Coronavirus update - April 3, 2020

The COVID-19 situation in Nova Scotia is changing rapidly. Check the links at the bottom for the latest updates.

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.

Dear Doctor,

What’s new?

The State of Emergency in Nova Scotia has been extended until noon on April 19.

Fourteen new cases of COVID-19 were announced, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 207.
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 and more are expected
Five individuals are in hospital and 21 have recovered
To date, Nova Scotia has had 8,234 negative test results
Nationally, there are 11,747 cases (11,732 confirmed) and 152 deaths from COVID-19. The virus continues to spread globally
- The federal government has signed an agreement with Amazon Canada to distribute medical supplies and equipment to the provinces
- The Canadian Forces are being sent to northern Quebec to help communities prepare for COVID-19 outbreaks
- The federal government is sending $100 million to food banks and organizations like the Salvation Army to help Canadians facing food insecurity

DHW posters and public information

Income stabilization
Doctors Nova Scotia continues to advocate for income stabilization for fee-for-service family doctors and specialists. On March 30, Dr. Gary Ernest formally submitted a proposal to Health Minister Randy Delorey. We are in discussions with the health minister and premier to finalize a plan that supports physicians who are providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to announce something early next week.

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. Meetings are daily at 1 p.m. and are open to all physicians. Click here for the Zoom meeting link

Special Zoom session: Monday, April 6 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. Alexa Bagnell on coping with kids at home during COVID-19. Click here for the Zoom meeting link.

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.

Webinars

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.

Reminders

NSHA Mental Health and Addictions launches online tool

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 at this time. 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.

Right PPE + right time = healthy providers
COVID-19 patients will be cared for in identified locations stocked with PPE. 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.

Phishing scams on the rise

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

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