March 23, 2020 - CHICAGO – The American Medical Association (AMA) and other leading physician organizations last Saturday urged Congressional leaders to include measures critical to physician practices in the next COVID-19 stimulus package. Measures include:

• Requiring all payers, including ERISA plans, to provide coverage and payment for audio-only telehealth visits with patients, at the same level as in-person visits;
• Providing dedicated and direct financial support to physicians and practices on the front lines of testing, diagnosing, and treating patients at risk of COVID-19. Costs include acquiring personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies;
• Providing dedicated financial support to all physicians and practices experiencing adverse economic impact on their practices from suspending elective visits and procedures.

The letter also continues the medical community’s advocacy in urging Congress to take all possible actions to ensure that every physician and health care worker has access to critically needed PPE.

In addition to the AMA, the letter is signed by the American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Physicians, American College of Surgeons, and Medical Group Management Association, with additional state and specialty medical societies joining this advocacy in coming days.

To read the full letter, click here.
Source: AMA