Telehealth resources include a quick reference guide and medical malpractice resources for providers to operationalize telehealth. Patient resources for navigating telehealth include specific tips for participating in a video or audio visit. A telehealth vendor list is also provided.
Practice Support resources include guiding principles for in-person versus telehealth visits and several ACR coalition letters for advocacy actions, such as asking the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to put guardrails on step therapy.
Economic Support resources include federal guidance for the Paycheck Protection Program and CARES funding as they affect rheumatology practices. A video featuring ACR Insurance Subcommittee Chair Chris Phillips, MD, provides advice about sustaining your practice through the pandemic.
Insurance Advocacy resources include ongoing communications from the ACR to insurers on key issues, such as hydroxychloroquine access and telehealth concerns, and the burdens that requirements such as prior authorization pose during the pandemic
Sharing COVID-19 Practice Concerns
“As circumstances around practice and advocacy issues related to COVID-19 evolve, the task force members continue to update existing documents, while also creating new resources,” Dr. Weselman notes.
She says an integral factor in the success of this task force is understanding what rheumatologists and their patients are experiencing so issues can be addressed as soon as possible. Anyone experiencing COVID-19 related drug shortages, practice issues or any other problem is invited to share your comments and questions with the task force via email at [email protected].
Additional Resources
Follow COVID-19 breaking news and how developments are impacting rheumatology.
Carina Stanton is a freelance science journalist based in Denver.
