Feeling overwhelmed or need to talk to someone?
Contact the Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) Professional Support Program at 902-468-8215 or 1-855-275-8215 (toll-free) or via email.
What’s new?
Today, 26 new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 173.
- Most cases are from travel or close contact, with people ranging in age from under 10 to more than 80
- As stated previously, one case is the result of community spread
- One of the new cases is a staff member at The Magnolia Residential Care Home in Enfield. Three staff members and two residents at this facility have tested positive
- To date, two other nursing homes in Nova Scotia each have one staff member who has tested positive
- Five individuals are in hospital and 11 have recovered
- To date, Nova Scotia has had 6,591 negative test results
Daily Zoom meetings: Coping with COVID-19
Join Drs. Jaqueline Kinley and John Chiasson, director of the DNS Professional Support Program, for daily online meetings (via Zoom) to chat about coping strategies and mental health concerns with COVID-19. Meetings are held daily at 1 p.m. Upcoming topics: Wednesday, April 1: Challenges facing family physicians. Thursday, April 2: Challenges in the ICU. Friday, April 3: Open discussion for all physicians. Click here for the Zoom meeting link.
Essential education on palliative care
From now until June 30, 2020 Pallium Canada and the CMA have made available for free six Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative Care (LEAP) modules to all health-care professionals. Visit pallium.ca for more information or contact Cécile Bensimon at the CMA.
Right PPE + right time = healthy providers
The Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) reports that using the right PPE at the right time helps ensure that the necessary supplies will be there when you need them. COVID-19 patients will be cared for in identified locations stocked with PPE rather than having PPE. Click here for more details. Join the COVID-19 webinar series tomorrow night (see details below) to learn more about PPE.
Virtual care codes for WCB patients
Effective March 13, 2020 the following WCB fee codes can be used for virtual visits that are provided by telephone, hospital telehealth network or PHIA-compliant virtual care platform:
- WCB12 EPS Physician Assessment Service (combined office visit and completion of form 8/10)
- WCB28 Comprehensive Visit for Work Related Injury or Illness
- WCB31 WCB Interim Fee – Comprehensive Visit for Work Related Injury or Illness When Condition Has Changed
See the April 1 MSI Physicians’ Bulletin for details.
CMA flash survey on personal protective equipment
Canadian Medical Association members should watch their inbox for a nine-question flash survey about personal protective equipment (PPE) supply for COVID-19.
COVID-19 screening for physicians
The Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) has set up a n alternate phone line for COVID-19 initial assessments to ensure health-care providers are virus-free and able to safely provide care, reducing the demand on 811. Physicians can access the screening service by calling 1-833-750-0632.
The new COVID-19 initial assessment line for health care workers is a parallel system to 811 and it mirrors the 811 intake and referral process in all ways. The assessment line for health care workers is intended for screening health-care providers who are concerned that they may have contracted COVID 19. Members concerned that they may have contracted COVID 19 may phone the new assessment line.
Webinars:
TONIGHT! Virtual care
Join us April 1 for the webinar “Diving into virtual care: Tips for getting the most out of virtual care” with Drs. John Ross, Ajantha Jayabarathan (“AJ”), David LaPierre and others. Each presenter will share their tips for success followed by a question and answer session. When: Wednesday, April 1 at 6-8 p.m. Register here
Personal protective equipment education
Join Drs. Claudia Sarbu, Maria Alexiadis, Lynn Johnston and Ian Davis for a two-hour webinar to provide the latest information and protocols from Public Health. Gain an understanding of the appropriate use of PPE and how its supply will be managed in Nova Scotia. When: Thursday, April 2 at 6-8p.m. Register here
Reminders:
- On April 1 there are 9,005 confirmed and 12 presumptive cases and 105 deaths of COVID-19 in Canada. The virus continues to spread globally
Teaching stipend
The 2019 Master Agreement includes funding for non-clinical academic funding plan (C/AFP) preceptorship. COVID-19 is delaying finalizing the program details, however, when made, payments will be retroactive to April 1, 2020. Doctors Nova Scotia will share program rules and eligibility when it’s finalized.
All premium fees are also applicable. If the 03.03x code is more remunerative, bill the 03.03x code as outlined in the March 18 MSI Physicians’ Bulletin.
Billing rules for virtual care by residents
During the pandemic, virtual care provided by residents can be billed like a face-to-face visit (March 24 MSI Physicians’ Bulletin), as long as the resident and supervising physician are co-located. Residents cannot bill the new 03.03x. Find details in the March 27 MSI Physicians’ Bulletin.
Repatriating retired physicians
Doctors who have retired in the past three years may be eligible to return to practise. Contact Katrina Philopoulos.
Cross-border restrictions – clarification
Physicians and other health-care workers who have travelled outside of Nova Scotia must self-isolate for 14 days. The only exception is for physicians who cross the Nova Scotia land border on a regular and ongoing basis. Click here for details.
Examinations and licensing
The Medical Council of Canada, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of Family Physicians of Canada have all postponed their examinations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more info, email registration@cpsns.ns.ca.
Request from the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS)
Insurance for lost time
If you have disability coverage other than OMA, please consult your plan providers about things like waiting periods and eligibility for quarantine versus illness.
DNS staff, meetings and events
All DNS meetings and events are cancelled or have moved to a virtual meeting. You may reach staff by email or by calling 902-468-1866 or toll free at 1-800-563-3427.
Reference materials, posters, public education and PPE
- The Department of Family Medicine – Family practice recommendations
- NSHA COVID-19 quick reference for primary care providers
- Self-monitoring vs. self-isolation vs. isolation for COVID-19
- How to care for person with COVID-19 at home: advice for caregivers
- OMA infographic PPE
- Resources on coping with COVID-19
- Economic measures to support Canadians
- New virtual care tool available (DHW notice) (DNS virtual care options)
- Guidance for physician employers
Information hubs to watch