News: AMA issues checklist for medical practice reopening

The American Medical Association (AMA) recently released a checklist to help medical practices shut down due to COVID-19 take steps to safely reopen, reported Revenue Cycle Advisor.

Hospitalization rates due to COVID-19 are on the decline and states are revising their COVID-19 executive orders to allow practices to restart non-emergency healthcare. Facilities must strategically plan both when and how to reopen considering the impact that reopening would have on staff, patients, visitors, and the public.

The AMA suggests that practice managers take the following steps to ensure that their practice is ready for reopening:

• Comply with governmental guidance. Adhere to localized guidance regarding the resumption of non-urgent medical services and elective procedures.
• Make a plan. Create a timeline detailing what needs to be done prior to reopening.
• Open incrementally. Consider a stepwise approach to reopening.
• Institute safety measures for patients. Examples include designating “well” and “sick” waiting areas and requiring all people entering the practice to wear a mask.
• Ensure workplace safety. Let staff know to stay home if they exhibit symptoms indicative of COVID-19.
• Implement a teletriage program. For patients seeking an in-person visit, consider whether they might be better served by being redirected to a hospital or COVID-19 testing site.
• Screen patients before in-person visits. Screen patients at least 24 hours before they enter the practice. (For more information about telehealth visits, click here.)
• Coordinate testing with local hospitals and clinics. Identify where patients can go for COVID-19 testing and ensure that these facilities have adequate testing capacity.
• Limit nonpatient visitors. Let non-patient visitors know that they can contact the practice over the phone or by video conference.
• Contact your medical liability insurance carrier. Reopening your practice during the pandemic may heighten your risk of liability.
• Establish confidentiality, privacy, and data-security protocols. Keep in mind, if a staff member or patient tests positive for COVID-19, their identity cannot be shared with patients or staff without their consent.
• Consider legal implications. Reopening your practice may bring new questions regarding paid sick leave and policies such as what to do if staff members request to opt out of the reopening.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published by Revenue Cycle Advisor. An ACDIS story on restarting non-emergent healthcare can be found here. To read ACDIS’ coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, click here.