March 30th, 2020) NYS Provider Covid FAQs
- Consolidated DOH Guidance for Providers- Weekly Updated Compendium [May 6] DOH Provider Guidance Compendium
- This shows only current NYSDOH and CDC guidance for any given topic and will be updated weekly, or as significant guidance emerges, to reflect any new guidance.
- NYS Office of Professions
- Direct patients to this CDC page:
Read Dr. Dan Keating, Past NYSPMA President's Messages through NYSPMA's Initial Response to COVID-19 here:
Vaccines
Information for Vaccination Administration Guidelines
Requisite Training.
Training is required for all providers who plan to administer the COVID-19 Vaccine.
All DPMs who plan on administering the COVID-19 vaccines, CLICK HERE for requisite training material.
Billing Guidance
Providers can only charge an administrative fee as determined by Medicaid. Click Here for the full details.
Are Podiatrists permitted to administer the COVID-19 and influenza immunization to any patient?
Answer: Yes, pursuant to Executive Order 202.82, podiatrists may administer vaccinations against influenza and COVID-19 to any patient pursuant to a non-patient specific order provided the following parameters have been met:
- The administration of the immunization must occur at a Point of Dispensing (POD) site overseen or approved by the New York State Department of Health or local health departments and be operated under the medical supervision of licensed physicians, licensed physician assistants or certified nurse practitioners.
- Such podiatrist must first receive training in the following areas, as determined by the Commissioner of Health after consultation with the Commissioner of Education:
(1) techniques, indications, precautions, contraindications, infection control practices;
(2) use of personal protective equipment sufficient to provide the basic level of competence for such tasks; and
(3) a current certificate in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which at a minimum must include a certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation by an online program that has received accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), or the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.
Please continue to monitor the Department’s website and the Department of Health’s website for additional guidance and training requirements.
Can a podiatric medical student administer vaccinations against influenza and COVID-19?
Answer: Yes, pursuant to Executive Order 202.82, a podiatric medical student who is enrolled in an educational program approved and/or registered by the State Education Department pursuant to Article 141 of Education Law and 8 NYCRR 65 may administer vaccinations against influenza and COVID-19 pursuant to the following parameters:
- The administration of the immunization must occur at a Point of Dispensing (POD) site overseen or approved by the New York State Department of Health or local health departments and be operated under the medical supervision of licensed physicians, licensed physician assistants or certified nurse practitioners.
- The student has completed at least one year of clinical experience and has first received training in the following areas as determined by and in accordance with guidance issued by the Commissioner of Health after consultation with the Commissioner of Education:
- techniques, indications, precautions, contraindications, infection control practices;
- use of personal protective equipment sufficient to provide the basic level of competence for such tasks;
- a current certificate in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which at a minimum must include a certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation by an online program that has received accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the Accreditation Counsel for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), or the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education; and
- subject to any other conditions as specified by the Commissioner of Health in consultation with the Commissioner of Education, including but not limited to requiring applicable educational institutions and programs in which students are enrolled to access such students’ vaccine administration skills and issue an attestation on a form to be approved by the Commissioner of Health and Education that such students have completed all required trainings and displayed competence in vaccine administration.
Please continue to monitor the Department’s website and the Department of Health’s website for additional guidance and training requirements.
Guidance for Facilities, Providers, and Local Health Departments Receiving COVID-19 VAccine. Week 1-5 New York State Vaccination Program. Phase 1A Only. Provided by the NY Department of Health. Download Here.
"Prioritization of Essential Healthcare and Direct Support Personnel as well as High-Risk Populations for COVID-19 Vaccination" Provided by the NYS Department of Health. Download Here.
Legal Counsel
Re-Opening Resources
NYC Guidelines for Medical Practices
New Guidance Issued to Providers on Safely Reopening or Expanding In-Person Health Care Services.
Articles
What to do if you or a patient get COVID.
How Effective are Liability Waivers in the Age of the Novel Coronavirus?
"Un-Pausing" Legal Tip
As we work to deliver guidance and current information to NYSPMA members, I wanted to share details from Gov. Cuomo’s Press Conference on April 28 regarding “un-pausing”.
There are 12 critical steps for each region in NYS to follow and below, I highlight noteworthy details with comments.
As a result, it is likely that more elective surgery will now transition to ambulatory care sites.
