Virginia nurse urges colleagues to ask for help: ‘Lean on your people’

…Melina Davis, who serves as the C.E.O and E.V.P for the Medical Society of Virginia, said that when healthcare workers are having mental health issues, many times they do not feel comfortable coming forward for fear of repercussions.

“If you can’t talk to somebody, not only are you isolated, but there’s a building level of frustration and loss of hope,” she said. “Could mean that your license would be affected, your referral network could be affected even your employment, so they had a tendency to then just hold it all in and keep it to themselves, because they couldn’t turn to anybody safely.”

Davis said this was because of this the Safe Haven bill was introduced and then unanimously passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 2020. The legislation protects healthcare workers looking to address any career fatigue or mental health issues. The law was amended in 2021 to include nurses and other healthcare positions.

Various resources are available though SafeHaven including peer coaching and counseling services…

Read the Full Article

Learn More About SafeHaven

VMAP: Helping to Address and Improve Children’s Mental Health

As many of us already know, our nation’s youth is in a mental health crisis, as recently reported by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.

This crisis has been developing for years. The pandemic did not cause a mental health crisis among our nation’s children but exasperated it while exposing challenges that existed prior to adding COVID-19 to the mix.

The challenge to address and improve children’s mental health is urgent. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 1 in 5 U.S. children has a diagnosable mental health disorder. For our nation’s teens this has been significant. While factors like teen sex and school bullying are down and LGBTQ acceptance is up, feelings of teen sadness and hopelessness have increased, as have eating disorders and teen suicides.

Headlines also tell the story, like this eye-opening headline from U.S. News & World Report in March: “Mental Health of America’s Children Only Getting Worse.”

As a physician, what can you do to help your young patients in this time of great need?

How to help address and improve children’s mental health

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are in the unique position to promote mental health and offer both primary and secondary prevention to patients and their families. Your role at the front lines of children’s healthcare gives you the “primary care advantage,” which includes developing a trusting relationship with patients and their families, promoting social-emotional health with every contact. Identifying mental health problems through education and anticipatory guidance and intervening in a timely way if and when risks, concerns, or symptoms emerge.

We have the resource for you: the Virginia Mental Health Access Program

Virginia is making it easier for PCPs to support children and adolescent mental health. When a child is struggling with their mental health, many parents seek help from their PCP. Additionally, this close, regular interaction provides ideal opportunities for identifying mental health issues.

When you need support, to help your pediatric patients, look to the Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP), a statewide initiative focused on helping healthcare providers take better care of children and adolescents with mental health conditions through provider education and increasing access to child psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and care navigators. VMAP services are available for children through age 21 (up to the 22nd birthday).

VMAP ensures more children have access to providers who have experience in screening, diagnosing, managing, and treating mental health. It provides tools and training to the front-line PCPs treating them, including pediatricians, family medicine physicians, nurse practitioners, and PAs. It also gives Virginia PCPs access to consultations with child and adolescent psychiatrists, and licensed mental health professionals such as psychologists and social workers, as well as care navigation services to support with resource and referral needs.

VMAP is a key tool for Virginia’s primary care providers. Learn more about the ways in which it can support you and your patients today!

Written by:
Ryan Fulton, DO, FAAP
Pediatrician

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute health care advice.

Disability Insurance Application Frequently Asked Questions

Disability insurance is essential to protecting your hard earned income. If you have anyone who relies on your income, disability insurance provides a safety net so you can still pay for your rent, groceries, student loans, or anything else if you’re unable to work.

With how important disability insurance is, we understand that the process of applying and getting disability coverage can feel daunting. This FAQ will cover the questions we get from clients all the time, and hopefully make you feel better about getting the disability insurance application process started.

Who do I buy disability insurance from?

You should buy your disability insurance from an independent agent. An independent agent is able to sell you coverage without being tied to one company. Of the existing insurance companies, there is a Big 6 that offer the most competitive and expansive coverage. Those companies are: Amertias, Principal, Standard, Guardian, Mass Mutual, Ohio National.

