COVID-19

“COVID-19 has created major challenges for the delivery of primary health care. I have been advocating for a family member’s care for several years, and the pandemic has demonstrated the commitment to quality health care by one physician in particular. Never in my life have I had a doctor reach out to me at 10:00 p.m. This doctor apologized profusely for not being able to return my call during normal practice hours, but indicated that the pandemic and the use of telemedicine visits had altered his schedule. It warmed my heart to know that there are still doctors who put the patient’s peace of mind first and foremost, in spite of their inconvenience.” ~ Patient SM

BCMS and MedChi, your medical societies, are resources for you, your practice, and your patients. At the onset of COVID-19, we:

Responded to daily e-mail and phone requests, from members and non-members, for information on economic and business resources including federal, state, and local funding, personal protection equipment, telemedicine support, and volunteer opportunities
Managed weekly teleconferences and other communications for BCMS, MedChi and specialty societies
Encouraged participation in webinars offered by the Maryland Department of Health, MedChi, and BCMS, and provided continuing medical education credits
Shared up-to-date information via our websites, electronic and regular mail
Advocated for additional public emergency immunity and additional economic support for physicians
Facilitated virtual board, committee, and membership meetings to hear directly from our memberships.

“Doctors are doing a good job of keeping patients safe, while still providing necessary health services. They are an essential part of our modern-day society and they put their lives on the line for our sake.” – Patient J.H.

“I had an appointment with an orthopedist for treatment of elbow bursitis. The office had a registration desk in the hallway, where they took my temperature and insurance information before letting me enter the waiting room. The waiting room had a limited number of patients. The doctors and staff took all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the patients and staff.” Patient L.A.

We have offered COVID-19 programming:

COVID-19: Your Practice Check-Up [Are you in compliance with current laws and Practice Regulations?] (June 30, 2020)
Finding COVID-19: Point of Care Testing (CME, October 2020)
Current Status in the Development of SARS-COV2 Vaccine (CME, November 2020)
COVID and the Creation of a Field Hospital (CME, December 2020)