VMS Call with VDH Commissioner Levine Moves to Thursdays at
12:30-1:00 PM
VMS weekly calls with Vermont Department of Health Commissioner, Mark Levine, M.D. have now moved to Thursday from 12:30-1:00 p.m. These calls have also moved to ZOOM - click below for the virtual meeting address that will remain constant each week. From the start of the pandemic, Commissioner Levine has spoken weekly with VMS members to provide information regarding Vermont’s response to the public health emergency and to answer member’s COVID-related questions. The calls are moving from Tuesdays to Thursdays to accommodate the change of Governor Scott’s weekly press conferences to every Tuesday and Friday. Please let your colleagues know this new call schedule will start Thursday, July 9th from 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting -https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86726253105?pwd=VkVuNTJ1ZFQ2R3diSVdqdlJ2ZG4yQT09
Meeting ID: 867 2625 3105 / Password: 540684
Dial In: 1 646 876 9923 / Meeting ID: 867 2625 3105 / Password: 540684
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VDH Outlines COVID 19 Testing Protocols and Availability
The Vermont Department of Health has launched a new webpage that shows clinicians and patients where and how to obtain COVID 19 testing. The site allows you to enter your address and provides testing locations along with any requirements at each location, such as whether you need an appointment or provider order. Visit the page here.
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VMS Offers Group Purchasing Options for PPE
VMS realizes that Vermont medical practices are struggling to obtain various items of PPE and that both availability and cost are an issue. While we continue to advocate for more state-run purchasing options, we are also pleased to offer discount group purchasing options available now to our members. Click here to learn more about the available sources including: W.B. Mason (VMS group discount), Action PPE (group purchasing through VMS/State Medical Society consortium) and generally available sources of PPE through Project N95 and Amazon.
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VMS Foundation Now Accepting Applications for Physician Executive Leadership Institute
Perhaps never before have physicians and PAs been asked to step up and skillfully lead rapid change than they have throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Every clinician has brought her or his leadership and management styles and skills to the forefront to ensure the best outcomes for Vermont patients. The VMS Education & Research Foundation is pleased to announce it is now accepting applications for its experiential Executive Leadership Institute, which will enhance and fine-tune the most important leadership skills and concepts for a statewide cohort of Vermont physicians and PAs. Applications will be accepted through September 18th, and the 40-hour, year-long course begins in November. Click here for more information.
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DVHA Finalizes Store and Forward Policy
Effective July 1st, 2020, Vermont Medicaid has finalized GCR 20-075,Provider to Provider Store and Forward Coverage Expansion: Interprofessional Consultations, which will expand coverage and reimbursement for interprofessional consultations through store and forward technology. For reimbursement for interprofessional consultations between:
- a consultative physician/dentist use CPT code 99451; and,
- a treating/requesting physician or other qualified health care professional use CPT code 99452.
For these codes to be considered for reimbursement documentation requirements must be met – details are available in the full policy, linked above.
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Recently Updated COVID-19 Helpful Links:
