June Edition 2020
Inside This Issue
Anxiety Surrounding The Return To Normalcy See pg. 10
INDEX Mental Health...................... pg.3 Oncology Research......... pg.6 Healthy Heart....................... pg.9
Travel Safely See pg. 12
Reopening the Economy And Getting Back To Business: Privacy Concerns with Health Data Collection and Contact Tracing
By Frank T. Spano, JD Kathy A. Hardee, JD Polsinelli, PC
M
any of the reopening guidelines require businesses to screen individuals who have COVID-19 and communicate such data to public health authorities for the purpose of contact tracing. In their screening efforts prompted by these guidelines, many businesses will take the temperatures of employees, customers and visitors, or start tracking attributes of “wellness� such as who reports in sick. As time goes on, technology will play a greater role. Facial recognition and other biometric technologies may offer solutions for identifying individuals who have tested positive or need to be quarantined based on contact tracing more broadly. The increasing use of biometric and geolocation technologies was raising privacy concerns
before COVID-19. Presently, there are a number of laws that address private sector usage
these initiatives is the balancing of concerns for the safety and privacy for personal data on the one hand, and the critically important public health need for screening and contact tracing on the other. Practical Tips for Businesses Requirements for COVID-19 screening and contact tracing are rapidly evolving, and will undoubtedly vary from place to place depending on the overlay of federal, state and local laws, regulations and executive orders. Nevertheless, there are a few basic privacy principles that will help companies implement effective screening and contact tracing and minimize exposure to potential liability. 1. Privacy Notice. Companies should ensure that they provide clear notice to individuals (including employees) describing the personal data that will be collected, the means used to collect it, and how the data will be used, shared
By implementing t hese basic pr ivacy pr inciples businesses may accomplish effective screening and contact tracing while minimizing exposure to potential liability.... of facial recognition or biometric data. These laws may soon be modified or in some cases preempted by legislation that is specific to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it is too early to predict the contents of any legislation, it is fair to assume it will provide individuals with some measure of control over how their personal health, geolocation and proximity data are being collected and used to combat the pandemic. The common thread in all of
see Economy... page 14
1 PERMIT #NO 1149 AUSTIN HOUSTONTX TX PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID
Austin Medical Times
Page 2
PALMER EVENTS CENTER // SEPTEMBER 27, 2020
WALK SERIES PRESENTING PARTNER & AUSTIN PRESENTING PARTNER
PILLAR PARTNER
INSPIRE PARTNERS
PINK PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNERS
June 2020
austinmedtimes.com
Austin Medical Times
Page 3
Mental Health Reconnecting after COVID-19 Therapists Offer “What’s Next” In Mental Health and Ways You Should Reintegrate By John J. O’Neill, EdD, LCSW, LCDC, CAS
F
or many, the months-long COVID-19 lockdown feels like the movie Groundhog Day, where Bill Murray’s character faces a sort-of purgatory, reliving the same day every time he wakes up. Sound familiar? Now that we are reconnecting with the world (and people) around us, many are trying to return to so-called “normal life” again. However, jumping back into an old routine could cause anxiety, since people’s patterns have been altered by staying home for so long. As daily life undergoes a reset worldwide, my colleagues and I agree that patience has to be at the forefront of everyone’s mind as we learn new ways to function. “People may experience a type of shock if they try to return to their old schedule,” says Cynthia Mulder, LCSW, The Menninger Clinic. “By resetting what we value, we find a new
appreciation for what we no longer need and what helps us cope.” While learning how to cope with isolation is important, the need to rebuild social connectivity is real. Enforced distancing measures are not only changing our work, family, and travel routines, it’s changing how we interact with others. Bottom line, loneliness is bad for your health, and it’s likely on the rise. A meta-analytic review, which analyzed results of roughly 150 studies, underlines the impact of loneliness on our health. It found a lack of social integration increases the risk of death more than factors such as obesity or alcohol consumption and it is as harmful as heavy smoking. While we may crave social interaction, the thought of going out into the world anew might seem scary for some - and that’s OK. “It’s normal to be nervous or even feel guilty about reconnecting,” says Angela Koreth, MS, LPC-S, The Menninger Clinic. “Assimilating back
into society is like getting into a pool, you either dip your toe into the shallow end or you dive head first into the deep end. Once you gauge your comfort level, then you can begin to make healthy choices for your post-pandemic life.” I concur with my colleague, for some, wading out into the water might be a happy medium. In fact, it might be hard to reengage typical systems at the same intensity as before. If that’s the case, then consider a gradual reentry. For example, consider shopping at an outside mall where it’s easier to establish social-distancing instead of visiting an indoor mall. For others who used Uber pre-COVID-19, the safer decision now may be to drive in order to control the environment’s level of sanitization.
