Twelve State Medical Societies Partner With DrFirst to Help Prevent Spread of Novel Coronavirus
Rockville, Md., April 23, 2020 – State medical societies around the country are collaborating with DrFirst to make telehealth available to physician practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. DrFirst is a pioneer in technology, support, and services that connect people at touchpoints of patient care.
“These medical associations are taking an important step by being proactive in this difficult time, helping their providers find the best platform for telehealth,” said G. Cameron Deemer, president of DrFirst. “Together, these associations account for well over 100,000 physicians across the U.S., and these partnerships help ease the burden of researching telehealth options, as providers have their hands full right now.”
Acknowledging telehealth’s critical role in managing the coronavirus pandemic, Congress, federal agencies, and private insurance companies are supporting its expanded use. Telehealth can allow a patient with the novel coronavirus to receive treatment without risking exposure to others with COVID-19. It also protects healthcare providers from exposure and allows those who are quarantined to keep treating patients, as long as they are well enough to do so.
“Backline with telehealth is a full care collaboration platform that can create a healthcare system without walls so patient care can continue in a meaningful way during this public health crisis,” said Deemer. “Collaborating securely and seamlessly with patients and other clinicians is always important, and providers are recognizing its value for the future as its adoption increases.” Healthcare providers can use Backline’s HIPAA-compliant secure messaging and telehealth capability in any setting.
Backline allows clinicians to provide patient care beyond the traditional walls of a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital. Patients click a link sent to their mobile phone, tablet, or computer; they do not need to download an app, access a patient portal, or undergo a cumbersome registration process.
The following state medical societies and associations have partnerships with DrFirst:
Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS)
Florida Medical Association (FMA)
Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA)
Maryland State Medical Society (Med Chi)
Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY)
Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC)
Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS)
Minnesota Medical Association (MMA)
Nebraska Medical Association (NMA)
Nevada State Medical Association (NSMA)
New York Academy of Family Physicians (NYSAFP)
New York State Psychological Association (NYSPA)
In addition, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) recently announced that it is partnering with the Maryland State Medical Society (MedChi) to provide small physician practices in Maryland with a year of complimentary access to Backline. “CareFirst continues to take action to ensure our members have access to telehealth services, and to partner with our physician community as they find new ways to care for patients,” said Brian Pieninck, President and CEO of CareFirst. “Our work with MedChi will help to support people as they do their part to stay home and slow the spread of COVID-19, while still ensuring they have virtual access to the care they need.”
Backline supports team-based care that goes beyond a single encounter, which is especially the case when treating patients with complex acute and chronic conditions. In hospitals, as well as ambulatory care, patient care typically involves different healthcare providers, such as specialists, nurses, technicians, therapists, and pharmacists – all of whom must share information with each other and the patient. Backline allows the team to communicate securely, with group patient-centered chats and the ability to complete and manage forms.
Backline is used by clinicians in hospitals, physician practices, long-term care facilities, emergency medical services, hospices, and pharmacies.
About DrFirst
Since 2000, DrFirst has pioneered healthcare technology solutions and consulting services that securely connect people at touchpoints of care to improve patient outcomes. We create unconventional solutions that solve care collaboration, medication management, price transparency, and adherence challenges faced in healthcare. We unite the Healthiverse, the interconnected healthcare universe, by providing our clients with real-time access to the information they need, exactly when and how they need it – so patients get the best care possible. DrFirst solutions are used by nearly 300,000 healthcare professionals, including more than 100,000 prescribers, nearly half of the EHRs in the U.S., and more than 1,400 hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. To learn more, visit DrFirst.com.
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Media contact:
Alessandra Nagy
alessandra@bospar.com