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NEED TO KNOW
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VMS Hosts Press Briefing on Immunization Access this Fall
Immediately following Friday’s CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting, the Vermont Medical Society (VMS) hosted a press briefing with Vermont physicians,state agency and legal experts for a virtual press briefing to discuss the access to vaccines this fall for Vermonters. Representatives from the VMS, Dept. of Health, Dept. of Financial Regulation, Dept. of Vermont Health Access, Secretary of State, and provider liability expert, John Wallace, J.D., from Primmer Piper Eggleston and Cramer, affirmed for clinicians and the general public that Vermont remains dedicated to making all recommended vaccines readily available, accessible, and affordable across the state. Specifically, they stated that commercial and Medicaid insurance coverage remain in place, Vermont should be able to begin obtaining federal COVID-19 vaccine shortly, and supply should not be an issue once practices receive their orders.
The briefing occurred the day after the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) issued vaccine recommendations that follow national health organization guidance and a standing order allowing pharmacies to provide access to the COVID-19 vaccine for anyone 5 and above. As part of our briefing, attorney John Wallace has compiled an FAQ for practices looking to provide the COVID-19 vaccine off-label, as practices will likely need to adjust their workflow for informed consent. Click here for the FAQ. Click here for the press release. Special thanks to VMS Board Members Dr. Rebecca Bell and Dr. Lauren MacAfee for providing their expertise during the briefing.
Follow-Up Resources:
Recording of 9.19 press briefing
VDH HAN Respiratory Virus Vaccine Guidance
Standing Order for Administration of Vaccine
AHIP Statement on Vaccine Coverage
AAP Recommendations for Covid-19 Vaccines in Infants, Children and Adolescents
ACOG COVID-19 Vaccination Considerations for Obstetric–Gynecologic Care
The AAFP’s Recommendations for Fall Immunizations |
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From the VMS President – Reflections on the Town Hall with Senators Sanders and Welch – We Must Stand Up for Science
Last week we were fortunate to participate in a discussion with our Vermont Congressional Delegation, where we had the opportunity to talk with Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, hear a message from congresswoman Becca Balint, and speak with their staffers about important national issues and decisions during this extremely difficult time. I felt proud of the Vermont Medical Society as an organization and our members, for asking hard questions, providing thoughtful suggestions, and engaging in these important opportunities.
As Senator Sanders said in his opening remarks, “this is not a normal time.” Medicine was already on a difficult and uncertain trajectory before our current administration, but now it is under attack and at risk of complete collapse. Senator Welch pleaded with us to speak up, to recognize our power, that as doctors, we are trusted sources of information, we need to have a louder voice, and that the country needs us to be leading from every state. We know the medicine, science and data better than the politicians (his words!), and have trained for decades to help our patients and communities make decisions regarding their health.
The topics of discussion last Wednesday included: unreasonable medication costs, uncertain immunization recommendations, widening obstetric deserts, telehealth waivers, professional pipelines for rural areas, the role of private equity in healthcare, and the unthinkable downstream risks of extreme cuts to Medicaid: adverse health impacts from deferred care, potential hospital closures, workforce abandonment and patients dying who might not with better resouces. As VMS Past President Becca Bell, MD, stated last night, there has been such a steady stream of cuts, threats, and crises in the media, it has been a challenge to even know where to start. This strategy of the current administration has the potential to leave us with apathy, confusion, and hopelessness. Conversations like last night help rebuild the stamina we need to keep standing up for what we know is needed and right. See the full recording of the event here (Zoom link) and read my full reflections from the evening here (link to full text below). – Katie Marvin, MD, VMS President |
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Vermont Prepares Application for Federal Rural Health Care Transformation Program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity for a Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion federal initiative to fund rural health care infrastructure across the nation included in HB 1, partially in response to concerns about the impact of federal Medicaid cuts on rural health care facilities.
The Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHS) announced last week that the state, working across agencies and in alliance with providers and community partners, will submit an application for funding. This initiative will provide long-term investments in health care facilities, technology, and workforce development—not direct service funding. VMS is helping facilitate a meeting with AHS staff tomorrow and is working with a number of Vermont health care associations to provide recommendations to AHS regarding high priority funding needs.
CMS has set a six-week application window, with state proposals due in early November and awards expected by December 31, 2025.
