What's new?

• Today, 17 new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 90.
• Most cases are from travel or close contact, with people ranging in age from under 10 to mid-70s Public health cannot confirm that cases are linked to community spread
• Two individuals are in hospital and three have recovered
• To date, Nova Scotia has had 3,649 negative test results. Testing has expanded to include:
  • anyone referred by 811 to an assessment centre
  • all close contacts of people who test positive
  • people in hospital that meet the criteria for testing

Billing rules for virtual care by residents
During the pandemic, virtual care provided by residents can be billed in the same way as care provided in a face-to-face visit using the fee codes and billing rules communicated in the March 24, 2020 MSI Physician's Bulletin, provided that the resident and supervising physician are co-located.

Residents are not able to bill the new pandemic virtual care fee code 03.03x, as communicated in the March 18, 2020 MSI Physician's Bulletin. This code is only available for physician use.

Full details can be found in the March 27, 2020 MSI Physician's Bulletin.

Virtual care webinar
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: April 1, 2020 from 6-8 p.m.  Register here

Webinar recording
Watch the March 26 session recording (Recommendations for running an office-based practice in response to COVID-19).

A letter to Nova Scotians from Dr. Strang
“My fellow Nova Scotians, COVID-19 is an unprecedented and rapidly evolving situation, and I recognize this is a scary time for Nova Scotians.” Read the full message

Reduced room rate – The DoubleTree by Hilton
The DoubleTree by Hilton (101 Wyse Road, Dartmouth) is offering a reduced room rate of $60 per night for physicians/medical personnel, particularly those with young children or vulnerable family members. Contact general manager Jeff Dursi at 902-464-5410 or email jeff.dursi@hilton.com, or call the hotel directly at 902-463-1100.

Information hubs to watch

• Nova Scotia Health Authority updates and service cancellations
• IWK updates and service cancellations
• Doctor Nova Scotia updates and information (webinar recordings, DNS updates)
• Department of Health and Wellness (public)

Reminders

• In the workplace, physicians are exempt from the social distancing rule of two metres and the gathering limit of less than five people
• N-95 masks are only required when doing aerosol generating medical procedures
• As of 11:00 a.m. (EST) on March 27 there are 4,018 confirmed and 25 presumptive cases and 39 deaths of COVID-19 in Canada. The virus continues to spread globally
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators are on order through a national procurement program

Repatriating retired physicians
Doctors who have retired in the past three years may be eligible to return to practise. Contact Katrina Philopoulos.

Improved virtual care fees
Find details in the March 24 MSI Physician’s Bulletin. All premium fees are also applicable, though this is not stated in the bulletins. If the 03.03x code is more remunerative than the applicable in-person fee code, bill the 03.03x code as outlined in the March 18 MSI Physician’s Bulletin.

Cross-border restrictions – clarification
Physicians and other health-care workers who have travelled outside of Nova Scotia must self-isolate for 14 days. Physicians in self-isolation may work from home via telephone, Telehealth and secure video. The only exception is for 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. 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.

DNS COVID-19 webinars CME accredited
Attendees must complete an evaluation for the series. Please note the date of the webinar when providing comments in the comment boxes. You may submit more than one evaluation.

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

Additional Resources:
811 assessment – when to call (advice for patients)
Government of Canada
Nova Scotia Public Health offices
Canadian Medical Association