Mdedge Psychcast

Col. (Ret.) Elspeth Cameron Ritchie, MD, MPH, conducts a Masterclass on what psychiatrists and other mental health clinicians can do to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Dr. Ritchie is writing additional commentaries on this topic for MDedge Psychiatry. And later, in the “Dr. RK” segment, Renee Kohanski, MD, says that, with simple tools or guidelines, humans have the ability to withstand adversity that is stronger than we will ever know. Take-home points Epidemics and pandemics are characterized by fear and anxiety. Quarantine will be a challenge for patients with addictions and vulnerable populations such as individuals who are homeless. Psychiatrists can aid with social distancing by providing patients refills for psychotropic medications without requiring an in-person visit and switching to telepsychiatry where possible. The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act waives Medicare telehealth reimbursement restrictions for mental health services during certain emergency periods