For more information about Vermont’s application process and opportunities for public input, visit: healthcarereform.vermont.gov or reach out to jbarnard@vtmd.org regarding VMS’ engagement in the process. |
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Hospital Budget Season Comes to a Close With $94.5 Million in Reductions Ordered by GMCB
As was announced by the Green Mountain Care Board and widely covered by the press (here and here) the Green Mountain Care Board finalized hospital budgets, which begin October 1st, on September 12th. System-wide, the Board reduced proposed budgets by over $94.5M – however these reductions were largely targeted at the University of Vermont Medical Center, with the Board stating that “Board members voiced deep concern that the medical center lacks full control of its finances and that the University of Vermont Health Network has shifted significant assets away from Vermont’s flagship institution for use outside the state.” Shortly on the heals of the budget announcements, the UVM Health Network’s Board of Trustees and Sunny Eappen, MD, MBA, announced that Dr. Eappen will step down from the role of the Health Network’s president and chief executive officer and Steve Leffler, MD, will serve as interim UVM Health Network chief executive officer in addition to his current role effective October 15, 2025. |
MISC.
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Reminder - Telehealth Coverage for Medicare Patients Slated to Become More Limited 10/1/25
As reported previously in the Rounds, absent action from Congress, Medicare coverage for telehealth services will become more limited as of October 1, 2025. Effective 10/1/2025, the statutory limitations that were in place for Medicare telehealth services before the COVID-19 PHE will retake effect for most telehealth services. These include:
- Geographic restrictions (beneficiary must be located in a rural health service area – search for acceptable locations here)
- Site restrictions (beneficiary must be located in a health care facility at the time of receiving the telehealth service – only in their home for MH or SUD services)
- Limitations on the scope of practitioners who can provide telehealth services
It is important to note that for services for behavioral or mental telehealth, all patients can continue to get telehealth wherever they’re located, with no originating site requirements or geographic location restrictions. The patient’s home is a permissible originating site for services provided for diagnosing, evaluating, or treating: mental health disorders; substance abuse disorder and monthly ESRD-related clinical assessments.
Read more here or https://www.cms.gov/files/document/mln901705-telehealth-remote-patient-monitoring.pdf. See also https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/telehealth-policy/telehealth-policy-updates.
Vermont Medicaid (DVHA ) has confirmed to VMS that federal Medicare regulation changes for the delivery of telehealth services do not apply to Vermont Medicaid and will not impact coverage. VMS will continue to report on updates, including if Congress extends the flexibilities for Medicare coverage beyond 9/30/25. |
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New Survey: The State of America's Physicians: 2025 Wellbeing Survey The Physicians Foundation last week announced findings from its 2025 Wellbeing Survey of America’s Physicians, revealing a troubling paradox: while reported burnout has declined from last year, physicians’ stress and anxiety have risen to levels not seen since the height of the pandemic. The Foundation’s latest version of its survey, 2025 Survey of America’s Physicians, also showed that physicians continue to face mounting challenges that exacerbate burnout, including stigma and structural barriers surrounding mental health care access. In recognition of National Physician Suicide Awareness Day (NPSA Day), The Physicians Foundation and The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation continue their call for systemic change through Vital Signs: The Campaign to Prevent Physician Suicide
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EVENTS
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VAHHS Annual Meeting: Era of Change: Healthcare Transformation, Challenges & Opportunities
September 25 - 26, 2025
Please join VAHHS at our Annual Meeting on September 25th and 26th at Jay Peak!
Our theme is Era of Change: Healthcare Transformation, Challenges and Opportunities
Sessions include:
- Transforming Rural Healthcare Through Purposeful Regionalization
- What the Heck is Interoperability, and How Do We Get It?
- Mobile Integrated Health (MIH): Where Leveraging Community Partnerships, Population Health and the Quadruple Aim Meet
Learn more and register here.
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What the Living and the Dead Owe Each Other: How the Burke and Hare Murders Changed Medicine and How We Think About Bodies
September 30, 2025
We will be taking a look at how the 1828 Burke & Hare Murders in Edinburgh changed both the medical and legal practice of human dissection, as well as current events that continue to make us think about how we view dead bodies and their role in medical education.
Anastasia Arvin-DiBlasio is a medical student at University of Vermont, just finishing her 3rd year. She became interested in medical history when her AP US History teacher did a lesson on Civil War amputations - she was hooked! The 19th century is her favorite for medical history. What fascinates her is how many things were discovered or pioneered in this era (and others) that are still in use today, and the far reach it has outside medicine proper.
