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​COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

​Pediatric Provider Resources & Information
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. An outbreak of the coronavirus, now officially named COVID-19, was first identified in Wuhan, China. It has since spread to countries around the world, including the United States.
​
Pennsylvania COVID-19 Cases: 
June 18, 2020
  • Pa. has 418 new cases, bringing the statewide total of COVID-19 is 77,949, in all 67 Pa. counties. Learn more. View a breakdown of cases here.
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  • Pennsylvanians are urged to take proper precautions to prevent against tick bites and recognize the symptoms of Lyme disease, as some symptoms of Lyme disease are similar to those of COVID-19. Learn more

  • Pa. legislature passes resolution on ending COVID-19 disaster declaration; issue is heading to Pa. Supreme Court. Learn more

  • The Pa. Department of Human Services has issued clarification on elective services provided to Medical Assistance (MA) beneficiaries. Elective services and medical procedures are no longer prohibited in the MA program. Learn more​​
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Pennsylvania clinicians are asked to report any suspected cases immediately by calling the Pa. Department of Health at 1-877PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) or your local health department.

Below is PA AAP’s compilation of resource materials on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak. This collection of links and resources for pediatric health care providers is updated on a weekly basis. 

PA AAP Pediatric Workflow Guidance and Recommendations Based on a Synthesis of 
CDC, AAP, AND PADOH Guidance

The document provided for download below highlights key strategies for managing COVID19 in an outpatient pediatric setting. These strategies have been been compiled based on current recommendations and feedback from our members. Please follow epidemiologic updates and guidance given by the CDC (CDC COVID19), the Pennsylvania Department of Health (Pennsylvania Department of Health COVID19), and the AAP (AAP COVID19) as the strategies listed here may change at any moment given the constantly evolving nature of this situation.

PA AAP Weekly COVID-19 Updates

PA AAP compiles weekly news, updates and resources on COVID-19 to be shared with members in an e-Newsletter. Below you will find the archived weekly COVID-19 updates. Resources in the newsletters are available in the resource sections below. To subscribe to the weekly updates, please reach out to info@paaap.org. 
Testing
Reimbursement and Telemedicine
Telehealth
The use of telehealth is rapidly expanding in response to the COVID-19 emergency. Starting March 6, 2020 and for the duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, Medicare will make payment for services furnished to beneficiaries in all areas of the country in all settings. Many other health insurers have also updated their telemedicine policies in response to the crisis.
Additionally, the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) will waive penalties for HIPAA violations against health care providers that serve patients in good faith through everyday communications technologies, such as FaceTime or Skype, during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency.

Get these OCR FAQs on this notice and this SAMHSA FAQ on 42 CFR Part 2, seeking to ensure that substance use disorder treatment services are uninterrupted during this public health emergency.
Cost-Sharing Flexibility: The HHS Office of Inspector General is providing flexibility if providers choose to reduce or waive cost-sharing for telehealth visits during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Get details here.

Pennsylvania Guidance: The Pa. Department of State has issued telemedicine guidance to address COVID-19. Get details here. 

Check out links to telemedicine policies for Pennsylvania insurers below*:*Important Note: Please keep in mind that insurers are making updates to policies frequently as they respond to COVID-19. We encourage you to contact the insurers you work with directly with any questions you have regarding their telemedicine policies.

AAP
AAP Guidance: Telehealth Payer Policy in Response to COVID-19
State Notices on Telehealth Policy.
Coding for Telemedicine
Implementing Telemedicine into Practice and After Hours

Selecting a Telemedicine Vendor
PA AAP is working with the National AAP and members across the state to compile telemedicine resources. 
  • Telemedicine vendor options- a document providing a comparison of a few telehealth platforms developed by Dr. David Wolfson, Medical Director - Children's Community Pediatrics, Pittsburgh, PA. We will keep this list updated as the information continues to evolve.
  • Evaluating telemedicine vendors
Pennsylvania physicians and practices can also get resources as well as technical assistance through the Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center (MATRC). Visit matrc.org to learn more.
Additional Telemedicine Resources and Information

Telemedicine Webinars

 "Implementing Telemedicine in Pediatric Practice" Posted 3/25/20

In this webinar, our panel addresses telehealth basics including how to get started using telehealth in your practice, technology considerations necessary for implementing a telehealth platform, and what you need to know in order to get paid for telehealth visits (billing and coding specifications). 



