NEWS

Information re: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Apr 25, 2020 | News

PLEASE NOTE: As of June 12, 2020, this page is no longer being updated. Resources and links below may longer be active nor available.

All new information for PROVIDERS related to COVID-19 after Friday, June 12, 2020 can be found on FCAAP’s Provider Resources page.

All new information for PARENTS related to COVID-19 after Friday, June 12, 2020 can be found on FCAAP’s Parent Resources page.

Call to Action – 4.22.20
Now is a critical time to outline the urgent needs of children, families and pediatricians across the country. This week, the AAP did just that and sent this letter to congressional leaders, making clear the immediate actions lawmakers must take to protect public health. The letter outlines a number of AAP’s policy priorities. Among them, the Academy insists on policies to keep pediatric offices open and increase Medicaid funding to ensure children and families can get covered during the crisis. Please join FCAAP and AAP in amplifying these priorities to your members of Congress.

If you are a member of the national AAP, go to federaladvocacy.aap.org and click on “Protect Children, Families and Pediatricians in Future Coronavirus Legislation” under Key Issues to access an email template to guide your outreach to your legislators. If you are not a member of the national AAP, you can use this template letter to draft an email to send to your members of Congress. You may add some or all of this additional language specific to vaccinations, Medicaid payment parity, and global child health as you are interested. You can find your members of Congress here (email forms are available on each member’s website). During these challenging times, thank you very much for advocating on behalf of children, families, and pediatricians.

Executive Order – Phase 2: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery
On Wednesday, June 3, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-139 regarding Phase 2: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery. It is important to note that current business restrictions for Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties remain in place until future notice.

FCAAP COVID-19 Florida Pediatric Health Care Provider Forums

With the COVID-19 pandemic quickly spreading through the country, information and recommendations are changing daily. While up-to-date information, resources, and recommendations are available on the Chapter’s COVID-19 Provider Resources page, the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics created a weekly webinar forum series to address some of the most frequently asked questions we received. These weekly forums provided Florida’s pediatric health care providers an opportunity to have their questions related to COVID-19 answered live by FCAAP experts and guest speakers. Replays of all sessions in the COVID-19 Florida Pediatric Health Care Provider Forum series can be found below.

Future Forums
Based upon feedback from attendees, FCAAP will continue these 30-minute weekly forums to connect with members on a bi-monthly basis beginning in July 2020. To view a complete list of dates, topics, and speakers, click here.

Below is FCAAP’s compilation of resource materials for providers on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This list is updated as new information becomes available.

Telehealth Resources:

Well-Child Visits Provided Via Telemedicine During the COVID-19 State of Emergency – 5.29.20
Telemedicine Payor Guide – 4.3.2020
Telemedicine Detailed Payor Coverage – 4.3.2020
Disclaimer: The information above is subject to change daily, individual contracts may vary, and the 30-90 day periods for waivers will vary between payors.

“Update: Telemedicine Guidance for Early Intervention Services” 4.27.20
“AHCA Medicaid Telemedicine Guidance for Medical and Behavioral Health Providers” 3.18.20
“AHCA Medicaid Telemedicine Flexibilities for Behavioral Health Providers” 4.16.20
“Current Telemedicine Payer Chart” from UF Health Jacksonville
“Florida COVID-19 Payment Resources” from the FMA
“FCC adopts $200 million COVID-19 telehealth program” from the FMA
“The Physicians Foundation Announces The Telehealth Initiative to Improve Access to Quality Health Care”
CMS Expanded Telehealth Benefits for Medicare Beneficiaries During COVID-19 Outbreak:
Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions
“Medicaid State Plan Fee-for-Service Payments for Services Delivered Via Telehealth” from CMS
“General Medicaid Telehealth Guidance” from CMS
“AAP Guidance: Telehealth Payer Policy in Response to COVID-19”
“Telehealth and COVID-19” AAP webinar by Dr. Sue Kressly
“Coding During the COVID-19 Pandemic” AAP webinar by Drs. Jeffrey Linzer & Linda Parsi
AAP Online Telehealth Compendium
AAP Guidance on the Necessary Use of Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):
All CMS Issued Updates
HHS COVID-19 Funding and Guidance Updates- 4-6-2020
COVID-19 Stakeholder Call Recording/Transcripts
Regulatory Changes to Help U.S. Healthcare System Address COVID-19 Patient Surge 3.30.20
Additional Background on Regulatory Changes 3.30.20
“CMS COVID-19 flexibilities”
“CMS Approves First State Request for 1135 Medicaid Waiver in Florida”
“Florida 1135 Waiver on Medicaid.gov”
“Coverage and Benefits Related to COVID-19 Medicaid and CHIP”
“Medicaid & CHIP COVID-19 FAQs – Updated 3.18.20”
“Coronavirus (COVID-19) Partner Toolkit”
“COVID-19 New Tools To Help Speed States’ Access to Emergency Flexibilities and Resources”
“COVID-19 Elective Surgeries and Non-Essential Procedures Recommendations”
“How Can Medicaid Enhance State Capacity to Respond to COVID-19?” by the Kaiser Family Foundation

Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA):
All AHCA Issued COVID-19 Alerts
“Policy Transmittal 2020-18 Re: COVID-19 State of Emergency: Coverage of Services and Other Provisions”
“Guidance for Delivering PPEC Services in Home Settings During the COVID-19 Emergency”
“Change in Electronic Visit Verification due to COVID-19 Emergency”
“COVID-19: Maintain Medicaid Recipient Eligibility and Extend Time to Complete Application Process”
“Medicaid Coverage of Coronavirus Laboratory Testing Update: New Procedure Codes and Rapid Testing” 4.27.20

State of Florida Response:
6.3.2020 Executive Order – Phase 2: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery
On Wednesday, June 3, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-139 regarding Phase 2: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery. It is important to note that current business restrictions remain in place for Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties until future notice.

Governor DeSantis’ Executive Orders
Re-Open Florida Task Force Final Report
“State of Florida Coronavirus Emergency Order”
“State of Florida Executive Order 20-72 – Non-essential Elective Medical Procedures”
“Keeping Floridians Informed About Coronavirus” from Florida Senator Rick Scott
“State Action on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Related Legislation” from NCSL
“State-by-State Public Health Resources” interactive map from the NGA
“All Florida Driver Licenses Expiring in the Next 30 Days Extended” from FLHSMV
“COVID-19: Your Questions Answered – The CARES Act” from Florida Senator Rick Scott

Florida Department of Health:
“FDOH COVID-19 Dashboard” – updated twice daily
“COVID-19”
“DOH Emergency Order 20-002 COVID-19”
“Enhanced Surveillance and Preparedness for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)”
“The State of Florida Issues COVID-19 Updates” 3.19.20
COVID-19 Call Center: call 1 (866) 779-6121 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov
The Call Center is available 24/7.

Florida Division of Emergency Management:
FloridaDisaster.org
Sign up for email updates from the Florida State Emergency Response Team

Florida Healthy Kids:
Florida Healthy Kids Takes Proactive Steps to Protect Members During Covid-19 Outbreak

White House Task Force COVID-19 Response
Coronavirus.gov

USDA Food & Nutrition Service:
“FNS Program Guidance on Human Pandemic Response”

American Academy of Pediatrics:
“COVID-19 Clinical Guidance Q&A”
Link to all AAP News coverage
Red Book Online “2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infections”
“Preparedness Checklist for Pediatric Practices”
“CDC updates guidance on PPE for health care personnel”
“Critical Updates on COVID-19”
“Fighting Racism and Discrimination in the Wake of Coronavirus”
“COVID-19 Talking Points for Media Relations” AAP Member Log In Required
“Responding to Coronavirus in Pediatric Practice- A Message from AAP President Dr. Sally Goza”
“Revised abusive head trauma policy calls for continued vigilance, advocacy”
“AAP guidance on infants born to mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19”
“AAP updates guidance on newborns whose mothers have suspected or confirmed COVID-19”
AAP COVID-19 Discussion Boards – AAP Member Log In Required
COVID-19 Webinars for Pediatricians
“Responding to the Needs of Youth Involved With the Justice System During the COVID-19 Pandemic”
“COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Return to In-person Education in Schools”
“AAP guidance on school reopening addresses physical and mental health, instructional time”
“American Academy of Pediatrics Offers Guidance on School Reopenings”
“Study details COVID-19 characteristics, co-infections in children”
“Guidance on Providing Pediatric Well-Care During COVID-19”
“AAP urges vaccination as rates drop due to COVID-19”
“CDC details COVID-19-related inflammatory syndrome in children“