#5 Screening tests in a community must meet a minimum of 30 tests / 1,000 individuals. DOH contact tracing staff must reach levels of 30 tracers / 100,000 of population (based on 1M population, 300 tracers). We anticipate expanded sites for screening tests (retail pharmacies will likely play a role) and a public relations campaign to individuals regarding isolation and quarantine procedures.
#11 The state will set broad guidelines; regions (“WNY Control Room”) will measure and monitor; businesses themselves will align with the guidelines and principals but the state will not micromanage.
Insurance
None at this time.
Volunteer
None at this time.
Billing & Coding
None at this time.
Remote Care
None at this time.
Economic Relief
None at this time.
Gov't Policy
New York Forward & Business Re-Opening
New York Forward FAQ
CLICK HERE for a live-updating FAQ webpage from New York State
NOTICE: With recent Executive Orders and announcements at the Governor’s press conferences. Note that most health care services are either specifically authorized, or qualified as requiring a physician’s orders. Traditional doctor office visits ARE authorized, no longer qualified as on an emergency basis only.
Breakdown of Cuomo's Re-Opening Press Conference from NYSPMA Legal Counsel
"Un-Pausing" Legal Tip
As we work to deliver guidance and current information to NYSPMA members, I wanted to share details from Gov. Cuomo’s Press Conference on April 28 regarding “un-pausing”.
There are 12 critical steps for each region in NYS to follow and below, I highlight noteworthy details with comments.
As a result, it is likely that more elective surgery will now transition to ambulatory care sites.
#5 Screening tests in a community must meet a minimum of 30 tests / 1,000 individuals. DOH contact tracing staff must reach levels of 30 tracers / 100,000 of population (based on 1M population, 300 tracers). We anticipate expanded sites for screening tests (retail pharmacies will likely play a role) and a public relations campaign to individuals regarding isolation and quarantine procedures.
#11 The state will set broad guidelines; regions (“WNY Control Room”) will measure and monitor; businesses themselves will align with the guidelines and principals but the state will not micromanage.
Practice & Employment
Workers' Compensation Board
Workers’ Compensation Board EMERGENCY RULEMAKING
Allowing Telemedicine, in Some Circumstances, Supersede Previous Emergency Adoption
I.D. No. WCB-18-20-00011-E
Filing No. 292
Filing Date: 2020-04-20
Effective Date: 2020-04-20
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE State Administrative Procedure Act, NOTICE is hereby given of the following action:
Action taken: Amendment of sections 325-1.8, 329-1.3, 329-4.2, 333.2 and 348.2 of Title 12 NYCRR.
Statutory authority: Workers’ Compensation Law, parts 117 and 142
Finding of necessity for emergency rule: Preservation of public health, public safety, and general welfare.
Specific reasons underlying the finding of necessity: This amendment is adopted as an emergency measure because the Board wants to avoid health and safety risks that can be avoided through social distancing due to the outbreak of COVID-19, by allowing telemedicine in some circumstances.
Subject: Allowing telemedicine in some circumstances, supersede previous emergency adoption.
Purpose: To allow telemedicine in some circumstances for social distancing purposes due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Text of emergency rule: Section 325-1.8 of Title 12 NYCRR is hereby amended to read as follows:
325-1.8 Emergency medical aid and telemedicine.
(a) In the event of a serious accident requiring immediate emergency medical aid, an ambulance or any physician may be called to give first aid treatment.
(b) Telemedicine, using two-way audio and visual electronic communication, or treatment via telephone, may be used by authorized providers where medically appropriate for social distancing purposes due to the outbreak of COVID-19 during the state of emergency in accordance with the Department of Health COVID-19 Medicaid Guidance and Guidance issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The authorized provider shall indicate on their report that such assessment was done using telemedicine by use of modifier 95 and indicating a place of service as 11, or telephonically by indicating place of service as 02. The provider shall also confirm the employee’s identity as well as provide basic information about the services the employee is receiving by telephone or telemedicine.
A new subdivision (c) of section 329-1.3 of Title 12 NYCRR is hereby added to read as follows:
When medically appropriate, authorized providers who utilize the Official New York State Workers’ Compensation Fee Schedule may, when telemedicine is used in accordance with section 325-1.8 of this Title and any applicable Medical Treatment Guideline, bill using the applicable Evaluation and Management codes (99212-99214) using modifier 95 and indicating 11 as the place of service. Modifiers 1B and 1D are available when services are rendered by telemedicine using two-way audio and visual communication. When services are rendered by telephone only in accordance with section 325-1.8 of this Title, the authorized provider shall indicate 02 as the place of service. Modifiers 1B and 1D are not available when services are rendered by telephone with no visual component.