Presenters: 
Kristin Ray, MD: Director of Health Systems Improvements, Children's Community Pediatrics, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Bonnie Offit, MD, FAAP: Clinical Advisor in Digital Health, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, General Pediatrician, CHOP Care Network

Chip Hart: Director of Primary Care Collaborative Pediatric Solutions, Primary Care Collaborative Pediatric EHR Solutions

Recording
Telemedicine Q&A Handout
AAP Telehealth and COVID-19 Webinar Posted 3/25/20
This webinar by Sue Kressly, MD, FAAP offers guidance on how to launch telehealth into practice during COVID-19.
View Recording
PPE Guidance and infromation
Looking for PPEs? Here’s a list of organizations trying to help:
PA Department of Health/CDC
​Find all of the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 resources using the links below:

Health Alert Network Updates
Many of your questions will be answered as they become available through the Health Alert Network’s below. The HAN updates will be sent to your email in real time and take a very short time to sign up for. All health care professionals are strongly encouraged to sign up for these notices.

How do I sign up to help?
Physicians and other health care providers wishing to offer their services may go to serv.pa.gov. SERVPA is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's online registry for medical and non-medical volunteers.

For additional details on volunteering, check out the AMA's COVID-19 volunteer guide for health care professionals.
Licensing Waivers and Suspensions
Federal Regulatory Updates

Below find PA AAP summaries of the actions that Pennsylvania has taken concerning health practitioner licensure requirements during the COVID-19 emergency:

American Board of Pediatrics Will Recognize Board-Certified Pediatricians for COVID-19 Pandemic Contributions Through the MOC Program
Read full press release

Pennsylvania Waives Certain Requirements for Graduate Medical Trainees During COVID-19 Emergency
ISSUED 04/07/2020
The Department of State and State Board of Medicine have requested, and the Governor has granted, a temporary waiver allowing a facility’s resident program director to determine which GMTs have gained the skills and fulfilled the requirements necessary to advance in their postgraduate year (PGY) training in the absence of the USMLE. Read more

Temporary Waiver of License Reactivation Requirements for Additional Health Care Practitioners During Coronavirus Emergency
ISSUED 04/07/2020
The department has since identified additional health care practitioner types for whom temporary waivers of certain regulations would allow them to more easily reactivate their retired or expired licenses and provide assistance during the pandemic. These additional boards and practitioners/licensees include occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and licensed dietitian-nutritionists (LDNs).
Read more
See Also: Reactivation for additional retirees: Temporary waivers cover more professions ISSUED: 03/30/2020
See Also: Pennsylvania to Allow Retired Health Care Professionals to Bolster COVID-19 Response ISSUED 03/25/2020

SERVPA- the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's online registry for medical and non-medical volunteers

Waiver of Temporary Permit Rule for Respiratory Therapists During Coronavirus Emergency
ISSUED 04/02/2020
The Department of State requested, and Governor Wolf granted, a temporary waiver of the requirement that applicants for a temporary respiratory therapist permit be within 30 days of their anticipated graduation date. Instead, for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, students in respiratory care education programs who wish to apply for a temporary permit must be within 90 days of their anticipated graduation date. Those impending graduates who already applied for a full license, but cannot take their exam because of the closure of test centers, may now apply for a temporary permit. Read more

Pennsylvania Provides Short Term Licensure for Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons Licensed in Other States During Coronavirus Emergency
ISSUED 03/30/2020
In order to increase the number of health care practitioners available to respond to the COVID-19 emergency and to ensure continuity of patient care and services, Governor Wolf has granted the Department of State’s request to allow osteopathic physicians or surgeons from other states or Canada to be issued a “short term camp license” in Pennsylvania as a means of temporary licensure.
Read the waiver document