Register here. |
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Annual Women in Medicine Lectureship: Special Screening of 1001 Cuts followed by Filmmaker Discussion
September 30, 2025, 7pm to 8pm
Join the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), this September, Women in Medicine Month, for the launch of a global awareness campaign to strengthen equity and promote inclusion in medicine. In partnership with the Video Project, this campaign features the powerful documentary 1001 CUTS, which exposes the barriers women face in surgery and highlights the urgent need for change across healthcare and beyond.
Through candid testimonials,1001 CUTS shows how everyday slights and systemic discrimination accumulate over time–and how addressing these barriers benefits not only women but the entire healthcare system. The goal is to spark a global conversation that raises awareness and inspires meaningful action.
Learn more and register here. |
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Vermont ACP Chapter Annual Scientific Meeting
October 3, 2025
In-Person Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, VT
The Vermont ACP Chapter's Annual Scientific Meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2025. This will be an in-person meeting at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT. We will again host a poster competition for resident and student members.
The ACP is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The American College of Physicians designates this live activity for a maximum of 5.25 AMA PRA Category 1 credits (s).
Visit the Meeting Hub for registration, agenda, and details of the meeting here.
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Vermont Public Health Association: Federal Cuts to Global and Public Health Programs: Effects and Responses
October 16, 2025 - 5pm to 8pm In-Person and Virtual
Join the University of Vermont and Vermont Public Health Association for an evening of critical exploration of the impacts federal funding cuts and policy changes are having on global and public health. With global and public health systems facing unprecedented headwinds, what’s the latest on these disruptions? How is the global and public health community responding? What more can and must be done to protect the health of our communities here and around the world?
Come engage with our event’s keynote speaker and two panels of global health and public health experts (bios below) as we explore how to best navigate these tumultuous times.
This is a free event, but pre-registration is required here.
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Clinical Quality Symposium: Building & Expanding Collaborative Systems for Maternal Health
October 28, 2025
Join us for a one-day symposium focused on strengthening partnerships across maternity care, primary care, and public health. Designed for maternity providers, primary care clinicians, public health professionals, and community organizations, this event will explore collaborative models to improve maternal health outcomes—particularly in the face of growing maternity care deserts in Vermont and New Hampshire.
Sessions will include:
- Innovative approaches to integrating maternity and primary care
- Dedicated breakout tracks for maternity and primary care providers
- Strategies to support postpartum care and mental health
- Practical tools for building cross-sector collaboration
Register here. |
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2025 Collaborative Meeting November 7 - November 8, 2025 In-Person at Topnotch Resort, Stowe, VT
The 2025 Collaborative Meeting will be held on November 7th and 8th in-person with the option to join virtually for the Awards Ceremony.
Topics include:
- Battling Misinformation
- AI Uses in Local Practices
- Medical Student and Resident Case Presentations
- Beyond Moral Injury - Reclaiming Agency, Belief, & Joy in Medicine
- Health Reform Panel Presentations with Discussions
Hosted in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter, the Vermont Academy of Family Physicians and the Vermont Psychiatric Association, is a celebration of the unwavering commitment Vermont clinicians have to their practice and to the deep connection VMS members have with each other.
Register today. |
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2025 Obesity Medicine & Weight Management Conference
November 14, 2025 Delta Hotel, South Burlington, VT
This conference is designed to improve the skills of primary care healthcare teams as they navigate new treatments in obesity medicine and weight management. The target audience includes primary care physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and other health professionals who pertain to primary care.
Learn more and register here. |
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AlpTerra Wilderness Medicine Course
March 5–9, March 12–16, October 1–5, October 8–12, 2026
Franconia, New Hampshire
Join Alpterra for an immersive, hands-on wilderness medicine course designed to prepare you for real-life scenarios in the outdoors. Treat mock injuries, problem-solve in the elements, and walk away with practical skills that stick.
- Max 4:1 participant-to-instructor ratio for highly personalized, discussion-driven learning.
- Accredited for up to 16 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ — an excellent use of your CME allowance.
- Stay on-site in a luxury home-style setting. Enjoy locally sourced, family-style meals tailored to dietary needs.
- Add-on trips let you ski, climb, or explore the White Mountains with expert guides before or after your course.
Learn more about the agenda and registration here. |
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For more information about offerings from UVM
CMIE, visit here. |
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Vermont Medical Society 134 Main Street Montpelier, VT 05602 -- Unsubscribe -- |
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