Cases, Hospitalizations Continue to Climb

Ohio reported 7,087 new COVID-19 cases yesterday. That number has been rising since July. Statewide, there are 2,573 hospitalized patients—a 21% increase in seven days—and one in five ICU beds are occupied by COVID patients. This number is even worse in rural areas, where COVID patients make up 33% of ICU beds and 25% of all inpatients. Every Ohio county is experiencing “high” transmission rates, the highest level according to the CDC.

In his briefing yesterday, Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, said this is a “hospital pandemic of the unvaccinated,” noting less than 2.5 percent of hospitalizations since January were fully vaccinated patients.  

Vanderhoff also discussed the increased number of cases among children. Ohio’s six children’s hospitals issued a joint letter urging the public to protect children by getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, and practice social distancing and hand hygiene. More children are in intensive care with COVID-19 than ever before and hospitals across the country are reporting an influx.

As of this morning, 60.94% of eligible Ohioans (age 12 and up) have started the vaccine process.

Antigen Tests Available for Physician Offices

The State of Ohio has inventories of rapid antigen testing that can be distributed to providers. There are two options for the Abbott BinaxNOW rapid test.

Abbott BinaxNOW Professional Version (40 test/box)

This is the test card that has been used extensively in nursing homes and congregate facilities for staff and resident testing.  The test requires the provider to have a CLIA# and the provider will be responsible for reporting test results (the state has a solution for test reporting if the provider does not.)

Abbott BinaxNOW At Home Test 

This is the same test card, but packaged by Abbott as an At Home test. The test includes a tele-health proctor to assist the individual to perform the test properly. The proctor will record the test result and all results are reported to the Ohio Department of Health. Providers who are challenged with patients who seek only a test to get out of restrictions/quarantine are ordering these tests as an option to share with these patients and taking some pressure off their clinics.

These tests are also widely available at Ohio libraries and local Health Departments. Information about the virtually-guided test is here. https://ohio.emed.com.

To order a supply, send an email to philip.ennen@insurance.ohio.gov or call 614-981-0695.

COVID-19 Vaccine Training and Education

The Pfizer Vaccines US Medical Affairs team will be hosting medical updates on Tuesdays at 5:00pm ET and Thursdays at 12:00pm ET for the remainder of 2021.

These webinars will be continuously updated to reflect new information and changes that evolve. Such updates will be identified at the start of each session and further explained during each presentation.

The topics for the current sessions, subject to change, include:  

• FDA approval in individuals 16 years of age and older
• Third dose authorization for immunocompromised persons
• Packaging update
• Shelf-life extension and temperature range
• Storage, handling & administration

The September schedule, which includes links to each session, is here.

Seeking Wellness Speakers

In ‘precedented’ times, physicians experience high levels of work stress. In these unprecedented times, it’s even more important for doctors to take care of themselves. As the saying goes, you have to take care to give care. In light of this, the OOA is sponsoring a half-day CME webinar early next year focused on physician wellness.

As preparation begins, we are seeking speakers on topics like:

• Effective coping skills
• Practical tools and best practices for physician self-care
• Compassion fatigue
• Emotional well-being
• How to remain hopeful during a global pandemic
• Cultivating wellness in yourself and those around you

If you have experience in these or any related topic and are willing to share your knowledge with your peers, let us know by completing the online form.

In general, CME speakers complete a simple disclosure form, provide objectives, a CV, headshot photo, and present their expertise with the help of slides. Since this wellness program is virtual, presentations could be pre-recorded with a live Q&A.

Simply CME Available On-Demand

The OOA has teamed with five other state osteopathic associations across the country to offer Simply CME, a series of one-day virtual conferences. The most recent session, held August 21, is now available on-demand.

The program offers 8 AOA Category 1-A credits, 8 AMA PRA Category 1 credits, and the flexibility to view the lectures at your leisure. 

The presentations include:

• Abdominal Pain: The Great Clinic Frontier
• Trauma-Informed Care in Practice
• ECG Cases - The Game is Afoot
• Don’t Be Rash! Tips to Effectively Manage Pediatric Rashes
• This Too Shall Pass: Kidney Stone Treatment and Prevention
• Are the kids alright? An Osteopathic Approach to Pediatric Mental Health
• Evaluation and Management of Dementia
• Sleep Apnea and Other Pulmonary Issues for Primary Care

Participants must complete the session by midnight on October 5. CME credits will be reported to the AOA by October 21. Register here.

Holistic Coverage for Holistic Physicians

ISMIE is the premier provider of professional liability insurance to physicians in the Midwest, offering products that maximize protection and minimize worry. The company has proudly delivered protection, quality, service and value to health care professionals for more than 40 years. Its vast array of offerings includes industry-leading risk management programs, customized coverage options, and physician-led claims management.

ISMIE strives to insure you with the best coverage at the most affordable price. Plus, OOA members get a 10% affinity credit toward their policy, which can be stacked on top of other possible discounts. 

Find out more.

Promote COVID-19 Vaccination in Your Area

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is working to increase vaccination rates in 10 rural counties where rates are particularly low. If you live or practice in Adams, Coshocton, Darke, Hardin, Highland, Mercer, Perry, Shelby, Van Wert, or Vinton County, you can help by writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.

Because research shows physicians are among the most trusted voices when it comes to health information, you play an important role to combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
 
ODH partners will work with a physician to draft the letter to address the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, urge nonvaccinated people to get their questions answered, and encourage vaccination. If you are willing to assist with this project, contact Executive Director Matt Harney at mattharney@OhioDO.org.

Seeking Nominations for Trauma Committee Seat

The Trauma Committee of the State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services (EMFTS) is seeking nominations for seat #6. It is designated for a physician who actively provides rehabilitative care to trauma victims.
 
The Committee was created to advise and assist the EMFTS in all matters regarding trauma care and the Ohio Trauma System. Its membership is spelled out in the Ohio Revised Code. A list of current Committee members is here.
 
Interested candidates should send their CV to OOA Executive Director Matt Harney at mattharney@OhioDO.org.