Reactivation for additioanl retirees: Temporary waviers cover more professions
ISSUED: 03/30/2020
Governor Wolf granted the Department of State’s request to temporarily waive regulations and costs for reactivation of an inactive license for additional professions and licensing boards. 
Read more

Pennsylvania to Allow Retired Health Care Professionals to Bolster COVID-19 Response
03/25/2020
The Pennsylvania is acting to enable retired health care professionals to assist with the COVID-19 response by waiving certain licensing regulations. These new regulation suspensions increase the number of available and qualified health care practitioners in Pennsylvania by allowing retired practitioners to re-enter their field more easily...
Read the Press Release
Read the waiver document

Pennsylvania Expands Access to Pharmacy Services
03/22/2020
The Wolf administration is removing barriers for pharmacies to provide services for Pennsylvanians in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Governor Wolf has granted a request from the Pennsylvania Department of State to suspend certain pharmacy regulations to enable more flexible and available services during the coronavirus emergency.
Read the Press Release
Read the suspension document

Some License Requirements for Qualified Physicians Assistants Are Suspended During Coronavirus Emergency
03/22/2020
In order to allow physician assistants practicing under the state Board of Osteopathic Medicine to more easily and effectively assist with emergency response efforts to COVID-19, Governor Wolf granted the Department of State’s request to suspend requirements pertaining to written agreements and several other items. READ MORE

Pennsylvania Waives Some Nurse Licensing Requirements to Aid Coronavirus Response
03/21/2020
The Department of State has waived certain administrative requirements for nurses, including temporarily extending license expiration dates and waiving associated fees during the coronavirus emergency.
Read the Press Release 
Read the waiver document
Business Resources and Loan Information
Independent Practices – SBA programs open Friday, April 3.
Starting today, April 3, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for loans through existing SBA lenders. Starting April 10, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply for loans through existing SBA lenders. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans as soon as they are approved and enrolled in the program. 

Coronavirus Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

Visit www.sba.gov for a list of SBA lenders. 
 
Paycheck Protection Program/CARES Act
The Treasury Department released details about how small businesses can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program—which provides $349 billion in forgivable loans to businesses employing fewer than 500 people. The program—which is part of the CARES Act that was passed and signed into law last week—will help America’s small business entrepreneurs face the challenging economic conditions sparked by the coronavirus outbreak.  
​Business Resources & Loan Opportunities



OSHA Guidance for Businesses
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers guidance on how to maintain operations in a pandemic. View OSHA Guidance.
Education
The Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education has compiled a list of coronavirus education resources that can help clinicians respond.
Resources for your office
  
CDC Handouts and PostersCDC Videos
Resources for patients
Share the Facts, Stop Fear (CDC)
CDC Handouts and Posters CDC Videos
​More Informa​​tion on COVID-19:

PA AAP  COVID-19 Webinars

UPCOMING

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Course Title: Let’s Talk: Strengthening Vaccine Confidence and Acceptance in the Pediatric Provider Office
Date of Activity:  June 24, 2020
Agenda: 8:00 - 9:00 PM in the evening EDT with Presentations and Q & A

Presenter: 
Sarah Mbaeyi, MD, MPH, Medical officer, Office of Vaccine Policy, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC

​
Session Learning Objectives:
  • Provide overview of CDC’s Vaccinate with Confidence strategic framework
  • Describe communication and organizational strategies to promote vaccine confidence and acceptance in your practice
  • Review steps to help get routine immunization services back on track in the context of COVID-19-related disruption

Accreditation
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. 

