We continue to address the developing needs of chiropractic patients during the covid-19 crisis. We have been able to achieve a measure of clarity regarding NY's updated definition of essential services, including "Emergency Chiropractic Services".
The CDC has updated its guidance regarding exposure to COVID-19 for essential workers, those who are part of the critical infrastructure. The update is here:
There are important developments in the COVID-19 crisis here in NY. Empire State Development has updated the guidance on the definition of Essential Services. It has now been formalized and includes language which notes 'emergency chiropractic services' are essential. This would indicate that face to face chiropractic services that are non-emergency would not be considered essential.
The NYSCA Officers thank the insurance committee for their work in continuing this conversation and assisting in bringing more options to New York's chiropractors and chiropractic patients. Updates to the United HealthCare policies allowing chiropractors to utilize telemedicine services to care for their patients is below.
The NYSCA is working to remain vigilant at helping members understand and address the COVID-19 pandemic and remain responsive to updates and changes as this situation continues to develop.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering two loan programs as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) to small businesses throughout New York State. See below for details of the SBA Paycheck Protection Program and SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.
There are two loan programs available: (1) the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
Resulting from efforts to place conservative chiropractic care, at the forefront of solutions to the opioid crisis, the following language was included in the state budget:
During the COVID-19 crisis, telemedicine and telehealth services will allow you to continue to care for your patients from a distance. The NYSCA Insurance Committee continues to interact with various NYS offices, commercial carriers and TPAs to discuss and seek their guidelines relative to the application and coverage of telemedicine services for doctors of chiropractic.
Help for you and your practice is on the way. Details are still emerging, but here's what is available to provide financial assistance and relief from impact of covid-19.
As we in New York begin to experience the exponential surge of COVID-19, members are questioning how they can care for their patients. Some offices remain open as part of essential services, while others have decided to close because of the risk factors. Geography and patient population seem to be the biggest determinants in this professional choice.
NYSCA members have been asking, "Does the WC amendment allowing temporary performance of telemedicine services during Covid-19 extend to No Fault?"
The New York State Education Department has developed a webpage containing many frequently asked questions related to the developing COVID-19 situation. An excerpt from this page as relates to continuing education requirements is included below.
Telemedicine and telehealth services are currently being reviewed and discussed by the state board for chiropractic. However, you may currently perform telemedicine for injured workers in need of timely help.
Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) have introduced the Immediate Relief for Rural Facilities and Providers Act, new legislation to address the impending crisis facing our healthcare system as the spread of COVID-19 increasingly strains hospitals and providers across the country. Bennet and Barrasso's new legislation would extend a lifeline to rural hospitals, and all providers and the millions of Americans who depend on them for health care.
As CEO of ChiroHealthUSA and the owner of two practices, I myself have been looking for resources to help me make the best decisions I can for the team at ChiroHealthUSA and for our doctors, our staff, and the patients we serve. While there is a lot of information out there from the CDC, WHO, and local governments, I was interested in material specific to not only my practices, but helpful for the entire profession.
There are daily developments in the Coronavirus situation that is impacting the entire world. The NYSCA will try to keep abreast of all developments and inform the membership the best of our ability.
NYSCA Members have reported that a few workers compensation carriers have failed to properly update their fee schedules based on the January 1, 2020 update. As you know, these changes for parity were needed and overdue. The Workers Compensation Committee continues to act on your behalf to make necessary changes.
NCMIC has provided a repository for trusted and up-to-date information on COVID-19 issues, including HIPAA concerns and how to discuss with patients.
As doctors of chiropractic, it is pertinent to stay up-to-date on the latest information surrounding COVID-19, which has now been declared a pandemic.
