COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with the virus can experience mild to moderate respiratory illnesses and recover without requiring any special treatment. However, as with all diseases, some people can become seriously ill and require medical attention.
According to the CDC, there are currently 49.5+ million COVID-19 cases in the United States, with over 760,000 of those being fatal. Nearly 500 million doses have been administered to people in the United States.
Healthcare providers’ roles during the COVID-19 public health emergency are critical. They can answer their patients’ questions about the virus and the vaccine used to treat it. They can also play a more direct role in vaccination efforts.
Healthcare providers who want to administer the COVID-19 vaccine must enroll in the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program. Only healthcare professionals enrolled as vaccination providers can legally store, manage, and administer the COVID-19 vaccine in the United States.
To enroll as a COVID-19 vaccine provider, providers must:
- Be legally authorized in their authority to administer vaccines.
- Proper storage and handling of COVID-19 vaccines are essential in maintaining the vaccine cold chain, which is also essential in preventing and eradicating many diseases.
- Sign the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Agreement.
- Administer COVID-19 vaccines following all program requirements and recommendations.
- Administer the COVID-19 vaccine at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient.
- Provide patients with a COVID-19 vaccination record card.
- Document vaccine administration in their medical record systems within 24 hours of administration and report the data to the relevant system for the authority at least 72 hours after administration. This data includes but is not limited to the administration site address, administration date, dose and lot number, and the recipient’s name and address.
- Report to the VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) if a recipient experiences any adverse events following vaccine administration. Healthcare providers are encouraged to report any significant adverse events to VAERS, even if they are not sure the vaccination caused the event.
- Report COVID-19 vaccine inventory daily into Vaccines.gov.
Post COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Reimbursements
After administering the vaccine, providers may seek appropriate reimbursement from a program covering the recipient’s COVID-19 vaccine administration fees. Examples of programs or plans include the recipient’s private insurance company, Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement, and the HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) COVID-19 Uninsured Program for non-insured vaccine recipients. COVID-19 vaccines are provided at no cost to the recipient.
COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Training
In addition to enrolling providers in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program, the CDC offers them several training resources to prepare them for administering COVID-19 vaccines. The CDC recommends that all providers complete the training module for the vaccine or vaccines they distribute. Providers might also have to meet state and local immunization program training requirements. Vaccine training must be ongoing since new vaccines are being developed and the vaccination process improves.
Training can cover the storage, handling, and administering of doses to ensure recipients’ safety.
Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Administration Information
Providers cannot deny anyone an opportunity for vaccination based on the vaccine recipient’s coverage status. In addition, providers cannot require additional medical services to receive vaccination or charge an office visit fee if vaccination is the only reason the recipient visits the provider.
Private providers are not required to provide vaccinations to anyone who is not their patient, but the CDC encourages providers to make vaccines available to those who seek them.
Providers who want to enroll as COVID-19 vaccine providers can visit the CDC website and scroll down to the drop-down menu, where they pick the state they practice in. These links will then take them to their state’s official immunization records websites, where they can follow the links to enroll. Each state has requirements and conditions that healthcare providers must meet before giving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Healthcare providers not participating in the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program can still help with vaccination efforts. Providers can check their patients’ vaccination status during appointments and provide proper guidance. They can also educate patients about vaccination. Providers are typically the most trusted source of health information.
Many healthcare providers are needed to further COVID-19 vaccination efforts in the United States. It is paramount to ensure the public is safely vaccinated as soon as possible. Providers who want to enroll as COVID-19 vaccine providers can play essential roles in proper vaccine storage and administration. They should be prepared to respond to any questions and concerns regarding the vaccine. Their dedication can get more people vaccinated to keep them safer during the current public health emergency.
More information about Primoris Credentialing Network
Primoris Credentialing Network is an NCQA Credentialing Accredited company specializing in credentialing and provider enrollment, with 54+ health plan and network provider enrollment options. Primoris is a family member of Fifth Avenue Healthcare Services. Sister companies include 5ACVO (credentialing and primary source verification specialists) and Fifth Avenue Agency (MPLI and medical malpractice specialists).
Primoris Credentialing Network originally published this article here. For more information on Primoris Credentialing Network, please visit PrimorisCredentialingNetwork.com or Contact Us.