Credit Designation
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine designates this live educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.​

​Register
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Recorded
Type 1 Diabetes: Updates in the time of the COVID-19 Pandemic”

Presenters: 
 Melissa Andrews Rearson, MSN, CRNP, Division of Endocrinology/Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Session Learning Objectives:
As a result of participation in this activity, participants will be able to:
  • Describe specific considerations for patients with T1D in the time of COVID
  • Identify the types of insulin that are currently on the market and their use.
  • Understand the three types of insulin pumps that are currently available for pediatric use.
  • Discuss the use of continuous glucose monitoring in the pediatric population
 ​
View Recorging
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Recorded
​ “Lessons for Oral Health Care in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Potential for Problems and Opportunities”

Presenters: 
 Thomas J. Maroon, MD, FAAP, Attending pediatrician at Children's Community Pediatrics and Excela Health System, Chapter Oral Health Advocate, and presenter for Healthy Teeth Healthy Children

C Eve J Kimball, MD, FAAP, Founder of All About Children Pediatric Partners, founder of the Healthy Teeth Healthy Children program, Chapter Oral Health Advocate, Member of the PAAAP Board

Angela M. Stout, DMD, MPH, Pediatric dentist, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatric Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and the Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University

Kelly Curtin-Hallinan, DO, FAAP, General Pediatrician for WellSpan Health, Consultant Medical Director for the PA Office of Medical Assistance, Chapter Oral Health, serves on multiple committees for the American Academy of Pediatrics, WellSpan Health
Children​

Session Learning Objectives:
As a result of participation in this activity, participants will be able to- 
  • Recognize the impact of oral health on the overall well-being of children
  • Use preventive measures for early childhood caries in an environment of telemedicine and limited office visits
  • Explain the bacterial etiology and chronic inflammatory nature of dental caries
  • Understand the role of fluoride in prevention of decay
  • Integrate oral healthcare practices into both in-person and video and audio telemedicine visits for acute disease, follow-up, and prevention

View Recording
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Recorded
“Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children”

Presenters: 
Edward M. Behrens, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Joseph Lee Hollander Chair in Pediatric Rheumatology, Perelman School of Medicine at The University of Pennsylvania, Division Chief of Pediatric Rheumatology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Zac Aldewereld, MD, Clinical Instructor of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellow, Attending of PCCM, Fellow in PID, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh


Session Learning Objectives:
As a result of participation in this activity, participants will be able to- 
  • The learner will appreicate the three different clinical pediatric presentations of SARS-CoV-2 infections recognized at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia between April 2020 and the present
  • The learner will recognize the clinical, laboratory, and immunologic features that distinguish the newly recognized MIS-C syndrome.
  • Understand the presentation of MIS-C and when to evaluate children or refer for evaluation
  • Appreciate the low incidence of MIS-C

View Recording
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​Recorded
“Invisible in the Time of COVID-19 – What
Pediatricians in Pennsylvania can to do Support Latino Communities”

Presenters: 
 Pantry Diego Chaves-Gnecco, MD, MPH, FAAP- Director & Founder, SALUD PARA NIŇOS; Associate Professor, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

Diego Chaves-Gnecco, MD, MPH, FAAP- Director & Founder, SALUD PARA NIŇOS; Associate Professor, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

Rita Guevara, MD, FAAP- Attending Physician, Section of General Pediatrics, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children;
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Drexel University College of Medicine; Director of Health Equity, St. Christopher’s Hospital for
Children​

Session Learning Objectives:
As a result of participation in this activity, participants will be able to- 
  •  Identify demographic characteristics of Latinos in the US and in Pennsylvania
  •  Describe epidemiologic characteristics of COVID19 in Latinos
  •  Describe why Latinos are especially vulnerable to COVID19
  •  Identify resources for Latino patients and their Latino communities

View Recording
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RECORDED
“COVID-19 Impact on Food Security”

Presenters: 
Mary Ann Rigas, MD, FAAP: Clinical Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine; Pediatrician, UPMC Cole; Secretary/Treasurer, PA Chapter, AAP
Clancy Cash Harrison, MS, RDN, FAND: Registered Dietitian; President, West Side Food Pantry

Session Learning Objectives:
As a result of participation in this activity, participants will be able to- 
  •  Increase understanding of food insecurity
  •  Increase effective food insecurity screening and referras
  •  Improve collaboration between primary care sites and food pantries
  •  Improve all the above as we respond to COVID-19

VIEW RECORDING
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RECORDED
“Overview of Child Physical Abuse During COVID-19”

