KMS Update: COVID-19 vaccine availability, new PPP loans, and other updates

From KMS Executive Director Rachelle Colombo
While calendars bring new activities and resolutions, they rarely alter the challenges and opportunities before us as a mere matter of a date in time. And so, while we bid a hearty adieu to 2020, we greet 2021 with informed perspective and expectations for what might lie ahead. The medical community—and the world at large—has weathered much these last nine months and, like the rest of the globe, has been wearied by the experience and seeks hope of brighter days on the horizon.

KMS update: Advocacy Day postponed, new COVID-19 law provisions, and other updates

From KMS Executive Director Rachelle Colombo
Circumstances in our professional and day-to-day lives continue to change, perhaps more rapidly now than previously in the pandemic. The Kansas Legislature is, of course, affected by these circumstances as well, and is currently considering potential new approaches to their process—as well as a significantly revised schedule—to their work for the upcoming session. While we are in close communication with legislative leadership, it is too early to predict what shape their plans may take.

KMS update: COVID-19 vaccine updates

From KMS Executive Director Rachelle Colombo
The pandemic environment continues to evolve and, in many Kansas communities, COVID-19 infections are on the rise more than ever. KMS continues to work closely with state and federal leaders to gather and disseminate pertinent information and resources for you and your patients.

With FDA approval of the first vaccines this week, there is naturally heightened interest in how and when vaccinations will become available across Kansas. We know that many of you are getting questions from patients for which you do not yet have answers. Likewise, we know you want to ensure that you and your staff members can be vaccinated as soon as possible, so that you can provide the safest possible care for your patients.

KMS update: COVID-19 updates

CDC announces codes for COVID-19-related conditions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced six new ICD-10-CM codes to track conditions related to COVID-19. The new codes are intended to track: COVID-19 screenings; potential exposure to COVID-19; personal history of COVID-19; multi-system inflammatory syndrome; other systemic involvement of connective tissue; and pneumonia due to COVID-19. The codes will become effective Jan. 1, 2021. Full information is available here. 

KMS update: Resources for strain from COVID-19 fallout, Medicare 2021 webinar, and other updates

From KMS Executive Director Rachelle Colombo
While the elections are now at least partially behind us, the all too familiar tension and unpredictability of 2020 is lingering. Hospitals across the state are struggling to manage the influx of COVID-19 and other critical patients, which is creating staffing and capacity challenges in facilities. Our communities, neighbors, providers, and patients are fatigued—even as we head into the holiday season and expected resulting surges across the state. We know your practices are facing myriad challenges, first with PPE and protocols for COVID-19 care, then with surviving the shut down and securing financial resources. Now we face appropriately prioritizing the backlog and current demand of necessary medical  care for the spectrum of patients amid strained capacity. As you encounter these ongoing challenges, please know we continue to advocate for you each day as the environment evolves.

HHS extends compliance dates for information blocking requirements

Due to COVID-19, the federal government is extending compliance dates for a complex federal regulation aimed at ending information-blocking practices that impede the secure exchange and use of electronic health information by patients, doctors, and health care organizations.

On Oct. 29, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) released an interim final rule that extends the timeframe for implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act’s information blocking requirements to April 5, 2021 (45 CFR Part 171), (§ 170.401).

Webinar: What's New in Medicare 2021

The Kansas Medical Society—in partnership with the Missouri State Medical Association (MSMA) and WPS GHA—is hosting a webinar for members of KMS and MSMA on developments in Medicare coming in 2021. The webinar will be on Wednesday, January 20 from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

KMS update: Imminent cybercrime threat to U.S. health care providers

FBI advisory: Ransomware activity targeting health care and public health sectors
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and two other federal agencies are warning of an imminent cybercrime threat to U.S. health care providers, noting that several hospitals across the country have already been hit. In a joint advisory, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), FBI, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said they have credible information that cybercriminals are taking aim at health care providers and public health agencies amid the COVID-19 pandemic using Ryuk ransomware for financial gain. Physician practices, hospitals, and public health organizations are advised to take precautions to protect their networks from such threats.

