April 1 COVID-19 Update
Dear OHT Primary Care Physicians,
As we all adapt our practices to this rapidly evolving pandemic, I'd like to highlight some important information and upcoming events.
Important information portals for physicians:
Both the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) and Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) have excellent Web portals with important information and guidelines for COVID.
OMA: https://www.oma.org/member/section/practice-&-professional-support/coronavirus?type=topics
OCFP: https://www.ontariofamilyphysicians.ca/tools-resources/timely-trending/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
For those who are not affiliated with Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH), at the bottom of this email is a copy of Dr. Allan Grill's Department of Family Medicine newsletter from March 31st. Please note that MSH staff specific resources, such as internal PPE refresher, are not available to non-affiliated physicians.
Attached is the most recent MSH Assessment Centre triage criteria and algorithm updated March 30th. Please note that household members of high risk populations (such as healthcare workers) now qualify for potential swab.
Please do NOT write prescriptions for hydroxychloroquine and/or azithromycin for community treatment of COVID. See joint message from OMA, Ontario Pharmacist Association and Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario https://www.oma.org/member/section/search/a-joint-message-to-ontarios-doctors-nurse-practitioners-and-pharmacists?type=news_items.
I encourage all family practice offices to complete the OMA PPE Survey: https://apps.oma.org/PPEInventory/. Your responses will help inform OMA on who and how to distribute PPE as it becomes available.
Billings:
Hold submissions of new telephone billing codes (K080, K081, K082) for now as Ministry of Health needs to update their system.
For OTNinvite, the tracking code for virtual care has changed to B203A starting April 1st. This code replaces the B099A tracking code used for before April 1st. http://health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/ohip/bulletins/4000/bul4750.aspx
Upcoming Webinars:
Thursday, April 2 at 12:00 p.m
The COVID-19 Pivot: Protecting patients and physicians during the pandemic
Presenters: Dr. Allison McGeer (microbiologist and infectious disease consultant in Ontario) and Dr. Jennifer Young (president of the OCFP), along with host Dr. Allan Grill of the CFPC
Links: https://www.facebook.com/CFPC.CMFC/videos/1471214109722301/ or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8npP2VS4-DU
Thursday, April 2 at 8:00 p.m
OMA Tele-town Hall
Presenters: Dr. Greg Rose, OMA Board Director and infectious disease specialist, hosted by OMA President Dr. Sohail Gandhi
Please submit your questions in advance to: covid19@oma.org
Link: https://oma.zoom.us/j/250474365
As usual, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. We continue to have an active WhatsApp group for OHT family physicians where latest COVID updates are being shared. Please email me your phone number if you wish to join.
Thanks,
Emilie Lam
Primary Care Lead
EYRND OHT