Presenters:
Norrell Atkinson, MD, FAAP- Section Chief, Child Protection Program, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA; Presenter, PA AAP SCAN (Suspected Child Abuse & Neglect) Program

Session Learning Objectives:
As a result of participation in this activity, participants will be able to- 
  • Define the scope of child maltreatment and the risk factors that make a child vulnerable to abuse, especially during the COVID-19 period
  • Identify historical features and physical findings that are concerning for abuse
  • Understand your responsibility as a mandated reporter

VIEW RECORDING
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RECORDED
“Coping with COVID and Autism" 

Presenters:
Wendy Ross, MD, FAAP: Jefferson Health, Center for Autism & Neurodiversity

Session Learning Objectives:
As a result of participation in this activity, participants will be able to:
  • Identify areas of stress during the COVID period for those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Articulate strategies to help reduce stress in those affected by ASD
  • Delineate possibilities for at-home opportunities for growth during the COVID period

​VIEW RECORDING
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RECORDED
“Supporting Mental Health During COVID19" 

Presenters:
Justin Schreiber, DO, MPH, FAAP
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC
Presbyterian-Shadyside, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC

Paula Powe, MD
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, UPMC
Medical Director, Matilda H. Theiss Child Development Center on Early Childhood Behavioral Health, UPMC

Session Learning Objectives:
As a result of participation in this activity, participants will be able to:
• Discuss psychological and physiological impact of stress from global disasters like COVID19
• Identify signs and symptoms of increased stress responses
• Describe stress coping mechanisms and guidance to provide families during COIVD19

View Recording
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RECORDED
"Breastfeeding and Lactation Support During COVID"
In this webinar Dr. Meg Kawan discusses new guidance on pregnancy and COVID-19 and breastfeeding recommendations for COVID19 positive moms. This webinar also provides information on breastfeeding and lactation resources and WIC updates.

Session Learning Objectives:
As a result of participation in this activity, participants will be able to:
  • Describe current information on breastfeeding/breastmilk as they relate to COVID-19
  • Discuss recommendations on breastfeeding continuation during COVID-19
  • Identify breastfeeding support and information during COVID-19
Presenter:
Meg Kawan, MD, MPH, IBCLC, FAAP
Pediatrician, CHOP Care Network, Karabots Pediatric Care Center
Eastern PA Representative, National AAP Section on Breastfeeding
View recording

PA AAP #CallYourPediatrician Well Child and Immunization Campaign

With national data showing immunization rates for all ages dipping to dangerously low levels, today the American Academy of Pediatrics is launching a campaign urging parents to call their pediatricians to schedule check-ups and vaccines for children of all ages. 
LEARN MORE

"The Bed Warriors"

When the bed warriors' defenses are strong...
#CallYourPediatrician

COVID-19 To-Do's

Let your Pediatrician take ‘em off your hands for 20 minutes.  Don’t skip vaccines or checkups, or ignore concerns about your child’s health. Pediatricians are offering options like telehealth and have implemented strict safety measures.  
​#CallYourPediatrician

"Mini Picasso"

When your mini Picasso's masterpiece is a Picass-no...
​#CallYourPediatrician
​From AAP:  
From AAP News:
“AAP offers response and updates for members on COVID-19“
“Coronavirus disease outbreak” 
“Preparedness measures urged in anticipation of more COVID-19 cases in U.S.: CDC” 
Red Book Online “2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infections“
“Preparedness Checklist for Pediatric Practices“
“COVID-19 testing criteria expanded“
“AAP postpones leadership conference, shares COVID-19 guidance“
“CDC updates guidance on PPE for health care personnel; COVID-19 declared a pandemic“

COVID-19 Resources On This Site: 

Breastfeeding
Food Insecurity
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Phone: (484) 446-3000
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This website is a publication of PA AAP and is intended to be a forum for information and communication among the PA AAP membership, individuals and groups interested in the health and well-being of children. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the electronic documents and resources provided on this website. However, the PA AAP makes no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding errors or omissions and assumes no legal liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from the use of information contained within.