Dear Doctor,
What’s new?
Today, cabinet made a request to extend the State of Emergency in Nova Scotia until noon on April 19.
- Twenty new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 193.
- The province has launched a map and graphic presentation of the Nova Scotia cases
- 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
- Five individuals are in hospital and 16 have recovered
- To date, Nova Scotia has had 7,446 negative test results
- Possible exposures were reported at Eagles Funeral Home in Westville (March 15) and the Alma Fire Hall (March 15)
- Nationally, there are 10,132 cases (10,114 confirmed) and 127 deaths from COVID-19. The virus continues to spread globally
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 topic: Friday, April 3: Open discussion for all physicians. Click here for the Zoom meeting link.
Mental Health and Addictions launches online tool
Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) self-help is a free and private online resource available to all adults in Nova Scotia. It helps people build skills in stress management, mindfulness and problem solving, and offers strategies to develop helpful thinking patterns. For more information or to sign up, click here.
CMPA rebates now issued quarterly
Effective immediately, Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) rebates will be issued quarterly. This is a permanent change not specific to COVID-19, though many physicians are facing reduced income and cash flow issues due to the pandemic. Doctors Nova Scotia applauds the Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) for this change.
Once the $1,750 annual deductible has been met, eligible members will see rebates issued quarterly by direct deposit. The first deposit will be for January to March 2020 and will be issued in the spring. Watch for an upcoming MSI Physicians’ Bulletin for details.
Essential education on palliative care
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.
COVID-19 screening for health-care providers
Worried you may have COVID-19? Instead of calling 811, health-care providers can call a separate hotline to be screened for the virus. The hotline reduces demand on 811 and helps ensure providers are healthy and able to provide care safely. Call 1-833-750-0632.
Webinar:
Rescheduled to April 7: Public health update and PPE education
This two-hour webinar will provide the latest information and protocols from public health. Gain an understanding of the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and how its supply will be managed in Nova Scotia. REGISTER HERE for Tuesday, April 7 at 6-8 p.m.
Watch the April 1 webinar recording (Diving into virtual care: Tips for getting the most out of virtual care).
Reminders
Right PPE + right time = healthy providers
COVID-19 patients will be cared for in identified locations stocked with PPE rather than having PPE in all locations. Click here for more details.
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.
Virtual care codes for WCB patients
Effective March 13, three WCB fee codes can be used for virtual visits that are provided by telephone, hospital telehealth network or PHIA-compliant virtual care platform. See the April 1 MSI Physicians’ Bulletin for details.
Improved virtual care fees
All premium fees are also applicable. If the 03.03x code is more remunerative, bill the 03.03x code as outlined in the April 1 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 contact Katrina Philopoulos.
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
- 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