A new subdivision (d) of section 329-4.2 of Title 12 NYCRR is hereby added to read as follows:
Rule Making Activities NYS Register/May 6, 2020
12
(d) When medically appropriate, authorized physical therapists, occupational therapists, and acupuncturists shall use Common Procedural Technology (CPT) code 99212 using modifier 95 and indicating 11 as the place of service when treatment is rendered by telemedicine using two- way audio and visual communication, and indicating 02 as the place of service when treatment is rendered by telephone only. Treatment in accordance with section 325-1.8 of this Title and using these codes shall be limited to one unit per patient per day, up to two treatments per week during the thirty days following injury, and up to one treatment per week thereafter.
A new subdivision (c) of section 333.2 of Title 12 NYCRR is hereby added to read as follows:
(c) When medically appropriate, authorized providers, including psychologists and licensed clinical social workers, shall use a Common Procedural Technology (CPT) therapy code (90832, 90834, or 90837) for services delivered by telemedicine in accordance with section 325-1.8 of this Title using modifier 95 and indicating 11 as the place of service for therapy by telemedicine using two-way audio and visual communication. Modifiers 1B and 1D are available when services are rendered by telemedicine using two-way audio and visual communication. When services are rendered by telephone only in accordance with section 325-1.8 of this Title, the authorized provider shall indicate 02 as the place of service. Modifiers 1B and 1D are not available when services are rendered by telephone with no visual component.
A new subdivision (c) of section 348.2 of Title 12 NYCRR is hereby amended to read as follows:
(c) When medically appropriate, authorized chiropractors shall use Common Procedural Technology (CPT) code 99212 using modifier 95 and indicating 11 as the place of service when treatment is rendered by telemedicine using two-way audio and visual communication, and indicating 02 as the place of service when treatment is rendered by telephone only. Treatment in accordance with section 325-1.8 of this Title and using these codes shall be limited to one unit per patient per day, up to two treatments per week during the thirty days following injury, and up to one treatment per week thereafter.
This notice is intended to serve only as an emergency adoption, to be valid for 90 days or less. This rule expires on July 18, 2020.
Text of rule and any required statements and analyses may be obtained from: Heather MacMaster,Workers’ Compensation Board, Office of General Counsel, 328 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305, (518) 486-9564, email: regulations@wcb.ny.gov
Regulatory Impact Statement
1. Statutory authority: WCL § 117(1) authorizes the Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Board (Board) to adopt reasonable rules consistent with, and supplemental to, the provisions of the WCL.
2. Legislative objectives: The emergency adoption allows telemedicine visits in some circumstances due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
3. Needs and benefits: For social distancing, purposes to avoid furthering the outbreak of COVID-19, the emergency adoption allows telemedicine visits in some circumstances to avoid in-person visits to authorized providers when medically appropriate.
4. Costs: The emergency adoption will have no impact on costs.
5. Local government mandates: The proposed amendments do not impose any program, service, duty, or responsibility upon any county, city, town, village, school district, fire district, or another special district.
6. Paperwork: The emergency adoption requires authorized providers to indicate in their report that the services rendered were through telemedicine due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
7. Duplication: The emergency adoption does not duplicate other regulatory initiatives.
8. Alternatives: An alternative would be to not file an emergency adoption addressing telemedicine. However, this poses a health risk to both the authorized providers and the claimants being treated, and social distancing, where medically appropriate, is a better alternative due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
9. Federal standards. There are no applicable Federal Standards.
10. Compliance schedule: The emergency adoption takes effect immediately upon filing but does not require telemedicine – it offers it as a tool to assist with social distancing in some circumstances. Any provider rendering services using telemedicine must comply with the emergency adoption, including the reporting requirements.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
A Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not required because the emergency adoption will not have any adverse economic impact or impose any new reporting, recordkeeping or other compliance requirements on small businesses or local governments. The emergency adoption provides for telemedicine visits in some circumstances due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Rural Area Flexibility Analysis
A Rural Area Flexibility Analysis is not required because the emergency adoption will not have any impact on rural areas. The emergency adoption allows telemedicine visits in some circumstances due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Job Impact Statement
A Job Impact Statement is not required because the emergency adoption will not have any impact on jobs or employment opportunities. The emergency adoption allows telemedicine visits in some circumstances due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
NYS Register/May 6, 2020 Rule-Making Activities
APMA Resources
None at this time.
