Patient Care
Smoking Cessation during COVID-19: Use Trends and Opportunities
Tobacco cessation has long been a key public health aim. It can only be considered more critical now during the pandemic, as smoking has long been known to hamper immune system responses, especially with regards to pulmonary diseases and infections. With calls to quitlines down 27% in 2020, we must ask: How has COVID-19 impacted rates…
Read MoreCRISP COVID-19 Functionalities: Testing, Immunizations, and Monoclonal Antibody Referrals
The following is a summary of the information provided by Sheena Patel, MD, CMPE, the Director of HIE Projects and Outreach at CRISP, Maryland’s health information exchange during the Maryland Department of Health’s COVID-19 physician call on January 27. For full details on the features listed below, the slide deck is available (start on page…
Read More3 Ways to Help Patients Understand the Thanksgiving Guidance Gobbledygook
There has been much public discussion of safety practices and precautions for the upcoming holiday. Because the rate of COVID-19 transmission varies significantly by location, some nationally promulgated guidance may seem to contradict local recommendations to patients. Here are a few ways physicians and their practices can help patients to navigate the holidays safely. 1.…
Read More5 Complimentary On-Demand CME Opportunities: 150+ Credits Available
Reminder: CME Flexibilities Approved by Maryland Board of Physicians On June 15, 2020, the Maryland Board of Physicians enacted a policy change in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board changed the CME requirements, adding important flexibility. The new rule that “license required CMEs will not be due until 30 days after the end of…
Read MoreAddressing Food Insecurity as Part of the Clinical Workflow: CRISP and Meals on Wheels
Food Insecurity in Maryland Before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 600,000 Marylanders were served by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), according to the Maryland Department of Human Services. This number included seniors, children, people with disabilities, low-income families, and unemployed workers. COVID-19 subsequently caused hundreds of thousands of Marylanders lost jobs and income. Montgomery…
Read MoreMaryland Primary Care Program: Apply by July 14, 2020
The Maryland Primary Care Program (MDPCP) is in its second Performance Year and now recruiting for the 2021 Performance Year Three. The MDPCP is a voluntary program open to all qualifying Maryland primary care practices. It provides funding and support for the delivery of advanced primary care throughout the state. The MDPCP supports the overall…
Read More#CallYourPhysician: Encouraging Patients to Seek Medical Care during COVID-19
MCMS has heard from our physician members that a significant cohort of their patient population has expressed reticence about seeking medical care during the pandemic. Physicians know better than anyone how dangerous putting off routine medical care can be, let alone care management for chronic conditions or a new developing condition. These challenges were reflected…
Read MoreCOVID-19: Practice Reopening Toolkit
NOTICE: All licensed healthcare facilities and healthcare providers may resume elective and non-urgent medical procedures and appointments at 7 AM, May 7, 2020, provided all the required measures are in place, as outlined by this Directive and Order from the Maryland Department of Health, released May 6. Take these requirements seriously; noncompliance is punishable by both…
Read MoreCOVID-19 Novel Coronavirus: Updates & Resources for Physicians
What to Tell Patients | Practice Protocols & Preparedness | What to Look For & How to Test Precautions & PPE | Telehealth Resources | Employment Law Resources Emergency Loans, Grants, & Tax Relief | Volunteer Opportunities | Resources for Physicians Last Updated January 25, 2021 The following guidance is drawn primarily from the…
Read MoreFrom the CDC: Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with E-Cigarette/Vape Use, Including Maryland
The CDC, FDA, state and local health departments, and other clinical and public health partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of lung injury associated with use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products. There have been 23 reported cases of lung injury associated with using vaping products in Maryland, and Virginia reported its first death this week.…
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