Tips on what to ask about telehealth; guidance on paid leave law; coronavirus "self-checker"; CMS enrollment relief, and more.
Tips on what to ask about telehealth; guidance on paid leave law; coronavirus "self-checker"; CMS enrollment relief, and more.
Practice Guidance
March 23: APTA Recommends PTs Ask Specific Questions About Telehealth Provisions
As telehealth provisions evolve rapidly at the state, federal, and private payer levels, it's crucial that PTs fully understand what does and doesn't apply to them. Here are five questions to ask payers and state agencies.
March 19: APTA Private Practice Section Provides Guidance on Paid Leave Law
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act signed into law last week includes requirements for employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide paid sick time and extended FMLA leave. This resource from the APTA Private Practice Section provides a summary of the law, and suggestions on next steps for private practices.
March 19: APTA Private Practice Section Publishes "General Considerations" Related to COVID-19
There are growing list of "what ifs" that PTs in private practice need to consider around the coronavirus — this resource from the APTA Private Practice Section covers a range of possible scenarios, ranging from employee illness to responding to drops in demand.
From the CDC
March 23: CDC Debuts Online Coronavirus "Self-Checker"
The CDC is now offering an app designed to help individuals who wonder if they're experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Called "Clara," the program asks a series of questions that include symptoms being experienced, age, geographic location. Based on answers provided, Clara recommends actions to be taken, from calling 911 to staying home and contacting a health care provider.
From CMS
March 23: CMS Issues FAQs on Medicare Provider Enrollment Relief
As part of the 1135 waiver process in place during the coronavirus pandemic, CMS is easing some requirements related to provider enrollment in Medicare, including waivers to site visits and criminal background checks associated with fingerprint-based background checks, as well as postponement of all revalidation actions. This recently published list of frequently asked questions about the waivers includes a list of Medicare Private Enrollment Hotline numbers.
From the Department of Labor
March 22: Labor Department Provides Information on Paid Leave Law, Fair Labor Standards Act
With the Families First Coronavirus Response Act now signed into law, the U.S. Department of Labor has published resources that explain the essential elements of the mandated paid leave now in place for employers of fewer than 500 people. Also included on the page: questions and answers about the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
In the Media
March 23: IBM and DOE Launch COVID-19 Computing Consortium
IBM has partnered with the Department of Energy to launch the COVID-19 High Performance Computing Consortium, which will combine supercomputing capabilities from 16 systems to help researchers better understand SARS-CoV-2 and develop potential therapies and a vaccine. Consortium partners include Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, the National Science Foundation, NASA, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Amazon, and Google.
March 22: FTC Warns of Coronavirus Scams
The Federal Trade Commission is warning the public of malicious websites, robocalls, and other scams -- including dishonest websites selling disinfectants and medical supplies, and others selling unapproved products purporting to cure or prevent contracting the virus.
March 22: Therapy Continues During Crisis, But Worries Over Protective Supplies and Employment Loom
From Skilled Nursing News: "Even with heightened concern amid the spread of the virus, and with the threat of protective gear declining, therapists are still jumping in to help patients get well — in spite of great risk and putting in extra hours."
March 19: Nursing Home Outbreaks Lay Bare Chronic Industry Problems
From Associated Press: " Burgeoning coronavirus outbreaks at nursing homes in Washington, Illinois, New Jersey and elsewhere are laying bare the industry’s long-running problems, including a struggle to control infections and a staffing crisis that relies on poorly paid aides who can’t afford to stay home sick.”
Visit APTA's Coronavirus webpage for more information and updates.