Chapter Updates regarding COVID 19

6.22.2020

We are using this page to add updates regarding our profession and COVID 19.

Please follow us on Facebook @rhodeislandapta for current updates as well.

As healthcare providers, you must make decisions regarding patient safety and the safety of yourself and loved ones. Below are some links to resources to assist you in maintaining care for your patients at the highest and safest level.

Most Current Updates:

REOPENING RI: CHARTING THE COURSE

Impact of COVID-19 on the Physical Therapy Profession

A Report From the American Physical Therapy Association

COVID – 19 Standards for Outpatient and Private Practice Clinics (Sept 2020)

Telehealth

Rhode Island specific:

Local and National Telehealth Guidelines (updated August 11)
What you need to know on billing and proiding telehealth
BCBS of RI TEMPORARY Telemedicine/Telehealth and Telephone Services for COVID-19 Crisis

It is expected this policy will be in effect until Wednesday, September 2, 2020 (formerly Friday, August 14, 2020)

TEMPORARY Telemedicine/Telehealth and Telephone Services During the COVID-19 Crisis
Neighborhood Health Plan Temporary Telehealth Policy (July 2)
National Resources:
CMS Guidance Allows PTs in Private Practice to Provide Services Via Telehealth (May 4)
Stay Up-to-Speed on Telehealth, Licensure Provisions, and Other State-Level Changes (April 10)
Charts from APTA Track Payer, Government PT Telehealth Policies
Where Things Stand: COVID-19 and Practice Guidance (March 31)
APTA RI Telehealth Seminar (outpatient / private practice and school based) April 7
- Recording
- David Pavao outline / resources
  APTA_RI_-_Telehealth_Info_Session_April_7_-_Dave_Pavao_outline_1.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions and Resources for Telehealth and Assistance for Small Businesses

Telehealth in Physical Therapy In Light of COVID-19 (March 16, 2020)
The use of telehealth is one approach that can help keep both patients and providers safe, but PTs and PTAs need to understand the current regulatory and payer telehealth landscape to decide whether telehealth is right — or even a possibility — for them. (And be sure to tell Congress to waive restrictions on the use of telehealth!)
Furnishing and Billing E-Visits: Addressing Your Questions
Recent waivers by CMS that allow for limited digital communication with patients have triggered a wave of questions. Here are our answers to 25 of the ones we hear most often.
A guide on specifics regarding Medicare billing and e-visits
HPSO: Risk Management Considerations in Telehealth and Telemedicine
HIPAA and Telehealth
Telehealth Ethics, Best Practice, and the Law: What You Need to Know
Telehealth and Physical Therapy: Merging of Practice and Technology in the New Frontier
APTA Position Paper on CONNECT for Health Act (.pdf)

CARES Act

HHS CARES Act provider relief deposit: attesting within 30 days of receipt.
https://covid19.linkhealth.com/#/step/1
Latest Relief Package: Unemployment Provisions
Summary of resources available for businesses during COVID-19 prepared by Mayforth Group

Pulmonary Rehab and Acute Care resources

Lines, Tubes, Ventilators and Diagnostic Screening For Stability vs Instability: Free course from ERI

Pulmonary Medicine and Rehabilitation resources provided by Sean Collins (editor in chief for Cardiopulmonary PT Journal)

General COVID 19 Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Coronavirus: Information for APTA Members
Coronavirus FAQs
Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers for Health Care Providers
ICD-10-CM Official Coding and Reporting Guidelines
Possible Roles for PTs and PTAs during the COVID-19 Pandemic
CMS Issues COVID-19 Guidance on Infection Control, Protective Equipment
Interim U.S. Guidance for Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure in a Healthcare Setting to Patients with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Steps Healthcare Facilities Can Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

APTA Statements
Letter From President Dunn on COVID-19 Impact
(March 20, 2020)This is a challenging time to be in health care. We need each other.
APTA Statement on Patient Care and Practice Management During COVID-19 Outbreak (March 17, 2020)
As actions are taken across the country to reduce the spread of COVID-19, a virus that spreads easily from close contact, APTA encourages physical therapists to use their professional judgment to determine when, where, and how to provide care, with the understanding this is not the optimal environment for care, for anyone involved.
Statement from CAPTE

Masks (April 4)

On March 31st Governor Raimondo stated that all health care providers should wear masks. On contacting the Health Care Commissioner for clarification the following message was provided:

RIDOH recommends that health providers wear masks if possible. They understand the supply issue and hope to have enough to distribute. The final thought was that agencies and facilities are providing their providers with masks if they have them.