As a therapist, I talk about boundaries frequently and I’m not alone; my colleague offers steps we can take to place boundaries on our time and environment in order to gain social connection. “People might now obsessively wash their hands, clean surfaces more often, and frequently use sanitizer in order to reintegrate into society,” says Elissa Bauer, MEd, LPC, The Menninger Clinic. “I think people will also reevaluate how busy they were, and if that’s necessary or sustainable, to help ease their reintegration anxiety.” To gauge our comfort level, and reduce stress levels related to social see Mental Health...page 14
Give the gift that lasts a lifetime this Father's Day!
austinmedtimes.com
June 2020
Austin Medical Times
Page 4
Nationally Recognized Critical Care Physician Named New Pediatrics Chair at Dell Medical School and Physician-in-Chief at Dell Children’s
D
ell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin and Dell Children’s Medical Center today announced that Z. Leah Harris, M.D., a clinical leader at some of the nation’s leading medical schools and children’s hospitals for more than two decades, has been named chair of Dell Med’s Department of Pediatrics and physician-in-chief at Dell Children’s Medical Center, part of Ascension Seton. Dr. Harris will also serve as a professor of pediatrics and director of the Dell Pediatric Research Institute. Her appointments at both organizations begin in August. Dr. Harris is currently a professor of pediatrics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and division chief of critical care medicine at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. “Leah is a veteran critical care physician, an accomplished clinician and researcher, and an award-winning educator,” said Clay Johnston, M.D., Ph.D., dean of Dell Med. “But what makes her an even better fit for our collaborative team in Austin is that she’s an innovator
who brings a multidisciplinary approach to health and health care.” Johnston also noted that Dr. Harris will be a key part of shaping research and graduate medical education efforts in collaboration with Ascension Seton. “We are honored to have Dr. Harris join our leadership team and bring her extensive knowledge and experience to Austin,” said Christopher M. Born, president of Dell Children’s. “She will be instrumental in helping to build enhanced models of care and continue to expand access to pediatric care in Central Texas, both of which are priorities for Dell Children’s and a critical focus for our community.” Harris received her medical degree from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Chicago Medical School and completed residency training in pediatric critical care medicine at the University of Chicago Hospitals. Her early career included pediatric faculty positions at Washington University in St. Louis, and then at Johns Hopkins University, where she became fellowship director for pediatric critical care
Texas Children’s Hospital Remains Committed to Austin Amid and Following COVID-19
T
exas Children’s Hospital, one of the largest and best children’s hospitals in the country, will continue to deliver world-class pediatric services to Austin – one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. Texas Children’s remains as committed as ever to families in Austin and Central Texas, both amid the COVID-19 pandemic and into the future. To learn more, https://texaschildrensaustin.org/. “In June 2017, we first announced plans to extend our care, commitment and compassion directly to families in Austin and Central Texas by bringing our brand of health care closer to home,” Texas Children’s President and CEO Mark A. Wallace said. “We know these are unprecedented times, but our promise to deliver care for the
June 2020
