COVID-19 resources for DOs and students: Info about physician contracts and the HEROES Act

As the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to spread domestically and abroad, the AOA’s top priority remains supporting the needs of DOs and osteopathic medical students.

We have assembled a resource page to help physicians and medical students navigate the global health crisis—whether you are caring for patients as a frontline health care professional or supporting in other ways.

AOA staff members are continuously updating this page as new information becomes available. Here are some of the latest updates.

On-demand webinar on physician contracts in light of COVID-19

This May 20 AOA/AOIA webinar includes information for physicians who are either independent contractors or employees who want to understand their contract rights related to issues that have arisen during the pandemic. It is important for physicians to understand their rights and options if their contract has been violated. It has been approved for 1.5 AOA 2B credits. Watch on YouTube below. For CME, viewers must register through AOA Online Learning.

Upcoming webinar on May 28: Update on telemedicine services for coders & billers

The next AOA/AOIA webinar will be broadcast on Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m. CT. It is similar to the webinar from May 19, but directed to those who do billing and coding.

Attendees will be able to discern which codes are the correct payable codes for services your office is providing, what documentation is needed and then will be able to bill those services correctly for timely reimbursement.

To get CME credit, viewers must register through AOA Online Learning. To view for free with no CME, watch on Zoom.

On-demand webinar on COVID-19 and smoking

This May 18 AOA webinar with the CDC shared the latest evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on current and former smokers, and how to best initiate cessation conversations with patients in the current environment. It has been approved for 1 AOA 1A credit, or a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Watch on YouTube below. For CME, viewers must register through AOA Online Learning.

Key provisions for physicians in the HEROES Act, passed in the House

Work is underway to develop the next round of federal COVID-19 legislation. Two weeks ago, the House of Representatives introduced the HEROES Act. This $3 trillion package includes significant funding and policies which would cover many sectors of the economy and society overall.

The AOA Public Policy team reviewed the bill, which passed in the House and is still being considered in the Senate, for key provisions that would impact physicians. Learn more.

Free access to COVID-19 articles from International Anesthesia Research Society

In response to the pandemic, the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) is sourcing and providing access to the most current and relevant articles related to COVID-19, including studies with future publication dates. Most are available without having to log in. They are updating content daily. Learn more.