A Message From Your President...
Hi Everybody,
Another week with COVID-19. I hope all of you are healthy and safe. We are all struggling with the impact of this pandemic. I have a neighbor who is 85 and he said to me the other day that this reminds him of his experience during World War II. The inability to control the present and lack of confidence to predict the next week or two is very difficult.
NYSPMA is continually searching and evaluating information and services available to help our members. We continue to post all the various programs available to assist you and your practice. The NYSPMA office continues to work remotely. They are ready and willing to assist you.
The annual Lobby Day and House of Delegates are cancelled. Modifications to these important events are being discussed with the board of trustees. The primary goal of the Board of Trustees is to continue to serve and support you.
We will continue to publish all available information that could assist you during this life-altering crisis PLEASE look at the COVID-19 page on the website for the most up to date information. It also includes a link to the comprehensive resources provided by APMA. It is updated on a regular basis. There is a lot of good information about various aspects related to COVID 19 including guidance on maintaining your practice, performing telehealth, and a section on economic relief. There is information posted on applying for SBA loans and information on the recent stimulus and relief packages passed by Congress available to small businesses who agree to keep their staff during this difficult time.
NYSPMA recommends that members proactively track any lost revenue as well as any specific expenses directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. You should create a separate expense line item for COVID-19 expenses in your income statement in case you need this information for any subsequent grants or loans. When recognizing this information, be sure to have adequate detail and supporting documentation (such as vendor itemization, receipts, timesheets, etc.). This may be required by any loans or other relief packages you may be interested in submitting an application.
Also, if you have medical insurance needs that are changing, Creative Wealth Planning, www.creativewealthplanning.com/nyspma is ready to help you get the coverage you need.
On behalf of the board and the staff at NYSPMA please stay healthy and safe.
Dan Keating DPM
President NYSPMA
NYSPMA Legal Tip: COVID Resources
By: Matthew S. Feldman, Esq., General Counsel
New York State Podiatric Medical Association
Coronavirus in Employment Law Letter
COVID Educational Resource PowerPoint
Mr. Feldman is available for legal consultation if needed and can be reached by phone at (716) 852-5875 or by email at MFeldman@feldmankieffer.com
Weekly CPR Billing and Coding Tip of the Week: UPDATE: MEDICARE PAYMENTS
CMS Sets up Accelerated and Advanced Medicare Payments Due to Coronavirus
CPR Tip by: Hoda Henein
On Saturday, CMS detailed how providers can access accelerated or advanced Medicare payments under the new economic stimulus package.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act—CARES—which President Donald Trump signed into law on Friday, enables all Medicare providers to tap into an emergency fund in order to shore up their cash flows.
"With our nation's healthcare providers on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19, dollars and cents shouldn't be adding to their worries," CMS Administrator Seema Verma said. "Unfortunately, the major disruptions to the healthcare system caused by COVID-19 are a significant financial burden on providers. Today's action will ensure that they have the resources they need to maintain their all-important focus on patient care during the pandemic."
Typically, CMS only makes such a move to assist providers impacted by a natural disaster. But Saturday's change applies to all hospitals, doctors, durable medical equipment suppliers and other Medicare Part A and Part B providers and suppliers.
According to a CMS release, providers or suppliers must:
- Have billed Medicare for claims within 180 days immediately prior to the date of signature on the provider's/ supplier's request form,
- Not be in bankruptcy,
- Not be under active medical review or program integrity investigation, and
- Not have any outstanding delinquent Medicare overpayments
The agency will start accepting and processing requests immediately and said payments could go out within seven days.
For your reference, see link below:
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/Accelerated-and-Advanced-Payments-Fact-Sheet.pdf
Tickets at Work
Helping Employees during the Coronavirus Pandemic
|
Tickets at Work is establishing new partnerships daily to provide your employees with discounts on everything they need during this difficult time, including 50% off on:
- home technology
- grocery and wine delivery
- television streaming services
- health and wellness subscriptions
- financial resources
- and so much more!
