Eye CareWashington Academy of Eye Physicians & Surgeons is here to help!COVID-19 (Coronavirus)We recommend all clinics develop a plan for the expected spread of the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) in the United States. As the clinical situation changes on a daily basis, we recommend following guidance from the CDC and the Washington State Department of Health. We will continue to follow updates closely and make decisions based on recommendations from the Washington Department of Health and King County Health Department. The Washington State Medical Association is maintaining a webpage with links to up-to-date guidance from the CDC and the DOH. For more information click here. Telehealth: Things To Know Many ophthalmologists are exploring options for Telehealth to make sure patients who aren’t urgent but still have concerns can get them addressed during the Covid-19 crisis. WAEPS has developed a Telehealth primer for you and your practices to help you get up and running quickly with virtual office visits. Also included in the attachment is the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology’s (PAO) primer on Telehealth billing. The AAO has a Telehealth page that has useful information as well. Paycheck Protection Program A recent WSMA survey of physician clinics in our state found that virtually all respondents are being financially impacted by COVID-19, with several having to close their doors altogether. The federal stimulus package (a.k.a. CARES Act) is intended to provide financial relief to individuals and businesses through a number of programs. The “Paycheck Protection Program” is likely to be of most utility to physician practices, as it provides loans of up to $10 million to qualifying businesses of less than 500 employees that under some circumstances do not need to be repaid. Intended primarily as a tool for businesses impacted by COVID-19 to cover payroll costs as well as some operational expenses, the PPP loans do not require collateral and can cover up to two months of your average monthly payroll costs from the last year, plus an additional 25 percent of that amount (with payroll calculations capped at $100,000 per employee). Provided that the funds are used to primarily cover payroll costs, and that staff and payroll are maintained for the duration of the loan, the loan can be forgiven. Beyond payroll, up to 25 percent of the loan may be used for operational expenses such as rent, interest on mortgages, and utilities. The PPP launches on Friday, April 3, and given the projected demand for loans, early participation is strongly encouraged. As a first step, consider reaching out to the bank your practice works with as all federally-insured financial institutions are eligible lenders. A fact sheet on the program from the Treasury Department can be found here, and the application form can be found here. COVID-19 InformationFind an Eye DoctorProtecting Your EyesEye Care TimelineCommon Diseases and ConditionsCommon Vision SymptomsGlasses, Contacts and LASIKWhy an Ophthalmologist? |