children and women who need us has never been stronger. We are increasing the ways families can connect with us in person and via video visits. Also, most importantly, we want you to know Texas Children’s is always here for your family – to help you get through this pandemic and as we continue to grow our Austin family to meet the growing needs of yours.” When Texas Children’s first announced its plans for establishing a presence in Austin, the organization shared it would bring 18 primary care pediatric practices, four pediatric urgent care clinics, three pediatric specialty care locations and two maternal-fetal medicine practices across the city within five years. The organization is already well on its way to delivering on this plan. Further demonstrating its commitment to Austin, in December
medicine and held a joint appointment in the Bloomberg School of Public Health. She later joined the faculty of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, where she was vice chair for academic affairs in the Department of Pediatrics, division chief of pediatric critical care medicine and a member of the hospital-based medicine and palliative care teams. “In addition to tremendous clinical expertise, Dr. Harris brings a vision of best-in-class care for all children, regardless of the community in which they live or the complexity of their medical needs,” said Aliya Hussaini, M.D., an Austin pediatrician and portfolio director for U.S. health at the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. “Her plan to create even more alignment among Dell Medical School, Dell Children’s and our community’s pediatricians will build on many years of effort among the pediatric community and support Austin to become a destination for the very highest level of pediatric health care in Central Texas and beyond.” Although Dr. Harris describes her
work as broad, her academic and clinical focus is on innovation. She has lectured internationally on the importance of innovation, patient health outcomes and faculty development in science and medicine, and she has also served in leadership roles across various disciplines including health equity, critical care pediatrics and medical education curriculum redesign. “As an advocate for children’s health, I was attracted to the combination of a forward-thinking medical school, a top-tier hospital partner and a visionary community – all dedicated to supporting better health and health care for children and families,” Harris said about her new role. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with the community of physicians in Austin, and to getting to work. Together – physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners and others – we are going to continue to advance world-class care for the children of Austin and their families.”
2019, Texas Children’s closed on the purchase of two plots of land – Presidio to the north and Estancia to the south. While Texas Children’s current priority is to help families navigate the crisis created by this pandemic, the organization’s leadership – including its Board of Trustees – remains committed to future plans. Texas Children’s will continue working to evaluate the needs of Austin-area families and expand those services that are most critical and which complement the great health care options the organization already provides. “At Texas Children’s, our breadth and depth of pediatric expertise allows us to provide the full-spectrum of pediatric health services which we believe helps improve the overall health and well-being of Austin children and families,” Michelle Riley-Brown, Executive Vice President at Texas Children’s, said. “Our commitment remains strong – to deliver specialized care closer to you through our multiple
locations across the city so children and women can access the right care, in the right place, at the right time.” The organization’s first health care location in Austin, Texas Children’s Urgent Care Westgate, opened in March 2018 and provides high-quality, efficient and affordable pediatric-focused care after hours and on weekends. Located at 4477 South Lamar Blvd., suite 400, Texas Children’s Urgent Care is staffed by board-certified pediatricians and nurses, with facilities and equipment designed specifically to meet the needs of children and adolescents up to age 18.
austinmedtimes.com
Z. Leah Harris, M.D.
Austin Medical Times
Page 5
A team in healthcare law that’s the
PICTURE HEALTH of
Driving business, practicing law.
