The state government, however, is trying to play catch-up with the rise in demand for telehealth. Chris LaCoe, the health system’s VP of Operations, anticipates that the services will only increase, “adding that he believes anywhere from 20-25 percent of visits might become virtual visits in the near future, including postoperative follow-ups”. In March 2020, to reduce the risk of patients contracting COVID-19, Penn State Health urgently expanded telemedicine access from its pilot phase for COVID-19 testing, urgent care, and dermatology patients. Guidance on COVID-19 for healthcare professionals is provided by the PA Department of Health, and includes the following suggestions:ĬOVID-19 has fueled the adoption of telehealth services in the state. The state, individual counties, or even metropolitan areas can move between the phases based on state and local government recommendations. The yellow phase allows some businesses to be open under certain restrictions, and the green phase allows for most businesses to be open while still following the social distancing, public masking, and business capacity guidelines. The red phase includes a stay at home order and only allows essential businesses to be open. Since that time, the state government has developed a three-phase system that provides guidance to individuals and businesses on how and when they can re-open. Additional orders, including a statewide stay at home order and a mandate that masks must be worn in all public spaces, were issued throughout April of 2020. One day after the first confirmed death in the state, Governor Tom Wolf issued a statewide order that closed all “non-life sustaining businesses operations and services,” to take effect on March 21. The first two cases of COVID-19 in the state of Pennsylvania were confirmed on March 6, 2020. However, medical malpractice insurance premiums continue to be high for practicing Pennsylvania doctors. In response, the Medical Care Availability & Reduction of Error Act (MCARE) was passed in 2002, “addressing both medical errors in the healthcare system and reforms to the legal system and the medical malpractice industry”. Lawmakers came together to pass major legislation in 1975 and again in 1996, but by the 2000s, three major insurers had stopped offering policies. Because of high premiums, insurance carriers considered fleeing the state, threatening to make reasonably priced options even more difficult to find. Historically, providers in Pennsylvania witnessed the same malpractice crisis of the 1970s that affected many states across the country. These carriers use proprietary methodologies to set rates and there is no set standard rate across insurers for each specialty, so using a broker like MEDPLI helps surgeons, OB/Gyns, and other physicians secure coverage at the most competitive price. Best and their track record providing robust legal and financial support for physicians. These companies are considered the best insurers in Pennsylvania because of their A-rating from A.M.
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