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SSV Medical Society News

SSVMS Medical Society News is a monthly e-bulletin from the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society (SSVMS) containing up-to-date information and breaking news on issues impacting physicians practicing in El Dorado, Sacramento and Yolo counties. To receive your free subscription, contact SSVMS at (916) 452-2671 or info@ssvms.org.

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SSV Medical Society News - COVID-19 - Updates - 2020 Apr 24

 
 

MEDICAL

SOCIETY NEWS
April 24, 2020
 
Check the SSVMS website for COVID-19 dashboards for El DoradoPlacerSacramento and Yolo counties. Data is updated daily.
Physician and Staff Resource Kit
Resources to Help Physician Practices Resume Patient Care
SSVMS is here to support you as medical practices and facilities prepare to resume routine patient care. SSVMS members are invited to stop by the SSVMS office for a complimentary Physician and Staff Resource Kit, including PPE for you and your staff.
 

Date/Time: Tuesday, April 28 and Thursday, April 30, 12pm - 4pm

 

Location: SSVMS office, 5380 Elvas Ave., Sacramento, CA 95819

 

For questions or more information, contact Dana Brooks at dbrooks@ssvms.org or 703-338-5018.

Recent News
A CMA task force of practicing physicians from different parts of the state and varying sized practices has issued guidelines and recommendations for reopening the health care system. The document speaks to both policy makers and practicing physicians. CMA proposes several steps that will be instrumental to ensuring the ongoing safety of patients and the health care workforce. Read more.
Financial Assistance
This week, U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan "Interim Economic Relief" agreement containing $485 billion in new COVID-19 pandemic funding assistance. This bill contains an additional $75 billion specifically earmarked for physicians and hospitals, $310 billion for small businesses, as well as $25 billion for COVID-19 testing. The U.S. House of Representatives will take up the legislation on Thursday and the bill is expected to be signed by the President by the end of this week. Those not approved during the last round, be sure to communicate with your bank to stay in the queue for this next set of funding awards. Read more.
Comprehensive guidance, information on financial aid, available loan programs and step-by-step details on applying for funding for physicians and practices can be found in CMA's Financial Toolkit for Medical Practices.
A recent CMA survey found that 95% of physician practices are worried about their financial health due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Practice revenue has declined by 64% since March 1, 2020, with 75% of practices experiencing a revenue decline of 50% or greater. The results highlight the immediate need for financial assistance. In a period of 8 days, 3,246 physician practices responded to the survey - a record response rate. See full survey results.
Applications for financial assistance are being accepted to support physician practices and other health care providers.
Programs include:
  • Loans: Up to $2 million each and are likely not forgivable, however stay tuned for possible exceptions
  • Advance Payments: For contracted Blue Shield providers. Grace period is six months and must be repaid in full by 12 months
  • Value-Based/Risk Sharing Contracts: Convert contracts to value-based contracts or risk sharing contracts for a monthly base revenue stream
Funding is limited and physicians are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Email Blue Shield at financecommunication@blueshieldca.com for more information and to apply for the program. Read more.
CMA COVID-19 Webinar Series
COVID-19 Webinars - No cost to SSVMS/CMA members
 
 
 
 
 
Physician Wellness
SSVMS Virtual Town Hall
Reclaim Our Joy & Meaning During COVID-19, facilitated by John Chuck, MD. 
 
How can we begin to recover from the shell shock of this pandemic and be the healers our patients need us to be? We discuss the iterative process of working through our grief, accepting the new normal, and embracing the habits that will serve us well during the many sprints and marathons that lie before us.
Requesting PPE
Requesting PPE
SSVMS has a limited supply of PPE. To request PPE, contact Dana Brooks, dbrooks@ssvms.org or 703-338-5018.
Volunteer Appreciation Week
In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Week we want to give an extra thanks to our SPIRIT program volunteers. In 2019, SPIRIT volunteers treated 502 uninsured, low income patients and donated 125 surgeries and procedures. We thank you for your dedication and expertise helping people in need.
 
To ensure you are receiving SSVMS emails and updates, add Sam Mello, smello@ssvms.org to your email contact list!