100 Congress Avenue, Suite 1800, Austin, TX 78701 Fletcher Brown: 512-685-6400
wallerlaw.com
austinmedtimes.com
June 2020
Austin Medical Times
Page 6
Oncology Research Telemedicine: Reshaping the Future Of Cancer Care By Lakshmi virtual appointments and has reshaped Balasubramanian, M.D., and enhanced he way patients receive Texas Oncology–Cedar cancer care. Park
W
hen As our communities continue to adjust to social distancing, life looks a little different. What hasn’t changed for Texans living with cancer is the critical care required to fight their illness. Appointments are a necessity, whether patients are newly diagnosed, currently in active treatment, or in need of follow-up care. For some cancer patients, the risk of leaving home during the COVID-19 pandemic is worrisome, even for an in-clinic appointment, particularly for those with weakened immune systems or who live in communities at risk. Telemedicine provides an alternative, as patients can meet with their provider, when clinically appropriate, without leaving home. While telemedicine isn’t new, COVID-19 has triggered a rapid rise in
How Telemedicine Works The process healthcare providers follow for telemedicine appointments may differ slightly, but the concept is generally the same. Through a video conferencing service on a mobile phone or computer, providers and their care team members conduct appointments, securely share files, review imaging and laboratory data, and engage with patients and their families. The virtual patient experience enables providers to evaluate patients from their own homes without bringing them into the clinic. Providers continue to actively follow patient progress while reducing risk of exposure to illness for patients and staff. Telemedicine is useful to cancer patients and providers while dealing with COVID-19, but the benefits of telemedicine go beyond its use during the pandemic. Broadening the Spectrum of Care Telemedicine can be helpful with routine appointments and follow-up care. Patients connect directly with providers
who offer highly specialized care, even if they live many miles away from the clinic. This also provides patients wider access to other Texas Oncology disease experts and information about alternative or novel treatments and clinical trials. For example, a patient in a rural part of the state may be a candidate for a clinical trial or specialty treatment offered at a clinic far from the patient’s home, such as brain tumor specialists based in Austin. A telemedicine consultation enables the physician and patient to determine whether the trial or treatment is a fit before the patient travels a long distance for an in-person appointment. This can be life-changing for patients in many areas of Texas where
specialty healthcare is limited. It’s important to note that telemedicine does not eliminate the need for patients to travel for some aspects of treatment or in-person appointments. High-touch, hands-on care is necessary to treat cancer. Rather, telemedicine may be beneficial during certain phases of a patient’s cancer treatment plan while other phases will require regular, in-person appointments, such as when treatment needs to be administered. The purpose of telemedicine is to augment high-quality, personal cancer care – not see Oncology Research...page 14
Subscribe to Our Digital Issue Now you can get the Austin Medical Times delivered straight to your inbox. Never miss an Issue of Austin’s Leading Local Healthcare News Online.
austinmedtimes.com June 2020
austinmedtimes.com
Austin Medical Times
Page 7
Looking to avoid risk?
WE CAN SHOW YOU THE WAY. We’re taking the mal out of malpractice insurance. Thanks to our national scope, regional experts, and data-driven insights, we’re uniquely positioned to spot trends early. We shine a light on risks that others can’t see, letting you focus on caring for patients instead of defending your practice. It’s a stronger vision that creates malpractice insurance without the mal. Join us at thedoctors.com
5771_TX_HoustonMedTimes_ORM_Nov2016_f.indd 1
austinmedtimes.com
10/19/16 12:25 PM
June 2020
Austin Medical Times
Page 8
Texas Health Action Partners with MISTR To Expand Access to HIV Prevention Across Texas
MARINE MILITARY ACADEMY
Online Telemedicine Platform Helps Connect Patients with Prep
REPARE FOR COLLEGE
CONQUER LIFE! At Marine Military Academy, challenge leads to growth, and growth leads to success. By providing a college-preparatory curriculum in a structured, disciplined and focused setting, our cadets rise to new heights as scholars and leaders. No other school can unlock a boy’s potential like MMA.
NOW ENROLLING FOR 2019-2020
MMA-TX.ORG »» 956.423.6006 ADMISSIONS@MMA-TX.ORG
T
exas Health Action (THA), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing sexual wellness in Texas, is expanding access to HIV prevention medication across the state through a partnership with MISTR, an online telemedicine company. The online partnership that launched today provides patients with no-cost virtual visits, HIV testing and HIV prevention medication known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) with little to no out-of-pocket costs to patients, including individuals in rural areas of the state where services may not be available. The MISTR platform was
Patients can access a licensed physician who specializes in HIV preventative care through the MISTR and SISTR platforms. After the completion of lab work, PrEP is delivered directly to patients. “PrEP is 99% effective at preventing HIV, but unfortunately PrEP is not utilized as much as it should be,” Tristan Schukraft, president and CEO of MISTR, said. “We hope this partnership will allow even more people to access this vital component in the fight against HIV.” For patients who are uninsured or under-insured, the partnership will
originally designed for men who have sex with men (MSM), but the company also launched the platform SISTR earlier this month. THA is partnering with both platforms to provide preventative care in a safe and supportive environment from the comfort of home. “This innovative partnership allows us to quickly expand HIV prevention through PrEP across the state,” Christopher Hamilton, chief executive officer of THA, said. “The demand for sexual health services is increasing all the time, and brick-and-mortar healthcare delivery can’t keep up.”