KMS update: Election day, COVID-19 treatment and vaccination, and Advocacy Day precautions

From KMS Executive Director Rachelle Colombo
If there is one thing Americans can agree on, it is that we cannot finish election season soon enough. Layering local, state, and presidential politics on a year charged with so many divisive and difficult issues has added to overall exhaustion for most, and lack of interest in civic engagement for many. It can be hard to distinguish where to begin, who to support, and if it matters. While your vote is a personal decision, it also affects your profession and your patients — and it does matter.

KMS update: $20 billion in new Provider Relief Funds available

Applications for new Provider Relief Funds begin Monday
On Friday, the federal government announced that it will disburse another $20 billion in CARES Act Provider Relief Funds, with applications set to begin Monday, Oct. 5.

KMS update: COVID-19, Advocacy Day registration, and other updates

Board of Healing Arts seeks committee nominations
The Kansas Board of Healing Arts is seeking nominations for its Medicine and Surgery Review Committee #2. Committee members serve for two years reviewing standard of care investigations and providing preliminary opinions. The Board welcomes all specialties but is in particular need of family physicians, pediatricians, or other primary care specialties. Let us know if you are interested or you may contact the Board directly: Associate Disciplinary Counsel Katie Baylie, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

KMS update: COVID-19, Advocacy Day registration, and other updates

KMS Advocacy Day & Annual Meeting registration
Please register today for the Kansas Medical Society Advocacy Day & Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, as well as a networking event the evening prior. Attendees will meet with legislative leadership as well as one-on-one with your own representatives. You will also be able to meet with a number of specialty societies. We hope you will make plans to join your peers from across the state to network and learn how our collective advocacy shapes the practice of medicine in Kansas. Find more information and registration here: www.kmsonline.org/AdvocacyDay.

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) updates amid COVID-19

KMS has received numerous inquiries regarding Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) during shortages amid the COVID-19 response. We are working with federal, state, and local officials to address your questions and provide accurate responses given rapidly changing circumstances. We will post the latest PPE information here and in our periodic COVID-19 updates as we receive it, as well as respond to your individual questions by email.

Telehealth and other payor updates

On March 17, the Trump Administration announced expanded Medicare telehealth coverage that will enable beneficiaries to receive a wider range of health care services without having to travel to a health care facility. This temporary broadened telehealth access to Medicare patients (under the 1135 waiver authority and Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act), is effective March 6, 2020.

Suggested Resources for Maintaining Your Mental Health During COVID-19

As we continue to face challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, KMS seeks to support our membership with a variety of resources. The Federation of State Professionals’ Health Programs (PHP) and the KMS PHP has compiled the following list of free resources available that will hopefully assist you in maintaining your own health. If you need additional resources or emotional support, the KMS PHP staff can be reached 24 hours a day at (785) 235-2383.