Your independent agent should be able to show you the pros and cons of the best coverage options for you with a comparison quote.

What should I look for in a disability insurance quote?

Your disability insurance quote will cover a number of items. Here are a few to take note of:

    • Benefit amount, which is the amount that would be paid to you monthly if you were on disability claim.
    • Elimination period, which is how long you would need to wait after becoming disabled to receive your benefits (the most common is 90 days).
    • Benefit period, which is how long you receive benefits (either a set number of years or to a certain age, like 65, 67, or 70).
    • Riders, which are optional add-ons that provide additional benefits. Common riders include a Cost of Living Adjustment, Future Increase Option, or Automatic Increase Rider.
      • Cost of Living Adjustment increases your benefit each year you are on claim to help decrease the effect of inflation.
      • Future Increase Option is the ability to increase your monthly benefit without needing additional medical underwriting. This increase usually happens on policy anniversaries and financial verification is generally needed.
      • Residual Benefit Rider allows you to collect benefits while residually disabled and still working. The definition of this rider varies by company but generally means you can receive payment for a 20% or more decrease in income due to disability.
    • Mental Limitation, which can limit your benefits for mental, nervous, or substance abuse.
    • Definition of disability, which determines how broad the scope of disability is in order to go on claim.
      • Own Occupation or Specialty Specific definition means that your policy will pay your claim if you can’t work in your specific occupation, even if you can be working in another field or specialty. This type of coverage is important for physicians or other specialists.
    • Premium, which is how much you would pay for that policy split up into options like monthly, quarterly, or annually. Generally paying fewer times per year is the least expensive option. 

You should be able to ask your disability insurance agent for a comparison quote that shows you the benefits and premiums of multiple insurance companies, so you can make an informed choice about the company your coverage will be through.

How do I fill out and sign my application?

Most insurance companies allow online applications that are signed using the company’s online portal or DocuSign. Your insurance agent will facilitate indicating what fields of the application need to be filled out and send it to you for signatures.

If you’d prefer to do a paper application, the forms can be mailed to you with a return envelope or signed at your agent’s office.

What happens after I submit my application?

The insurance company will generally request a phone or online interview be completed. This interview will cover your demographic information and medical history. They will ask about any recent doctor’s visits or medications you take, as well as your family history.

Insurance companies also require financial documentation to confirm your salary and the benefits they can offer you. Generally a copy of your latest tax return or pay stubs will suffice.

Will I have to do a medical exam?

Potentially. Insurance companies have different parameters on when exams are required. These parameters are usually based on the benefits you’re applying for, your age, or your medical history.

If it is required, a nurse can come to your home or place of work to complete the mini-exam. They are designed to be quick and easy to not add too much to your plate during the application process.

How long will this process take?

It generally takes three to six weeks from applying to getting your insurance offer. A lot of this time is dependent on how quickly you are able to submit your financial information and complete the phone/online interview.

Sometimes insurance companies need to request medical records from your doctor, which can also extend the underwriting process. If they do need medical records, the insurance company will handle ordering and following up on them.

When do I know my coverage is active?

Your coverage is active once your policy is approved, you’ve signed the delivery documents, and paid your first premium.

Questions about Disability Insurance?

You might still have questions after this brief Q&A, but the good thing is that you are not alone during the disability insurance application process. Your insurance agent should be with you every step of the way by providing quote comparisons, answering questions, and advocating for you during underwriting.

May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month in the US, and there is no better time to review your disability insurance coverage. If you’re ready for a quote or for a no-cost review of your existing coverage from an experienced, independent insurance agent, contact 1752 Financial today.

Get a Quote Now

Virtual Fireside Chat with Corey Feist from All In: Wellbeing First for Healthcare

Members of the MSV have been invited by the Richmond Academy of Medicine (RAM) to join a conversation with Corey Feist, co-founder of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation and former CEO of UVA physicians group, to discuss the ALL IN:  Wellbeing First for Healthcare campaign on Tuesday, May 10th at 6:00 PM.

