New ACG Practice Management Committee Survey on Resuming Endoscopy Services

From ACG Practice Management Committee Chair and Member, ACG Endoscopy Resumption Task Force, Louis J. Wilson, MD, FACG

ACG Practice Management Committee Survey: Please Participate Now!

We are seeking your help in updating the College on the status of your GI practice and resumption of endoscopy services in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please take a few minutes and complete this important survey. This is a follow-up survey from an April 2020 survey many of you completed and will help guide ACG’s recommendations moving forward.

Background

The COVID-19 global pandemic has led to millions of infections worldwide with tragic loss of life. Lockdown measures necessary to mitigate the spread of the infection have also caused extensive economic damage, resulted in millions of lost jobs, and marked disruption of our healthcare system. An April 2020 ACG Practice Management Committee survey revealed important changes to GI practice operations, severe reductions in revenue across all gastroenterology practice models, and a significant impact on patient access to endoscopy. The key findings from this April 2020 survey were discussed in a ACG Endoscopy Resumption Task Force webinar in April, as well as in the May 2020 Task Force’s guidance document on resuming endoscopy services.

We Need Your Help: Updating ACG on the Status of Your Practice

Please take a few minutes and complete this survey as soon as possible. Please also encourage your ACG colleagues to participate in the survey as well. Your participation is critical for the ACG Practice Management Committee and ACG Endoscopy Resumption Task Force’s continued efforts to provide practical recommendations moving forward.

COVID-19: Important Updates for GI Practices

From ACG Legislative and Public Policy Council Chair, Whitfield L. Knapple, MD, FACG

In an effort to keep ACG members up-to-date on important updates in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, please find below the latest information tailored for GI practices.

CMS Updates Re-Opening Guidance for Facilities

On Tuesday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a guide for patients and beneficiaries as they consider their in-person care options. CMS also updated re-opening information as healthcare systems, providers, and facilities further expand non-emergent care and elective procedures. Of note, this CMS document refers only to areas in Phase II: States and regions with no evidence of a rebound that satisfy the Gating Criteria. CMS recommends “non-emergent, non-COVID care (NCC) should be offered to patients, as clinically appropriate, in localities or facilities that have the resources to provide such care, as well as the ability to quickly respond to a surge in COVID-19 cases, if necessary. Decisions should be consistent with Federal, State, and local orders, and CDC guidance and made in collaboration with State and local public health authorities.” In April, CMS issued Phase 1 recommendations to safely resume in-person care in areas with low incidence or relatively low and stable incidence of COVID-19 cases.

ACG Guidance on Safely Reopening Your Endoscopy Center: Find the Latest Information on Your State

Remember to contact your ACG Governor on important state and local issues impacting you and your practice.

“Federal guidance is extensive, but local regulations and conditions dominate”

The ACG Guidance on Safely Reopening Your Endoscopy Center recognizes that not all areas of the country are the same, and each region/state is dealing with various levels of COVID-19 prevalence, ability to test patients/staff, as well as the ability to access personal protective equipment. The ACG Governors continue to monitor state executive orders on reopening our practices and expanding procedures across the U.S. Many ACG members have recently received communications from your ACG Governor, providing the latest information on your state. The ACG Board of Governors will continue to monitor these developments on your behalf and keep you updated.

Interested in learning more on the latest information on your state? The CDC has guidance for who should be tested, but decisions about testing are made by state and local health departments or healthcare providers. The Council of State Governments website is tracking information on your state (updated regularly).

New Joint Society Telemedicine Coding Resources Available

New ACG Magazine Article: Negotiation 101: How to Get What You Want in a Negotiation

New ACG Magazine Issue: Contains Important Practice Management Toolbox Article

The newest ACG Magazine contains a recently published Practice Management Toolbox article written by Vonda Reeves, MD, MBA, FACG and Sameer Islam, MD FAC that discusses how improve your negotiation skills. Read the article in the Magazine and listen to the podcast below!


Listen to the ACG Webinar: Bolstering Resiliency & Well-Being: Strategies to Reactivate Your Staff & Your Practice During COVID-19