assist in navigating medication costs through patient assistance programs with little to no out-of-pocket costs for medication. For patients who test positive for HIV or other STIs, THA will connect patients to care through local providers or Kind Clinic programs. To book an appointment, visit MISTR at heymistr.com/tha or SISTR at heysistr.com/tha. To learn more about Texas Health Action’s mission, visit TexasHealthAction.org. For more information about in-person services at Kind Clinics, visit KindClinic. org.
MMA »» A College-Prep Boarding School for Boys in Grades 7-12 MMA »» 320 Iwo Jima Blvd. »» Harlingen, TX 78550
June 2020
austinmedtimes.com
Austin Medical Times
Page 9
Healthy Heart Interim CPR Guidelines Address Challenges of Providing Resuscitation During COVID-19 Pandemic By The American Heart Association During National CPR and AED Awareness Week, June 1 – 7, new guidance aims to balance providing timely high-quality CPR and protecting the safety of the rescuer
W
ith COVID-19 incidence currently increasing worldwide, the percentage of cardiac arrests with COVID-19 are also likely to increase. The evolving outbreak of COVID-19 cases creates challenges around resuscitation efforts and requires potential modifications of established processes and practices. The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, has compiled interim CPR guidelines to help rescuers treat victims of cardiac arrest with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. The Association, in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Society of Anesthesiologists, American Association of Respiratory Care, The Society of Critical Care Anesthesiologists and American College of Emergency Physicians, published “Interim Guidance for Basic and Advanced Life Support in Adults, Children and Neonates with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19,” in its flagship journal, Circulation today. The goal is to ensure that patients with or without COVID-19 who experience cardiac arrest have the best possible chance of survival without compromising the safety of rescuers. “COVID-19 is complicating resuscitation efforts and making us rethink established processes and practices.,” said Allie Bateman, Resuscitation Quality Improvement Manager for the Southwest Region of the American Heart Association. “The AHA’s CPR efforts are critically important. We sought to balance the competing interests of providing timely and high-quality resuscitation to patients while simultaneously protecting rescuers.” In addition to the statement, the Association has released a free e-learning course to help health care
providers understand the impact of the resuscitation guidelines. Principles for resuscitation in suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients provided in the statement include: • Reducing provider exposure to COVID-19. Limit personnel in the room or on the scene to only those essential for patient care. • Prioritizing oxygenation and ventilation strategies with lower aerosolization risk. Emphasis has been placed on the use of HEPA filters for all ventilation and early
and successful intubation with mechanical intubation to minimize the airborne spread of the virus. • Considering the appropriateness of starting and continuing resuscitation. Health care systems and EMS agencies should institute policies to guide front-line providers in determining the appropriateness of starting and terminating CPR for patients with COVID-19, taking into account patient risk factors to estimate the likelihood of survival. • Continuing to encourage bystander CPR and defibrillation, for with those willing and able, especially if they are household members who have already been exposed to the victim at home. For out-of-home cardiac arrests, a face mask or cloth covering the mouth and nose of the rescuer and/ or victim may reduce the risk of transmission to a bystander during Hands-Only CPR. Supporting organizations for the statement include the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and the National Association of EMS Physicians.
THE STRENGTH TO HEAL and get back to what I love about family medicine Do you remember why you became a family physician? When you practice in the Army or Army Reserve, you can focus on caring for our Soldiers and their Families. You’ll practice in an environment without concerns about your patients’ ability to pay or overhead expenses. Moreover, you’ll see your efforts making a difference.
