COVID-19 Resources
We are currently functioning in a unique time with an evolving public health crisis that is impacting all facets of our lives. In addition to being in a pandemic, we are in an “infodemic,” with a variety of information coming from different directions and sources. We hope to provide you reliable information by maintaining a list of resources and links below containing up to date information.
Timely and Credible Links
Telehealth Resources
Weekly Provider Forums
Wellness Resources
Timely and Credible Information Regarding COVID-19
- North Carolina Medicaid information
- NC DHHS most recent update regarding testing, state lab submissions, and new information.
- NC Department of Health and Human Services Covid-19 website for general information about COVID-19, including recent updates:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website
- Resources on COVID-19 from AAPA
- Updates from the NC Medical Board
- NC AHEC Financial Practice Support for healthcare providers
- Childcare for COVID-19 responders
- Information on volunteering as a health care worker from NC DHHS
- Providers seeking clinical consultation with an epidemiologist, call 919-733-3419
- For non-urgent health care provider questions, email ncresponse@nc.dhhs.gov
- NC 2-1-1 by United Way of North Carolina is now available to healthcare providers and the general public for assistance related to the COVID-19 coronavirus. Simply dial 2-1-1.
- COVID-19 updates are also available via text messaging. To sign up, text COVIDNC to 898211.
Telehealth Resources
- Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center provides technical assistance and resources to North Carolina.
- Payer Telehealth Table: Commercial and Medicare Advantage Plans from NCMS
- Coding and reimbursement changes: Medicaid COVID-19 Website
- Emergency funding in response to COVID-19: R. 6074- Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (section 101 addresses telehealth)
- BCBSNC guidelines: Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina COVID-19 Telehealth Updates
- The NCMB’s position statement: NC Medical Board Information on Telemedicine
- General telehealth information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Medicare Telemedicine Health Care Provider Fact Sheet
- Frequently asked questions regarding Medicare and telehealth: Medicare Telehealth FAQs
- New billing codes related to telehealth: NC Medicaid Billing Changes in Response to COVID-19 Summary Effective March 23, 2020
- HIPAA guidelines:The US Department of Health and Human Services
- Federal prescribing guidelines:The DEA’s COVID-19 Page
- National Telehealth Technology Assessment Resource Center provides information and tools about selecting appropriate technologies when providing telehealth.
- Tips for Successful Telehealth Visits
The above telehealth resources, along with additional information from some insurance companies, can be found here.
Weekly Provider Forums
- The NC Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health (DPH) and the North Carolina Area Health Education Centers Program (NC AHEC) are partnering to hold weekly forums for providers to provide updates on new developments and respond to questions.The forums are being held on Fridays from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm and will continue until they are no longer needed.
The forum will be structured to allow either webinar access through your computer OR traditional audio dial-in. PLEASE NOTE – Questions during the forum can only be submitted using the Q&A function using the webinar access through your computer.
Webinar access through your computer: https://zoom.us/j/705979628
For audio-only access (mobile): Dial +16465588656,,705979628#
For audio-only access (office telephone): Dial (646) 558-8656, Webinar ID: 705 979 628
- Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC) and the NC AHEC are working together with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS), and are offering a webinar every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This webinar series will address new options for telephonic and telehealth delivery of care for Medicaid beneficiaries, provide a one-stop location gathering the latest information from NC DHHS and the CDC, and deliver practice support coaching to help practices implement new clinical workflows in response to the changing demands of COVID-19. Registration is required.
Wellness Resources and Apps
compiled by Meg Leddy, PA-C, NCAPA Health Committee Member and Duke University PDC Patient Safety Department
- Hope4Healers Helpline(919-226-2002) is a free resource, providing mental health and resilience support to health care professionals, emergency medical specialists, first responders, other staff who work in health care settings, and their families throughout the state who are experiencing stress from being on the front lines of the state’s COVID-19 response.
- Box Breathing is simply noticing when you start feeling stressed and taking a minute (literally 60 seconds) to breathe. The technique is taught by Navy Seal Mark Divine: https://youtu.be/UJnJ4xTkEOY
- Duke Center for Patient Safety has been researching how to integrate positive emotions into healthcare worker’s days. One study showed that writing down 3 good things within 2 hours of falling asleep for 7 days, had lasting increased happiness and decreased depression over a six month period. A link to helpful tools: https://www.hsq.dukehealth.org/tools/
- Emindful’s Mindful Daily sessions are virtual, where you can connect live and interact with expert teachers and fellow participants practicing for 14 and 30 minute sessions throughout the day and evening. Free for a limited time to offer support and connection.
- Ten Percent Happier app offers a free Coronavirus Sanity Guide, guided meditations for Coronavirus Responders, along with a podcast, talks and newsletter on how to handle coronavirus anxiety. If you are a healthcare worker and are not currently subscribed to Ten Percent Happier, you can receive free access to the app by emailing care@tenpercent.com for instructions. The Basics course of explanatory videos and guided sessions is free.
- Headspace Plus is offering free access to all US healthcare professionals working in public health settings. This includes meditations, sleep, and movement exercises to help you out, however you’re feeling. Helping those who care for us, care for themselves.
- Peloton is offering all new users (not just healthcare professionals) a 90-day trial of its subscription workout app. Users can choose from classes such as yoga, meditation, strength training, cardio workout and more. One note: Peloton does ask for your card details if you sign up for the 90-day trial via the web, and you’ll be charged if you forget to cancel once that period is up, though they do not ask for your card details if the trial is activated through the App Store, GooglePlay or FireTV devices. Once the free trial expires, the app costs $13 per month.
- Smiling Mind is a free app designed originally for kids and young adults (and their parents and teachers) but it’s a comprehensive resource for everyone, including over 41 sessions across 10 modules in its Mindfulness Foundations section for adults. It features simple tips on self-care and grounding yourself during moments of panic.
- Starbucks is offering any customer who identifies as a frontline responder to the COVID-19 outbreak a tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) at no charge. This special will run through May 3rd. https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/navigating-through-covid-19/
NCAPA would like to understand the questions you have around COVID-19 so that we can advocate more effectively. With that in mind, we have set up a way for you to get questions to us, so that we can help you find answers. We realize there may not be answers to every question, but knowing what questions you have is a start. Please submit questions to covid.questions@ncapa.org.