Public Health
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 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 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 Private Payors Banned from Cancelling Individual Policies for Nonpayment for 60 Days
On behalf of the Hogan Administration, Maryland Insurance Commissioner Kathleen A. Birrane has used her emergency powers to prevent health insurance companies from cancelling or refusing to renew individual health benefit plan policies for nonpayment of premiums for the next sixty days. Individual health benefit plan policies that were scheduled to terminate because of unpaid…
Read MoreEncouraging Vaccine Compliance During COVID-19
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights the efforts of physicians to protect patients of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases through on-time vaccination. Participating in NIAM and promoting immunizations is more important than ever during COVID-19. This article will provide an overview of NIAM resources for medical practices, a summary of…
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
Update as of July 2021: The following toolkit is archived; information regarding state and local guidelines was accurate to the date of publication. In July of 2021, Governor Hogan lifted the Directive and Order referenced below. However, other information provided in this toolkit will continue to be relevant throughout the pandemic. For questions regarding current…
Read MoreCOVID-19 Novel Coronavirus: Updates & Resources for Physicians
Precautions & PPE | Sourcing PPE | Therapeutics | Testing | Vaccines Relief Aid | Telehealth | Billing & Coding | Licensure CME | Volunteer Opportunities | Other Resources Last Updated May 25, 2022 Recent Updates to this Page: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a web ordering portal for free at-home test kits via the website of…
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.…
Read MoreQ&A with CareFirst Leadership: Your Questions Answered
Two representatives from CareFirst, Brian Wheeler, VP, Practice & Payment Transformation and Deb Rivkin, VP, Government Affairs for Maryland participated in a Q&A session on issues critical to our membership at our September 10, 2019 Executive Board Meeting. Their opening presentation can be viewed above. The following are their responses during the Q&A, edited for…
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