To learn more about the Army or Army Reserve, call MAJ Tamela Mitchenor at 210-692-7376, or tamela.l.mitchenor.mil@mail.mil
austinmedtimes.com
©2010. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.
June 2020
Austin Medical Times
Page 10
Anxiety Surrounding the Return to Normalcy
A
Baylor College of Medicine expert dives into the anxieties of returning back to a normal schedule, and what normal may look like in the near future. First, we need to realize that ‘normal’ is something that changes with time. People think they will go back to a pre-COVID time, and that won’t happen for a long time. People need to understand the new normal,” said Dr. Asim Shah, professor and executive vice chair in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor. He outlines the stress people may feel going back to their normal schedules: • The biggest anxiety is about catching the virus. There is a higher chance to contract COVID-19 with more businesses opening and people returning to the workforce. • People have become accustomed to the lifestyle after
working from home for at least one month. Many believe there is no difference in productivity between working from home or at the office. • Although some businesses will reopen, children will continue their schooling remotely. Many parents are worried about who will take care of their children when they go back to work. “Every indication, every study and every stat shows that you don’t need to go back to normalcy right away – you can take gradual steps,” Shah said. “The advantage of doing this gradually is that it reduces anxiety. When you move rapidly, panic and anxiety are increased.” Individuals will feel anxious about this change, whether or not they struggle with mental health issues. People who have preexisting mental health disorders are the first ones to be affected by any anxietyor stress-provoking situation. They can use telehealth to consult with their providers, and they may need to
modify their medication doses and frequency. According to Shah, the best way to maintain positivity is to limit your news intake and to focus on the facts of the virus. He also suggests eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, staying optimistic and avoiding or reducing drug and alcohol consumption. “It’s easy to become anxious, but the best way to keep positive is to focus on facts. Evidence doesn’t lie. Facts don’t lie,” he said. “Remember, tomorrow is another day, and things are getting better. If you take as many precautions as recommended, the chance of contracting the virus is lower.” Shah suggests gradually taking steps to move into normalcy to ease anxiety that employees may be experiencing about returning to work. For example, bringing some essential people back into the workforce, or opening stores and restaurants for pick-up or takeout only. After about two to four weeks minimum, take the next step by starting to bring back regular aspects of work. If things move smoothly, then continue to take small steps. More steps do not translate to “normal.” Companies can have 25
percent of their employees return every two weeks. Another option is to start with shorter hours and fewer people around the office, then gradually increase those numbers every few weeks. Workplaces can help ease employees’ anxiety by screening them upon entrance, as well as provide hand sanitizer often. Although it’s easy to focus on the negative side of the COVID-19, the virus could provide optimism for flu season. People have been diligent in hand washing and sanitizing and staying home if they feel ill. The outcome of this will not only minimize the spread of the virus, but has taught us to take the same precautions when flu season begins.
RECOVERY BEGINS WITH A PROMISE
Promises AustinSM provides treatment for addiction and co-occurring disorders from a trauma perspective. Focusing on adults age 26 and older, our interdisciplinary team of doctoral and master’s level professionals offers personalized, evidence-based treatment at a healing retreat in the Texas Hill Country. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: • Primary Addiction Treatment With a Trauma Focus
• 24-Hour Nursing Care
• Adult Population: 26 Years and Older
• Positive Recovery® Therapeutic Model of Treatment
• 35-Day or 60-Day Customized Programs
• Onsite Medical Detox & Psychiatric Care with Addictionologist/Psychiatrist
• Traditional & Alternative Therapies Such as Ropes Course, Medicine Wheel, Labyrinth and Drum Circle
• Master’s Level Therapists & Certified Clinical Trauma Professionals • Joint Commission Accredited • Insurance Accepted
877.885.9273 • www.promises.com June 2020
austinmedtimes.com
Austin Medical Times
Page 11
Hands-Only CPR CPR CAN DOUBLE OR EVEN TRIPLE A PERSON’S CHANCE OF SURVIVAL
Learn the two simple steps: 1
2
Call 911
Push hard & fast in the center of the chest
To learn, watch the 90-second Hands-Only CPR video at heart.org/handsonlycpr
#CPRSAVESLIVES
www.heart.org/handsonlycpr
austinmedtimes.com
June 2020
Austin Medical Times
Page 12
Travel Safely During Summer Vacation Season
M
