KPMA COVID-19 Resource Hub
July 1, 2021
Click here for the current medical facilities guidelines.
March 11, 2020
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus a pandemic. Many podiatrists are searching for answers about how to address COVID-19 in their practices and personal lives. KPMA is here to help by directing you to the most authoritative and timely news and tools.
For more information and guidance on the rapidly evolving COVID-19 outbreak, KPMA and APMA recommend you visit the frequently updated CDC website. You will find information on how COVID-19 spreads, how to prevent spread in your community, guidance for businesses and employers, and information for health-care professionals.
Kentucky Updates
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Vaccine Guidance for DPMs- By Dr. Steven Stack: Click Here to Read Release
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National Preparedness Month; Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today Click Here to Learn More
- The official Team Kentucky source for information concerning COVID-19
- KY Employer Guide to Unemployment Insurance Changes during State of Emergency
- Gov. Andy Beshear's Communications Office (news releases, other advisories)
- Gov. Andy Beshear's YouTube Channel - all posted news conference videos.
- Cabinet for Health and Family Services COVID-19 Resources - you'll find information and links to resources related to CHFS agency response to COVID-19 and its impact on programs, services and people. The Office of Inspector General is the regulatory and licensing agency for all health care, day care and long-term and child adoption/child-placing agencies in the commonwealth. Visit CHFS COVID-19 Resources for Office of Inspector General guidance.
Reopening of Podiatric Medical Offices Authorized Effective April 27, 2020
Guidance for Health Care Practitioners and Facilities
On April 27, health care practitioners can resume non-urgent/emergent health care services, diagnostic radiology and lab services in:
- Hospital outpatient setting
- Health care clinics and medical offices
- This guidance does not apply to long-term care settings, prisons, other industries, or other settings for which separate guidance has already or will be provided in the future. This guidance does not apply to elective surgeries or procedures which will be addressed in a subsequent phase.
“This is intended to be a phased, gradual reopening so that we can do this thoughtfully, safely, and see the consequences of our actions to make the necessary adjustments,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner for the Department for Public Health. Dr. Stack emphasized that this is a phased, gradual reopening of services and that a COVID-19 surge may require adjustment.
Telehealth - In all phases, health care practitioners should still maximize telehealth rather than in-person services. For Medicare coding purposes, the location should show as your office rather telehealth.
Waiting Rooms - Health care facilities and offices should also eliminate traditional waiting room or common seating areas and use non-traditional alternatives, for example, a parking lot “lobby.”
Social Distancing - Health care facilities should maintain social distancing, keeping people at least six feet apart in all possible settings, and employ other steps to minimize direct contact between individuals within the health care setting.
Screening and Sanitization - Health care facilities should screen all health care workers, patients and others for temperature and COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival for shift or visit. Staff should be required to stay home if sick. Staff should plan for and ensure enhanced workplace sanitizing, enhanced hand hygiene compliance, and easily accessible hand sanitizer throughout the facility.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Each health care setting must be able to procure necessary PPE via normal supply chains.
- All health care providers and staff must wear surgical/procedural masks and gloves while in health care office/facility.
- All patients and other persons in health care office/facility must:
- Wear a surgical/procedural mask while in health care facility
- Wear either a surgical/procedural mask or cloth mask/face covering in all other health care settings
Special Considerations
- In high-touch clinical settings (e.g., physical therapy, chiropractic, etc.), health care workers should wear non-latex gloves in addition to enhanced hand hygiene practices described above.
- Any objects and contact surfaces used for clinical services should be sanitized between patients.
- Please ensure that your staff is completely clear on the requirements of this guidance and needs for patient compliance.
APMA Recommendations
- Per the CDC’s guidance, delay all elective ambulatory provider visits.
- Discontinue elective procedures (surgical and office-based).
- Consider providing telehealth services to your patients. Watch this webinar for guidance.
- Review APMA's small business assistance resource page.
- Review your state podiatry board's website for updates to licensing requirements.
- APMA has compiled answers to members' frequently asked questions.
Additional Resources
New COVID-19 Statistics and News Resource; Click Here to see the COVID Exit Strategy Page
SBA Disaster Loan Information and Application
White House COVID-19 Taskforce Updates
Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Businesses, Workplaces, Schools, and Public Spaces This pdf resource provides a general framework for cleaning and disinfection practices with links to industry-specific guidelines.
CDC/WHO Guidance for Healthcare Professionals
- FAQ for Healthcare Professionals
- Information for Healthcare Professionals
- Information for Healthcare Facilities
- Infection Control Guidance
- Guidance for Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure
- Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations Webinar
- Information for Long-term Care Facilities, Nursing Homes
- WHO Overview
- WHO Advice for Health-Care Workers
- Rolling Updates
- CDC Free Handwashing Posters These printable posters can be used to help raise awareness about handwashing in highly visible public areas, such as schools, workplaces, and restrooms. They are designed for all audiences, and some are available in multiple sizes and languages, and can be ordered for free via CDC-Info on Demand.
Telehealth Resources
- CMS Waiver: Podiatrists May Now Provide E/M Services Remotely
- Webinar on Compliance and Coding for Remote Services
- DEA Exception to Allow Providers to Prescribe Controlled Substances via Telehealth
Recommendations for Clinical Practice
- Recommendations for Management of Elective Surgical Procedures
- CMS Recommendations for Elective Surgery
- CDC Guidelines to Clean and Disinfect Your Practice/Facility
Practice, Legal, and Financial Resources
- Financial Assistance for Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19
- Information and Guidance from CMS
- Information for Businesses and Employers from the CDC
- Foley & Lardner, LLP, Coronavirus Resource Page
- Fox Rothschild, LLP Coronavirus Resources for Physicians and Dentists
- Federation of Podiatric Medical Boards State-by-State Resources
- OSHA Coronavirus Guidance