Pay Dues Online

Credit card paying KMS dues

KMS on Twitter

RT @SBAgov: The deadline for eligible small businesses, nonprofits, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors to apply for a #COVID…
Jan 07 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @CDCgov: This has been a tough year, and we may feel anxious about the unknowns of what’s to come. Discover #HowRightNow to manage your…
Jan 04 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @KSFarmBureau: You’ll do anything to protect the ones you love – so wear masks, wash hands and keep a safe distance. #StoptheSpreadKansa…
Dec 29 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @kansashospitals: New digital assets are available on the Stop the Spread Kansas site. Resources are being widely adopted by communities…
Dec 21 • reply • retweet • favorite
#COVID19 cases continue to rise dramatically in #Kansas—together we can slow this dangerous trend. #MaskUp, practic… https://t.co/r5LKSBAprl
Dec 15 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @aafp: TOMORROW: The AAFP will cover the latest information on the #COVID19 vaccine process. Join us at 7 p.m. CST. @juliekwoodmd @AdaSt…
Dec 15 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @CDCgov: Wearing a mask is not hard. Breathing on a ventilator is. #COVID19 cases are rising fast. Do your part to slow the spread: 1) S…
Dec 15 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @AmerMedicalAssn: #Telehealth use skyrocketed during the #COVID19 pandemic. Learn how established infrastructures and lowering regulator…
Dec 15 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @KonzaHealth: Curious if you are a provider eligible for MIPS in 2020? CMS has updated their QPP participation status tool. Just enter y…
Dec 15 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @KDHE: Want to help health care workers & hospitals right now? Get your flu shot to keep yourself & your loved ones healthy – so that do…
Dec 15 • reply • retweet • favorite
#KansasPhysicians & other providers are working tirelessly to help those with #COVID19 get well again—all while con… https://t.co/cgDMzS17oI
Dec 04 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @KSFarmBureau: Kansas COVID-19 cases are rising quickly. We need to act now to stop the spread. Wear masks, wash hands, stay 6 feet apar…
Dec 02 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @CDCFlu: Getting a #fluvaccine will not prevent #COVID19, but it can save medical resources for the care of COVID-19 patients by reducin…
Nov 30 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @AmerMedicalAssn: Dec. 3 join AMA President @subailey and Peter Marks MD, PhD of the @US_FDA for a webinar on the latest developments on…
Nov 30 • reply • retweet • favorite
We can get through #COVID19 if we work together. #MaskUp, practice safe social distancing, and avoid large gatherin… https://t.co/yRx4BW2Oci
Nov 25 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @KSBOP: We're excited to announce we have received a three-year grant for K-TRACS program enhancements. Check out what we'll be working…
Nov 25 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @joshuamammen: Right now, the most important thing that we all can do to fight cancer in Kansas is to combat coronavirus #StopTheSpreadK…
Nov 25 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @KUHospitalNews: Coronavirus cases are surging in #Kansas right now – we can’t let this dangerous trend continue. Kansas hospitals, busi…
Nov 25 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @KDHE: Fighting antibiotic resistance is everyone's responsibility. Studies show perceived patient expectations can lead to antibiotic p…
Nov 24 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @CDCgov: Masks help prevent people from getting and spreading #COVID19. Masks are most effective when widely used in the community. Lear…
Nov 24 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @KSFarmBureau: Kansas Farm Bureau is part of a statewide public awareness campaign urging Kansans to do their part in slowing the rate o…
Nov 24 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @KHCqi: Overuse & misuse of antibiotics leads to #AntibioticResistance—a major threat to public health. We are all part of the problem,…
Nov 23 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @KansasChamber: @KansasChamber is partnering w @kansashospitals @KsMedSoc and @KSFarmBureau to raise awareness about the steps we all…
Nov 23 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @GovLauraKelly: A mask is a tool to protect yourself and your loved ones. Thanks to @KansasChamber, @kansashospitals, @KsMedSoc, @KSFa…
Nov 23 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @SecNorman: After more than 8 months of nonstop work battling this virus, our brave doctors, nurses and vital health care workers face f…
Nov 23 • reply • retweet • favorite
Physicians & other providers are working tirelessly to help those who contract #COVID19 get well again—all while co… https://t.co/enw8vNJekW
Nov 20 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @CMSGov: 60 million Americans live in #rural areas and face unique challenges when combatting #COVID19. Find resources to help keep your…
Nov 19 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @KHCqi: Today is the first day of #UseAntibioticsWisely Week. If we continue to overuse and misuse antibiotics, the problem of #Antibiot…
Nov 18 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @US_FDA: Today, we issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the first #COVID19 diagnostic test that allows for self-collection &…
Nov 18 • reply • retweet • favorite
RT @CDCemergency: While there is not yet an authorized or approved vaccine to prevent #COVID19 in the U.S., @CDCgov is focused on #vaccine…
Nov 18 • reply • retweet • favorite

Resources

mod practice tools

News & Events

mod news events

Join KMS

mod join kms