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The economic, moral, and physical toll the COVID-19 outbreak is taking on the physician community is undeniable, but also not well known by some lawmakers. During the debate on the stimulus bill passed by the Senate last evening, MSDC joined the American Medical Association, the other 50 state medical societies, and numerous specialty societies in advocating for support for physician practices.

The letter, seen here, outlined four areas of need for physicians during this crisis:

1. Requiring all insurers, including ERISA plans, to provide coverage and payment for audio-only telehealth visits with patients at the same level as in-person visits.
2. Providing financial support to physician practices involved in diagnosing and treating COVID-19 patients
3. Providing financial support to physician practices experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19
4. Ensuring every physician and healthcare worker has access to PPE

To help local physicians, MSDC is helping with the following resources:

• A website dedicated to professional and personal resources for physicians dealing with the COVID-19 crisis (here)
• A webinar on Friday, March 27 at noon with local attorneys and CPAs to provide current regulatory information for physician practices facing challenges
• Advocacy to the Council and District government to protect physician practices during this challenging time

For more information please contact our office with ways we can assist your practice during these challenging times.