March 20, 2020

 

To Texas local authorities and our general community,

 

We are a COVID 19 Physicians task force, composed of hundreds of physicians, nurses, and first responders in the Rio Grande Valley. We understand our nation is going through a public health crisis and we will need each other to overcome thispandemic.

 

There is a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) nationwide as well as in the RGV. We understand that thesituation is fluid, but we are closing our borders and it is imperative that this type of equipment be manufactured by any local company or warehouse that’s identified to have this capability to meet this need.

 

Yesterday, the CDC released updated guidelines, such as the use of scarfs and bandanas due to the lack of masks, which could be detrimental to our health and most importantly our service to our patients. It’s now well-known physicians become sicker due to being exposed to higher viral loads from the sickest of patients. There’s also upcoming evidence that masks with face shield visors can decrease risk of exposure.

 

The immediate access to PPE will help our providers remain healthy and continue to provide care for patients. It is of outmost importance that outpatient providers, especially pediatricians and primary care doctors be included because it will help us not overwhelm our EDs and hospitals.

 

We call on every citizen of our community and their assistance. If they have masks, gowns, or any other medical protective equipment please donate them to your local hospitals and clinics.

 

In the same manner, we propose all payors follow Medicare’s lead and that reimbursements remain the same whether it’s a face to face visit or telemedicine. This is an integral piece to keep our offices operating and provide basic healthcare to our community.

 

Finally, we stand united in continuing to implement measures, that although restrictive, would be temporary and WILL save lives. Let’s continue to educate ourselves and the public, on social distancing and staying home as much as possible, in a continued effort to flatten the curve. This pandemic has brought us together and has shown us how dependable we are on one another. Let’s rise to the occasion.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Rio Grande Valley COVID-19 Physician Task Force

“We are all in this together”