Dear Doctor,
Physicians are on the front lines of Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 response, leading a frightened public through a challenging time. Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) wants to ensure that you have what you need to look after yourself and your family as you respond to the situation. Please contact us if there is anything we can do to help. We are proud to support you and your dedicated colleagues.
Today, 17 new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 68.
- All cases are related to travel or close contact and are spread across the province. The 68 people range in age from under 10 to mid-70s. One individual remains in hospital. Two individuals have recovered and their cases are considered resolved
- To date, Nova Scotia has had 2,772 negative test results
Cross-border restrictions – NEW clarification
The Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) wishes to clarify what physicians should do if they’ve travelled recently out of province. Like all Nova Scotians, physicians and other health-care workers who have travelled outside of Nova Scotia must self-isolate for 14 days. For physicians, nurse practitioners, allied health professionals and staff in self-isolation, there are opportunities to work from home via telephone and Telehealth, and through secure video.
The only exception applies to health-care workers, including physicians, who cross the Nova Scotia land border on a regular and ongoing basis. For example, someone living in New Brunswick who commutes to Nova Scotia for work. They can continue to travel across the border to work. This exception is included in the order by the office of the chief medical officer of health (OCMOH). Please click here for details.
Exceptions DO NOT apply for:
- Locums or specialists working in more than one province (exceptions to the order may be requested from the OCMOH in very limited circumstances – if you wish to request an exception contact kim.silver@novascotia.ca)
- Physicians who live in Nova Scotia but work in New Brunswick (and vice-versa) if their travel doesn’t occur on a regular and ongoing basis (for example, multiple times per week)
- Physicians who are returning from travel outside of Canada and are self-isolating in another province before returning to Nova Scotia. The order will require a second isolation period upon entering Nova Scotia
Improved virtual care fees
Most physicians can now bill for all non-procedural services that are delivered virtually. You can bill what you normally would for an in-person visit, whether the care is done in-person or via the telephone, telehealth or any virtual care tool such as Zoom, FaceTime or Skype. The fee codes for opioid agonist therapy, psychotherapy, consultations and counselling, geriatric visits and nursing home visits are now all covered by virtual care. Details can be found in the March 24 MSI Physicians’ Bulletin.
Doctors Nova Scotia has assurances that all premium fees are also applicable, even though this is not stated in the bulletins.
If the 03.03x code is more remunerative than the applicable in-person fee code, physicians may bill the 03.03x as outlined in the March 18, 2020 MSI Physicians’ Bulletin.
Resources on coping with COVID-19
Staff with the Nova Scotia Health Authority’s (NSHA) mental health and addictions program have developed a one-pager to help Nova Scotians who may be experiencing stress and/or anxiety around COVID-19. Please share it with your family, friends and colleagues.
Guidance for employers
For physicians who employ their own staff, the Labour Standards Code will apply, as well as the terms and conditions of the employment contract. See the attached frequently asked questions for guidance (not legal advice). Advice may change depending on the facts of each case.
Social distancing
Health-care providers in the workplace, including physicians, are exempt from the social distancing rule of two metres and the gathering limit of less than five people.
New virtual care tool available
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a secure virtual care tool has been approved for use on an interim basis for all physicians, their staff and other allied health professionals such as nurse practitioners. Zoom for Healthcare, a secure video conferencing platform, provides high quality video, even in low-bandwidth environments.
Click here for a notice from DHW that outlines the benefits of the tool, supports, custodial responsibilities and how to submit an account request to the NSHA.
Click here for a DNS two-pager on all the virtual care options available.
Examinations and licensing
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia has been advised that 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.
- If you have registered for an examination, rest assured that this will not negatively affect your medical licensure
- If you are provisionally licensed at present, your provisional licensure will be extended
- If you are at the end of training and contemplating independent practice, you will be considered eligible for provisional licensure
If you have any questions, please contact the College’s registration department at registration@cpsns.ns.ca.
New webinar: Running your office-based practice in a COVID-19 environment
Join the next webinar: Recommendations for running an office-based practice in response to COVID-19. Get an overview of the new virtual care fee codes and virtual care tools. Drs. Maria Alexiadis and Joanna Zed will discuss office-based practices in response to COVID-19 and Dr. Gus Grant will outline the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia’s expectations for practice. Hear the latest information and have your questions answered.
When: Thursday, March 26 from 6–8 p.m.
COVID-19 webinars now CME accredited
Doctors Nova Scotia hopes to offer regular COVID-19 webinars to keep you informed. The COVID-19 webinar series (March 16, 17, 18 and 23) is cosponsored by Dalhousie University Continuing Professional Development. Family physicians may claim 2.0 Mainpro+ credits. Specialists may claim 2.0 credit hours.
Attendees must complete an evaluation.
COVID-19 recordings and information hub
The March 23 COVID-19 webinar recording is now available. The session was attended by 438 physicians. Find all of the webinar recordings on the DNS COVID-19 information hub.
The hub also lists all DNS coronavirus emails and includes a list of frequently asked questions on all aspects of the pandemic, including self-isolation, virtual care, personal protective equipment, plus much more.
This content is password protected to ensure the public uses the government website for updates. For help logging in, email cat.henderson@doctorsns.com.
Feeling overwhelmed?
During this difficult time, you may be experiencing fatigue, worry and anxiety. If you’re feeling exhausted and anxious—or just want someone to talk to—contact the Professional Support Program. Confidential support is available to you 24-7 and is just a call or email away. Call 902-468-8215 or 1-855-275-8215 (toll-free) or email professionalsupport@doctorsns.com.
Remember:
- N-95 masks are only required when doing aerosol generating medical procedures
- As of 6:00 p.m. (EST) on March 24 there are 1959 confirmed and 833 presumptive cases and 27 deaths of COVID-19 in Canada. The virus continues to spread globally
- Personal protective equipment and ventilators are on order through a national procurement program
Information hubs to watch
- NSHA updates and services cancellations
- IWK updates and service cancellations
- DNS updates and information
REMINDERS
Repatriating retired physicians
Doctors who have retired in the past three years may be eligible to return to practise. Contact Katrina Philopoulos at Katrina.Philopoulos@nshealth.ca if you are interested.
Reference materials, posters, public education & PPE
The Department of Family Medicine – Family practice recommendations
NSHA COVID-19 quick reference for primary care providers (LINK document in folder)
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
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. Employees are working from home until April 8. 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)
Government of Canada
Nova Scotia Public Health offices
Canadian Medical Association