Earlier this week, Governor Pritzker issued new COVID-19 safety measures for Illinois. ISMS President Robert W. Panton, MD, said in support, “If no action is taken, we are on a trajectory that more people will get sick, deaths will increase and our healthcare delivery system will quickly become overrun.”

Medical services and surgical procedures are not included in the new Tier 3 mitigations and remain available for patients in most settings. Doctors’ offices can also stay open. ISMS has strongly advocated for medical offices, clinics and hospitals to be able to continue providing medically necessary and preventative care for their patients that is unrelated to COVID-19. 

Telehealth can also be an option for certain patients and treatments. Access ISMS’ Telemedicine Tips, which covers general guidance for healthcare professionals and important changes related to telehealth in this COVID-19 era. 

Read ISMS’ Statement. 

Read Dr. Panton’s letter to the editor urging caution over holiday gatherings.

If you have questions, please contact ISMS Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Erin O'Brien by email.

The AMA surveyed 3,500 physicians nationwide to learn more about the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physician practices. The survey was conducted during the months of July and August. 

Some of the key findings include:

• 81% of physicians said that their income during the summer was still lower than it was in February 2020, before the pandemic began.


• The average drop in revenue was 32%.


• While the use of telehealth expanded significantly, this revenue stream did not completely offset the decline of in-office visits.


• Spending on personal protective equipment (PPE) increased.


• Physician-owned practices experienced the most difficulties in acquiring PPE.


• Most physicians who applied for the various federal financial relief programs were successful and found them helpful.

View the AMA’s comprehensive survey results.

  If you have questions, please contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.

CME offered

Increasing numbers of individuals across all segments of society are struggling with mental health issues or suffering from mental illness. But the availability of healthcare professionals and resources to assist these individuals continues to be a challenge. There is a shortage of psychiatrists in Illinois and across the country, and patients may be unwilling or unable to get assistance specifically for mental health concerns.

Join us on December 10 at noon for ISMS’ webinar, Mental Health Crisis Intervention: Assembling the Right Tools for Your Patients. The program will highlight how to identify and respond appropriately to signs of mental illness in patients, and how to assist them in finding resources and support for addressing their issues. 

• Registration is open to ISMS members and their staff.
• CME offered.
• Register here.

  If you have questions, please contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.

Support the future of medicine

GivingTuesday is December 1 and ISMS wants you to know that ISMS’ Educational and Scientific Foundation (ESF) will again be participating in this worldwide event.

Many of our members have faced numerous challenges in 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis. If you are able to give, your tax-deductible contribution will support our educational programs for physicians, residents and medical students, as well as public health initiatives and public service announcements. 

Giving Tuesday for 2020 officially takes place on December 1, but you don't have to wait until the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to donate.

You can join this campaign now by donating here.