Additional
NY20 Exhibitor Resources & Offers
See how our vendors are stepping up to help NY DPMs
PICA
-
Download Resource Now – PICA COVID-19 Office Reopening Checklist
Now that states are beginning to publish their guidelines for reopening, we want our PICA policyholders to be prepared. While none of us really know what lies ahead, there are steps you can start taking now to prepare your practice for a successful reopening when the appropriate time arrives. We put together a checklist for reopening your practice and hope this information will help you navigate the uncharted territory of reopening your office in a safe and responsible way.
Download “PICA COVID-19 Office Reopening Checklist” now! - Resource: Comprehensive COVID-19 Resources for Podiatrists
- Link: https://bit.ly/2VukYtM
- Contact Name: PICA Policy Services
- Contact Information: (800) 251-5727
Dr. Jill's Foot Pads
Resource: 15% off all orders. Shipping same day orders
Link: https://drjillsfootpads.com/wholesale/
Contact Name: Jill Scheur DPM
Contact Information: ph: 1-866-366-8723 E-Mail: DrJillsFootPads@aol.com
American Endovascular & Amputation Prevention
Resource:
American Endovascular & Amputation Prevention provides non-surgical endovascular treatment for PAD & CLI. Our goal is to provide Limb Salvage services in an outpatient environment to prevent ER/hospitalizations, amputations & death. Limb salvage IS essential and should not be postponed. We offer telemedicine consults & have flexible scheduling in our NYC, Queens, Fishkill NY, & Clifton, NJ centers.
Link: www.americanendovascular.com
Contact Name: Michelle Gregg
Contact Information: 1-833-426-3636
Surestep
Resource:
Minimize a person’s risk of falling at home during these uncertain times with a custom Surestep Stabilizer or Gauntlet. Click on this link to learn more about the solutions available to impact your patient outcomes and increase your practice's revenue stream.
Link: https://bit.ly/2XemOkJ
Contact Name: Brandi Szymanski, Market Development Manager
Contact Information: 917-280-4550
MedPro Group
Resource:
Podiatric practices face challenges in determining how to serve patients and maintain safety. While many practices are postponing appointments and procedures, they're still providing onsite care for emergencies. To help protect the health of patients and doctors/staff, MedPro has developed a form titled Patient Advisory and Acknowledgment Regarding Receiving Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Contact Name: Rob Eicher
Contact Information: rob.eicher@medpro.com
Saorsa Inc.
Resource: REBOUND READY: WEBINAR | APRIL 16th | 8 pm EST
A panel discussion with the podiatric community on how to thrive post-pandemic.
Panel Keynote Speakers:
Dr. Robert Conenello, DPM, Orangetown Podiatry
Dr. Rachel Balloch, DPM, FACFAS, Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists
Rem Jackson, CEO, Top Practices.
Link: https://app.livestorm.co/saorsa-inc/rebound-ready
Contact Name: Debbie Johnson, Customer Experience Manager
Contact Information: hello@esaorsa.com
Practice EHR
Resource: Telemedicine
Contact Name: Kaitlyn Herron
Contact Information: kaitlyn@practiceehr.com
GWR Medical, Inc.
Resource:
Topical Oxygen Wound Therapy (TOWT). GWR Medical's TOWT is and continues to be available for doctors to prescribe for NY Medicaid and NY Medicaid MCO patients suffering with open wounds and burns during COVID-19. TOWT, a covered NY Medicaid service since 2008, is done by the patient in the comfort of their home. Please contact GWR NY representative Paul Basciani for immediate assistance.
Link: www.topicaloxygen.com
Contact Name: Paul Basciani
Contact Information: pbasciani@woundrx.com (917) 891-1100
Non Vendor Medical Professional Offers
North Face - 50% Discount
North Face is offering 50% off anything for medical professionals to reward front line healthcare workers You just have to submit your license number to be verified and you get a temporary discount code. You can use this multiple times, just need to submit a license every time and get a new temporary code every time you order something.
https://www.thenorthface.com/
Webinars
None at this time.
