Emergency department visits for pneumonia have been increasing, particularly among children and young adults. Some hospitals and college student health centers have reported clusters of cases of pneumonia due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae. National laboratory surveillance for respiratory viruses is also noting an increase in percent positivity for rhinovirus/enterovirus in PA. Testing for respiratory pathogens should be performed to guide appropriate management and treatment. PCR-based molecular tests are preferred for rapid and accurate diagnosis of both M. pneumoniae and rhinovirus/enterovirus. Antibiotics should not be used to treat viral infections. Macrolides are the first line of treatment for M. pneumoniae infections. Macrolide-resistant strains are emerging, but susceptibility testing is not generally available. Consider using tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones if a macrolide does not appear to be effective. Use transmission-based precautions (droplet and contact) to reduce spread in health care and community settings. Promote respiratory hygiene and encourage symptomatic individuals to stay at home. Encourage vaccination for influenza and other respiratory viruses to reduce the risk of co-infections. Report unusual clusters or outbreaks of respiratory illnesses to the Pennsylvania Department of Health by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) or your local public health department. Individual cases of M. pneumoniae and rhinovirus infection are not reportable to the Department. The full HAN is available.

The purpose of this bulletin is to advise Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) that the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is continuing the alternative payment methodology to pay the Medical Assistance Program Fee Schedule rate for the administration of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine during a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-only visit. In addition, this bulletin contains an updated The PROMISe™ Provider Handbook 837 Professional/CMS-1500 Claim Form, Appendix E – FQHC/RHC Handbook (FQHC/RHC Handbook) to clarify the payment methodology for vaccine-only visits.

The managed care delivery system has grown to be the primary model for delivering healthcare services to approximately 75% of the Medicaid population. The newest Issue Brief, created in collaboration with Population Health Alliance (PHA), summarizes key provisions from CMS’ 2024 final Medicaid managed care rule. Sellers Dorsey Managing Director Leesa Allen and Director Brian Dees, alongside PHA contributors, assess potential impacts and opportunities for states, MCOs, providers, and solution partners to improve access to and quality of care for Medicaid enrollees. Click here to download the Issue Brief.

Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim DeFoor recently visited Erie to speak with pharmacists locally on the struggles they face and talk about the reform needed. DeFoor released a performance audit in August that outlines how Pennsylvania taxpayers paid $7 million more for Medicaid prescription drug benefits than they should have in 2022. Read more.

On September 12, Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro’s office announced Executive Order (EO) 2024-03, which outlines a statewide housing action plan on affordable housing aimed at addressing homelessness. The Housing Action Plan will be a data-driven statewide plan with recommendations to the governor for increasing housing supply and supporting the preservation of existing housing.

Legislation intended to help recognize and respond to perinatal and postpartum depression (PPD) is on Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro’s desk. House Bill 2127 directs the Department of Health to centralize information on symptoms and treatment for PPD online and on fact sheets available in doctors’ offices, including an up-to-date list of organizations that provide counseling. The Senate on Tuesday unanimously approved the legislation. The House on Wednesday voted to concur to amendments made by the Senate. Maternal mental health conditions are the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in the commonwealth, according to the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee. Nearly 75% of mothers affected receive no treatment.

ProviderBridge.org was created through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act by the Federation of State Medical Boards and HRSA’s Office for the Advancement of Telehealth. The site provides up-to-date information on emergency regulation and licensing by state as well as a provider portal to connect volunteer health care professionals to state agencies and health care entities.

Designed to serve Spanish-speaking communities, the online tool from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers confidential and anonymous access to nearby treatment facilities and practitioners.

The report from the National Rural Health Resource Center was done in collaboration with FORHP and is a product of the May 2024 Rural Health Workforce Summit.  Each of the report’s four key strategies include specific and practical actions that can be adopted to address workforce shortages.