Dear Doctor,
What’s new?
- Today, 31 new cases of COVID-19 were announced, 29 on Sunday and 26 on Saturday, bringing the total in Nova Scotia to 293.
- Cases range in people aged from under 10 to over 90. Community spread is confirmed
- The province announced more options for testing of COVID-19: temporary primary assessment centres (in communities with more known cases), EHS assessment units, a mobile assessment centre and expanded lab testing
- Ten individuals are in hospital and 64 have recovered
- To date, Nova Scotia has had 10,218 negative test results. The lab is now running 24-7, processing 1,000 tests per day
- View a map and graphic presentation of the Nova Scotia cases
- Directive to long-term care and residential homes to screen staff and residents one to two times per day (includes taking temperature), report all respiratory illness to public health, screen new admissions and follow physical distancing measures
- Nationally, there are 15,822 cases (15,806 confirmed) and 293 deaths from COVID-19.
- Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam recommends people wear non-medical masks in public to prevent pre- and asymptomatic spread, and to continue other important measures, such as hand washing and physical distancing
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expects equipment shipments from the United States to be delivered
- The youngest Canadian to die of COVID-19 was a woman in her 20s from Alberta
Telehealth Zoom privacy and security response
The Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) conducted a privacy impact assessment and Telehealth Zoom is compliant with the province’s privacy legislation. The NSHA will continue to monitor the situation to act on any new issues or concerns.
Income stabilization
Doctors Nova Scotia continues to advocate for income stabilization for fee-for-service family doctors and specialists. We hope to announce something early this week.
Daily Zoom meetings: Coping with COVID-19
Join Drs. Jaqueline Kinley and John Chiasson for daily online meetings 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: Wednesday, April 8 at 4–5 p.m. – Dr. Nicole Herschenhous on mindfulness for physicians: back to basics. Click here for the Zoom meeting link. Password is required: 050891
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. Call 1-833-750-0632.
Reduced room rate – Best Western Plus Dartmouth
The Best Western Plus Dartmouth Hotel and Suites is offering a reduced room rate of $69 per night for health-care professionals needing accommodations during this time. Contact the hotel at 902-463-2000.
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. When: Tuesday, April 7 at 6-8 p.m. REGISTER HERE
COVID-19 and long-term care: Discussions with residents and families
Join Dr. Paige Moorhouse to discuss how advanced care planning is key to ensuring health-care professionals and family members have the information they need to make decisions and provide the best care possible. When: Thursday, April 9 at 6–8 p.m. REGISTER HERE
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
Courtesy of Pallium Canada and the CMA, six free Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative Care (LEAP) modules are available. 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.
Virtual care codes for WCB patients
Effective March 13, three WCB fee codes can be used for virtual visits. 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. See the March 27 MSI Physicians’ Bulletin.
Repatriating retired physicians contact Katrina Philopoulos.
Request from the Pharmacy Association of Nova Scotia (PANS)
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
- Proper handwashing poster
- Information on how to self-isolate
- Social distancing best practices
- Social distancing poster
- Vulnerable populations and 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
- Nova Scotia Health Authority updates and service cancellations
- IWK updates and service cancellations
- Doctor Nova Scotia updates and information
- Department of Health and Wellness
- 811 assessment – when to call
- Government of Canada
- Nova Scotia Public Health offices
- Canadian Medical Association