Page 13 - CANNABIS NEWS FL MARCH 2022

Cover Story: Top Five Access Challenges Cover Story: Medical Directorships

and Solutions in Response to COVID Come with Responsibilities, Risks

Continued from page 1 location nearby. Continued from page 1 quately trained or that all of the profes-
required to conduct an appropriate patient Telehealth is another exciting method administrative duties needed for licen- sionals in the facility have the correct
encounter further reducing access. Ease of by which patient access to their physician sure and board requirements, and pro- licensure, they may also be liable if some-
navigation from one care site to another can be accommodated. The rapid develop- viding generalized oversight to the prac- thing happens,” added Gompers. “In the
has also been more complicated than ment of telehealth platforms allows tice, among others. state of Florida and other places, the
before COVID. Due to these challenges, patients to quickly and easily engage in a “What some physicians might think of medical director is also responsible to
the Holy Cross Medical Group (HCMG), video visit with their physician from the as a way of supplementing their income make sure that a facility’s billing proce-
like medical groups across the country, comfort of their own home. Telehealth has for very little effort is really taking on a dures are appropriate and meet all
have adapted to these demands and proven to be an excellent solution for great deal of responsibility if they do the requirements.”
deployed new capabilities that will benefit those patients with mobility or immuno- duties required in the needed manner,” In Florida specifically, any licensed
patient access, safety, and care for years to compromised conditions. Telehealth said Gompers. “In fact, in some states healthcare clinic may not operate with-
come regardless of COVID. makes the visit both safer and more con- including Florida, the failure to do these out the day-to-day supervision of a single
Holy Cross Medical Group (HCMG) venient. duties as defined in state statute could medical or clinic director, who is, in the
recognized and responded to the need to Lastly, online scheduling provides have an effect on the status of their med- state’s view, the focus point of maintain-
answer the phones quickly and effectively access to care to the patient by logging ical licenses.” ing high quality care and ensuring that
by centralizing the call center. HCMG onto an online scheduling option. Doc While some of the tasks of a medical the facility is operating in compliance
started with the primary care offices and ASAP is a scheduling tool available to all director can be delegated, the medical with the law. When applying for recerti-
rapidly expanded to the larger specialty current and potential patients of HCMG director can be held responsible when a fication, medical directorships will be
practices. This resulted in greater than and accessible from any electronic device patient suffers an adverse effect or the reviewed by the state as part of the licen-
98% of patient calls being answered in less such as smartphone, tablet, or computer. It entity’s regulatory compliance is called sure requirement, and if there is a com-
than 30 seconds. Specialized training will list physician availability and make into question. plaint about the facility, every facet,
allows for the call center representative to scheduling as simple as selecting a time “Many physicians don’t realize that including the medical director’s role, will
answer questions and schedule appoint- that is convenient for them. their medical professional liability policy be reviewed.
ments while on the call eliminating long While COVID has had heartbreaking most likely excludes medical director- “Anybody contemplating entering into
wait times, voicemails and return phone implications across every community, it initiated duties,” said Gompers. “In order a medical directorship should have a
calls. Their training also prepares the call has pushed the adoption of centralized to protect themselves from any suits or contract and consult with a healthcare
center representative to assess the health services such as call centers and the issues, they may need to get a separate attorney to ensure that the proposed
condition, and if COVID may be a factor, advancement of technology such as tele- policy or be added on to the facility’s pol- business arrangement does not violate
it can guide the patient to available health and online scheduling. HCMG has icy where they are serving as the medical any state or federal laws such as corpo-
resources. taken full advantage of these new capabil- director.” rate practice of medicine and payment
A collaborative team approach is ities to serve our patients better. There are a number of red flags that arrangements,” said Gompers. “They
improving access to patient appointments. It is essential to note that in addition to may signal a problem when looking at a need to make sure that they understand
While the patient/provider relationship learning and deploying new capabilities, medical director agreement. their duties under the contract and con-
remains a priority, a patient’s immediate HCMG and other excellent health care “For example, if a person is a medical sider if they can appropriately perform
need may require seeing a provider who organizations across the community have director at a facility like a nursing home, those duties.
has immediate availability versus waiting known how to keep patients and care and refers patients there while getting a “They also need to make sure that they
for the established physician relationship teams safe while seeking care. It is crucial monthly fee as a medical director, he or have their own liability coverage to pro-
to have an appointment available, which that those in need of care understand this she may be violating anti-kickback regu- tect them in this role, or make sure that
could be many weeks out. This is accom- and don’t delay care even though COVID lations,” said Gompers. they are included in the policy of the
modated by the centralized call center continues to be a challenge in our commu- The Physician Self-Referral Law, com- facility or clinic engaging them and get a
who has visibility into all physician sched- nities. monly referred to as the Stark law, pro- Certificate of Insurance as evidence of
ules and can navigate a patient to another hibits physicians from referring patients such,” he added. “A number of physi-
excellent physician either in the exact James Moffett is President, Holy Cross to receive "designated health services" cians fail to realize how important this
location or at a geographically convenient Health Medical Group. payable by Medicare or Medicaid from role is to the facility and how much
entities with which the physician or an exposure they may have.”
immediate family member has a financial
relationship. For more information, contact
Visit us on the web at “If a physician doesn’t make sure that Bill Gompers at bill@dannagracey.com,
www.southfloridahospitalnews.com the ancillary staff meets their in-service (888) 777-7173 or
www.southfloridahospitalnews.com
education requirements and are ade- visit www.dannagracey.com.

Accolades Accolades Accolades Accolades

Century Ambulance Service EMS Professionals

Receive Prestigious Stars of Life Recognition

by the Florida Ambulance Association

Century Ambulance Service EMS professionals representing Taylor County, Columbia County and northeast
Florida were recognized with the prestigious Stars of Life award recently at the 2022 Stars of Life medal ceremo-
ny. The four recipients representing Century Ambulance EMS professionals include: Michael Krohn, EMT, Taylor
County; Greg Thacker, EMT, Columbia County; Cornelius Lavan, Paramedic, and Lauretta Kaylor,
Dispatcher/Paramedic both from Jacksonville, Florida. These four individuals were nominated by their station
supervisors.
The Star of Life medal is given each year by the Florida Ambulance Association to recognize that EMS saves,
sustains, and touches lives every day and shines a light on all the important work these individuals do who have
either resuscitated a patient, improved public health, had a positive impact in the community, or showed excep-
tional care and compassion.
“We are very proud of the courage and dedication demonstrated by our EMT’s, Paramedics and Dispatcher
throughout this year and their unwavering commitment to providing compassionate care at every level in their
respective roles here at Century Ambulance, said Matt Johnson, Vice President-East and General Manager of
Century Ambulance. “Over the past year, the tireless efforts of all EMS professionals throughout the state have
been critical to ensuring the health and safety of all Floridians throughout this pandemic,” he added.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the Stars of Life recipients had the opportunity to meet Lt. Governor
Jeanette Nuñez, attend meetings at the Florida State Capitol and also met with their state legislators and local
representatives.
Century Ambulance Service is a Covalent Health Company and provides services throughout the state of Back row (l-r) Michael Krohn, Greg Thacker;
Florida serving northeast Florida, Columbia County, Taylor County and Palm Beach County. Front row (l-r) Cornelius Lavan, Lauretta Kaylor

36 March 2022 southfloridahospitalnews.com South Florida Hospital News