MSSNY Calls on Gov Cuomo to Involve Community Physicians in Statewide Testing Program


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MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
865 Merrick Avenue, Westbury, New York 11590-9007
www.mssny.org
Communications Division
Telephone: (516) 488-6100

 

For Immediate Release
April 27, 2020 


MSSNY CALLS ON GOV CUOMO TO INVOLVE COMMUNITY PHYSICIANS IN STATEWIDE TESTING PROGRAM 


Statement Attributable to:
Art Fougner, M.D.
President, Medical Society of the State of New York

“Physicians across the state share Governor Cuomo’s goal to significantly increase New York’s COVID-19 testing capacity, and applaud his unceasing efforts to confront this pandemic. However, we are very concerned about the Executive Order 202.24 provision to enable pharmacists to become collection sites for these tests without any clear details for how these test collections and results will be coordinated with a physician or hospital.

“In particular, we are concerned that there has not been any specification for how such test results will be shared with the patient’s primary physician or physicians, to help explain to the patient what the results mean regardless of whether there is a positive or negative test finding as well as what the patient should do.

“We also believe that there should be a concerted effort to involve community physicians in any statewide testing program, including helping them with obtaining the necessary medical and protective equipment to help provide these tests. Not only are community physicians an integral part of New York’s healthcare system but many of them have been, unaware to many, working tirelessly to keep the surge of patients from becoming a tsunami which would have overwhelmed our hospitals pushed to the brink.

“New Yorkers place a great deal of trust in these dedicated professionals. We ask Governor Cuomo to enlist these doctors to fully expand New York’s testing capabilities so vital for any reopening.”

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About the Medical Society of the State of New York
Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all.

MSSNY Contact:
Roseann Raia
Communications / Marketing
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Ave.
Westbury, New York
516-488-6100 ext 302
rraia@mssny.org

 

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