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January 13, 2021
Dear Colleagues,
POMA continues to monitor the rapidly changing information surrounding the spread of COVID-19.
In an effort to provide accurate and helpful information to POMA members, we have gathered some of the resources we are finding to be most useful and accurate at this time. We hope this helps you in staying on top of the latest developments in the spread of the disease and in helping your patients.
Stay safe and healthy!
New Headlines
Vaccine Provider Map for Health Care Workers
In a briefing with reporters this past Monday, Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said the commonwealth expects another 138,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to arrive in Pennsylvania this week. Dr. Levine also announced the state Department of Health has launched a provider map on its website to help health care workers not affiliated with a hospital find and receive a vaccine.
Users can search by location, type in an address or zip code and filter by facility type.
Pennsylvania's COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard
At the end of December, Pennsylvania debuted the COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard that documents how many COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the state. The dashboard has a breakdown via county, as well as demographic information.
Through January 12, 2021, 342,588 doses of the vaccine have been administered. Please note that this does include vaccine administration through the CVS as part of the Federal Pharmacy Partnership.
- There are 257,320 people that have received one dose (partially covered).
- There are 42,634 people that have received two doses (fully covered).
View the dashboard here.
Pennsylvania Updates COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan
Pennsylvania on Friday, January 8, 2021 released an updated coronavirus vaccine plan that makes more people eligible for shots in the initial phases of the rollout.
Health care workers and nursing home residents remain at the front of the line, followed by people 75 and older and frontline essential workers, a huge and diverse group that includes clergy; first responders; prison guards; school staff; and food, manufacturing, postal, public transportation and grocery store workers.
After that, eligibility will extend to people from ages 65 to 74, those with serious health conditions, and another huge batch of workers in industries ranging from banking to energy.
POMA Members Can Receive PPE Discounts
POMA is excited to announce our new partnership with ActionPPE.org to help our members acquire proper PPE supplies. Launched in South Carolina, ActionPPE has supplied over 2.6 million units of PPE to members of over 20 state medical organizations through a reputable and certified supplier. By pooling resources, POMA members receive a 5% discount on PPE orders when they use the discount code POMA-SAVE5. Product details and certificates for masks, gowns, gloves, face shields, etc. are provided on the site with most items in-stock and shipping directly to your office.
PA Health Alert Network (PA HAN) - Health Alerts, Advisories and Updates
Previously Published but Relevant Headlines
COVID-19 Vaccine Codes
On December 18, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Moderna COVID‑19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 for individuals 18 years of age and older.
During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), Medicare will cover and pay for the administration of the vaccine (when furnished consistent with the EUA). Review the updated payment and HCPCS Level I CPT code structure for specific COVID-19 vaccine information. Only bill for the vaccine administration codes when you submit claims to Medicare; don’t include the vaccine product codes when the vaccines are free.
DOH Encourages Contact Tracing Participation
Michael Huff, director of testing and contact tracing for Pennsylvania, is emphasizing the need to prioritize case investigations and for those who test positive to participate in contact tracing - two key public health activities that occur when a case of COVID-19 is identified. With 34,000 positive cases reported in the past seven days, contact tracing has become even more critical to identifying those who may have been exposed to the virus. The Department of Health is utilizing the CDC's case investigation prioritization recommendations, which were revised on November 23.
Pennsylvanians are also encouraged to download the free COVID Alert PA App.
New Guidance Issued from PA Department of Health
In November, the Pennsylvania Department of Health released two alerts for healthcare professionals relating to COVID-19:
Updated Pennsylvania Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Cases, Graphics, Resources
Daily Briefings and Updates from Pa. Governor Wolf and Secretary Levine
Resources from the CDC
The CDC has provided guidance and resources for healthcare providers, healthcare facilities, laboratories, as well as information for schools and childcare, businesses and employers, community and faith-based organizations, and the general public. Visit the CDC COVID-19 webpage for more information.
POMA will continue monitoring COVID-19 and provide updates and recommendations from PA-DOH, the CDC, the WHO and local health agencies. POMA's COVID-19 webpage and social media channels will be updated as information is shared from these organizations.
If you have any comments or questions for POMA, please email us at [email protected].
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