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
“Coronavirus”
“Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Children”
“Interim Guidance on Breastfeeding for a Mother Confirmed or Under Investigation For COVID-19”
“Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Pregnancy”
“Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)”
“Information for Healthcare Professionals”
“Community Mitigation Guidelines to Prevent Pandemic Influenza — United States, 2017”
“Updated Guidance on Evaluating and Testing Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)”
“Travel Health Notices”
“Information for Pediatric Healthcare Providers”
“Maintaining Childhood Immunizations During COVID-19 Pandemic”
“Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Update—Information for Clinicians Caring for Children and Pregnant Women” Webinar Playback
“Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Pediatric Vaccine Ordering and Administration”
“Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)”

National Briefing with CDC, Johns Hopkins Medicine, UC Davis Health: COVID 19 Briefing with Chronic Disease Community
Learn from experts about why the COVID-19 virus can put people with chronic conditions/diseases at higher risk for complications. The recording of the webinar, slides from the presentation, and additional FAQs can be found here.

CDC Guidelines for Re-Opening Services
Schools
Child Care Programs
Camps
Workplaces
Mass Transit
Restaurants and Bars

National Institutes of Health: “Coronavirus (COVID-19)”

National Library of Medicine: “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)”

World Health Organization: “Coronavirus”

Trackers:
Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering:
“Map Tracks Coronavirus Outbreak in Near Real Time”
Desktop version
Mobile version

Institute for Health Metrics & Evaluation:
COVID-19 Projected Hospital Resource Use Tracker

Institute for County Government/Florida Association of Counties:
COVID-19 County Response Dashboard

Florida Department of Health:
Florida’s COVID-19 Data and Surveillance Dashboard

Florida Medical Association:
Coronavirus Drive-Through Testing Sites by County – updated daily

Continuing Education:

From the American Board of Pediatrics:
In June of 2020, the ABP will award 25 Part 2 points and 25 Part 4 points to all pediatricians maintaining certification to recognize the commitment to lifelong learning and improvement during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no documentation necessary from you, and these points will be visible in your ABP Portfolio in early June.

For additional information about how COVID-19 has impacted MOCA-Peds, MOC fees, proctored exams, and more, please visit the ABP website.

From Nemours Children’s Health System:
Nemours Children’s Health System has launched a pediatric COVID-19 evidence based literature online resource featuring freely available, evidence-based articles and guidance selected by Nemours faculty and medical librarians for pediatricians. This database is updated bi-weekly and all articles are available in full text. Physicians also have the ability to claim CME credit relating to their search for pediatric evidence.
Access the Nemours Pediatric COVID-19 Evidence Based Resource here.

From the Florida Medical Association:
The FMA has teamed up with AKH, Inc., Advancing Knowledge in Healthcare to offer a free online CME course, Identification and Containment of the Coronavirus: COVID-19. This text-based course reviews the current data on emerging coronavirus, and highlights best practices for identification and management of patients exposed to coronavirus.

Clinical Resources:

From the Florida Academy of Family Physicians:
Return to Clinic: A Pragmatic Approach to Resuming Face-to-Face Visits
Thursday, May 14 – 8pm EST
Webinar will review relative guidance from the CDC, AMA, and AAFP for a safe-return to seeing in-person visits; discuss medical liability and malpractice concerns; and discuss lessons learned from a DPC as well as large employed group viewpoint. Register here.

From FCAAP:
Promising Practices

From the American Academy of Pediatrics:
All AAP COVID-19 Webinars for Pediatricians
“COVID-19 Pandemic – Clinical Guidance for Pediatric Practices” recorded webinar by Dr. Ann-Christine Nyquist
“Talking to and Supporting Children During a Pandemic” recorded webinar by Dr. David Schonfeld
“Disaster Management for the Pediatrician in the COVID-19 Response” recorded webinar by Dr. Joelle N. Simpson
“Caring for Children with Complex Medical Conditions During COVID-19” recorded webinar by Dr. Elizabeth Lucas
“Child Abuse in the COVID-19 Era” recorded webinar by Dr. Suzanne B. Haney
“Addressing Family Mental Health Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic” recorded webinar by Dr. Vera Frances “Fan” Tait
“Resilience in Stressful Times and Connecting During Times of Trauma” recorded webinar by Dr. Vera Frances “Fan” Tait

From California Chapter 1, American Academy of Pediatrics:
“Talkshow: COVID-19 Overview & Update” video by Dr. Dean Blumberg and Dr. Lena van der List

From the Palm Beach County Medical Society:
“COVID-19: the Facts” video by Dr. Larry Bush

From Anytime Pediatrics:
“Pediatric Community Response to COVID-19 Using Virtual Care” recorded webinar by Drs. Mobeen Rathore, Susan Sirota, and Mick Connors.
“Pediatricians Lead Community Response to COVID-19 Using Virtual Care 2.0” recorded webinar by Drs. Mobeen Rathore, Susan Sirota, Barton Schmitt, and Mick Connors.

From HIPPO Education:
“HIPPO COVID-19 resource hub”

Pediatric Overflow Planning Contingency Response Network (POPCoRN)
POPCoRN is a multi-institutional collaboration to help support the safe offloading of adult patients to pediatric facilities. Our mission is for pediatric providers and health systems to have access to tools and the community necessary to care for adult patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more.

National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) COVID-19 Webinar Series
In this webinar series, NETEC highlights subject matter experts who have been immersed in the many challenges and topics around COVID-19, including: Telemedicine Innovations; Care of Labor and Delivery Patients; Healthcare Workers and Masks; Caring for Pediatric Patients; Care for Caregivers; Laboratory Operations, Challenges and Innovations; and more. All NETEC recordings and upcoming events can be found here.

Does your office have an infection control/emergency preparedness plan?
All medical offices should have infection control and emergency preparedness plans. Review these recommendations from The Doctors Company on how to proceed if a patient with suspected COVID-19 seeks care in your office.

Webinar: Preparing for COVID-19 – Infection Control for Outpatient Settings
This on demand training from Layer Compliance™ by Caek covers the infection control policies and procedures that Infection Control Officers/Coordinators should review to minimize the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Register here.

What should private offices do now with febrile kids with a cough?
Dr. Mobeen Rathore, Wolfson Children’s Hospital’s Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, recommends considering several strategies:
1. Triage by phone at time of scheduling is most important
2. Ask patients to wait in their vehicle until time to be seen
3. Telemedicine
4. Schedule sick visits in the afternoon or end of the day

From Headspace:
Headspace is offering all US healthcare professionals, who work in public health settings, free access to their Headspace Plus meditation platform through 2020. Click here to subscribe.

#GetUsPPE – Request, Donate, Make, and Advocate for PPE

From the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County:
Child Care Scholarships for Emergency Personnel

Business Resources:

Promote Pediatric Wellness & Preventative Care with the Back to the Office Toolkit
FCAAP recognizes that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been many changes to pediatric practices. With guidance from the Florida Department of Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, FCAAP has been offering guidance to pediatricians throughout the state on ways to continue to safely care for their patients in the midst of the pandemic. FCAAP believes in the value and importance of well child visits and the role preventative care plays to keep children healthy. With that in mind, FCAAP created this toolkit to provide pediatricians with easy to use resources to reach out to families.

SBA Paycheck Protection Program
Paycheck Protection Program Fact Sheet – 5.13.20
Paycheck Protection Program Application
HHS CARES Act Provider Relief Fund site for provider inquiries and payment attestation portal through United Health Group
HHS Medicaid Provider Distribution Instructions 6.11.20
HHS Medicaid Provider Distribution Application 6.11.20
HHS Medicaid Targeted Distribution FAQs 6.11.20
U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship Guide to the CARES Act
U.S. Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Emergency Loan Information
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program
Florida Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Resource Center
AAP Pediatric Practice Management Tips During the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 Updates and Resources from Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. Certified Public Accountants
Free legal services for healthcare workers from Legal Advocacy for Medical Providers Foundation, Inc. (LAMP)
FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) tips to protect yourself from COVID-19 fraud schemes
Free Comprehensive Family Trust and waived trust funding fees from Wiser Estate Plan

What the Stimulus Package Means for Small Businesses & Nonprofits
Webinar replay – U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and U.S. Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y., discuss parts of a new federal stimulus law designed to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations.

From Pediatric Management Institute:

The Business Impact of COVID-19 On Pediatric Practices Webinar Series
This recorded webinar series by PMI’s Paulie Vanchiere and PCC’s Chip Hart discusses financial and operational issues Pediatric practices are facing as COVID-19 continues to evolve.

“The Business Impact Of COVID-19 On Pediatric Practices -Part 1”
Tangible action items every Pediatric practice needs to consider over the coming days, weeks, and months.

“The Business Impact Of COVID-19 On Pediatric Practices -Part 2”
Human Resource issues as related to staff and providers.

“The Business Impact Of COVID-19 On Pediatric Practices -Part 3”
Special guest Dr. Suzanne Berman discusses SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program, data trends, future impacts, well visit updates, & legal issues.

“The Business Impact Of COVID-19 On Pediatric Practices -Part 4”
Special guest Dr. Christoph Diasio discusses financial and operational issues Pediatric practices are facing as COVID-19 continues to evolve and provides tangible action items every Pediatric practice needs to consider moving forward.

“The Business Impact Of COVID-19 On Pediatric Practices -Part 5”
Special guests Nneka Unachuwku, M.D, FAAP (Dr. Una) and Fernando Ysern, MD, FAAP discuss updates on SBA loan options for practices, data trends, future impacts, well visit updates, Telemedicine updates, and effective leadership during this time.

“The Business Impact Of COVID-19 On Pediatric Practices – Part 6”
Special guests Colleen Kraft, MD, MBA, FAAP; Moira Szilagyi, MD, PhD, FAAP; and Mobeen Rathore, MD, FAAP discuss the issues Pediatric organizations are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Business Impact Of COVID-19 On Pediatric Practices – Part 7”
Special guests Sogol Pahlavan, MD, FAAP; Michael Chamberlin, MD, FAAP; and Todd Wolynn, MD, FAAP focus on marketing efforts practices around the country have utilized to engage with patients during the COVID19 pandemic and the impact their efforts have made to continue providing care for children.

“The Business Impact Of COVID-19 On Pediatric Practices – Part 8”
Special Guests Nola Jean Ernest, MD, PhD, FAAP; Jesse Hackell, MD, FAAP; and Jan Blanchard, CPC, CPEDC, CPMA discuss marketing efforts and their impacts during the COVID19 pandemic. Dr. Hackell discusses medical malpractice issues Pediatricians need to be mindful of during the pandemic.

“The Business Impact Of COVID-19 On Pediatric Practices – Part 9”
Special guests Susan Sirota, MD, FAAP; Kerry Fierstein, MD, FAAP; and Jeanne Marconi, MD, FAAP discuss the issues Pediatric organizations are facing as well as a follow up on key items discussed in the last webinar.

FCAAP’s COVID-19 Parent Resources Page

Mental Health Amidst the Pandemic

In a commentary published in The Lancet, Dr. David Gunnell, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Bristol, and others wrote, “The pandemic will cause distress and leave many people vulnerable to mental health problems and suicidal behaviour. Mental health consequences are likely to be present for longer and peak later than the actual pandemic.”

Many teens are experiencing disappointment as events like prom, graduation ceremonies, school trips and college visits are canceled or postponed due to the pandemic, and may need increased support for depression during this time. AAP provides this article, Helping Teens Navigate Disappointment In Uncertain Times, which provides tips to help teens. Through the HP2020 grant project, led by Dr. Madeline Joseph and Dr. Elise Fallucco, FCAAP produced this training to help pediatricians identify and treat adolescent depression.

FCAAP COVID-19 FAQ Answers
During FCAAP’s COVID-19 Florida Health Care Provider Forum series, FCAAP members were able to submit their questions related to COVID-19 to be answered live during each session as time permitted. FCAAP’s pediatric experts reviewed all unanswered questions following each session and provided guidance in this FAQ section.

FAQ Answers – Week #1
FAQ Answers – Week #2
FAQ Answers – Week #4

The information provided on this page is subject to change without notice based upon new information, resources, and directives from federal, state, and local authorities and medical experts. While FCAAP will do its best to update information that has been changed due to the issuance of new guidance and directives, there will be a delay in such updates and we cannot guarantee that all information will be updated to reflect such changes. This information is provided only as general guidance and is not being offered as a medical or legal opinion.