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January 19, 2022
A message from the CEO
Dear colleagues,

We have a lot of work to do yet - but as I hoped last week, this surge appears to be cresting. It will take several weeks to play out, but knowing the tide is turning is a relief. As we look to the future, I want to share two good news items. First, I am very pleased to officially welcome the physicians and APP's of Joslin Diabetes Center into HMFP and BILH. Our Joslin colleagues bring renowned expertise in diabetes research and care that will further strengthen HMFP's and BILH's research in this clinical area, enhancing our collective ability to meet the needs of patients in communities across the system. The Joslin addition brings HMFP to 2,070 physicians and APP's strong, making us an even more prominent physician organization. Welcome, Joslin!
 
I'm also excited to announce the launch of HMFP's latest physician wellness initiative - One Less Stress - which continues to include food and meal delivery and personal services programs designed to support you and your families as you navigate work and life demands, particularly during this challenging time. Please check out Wellness Corner below for more details on the pilot program and how to sign up. I hope this new program does bring one less stress to your busy lives. On behalf of myself and the board of directors, we continue to extend our gratitude and respect for your dedication, support, and the exemplary care you provide to our patients.

With wellness best wishes,
Alexa B. Kimball, MD, MPH
Additional wellness updates:
Spring Health
HMFP provides Spring Health to our HPHC members as a behavioral health & wellness benefit. Costs for the first 6 sessions are fully covered by HMFP. After 6 sessions, it is subject to the plan in which you are enrolled in. Click here to watch an informational video, and here to activate your account.
Plan Well Live Well On the Go
HPHC and HMFP have partnered to bring you a new well-being program - Plan Well Live Well On the Go. If you haven't taken advantage of this new program, today is the day as a new program started Jan. 17. You can access this program through the HPHC Limeade application on your desktop or mobile app. Click here to get started.  
Sign up for Feb. 2 Town Hall 
Save-the-date and sign-up for HMFP's first Town Hall of 2022 on Feb. 2 from 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. The virtual meeting will include special guest speaker, April Koh, Co-Founder and CEO of Spring Health. April will discuss HMFP's partnership with Spring Health, and how Spring Health is using innovative and evidence-based approaches to support individuals and organizations in managing mental healthcare. Click here to register. After registering, you will receive an email from Zoom containing information about joining the meeting. You will need to add this to your calendar.
Applications for new academic career positions due Feb. 11 
BIDMC's Office for Academic Careers is seeking internal candidates for the following three opportunities:

  • Senior Director, Office for Academic Careers, BIDMC
  • Director of Research Careers, BIDMC
  • Director of Clinical Careers, BIDMC

Click here to learn more about the expectations, responsibilities, and required qualifications for each of these roles. Those interested in a dual role should make that clear in their letter of interest. Please submit your application by sending a cover letter and CV to Kathleen Powers by noon on Feb. 11.
Passphrase entry reduction in webOMR notes 
Effective Jan. 18, the webOMR note signing screens have been updated to reduce passphrase entry. Users are no longer required to enter their passphrase to sign notes. Users will see an attestation, and should use the “Click to Sign” button to sign notes (individually and in batch). This functionality will be available in other areas of webOMR in the near future. Email omrsupport@bidmc.harvard.edu with questions.
Health plans to cover COVID tests
As of January 15, employees enrolled in our health plan, and their covered family members, are eligible for at-home, over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic tests authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The health plan will cover up to 8 tests per covered member, per month, at no cost. Our health plan vendors (HPHC and CVS Caremark) are working to establish a process to access this benefit, and we will share those details with you as they become available. In the meantime, we suggest you save your receipts for eligible tests purchased on or after January 15 since you will be able to submit for reimbursement once the process has been established. Click here for details on the CMS policy.

Residential households in the U.S. can also order one set of 4 free, at-home tests from USPS.com. Click here to order.

Just a reminder, the costs of personal protective equipment, such as masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes, for the primary purposes of preventing the spread of COVID-19 are eligible medical expenses that can be paid or reimbursed under your health FSA or HSA.
Telehealth across state lines for Jan. 18
Please see the following state-by-state specific guidelines related to the CMS conditional waiver to accept billing by physicians and providers performing telemedicine in other states for Medicare patients. These waivers have started to expire and some have been renewed. Please note: the following states do not authorize telemedicine practice by out-of-state practitioners: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. Below is the latest update by state, updated Jan. 18.

Please direct any questions to Ellie Faust of the HMFP Legal Team. Click here for CRICO Coverage Telemedicine FAQs.
New group for forensic medical evaluators of asylum seekers 
New group for forensic medical evaluators of asylum seekers
BIDMC is seeking clinicians and allied health professionals who currently perform forensic medical and psychologic evaluations to survivors of persecution seeking asylum in the United States. This newly formed group will enhance staff coordination and support. Click here to sign up for an initial planning meeting. Contact Rose Molina to learn more.
Discount Hub's January savings
Don't miss out on the latest January deals in HMFP's Discount Hub, where you'll find the most popular discounts on food items, lodging, entertainment, and more. Click here to access these special offerings.