ODH Monitoring for Coronavirus

The Ohio Department of Health is monitoring a new Person Under Investigation (PUI) for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Samples from the PUI have been taken and sent to the CDC for testing. Results are expected in the coming days. A local health department, working in collaboration with ODH, is monitoring the individual and their contacts. No additional personal information will be released about the PUI.

Ohio remains at low risk and there are no confirmed cases. ODH will post updates of any confirmed cases and PUIs on its website twice weekly.

Ohio Medicaid Still Seeking Physician Input

Last year, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) started the procurement process to evaluate the Medicaid managed care plans (MCPs) and program and received nearly 1,000 responses from advocacy groups, provider associations, physicians, sister agencies, and others.

A second phase of the process outlines a vision for a reimagined statewide managed care program. Five goals have been established:

• Improve wellness and health outcomes.
• Emphasize a personalized care experience.
• Support providers in better patient care.
• Improve care for children and adults with complex needs.
• Increase program transparency and accountability.

ODM continues to collect feedback. Use the OOA form (adapted from the original ODM request for information) with physician-specific questions to voice your ideas for improvement.

OU-HCOM Dublin Students Featured in  Columbus Dispatch

A group of students at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dublin campus, volunteer at a Columbus nursing home to help memory-care patients create art. The focus is the relationship rather than the art project. The initiative is part of Opening Minds through Art (OMA), an award-winning, evidence-based, intergenerational art-making program for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of neurocognitive disorders. Its failure-free program provides opportunities for creative self-expression and social engagement for people with dementia.

An article in the February 4 issue of the Dispatch included quotes from the medical students who brought OMA to the campus, patients, and OU-HCOM Dean William J. Burke, DO, who praised the program noting it is a unique opportunity for students to interact with the residents as individuals and not simply through the lens of a doctor-patient experience.

On the Road Again

This week, Executive Director Matt Harney was in Dayton for a presentation to family medicine residents and rotating students at Grandview Medical Center. He discussed legislation and policy as well as ways for residents and medical students to be involved with their professional home.

The OOA appreciates the opportunity to provide updates to its family on items such as legislation and policy, Osteopathic Recognition resources for students, changes to licensure requirements, writing resolutions, CME expansion, and more.

Loan Repayment Program Deadline February 15

The Ohio Department of Health is accepting applications through next week for the Ohio Physician Loan Repayment Program. With the goal to increase access to primary care, the program is seemingly tailor-made for DOs. Applications must be postmarked by February 15.

In exchange for loan repayment assistance of $25,000 annually for the first two years (and up to $35,000 annually for a third and fourth year of service), physicians commit to practice for a minimum of two years at an eligible site in a Health Professional Shortage Area or Health Resource Shortage Area, accept Medicare and Medicaid, and see patients regardless of ability to pay.

The following primary care specialties are eligible:

• Family Practice
• General Internal Medicine
• Internal Medicine/Pediatrics
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• General Pediatrics
• Adolescent Medicine
• Geriatrics
• Psychiatry (General, Child and Adolescent, Geriatric)

For details, see the ODH website.