If you haven't signed up yet for an account yet, you can enroll for free using our company code: NYSPMA0617
And to support you personally, we’ve pulled together a comprehensive list of resources the Human Resources community is using to effectively sustain operations, as well as information that can be shared with employees to help them through their unique situations. Our first topic of the series is: COVID-19 Resources for Businesses and their Employees - Mental, Physical, and Financial Health
|
|
CMEonline COVID Webinars
Use the code "NYSPMA" for $20.00 off registration fees.
"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has broadened access to Medicare telehealth services so that beneficiaries can receive a wider range of services from their doctors without having to travel to a healthcare facility. "
There are some important points that you need to know about providing, documenting and billing telehealth services.
The webinar on Sunday will go over all of these points and will end with a round table discussion with what should be a very lively Q and A session.
Not receiving helpful weekly tips from NYSPMA yet?
Your NYSPMA team sends out weekly texts including helpful content such as practice management tips, legal tips, CPR tips, association news, legislative updates, and more. You can always opt-in and opt-out at any time!
Text "NYSPMA" to 8449476386 to sign up!
[FREE] NYS-Compliant Opioid Prescriber Training
DPMs who took this 3-year training in 2017, when this new training requirement was introduced, will need to re-train in 2020
Complete your minimum of three (3) hours of course work or training in pain management, palliative care and addiction for prescribers with online courses through the University of Buffalo or Boston University - free of charge. Use the links below for the course work.
[NEW!] APMA Health Insurance: Small & Large Group Options
APMA has just released it's small group health care plan. The new plan's innovative structure allows small groups (less than 14 people) to purchase insurance at large group rates. With low deductibles ($500) and savings on premiums, this plan could save you a lot of money on quality health coverage!
Show your NYSPMA membership pride with our new merchandise section!
Check out our wide-array of NYSPMA-branded products HERE. Start your holiday shopping early! We have everything from whiskey glasses and cigar cutters to golf balls, t-shirts, and more!
Check out the NYSPMA Fall Prevention Program! Earn 1 CME, FREE to NYSPMA Members
Our fall prevention webinar is ready to be viewed. I am encouraging everyone to view this course for free CME, as we are doing this in cooperation with the Department of Health, as partners in the prevention agenda. Please take advantage of this member benefit, and help advance podiatry and add this important service to your practices. ACCESS THE WEBINAR HERE.
[NEW!] NYCPMConnect has launched!
Sign up now at https://nycpmconnect.com/ for access to an exclusive mentoring and networking community for NYCPM alumni and students!
Featured Member Partner Programs-
Updated Medical Insurance Plans for 2020-New Medicare Supplement!
NYSPMA through Creative Wealth Planning (CWP) offers a variety of medical, dental and eye care insurance with excellent customer service. CWP has just announced a new Medicare Supplement Plan, which can be viewed at www.creativewealthplanning.com/medicaresupplement . Other CWP plans for NYSPMA members can be viewed at www.creativewealthplanning.com/nyspma Creative Wealth Planning, LLC. CWP is an independent insurance brokerage firm with over 35 years of experience, specializing in group and individual medical insurance. CWP can design coverage for you, your dependents, and staff, as well as options for those covered by Medicare. CWP works directly with members to tailor plan options that are best suited to your needs.
NYSPMA: Connect on Facebook & Twitter
NYSPMA has a Facebook page and is now on Twitter. These pages provide Association announcements and updates. We are always looking for great news stories to share on our pages. If you’ve recently been quoted in the media, received an award, launched a new project or have relevant news to share, please email info@nyspma.org.
Poster for Your Office: We have developed an 8 1/2 x 11 Full-Color Poster/Flyer that can be displayed in your office to encourage your patients to visit our consumer site, www.nyfoothealth.com, to stay up to date on the latest foot health news and get updates on diabetes, bunions, heel pain...and more.
