An update from our Chief Medical Officer:

Just a quick update regarding modifications to the screening language (red below) used in our EMRs and Relatient patient notification system. Given the changing landscape of COVID-19 transmission and the newly recognized loss of taste and smell that may be associated with asymptomatic infection, these changes seem appropriate. Front desk staff providing screening should also include this updated language.

 

Nextech:  (check the appropriate box(es) in the visit note)

• Have you traveled outside of US, or to known ‘hot spots’ (NY, NJ, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Chicago, Miami) or on a cruise ship or have been in contact with known or high risk coronavirus/flu patients?
• Have you experienced any recent fever/chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, or flu-like symptoms?  If yes to BOTH questions, patients should wear mask, isolated and clinical staff should don PPE and contact PCP or State Health Dept.
• Patient denied both.

 

EMA:  (check the appropriate box(es) in the visit note)

• Travel outside of US, or to known ‘hot spots’ (NY, NJ, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Chicago, Miami) or on a cruise ship or contact with known or high risk coronavirus/flu patients
• Experienced any recent fever/chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell or flu-like symptoms

 

Relatient Reminders:  

In consideration for our other patients and employees, if you have recently traveled to any known coronavirus ‘hot spot’ in the US or abroad, or on a cruise ship or had close contact with someone who traveled and was sick and have experienced any recent fever, cough or trouble breathing, please contact our office to reschedule your appointment.

 

We are also convening a TeleDermatology Task Force to help review all the new rules and regulations being disseminated by CMS in order to most efficiently operationalize TeleDerm activities and ensure optimal revenue cycle management. More to follow.

 

Also, click here for a comprehensive summary updated through 3.31.20 for QDP markets of all Governor’s “Stay at Home” Orders and Rules regarding Elective Surgery/Urgent Care.

 

Please take care and thank you for your continued dedication to our QualDerm mission.

 

John G. Albertini, MD