The campaign, developed by #FirstRespondersFirst and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, is committed to advancing a state where the well-being of the healthcare workforce is prioritized. They are working to make progress against persistent mental health and well-being challenges that disadvantage our healthcare workers.

Corey will discuss his background and work with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, he’ll review the Dr. Lorna Breen Healthcare Provider Protection Act and then explain what ALL IN is and how it aligns with the work of the Foundation and Protection Act.

Most importantly, learn what YOU can do in your practice or system to create an environment that is supportive of physicians and other clinicians. YOU are the key!

Register here!

Thank you to RAM for inviting MSV and its members!

The Color of Care

A new documentary that traces the origins of racial health disparities to practices that began during slavery in the U.S. and continue today. Former AMA President Patrice Harris featured in the film.

The Color of Care premiered on the Smithsonian Channel on May 1st. The film will be available to stream for free until May 31st on the Smithsonian Channel Facebook and YouTube.

Learn more about this film at https://www.thecolorofcare.org/.

Congratulations to the 2022 Richmond Top Docs!

Many members of the Medical Society of Virginia including Board members, PLI participants, VMAP leaders, and more were recognized as Richmond’s 2022 Top Doctors. Congratulations to every physician on this list! You are making a true difference in the lives of your patients every single day. Thank you for all you do!

Take a look at all those recognized!

Job Security Amidst Mental Health Distress: Physicians Deserve to Get Help Without Fear

By Russell Libby, MD

The COVID-19 pandemic has added a new dimension of stress for physicians. Most of us live with some degree of anxiety and occasional depression, and it might be argued that it reflects some of the traits that drive us to become physicians. Our altruism, intuitive and learned skills and work ethic create a high standard against which we measure our achievement and professional satisfaction. In the best of circumstances, we are challenged to find balance in our lives and are increasingly prone to burnout.

COVID-19 has impacted our personal safety and the potential for us to unknowingly infect others, especially those we live with and care most about. It has changed the way we practice, disrupting our routines and undermining our operational viability. It has imposed limitations on the care we provide and prevented us from doing all we can for our patients and their families or loved ones at a time they may need it most.

It is not in our nature to admit we cannot cope or adapt, but this added stress has pushed some of us beyond our limits. Even more difficult is recognizing when we are at risk of stress negatively impacting our physical and mental health and the quality of care we can provide. Why are we reluctant to seek help when we really need it most?

We cannot continue to ignore this problem…

Continue Reading Here

Act Immediately: Important News on the Provider Relief Fund

Due largely to AMA and specialty society advocacy, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has decided to reopen the reporting time for recipients of Period 1 Provider Relief Funds. In our March 31, letter to HRSA, the AMA and 31 national medical specialty societies noted small and rural practices appeared to be particularly impacted by the potential recoupment, and that physician practices were unaware of the deadline.

Those physicians who received more than $10,000 in provider relief funds and failed to submit their period 1 report should act immediately. Between Monday, April 11 and Friday, April 22, 2022, at 11:59 pm ET, providers who have not submitted their Period 1 report may submit a late Reporting Period 1 report request. Physician practices should receive information about how to submit a request directly from HRSA via email.

If a provider did not submit a Period 1 report and does not hear from HRSA, the provider may initiate communication by calling (866) 569-3522. During this reopening period, a provider must choose an extenuating circumstance(s) that prevented compliance with the original reporting deadline. While attesting to an extenuating circumstance is required, no supporting document or proof is required. If HRSA approves the extenuated circumstances form, the provider will receive a notification to proceed with completing the Reporting Period 1 report shortly thereafter. Providers will have 10 days from the notification receipt date to submit the late Period 1 report in the PRF Reporting Portal. The AMA will continue to advocate for greater flexibility and more information to ensure physician practices have an adequate opportunity to come into compliance.

