The Florida Osteopathic Medical Association has partnered with the Florida Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control to educate doctors and others regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
FAQ page for answers to frequently asked questions
Expedited credentialing:Many states have eased licensing requirements to allow more physicians to help meet the growing healthcare needs of the pandemic. AOA members can send their AOA Profile to all state medical boards at no cost; and non-members only pay a nominal fee. This benefit can enable you to serve in areas of need more quickly through expedited credentialing. Get started.
Telehealth guide:The AOA has created a practice guide highlighting telehealth updates to aid physicians with implementation in their practices.
In addition, the AOA’s advocacy team is partnering with other national health organizations to urge the federal government to expand telehealth benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coding and billing:The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has adopted the following Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes to use for COVID-19 testing.
UOOO1 – 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel should be used when specimens are sent to the CDC and CDC-approved local/state health department laboratories.
UOOO2 – 2019-nCoV Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2/2019-nCoV (COVID-19), any technique, multiple types or subtypes (includes all targets), non-CDC should be used when specimens are sent to commercial laboratories, e.g. Quest or LabCorp, and not to the CDC or CDC-approved local/state health department laboratories.
For more information, visit the CMS website and its recently issued FAQ. To view a more comprehensive list of COVID-19 codes, visit the Aetna website.
Financial relief:The U.S. Small Business Administration has released information about financial relief for small businesses, including private practices.
Advocacy:The AOA’s advocacy activity related to COVID-19 includes the following:
Tracking federal and state legislative activity related to COVID-19
Monitoring and providing updates on CMS guidance regarding telehealth and payment policy
Identifying opportunities for DOs to participate in “tele-town halls” with their lawmakers
Board certification:The AOA’s Division of Certifying Board Services is communicating directly with certification diplomates and candidates regarding postponement of scheduled board exams and meetings. The AOA’s two national testing providers that administer AOA computer-based board examinations will be closed through the end of April. Information about future exams will be shard as it becomes available. Visit our Event Status page to get the latest details for all scheduled AOA meetings, including board certification exams.