Frontline Perspectives: COVID-19 & OMM 

The AOA and American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) have partnered to offer a new online learning activity with first-hand accounts from the frontlines. Hugh M. Ettlinger, DO and OMM residency director at Saint Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, New York and his colleagues share surprising insights from treating COVID-19 patients with OMM. Participants can earn 0.75 AOA 1-B credit or 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit through this activity. Enroll here.


AOA Telemedicine Guide Update

The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred the need for telemedicine. To help physicians with this transition, we have updated our Telemedicine Guide, with the latest guidance from CMS and private payers, including the latest billing codes and guidance on acceptable telehealth platforms. For additional updates, including information on the latest telemedicine webinars, please visit our telemedicine page on osteopathic.org.


CMS Updates


The AOA has compiled a digest of the latest updates from CMS this week including: provider relief fund deadline extensions, updated COVID-19 fact sheets, modified COVID-19 laboratory test ordering requirements, new video FAQ for telehealth payment, and a new Medicaid & CHIP COVID-19 FAQ for State Medicaid and CHIP Agencies.


COVID-19 Funding


Instrumentl, a company founded in 2014 with the purpose of searching for grants for nonprofits and academics, has posted COVID-19 related grants for 501(c)(3) organizations. Funding for these grants come from corporate, private, state and federal sources. Instrumentl provides a project management tool to help save grants, store notes, set deadline reminders and track progress.

 View available grants.


COVID-19 Funding: Heroes Act Information

Work is currently underway to develop the next round of federal COVID-19 legislation. Earlier this week, the United States House of Representatives introduced H.R. 6800, the ‘‘Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act’’ (HEROES Act). This $3 trillion package includes significant funding and far-reaching economic and societal policies. This bill only marks the start of the process. It was developed by House Democrats and negotiations with Senate Republicans and the White House are just beginning. Learn more about the bill and how it can impact you. 
Upcoming Online CME Opportunity: COVID-19 and Smoking 

Speakers from the CDC and Henry Ford Medical Center will share the latest evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on current and former smokers, and provide tips to initiate cessation conversations with patients in the current environment. This free live webinar will be held May 18, 12:30 p.m. ET. Participants can earn 1.0 AOA Category 1-A CME credit or 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. Register here. 
CME Webinar: Physician Contract Issues in Light of COVID-19
Gain insight into physician rights during the pandemic. Contracted physicians have been asked to accept less pay, change their hours, or furlough while others have been terminated. On Wednesday, May 20 at 7 p.m. CT, Ericka Adler, JD, will explain physicians’ rights and contract options during this special webinar. Register for the live session here. Optional AOA Category 2-B CME is available at no charge to AOA members and $30 for non-members. 
New AOF Business Strategy Webinar

The American Osteopathic Foundation is hosting a new webinar Pivoting Your Organization’s Strategy During COVID-19 on Thursday, May 21, 12 p.m. ET. Join a panel of experts for recommendations on how to take control of your organization’s strategy and make meaningful progress during these tough times. Register here
CMS Updates

The AOA has compiled a digest of the updates from CMS this week, which includes the latest information on new telehealth policies and funding. 
Update on AOA Coronavirus Resources

To stay informed, please continue to review the following AOA pages:
AOA COVID-19 resource page for the latest news and resources for the osteopathic profession
AOA event status page for updates on event cancellations
FAQ page for answers to frequently asked questions
Telehealth Resource Center for tools and guides
The DO for advice and guidance. 

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