Policy and Legislation
President Trump signs $2 trillion coronavirus bill that includes $100 billion for hospitals.
Other insurers have committed to covering testing at no cost to patients, as well as doctor visit treatment.
The physicians are needed to meet the demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, AMA says.
Many hospitals will not be able to survive the damage to their cash flow for longer than 60-90 days, report says.
The need for these services has increased as community measures to slow transmission of COVID-19 has closed meal sites.
It's granting exceptions and extensions from reporting requirements for clinicians and providers participating in Medicare programs such as MIPS and Shared Savings Program ACOs.
The coronavirus is causing hospitals to ramp up for a surge of cases while having to give up elective procedures that sustain their revenue.
Healthcare providers should encourage patients to remain home unless there is an emergency to protect others and limit their exposure.
The Department of Defense is releasing up to 2,000 ventilators and is making available up to 5 million N95 face masks from reserves.
The savings are due in part to strict price-reporting controls on pharmaceutical companies and the continuance of drug manufacturer rebates.