any people have put vacation plans on hold over the past few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But now as states relax stay-at-home restrictions and summer vacation season begins, some Americans are looking for safe ways to travel. A Baylor College of Medicine infectious disease expert offers a few tips on how to reduce your risk of getting sick if you’re hitting the road or catching a flight this summer. Do your research before you go Dr. Jill Weatherhead, assistant professor of tropical medicine and infectious diseases at Baylor, said at this time there’s still risk involved in any kind of travel. She recommends everyone stay up to date on the number of COVID-19 cases and the travel restrictions locally and at their vacation destination. “The risk will depend heavily on local viral transmission patterns and the population
density of travelers visiting the area,” Weatherhead said. “In areas that are more remote where social distancing can be maintained and there are fewer interactions between visitors and local residents, the risk may be less. Understanding the risks to both yourself and to the vacation community needs to be heavily considered prior to travel.” Consider your mode of travel carefully Any form of transportation that puts you in close contact with a large number of strangers increases the risk of virus transmission. Planes, trains and buses can involve close exposure to people from different parts of the country. Most planes have high-efficiency filters that reduce the risk of the virus spreading through the air. But Weatherhead notes that when in confined spaces it’s difficult to prevent droplet and surface transmission if you’re in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. “Practice social distancing as
much as possible, disinfect highly touched surfaces such as seats, trays and arm rests, and wear a facial covering to help reduce viral transmission,” Weatherhead said. Driving can be a good way to decrease your contact with other people, but take caution when stopping for gas or food. You can reduce the number of stops you take by bringing food and water in the car with you. Weatherhead recommends planning your route ahead of time to scout out restaurants and gas stations that may be open and aren’t overpopulated with other travelers. Use drive-thru
or curbside service when possible to reduce the frequency of going inside businesses. When you do get out of the car, be sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol content to kill viruses. “Even on road trips, it is important to continue to practice social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet distance from others and stopping at locations that aren’t crowded,” Weatherhead said. “Limit face-to-face interactions by using credit cards to pay and wear a face covering when in public spaces.”
cookiedelivery.com
cookie d
cookiedelivery.com
cookie d
Warm cookies, delivered.
June 2020
austinmedtimes.com
Austin Medical Times
Page 13
Expert advice for difficult conversations. F E AT U R E D CO U R S E S
ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE: 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ Ethics Accredited
TEEN CONSENT AND CONFIDENTIALITY: 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ Ethics Accredited
GENETIC SCREENING: 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ Ethics Accredited
Join more than 100,000 medical professionals who get free CME with Texas Health Steps Online Provider Education. Choose from a wide range of courses relevant to your practice, including short tutorials and podcasts on topics like Medicaid guidelines, ethics and mental health—available 24/7. Learn more at TXHealthSteps.com.
Content on the Texas Health Steps Online Provider Education website has been accredited by the Texas Medical Association, American Nurses Credentialing Center, National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners, Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, UTHSCSA Dental School Office of Continuing Dental Education, Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Texas Academy of Audiology, and International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. Continuing Education for multiple disciplines will be provided for some online content.
austinmedtimes.com
June 2020
Austin Medical Times
Page 14
Economy
Continued from page 1 and stored. The privacy notices should be transparent and in a concise, easy to read format. Avoid technical and legal jargon that will make the notice difficult to read and understand. 2. Consent. Businesses should consult local and state laws for the inclusion of consents and disclosures. Where consent is required, it should be clear and unambiguous, and should encompass all forms of processing of COVID-19 screening data. If the company is considering requesting access to health information directly from health care providers, there are separate authorization and consent requirements under state and federal law that the company should follow, including HIPAA, regarding how such consent must be obtained and confirmed in writing by the individual involved. 3. Data Retention. Businesses should have a process that anonymizes or deletes location and other personal data on a rolling basis (subject to legal or regulatory requirements). This will help minimize the risk that personal data is used for purposes unrelated to contact tracing.
