In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the majority of our country’s medical resources needed to be consolidated and redirected to treat the sudden flood of infected patients. In order to open up beds for overwhelmed facilities and minimize adding to the spread of infection, elective surgeries and procedures have been placed on hold for specialty practices for months. However, as certain states begin the process of reopening and lockdown restrictions are eased, many specialty practices will soon be resuming elective surgeries. In order to aid our readers in this effort, we are providing this blog to offer helpful tips on how to do so safely and responsibly.

For years, one of the biggest complaints that providers have had about the Promoting Interoperability program has been that they are unable to obtain direct messaging addresses for their coordinating providers. When I speak with practices, the number one reason I hear for why their Support Electronic Referral Loops by Sending Health Information and Support Electronic Referral Loops by Receiving and Incorporating Health Information measures are scoring low is that they cannot get others to exchange CCDAs with them because of this difficulty. CMS has heard this complaint but is still requiring that providers electronically exchange care coordination information. These two measures combined are worth 40% of a clinician or group’s total Promoting Interoperability score.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: As of April 26, 2020, CMS has suspended the Advanced Payment Program, effective immediately, and is reevaluating the Accelerated Payment Program. CMS Press Release on Program Suspension The current COVID-19 pandemic has impacted specialty practices across the country and around the world, resulting in low patient volumes and decreased revenues. As part of the CARES Act, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) authorized relief to providers in the form of Advanced Medicare Payments. However, it is important for providers to note that this Advance Payment Program is an interest free loan, not a grant.

The recent HIPAA Waiver that was included in the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act passed on March 15, 2020 has caused a bit of confusion among some in the healthcare community. Does this mean HIPAA rules do not apply for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic? Are the rules for safeguarding PHI also suspended during this period? In this blog, we are going to offer our readers a closer look at the current state of HIPAA and PHI safeguards during the COVID-19 pandemic so everyone can stay secure and compliant.

On March 30, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the implementation of sweeping temporary regulatory changes that are intended to better equip the American healthcare system for dealing with the current COVID-19 pandemic. As the number of patients presenting to hospitals continues to surge, these new rules and waivers of preexisting federal requirements are designed to make sure hospitals and healthcare organizations have the capacity they need to adequately respond.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) on March 14, 2020. Then last week Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act with overwhelming bipartisan support. As expected, it was signed into law by President Trump on Friday, March 27, 2020. While the FFCRA is intended to make it easier for businesses to provide employees with sick leave and family leave, the $2 trillion CARES Act stimulus package is intended to lessen the financial and economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis on both businesses and individuals.

On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, the Trump Administration announced a number of temporary measures that are meant to help combat the spread of COVID-19 under a newly passed bill called the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. Unanimously approved by Congress, parts of this bill are intended to expand the uses of telehealth while relaxing HIPAA constraints for healthcare providers. In this blog, we will take a look at these temporary measures in order to keep our readers informed on maintaining compliance during the current COVID-19 public health state of emergency.

For specialty providers, the odds of needing to actually treat patients with COVID-19 are incredibly low. However, there are still certain actions that specialty providers should be taking to minimize the risk of exposure for staff, patients and themselves.