Provider Relief Fund Phase 3 General Distribution
Starting Oct. 5, you can apply to receive funds based on assessed revenue losses and expenses due to COVID-19. The opportunity to receive up to 2% of annual revenue from patient care remains active.
CARES Act Provider Relief Fund: Phase 3 Portal Open
The Department of Health and Human Services opened a portal this morning to allow interested parties to apply for the Phase 3 General Distribution from the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund. The links below will direct you to application instructions and the portal.
COVID-19 and the Anesthesia Department (part2)
COVID-19 and the Anesthesia Department, Part 2
So now, you as an anesthesiologist, have been asked to assist with providing patient care in the hospital ICU (or elsewhere in the facility). Most anesthesiologists haven’t provided E/M services since medical school, much less critical care services and need guidance as to how to document and bill their care. Below are some general guidelines with resources for additional important information. Please note the guidelines for critical care are complex (critical care medicine occupies 10 pages in the CMS Manual) and is beyond the scope of this brief introduction. However, a broad understanding is foundational for additional learning. Please take the time to review the materials provided by way of links included.
Anesthesia Groups Response to COVID-19 (part1)
Impact on Manpower and Staffing
Right-sizing the staff of an anesthesia practice is probably the greatest challenge you will face during this COVID-19 outbreak. Since your staffing must be proportionate to the volume of anticipated surgical work, this virus poses a huge problem on two levels. First, what is the right staffing for anticipated case volume for the next few months and how does one change the staffing model so quickly? Nothing is more painful than having to lay off staff, especially if they will be needed later in the year. Unfortunately, not many practices can carry unneeded personnel for more than a few weeks.
Surprise Medical Billing Legislation
The surprise medical bill issue is at a key juncture in Congress. The insurance industry is lobbying aggressively for a solution that is based on an artificially low “benchmark payment” to physicians set by and controlled by local insurance companies. In contrast, ASA is working with our coalition of medical specialty organizations in support of a payment mechanism based on a market-based interim or automatic payment to physicians and a fair appeals or arbitration “backstop” model to contest unfair insurance practices. Only one side will prevail. It must be medicine, not insurance companies. What should you do to make your voice heard? Do the following things:
