MSDC Joins AMA Telehealth Immersion program

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

MSDC Joins AMA Telehealth Immersion program

Apr 28, 2021, 08:27 AM by MSDC Staff

MSDC is partnering with the AMA to offer DC physicians and practices training and tips for how to best use telemedicine.

The Telehealth Immersion Program, part of the STEPS Forward Innovation Academy, is the American Medical Association (AMA)’s newest offering to guide physicians, practices, and health systems in optimizing and sustaining telehealth at their organizations. The Medical Society of DC is excited to participate as a collaborator of the program and would like to share this opportunity with those that are interested.

Using the Telehealth Initiative as a framework, the Telehealth Immersion Program will provide foundational information surrounding the telehealth landscape and offer deep dives into aspects of telehealth including, but not limited to, clinical use cases, integration with other healthcare technologies, the impact of telehealth related to elements of the quadruple aim, how to successfully scale and sustain telehealth in practice, and virtual care expansion opportunities. Through a series of curated webinars, interactive peer-to-peer learning sessions, virtual discussions, bootcamps, and on-demand resources, the Telehealth Immersion Program offers a comprehensive curriculum and enhanced experience navigating the world of telehealth alongside peers nationwide. This program is mission driven and available to physicians, practices, and health systems at no-cost. Interested in learning more? Register now for the upcoming program introductory session.

Introduction to the AMA Telehealth Immersion Program
Date: May 11, 2021, 12–12:45 p.m. Eastern
Description: The AMA Telehealth Immersion Program is designed to support physicians, practices, and health systems in optimizing and sustaining successful telehealth programs. Join this webinar session to learn more about the program, what you can expect, and how to get involved/participate.
Register now.

Visit the Telehealth Immersion Program website for more information and to sign up for available sessions. Registration is now open for the following topics: measuring the value of virtual care, clinical case study: telehealth for mental and behavioral health, healthcare technology & the human connection, and implementing innovative solutions with an equity lens. Additional sessions will continually be added. Please visit our website regularly for updates.

Contact the AMA at digital.health@ama-assn.org with any questions.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.