All industries are being affected by COVID-19, from print companies and retail to hospitality and healthcare. We came across this article that shows that primary care, four months into this pandemic, continues to weaken based on a physician survey with respondents from 46 states and Puerto Rico.
The survey was completed between July 10th and July 13th and 564 clinicians specializing in family & internal medicine, pediatrics and geriatrics participated from settings and practices that varied in size. The study revealed that nine out of ten practices are having problems getting medical supplies they need, meeting patients’ growing health needs and even lack the funds to remain open. Only 13% of these practitioners say they are adjusting to this new way of life. The most shocking statistic is that less than four out of ten physicians feel confident and safe, with access to personal protective equipment (PPE), and 11% of staff have left over the last few weeks due to safety concerns. To read about all the results of the study, please refer back to the article.
Although the sample size was relatively small and may seem discouraging, there are some positives that have come out of this pandemic. The government has opened up Telehealth to include all Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) patients, not just those in rural areas, and other insurances have followed suit. Since the Department of Health & Human Services has extended the public health emergency until October 25, 2020, these continued telehealth visits will give providers and patients a way to stay safe but still be treated.
Your practice can promote these services while they are still covered – just remember to document that the patient gave consent for the telehealth visit on all progress notes, regardless of the insurance. Quick reminder: for your Medicare Advantage patients, the visit has to be “Audio and Video” to qualify.