Coronavirus news weekly wrap: 'happy hypoxia,' new webinars for DCS, potential new strain

‘Happy hypoxia’: unusual coronavirus effect baffles doctors

It is a mystery that has left doctors questioning the basic tenets of biology: Covid-19 patients who are talking and apparently not in distress, but who have oxygen levels low enough to typically cause unconsciousness or even death.

The phenomenon, known by some as “happy hypoxia” (some prefer the term “silent”) is raising questions about exactly how the virus attacks the lungs and whether there could be more effective ways of treating such patients.

A healthy person would be expected to have an oxygen saturation of at least 95%. But doctors are reporting patients attending A&E with oxygen percentage levels in the 80s or 70s, with some drastic cases below 50%.

Upcoming free COVID-19 chiropractic re-opening webinar and more

Addressing COVID-19 and practices, coding, and the “experience economy,” ChiroHealthUSA is offering three upcoming webinars for chiropractors:

May 7, 1pm EST (and on-demand) — COVID-19 Risk Management: HHS Payments, Employment Law, and Re-opening the Practice

Join doctors Scott Munsterman and Steve Conway for a lively discussion reviewing the risk management aspect of COVID-19 at a point in time where practices are receiving HHS Payments, bringing staff back on board, and re-opening the clinic doors. Bring your questions.

Registration Link: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/32/rk1q0avw

May 12, 2:15pm EST — Proper Modifier & Timed-Code Usage & Documentation

Proper use of modifiers and time-based codes are key to proper reimbursement of chiropractic and rehabilitation procedures. This presentation will help providers learn how to support the use of modifiers and timed services through proper documentation and billing.

Certified professional coder and auditor David Klein will provide in-depth instruction on how to document these services to ensure accurate and compliant coding for reimbursement.

Registration Link: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/26/o8o01hwm

May 19, 2:15pm EST — Experiences. Not Things.

Now more than ever, chiropractors, like nearly every other segment of the economy, are in the experience business. Dr. Nathan Unruh describes how the chiropractic profession is well-positioned to thrive in what’s called the Experience Economy.

Coming out of the coronavirus crisis, what you do today is what your patients will remember tomorrow. We operate in a highly competitive health care marketplace, with lowered reimbursements and higher levels of risk. You will learn the “whys” and “hows” of attracting, training, and retaining a world-class team in order to create a world-class patient experience. That’s where you will differentiate yourself. That’s where you will thrive. It’s about experiences. Not things.

Registration Link: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/27/84y2win1

Scientists have identified a more contagious coronavirus strain than original

Scientists have identified a new strain of the coronavirus that has become dominant worldwide and appears to be more contagious than the versions that spread in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study led by scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

The new strain appeared in February in Europe, migrated quickly to the East Coast of the United States and has been the dominant strain across the world since mid-March, the scientists wrote.

In addition to spreading faster, it may make people vulnerable to a second infection after a first bout with the disease, the report warned.

For the latest COVID-19 info for doctors of chiropractic, including upcoming webinars, updates, resources and articles from Chiropractic Economics, go to chiroeco.com/coronavirus-covid-19.