COVID-19 Helpful Links

CDC

Interim Guidance for Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/critical-workers/implementing-safety-practices.html (updated 4/9/20)

Strategies for optimizing the use of eye protection, isolation gowns, face masks and N95 respirators. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/index.html (updated 3/24/20)

For updated information from the CDC on COVID-19, this link will help: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

State of CT

Information on evaluation of patients with possible COVID-19 https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Coronavirus/20200316-DPH-Important-Information-for-Connecticut-Physicians.pdf (updated 3/24/20)

A Comprehensive FAQ Document created by Governor Lamont’s Office on State actions on COVID-19. https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Coronavirus/COVID-19-FAQs.pdf?la=en (updated 3/19/20)

CMS

Telemedicine Tool Kit: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/general-telemedicine-toolkit.pdf (updated 3/24/20)

Effective immediately, the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) will exercise enforcement discretion and waive penalties for HIPPAA violations against healthcare providers that serve patients in good faith through everyday communication technologies, such as FaceTime or Skype, during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-telemedicine-health-care-provider-fact-sheet https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-telemedicine-health-care-provider-fact-sheet (updated 3/18/20)

CMS has waived some of their requirements during the COVID-19 crisis, including face-to-face visits. This can be found at this link:  https://www.cms.gov/files/document/covid19-emergency-declaration-health-care-providers-fact-sheet.pdf

For more information on telehealth benefits in the Medicare program, read the CMS fact sheet at: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/03052020-medicare-covid-19-fact-sheet.pdf.

Coding

For interim COVID-19 ICD-10 coding, one can go to this link:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/icd/ICD-10-CM-Official-Coding-Gudance-Interim-Advice-coronavirus-feb-20-2020.pdf

The following link lists the NEW CPT codes for COVID19 testing effective March 13:
https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/cpt/cpt-releases-new-coronavirus-covid-19-code-description-testing

CT Medical Assistance Program (CMAP)

This bulletin outlines expanded telemedicine and the new Audio-only (Telephonic) Services: https://www.ctdssmap.com/CTPortal/Information/Get%20Download%20File/tabid/44/Default.aspx?Filename=pb20_14.pdf&URI=Bulletins/pb20_14.pdf (updated 3/23/20)

This bulletin outlines coverage of laboratory testing for COVID-19, using CDC/CMS identified HCPCS codes: https://www.ctdssmap.com/CTPortal/Information/Get%20Download%20File/tabid/44/Default.aspx?Filename=pb20_12.pdf&URI=Bulletins/pb20_12.pdf

This link covers new coverage of specified telemedicine services under the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program (CMAP) due to the COVID-19 outbreak: https://www.ctdssmap.com/CTPortal/Information/Get%20Download%20File/tabid/44/Default.aspx?Filename=pb20_10.pdf&URI=Bulletins/pb20_10.pdf

This link covers the new coverage of specified telemedicine services under the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program (CMAP) (aside from the COVID-19 outbreak): https://www.ctdssmap.com/CTPortal/Information/Get%20Download%20File/tabid/44/Default.aspx?Filename=pb20_09.pdf&URI=Bulletins/pb20_09.pdf

CT DPH

Updated Guidance for COVID-19: PPE Conservation and Testing Strategies – March 24, 2020

Important Information for Connecticut Physicians, APRNs, PAs, and RNs
About COVID-19
– March 16, 2020