4. Data Sharing. Information should only be shared with governmental public health authorities or other third-party service providers needed to provide the services to support contact tracing. Obtain written certification from service providers that shared data will not be used for advertising or other purposes unrelated to contact tracing. Data shared with government partners should be similarly limited to data the agency certifies as necessary for pandemic-response efforts and not for any other purpose. Executive orders or regulations may provide immunity from suit for companies that comply with prescribed content tracing protocols, but this will not always be the case and may require analysis and interpretation of government requirements or further outreach to government representatives. 5. Data Security. Companies should apply security measures that are appropriate for the most sensitive information. This would include limiting access to the contact tracing data to key employees and service providers, and using a system that monitors their access.
Security systems should provide secure storage and continuously encrypt data in transit and at rest. Businesses should make every effort to ensure that no one other than key employees is able to see any of the data collected and that records are secured from disclosure, transmission, or release. 6. Data Breach. Current and anticipated privacy legislation often requires companies to have a system in place for providing regulators and consumers with prompt and detailed notice of any data breaches that resulted in disclosures of certain types of personally identifiable information. This will likely encompass COVID-19 screening and contact tracing information. The continuing impact of COVID-19 and government’s response to the pandemic on businesses and their relationships with employees, customers and guests requires careful, individual analysis. By implementing these basic privacy principles businesses may accomplish effective screening and contact tracing while minimizing exposure to potential liability.
Mental Health
Continued from page 3 situations, ask yourself these questions: • What, from isolation, do I want to continue? • How do I balance my social time and home time? • What can I do to keep from booking my calendar full and causing increased anxiety? • What am I going to do to take care
of myself, whether it be time alone, exercise, or a massage? We do not know when COVID-19 will end, so we could have a long way to go with this pandemic. There’s fear that this invisible enemy could return in winter, so establishing a personal plan now to socially reconnect could be one we revisit for years to come. Practicing
cleanliness and social distancing, gauging one’s social comfort level, and establishing a check-in with oneself, in order to best manage stress and anxiety, will create a smoother transition back into society.
Oncology Research Continued from page 6
to replace it. Reimagining the Patient Experience Physicians and their healthcare teams are constantly evaluating how to enhance the patient experience. Telemedicine has had a positive impact on healthcare access for patients and their families, enabling physicians to provide seamless and uninterrupted care.
June 2020
As we navigate the current and future treatment landscape, telemedicine allows for safely and effectively managing and delivering healthcare to our patients. I’m proud to work with a network of physicians that not only embraces the potential of telemedicine but evolves and expands its services to ensure patients care is never compromised –
even during a global pandemic. Of the many challenges COVID-19 brought with it, I’m optimistic that telemedicine is a benefit that will be with us for years to come.
austinmedtimes.com
Published by Texas Healthcare Media Group Inc. Director of Media Sales Richard W DeLaRosa Senior Designer Jamie Farquhar-Rizzo Web Development Lorenzo Morales Distribution Brad Jander Accounting Liz Thachar Office: 512-203-3987 For Advertising advertising@ medicaltimesnews.com Editor editor@medicaltimesnews.com
Austin Medical Times is Published by Texas Healthcare Media Group, Inc. All content in this publication is copyrighted by Texas Healthcare Media Group, and should not be reproduced in part or at whole without written consent from the Editor. Austin Medical Times reserves the right to edit all submissions and assumes no responsibility for solicited or unsolicited manuscripts. All submissions sent to Austin Medical Times are considered property and are to distribute for publication and copyright purposes. Austin Medical Times is published every month P.O. Box 57430 Webster, TX 77598-7430
Austin Medical Times
austinmedtimes.com
Page 15
June 2020
Austin Medical Times
Our Profound Debt of Gratitude to all our Healthcare Professionals and First Responders
#StayHomeSaveLives
#SocialDistancing
austinmedtimes.com
#FlattenTheCurve