COVID Surges (Again) 

On Wednesday, Ohio reported more than 2,000 daily COVID cases—the first time that number has been reached in almost four months. The last time cases exceeded 2,000 was in mid-April. In addition, hospitalizations have doubled.
 
At a press briefing this morning, Gov. Mike DeWine DeWine noted “we’re at a new stage in this pandemic,” as he shared statistics showing that 98.4% of hospitalizations in Ohio since January were unvaccinated people. He also said vaccination rates are increasing across the state:

• There has been an increase of vaccinations in 85 of Ohio’s 88 counties in July compared to the previous month while last week saw an increase in all 88 counties compared to the first week in July.
• The latest data shows that 60% of Ohioans 18 and over have received at least one dose of vaccine, while 58% of all eligible Ohioans (those 12 and older) are either fully or partially vaccinated.

The Delta variant is the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Ohio. In May, less than 1% of lab sequenced cases were identified as the Delta variant. The most recent data from July 4-17 show that 86.4% of lab sequenced cases were the Delta variant. Chief Medical Officer Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, said the variant is more contagious, more dangerous, and carries a higher viral load.
 
Seventy-five of Ohio’s 88 counties now have high or substantial community transmission rates per the CDC. Last week, there were 23 counties. CDC guidance recommends that all people, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks indoors in public places where cases are surging. The change is due to new information about the transmissibility of the Delta variant.

ODH Urges PCPs to Enroll as Vaccination Providers

As Ohio is experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases, and the highly contagious delta variant is becoming an increasing threat, the Ohio Department of Health is urging primary care physicians to enroll as vaccination providers.

Primary care providers can play a pivotal role in increasing vaccine access, building vaccine confidence, engaging communities with lower vaccine uptake, and reaching underserved populations. According to a recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, half of individuals who indicated they are taking a “wait and see” approach to COVID-19 vaccination also indicated they would be more likely to get the vaccine if it were offered during a routine medical visit.

ODH has taken steps to address the enrollment requirements that seem complicated and perhaps daunting while continuing to adhere to federal requirements for vaccination providers:

• Providers can limit vaccination to their established patients only.
• Providers are no longer required to use their vaccine supply within seven days.
• Providers can set their own timetables and vaccination schedules with complete flexibility.
• Providers now place their own orders for vaccine.
• Providers can receive smaller vaccine shipments.
  • The Ohio Department of Health is using a warehouse and staff to break apart and redistribute doses in smaller packages. The Pfizer vaccine can be ordered in packages with as few as 30 doses.
• COVID-19 vaccines can be safely and correctly stored in freezer and refrigerator storage units that are monitored with a proper temperature monitoring device. Ultra-cold storage capability is not a requirement.

ODH is urging providers to never miss an opportunity to vaccinate a patient, even if it means some doses in a vial will not get used. The top priority is getting more vaccine doses administered to save lives.

More information and details to enroll as a COVID-19 vaccine provider are here.

Medicaid Offers Vaccination Incentives to Patients, Providers

In an effort to increase vaccinations among Medicaid patients, Managed Care Plans (MCPs) are offering incentives to patients and increasing the reimbursement to providers.
 
MCPs have increased the payment to providers from $38 to $100 per COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, the timeframe for the $100 administration fee has been extended to September 15. (Originally the closing date was August 15.) The increase recognizes the workflow disruption due to patient volume and additional office space needed for the 15-minute observation post vaccination.
 
Medicaid patients are eligible for incentive payments after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. Prior to July 26 all Ohio Medicaid and MyCare members aged 18 and older who receive their first dose (or single dose of Johnson & Johnson) will receive a $50 incentive. After July 26 and until September 15, the incentive amount is $100. See the flier for details.
 
More information about the effort is at covidvaxonthespot.com.  

Ohio Medicaid Seeks Ideas for Federal Funding Projects

The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) is working with other state agencies to gather ideas about how to strengthen support and services for Medicaid beneficiaries in need of home or community services.

Specifically, Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) gives states federal funding that can be invested to enhance, expand or strengthen home and community-based services. This includes behavioral health, Medicaid waivers for those with an intellectual or other developmental disabilities or those who are elderly or otherwise disabled, and other similar community services; and includes families, children or adults.  

For the ODM planning process, it is important to hear from Ohioans who have experience in these areas. Complete the survey by Friday August 19.

Host an Osteopathic Medical Student

Many medical students scramble to find—and pay for—housing while doing rotations away from their home site. It’s a similar situation when it’s time for residency interviews as the costs for transportation, lodging, meals, and application fees add up.

The OOA is developing a list of physicians who can help these future colleagues by providing a free place to stay. 

This OOA-assisted housing service connects interested medical students with volunteer physician hosts. The program is not associated with any college of osteopathic medicine. Contact information is provided directly to the student who inquires about available accommodations in your geographic area.The arrangements and coordination is exclusively between the student and host physician.

Sign up on the OOA website.

State Board Seeks Nominations

The State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services (EMFTS) is seeking nominations for seat #2. It is designated for a physician who is active in the practice of trauma surgery and emergency medical services.

The 21-member Board represent fire and emergency medical services, private medical transportation services, mobile intensive care providers, air medical providers, trauma programs, hospitals, emergency physicians, EMS training programs, and the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Appointments are made by the Governor.

The Board generally meets every other month. Candidates should contact OOA Executive Director Matt Harney at mattharney@OhioDO.org for details about the nomination process.