What is the MSVPAC? Why MSV’s Political Action Committee is so important

When you need to make an important decision but you’re not familiar with the subject area, what do you do? You consult an expert to get the details you need to help you make an informed decision.

The goal of MSV’s nonpartisan Political Action Committee (MSVPAC) is to do just that: provide legislative decision-makers with the information, data, and details they need to make informed decisions about healthcare-related issues and policies.

Despite the fact that healthcare issues are at the top of the agenda for our legislators here in Virginia, we only have one physician who is currently in the General Assembly. The MSVPAC represents the voice of Virginia’s physicians, PAs, and patients to legislators as they address healthcare issues, consider healthcare policy, and shape healthcare laws and regulations.

Not only do Virginia’s policymakers need to hear from physicians and PAs, they tell us they want to hear from us – so they can gain a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the medical profession.

Today the MSVPAC is the only PAC representing the unified voice of medicine in Virginia.

What is a PAC?

Just what is a PAC, or political action committee? The short story: Utilizing funds collected from individual contributions, a PAC seeks to influence and impact the political environment in a specific area.

The MSVPAC has a unique status as it is affiliated with the MSV but governed separately. A Board of Directors consisting of physicians, PAs, and practice managers oversees the finances and strategic vision. It is funded only from donations directly to the PAC, and only physicians and PAs, medical practices, and family members of physicians and PAs may donate to the MSVPAC.

Your MSVPAC works year-round to develop relationships with state and federal policymakers and their staff. Many PACs only delve out funds to favored legislators. However, our PAC contributes funds directly to legislators who support the policies developed by our members. We also host events throughout the year across Virginia to connect our member advocates to legislators. Continued and direct contact between our members and legislators is a crucial part of educating our elected officials on emerging issues related to the practice of medicine. If we can educate them early and often, we can help shape legislation and regulations coming down the road.

The MSVPAC strengthens MSV’s advocacy by engaging in the political process throughout the Commonwealth, 24/7, 365. A strong PAC is critical to maintaining a legislative climate that is favorable to physicians, PAs, and most importantly, patients.

Why the MSVPAC is important for physicians, PAs, and Patients

Simply put, the MSVPAC makes your voice — the voice of Virginia physicians, PAs, and patients — heard.

The MSV formed the MSVPAC because we believe physicians and PAs must play an active role in the development of healthcare policy.

To make an impact on your behalf, the MSVPAC:

  1. Monitors hundreds of bills and amendments in the commonwealth and takes action during legislative sessions of the Virginia General Assembly, including outreach, meeting with legislators, and strategically providing opportunities for physicians and PAs to testify in committee.
  2. Supports political candidates who value the practice of medicine.
  3. Builds relationships with pro-physician candidates and legislators.
  4. Provides information, data, and details to support and advocate for policy decision-making aligned with the positions of Virginia’s physicians and PAs.

At MSV, we believe a strong PAC is critical to maintaining a legislative climate favorable to physicians, your teams, and, most importantly, your patients. With so many non-physicians trying to drive and make healthcare decisions, we must work together to protect the interests of our patients and the physician profession.

So why is the MSVPAC important for you? Because when physicians are involved, patients come first.

Co-authored by MSVPAC Board Members:

Trisha Anest, MD and Robert Glasgow, PA-C, MPAS, MPH

Submit your vaccine administration claims for reimbursement by the April 5, 2022, deadline

The COVID-19 Coverage Assistance Fund, which reimburses for the claims for testing, treatment, and vaccine administration, is running out and the deadline to submit for vaccine administration claims is quickly approaching. Claims will be accepted through April 5, 2022, at 11:59 pm via the COVID-19 CAF portal. Claims submitted to the portal after the April 5, 2022, deadline will not be adjudicated. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) notes that claims submitted by the deadline will be paid subject to their eligibility and the availability of funds. The AMA has urged Congress to appropriate more money to support the COVID-19 efforts.

The dedicated Coverage Assistance Fund customer support may be reached at 833-967-0770 (TTY number 888-970-2920) Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm EST or at [email protected].