Coronavirus update - March 18, 2020

coronavirus labelled test tube

Coronavirus update - March 18, 2020

To help physicians keep up-to-date with the coronavirus outbreak, Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) will issue regular member updates as information becomes available. In December 2019, cases of pneumonia were reported in Wuhan, China, caused by a new virus that had not been seen in humans. The illness was caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and is called COVID-19. This situation is changing rapidly. Check the links at the bottom for the latest updates.

 

Dear Doctor,

What’s new?

Virtual care announcement
Doctors Nova Scotia has reached agreement with the Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) on new virtual care fees, available to all specialties, may be used during the pandemic. This announcement is good news for Nova Scotians and will ensure that they get the care they need during this time. People still need help managing their health whether they get sick with COVID-19 or not.

Any visit that would normally be billed as a face-to-face visit may be billed using this code. Any visit that requires a change in medication, a change in how the patient manages their condition, etc. qualifies.

Read the MSI Bulletin for full details

Repatriating retired physicians
Doctors who have retired in the past three years may be eligible to return to practise. If retired members wish to return to practise, all organizations will work with them to make the process as smooth and easy as possible.

  • Doctors Nova Scotia will not require retired physicians to become full members. Their membership category will remain the same.
  • The Department of Health and Wellness will pay retired physicians’ Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) dues.
  • The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia will not charge fees for licensing.
    • The College can quickly provide licensure. The restricted licence – restricted to pandemic response as directed by the NSHA/IWK – has the following criteria:
      • Physicians must have practised in the last three years
      • The end date for these licences will be June 30, 2020, to be re-visited as required
      • No fee will be charged for this licensure
      • Physicians must obtain CMPA coverage
        For physicians that do not currently qualify: note the above info and be aware that your name will remain on a list as the needs and requirements may change over time as the College stays in close contact with Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) and the IWK. If physicians have questions about this restricted licence, please contact the College at: registration@cpsns.ns.ca.
  • The NSHA will manage the paperwork for physicians returning to practise, including reinstating billing numbers.

Retired physicians over the age of 65 who return to work may be at greater risk if they contract COVID-19. To protect their health, DNS encourages these physicians to provide care virtually—using the telephone or other virtual care platforms.

We want retired physicians to be able to practise during the pandemic while limiting their risk of contracting the virus and minimizing the financial obligations of returning to practise.

Any physician interested in practising may contract Katrina Philopoulos at Katrina.Philopoulos@nshealth.ca.

Quick updates

Join the COVID-19 webinar
Doctors Nova Scotia is hosting an information webinar on Monday, March, 23 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on COVID-19 with Dr. Claudia Sarbu, medical officer of health (MOH), and her NSHA colleagues. Dr. Sarbu will share the latest information and address your questions and concerns. Unable to attend the sessions? Download the March 16 session recording.

Special thanks to Dr. Claudia Sarbu, MOH, Dr. Ryan Sommers, MOH, and Dr. Mark McKelvie, public health preventative medicine at Queens University for the development and presentation of the webinar.

Register here

Posters, public education
Self-monitoring vs. self-isolation vs. isolation for COVID-19
How to care for person with COVID-19 at home, advice for caregivers

Personal protective equipment
The OMA has created an infographic to show the recommendations for this pandemic. Check out the infographic. 

REMINDERS

Keeping yourself healthy

During this difficult time, physicians may encounter heightened stress and challenges. You may feel fatigue, worry or anxiety. If in distress, please contact the DNS’s Professional Support Program for CONFIDENTIAL help 24-7, 365 days a year. Call: 902-468-8215 or 1-855-275-8215 (toll-free) or email.

Insurance for lost time
Doctors Nova Scotia benefits with Canada Life (formerly Great-West Life) cover health and dental only. A notice previously posted by Canada Life about short-term disability is not applicable to members. To the 1,600 members who have private disability insurance through OMA, your coverage has at least a 30-day (and in most cases a 60-day) waiting period. If you have coverage through other plans, please consult your plan providers about things like waiting periods and eligibility for quarantine versus illness.

Travel
Anyone who has travelled outside of Canada (including physicians) must self-isolate for 14 days when they return to Nova Scotia. If you have been in close contact with someone who has travelled and are experiencing fever (above 38°C) and/or new cough you should complete the online questionnaire before calling 811. The online questionnaire can be found at: https://811.novascotia.ca/

Sick notes
Sick notes requests from employers are inappropriate. Dr. Strang has provided a form letter [BJ2]  for employers.

DNS meetings and events

  • All Board of Director meetings, E-health Committee meetings, section meetings or other meetings scheduled between March 18 and June 30 will be conducted virtually, supported by the Go To Meeting or Go To Webinar platform.
  • Physician Leadership Institute (PLI) and the Section of Physician Leader activities scheduled for April and May are cancelled. Anyone who has registered for PLI courses will receive a full refund from DNS by the end of March 2020. If you’ve made a hotel reservation, please cancel that as soon as possible.
  • DNS’s Annual Conference at Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa is cancelled. The business meeting (annual general meeting) and members’ forum will be held virtually on June 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Members can register to attend this meeting virtually at no cost. All social events related to the conference will be cancelled.
    • If you’ve already registered, you will receive a full refund.
    • If you’ve made a hotel reservation, please cancel that as soon as possible.
    • Register here for the free virtual annual general meeting and members’ forum on June 6, 2020.
  • Doctors Nova Scotia staff will not be visiting physicians in clinics and hospital facilities on Doctors Day. We will send you some uplifting messages from your patients, via DNS email, on May 1 to help lift your spirits during this difficult time.

If you have any questions about an upcoming meeting with DNS, please reach out to the meeting organizer for more details.

DNS staff and organizational preparedness

All DNS employees will work from home until April 8, consistent with our business continuity plan and measures that many public institutions are taking to facilitate social distancing. Instead of visiting our office, please reach us by phone or email. For physicians who have upcoming meetings scheduled, staff will be in touch to offer alternative ways to participate in meetings. Our main line will be closely monitored during regular business hours. If you call, please leave a message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. You may reach us by email or by phone 902-468-1866 or toll free at 1-800-563-3427.

Additional Resources:
Department of Health and Wellness (public)
Nova Scotia Health Authority (physician and provider hub)
811 assessment – when to call (advice for patients)
The Public Health Agency of Canada maintains a list of affected areas
Government of Canada
Nova Scotia Public Health offices
Canadian Medical Association